Museveni hails late freedom fighter Perez Musamali’s role in Uganda’s liberation
President Yoweri Museveni has paid tribute to the late freedom fighter Perez Musamali for his contributions to Uganda’s liberation struggle.Speaking during a memorial ceremony at Matuwa Primary School in Namisindwa District, Museveni commended Musamali’s legacy, particularly his leadership within the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM).“I’m very happy that you remembered Musamali and invited me to show our salutations to his contribution,” the President remarked during the event.Perez Musamali, who chaired the UPM in Greater Mbale, played a pivotal role in resisting authoritarian rule in the early 1980s.Museveni highlighted their first encounter while in exile in Nairobi, Kenya, where Musamali had been coordinating efforts against the repressive government of the time.“I had not met him before he went into exile, but during peace talks in Nairobi, I met him. He told me how he had been in exile and had a group here in Mt. Elgon,” Museveni recounted.The president also revealed that Musamali’s contribution to the liberation struggle was recognised after the National Resistance Army/Movement (NRA/M) came into power in 1986.Musamali was appointed to the National Resistance Council (NRC), a precursor to Parliament, as part of an exclusive group of 32 individuals nominated by the NRM leadership.“It was unfortunate that he was killed in 1987 by the Force Obote Back Again (FOBA) people when he was coming from Kenya,” Museveni lamented.The President also touched on his State House scholarship initiative, which aims to support the orphans of fallen freedom fighters through education.“We had a simple plan for supporting the families of our people by educating the orphans; that is why I introduced the State House scholarships,” Museveni said.He explained that these scholarships were essential because the Ministry of Education would not have the same knowledge of the families affected by the war. “Using that formula, we tried to capture as many orphans as possible.”Museveni then urged Ugandans to remember that the NRA’s struggle was primarily about securing peace and development for the country.“Why did Musamali have to go into exile? Because there are people here who oppose NRM, but they don’t go into exile, and nobody is killed. Security was one of the things we were fighting for,” he asserted.He also called on residents of the Bugisu Sub-Region to pursue wealth creation through calculated commercial agriculture.Museveni reiterated the importance of the four-acre model, advising farmers to allocate their land for coffee, fruit crops, pasture for livestock, and food crops.He cautioned against land fragmentation, encouraging families to manage their land as a business and share its benefits without dividing it into small, less productive portions.The president further noted that the Parish Development Model (PDM) had shown positive results in the region, though he questioned whether it had fully addressed financial issues for local residents.“The PDM is a good program, but I want to know its impact – does it solve the ‘ekibaro’ (calculation) problem?” Museveni asked.He also stressed the importance of holding elected leaders accountable for their actions, stating that Ugandans have the power to vote out corrupt politicians.“You have the power to elect leaders; it’s a weapon you have to spear the thieves who steal government money,” he emphasised.The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Ministers, Members of Parliament, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), religious and cultural leaders.Bubulo East MP John Musila and Namisindwa District LC5 Chairperson Jackson Wakweika both praised the president for supporting the region, highlighting the creation of Namisindwa District in 2017 and the impact of the PDM on local economic growth.Who was Perez Musamali?Perez Musamali Nimrod was a distinguished freedom fighter whose dedication to Uganda’s liberation earned him a place in the nation’s history.Born and raised in the Bugisu Sub-Region, Musamali’s early education took him from Matuwa Primary School to Nabumali High School, before he pursued accounting studies in the United States.In 1980, Musamali became the Chairman of the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) in Greater Mbale, contesting in the controversial elections of that year.Following the disputed results, Musamali went into exile in Kenya, where he coordinated guerrilla efforts alongside other notable freedom fighters such as Magode Ikuya and Maumbe Mukhwana.In 1986, the National Resistance Army (NRA) triumphed, and Musamali was appointed to the National Resistance Council.He briefly served as State Minister for Energy before his life was tragically cut short in 1987 when he was murdered by FOBA rebels.Musamali’s legacy as a dedicated patriot and freedom fighter endures, and his contributions to Uganda’s liberation remain a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice. https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/museveni-hails-late-freedom-fighter-perez-musamalis-role-in-ugandas-liberation/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum