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News Release |
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History of Uganda
2005-11-26 What is Uganda?
Uganda is a country of 250,000 square kilometres, very fertile and rich in terms of natural resources, with, presently, a population of 28 million people. The population was only 14 million in 1986 when our political movement, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), came into power. The rapid increase in population has been, partly, due to the improved conditions.
What is the recent history of that country?
In 1964, soon after independence, the three puny East African Armies of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania mutinied at the same time. President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania disbanded the Tanganyika Rifles completely and created a new army. In Uganda, on the other hand, President Obote rewarded the mutineers with salary increases and promotions. This was on top of forgiving Idi Amin, in 1962, for crimes he had committed in Turkana, Kenya, as a British soldier. The result of this impunity was that these very soldiers, including Idi Amin, who had committed wrong actions with impunity, turned on the population of Uganda.
By the time our Movement, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), expelled them from power, after two protracted wars lasting a total of 13 years, they had killed eight hundred thousand (800,000) people extra-judicially. Seventy thousand (70,000) skeletons of some of the victims are preserved in 33 mass graves in the Luwero Triangle. Those who are interested in the history of Uganda could visit, at least, these mass graves before they give opinions about that country.
After defeating these killers, remnants of them fled to Sudan and linked with the Government of that country. The Sudan Government gave them support to commit atrocities against the population of Northern Uganda by killing, maiming, abducting children etc, resulting into the displacement of 1.6 million persons at one time. The motivation of the Sudan Government was because of the conflict in their own country between black people and the ruling Arabs. They thought that a strong Uganda could, one day, extend solidarity to the Black people of Sudan. We stood against the actions of the Sudan Government alone. At one time we had solidarity of Ethiopia and Eritrea. They, however, fell out among themselves and we remained alone.
At some stage the Sudan Government linked up with Mobutu of Congo to co-ordinate actions against us from both the North and the West. Again, acting alone, we defeated these efforts. At one time we worked with the Government of Rwanda because they also had a problem with Mobutu for harbouring the genocidaires of Rwanda. The terrorist group, Allied Democratic Force (ADF), that Sudan and Congo had created on our western border was totally defeated by Christmas time of the year-2000, when we killed one of their most notorious killers, known as Cobra. It is only the UN presence in Congo that has now provided them with a safe haven, again.
Uganda has achieved phenomenal growth, this continued fight against killers notwithstanding.
(i) Inflation, which was 240% in 1986, has been in single digits eversince (around 5%);
(ii) The rate of GDP growth has averaged 6.5% for the last 18 years;
(iii) The size of the economy has tripled since 1986;
(iv) Primary school enrolment has jumped from 2.5 million to 7.7 million children; secondary school enrolment has jumped from 122,000 to 850,000 students;
(v) University enrolment has grown from 5,000 to 57,000;
(vi) HIV prevalence has declined from as high as 30% in some trading centres to a national average of about 6%;
(vii) Safe water coverage has grown from 10% to 63% in the rural areas and from 17% to 65% in the urban areas;
(viii) Literacy rate has grown from 50% to 70% between 1986 to-date;
(ix) The number of people working in the service and industrial sectors has grown from 300,000 to 1.7 million persons today; etc etc.
As a consequence of all these, Uganda has moved from category “C” of the Human Development Index to category “B” according to the UN report.
Recently the IMF removed Uganda from the list of poor countries that need financial support from that institution.
How have we achieved all this? By three main methods:
(i) firmness;
(ii) self reliance; and
(iii) principled reconciliation.
We never yield to evil even when there are people pushing us in that direction.
When Amin took over power in 1971, he had support of, especially, the Western countries because they thought he would serve their interests. We opposed Amin all the same until we removed him. We were only assisted by three African brothers:
(i) President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania;
(ii) Samora Machel of Mozambique; and
(iii) Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia.
