Here is a letter which Lt. Mabonga Herbert Matanda wrote to Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi while he was in that torture chamber, where he spent 19 days. He passed on the original letter to him, but took a picture of it, which he released yesterday.
Mabonga represents thousands of senior, mid-level and junior officers in all departments of UPDF, police and intelligence services who vehemently oppose the criminal system but are held captive and cannot speak out. The only difference is that Mabonga had the courage to speak out. We have long told the people of Uganda that each time we're arrested or abducted, these officers will approach us and tell us how they're more disgusted by the system than most people can imagine.
Those who agree with the system and its atrocities are a very small fraction who are privileged and benefit from the pervasive corruption and nepotism within the forces. I remain hopeful that one day, the patriotic officers will have enough courage to stand with the oppressed people of Uganda and live true to their oath to pay allegiance to the nation of Uganda and not the falling regime of blood and national shame. UGANDA WILL BE FREE!
The criminal regime has today charged and detained a law student on internship, Gloria Laker, for taking a picture of the trumped-up charges they're plotting against me and sharing it online. The same regime has been consistently saying they're not looking for me, even as they continue to raid my friends' homes, mount roadblocks on public roads, and maintain the siege at my home. WE SHALL OVERCOME!
#FreeUgandaNow
Fellow Ugandans and friends of Uganda!
Two months ago, Museveni yet again usurped the will of the people of Uganda and declared himself president on gunpoint. A day later, gripped by shame and fear, the military invaded my home to harm me, but I was able to evade them and go into hiding.
Over the past two months, the regime has looked for me everywhere. They have raided the homes of many colleagues and fellow leaders, mounted roadblocks and spot checks of vehicles and motorcycles, arrested and dismissed the police officers assigned to my campaign, raided our home in the village, and kept my home under siege. Well, they couldn't find me because the people of Uganda sheltered me and protected me.
Today, I am announcing my brief exit from the country to handle important work. Over the next few weeks, I will engage with our friends and allies all over the world before returning to Uganda to continue the push for freedom and democracy! For now, let's remain focused and united.
#FreeUgandaNow
I was very fortunate to meet and draw inspiration from the American civil rights icon, Reverend Jesse Jackson, who sadly passed on today.
In word and deed, Jesse Jackson taught us that the struggle for human rights is a universal calling to humanity as a whole. He also taught us that ordinary people, when organized and courageous, can successfully confront and topple or force to reform entrenched systems of injustice.
For us in Uganda who continue to fight for our basic human rights, his life serves as a timely reminder that moral courage will always outlive oppression. Despite facing hostility and imprisonment, he never abandoned his belief in the power of the people.
At a time when many young people are questioning whether peaceful struggle can truly cause change, Jesse Jackson’s legacy answers with a firm YES. But that is only if we persist, if we unite, if we believe, and if we refuse to give up even in the face of impossible odds.
May his soul rest in eternal peace. And may his example strengthen our struggle for a New Uganda where justice is a right, not a privilege.
UPDATE: Uganda Police Arrested and Expeled Sky News Reporter, Yousra Elbagir for filming them in trigger ‘action’
Bullet-proof clad Sky News African Correspondent Yousra Elbagir and her entire crew were arrested for filming Uganda police and military forces caught on camera beating up Bobi Wine Supporters.
Yousra recently interviwed dictator Museveni, and has been reporting on the atrocities being inflicted on Bobi Wines supporters in the aftermath of disputed Elections in Uganda which have been won by 81 year old Museveni since 1996.
As at press time, reports indicated that they were forced out of Uganda for their own safety.
This sky News journalist YOUSRA ELBAGIR has been arrested by Uganda police for filming the security operatives who were killing and abducting innocent Ugandans.
Sky’s @YousraElbagir is in Kampala as the Ugandan army is seen arresting supporters of the opposition leader during the country's election.
The military is fully deployed to the streets of Kampala and there is a total internet blackout as voters decide who they want in power.
Shd anything happen to this woman, whoever has been threatening her, MUST be held culpable! No one is above the law and no one is too bad for Justice! We've seen this woman even be held in a room, against her will by Presidential Advisors Full Figure and Nakiwala! Why is this ok?
I just received a call from a concerned Ugandan that Hajat Zurah has been attacked by unknown men around Nasser road and I have informed Police! We've seen people like Nsereko, Full Figure, etc threatening this woman! Why can't this matter be left to the Courts?! WTH?! @PoliceUg