Latest news with #NationalResistanceMovement
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ugandan military accuses EU diplomats of engaging in subversive activities
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Ugandan military authorities on Friday accused diplomats from Europe of engaging in subversive activities, in an escalation of tensions over European criticism of human rights violations by Uganda's security forces. Some European diplomats are mobilizing on behalf 'the negative and traitorous groups opposed" to the government of President Yoweri Museveni, the military said in a statement. The statement singled out the German ambassador, Matthias Schauer, charging that 'the intelligence services are aware about his clearly undiplomatic practices that have been taking place in different parts of the country for some time now." That statement was issued by Col. Chris Magezi, a close associate of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the president's son who also serves as Uganda's top military commander. Kainerugaba's military rise has been a source of concern among Ugandans who believe he is poised to take over from Museveni in a chaotic political transition. Kainerugaba frequently asserts his wish to succeed his father as president of the east African country, alarming Ugandans who don't want to see hereditary rule. Kainerugaba has gained notoriety most recently for his unpredictable posts on the social platform X. He has threatened to behead Bobi Wine, a prominent opposition figure, and he drew widespread criticism earlier this month for reporting the apparent torture in his 'basement' of Wine's bodyguard, who was missing at the time. Schauer, the German ambassador, is among a group of European diplomats who complained about Kainerugaba in a meeting on Thursday with Gen. Salim Saleh, a retired army officer who is Kainerugaba's uncle and an influential member of Uganda's security apparatus. Saleh apologized for Kainerugaba's provocative posts on X, according to reports in the local press. The strong response from Kainerugaba's press office on Friday marks an escalation in relations between the Ugandan government and diplomats it accuses of meddling. It was not immediately possible to get a comment from Schauer or Jan Sadek, the top EU diplomat in Uganda. The EU has repeatedly urged Ugandan authorities to protect civil liberties ahead of presidential elections next year. Sadek has expressed concern over serious rights violations that include arbitrary detentions and the degrading treatment of political opponents. He spoke of 'an alarming militarization of the political sphere' in a speech earlier in May. "The use of military force against civilians, with apparent impunity, contradicts the principles of the rule of law,' he said. Museveni, who first took power by force in 1986, is serving his sixth term. He will seek re-election in polls set for January 2026. Many Ugandans expect an unpredictable political transition because the 80-year-old Museveni has no obvious successor within the ranks of the ruling National Resistance Movement party, with real power concentrated in a strong military and powerful intelligence system. Some observers fear that Museveni may step aside in favor of Kainerugaba in a bloodless coup. A long-time opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, has been jailed since November over alleged treason charges his lawyers say are politically motivated. Besigye, a qualified physician who retired from Uganda's military at the rank of colonel, is a former president of the Forum for Democratic Change party, for many years Uganda's most prominent opposition group. Uganda has never witnessed a peaceful transfer of political power since independence from the British in 1962.
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
President Museveni Tasks Journalists to Promote Regional Integration, Defend Parish Development Model (PDM) Initiative
According to the President, the journalists should use their platforms to promote national development. While meeting journalists of Greater Mubende at State Lodge- Mubende, the President emphasized that the media has a critical role to play in shaping public discourse and building a unified, economically viable region. The meeting was part of the Presidential Assessment tour of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the Greater Mubende which commenced on April 15th, 2025. 'You, the journalists, should be at the forefront of promoting regional integration. Sensitize the public through radio and media platforms. Those who are still focusing on Buganda, Ankole, or other regions in isolation are making a mistake. Uganda alone is not enough,' President Museveni said. He gave a personal example, saying that although he is a cattle keeper from Ankole, it is people in other regions like Kampala who create demand for his milk and beef, not fellow Banyankole who also produce the same goods. 'We need the East African market. Internal markets are limited. That's why we always tell you that this is not just about economics, it's also about politics. Regional integration will help us get better prices through a wider market,' he added. Switching focus to the Parish Development Model, President Museveni challenged journalists to act as watchdogs, educating the public about the program and exposing those misusing the funds meant for the poor. 'We brought PDM money to help the poor. How do leaders come in and take it? You must defend your people's money. Use your media platforms to expose those who are not serving. Tell the people that some of these problems come from voting in the wrong leaders,' President Museveni said. He explained that the PDM funds are meant to flow from the Ministry of Finance, through banks to SACCOS, and questioned the involvement of parish chiefs who are only supposed to support community mobilization. 'You journalists should explain how this program is supposed to work. Mobilize the people, expose the corrupt. This is your role in protecting national development,' he emphasized. On broader economic issues, the President addressed the recent collapse in maize prices, saying that the solution lies in long-term strategies like value addition, subsidies, and regional market access. 