{UAH} Army tags Otunnu, Besigye in rebel activities
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Army tags Otunnu, Besigye in rebel activities
June 15, 2016 Editor
The national army is demanding for an explanation from opposition
leaders Kizza Besigye and Olara Otunnu in relation to the recent
incidents unfolding in northern Uganda.
Army spokesperson Lt Col Paddy Ankunda said on Sunday that armed men
attacked Gulu Central Police Station with the motive of rescuing Dan
Oola Odiya, the Uganda People's Congress [UPC] deputy secretary for
mobilisation.
"Dan Oola and Mr Otunnu must explain their relationship with attackers
on a government police installation," Ankunda said.
Ankunda said nine attackers and their commander, David Opiyo, have
since been arrested after their failed mission.
Odiya who was supposed to be rescued by the group has already been
charged with treason and remanded to Gulu central prison.
The army doesn't explain how the UPC president is linked to the attackers.
Rebels or gangs?
Ankunda said more three UPDF soldiers had been arrested as part of the
30 others including a Major and Colonel who are accused of plotting a
coup.
Ankunda dismissed the branding of Gulu attackers as rebels calling
them "just gangs" and "amateurs".
"If they were organised, they could not have lost guns like that. But
are being led by someone."
Speaking on the matter, Gulu district Chairman Martin Ojara Mapenduzi
said it was difficult to tell what is going on and couldn't confirm
whether the attackers are rebels or not.
"We went to Opit [gunmen attacked a UPDF detach here] and have been
talking to people to get information. It is difficult to tell if they
are rebels," Ojara said.
UPDF 4th division commander Brig Kayanja Muhanga told Democratic Party
president Norbert Mao that the attackers were based in Oyam,
predicting that they could be former Lord's Resistance Army [LRA]
combatants.
Besigye mix
Appearing on KFM Hot Seat Monday, Ankunda said an attack on an army
installation is an "act of defiance", echoing Besigye's defiance
campaign.
Asked whether he thought Besigye was directly involved with the group,
Ankunda pointed out that someone must be behind the attacks.
"I can't say it was planned by Besigye…but these things don't happen
in isolation."
The state cites the video in which Besigye appeared to have taken oath
as the people's president saying it could incite a public uprising.
The arrested soldiers [who would supply guns] were allegedly part of
the group that would take to the streets in the said uprising.
Like Besigye, they will be charged with treason upon completion of
investigations.
FDC furious
Forum for Democratic change party has since challenged government to
produce evidence in courts linking the arrested soldiers with Besigye
and incarcerated Nakawa MP Michael Kabaziguruka.
FDC deputy secretary general Harold Kaija said the arrest and
detention of Kabaziguruka and linking him with the detained Entebbe
air force garrison commander, Col Odwee Dan Opit, is a clear sign that
the regime has failed.
Kaija reminded NRM handlers who said opposition has no support in the
army wondering why they are now arresting army and police officers
over Besigye.
Otunnu speaks
Appearing on NBS television Tuesday evening, Otunnu said UPC mobiliser
Odiya was abducted at gun point last week and the abduction was done
by police.
He called Odiya a good man since he has known him for years.
"He is innocent until found guilty."
Otunnu said what is happening to Odiya is wrong and rogue.
"He is a remarkable man. I have no hesitation to stand by him."
Mao weighs in
DP president Mao, on the other hand, says the Gulu attack was done by
UPDF soldiers who are disgruntled and tired of being used as tools.
He said Odiya was also in charge of polling day logistic in Gulu,
Amuru and Nwoya for the Amama Mbabazi campaign.
He was intercepted unknown gunmen about a week ago as he tried to get
a boda boda to go to his home and remained in detention for several
days without being produced in court.
"Our legal system is based on the presumption of innocence. The
continued detention of Odiya or for that matter any of the suspects
beyond 48 hours is therefore unlawful and a breach of their
constitutional rights."
Mao called upon the security organs of the state to adhere to the rule
of law and refrain from making politically motivated arrests.
