Lirumba

31/01/2025

𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬: 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐟𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐎𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐬

Kampala, Uganda – [Date] – In a landmark ruling, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo has directed that all ongoing and pending criminal charges involving civilians in the General Court Martial (GCM) and other military courts must immediately cease and be transferred to civilian courts. This directive marks a significant shift in Uganda’s judicial landscape, reinforcing the constitutional principle that military courts are reserved for members of the armed forces.

The Chief Justice’s decision comes amid growing concerns from human rights advocates, legal experts, and civil society organizations regarding the trial of civilians in military tribunals. The ruling effectively curtails the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians, a practice that has been widely contested on constitutional grounds.

𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐬

Justice Owiny Dollo’s directive is grounded in Article 28 of the Ugandan Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial by an independent and impartial court. Legal experts have long argued that military courts, which operate under a different set of rules and procedures from civilian courts, lack the necessary safeguards to ensure fair trials for civilians.

“This is a significant step in upholding the rule of law in Uganda. The judiciary must ensure that every citizen is tried in the proper forum, and this ruling reaffirms that military courts are meant for military personnel, not civilians,” said a senior legal analyst.

𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠

Following the directive, all cases involving civilians that were previously under the jurisdiction of the GCM and other military courts will now be transferred to Uganda’s civilian judiciary for further legal proceedings. This affects numerous individuals who were facing charges ranging from illegal possession of firearms to acts of subversion.

Key legal and government institutions, including the Ministry of Justice, the Uganda Law Society, and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), are expected to coordinate the swift implementation of the Chief Justice’s directive.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲

The decision has been widely welcomed by human rights groups, who have long called for an end to the prosecution of civilians in military courts. Many argue that military tribunals do not provide adequate legal protections and often lead to unfair convictions.

“This ruling restores confidence in Uganda’s judicial system. Civilians should never have been subjected to military court proceedings in the first place. We hope the government fully implements this directive without delay,” stated a representative from the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

Meanwhile, some officials within the military establishment have expressed concerns about the ruling, arguing that military courts have played a role in maintaining national security. However, legal experts contend that such cases should be handled within the civilian judicial system, where due process is upheld.

𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬

The Chief Justice has tasked the judiciary with ensuring a seamless transition of all affected cases to civilian courts. The government is expected to issue an official statement outlining the mechanisms for implementing the directive and addressing any legal complexities that may arise during the transition.

This ruling is likely to have far-reaching implications for Uganda’s judicial and security landscape, potentially setting a precedent for future cases involving civilian defendants.

More details will follow as the situation develops.

30/01/2025

#𝐋𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚𝟐𝟒𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
𝐄𝐀𝐂 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐑𝐂 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬, 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞

Nairobi, Kenya – In a high-level diplomatic effort to address the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), leaders of the East African Community (EAC) convened an Extra-Ordinary Summit last night. The virtual meeting, chaired by Kenya’s President H.E. William Ruto, focused on the ongoing instability in eastern DRC and the increasing tensions between Kinshasa and regional players.

During the discussions, the Heads of State emphasized the urgent need for a political solution to the conflict and unanimously agreed that H.E. Félix Tshisekedi, President of the DRC, should engage in dialogue with armed groups operating in the eastern part of the country. The leaders acknowledged that military interventions alone have failed to deliver sustainable peace and urged a negotiated settlement to the conflict.

Furthermore, the summit resolved that the EAC should convene an urgent meeting with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to explore a collaborative and lasting solution to the crisis. This comes amid growing concerns over the presence of multiple regional forces in the DRC, with both the EAC and SADC deploying military missions in recent years.

Tensions in eastern DRC have intensified, with clashes between the Congolese army (FARDC) and the M23 rebel group, which has solidified control over key areas near Goma, the largest city in the east. The Congolese government has accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting the rebels—an allegation Kigali denies. Meanwhile, Kinshasa has sought greater military assistance from SADC and other international allies, raising fears of a broader regional confrontation.

The EAC Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and security, stressing that dialogue remains the most viable pathway to resolving the crisis. The summit communiqué, released after the meeting, outlines the next steps toward diplomatic engagement and regional coordination.

With tensions escalating and thousands of civilians displaced by the fighting, the urgency for a coordinated peace initiative has never been greater. All eyes are now on how the DRC government responds to the EAC's call for dialogue and the potential involvement of SADC in shaping a comprehensive peace framework for the region.

29/01/2025

What would you tell this Diva Irene Namubiru Morel?

29/01/2025

#𝐋𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚𝟐𝟒𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
“𝐔𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬”: 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐟𝐮𝐳𝐢 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐇𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫.

Prominent human rights lawyer Ladislaus Kiiza Rwakafuzi has been honoured with the Demilitarization Award by the Uganda Law Society, recognizing his lifetime dedication to advocating for an independent and demilitarized judiciary in Uganda.

