15 Jul 2010 12:35 Africa/Lagos
Current State in Uganda
KAMPALA, July 15, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Ambassador Lanier delivers remarks on the current state in Uganda since the World Cup bombings:
"We don't think there is a permanent danger here. We have not issued a particular travel advisory. We however do warn American citizens to stay away from crowded areas, particularly crowded insecure areas."
"At present we have three FBI people here from the region who are assisting with the investigation. We are likely to get some more. We are expecting that in the next few days or so."
"We believe the Uganda mission is more important than ever now. In fact the entire AMISOM mission, which is of course Uganda and Burundi, is more important because Al-Shabaab has shown a willingness to kill civilians outside of Somalia. This was, I think President Obama characterized it as a deplorable and cowardly act and we certainly agree with that and so we hope to increase our support as needed and as requested by the Ugandans."
Source: US Department of State
Showing posts with label Uganda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Uganda. Show all posts
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
STATEMENT: Lord's Resistance Army Finds Safe Haven in Darfur
11 Mar 2010 07:17 Africa/Lagos
STATEMENT: Lord's Resistance Army Finds Safe Haven in Darfur
KAMPALA, Uganda, JUBA, Sudan and WASHINGTON, March 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Enough Project at the Center for American Progress today released the following statement:
The Enough Project confirms that a contingent of the deadly Lord's Resistance Army, or LRA, has taken refuge in areas of south Darfur, Sudan, controlled by the Government of Sudan. The possibility of rekindled collaboration between LRA leader Joseph Kony and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir - both wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, or ICC - should alarm policymakers and demands urgent international investigation and response.
The LRA originated in northern Uganda during the late 1980s. In addition to committing widespread atrocities in Uganda, throughout the 1990s and early 2000s the LRA served as a proxy for the Sudanese government in its war with the Sudan People's Liberation Army, or SPLA, in southern Sudan. In 2005, Kony publicly stated that the Bashir government supported the LRA as a proxy force to destabilize the south, a charge that Khartoum continues to deny despite considerable evidence to the contrary.
"The Khartoum regime's principal tool of war during its 21-year reign has been support for marauding militias such as the Janjaweed, the Murahaliin, and the Lord's Resistance Army," said Enough Co-founder John Prendergast. "Facing no consequences for this destructive method of governing, it is unsurprising that the regime is again providing safe haven for the LRA. Absent a cost for this, we will likely see the LRA unleashed again later this year to destabilize the referendum in southern Sudan."
With material support from Khartoum, the LRA quickly became one of the deadliest militias in Africa, known for gruesome mutilations of civilians and abduction of children to serve as fighters and sex slaves. Following failed peace talks from 2006 to 2008, the LRA morphed into a full blown regional insurgency with fighters in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, or CAR, and southern Sudan.
In late 2009, Enough received credible information that an LRA reconnaissance team was seeking to make contact with the Sudanese army at their base in Kafia Kingi, near south Darfur's border with CAR. In recent months, Ugandan forces have pursued the LRA into Congo, CAR, and southern Sudan, but are restricted from crossing Sudan's disputed north-south border.
Now, based on months of field research and interviews with government and United Nations officials in several countries, Enough can confirm that LRA units have reached south Darfur.
"This is a very disturbing development. The move by the Government of Sudan to provide the LRA with safe haven demands a firm, rapid, and well-coordinated response from the United States and its partners in the international community," said John Norris, Enough's Executive Director. "A failure to bring clear and consistent pressure on President Bashir and his allies for this latest outrage will only encourage the Sudanese government to commit further abuses, with a terrible cost for civilians on the ground."
Also today, Enough released a strategy paper by field researcher Ledio Cakaj detailing the continuing threat posed by the LRA to civilians in northeastern Congo. The report, "Between a Rock and a Hard Place: LRA Attacks and Congolese Army Abuses in Northeastern Congo," argues that much greater efforts must be made to protect civilians from a resurgent LRA and the predatory Congolese army.