We, therefore, never compromise with evil. Otherwise, Uganda would have been like Somalia, Burma or Congo today. Secondly, we rely on ourselves. This is because it is almost impossible for outsiders to understand a situation of a country accurately. Countries in Africa that have excessively depended on external support always fail.
I am not surprised because knowledge is a sine qua non for any solution. The examples of Congo, Liberia, Ivory Coast, etc., do not commend the role of foreign meddling. Congo, eversince 1961, has seen a lot of foreign meddling. By the time Mobutu collapsed in 1997, Congo was at ground zero. Right now the UN is, again, back in Congo at their start line of 1961 helping Congo to build an Army, register voters etc, just the basics. This is a route we chose to avoid. We rely on our own efforts.
Thirdly, we use principled reconciliation, not cover up. By the 24th of January 1986, for instance, we had 12 brigades of our resistance army which we used to defeat the last faction of the neo-colonial dictatorships. However, by the end of 1986, we had added another 10 brigades, mainly, from the forces we had defeated. By effecting national reconciliation, we were able, within one year, to cope with Sudanese aggression on our own. Eventually, we gained the upper hand over both Sudan and their protégés in their destabilization of Uganda. Reconciliation, however, must be principled not opportunistic.
The wrongdoer must accept his mistake or the fundamental causes must be delved into and addressed. Otherwise, you are postponing problems.
Therefore, the recent case of Dr. Kiiza Besigye falls in the same category. We can have a principled resolution of the problems he created for himself. The law of Uganda can give him a soft-landing. It must, however, be principled, not opportunistic, not superficial. There are three Articles of the Constitution of Uganda (1995) that deal with criminal acts in general and treason in particular. The first one is Article 3 (2) of the Constitution.
It provides as follows:
“Any person who, singly or in concert with others, by any violent or other unlawful means, suspends, overthrows, abrogates or amends this Constitution or any part of it or attempts to do any such act, commits the offence of treason and shall be punished according to Law”.
Therefore, anybody who commits treason shall be punished once it is proved in Court.
The next is Article 120 (1, 3 & 6).
These provide as follows:
“There shall be a Director of Public
Prosecutions (DPP) appointed by the President on the recommendations of the Public Service Commission and with the approval of Parliament”.
This DPP is the only one (and nobody else) that will “direct the Police to investigate any information of a criminal nature and to report to him or her expeditiously;” (120 (3(a)).
120 (3(b)) provides that it will be the DPP that will “institute criminal proceedings against any person or authority in any Court with competent jurisdiction other than a Court Martial;”
Finally, 120 (6) says as follows:
“In exercise of the functions conferred on him or her by this Article, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) shall not be subjected to the direction or control of any person or authority”.
Our Constitution, therefore, is very strict with criminality. This was a product of our history. In the Constitution of Uganda (1962), the DPP used to take guidance from the Attorney-General
(a Government Minister). But the Constitution of Uganda (1995) abolished that. There, is, therefore, no role for political leaders in Uganda on criminal matters beyond their obligation to ensure that the Constitution is observed. Even the DPP has no discretion in criminal matters once the evidence is available. Otherwise, he/she will run foul with the law and the Constitution and could face allegations of negligence, cover-up, obstruction of justice, etc.
When we had a problem of providing a soft-landing for terrorists, we faced the rigidity of Article 3 (2) already quoted above; we had to resort to Article 79 (1) that gives Parliament the powers of legislating “on any matter for the peace, order, development and good governance of Uganda”.
This enabled us to enact the Amnesty Law that gave conditional pardon to terrorist criminals.
The only involvement in criminal matters by the Executive (the President) only comes in Article 121 (4) (a), which provides:
“The President may on the advice of the
Committee (the Committee on the
Prerogative of Mercy) – Grant to any person convicted of an offence a pardon either free or subject to lawful conditions;” etc.