In his acceptance speech, Rwakafuzi delivered a stark warning: “If we don’t stand up and demand the rule of law, Uganda shall go back to where we came from.” His remarks underscored growing concerns over judicial independence and rising authoritarian tendencies in the country.

𝐀 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞
Rwakafuzi’s legal career spans several decades, during which he has defended victims of unlawful detentions, extrajudicial killings, and government crackdowns on freedom of expression. He has been a fearless critic of the increasing militarization of Uganda’s civil institutions, calling for accountability and justice.

Despite suffering a stroke in 2019 that left him hospitalized at Nsambya Hospital in Kampala, Rwakafuzi remained undeterred in his pursuit of justice. His resilience has made him one of Uganda’s most respected human rights defenders.

𝐔𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚’𝐬 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭?
The Uganda Law Society’s Demilitarization Award is given to individuals who have made substantial contributions to promoting the rule of law and resisting military influence in civil institutions. Rwakafuzi’s recognition comes at a time when Uganda’s judiciary faces growing concerns about political interference, arrests of government critics, and shrinking civic space.

His warning serves as a wake-up call to legal professionals and civil society: Uganda stands at a crossroads, and failure to defend judicial independence could lead the country back to the dark days of repression.

As Uganda grapples with increasing government control over key institutions, will voices like Rwakafuzi’s be enough to turn the tide?

29/01/2025

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝟐𝟑 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐃𝐑𝐂

Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), January 29, 2025 — Over 280 Romanian mercenaries, previously seized by the M23 rebel group in Goma, have been released and arrived at Rwanda's Rubavu district, near the DRC-Rwanda border. They are scheduled to be flown out of Kigali International Airport today.

Reports indicate that the M23 rebels, who have solidified their control over Goma—the largest city in eastern DRC—were holding up to 500 mercenaries fighting for the Kinshasa government. The group has announced plans to establish an administration to govern Goma, signaling their intent for prolonged control.

Background of the Conflict

The M23 rebellion, named after the March 23, 2009, peace agreement that ended a previous Tutsi-led revolt, resurfaced in 2022 after years of dormancy. The group claims to defend Tutsi and Congolese of Rwandan origin from discrimination. Critics argue that this is a pretext for Rwanda to gain economic and political influence in the mineral-rich eastern DRC.

In 2012, M23 briefly captured Goma but was pushed back by the Congolese army with support from United Nations forces. Their recent resurgence has led to intense fighting, resulting in over 100 deaths and 1,000 injuries, overwhelming local hospitals. The humanitarian crisis is dire, with reports of rapes, looting, and attacks on health facilities. The conflict has displaced over 500,000 people in January alone.

International Implications

The capture of Goma by M23 has raised concerns about a potential broader regional conflict. Rwanda, accused of backing the rebels, denies involvement. The situation has led to diplomatic tensions, with protests in Kinshasa targeting embassies of countries believed to support M23. The United States has advised its citizens to leave the DRC amid escalating violence.

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation in the region.

26/01/2025

Inspector Jil announces new Song release to kick off the year 2025!

17/01/2025

!

25/09/2024

Forest Media and Kuuka Music is cooking!

25/04/2024

The Kadodi scene has been ablaze this year, and it's only fair to give credit where it's due. Hats off to the talented folks who've been dropping Kadodi hits left, right, and center.

First up, Titus Vybes with "Settinga" – a track that put the fearless men of Mt. Elgon on the map. Its infectious rhythm and proud cultural vibe will have us grooving for ages to come.

Then there's Tommy Teacher, whose track "Ku Podium" has been dominating the airwaves. Trust me, if you give it a listen, you won't be able to stay seated.

But let's talk about the master of Kadodi himself – Miko Big. With hits like "Zobole" and "Mwaka gwe Imbalu," he's been ruling the Kadodi space like a boss. "Mwaka gwe Imbalu" has been a personal favorite on my playlist, delivering those Kadodi vibes like no other.

Of course, we can't forget about Idd Masaba and the Nanyunza band, along with the late Betty Nafuna, who blessed us with timeless Kadodi anthems that will stay with us forever.

Now, let's talk about Isolo Wanting. After a period of silence, he's come back with a bang, dropping what I believe to be the biggest Kadodi hit of the year. "Wamba Isolo" is a masterpiece, thanks in part to producer Polshan, who brought his A-game to fuse Kadodi with a techno afrocentric sound.

Clocking in at six minutes, "Wamba Isolo" keeps you on your feet from start to finish. It's got everything you could ask for in a Kadodi track – from paying homage to tradition, to celebrating with drinks and dance, to pumping you up with energy and excitement. The ad libs are top-notch, making it an absolute joy to listen to.

But hey, don't just take my word for it. Hit the link and experience the magic for yourself. Trust me, you won't regret it.

DAMN!

Get ready to groove to the vibrant rhythms of "Wamba Isolo" by Inspector Jil, aka Isolo Wanting! This kadodi song is a jubilant celebration of the Bamasaba c...