Read the report at: http://www.enoughproject.org/publications/lra-army-abuses-congo
Enough is a project of the Center for American Progress to end genocide and crimes against humanity. Founded in 2007, Enough focuses on crises in Sudan, eastern Congo, and areas of Africa affected by the Lord's Resistance Army. Enough's strategy papers and briefings provide sharp field analysis and targeted policy recommendations based on a "3P" crisis response strategy: promoting durable peace, providing civilian protection, and punishing perpetrators of atrocities. Enough works with concerned citizens, advocates, and policy makers to prevent, mitigate, and resolve these crises. For more information, please visit www.enoughproject.org.
Source: Center for American Progress
CONTACT: Eileen White Read, +1-202-641-0779, eread@enoughproject.org,
for Center for American Progress
Web Site: http://www.enoughproject.org/
http://www.americanprogress.org/
STATEMENT: Lord's Resistance Army Finds Safe Haven in Darfur
KAMPALA, Uganda, JUBA, Sudan and WASHINGTON, March 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Enough Project at the Center for American Progress today released the following statement:
The Enough Project confirms that a contingent of the deadly Lord's Resistance Army, or LRA, has taken refuge in areas of south Darfur, Sudan, controlled by the Government of Sudan. The possibility of rekindled collaboration between LRA leader Joseph Kony and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir - both wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, or ICC - should alarm policymakers and demands urgent international investigation and response.
The LRA originated in northern Uganda during the late 1980s. In addition to committing widespread atrocities in Uganda, throughout the 1990s and early 2000s the LRA served as a proxy for the Sudanese government in its war with the Sudan People's Liberation Army, or SPLA, in southern Sudan. In 2005, Kony publicly stated that the Bashir government supported the LRA as a proxy force to destabilize the south, a charge that Khartoum continues to deny despite considerable evidence to the contrary.
"The Khartoum regime's principal tool of war during its 21-year reign has been support for marauding militias such as the Janjaweed, the Murahaliin, and the Lord's Resistance Army," said Enough Co-founder John Prendergast. "Facing no consequences for this destructive method of governing, it is unsurprising that the regime is again providing safe haven for the LRA. Absent a cost for this, we will likely see the LRA unleashed again later this year to destabilize the referendum in southern Sudan."
With material support from Khartoum, the LRA quickly became one of the deadliest militias in Africa, known for gruesome mutilations of civilians and abduction of children to serve as fighters and sex slaves. Following failed peace talks from 2006 to 2008, the LRA morphed into a full blown regional insurgency with fighters in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, or CAR, and southern Sudan.
In late 2009, Enough received credible information that an LRA reconnaissance team was seeking to make contact with the Sudanese army at their base in Kafia Kingi, near south Darfur's border with CAR. In recent months, Ugandan forces have pursued the LRA into Congo, CAR, and southern Sudan, but are restricted from crossing Sudan's disputed north-south border.
Now, based on months of field research and interviews with government and United Nations officials in several countries, Enough can confirm that LRA units have reached south Darfur.
"This is a very disturbing development. The move by the Government of Sudan to provide the LRA with safe haven demands a firm, rapid, and well-coordinated response from the United States and its partners in the international community," said John Norris, Enough's Executive Director. "A failure to bring clear and consistent pressure on President Bashir and his allies for this latest outrage will only encourage the Sudanese government to commit further abuses, with a terrible cost for civilians on the ground."
Also today, Enough released a strategy paper by field researcher Ledio Cakaj detailing the continuing threat posed by the LRA to civilians in northeastern Congo. The report, "Between a Rock and a Hard Place: LRA Attacks and Congolese Army Abuses in Northeastern Congo," argues that much greater efforts must be made to protect civilians from a resurgent LRA and the predatory Congolese army.
