President of Uganda
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In Judith Obina Okumu's imagination, Joseph Kony was a monster. As leader of the Lord's Resistance Army he'd fought a decades-long war against the government of Yoweri Museveni – displacing and destroying hundreds of thousands of lives across Northern Uganda in the process. But one day, a visit from a stranger would challenge Judith to face her fears. In her role as assistant private secretary to President Museveni, Judith was introduced to Joseph Kony's mother, Nora Anek. After three years of gaining her trust, Judith asked Nora if she would go to meet her son at his forest hideout and persuade him to engage with peace talks. What Judith didn't know was that the President wanted her to go too. She was convinced it was the last journey she'd ever make. But after 14 days of talks, Judith and Nora helped broker peace in Northern Uganda. Lives Less Ordinary is a weekly podcast from the BBC World Service that seeks out the most incredible true stories from around the world. Step into someone else's life and expect the unexpected. Each episode, a guest shares their most intimate and defining personal story. Listen for real-life accounts, unbelievable twists, and inspiring journeys, which prove just how extraordinary the human experience can be.Lives Less Ordinary is brought to you by the team behind Outlook, the home of human storytelling on the BBC World Service for nearly 60 years.Got a story to tell? Send an email to liveslessordinary@bbc.co.uk or message us via WhatsApp: 0044 330 678 2784Presenter: Jo Fidgen Producer: Anna Lacey
In this episode of The Long Form, I sit down with legendary journalist and thinker Charles Onyango-Obbo, a pioneer of East African journalism and a man whose career has intersected with some of the region's most defining moments.We talk about his frontline coverage of the Rwandan Patriotic Front during the 1990s civil war, the political legacy of President Paul Kagame, the uncertain transition in Uganda after Museveni, and which war-torn states—Somalia, DRC, South Sudan, Burundi—might surprise us in the next 15 years.Charles also reflects on media, memory, and mortality: Can great journalism still thrive in the age of short attention spans? Would he change anything? And what gives him hope — or fear — about the future of East Africa?Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HkkUi4bUyIeYktQhWOljcFollow Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya on Twitter: https://x.com/TheLongFormRwFollow Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongformrw/Follow Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@longformrwFollow Sanny Ntayombya on Twitter: https://x.com/SannyNtayombya About Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya:The Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya is a weekly podcast intent on keeping you up to date with current affairs in Rwanda. The topics discussed range from politics, business, sports to entertainment. If you want to share your thoughts on the topics I discuss use the hashtag #LongFormRw on Twitter and follow us on Twitter and Instagram on our handle @TheLongFormRwBe a part of the conversation.
The former journalist explains how she first met and started volunteering with Dr Anne Merriman, a Liverpool-born, Irish-educated doctor who founded Hospice Africa Uganda. Dr Anne died last month, shortly after her ninetieth birthday, and she is to be honoured tomorrow by Uganda's President Museveni for her work there
Leo shaba yetu inalenga taifa la Uganda ambapo rais Yoweri #Museveni pamoja na mkewe wameomba raia wa nchi hiyo msamaha kwa mabaya yote ambayo serikali yao imetekeleza kwa miaka 39. Je, unafikiri kauli ya Rais Museveni na Mama Janet kuomba msamaha ni ya kweli au ni ya kisiasa?Skiza maoni ya mskilizaji wetu.
Leo shaba yetu inalenga taifa la Uganda ambapo rais Yoweri #Museveni pamoja na mkewe wameomba raia wa nchi hiyo msamaha kwa mabaya yote ambayo serikali yao imetekeleza kwa miaka 39. Je, unafikiri kauli ya Rais Museveni na Mama Janet kuomba msamaha ni ya kweli au ni ya kisiasa?Skiza maoni ya mskilizaji wetu.
Dans le supplément de ce samedi, deux reportages consacrés à un mouvement de guérilla islamiste qui sévit en Afrique centrale, l'ADF, un des groupes les plus violents du continent, fondé en Ouganda dans les années 1990 pour évincer le président Museveni, il sévit dans l'est de la RDC. «ADF» est l'acronyme anglais pour Forces démocratiques alliées. Le groupe se présente aujourd'hui comme la branche de l'État islamique en Afrique centrale depuis que son chef a prêté allégeance à l'État islamique en 2017. Qui se cache derrière le groupe État islamique en Afrique centraleC'est l'un des groupes armés les plus meurtriers et les plus mystérieux de l'est de la RDC. Leur nom : les ADF, acronyme anglais désignant les Forces démocratiques alliées. Fondé il y a 30 ans par des Ougandais, le groupe se présente aujourd'hui comme la branche de l'État islamique en Afrique centrale, depuis que son chef a prêté allégeance au groupe terroriste en 2017. Nous nous sommes rendus à Kampala dans un centre de déradicalisation pour anciens combattants. Un centre qui a ouvert sa porte à un.e journaliste pour la première fois.Un Grand reportage de Florence Morice qui s'entretient avec Jacques Allix. Organisation État islamique en RDC: la mécanique de la radicalitéDepuis 2021, l'armée ougandaise a noué un partenariat avec la fondation Bridgeway. En plus des opérations militaires menées contre le groupe islamiste ADF, la fondation a mis en place un programme de réinsertion et de déradicalisation à destination de leurs anciens membres. Pour la première fois, en mars, les équipes ont ouvert leurs portes à RFI. Florence Morice a passé une semaine à l'intérieur du centre. Grand Reportage.Un Grand reportage de Florence Morice qui s'entretient avec Jacques Allix.