In otherwords, the President only has a role in criminal matters after the wrongdoer has been convicted and sentenced. He may, on the advice of the Committee of Mercy, reduce the sentence or even quash it altogether. Before that point, the President has no say whatsoever other than, like all citizens, expecting the various authorities charged with handling crime (CID, DPP, Judicial officers etc) to do their work according to the Constitution of Uganda (1995) and the law.
Another misunderstanding of the Dr. Kiiza Besigye issue has been the involvement of the Court Martial. The Court Martial is normally for soldiers. However, the Armed Forces Laws of 1992 and 2005 also provide that somebody who is not a soldier can be tried in the Court Martial if he/she is found with illegally-acquired equipment that is, ordinarily, a monopoly of the army because he/she will have made himself/herself a soldier, voluntarily, by the illegal actions of acquiring the said equipment. Given the congestion of civilian courts, this law has enabled us to fight terrorism, cattle-rustling, armed robbery and other crimes involving the use of guns or explosives. Since this is a court of first instance, it is not a problem at all. Anybody convicted can appeal to a higher court. This arrangement helps us to deal with problems of illegal guns fast and in a more focused way.
What we find outrageous is a suggestion that those engaged in politics are above the law. A country like Uganda that suffered so much from impunity cannot afford to listen to such talk. Defending our Constitution is more paramount than pandering to the whims of wrongdoers.
I hope this communication has gone some way in de-fogging the complicated history of Uganda that is never helped by obscurantist groups like some elements in our opposition.
I thank you all.
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
President of the Republic of Uganda ..End. |
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President Meets IMF Delegation
2007-09-25
President Yoweri Museveni has said that the Ugandan economy has continued to grow at a rate of 6.5% per annum despite the problem of electricity shortage. The President said this during a meeting with a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) who called on him at State House, Nakasero. The delegation was led by the IMF Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Takatoshi Kato. Mr. Museveni told his visitors that the country now needs modern infrastructure, especially railway transport and roads, to enhance competitiveness in trade. He said the government of Uganda is now in the process of laying strategies to generate power on anticipation unlike in the past when electricity was generated on demand. The President regretted to note that floods have caused devastating effects in Eastern and Northern Uganda. He, however, noted that the rains have boosted water levels in the country.
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2007-09-23
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“Education For All is For Development” – Museveni
2007-09-20
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President Assures On Quality Cotton Products’ Market
2007-09-20
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President Receives Assistant Chinese Minister
2007-09-18
President Yoweri Museveni has stressed the need to strengthen further the economic co-operation between the People’s Republic of China and Uganda especially in the agro-processing, textile production, fish processing and information technology sectors The President was speaking during a meeting he held with the visiting Chinese Assistant Minister of Commerce Mr. Fu Ziying. The meeting took place at the President’s Kisozi farm in Mpigi district. Mr. Museveni, who hailed the ever growing excellent bilateral relationship between Uganda and China, said that the country commands a very big agricultural potential and a vast natural resource base. ..more
President Meets Gomba County Leaders
2007-09-15
President Yoweri Museveni has called on Members of Parliament throughout the country to spearhead the campaign against poverty by actively participating in training wananchi using materials from the National Agricultural and Development Services (NAADS) and local extension workers. The President was addressing political and religious leaders from Gomba County in Mpigi district who called on him at his Kisozi farm. Mr. Museveni observed that in the past, a lot of money from NAADS had been spent on training farmers. He, however, stressed that the strategy should change to using the funds for purchasing items like suckers, seeds or fertilizers to empower people to start serious production programmes.
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No Delays On Supply Of Electricity” - Museveni
2007-09-13
President Yoweri Museveni has said that government will not accept any delays in the provision of electricity to the national grid. The President was speaking during a meeting with the visiting World Bank Country Director, Mr. John Murray McIntire at State House, Nakasero. He said work must start on the Karuma power station soon and remain ahead of the national electricity demand. Mr. Museveni also emphasized that Uganda must have a modern railway network to the sea adding that “without fast transport, export costs would remain high”. He emphasized that the World Bank in collaboration with the government of Uganda should concentrate on the construction of durable roads in the country.
