{UAH} 'Having read Norman Tumuhimbise's UNSOWING THE MUSTARD SEED

'Having read Norman Tumuhimbise's UNSOWING THE MUSTARD SEED, I am at a loss to understand why the police intervened to stop the launch of this book.

Tumuhimbise does not hide the fact that he "hates" the NRM and he gives his reasons why. The first reason was the incarceration of his father, a Sgt in the UPDF, for what he (Tumuhimbise) calls trumped up charges of "terrorism", this father having served 3 years in prison and exonerated by the Army Court after he had served the sentence. No apology from the UPDF, no compensation. His father remains at the rank of Sgt which he has had for the last 30 years. He thinks that discrimination is endemic to the force.

The second reason - a personal tragedy - was his experience as a police recruit at Kibalya Police Training ground where he was brutalised in training that seemed more like a guerrilla training regime than that of a civil police force and from which training he and several colleagues were dismissed due to health reasons when according to his confession, he (Tumuhimbise) did not suffer from health problems apart from some allergies.

Tumuhimbise thinks that he and his colleagues were expelled in order to make room for a group loyal to the regime.

The book has a chapter that is very critical of the FDC, the party to which he belongs or belonged. He notes how deeply divided the opposition (in this case the FDC) is and how it is peopled by selfish people and double dealers. He names names.

Then he has a chapter about the Piglets (MPigs) saga and how he and his friend, Mayanja, planned it and executed it. The book also contains information about his kidnap by the police, his detention and torture at Kireka and his time at Luzira prison and things that horrified him their such as homosexual rape, high HIV infections resulting from such rape - he mentions ruptured rectums - and prisoners being on indefinite remand.

The book also underlines Tumuhimbise and his colleague's non-violence form of protest and resistance and his determination to continue it, aware that it involves suffering and may even cost one their life.

What is intriguing about the book - for me - is Col Samson Mande's preface. Personally, I do not think it has helped his book. If he wants, Mande should write his own book.

There is also an article by one Phil Wilmot, obviously a Christian committed to human rights and non-violent protest. No indication is made in the book as to why Phil Wilmot is contributing to this book, other than that he supports Tumuhimbise's move.

I would be happy to hear the views of others who have read the book.'

@Rev Amos Kasibante

--

Allaah gives the best to those who leave the choice to Him."And if Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things." (6:17)

--
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