Canadian journalist Nora Loreto reads the latest headlines for Wednesday, May 7, 2025.TRNN has partnered with Loreto to syndicate and share her daily news digest with our audience. Tune in every morning to the TRNN podcast feed to hear the latest important news stories from Canada and worldwide.Find more headlines from Nora at Sandy & Nora Talk Politics podcast feed.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletterLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcast
I meet Bobi Wine as he visits London. He's seeking support for his campaign to rid Uganda of what he calls the ‘ brutal rulership' of President Yoweri Museveni who will have led the country for 40 years in 2026. That's when Uganda is scheduled to hold its next presidential election. Will Bobi run again? ‘Here I am,' he says, ‘Not that I'm the Alpha and Omega, not that I'm the ultimate. But I've said I'm available if I'm required to lead …' We look back at what happened at the last general election in 2021 which Bobi and his supporters say they won. ‘We defeated them, but the entire world watched as many of our campaign team was massacred….' I ask him how does he keep going after all the beatings, the torture, the house arrest? He replies: ‘I'm in a better state than so many of my comrades in the struggle. They get locked up, they get beaten and nobody knows. When I get arrested the whole world knows….So I keep going by looking behind me. I get the least of the oppression and the most of the attention. But my friends that suffer in the dark are not complaining. They keep going” What about your wife and 4 kids? Bobi says the whole family has agreed that although their activism is dangerous, it would be even more dangerous to give up. What did the recent by-election in Kawempe North, which Bobi's NUP won, tell him about how the general election is likely to be fought? There was well-publicised violence and claims of rigging.2026 will be a protest vote, Bobi says: ‘We know that we will win the vote. But I'm not sure if we will win the count.' Bobi reveals that he's in talks with Dr Kizza Besigye's Forum for Democratic Change about the possibility of collaborating as well as with other political parties. Dr Besigye's continued imprisonment, Bobi says, ‘is meant to intimidate all of us'. I suggest to Bobi that his popular support could be limited to his own tribe, the Baganda. The majority, if not all, of the Buganda constituencies vote for Bobi. He disagrees ‘ we won in the far west and in parts of the north…my wife comes from Museveni's tribe…my colleagues come from tribes scattered all over Uganda.' Looking ahead to next year's election, I ask Bobi what's in his manifesto? What are the issues he's running on? ‘Corruption is the cancer that's eating us' he replies. We touch on one of the most controversial issues in Uganda today: human rights particularly as experienced by the LGBQT+ community. A much younger Bobi Wine as a musician had been associated with homophobic lyrics. Today, he has a more nuanced approach to the matter: ‘The west should stop looking at the LGBT rights as the only human rights, otherwise they will provoke Africans and people of the world to start imagining that there's a hidden agenda. People get killed every day in Uganda and they should all have rights.” We end our chat on a rather optimistic note. “The future doesn't have to hold anything for me as an individual. I look at this as all of us. The future is robust. The future is hopeful.' #uganda#HEBobiWine#democracy#corruption#humanrights#africa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Seguimos con la segunda parte de la audioserie titulada "Érase una vez el Este", en ese viaje que realizaron a África los protagonistas de nuestra historia. Como ya sabéis esta serie o audioserie consiste en varios capítulos en los que se mezclan la realidad y la ficción y en los que hablamos de hechos históricos y de sucesos que están de plena actualidad. Y este proyecto de "Érase una vez el Este", es idea, como ya sabéis, de dos grandes amigos de LA BIBLIOTECA DE LA HISTORIA, como son Juan Lamas, malagueño, historiador, escritor y guionista, y Verónica, barcelonesa, actriz y cantante amateur y gran apasionada por la historia. Ellos son los artífices de esto y les agradezco su trabajo. Os dejo con el undécimo capítulo titulado "La caza de Joseph Kony. Seguimos en África. Porque hablar de otras zonas en el mundo que son el foco de atención global es ir a lo fácil. Nos salimos del camino trillado informativo y eso es incómodo para todos: para nosotros y para vosotros.. porque no estamos redundando en lo mismo y muchos de vosotros, quizá comprensiblemente, buscaréis otro Podcast que oír, sobre una temática más familiar y sobre lo que seguro que tenéis una opinión formada. Respecto a esos problemas geopolíticos globales.. ya sea Trump, Rusia/Ucrania encontramos ríos de información y desinformación. Pero hay