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President Fundraises For St. Jude Catholic Church, Bukoto Masaka
2007-09-11
Over Shs.34 million was realized in a fundraising drive held to raise money for the roofing of St. Jude Bukoto Catholic Church in Kabonera sub-county, Masaka district.
President Yoweri Museveni who was the chief guest at the ceremony donated Shs.10 million. The area MP who is also the Speaker of Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Edward Sekandi, the deputy Speaker, the Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadago together with other members of parliament present contributed over six million shillings.
Items mobilized for auctioning by the lay people from the parish together with friends from beyond the parish included 7 cows, 45 goats, 125 chickens, a variety of food stuffs as well as a presidential portrait and Virgin Mary’s picture. ..more
Uganda And DRC Sign Joint Bilateral Agreement
2007-09-09
President Yoweri Museveni and President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, last night signed a joint bilateral co-operation agreement aimed at establishing peace and security in both countries and normalizing their relations and strengthening their co-operation. The historic Ngorodoto Agreement was reached after a 2-day special summit convened by the Tanzanian leader President Jakaya Kikwete at Ngorodoto Mountain and Country Club in Arusha. Mr. Kikwete also witnessed the signing of the documents. The landmark agreement covered areas of defence and security, economic co-operation as well as political and diplomatic co-operation. ..more
Uganda & DRC Begin Summit In Arusha
2007-09-08
A special summit on Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) opened in Arusha, Northern Tanzania attended by President Yoweri Museveni and his DRC counterpart President Joseph Kabila.The summit is under the chairmanship of host President Jakaya Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania. The summit, held after the 2 heads of state requested President Kikwete to host it, is discussing outstanding issues between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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President Leaves For Arusha Tanzania
2007-09-07
President Yoweri Museveni is in the Northern Tanzania town of Arusha on a 2-day working visit during which he will attend a special summit between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The President was received at Kilimanjaro International Airport by the Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Bernard Membe, Uganda Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Sam Kutesa and Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania Mr. Ibrahim Mukiibi.
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President Urges DRC Not To Harbour Terrorists
2007-09-05
President Yoweri Museveni has urged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) not to accept being used as ground by groups that are hostile to neighbouring countries. The President made the call at State House, Nakasero during a meeting with a visiting American government delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Ms Jendayi Frazer. Mr. Museveni urged the DRC to apprehend the Lord’s Resistance Army on its territory to ensure that the group goes to the assembly areas in order to further facilitate the ongoing peace process that is taking place in Juba, Southern Sudan. The President was optimistic that the peace process between the Government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army would succeed. ..more
“Government To Give Free Legal Services” – Museveni
2007-09-05
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“Zirobwe- Wobulenzi Road To Be Repaired” – Museveni
2007-09-04
President Yoweri Museveni has assured the people of Uganda that government will continue to channel funds to the grass-root level in the country through the Local Government Development Programme LGDP), the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), the Micro-Finance scheme, among others, to assist people increase household income. The President was speaking at two separate rallies held at Kamira Primary School in Kamira Sub-County and at Kiziba Primary School in Kikyusa Sub-county of Bamunanika County in Luweero district. ..more
“Govt. To Follow Up On NAADS Funds” – Museveni
2007-09-01
President Yoweri Museveni has said that government is going to make a follow up of the funds released to sub-counties under the National Agricultural and Advisory Services (NAADS) as a way of ascertaining its proper use. “More money has been sent through NAADS. Government will make a follow up to see that the people trained and facilitated by NAADS put the money to proper use”, said the President to the people of Nakaseke. The President was meeting wananchi of Kirema, Kabugwe and Mijenje villages of Semuto Sub-County in Nakaseke district. Mr. Museveni is currently on a tour of Luweero Triangle to sensitize people on Bonna Bagaggawale programme. ..more
President Tours Wakiso District
2007-08-29
President Yoweri Museveni has said that the rate of growth that Uganda has achieved is a result of the continued support to the NRM government that the people of Luweero Triangle enkindled right from the time of the protracted armed people’s struggle over 20 years ago. The President was addressing people of Kira Town Council, Jjanda village and Nansana-Bujuuko in Wakiso district. Mr. Museveni is on a tour of the district specifically to sensitize the people on the “Bonna Bagaggawale” (Prosperity for All) programme. He gave Shs.10 million each to the people of Jjanda and Nansana – Bujuuko areas to help them start income generating activities. ..more
“UPDF to Help Establish Somali State pillars” – Museveni
2007-08-29
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President Calls For Agro-Based Industries
2007-08-29
President Yoweri Museveni has called for the establishment of more agro-based processing industries in Uganda. The President made the remark at State House, Nakasero in a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of a Danish company, Apmoeller/Maersk Group, which specializes in the shipping business.
