Without placing allegations of human rights abuses in context, it is easy to call Obama or Cameron delusional despots. Last week, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, while on twitter, got into a heated exchange with a British journalist, one Ian Birrell. The journalist was accusing him of human rights violations, …

By Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi Opposition leaders propose ways out as government refuses to act Despite increasing pressure to cut taxes on fuel and ban export of food, the government has stuck to its standard `no intervention’ policy on prices. The recent 3% spike in pump price of fuel from Shs3500 …

By Mubatsi Asinja Habati Kotido is one of the oldest districts in Karamoja, an area that has often been referred to as the least developed part of Uganda. Karamoja has seen the brunt of violent cattle rustling and gun trafficking which have slowed down the general development of the area. …

By Andrew M. Mwenda Peaceful protest cannot be an end in itself; it must have an objective. The tactics must seek to persuade not to intimidate Over the last one month, opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye has made one of the most dramatic political comebacks in history. Having been humiliatingly …

By Mubatsi Asinja Habati Moses Lotyong, 19, is in P.3 at Panyangara Primary School in the remote district of Kotido in the drought- prone Karamoja. At Lotyong’s age many Ugandans from other parts of the country are in university. His 11-year-old sister is in P.5 at the same school. Lotyong …

By eriasa mukiibi sserunjogi Protests show beleaguered presidency ahead On May 12, the day of President Yoweri Museveni’s inauguration, the influential New York Times weighed in with a headline, “Protests Overshadow Inauguration in Uganda”. “Ugandans frustrated with their government turned out in overwhelming numbers and boisterous celebration Thursday to welcome …

By Achola Rosario Norbert Mao is the President of the opposition Democratic Party, one of the political organisations involved in the Walk-to-Work campaign that has been running for a month. He spoke to The Independent’s  Achola Rosario. Are we going to see a return to open disappearing of `enemies of …

By Andrew M. Mwenda How NRM internal power struggles have given FDC leader hero status Last week, President Yoweri Museveni’s inauguration was eclipsed by the dramatic return of opposition leader, Dr Kizza Besigye, from Nairobi, Kenya where he had been treated after being tortured by Ugandan security agents. Besigye’s triumphant …

By Shahid Javed Burki It is strange that Pakistan’s High Command could tolerate Bin Laden given that he had declared war on Pakistan. Osama bin Laden’s death in a firefight with United States special forces will profoundly affect Pakistan’s relations with America. The death of Al Qaeda’s leader deep in …

By Omar Ashour He was not a hierarchical Al-Qaeda leader but an inspirational head, a role better played when dead than alive. He lived a hero, he died a martyr…if they killed one Osama, a thousand others will be born,” says a comment on a Facebook group called “We are …