lugares de los que cuesta mucho recabar cualquier información válida, como pasa con Uganda. Un país aunque no lo creáis, de la mayor importancia en el Continente Africano por su situación. Hoy además os hablaremos de su desconocida historia reciente y de un verdadero criminal. Un verdadero monstruo asesino. Su nombre es Joseph Kony. Él mismo se autodefine como un Luchador por la libertad y lo justifica todo por su oposición a Yoweri Museveni, presidente de Uganda desde 1986 al que a su vez califica como monstruo. Por desgracia Uganda en marzo de 2025 volvió a ser noticia: Por si no fueran preocupantes las noticias que vienen del Congo, el gobierno del presidente ugandés Museveni afirma haber desplegado unidades de operaciones especiales en la capital de Sudán del sur. Y os preguntaréis.. "Pero... A quién importa eso, si ni siquiera sabemos el nombre de esa capital de Estado?" Pues tened en cuenta que al desplegar sus soldados en la ciudad de Yuba, el presidente de Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, actúa como garante de la paz en la guerra civil que afecta al joven país entre Salva Kiir y el vicepresidente Machar, que gobernaban juntos en un delicado gabinete de unidad nacional. Y tened en cuenta que Uganda no actúa sola. La Unión Africana respalda aparentemente dicho movimiento. Es decir.. que sin la necesidad de injerencias de poderes extranjeros (Wagners, o la CIA) África trata de autogestionarse antes que sumirse en el caos. África sigue bañada en sangre: Sudán, Sudán del Sur, República del Congo, Mali.. y en esa convulsión nacen animales que creen ser Mesías, como Joseph Kony. Os hablamos de él y de los intentos rusos de cazarle en la República Centroafricana. Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals
Ep 423 MIKE SONKO SLAMS SAKAJA, TEACHER FROM HELL, UNBOTHERED MUSEVENI & TRUMP'S GOLD CARD
The lead attorney in the trial of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused says she's hopeful the rule of law will prevail in the country. This, after the Uganda Supreme Court ruled Friday that trying civilians in General Court Martial and military courts is unconstitutional. President Museveni has described the ruling as a “wrong decision.” Besigye and his co-accused Obeid Lutale are charged with the unlawful possession of ammunition and a firearm. Former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua, the leader of the 32-member defense team, tells VOA's James Butty, the court judgment will be relied upon as precedence not only in Uganda, but in the East African region and the world
Ep 400 ARTHUR SIMEON - MUSEVENI, RACISM, IMMIGRATION, PASSPORTS, LIFE & FAMILY Iko Nini Podcast
Matangazo ya nusu saa kuhusu habari za mapema asubuhi pamoja na habari za michezo.
Ce matin, les journalistes et experts de RFI répondaient à vos questions sur le réchauffement climatique, le procès de l'opposant Kizza Besigye en Ouganda et l'attaque du Jnim au Bénin. France/Algérie : retour sur l'expulsion ratée de l'influenceur algérien Expulsé en Algérie pour « incitations à la haine », l'influenceur algérien surnommé « Doualemn » a été refoulé dès son arrivée à Alger et renvoyé vers Paris. Pourquoi les autorités algériennes l'ont-elles renvoyé ? Que risque-t-il maintenant ? Plusieurs politiques s'élèvent pour dénoncer l'accord de 1968, liant la France et l'Algérie sur les questions migratoires. Que contient ce texte ?Avec Marie Casadebaig, journaliste au service France de RFI. Climat : le point de non-retour a-t-il été franchi ? 2024 a été l'année la chaude jamais enregistrée et la première à dépasser le seuil de 1,5°C de réchauffement fixée par l'accord de Paris. Quel est l'intérêt de cet accord s'il n'est pas respecté ? Est-il encore possible de freiner le phénomène ? À ce rythme, dans combien de temps la barre des 2°C de réchauffement pourrait-elle être franchie ?Avec Simon Rozé, chef du service environnement-climat de RFI. Ouganda : que reproche-t-on à l'opposant Kizza Besigye ? Dans son procès devant la cour martiale, l'ancien médecin personnel du président Museveni devenu opposant est désormais accusé de trahison. Kizza Besigye encourt la peine de mort. De quoi est-il accusé pour risquer la peine capitale ? Ce procès est-il un moyen pour le pouvoir d'affaiblir l'opposition avant la présidentielle de l'année prochaine ?Avec Florence Brisset-Foucault, maîtresse de conférence à Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. Bénin : 30 soldats tués dans une attaque jihadiste C'est la première fois que les forces armées subissent de si lourdes pertes. 30 soldats ont été tués à la frontière avec le Niger et le Burkina Faso dans l'attaque revendiquée par le Jnim, affilié à al-Qaida. Cet assaut révèle-t-il des failles dans le dispositif militaire déployé dans le nord du Bénin pour lutter contre le terrorisme ?Avec Jeannine Ella Abatan, chercheuse principale à l'Institut d'Études de Sécurité (ISS) au Bureau de Dakar.