Mr. Museveni urged the group to attract more investors to Uganda to process the abundant agricultural produce, like fruits and foods, into value added products for domestic, regional and international markets. He said that increased volume of processed products would go a long way in reducing the cost of transport to Mombasa Port.
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“Conservation Is A Must” – Museveni
2007-08-27
President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated that sustainable conservation of the fauna and flora of Uganda can only be achieved after the crucial issues of electrification and industrialization have been permanently addressed. The President was closing a 4-day Leadership for Conservation Africa (LCA) Council meeting at Paraa Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park, in newly established Amuru district. The 2nd council meeting that attracted participants from over 15 countries in Africa as well as outside the continent, aimed at bringing together the business community and conservationists to ensure that the environment is conserved in a sustainable way for future generations. ..more
President Meets Austrian Delegation
2007-08-25
President Yoweri Museveni has met a delegation from the Province of Carintia in Austria at State House, Nakasero. The delegation was led by Ms. Olivia Mugabe, a programmes’ director of A – Z Austria – Uganda, based in Austria. The NGO, which trains people in Luweero in income generating activities, is supported by the government of Austria. Among the delegation were Mr. Quendher Peter, Hebein Peter and Runpold Achill from the government of Austria, Carinthia Province, among others, and the representative of the Minister of Agriculture from Carinthia Mr. Martin Joseph. ..more
President Receives DRC Delegation
2007-08-25
President Yoweri Museveni received a delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who called on him at State House, Nakasero. The delegation was led by the DRC Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mr. Mbusa Nyamisi. The President and his visitors discussed matters related to peace and security in both countries. On the issue of petroleum in both countries, President Museveni told the delegation that Uganda has now trained people in that field who have the experience which the government of DRC can share in order not to be cheated by foreign companies during time of exploration.
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No LRA presence in CAR – Bozize
2007-08-23
President Francois Bozize of the Central African Republic has denied any presence of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in his country and added that his government investigated the allegations by media reports and found no truth in them. President Bozize was responding to questions from the press at a joint press conference he held with his host President Yoweri Museveni at State House, Nakasero. Mr. Bozize also informed journalists that his country is currently engaged in resolving internal challenges that might not allow her to send troops to the troubled Darfur region in the Sudan. ..more
President Bozize Lectures Kimaka Army College
2007-08-22
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President Bozize Arrives In Uganda
2007-08-22
President Francois Bozize of the Central African Republic has started a 2-day state visit to Uganda. President Bozize, who is accompanied by his wife Mrs. Monique Bozize, was received on arrival at Entebbe International Airport this morning by his host President Yoweri Museveni. Others at the airport to receive President Bozize included Minister for Presidency Mrs. Beatrice Wabudeya, that of Security Mr. Amama Mbabazi, of Education and Sports Mrs. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire and of State for International Affairs Mr. Okello Oryem.
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