'The price drop cannot be solved overnight. We need more value addition to turn cassava into posho or ethanol. If Kenya wasn't blocking our maize, the demand would be there. That's why we need East African integration,' President Museveni said. He concluded by urging journalists to remain patriotic and push the National Resistance Movement (NRM) agenda of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic transformation, and democracy. 'Your job is not just reporting it's building the nation. Love Uganda, love Africa, and use your voice to uplift the people,' he said. On his part, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, also clarified on the structure and function of the Parish Development Model implementation committees, emphasizing the importance of transparency and community involvement. He explained that there are two distinct committees involved in the management of PDM funds. 'The first is the SACCO Committee, formed by local residents themselves. This committee consists of five members, elected by the community, and it is responsible for identifying and selecting the beneficiaries of the PDM funds,' Dr. Baryomunsi said. 'The second is the Parish Development Committee, which plays a supervisory role. It is chaired by the LC2 Chairperson and includes the Chairperson of the Women's Council and the Chairperson of the Youth,' he added. He further explained that when funds are disbursed, they are sent directly to the SACCO's bank account, and only designated signatories from the SACCO Committee have the authority to access the funds. 'The money is sent to the SACCO's bank account, and only the authorized signatories who are members of the SACCO leadership are allowed to handle it. This structure is designed to ensure accountability and community ownership,' Dr. Baryomunsi stated. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.
Budapest Times
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Budapest Times
Gulyás: Say no to a kind of politics whose clear and explicit aim is to harm Hungary
Addressing a demonstration in Budapest on Saturday, Gergely Gulyás, Head of the Prime Minister's Office, said: 'We want to say no to a kind of politics whose clear and explicit aim is to harm Hungary — not the government, but the Hungarian people.' According to MTI, Gulyás spoke at a protest organized by the National Resistance Movement and the Civic Union Forum (COF) against recent comments by Tisza Party MEP Kinga Kollár in which she cast the impact of the freeze on Hungary's EU funds as a positive development. He said: 'It only takes a bit of good nature and minimal human decency to see that this is not a matter of left and right or ideological debate'. 'Tisza's MEPs, who each make a salary of about 7 million forints (EUR 17,100), have themselves provided irrefutable evidence that they're working … to make Hungarians poorer,' Gulyás said. He said Tisza's MEPs were working to prevent the healthcare sector, teachers and businesses from getting the money they are entitled to. Tisza, he said, believed that the worse it was for the country, the better it was for them, because they believed that the more damage they could do to the country, the better their chances would be in next year's general election. Gulyás said that instead of calling for Kollar's resignation, Tisza had stood by her 'because they all do the same thing'. 'They don't care about God, family or the homeland, only power,' Gulyás said, adding that Tisza was prepared to harm Hungarians if it meant 'getting even an inch closer to power'. He said Tisza leader Peter Magyar did not care whether he was 'applauding [Prime Minister] Viktor Orban … or [European Commission President] Ursula von der Leyen from the front row … all he cares about is being in the front row.' Gulyás also said Magyar was not held accountable for any 'crimes he committed' because he was 'above the law' and 'clings to his immunity' as an MEP. 'We had already assumed that Hungarian interests don't matter to Tisza, as evidenced by the fact that in 2024 they joined the European People's Party which had filed a lawsuit to deprive Hungary of EU funding,' Gulyás said, adding that Tisza was also backing Ukraine's EU accession even though this went against Hungarian interests. Gulyás said that while it was clear that Tisza's actions were driven by its aim to boost its chances in the election, the most important question was 'why Brussels does what it does'. He said the answer was that Brussels wanted to replace Hungary's anti-migration and pro-peace government with one that 'will go against Hungarian interests whenever Brussels wants it to', supports the war and fast-tracking Ukraine's EU accession and 'would give up some sovereignty in Brussels's favour at any time'. 'But this is Budapest and not Brussels, Hungary and not the EU, and this is a sovereign country, not a province of the United States of Europe, and decisions here are made by the Hungarian people…' Gulyás said.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Uganda: Parliament makes payments through formal processes
The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa has dismissed allegations that Members of Parliament received Shs100 million for supporting the passing of the Coffee Bill. Tayebwa who chaired the sitting of the House on Wednesday, 09 April 2025 made the response after Butambala County Member of Parliament. Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi demanded an explanation from the leadership of Parliament on the allegations. 'The print media is awash with claims that each MP is receiving Shs100 million from the President. As head of this institution, I expected you to address the issue,' Muwanga Kivumbi said. The Deputy Speaker said that Parliament is accountable for what is officially budgeted, appropriated and spent through formal processes. 'I will not sit here and legitimise street talk. I have not received any coin nor have I received any call from anyone who has my money. If you know you have my money, please should bring it,' Tayebwa said. He cautioned MPs against using unverified claims to tarnish the image of Parliament. 