UPDF celebrates Gen. Aronda’s contributions to Uganda’s security and development
KAMPALA – President Yoweri Museveni honored the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima at the inaugural 2024 Kampala Defence and Security Expo, praising his exceptional discipline, organizational skills, and dedication. Museveni acknowledged Gen. Aronda’s crucial role in the early resistance movement and his contributions to the UPDF’s success.The expo, held under the theme “Celebrating the Life of Hon. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima,” recognized his legacy as a paragon of revolutionary sacrifice, pan-Africanism, patriotism, courage, and an accomplished freedom fighter. The event aimed to reflect on Gen. Aronda’s achievements and the values he embodied, inspiring future generations to appreciate the value of dedicated service to the country.Museveni emphasized the importance of continuing Gen. Aronda’s initiatives, such as the Wazalendo program, which has significantly benefited soldiers. He also highlighted the need to improve barracks conditions, educational facilities, and health units to strengthen the UPDF.Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, paid tribute to Gen. Aronda, highlighting his profound impact on Uganda’s stability and security. He praised Gen. Aronda’s resilience and dedication, particularly in Somalia and as Minister of Internal Affairs. Gen. Kainerugaba noted that Gen. Aronda’s leadership and reforms have left a lasting impact on both the defence forces and civil administration, exemplifying selfless service to the country.The Minister of State for Defence in charge of Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Oleru Abason, emphasized the importance of preserving the legacies of national heroes to instill national values and foster a culture of selfless service. She noted that Gen. Aronda is celebrated for his significant role in Uganda’s security, political, social, and economic development.The event featured lectures and discussions led by eminent personalities, aiming to inspire exemplary leadership and dedicated service to the nation. Attendees included high-ranking officials, retired generals, and Gen. Aronda’s family.In his keynote address, President Museveni also acknowledged the contributions of other early combatants, including David Tinyefuuza, Magara, Elly Tumwine, Tumukunde Henry, and Sande Mukulu. He emphasized the importance of continuing initiatives started by Gen. Aronda, ensuring the UPDF remains dedicated and clean.The expo, which started on September 10th and ended on September 12th, was held at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort as part of the Gen. Aronda Nyakairima Memorial Lecture.Relatedhttps://www.pmldaily.com/news/2024/09/updf-celebrates-gen-arondas-contributions-to-ugandas-security-and-development.html
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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