UN Report Accuses Uganda of War Crimes in the DRC

A leaked UN report, scheduled to be published Friday, is accusing the Ugandan army of committing war crimes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The report, which concerns conflicts in the DRC between 1993 and 2003, alleges the Ugandan army "of massacres of civilians, torture, and the destruction of infrastructure that led to civilian deaths" while backing Congolese rebels who overthrew President Seko in 1997. The report has caused much anger within the Ugandan government, including Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa calling the report "deeply flawed." Mr. Kutesa has written a letter to the UN claiming that those behind the information found in the report have suspect motives and that such a flawed report causes great problems for Uganda. As Mr. Kutesa wrote, "Such sinister tactics undermine Uganda's resolve to continue contributing to, and participating in, various regional and international peacekeeping operations."

Mary Naset

International law becomes domestic

Uganda is looking to apply numerous international legal practices to domestic policy. The Uganda National Committee of International Humanitarian Law is engaged in debates numerous policies which the nation has ratified in the past, but has been slow to domesticate. Working with members of the International Red Cross, Uganda is taking a relaxed approach to implementation of the laws, which include articles of the Geneva Convention as well as a prohibition of stockpiling bacteriolgical and chemical weapons, and other weapons such as mines and incendiary weapons. It was noted that while 194 states world-wide have ratified the Geneva convention, only 91 have made efforts towards domestication of the document.

-Caleb Ray

Telephone Tapping in Uganda

The Ugandan dictator, Yoweri Museveni, has approved a bill that would allow for telephone tapping. The Bill, popularly known as the “Phone tapping law” would enable government officials to eavesdrop of private communication if they suspected criminal activity. In addition, the new law makes it mandatory for all mobile phone users to register their SIM cards. Emails and postal letters will not be spared scrutiny.

Museveni claims that these laws are necessary to counter potential terror attacks. But critics are worried that the government could use this law as a pretext to maintain a tight control. Earlier on July 11^th, at least 76 people perished in a terror attack linked to the Al shabaab terror group.

Etienne

Uganda and Civil Rights

International human rights groups have demanded the release of Kenyan Al-Amin Kimanthi, who was arrested recently on terror charges. The Ugandan government claims he was involved in a bombing in Kampal, which killed 79 people. Human rights groups point out that little actual evidence or clear claims have been brought against him as to why he's being held for murder and terrorism. Human rights groups are convinced it is because he is actually rebelling against unfair law and trial practice in Uganda and the gov wants him silenced. However, it may also be possible that evidence can not be made public until the investigation is complete.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/east/International-Watchdogs-Criticize-Uganda-Terror-Investigation--103927999.html

Greg Voegtle

South Sudanese to be Armed Against LRA

Western Equatoria state governor Joseph Bakasoro told BBC that two million dollars will be spent on guns to arm the vigilante group the Arrow Boys against increasing LRA attacks. Currently, the Arrow Boys use knives and traditional weapons in attacks. Mr. Bakasoro says that the Arrow Boys as home defence will be armed and trained so that they can help provide a regular solid defense against the LRA until army soldiers can intervene. Fears that violence will escalate in the area are coinciding and exceeding the tension over the coming referendum on the region's independence. Tensions in Sudan have the South accusing politicians opposed to separation in the North of supplying the LRA with arms, accusations that have been denied in Khartoum. An unstable Sudan could spell disaster for an already ravaged Northern Uganda, as the LRA continues to find areas to exploit.

By arming locals in the area, governments are deploying an army that has been untapped until this point, angry abused villagers. The armament also has the potential to turn into a blood bath as citizens gaining access to guns may begin settling old rivalries under the guise of self protection from the LRA. Since the LRA is a guerilla movement, it's impossible to tell who is or isn't a part of the LRA from an outside observer's point of view. The government also risks riots and revolt if and when the LRA is eradicated, as a populace given means of aggression may turn on the ones who gave them those very weapons.

by Margaret Nunne

New Requirement for Covering Ugandan Presidential Elections

Less than a month after two Ugandan journalists were murdered, the government of Uganda is implementing a strange requirement for journalists wanting to cover the upcoming presidential elections. Journalists will now be mandated to disclose their private information such as the name of their parents, marital status, age etc.

Ugandan journalist and activist, Rosebell Kagumire suspects this information could be used to “blackmailing journalists or hunting down your relatives if someone, even without the knowledge of the party heads, doesn’t agree with the reporter’s coverage.”

In addition, she warns that, “This is not an issue that reporters should take in lightly. For all of these details have nothing to do with how a journalist covers the country’s most important political process.”

We can only hope that this issue will be resolved amicably.

By Etienne

Drugs without borders

Uganda is teaming up with Kenya to fight against the illegal selling of stolen drugs across state boundaries. The majority of drugs stolen in the area are anti-malaria drugs, given by international donors. One year since President Museveni set up the investigation, the Medicines and Health Service Delivery Monitoring Unit has seized $300,000 worth of drugs. Those drugs stolen in Uganda are then traded with those stolen in Kenya, according to investigators. From there, more drugs are sold in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, if a suspect is caught with stolen drugs in Uganda, the punishment is not very harsh. In fact, many can practically walk away. Most are made to pay penalty fees, but compared to the money they make off the drugs, the fees are paltry. So far 20 people have been convicted of selling stolen drugs since the Ugandan investigators pulled their resources with Kenya; however, most have now been released. It seems if they are truly to crack down on the selling of stolen drugs the punishments must get harsher. Otherwise, the culprits are put back on the street much too fast.

-abbey smith

Ugandan Wildlife Growth

When discussing the rise of nations after major wars or general turmoil, economic growth is always a key factor. Recent studies on the wildlife in Uganda has shown massive increases in the natural wildlife. This jump in animal population is primarily due to the lessened amount of poaching being done by the LRA, as well as a more strict governmental crackdown. Such an increase if wildlife has the potential to boots the countries tourism rates, helping the economy grow.

megan smith

Student Killed in Class

The Sunday edition of the New Vision reported an instance in which a 12 year old boy killed a female classmate during class recently. This story is troubling on many levels and reveals multiple underlying cultural/social issues that are concerning-- especially to a Western audience.

The report states that the fight started in class when the boy, Ronald Mungungeyo, grabbed a book away from his female classmate, Grace Paculal. Paculal began to "box" Mungungeyo when he refused to give the book back. Mungungeyo then started to punch Paculal repeatedly in the chest until she collapsed. There was a teacher in the classroom at the time, who attempted to separate the students, but was unable to do so in time because there were too many students squeezed in the classroom and therefore little room to move because of the amount of desks. A teacher from a nearby class called the police, but the girl was reportedly dead before they arrived.

The case is currently under investigation. It is likely that the teacher will not be blamed for the incident due to the circumstances in the classroom. Mungungeyo will be charged with murder, but as a juvenile, so it is unsure how the court system will rule on the matter. In the meantime, the leading officer on the case stated that all parties involved are calm at the moment; "the situation is calm at both home the victim and the suspect because they all come from the same clan."

By Brianna

Ugandan President Addresses UN General Assembly

While addressing the United Nations General Assembly today, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni called for a change in the structure of the UN Security Council. Museveni spoke of the need for their to be a permanent seat on the Council for an African country. Africa produces 53 member states in the United Nations with a combined population of over one billion. A permanent representation from an African country would make sure African issues are not overlooked and that African interests are protected. Continuing his speech to the General Assembly, President Museveni spoke of African issues that he believes deserve more attention by the United Nations, specifically in Somalia, “This is one area where more support from UN and other international partners is urgently needed.”

Mary Naset

Not here, no queers, ain't gonna get used to it

Michael Hadley, a professor at University of Victoria, attempted to make some sense of the anti-homosexuality law stagnating before Ugandan parliament. Hadley stated in a public lecture "Christianity [in Uganda] seems to have bypassed the Enlightenment and the Reformation," implying that while indeed much of Ugandan society has embraced Christendom, little effort has been made towards becoming a moderate and tolerant society. While Hadley did appear to approve the moral claim behind the law, his opinion of the law is shared by many in the western world, in that such a law is a horrible failing of basic human rights. This sentiment is echoed by numerous leaders, to include Barrack Obama. Hadley went so far as to suggest that two conspiracy theories may be at play in Uganda; one that an evangelical group had stated to Ugandans in 2009, that homosexuality is from America and Europe, and must be stopped at all costs, and the other stating that it is homophobia that is the American import to Uganda.

It was in the wake of the evangelical's 2009 "sermon," that this law started in the parliament. One provision of the law boldly states the Uganda will "break ties with other governments that try to interfere with the law." In doing so, Uganda would figuratively shoot itself in the foot, in that many nations that oppose the law will essentially be forced to withdraw aid. Hadley did not fully condemn Uganda, citing a different pursuit in evangelical Christianity, "chastity before marriage and fidelity afterwards." Hadley claims that it has made a 66% reduction in the rate of AIDS in Uganda, although this is unsubstantiated.

In truth, this law would only find support in the US amongst those in the Westboro Baptist Church. In reading about this law before Ugandan Parliment, one image just kept popping into my thoughts: it's Jesus, doing a facepalm, shouting "WHAT IS SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF?!"