'If you have dealings outside the institution, don't drag the House into it. We never approved any budget line labeled as a donation from the President to MPs. Smearing your colleagues to appear clean only brings collective disgrace,' he added. Tayebwa also encouraged any MP with credible evidence to report the matter formally. 'Write to the head of the institution so it can be investigated using the appropriate mechanisms,' he said. The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamison Obua dismissed the claims saying MPs are paid through a statutory process. The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi took to social media and alleged that MPs from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and a few opposition lawmakers had received the money for allegedly supporting the recently passed Coffee Bill. Ssenyonyi also alleged that the money was paid for support to the anticipated amendment of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Act. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda. Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an 'as is' and 'as available' basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release. The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
Zawya
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
President Museveni Officiates at Makerere University Research and Innovations Week
In his address, President Museveni reminded Ugandans that the lagging progress in science and technology was one of the main reasons Africa suffered colonial exploitation. He asserted, 'From the very beginning, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) recognised that this was one of the major bottlenecks for the progress of Uganda and Africa, as well as the survival of the African people.' President Museveni challenged the African populace to overcome the inferiority complex that has historically made them vulnerable to external aggressors, despite their capability to devise solutions to their own challenges. He praised Makerere University students for their impressive innovations showcased during this week, stating that it proves the Ugandan academic community is awakening from its long slumber. The President emphasised the imperative for human beings to leverage their superior cognitive abilities to harness technology and tame nature for development. He addressed recent criticisms regarding government funding allocations, specifically the 70% directed towards scientists, clarifying that while the arts are important, the nation must prioritise survival. He remarked, 'Shakespeare will not heal someone who is dying. The arts will be more appreciated when the foundation of the country is secure. The fundamentals of life – shelter, food, locomotion, defence – are the basic needs of society. The more a society is able to tame and harness nature for its own benefit, the more prosperous that society will become.' Expressing his satisfaction with the diverse innovations displayed, President Museveni thanked the university administration for responding to societal needs. He noted, 'The money we are allocating for innovations and research is merely endozo (jaribu, a sip, a taste); we shall provide more in the future.' The remarks by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, were delivered by Hon. Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, the State Minister for Primary Education. The First Lady recognised Makerere University's century-long contribution as a beacon of knowledge, research, and leadership within Africa, highlighting its commitment to innovative teaching, learning, and service. 'With the establishment of the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund, the Government of Uganda has reaffirmed its dedication to investing in research that addresses our most pressing challenges and positions Uganda as a leader in innovation-driven development,' stated the First Lady. To maximise the impact of research outputs, she urged for enhanced collaboration among academia, government, industry, and civil society. She emphasised that the week-long exhibition serves as a vital platform for fostering these collaborations, ensuring that research is translated into actionable policy and market-ready solutions. Chairperson of the Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara, affirmed the university's leadership in fostering local innovations that integrate the populace into a money economy. She noted that this initiative also addresses the issue of unemployment. Magara lauded the government's commitment to injecting 30 billion shillings annually into the University's Research and Innovations Fund, stating that it has expedited research efforts and bridged the gap between academia and various industry practitioners. Makerere University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barnabus Nawangwe, expressed pride in the institution's ranking as the most impactful university in the community, attributing this success to the establishment of the 30 billion shillings annual Research and Innovations Fund. He revealed that the university boasts over 500 products on the market that have emerged from their research endeavours, showcasing their dedication to improving the socioeconomic welfare of the people. The Makerere University Chancellor, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, reiterated the university's full alignment with the NRM's historical mission of building a self-sustainable economy through research and innovations, demonstrated by the remarkable solutions being exhibited at this week's event. Furthermore, the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero, called upon President Museveni to mandate that all procurements for vehicles for MPs, ministers, and all government agencies be sourced from Kiira Motors. Minister Musenero argued that this move would provide a ready market for the new local car production plant and foster its rapid growth. She expressed that the same approach should be applied to all domestically produced items developed by Ugandan researchers and innovators while highlighting key technology areas being implemented by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.