À Kampala, c'est ce 13 janvier 2025 que doit reprendre le procès de l'opposant Kizza Besigye qui, selon son épouse, a été kidnappé il y a deux mois au Kenya, avant d'être transféré de force en Ouganda. Pourquoi le président Yoweri Museveni fait-il poursuivre son opposant historique par un tribunal militaire ? Est-ce parce qu'il en a peur, un an avant la présidentielle de février 2026 ? Florence Brisset-Foucault est maîtresse de conférence en sciences politiques à l'université Paris I et affiliée à l'université de Makerere, à Kampala. Elle répond aux questions de Christophe Boisbouvier. RFI : Depuis le 20 novembre, l'opposant Kizza Besigye comparaît devant la justice militaire ougandaise pour « possession illégale d'armes à feu dans le but de déstabiliser la sécurité nationale ». Est-ce que ce chef d'accusation est crédible ? Florence Brisset-Foucault : Alors, ce n'est pas la première fois que Kizza Besigye a été accusé de collusion avec des rebelles armés pour renverser le gouvernement. Ça avait déjà été le cas en amont de l'élection présidentielle de 2006. À l'époque, les accusations n'avaient absolument pas tenu et il avait finalement été blanchi. Pour cette fois, on ne sait pas encore, mais en tout cas, ça fait partie de ces formes classiques de décrédibilisation de l'opposition, qui sont utilisées par le régime.Alors ce qui frappe tout de même, c'est que Kizza Besigye, qui est médecin, qui est civil, comparaît devant un tribunal militaire ?Oui, tout à fait, et ça, ça fait partie des nouveautés, je dirais, des quatre ou cinq dernières années en Ouganda. Et ça continue, même s'il y a quelques années, en 2022, il y avait eu une décision de la Cour constitutionnelle qui disait que c'était illégal de poursuivre des civils en Cour martiale. Mais ça se poursuit et il n'est pas le seul à être dans ce cas. Il y a quelques jours, son avocat, Eron Kiiza, qui est lui aussi un civil, a été condamné à neuf mois d'emprisonnement pour outrage à la Cour par une Cour militaire également, en quelques heures et visiblement en toute irrégularité.Donc, ça ressemble à du harcèlement judiciaire ? Kizza Besigye disait lui-même, il y a quelques années, qu'il avait été arrêté des dizaines de fois et qu'il avait arrêté de compter. Donc oui, je pense que ce qualificatif est tout à fait idoine.L'épouse de Kizza Besigye, Winnie Byanyima, qui dirige le programme Onusida pour le monde entier, affirme que son mari a été kidnappé en novembre à Nairobi, puis transféré de force à Kampala. Ce n'est quand même pas très courant. Comment se fait-il que le Kenya ait laissé faire cela ?Oui, Winnie Byanyima a parlé de « paradis des kidnappeurs » pour parler de la capitale du Kenya, Nairobi. Donc, c'est évidemment une formule très forte. Là encore, Kizza Besigye n'est pas le seul opposant étranger à avoir été arrêté récemment dans la capitale du Kenya. Il y a eu aussi des opposants turcs, sud-soudanais, rwandais, nigérians qui ont fait les frais de cette pratique. Concernant les Ougandais, ce n'est pas le seul non plus. En juillet dernier, il y a une trentaine d'opposants ougandais qui s'étaient rassemblés du côté de la ville de Kisumu, dans l'ouest du Kenya, qui ont été aussi arrêtés violemment, puis mis dans des camionnettes et transportés de l'autre côté de la frontière pour être ensuite emprisonnés en Ouganda, donc ça faisait longtemps que ce n'était pas arrivé.Dans les années 1980-1990, le docteur Kizza Besigye était le médecin personnel de Yoweri Museveni. Mais, depuis 25 ans, il est son principal opposant. Il a aujourd'hui 68 ans, soit 12 ans de moins que le chef de l'État ougandais. Est-ce que Yoweri Museveni en a encore peur ? C'est difficile à dire. Cette arrestation a surpris beaucoup de monde, parce que Besigye n'était plus tellement sur le devant de la scène politique, c'était une autre figure de l'opposition, Bobi Wine, qui avait pris la suite, notamment lors de l'élection présidentielle de 2021, la dernière élection présidentielle, et Besigye était plutôt en retrait. Donc, on a été un peu surpris de cette arrestation. Moi, la manière dont j'interprète les choses, c'est que c'est une démonstration de force et une manière pour Museveni de montrer que c'est toujours lui qui tient les règles du jeu.