-Caleb B. Ray

Uganda and Kenya lead the way in networking for business

According to Business Daily survey, Kenya and Uganda are two of the biggest users of social networking users in Africa. After the anticipated undersea cables are activated, businesses all across African expect a internet and technology revolution to occur. Finally, Africa will be connected to the rest of the world. Once the revolution takes place, Africa's rulers predict that the prices of internet services will drop dramatically as the competition for access will rise, according to the Telecoms Trends in Africa 2010 report, released on Wednesday by World Wide Worx and Database 360. The survey regarding Kenya and Uganda was conducted among 1,100 businesses that are small, medium and large across 20 African countries. The conclusion of the survey indicates that most of the African countries currently rely on slow or expensive forms of internet connections. Soon, the switch to broadband will be made. "Our interviewers encountered tremendous enthusiasm for the internet in all countries we surveyed,” says Louise Robinson, managing director of Database 360. “There is little doubt that, in this new connectivity era, the very nature of most businesses is changing.” World Wide Worx, South Africa’s leading independent technology research organisation, operates a call centre in Cape Town. By: Ivana Miljic

President Museveni to Rebuild Rural Roads

At a celebration for the 75th anniversary of the Kitabi Seminary in Bushenyi, President Museveni publically promised to rebuild the so called "feeder roads" that provide means of transportation throughout rural Uganda. Some of the important priorities on the list of these rural roads are the ones that link Uganda to Tanzania and Uganda to Rwanda. Since most people travel by road in Uganda, the prospect of better roads is an important one. According to New Vision Online, Uganda has about 6,200 miles of "national roads" which connect the country to its neighbors and major populations in cities to each other and handle about 80% of Uganda's traffic. In addition, Uganda has about 15,500 miles of feeder roads. Only about 1300 miles (about 20%) of Uganda's national roads are actually tarmacked. The rest are "murram" which in English is close to gravel. In essence, Museveni is making promises that so that it seems he is helping local rural populations, when, in reality, the roads considered to be "national" are of primary importance. Continuing with the celebration, Museveni laid the foundation of what would be a sh500m multipurpose hall, or $222,000. Museveni himself contributed sh60m or $26,000 to the construction project, and close to $9000 for the party itself. Archbishop Paul K. Bakyenga, 2nd deputy Prime Minister, Henry Kajura and Gen. Kahinda Otafiire attended, men the article writer referred to as "the old boys". Museveni is continuing partisan politics by supporting Christian schools and giving an aura of power and approval to religious and military leaders by attending. The entire celebration served as a reminder that Museveni is still a political candidate, and still has power and influence over many groups in Uganda.

by Margaret Nunne

Micro Enterprises in Uganda

The New Vision reports that Uganda is one of the easiest areas in Eastern Africa in which to start up a small or medium business. As of right now, 99% of the private businesses in Uganda are Small or Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The growth of the number of SMEs has done great things for the Ugandan economy including providing over 3 million jobs (many of these have been created because of the SMEs), contributing to 70% of the country's GDP and the taxes generated from these businesses have led to an economic development for the country overall. According to this report, ever $1 invested into a SME results in a $10 return-on-investment in the local communities.

Even though these SMEs are improving the country's economy, many of them are still failing because of a lack of funding. Most SMEs are only able to operate up to their 'maturity' level, in which revenues begin to level off. These businesses are then unable to further finance themselves so that they can make technological or other improvements to their business to help them expand because these would require additional funding. High interest rates, "lack of credit worthiness" and the lack of options banks give to SMEs for financing is to blame for the problem. According to the report, the banks are not allowing for long term investments in the companies.

This is an issue that Ugandan government is going to address if the country wants to continue growing economically.

By Brianna Howell

Scholarship program hopes to aid shift toward entrepreneurship in Africa

Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh Business School has opened a new program, offering full scholarships toward an online MBA to 250 African students who demonstrate financial hardship, but have ambitions for how they will use their degree to benefit their communities. Thus, potentially many more will be effected through these scholarships. The Director of the Edinburgh Business School speaks about the new program, "We want to establish an initiative to promote life-long learning across the continent." Current students comment on how practical and applicable the courses are and how they have given them new ideas. This is what Alex Vines likes to hear. He is the director of Africa programs at Chatham House, an institute of international affairs in London, who says entrepreneurship is what Africa needs to stand on its own two feet. The shift from "humanitarianism to entrepreneurship and capacity building, with more business and investment and better management of resources is really good news for Africa."

Lacey Watson

Hope for the Future

HIV/AIDS has been an epidemic ravaging the continent of Africa for years. For the first time ever there has been an actual decrease of new cases. The official reports states that countries who have been hit the hardest in the past have collectively dropped a full 25% in new reported infected individuals. This amazing jump in numbers is primarily due to the spread of sex education and overall increased awareness of HIV/AIDS, how it is transmitted, and how one can protect themselves from contracting the virus. "For the first time change is happening at the heart of the epidemic," Michel Sidibe, UN Aids executive director, said in a statement. However, this progress could be hindered by the 10 million less dollars that will be put into AIDS/HIV campaigning for the coming year. It is truly tragic that the lack of funds could harm the amazing progress already made.

megan smith

Kenyans arrested in Uganda

The response to the July bombing in Uganda during the African World Cup is still underway. Friday, two Kenyans were arrested as they arrived at the airport in Uganda. They are suspected to be involved in the tragedy. The two men are Mureitha Mbugua and Al-Amin Kimathi, one a lawyer and the other a human rights activist. So far 30 people, including 10 Kenyans, are involved in the bombing case, though the Somali group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility. The hearings are currently being held in Kampala's Luzira Prison for security reasons. Mbugua and Kimathi are currently being held by the Ugandan Police Rapid Response Unit. Human Rights Watch claims the Unit has been known to torture or kill its suspects. Other human rights workers have expressed concern over Mbugua and Kimathi's safety. But no matter how fresh the wounds of the recent bombings, hopefully those rumors will not come to fruition and justice will be served to those guilty, especially as this is a case dealing with international defendants.

Abbey Smith

Border Security Talks Begin Between Uganda and DR Congo

The Minister of Defense for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Charles Mwando Nsimba, has arrived in Uganda for a two-day conference on cross-border security between the two nations. While the leaders hope for talks on peace and trade (Uganda sees DR Congo as a potential market for goods), a major point of discussion will be on plans to stop "border insurgency by negative forces." The shared border between the countries has been used as a place of attack for Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army which has led to massive civilian casualties in both countries.

By: Mary Naset

Corporations or the Global Community

This article reveals how private military contractors business has been booming in the last 15 years. The purpose is to provide equipment for the local governments to ensure peace keeping operations. Interestingly, private contracting, which has had many negative connotations due to Black Water, may be much more successful for supplying equipment to African nations to keep the peace. Private business's will provide warranty and back up equipment when the veichle is damed or breaks down, while the international community does not offer such support. Interestingly too, one of my customers has a relative that works for such a company that is doing similiar bussness in Africa. Contrary to past experiences, this may be a case where the private sector can solve a problem the international community can not.


http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/09/17/south.africa.defense.industry/index.html
Greg Voegtle

Africa's Kings

To to a King in African is to have power. This month Swaziland celebrates its 42nd birthday since Independence as does King Mswati III. However, absolute power as we have seen not only in Swaziland but all over the African continent is very much "out of step with the age of democracy" according to BBC. The King has complete say over all officials hired in his government as well as any actions taken by those officials. When any one individual questions the Kings authority, they simply are arrested and never seen again. This situation is more than known in the Republic of Uganda. Idi Amin Dada declared himself not only as King but all other names possible to an individual. Under his rule, any opponents would be taken away and never seen again, like Duncan's father. Are these Kings of Africa making any progress towards the promised Democracy? Does this involve moving on through justice or simply moving on? By: Ivana Miljic

Rebel LRA attacks in south Sudan 'on the increase'

According to the Deputy governor of Western Equatoria rarely a week goes by without reports of the LRA attacking a village in South Sudan. According to BBC, the LRA has moved its area of focus and attack from Uganda to Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lexson Wari Amozai, head of Southern Sudan's government humanitarian agency for Western Equatoria, says it is no coincidence that the LRA is attacking at this time of the year. The LRA he says, will not attack during cultivation and planting of the fields in the spring. Since many citizens are now starting to harvest the food they have grown, attacks have increased. The LRA is taking food to feed itself. These attacks will only add to the estimated 25,000 people displaced in South Sudan. According to BBC's Peter Martell in Nzara, hundreds of displaced people have arrived in the town seeking food and medical help. The local vigilante force, the Arrow Boys, had recently been unable to fight off the recent attacks. The LRA might not only be after food in Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo according to allegations by Human Rights Watch. According to the agency, the LRA is going on a massive recruitment campaign in these countries. With this in mind, the LRA has become an international threat, not just a threat to Uganda, as the LRA turns on its former supporters in Sudan, and invades other countries in search of resources. Hopefully this promises more international attention to suppressing Kony's army.

By Margaret Nunne

Radio journalist murdered

Rime Radio news reporter, Dickson Ssentongo, was brutally murdered Wednesday by unknown assailants. Ssentongo was attacked in the district of Mukono, which is west of Uganda's capital city of Kampala. According to AFP, 29-year old Ssentongo was involved in local politics, and was contesting local council polls on an opposition Democratic Party ticket. According to the party's spokesperson, Kenneth Kakande, "... the murder might have been politically motivated." Ssentongo's murder was commited by a group weilding iron-bars, which are known in Uganda as "katayimbwa." The murder of Dickson Ssentongo is now the second killing of a journalist in Uganda in less than a week, the first being Paul Kiggundu, who was lynched by a band of taxi-drivers Saturday. The two slayings do not appear to be linked, but Ugandan journalists still face an ever present threat.

By: Caleb B. Ray