Ankunda, Besigye, Big Story, Kabaziguruka, Odiya, Otunnu, soldiers,
Special Reports, UPDF
--
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June 15, 2016 Editor
The national army is demanding for an explanation from opposition
leaders Kizza Besigye and Olara Otunnu in relation to the recent
incidents unfolding in northern Uganda.
Army spokesperson Lt Col Paddy Ankunda said on Sunday that armed men
attacked Gulu Central Police Station with the motive of rescuing Dan
Oola Odiya, the Uganda People's Congress [UPC] deputy secretary for
mobilisation.
"Dan Oola and Mr Otunnu must explain their relationship with attackers
on a government police installation," Ankunda said.
Ankunda said nine attackers and their commander, David Opiyo, have
since been arrested after their failed mission.
Odiya who was supposed to be rescued by the group has already been
charged with treason and remanded to Gulu central prison.
The army doesn't explain how the UPC president is linked to the attackers.
Rebels or gangs?
Ankunda said more three UPDF soldiers had been arrested as part of the
30 others including a Major and Colonel who are accused of plotting a
coup.
Ankunda dismissed the branding of Gulu attackers as rebels calling
them "just gangs" and "amateurs".
"If they were organised, they could not have lost guns like that. But
are being led by someone."
Speaking on the matter, Gulu district Chairman Martin Ojara Mapenduzi
said it was difficult to tell what is going on and couldn't confirm
whether the attackers are rebels or not.
"We went to Opit [gunmen attacked a UPDF detach here] and have been
talking to people to get information. It is difficult to tell if they
are rebels," Ojara said.
UPDF 4th division commander Brig Kayanja Muhanga told Democratic Party
president Norbert Mao that the attackers were based in Oyam,
predicting that they could be former Lord's Resistance Army [LRA]
combatants.
Besigye mix
Appearing on KFM Hot Seat Monday, Ankunda said an attack on an army
installation is an "act of defiance", echoing Besigye's defiance
campaign.
Asked whether he thought Besigye was directly involved with the group,
Ankunda pointed out that someone must be behind the attacks.
"I can't say it was planned by Besigye…but these things don't happen
in isolation."
The state cites the video in which Besigye appeared to have taken oath
as the people's president saying it could incite a public uprising.
The arrested soldiers [who would supply guns] were allegedly part of
the group that would take to the streets in the said uprising.
Like Besigye, they will be charged with treason upon completion of
investigations.
FDC furious
Forum for Democratic change party has since challenged government to
produce evidence in courts linking the arrested soldiers with Besigye
and incarcerated Nakawa MP Michael Kabaziguruka.
FDC deputy secretary general Harold Kaija said the arrest and
detention of Kabaziguruka and linking him with the detained Entebbe
air force garrison commander, Col Odwee Dan Opit, is a clear sign that
the regime has failed.
Kaija reminded NRM handlers who said opposition has no support in the
army wondering why they are now arresting army and police officers
over Besigye.
Otunnu speaks
Appearing on NBS television Tuesday evening, Otunnu said UPC mobiliser
Odiya was abducted at gun point last week and the abduction was done
by police.
He called Odiya a good man since he has known him for years.
"He is innocent until found guilty."
Otunnu said what is happening to Odiya is wrong and rogue.
"He is a remarkable man. I have no hesitation to stand by him."
Mao weighs in
DP president Mao, on the other hand, says the Gulu attack was done by
UPDF soldiers who are disgruntled and tired of being used as tools.
He said Odiya was also in charge of polling day logistic in Gulu,
Amuru and Nwoya for the Amama Mbabazi campaign.
He was intercepted unknown gunmen about a week ago as he tried to get
a boda boda to go to his home and remained in detention for several
days without being produced in court.
"Our legal system is based on the presumption of innocence. The
continued detention of Odiya or for that matter any of the suspects
beyond 48 hours is therefore unlawful and a breach of their
constitutional rights."
Mao called upon the security organs of the state to adhere to the rule
of law and refrain from making politically motivated arrests.
Ankunda, Besigye, Big Story, Kabaziguruka, Odiya, Otunnu, soldiers,
Special Reports, UPDF
--
Disclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
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