À la présidentielle de l'an prochain, tout laisse penser que Yoweri Museveni, qui est aujourd'hui âgé de 80 ans, va se représenter pour un septième mandat. Quelles sont les chances de l'opposition face à lui ? Les chances de l'opposition… Elle est extrêmement fragmentée, éclatée, avec beaucoup de mal à créer des liens et à s'accorder pour une candidature unique. En 2021, Besigye ne s'était pas présenté, ce qui avait permis à Bobi Wine, entre autres, d'avoir un score tout à fait correct de 35 %. En tout cas, un score qui correspondait au score de Besigye à l'élection de 2016. Donc on ne sait jamais. Mais étant donné le passé récent, je ne suis pas très optimiste pour l'opposition.Depuis trois ans, l'un des fils de Yoweri Museveni, le général Muhoozi Kainerugaba, qui est chef d'état-major de l'armée ougandaise, aspire ouvertement à succéder à son père. Mais en septembre dernier, il a promis qu'il soutiendrait son père une dernière fois pour la présidentielle de 2026. Est-ce que ce fils impétueux n'est pas en train d'affaiblir le camp du président ? Ce qu'il faut voir, c'est qu'il y a aussi un autre joueur dans cette arène autour de la question de la succession. C'est le gendre en fait, qui s'appelle Odrek Rwabwogo, qui est marié à la deuxième fille du président, la pasteure Patience Museveni Rwabwogo, et qui a été au départ assez critique de Museveni, puis qui s'est rapproché de lui. Et il y a quelques mois, il y a eu une violente dispute entre Muhoozi, donc le fils, et Rwabwogo, le gendre, sur les réseaux sociaux. Et beaucoup d'Ougandais interprètent cela comme étant une dispute par rapport à la question de la succession.
Many Ugandans disagree with President Museveni's ban on police bonds which guarantee that suspects will show when required. They say it violates personal liberties and interferes with the law. Mugume Davis Rwakaringi reports from Kampala.
Ugandans rang in the new year with firecrackers and music while President Museveni, in an address to the nation, vowed to tighten security and improve the economy. Mugume Davis Rwakaringi reports from Kampala.
Dans l'est de la République démocratique du Congo, la stratégie de l'Ouganda n'est pas toujours facile à suivre. D'un côté, l'armée ougandaise soutient les Forces armées congolaises contre les rebelles jihadistes des ADF. Mais de l'autre, la même armée ougandaise est accusée de soutenir les rebelles du M23 contre les Forces armées congolaises. C'est pourquoi le chargé d'affaires ougandais à Kinshasa a été convoqué la semaine dernière par la ministre congolaise des Affaires étrangères. Pourquoi cet apparent double jeu ? Fred Bauma est le directeur exécutif de l'Institut congolais Ebuteli. Il répond aux questions de Christophe Boisbouvier. RFI : La semaine dernière, la ministre congolaise des Affaires étrangères a convoqué le chargé d'affaires ougandais à Kinshasa. Pourquoi cette mise en demeure ?Fred Bauma : La convocation du chargé d'affaires ougandais intervient après que le fils du président Museveni, qui est aussi le commandant de forces armées ougandaises, a publié une série de tweets. Dans ceux-là, il a insinué la possibilité d'envoyer ses troupes, pour s'attaquer à la présence de tout mercenaire européen. Mais il faut le voir au-delà d'un seul tweet. Le chef de l'armée ougandaise s'est distingué par sa série de tweets, qu'il fait régulièrement, souvent en fin de semaine, et qui sont menaçants non seulement pour la RDC, mais également par le passé pour d'autres pays comme le Kenya ou, récemment, le Soudan.Ce général Muhoozi ; ce n'est pas n'importe qui, c'est à la fois le chef d'état-major de l'armée ougandaise et le fils aîné de Yoweri Museveni, le président ougandais. Est-ce que les tweets de cet individu sont à prendre au sérieux ?Alors ces tweets qu'il porte très ouvertement et qui représentent, je pense, son opinion ne sont pas tout le temps contredits par le gouvernement ougandais. Ils ne sont contredits que lorsqu'il y a des protestations comme celle du gouvernement congolais la dernière fois ou bien du gouvernement kényan. Donc, on ne peut pas ne pas le prendre au sérieux.Par ailleurs, ce général Muhoozi est proche du président rwandais Paul Kagame, qu'il appelle « mon oncle ». Il est d'ailleurs à l'origine de la réconciliation il y a trois ans entre Kampala et Kigali !Exactement. Il est proche de Paul Kagame. En tout cas, il proclame sa proximité avec le président rwandais. On le cite également parmi les personnalités ougandaises qui ont facilité la conquête de Bunagana par le M23. Mais également, je pense qu'il y a une question de succession qui se joue en Ouganda où le fils de Museveni se positionne de plus en plus comme un potentiel remplaçant de son père s'il n'y a pas d'opposition en interne.C'est au mois de juin dernier qu'un groupe d'experts de l'ONU a accusé l'Ouganda de soutenir les rebelles du M23. On connaissait le soutien du Rwanda à ces rebelles. On connaissait beaucoup moins le soutien de l'Ouganda. Comment se matérialise cette aide de l'Ouganda aux rebelles ?Selon les derniers rapports du groupe d'experts de l'ONU, l'Ouganda soutient le M23 de plusieurs manières. D'une part, l'Ouganda ou certaines personnes qui sont proches de Muhoozi soutiennent le M23, en lui facilitant les rencontres diplomatiques dans la région. Mais également, l'Ouganda offre un lieu de passage pour les responsables du M23 et de l'AFC qui veulent se rendre dans des rencontres dans la région. Et enfin, on parle même de certains officiers, notamment des renseignements militaires ougandais, qui ont