Read the report at: http://www.enoughproject.org/publications/lra-army-abuses-congo
Enough is a project of the Center for American Progress to end genocide and crimes against humanity. Founded in 2007, Enough focuses on crises in Sudan, eastern Congo, and areas of Africa affected by the Lord's Resistance Army. Enough's strategy papers and briefings provide sharp field analysis and targeted policy recommendations based on a "3P" crisis response strategy: promoting durable peace, providing civilian protection, and punishing perpetrators of atrocities. Enough works with concerned citizens, advocates, and policy makers to prevent, mitigate, and resolve these crises. For more information, please visit www.enoughproject.org.
Source: Center for American Progress
CONTACT: Eileen White Read, +1-202-641-0779, eread@enoughproject.org,
for Center for American Progress
Web Site: http://www.enoughproject.org/
http://www.americanprogress.org/
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Gospel Truth Music Ministry Condemns Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill
24 Feb 2010 14:35 Africa/Lagos
Gospel Truth Music Ministry Condemns Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Rev. Rizi Nasele Timane' and the Gospel Truth Music Ministry (http://www.rizigospel.com/) are voicing their support for Uganda's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and their distress at the new perils that the community faces under the country's proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
Homosexuality is already illegal in Uganda, but the proposed legislation would create a new offense of "aggravated homosexuality," punishable by death. An extraterritorial clause would require that even Ugandans living in other countries be extradited to face prosecution for offenses listed within the bill. The bill also proposes jail sentences for failure to report a homosexual act and for "promoting homosexuality," which could cover the activities of human rights groups, including organizations working on HIV and AIDS prevention.
Christianity is the most widespread religion in Uganda. In an open letter addressed to President Obama, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Timane' points out the disparity between the proposed legislation and God's law. She draws attention to the command in Micah 6:8 "to do justice, and to love kindness" as well as Mark 12:28-31 where "Jesus spells out the two commandments that encompass every other commandment," the second of which is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." "The proposed anti-homosexuality bill is in direct violation," Timane' states.
A lesbian reverend from Nigeria, West Africa, Timane' was one of the first people to identify as openly gay in Africa and knows firsthand the life-threatening effects of homophobia. Her letter continues, "The Ugandan anti-homosexuality bill is anti-human, anti-Christian and in violation of the fundamental rights that ALL people living in our world today are entitled to. It is in essence, government-legislated genocide." Timane' calls on all Christians to oppose the proposed law. She also writes, "I ask Uganda's president (Yoweri Museveni) and all Ugandan lawmakers, to please engage in dialogue with the rest of the world on the importance of protecting the rights of minorities."
On February 21, 2010, the ministry took spiritual action by conducting a prayer vigil at the Unity Fellowship of Christ church in Riverside, Calif., praying against the passage of the bill. A record of the vigil is posted in the video section of the Gospel Truth Music Ministry Web site.
In addition, the ministry will be offering monthly video devotionals at its Web site, starting Sunday, March 7, 2010. The devotionals will be video responses to the most often asked questions the ministry receives and occasional sermons on God's inclusive love for all people. "Gospel Truth Music Ministry is available to LGBT individuals 24 hours a day worldwide, including those suffering in Uganda," said Timane'. "We are a resource for anyone in need of encouragement or struggling to reconcile their sexuality with their spiritual faith."
The full text of the open letter is available at http://www.rizigospel.com/.
Contact:
Christina Thach
Gospel Truth Music Ministry
25876 The Old Road, Suite 247
Newhall, CA 91381
888-474-9423
thegospeltruthmusic@yahoo.com
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.
