James William Mugeni
Dear Editor, reading a statement from the US Embassy in Kampala on the coming elections one has, but only one thing to say: We Ugandans should come up with a radical position of communicating our disappointment and discomfort about Uganda to the Western world.
US is a partner to Uganda in almost everything including the use of Uganda security forces in the so called “stabilizing the region”.
Very many of us are serving the US both at home and away. All of us should be able to spell out what is going wrong in Uganda.
Among the offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda in which Ugandans serve are:
1. United States Department of State
2. United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
4. Peace Corps
5. National Institute of Health (NIH)
6. Department of Defense (DOD)
7. PEPFAR
The above departments consist of an elitist Ugandan groups whose orientation is alienated from the dirty politics of Uganda.
The US Embassy makes them live an exaggerated life of America in Uganda. We just cannot continue serving a master who does not put our own interests in perspective.
Our own people are dying and all our master offers are small tokens in programs they know don’t serve the majority of the people, while they believe in a dictator who steals from us and tortures us in the name of US interests.
It is clear that because of diplomatic relations in the above departments a lot is swept under the carpet and we seem waiting for a full-blown catastrophe.
The statement below is a big slap across the face of Ugandans. On nomination day, Ugandans were tear gassed and the environment was heavily militarized, oppressive and remains so as the military continues torturing, throwing tear gas canisters from village to village in Uganda.
Take as an example on nomination day, the US Mission advised those who work with the mission to telework, and consular appointments were limited to emergency services only.
On Tuesday, November 3, which was the day Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was nominated, there was travel advice. This clearly tags possible violence on the oppressed not the aggressor or the oppressor who is Museveni and the military.
Actions to take on nomination day November 3. (Travel advice to mission staff).
Avoid the area of Kyambogo University Cricket Grounds, Kampala.
Other parts of Kampala, including Jinja Road Highway, are set to be closed to motorists to accommodate processions of different political candidates.
Monitor local media for updates.
See the Uganda Police Force’s press release on traffic management for more information.
Avoid crowds.
Avoid demonstrations.
Keep a low profile.
Notify friends and family of your safety.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Statement from the United States Embassy on Uganda’s upcoming elections
The United States has a broad and strong partnership with Uganda and its people.
Annually, the United States government invests $1 billion in Ugandan communities to promote economic growth and employability, improve health and education, uphold democratic values, and strengthen security.
The goal of U.S. assistance is to build a future in which every Ugandan has an opportunity to achieve their full potential and a voice in how their country is governed. This is not happening.
Uganda’s upcoming elections have important significance for the country’s democratic development and give expression to the will of the people. This is far-fetched as the military is reining terror over citizens under the watchful eye of the USA whose democratic aspirations are being thwarted.
The United States government reaffirms unequivocally that it does not support any specific candidate or party in Uganda’s upcoming elections.
The United States supports the democratic process itself.
As Secretary Pompeo recently stated, we are committed to supporting free, fair, inclusive elections. This includes ensuring the safety of all candidates, respect for the rule of law, and the impartiality of the authorities in charge of managing the elections.
Candidates have just been stripped naked some barely getting to and from the nomination venue alive.
The United States, along with other democratic countries, will pay close attention to actions of individuals and organizations who interfere in the democratic process or instigate violence against the civilian population before, during, or after the elections.
We will not hesitate to consider consequences for those found to be responsible for election-related violence or undermining the democratic process.
Isn’t the United states paying attention of what is happening as Ugandans are fed on tear gas and shot at day in and day out? Why would the current environment be regarded as conducive for an election?
Delivering a free, fair, inclusive, and peaceful election is vital to Uganda’s democracy and international reputation as a strong and stable regional leader.
We call on all political parties, candidates, and supporters to promote a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
We support those working to achieve that goal. The United States remains committed to working in partnership with Uganda to strengthen its democratic institutions, ensure freedom of expression, and promote an open political environment.
U.S. Mission Uganda remains dedicated to partnering with Uganda to create the future that its youth deserve. The US Mission claims to have made great progress, through partnership with Ugandans, in efforts to create a brighter future for all Ugandans.
The mission has a sugar coated report that shares stories from the people whose lives have benefited from U.S. programs in Uganda.
The report also highlights the accomplishments of Ugandans who are driving the country forward. But when you look at poverty indicators from Uganda Bureau of statistics poverty is what the whole country is wallowing in.
The increased unrest in young people as a result of state inspired corruption tells it all. This election must give us hope and give us an opportunity to once again start rebuilding our country.
Medical Clinical Officer/Certified Public Manager
+15153465317