parfois été dans des zones occupées par le M23. Mais ce soutien est fortement démenti du côté ougandais. Mais ça, ce n'est pas quelque chose de surprenant.Et est-ce que l'Ouganda offre des facilités aux rebelles congolais de l'AFC, de l'Alliance du fleuve Congo, de Corneille Nangaa ?Oui, je pense qu'en offrant au M23 un soutien, l'Ouganda offre forcément aussi à l'AFC puisque les deux groupes semblent être les deux bords d'une même médaille, mais également les membres de l'AFC qui arrivent dans les zones occupées par le M23 passent, pour certains, forcément par l'Ouganda.Alors, on a un petit peu de mal à comprendre ce qui se passe dans cette région du Congo puisque dans le Grand Nord-Kivu (…) dans la région de Butembo, l'Ouganda est allié aux Forces armées congolaises contre les rebelles djihadistes des ADF. Mais en même temps, un peu plus au sud, toujours dans cette province du Nord-Kivu, l'Ouganda est allié avec les rebelles du M23 contre les Forces armées congolaises. Pourquoi ce double jeu ?Alors, on peut effectivement parler de doubles jeux, mais je pense qu'il faut aussi le regarder d'un point de vue des intérêts ougandais. L'Ouganda est exactement en opération militaire avec la RDC, l'opération Shujaa contre les ADF dans le Grand Nord-Kivu, dans la région de Beni. Et au même moment, on le crédite de soutenir le M23. Il faudrait peut-être se demander si l'aide que l'Ouganda accorde au M23 ne constitue pas une façon pour l'Ouganda de se rassurer, d'avoir le contrôle sur un acteur qui pourrait s'étendre jusqu'au bord de ses frontières comme c'est déjà le cas aujourd'hui, mais également d'avoir probablement le regard sur les actions d'un pays, le Rwanda, avec lequel l'Ouganda entretient depuis plusieurs années des relations assez tendues. C'est une relation qui est basée sur beaucoup de suspicions et donc j'imagine que l'Ouganda voit un intérêt à pouvoir avoir un regard sur ce que fait son voisin en RDC.Donc, en soutenant le M23, l'Ouganda veut s'assurer que le Rwanda n'a pas le monopole de l'influence étrangère sur le Congo Kinshasa ?Je dirais pour le moment que l'Ouganda veut se rassurer d'avoir le contrôle d'une rébellion qui occupe une partie de sa frontière du côté congolais.Alors, on imagine que le président Tshisekedi est au courant de ce double jeu ougandais. Et pourtant, il y a deux mois, il s'est rendu en visite d'État en Ouganda auprès de son homologue Yoweri Museveni. Pourquoi une telle mansuétude ?Alors, en privé, [il y a] beaucoup d'officiels congolais qui critiquent les ambiguïtés et les contradictions de l'Ouganda. Mais on voit bien que la RDC n'a pas choisi de nommer l'Ouganda autant qu'elle le fait sur le Rwanda, malgré son rôle ambigu.Et peut-être la RDC ne veut-elle pas ouvrir un 2e front diplomatique à l'est de son territoire ?Évidemment, ça lui demanderait encore plus d'énergie. Il faut dire aussi qu'il y a une double dépendance. La RDC semble dépendre de cette opération Shujaa pour contenir à un certain degré les ADF. Donc c'est une opération qui est particulièrement populaire au sein de la communauté Nandé qui est une communauté puissante et au sein de certains leaders de cette communauté. Également, l'Ouganda bénéficie largement de l'économie informelle et de l'économie illicite de cette région de la RDC. Donc il y a des intérêts de part et d'autre pour ne pas casser toute la relation.Et Yoweri Museveni a intérêt à ménager son voisin Félix Tshisekedi ?Absolument. Museveni a tout intérêt à ménager ses voisins. Mais je pense qu'il a aussi intérêt, au moins, à contenir les actions de son fils s'il le peut. Sinon, ça risque de mettre à mal pas mal de relations que l'Ouganda entretient avec la RDC, mais aussi avec d'autres pays de la région.Les militaires ougandais sont dans la région de Butembo. Les rebelles du M23 sont en direction de la localité de Lubero. Or, il n'y a que quelques dizaines de kilomètres entre Butembo et Lubero. Est-ce qu'il ne faut pas craindre dans les semaines qui viennent un face-à-face entre les militaires ougandais et les rebelles du M23 ?C'est une possibilité, évidemment, ça rappellerait des épisodes sombres. On se rappelle du massacre de Kisangani au début des années 2000.Plus de 700 civils congolais tués à Kisangani, en juin 2000, lors de la bataille entre Ougandais et Rwandais !Exactement. Il y a des risques, si on se retrouve dans la même situation, que ça crée de nouvelles personnes tuées. Mais au même moment, j'ai l'impression que le gouvernement congolais espère que l'Ouganda pourrait jouer une sorte de barrière à cette progression du M23. Tout cela, évidemment, est à regarder. Est-ce qu'on tend vers le progrès du M23 vers le territoire de Lubero, à l'approche de la ville de Beni ? Est-ce que ça va nous replonger dans un autre niveau de conflit régional ? Il faut espérer que ça n'arrive pas, mais il faudrait agir en amont pour qu'on n'en arrive pas là.