Source: The Gospel Truth Music Ministry
CONTACT: Christina Thach of Gospel Truth Music Ministry,
+1-888-474-9423, thegospeltruthmusic@yahoo.com
Web Site: http://www.rizigospel.com/
23 Feb 2010
17:00
CMA Announces Jimmy Dean, Ferlin Husky, Billy Sherrill, and Don Williams as Newest Members of Country Music Hall of Fame
22 Feb 2010
18:22
Comedian Bo Burnham to Tape First-Ever Special at the Newly Branded COMEDY CENTRAL's House of Comedy Live From House of Blues in Boston on Friday, April 16. The Performance Will Air As An Original One-Hour Special in Fall 2010
17:36
An Egyptian Actor's Controversial Theatrical Debut in LA
17:12
U.S. Census Bureau Facts for Features: Irish-American Heritage Month (March) and St. Patrick's Day (March 17): 2010
14:00
Justice Through Music Releases New Music Video To Galvanize Support Against California's Prop 8 Referendum Opposing Marriage Equality
Gospel Truth Music Ministry Condemns Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Rev. Rizi Nasele Timane' and the Gospel Truth Music Ministry (http://www.rizigospel.com/) are voicing their support for Uganda's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and their distress at the new perils that the community faces under the country's proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
Homosexuality is already illegal in Uganda, but the proposed legislation would create a new offense of "aggravated homosexuality," punishable by death. An extraterritorial clause would require that even Ugandans living in other countries be extradited to face prosecution for offenses listed within the bill. The bill also proposes jail sentences for failure to report a homosexual act and for "promoting homosexuality," which could cover the activities of human rights groups, including organizations working on HIV and AIDS prevention.
Christianity is the most widespread religion in Uganda. In an open letter addressed to President Obama, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Timane' points out the disparity between the proposed legislation and God's law. She draws attention to the command in Micah 6:8 "to do justice, and to love kindness" as well as Mark 12:28-31 where "Jesus spells out the two commandments that encompass every other commandment," the second of which is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." "The proposed anti-homosexuality bill is in direct violation," Timane' states.
A lesbian reverend from Nigeria, West Africa, Timane' was one of the first people to identify as openly gay in Africa and knows firsthand the life-threatening effects of homophobia. Her letter continues, "The Ugandan anti-homosexuality bill is anti-human, anti-Christian and in violation of the fundamental rights that ALL people living in our world today are entitled to. It is in essence, government-legislated genocide." Timane' calls on all Christians to oppose the proposed law. She also writes, "I ask Uganda's president (Yoweri Museveni) and all Ugandan lawmakers, to please engage in dialogue with the rest of the world on the importance of protecting the rights of minorities."
On February 21, 2010, the ministry took spiritual action by conducting a prayer vigil at the Unity Fellowship of Christ church in Riverside, Calif., praying against the passage of the bill. A record of the vigil is posted in the video section of the Gospel Truth Music Ministry Web site.
In addition, the ministry will be offering monthly video devotionals at its Web site, starting Sunday, March 7, 2010. The devotionals will be video responses to the most often asked questions the ministry receives and occasional sermons on God's inclusive love for all people. "Gospel Truth Music Ministry is available to LGBT individuals 24 hours a day worldwide, including those suffering in Uganda," said Timane'. "We are a resource for anyone in need of encouragement or struggling to reconcile their sexuality with their spiritual faith."
The full text of the open letter is available at http://www.rizigospel.com/.
Contact:
Christina Thach
Gospel Truth Music Ministry
25876 The Old Road, Suite 247
Newhall, CA 91381
888-474-9423
thegospeltruthmusic@yahoo.com
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.
Source: The Gospel Truth Music Ministry
CONTACT: Christina Thach of Gospel Truth Music Ministry,
+1-888-474-9423, thegospeltruthmusic@yahoo.com
Web Site: http://www.rizigospel.com/
23 Feb 2010
17:00
CMA Announces Jimmy Dean, Ferlin Husky, Billy Sherrill, and Don Williams as Newest Members of Country Music Hall of Fame
22 Feb 2010
18:22
Comedian Bo Burnham to Tape First-Ever Special at the Newly Branded COMEDY CENTRAL's House of Comedy Live From House of Blues in Boston on Friday, April 16. The Performance Will Air As An Original One-Hour Special in Fall 2010
17:36
An Egyptian Actor's Controversial Theatrical Debut in LA
17:12
U.S. Census Bureau Facts for Features: Irish-American Heritage Month (March) and St. Patrick's Day (March 17): 2010
14:00
Justice Through Music Releases New Music Video To Galvanize Support Against California's Prop 8 Referendum Opposing Marriage Equality
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