Serikali ya Sudan inaitaka Uganda iombe rasmi msamaha, kutokana na kile imekitaja kuwa ujumbe wa kuchukiza na hatari ulioandikwa na mkuu wa jeshi la Uganda Jenerali Muhoozi Kainerugaba, aliyetishia kuivamia Khartoum kijeshi.
Musseveni awataka vijana Uganda waache ushabiki wa soka wa timu za nje
Mpinzani wa Museveni afikishwa kwenye mahakama ya kijeshi Uganda
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni says his government is doing everything in its power to alleviate poverty, but that his administration alone cannot employ all the country's large number of unemployed youth. Addressing the nation Wednesday evening to mark Uganda's 62nd independence anniversary, the Museveni said his government is creating an enabling environment for citizens to be job creators. Reporter Mugume Davis Rwakaringi has more from Kampala
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has retracted an anti-US statement made by his son, General Muhoozi Kainerungaba, who also happens to be commander in chief of the Uganda Armed Forces. General Muhoozi told US Ambassador William Popp to apologize to President Museveni or leave Uganda for what Muhoozi called undiplomatic behavior. In a statement issued Monday, President Museveni said Uganda and the United States have had fruitful bilateral relations for over 60 years and that Uganda considers the US a key development partner. Nkunyingi Muwada, shadow minister for foreign affairs in the Ugandan parliament, tells VOA's James Butty, while there is remorsefulness in diplomacy, he hopes President Museveni will act against his son.
A Ugandan member of parliament is expressing regrets over remarks made by President Yoweri Museveni's son, General Muhoozi Kainerungaba, about the US ambassador to Uganda. The Uganda Monitor reports that General Muhoozi, who is also commander in chief of the Uganda Armed Forces, told US Ambassador William Popp to apologize to President Museveni or leave Uganda for what Muhoozi called undiplomatic behavior. Both General Muhoozi and the Ugandan military spokespersons declined our request for an interview. Nkunyingi Muwada, the shadow minister for foreign affairs in the Ugandan parliament, tells VOA's James Butty, that General Muhoozi's comments were provocative and non-diplomatic
On Daybreak Africa: Mozambique's Frelimo party gathered around 4,000 people for a final rally ahead of elections Wednesday when it is likely to maintain a firm grip on power, although with a change of president. Plus, Tunisians await results from Sunday's presidential election. An analyst says Sunday's Tunisia elections are a coronation of President Kais Saied. Kenya's Deputy President Gachagua, who is facing impeachment, asks for forgiveness from President Ruto. Democratic Republic of Congo starts mpox vaccinations. Monday is the day that Ugandan President Museveni's son has given for the US ambassador to apologize to President Museveni or leave Uganda. For this and more tune in to Daybreak Africa!
Uganda is considering denying citizens the chance to vote for their president, with tentative plans to have lawmakers elect one instead. Critics see the move as a way for President Yoweri Museveni to hold onto power. Josey Mahachi talks to Adolf Mbeine, a political scientist at Makerere University and DW correspondent Frank Yiga in Uganda.
P DIDDY'S ARREST, MUSEVENI, COMMENTATORS, TERRORISM & GEN-Z GOLIATH
P DIDDY'S ARREST, MUSEVENI, COMMENTATORS, TERRORISM & GEN-Z GOLIATH
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni this past week dismissed Kampala city officials for their failure to manage the garbage landfill that resulted in dozens of deaths, injuries, and loss of properties worth millions of Ugandan shillings. The government says the move is a warning to other government officials about the proper execution of their work. Reporter Mugume Davis Rwakaringi has more from the capital
Strength & Solidarity Season 6 will start in November. Meanwhile we're repeating some of our favourite shows from past seasons. This week we're revisiting episode 37, first released, November 9, 2023. Original Episode Description from November 2023: Uganda has become one of Africa's frontlines in the battle for LGBT rights. In 2014 a law was passed criminalizing same-sex conduct but it was nullified by the courts on a technicality. This year that same legislation was revived, passed again in parliament and signed into law by President Museveni. The penalties it prescribes include the death penalty and the queer community is vulnerable and anxious. Uganda lawyer Nicholas Opiyo talks about a litigation effort underway to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 and shines a light on the role of actors behind the scenes, including US Pentecostal activists. And in the Coda, a young Mexican disability leader finds inspiration and joy in a film about a brilliant generation of activists. For a list of supplemental readings and additional information about this episode's content, visit https://strengthandsolidarity.org/podcasts/ Contact us at pod@strengthandsolidarity.org
Nearly two dozen people are reported to have died after a landslide, including heaps of garbage, fell on houses in a Kampala suburb. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni offered condolences to the bereaved families and assured government support to the victims. Reporter Mugume Davis Rwakaringi has more from Kampala
Some Ugandan youth are planning to march to the country's Parliament tomorrow Tuesday to make known their frustrations over their government's handling of corruption. But speaking Saturday, President Yoweri Museveni told the youths to think twice about their planned action. Kiiza Eron, a Ugandan human rights lawyer & environmentalist and one of those who signed a letter calling on the police to respect the constitutional right of Ugandans to demonstrate, tells VOA's James Butty, the police should only deploy to help Ugandans exercise their constitutional right to protest.
On Daybreak Africa: Provisional results show that Mauritanian President Ghazouani has won re-election. We'll have an analysis of the new cabinet in South Africa's government of national unity. A senior Guinean military officer dies under suspicious circumstances. Uganda's parliament meets today (Tuesday) to reconsider an appropriations bill returned to the legislature by President Museveni. US immigrants bring compassion to Eswatini by transforming health care for the country's poor. For more of this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!
Uganda's parliament is scheduled to meet in a special session Tuesday to reconsider an appropriations bill returned to the legislature after President Yoweri Museveni refused to sign it into law. Local media reports say the president declined after accusing lawmakers of tampering with the measure without authority from the executive. The appropriations bill authorizes the expenditure of government funds. Ibrahim Ssemujju, a member of the Ugandan parliament, tells VOA's Peter Clottey, many of his fellow lawmakers do not read documents before approving them.
On Daybreak Africa: Amnesty International is concerned about police use of excessive force on peaceful Kenyan protesters. Plus, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa announces his government of national unity's cabinet. East Africa Community law makers call for suspension of delinquent member states after budget approval. The former leader of the opposition in Uganda's parliament defends receiving a monetary award from President Museveni. Who will Donald Trump pick for vice president? For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!
The Oscar and BAFTA-nominated Bobi Wine: The People's President, is set during Uganda's 2021 presidential election, where music star, activist, and opposition leader Bobi Wine, together with his wife Barbie, rallies supporters in a dangerous fight for freedom from President Museveni's 35-year regime. Join us for a special screening of the documentary, followed by a discussion examining the outlook for democracy in Uganda and the region. The Darryl G. Behrman Lecture on Africa Policy is held in memory of Darryl G. Behrman, who was originally from South Africa and had an abiding passion for Africa and international peace. The annual lecture is funded by members of the Behrman family.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has decried rampant corruption and says he is now ready to “crush” it. Museveni says fraud, mismanagement and malfeasance stems from public officials including those close to him at the state house and members of parliament. Reporter Mugume Davis Rwakaringi has more from Kampala
President Yoweri Museveni has praised the Christian churches for their role in breaking sectarianism, a major issue in Uganda's past regimes.He made these remarks at the Catholic Shrine in Namugongo during the Martyrs' Day celebrations on 3rd June.This episode features reports compiled by Nelson Mandela Muhoozi, Michael Odeng, Juliet Lukwago, and Ibrahim Ruhweza for New Vision.
Le rétablissement des finances du Ghana, toujours en défaut de paiement, est désormais suspendu à un jugement de la Cour suprême du pays. Elle a commencé à examiner la loi réprimant l'homosexualité votée en février. Si cette loi est jugée conforme à la Constitution, elle sera adoptée et le Ghana pourrait alors perdre le soutien de la Banque Mondiale. Les auditions prévues hier, mercredi 8 mai, devaient être retransmises en direct à la télévision. C'est dire à quel point ce débat passionne les Ghanéens à quelques mois de l'élection présidentielle programmée en décembre.Les juges ont finalement ajourné leurs travaux en demandant à l'un des plaignants, un journaliste qui conteste la loi, de réécrire sa copie, trop injurieuse, pas assez technique selon eux. Cette loi est très sévère : elle prévoit des peines pouvant aller jusqu'à cinq ans de prison contre les LGBTQ, et de la prison ferme également contre les proches qui ne dénonceraient pas ce choix sexuel.La loi a été votée sans opposition par les principaux partis, mais le président attend l'avis de la Cour suprême pour la promulguer. Nana Akufo Ado redouble de prudence par crainte de la réaction de la Banque mondiale.À lire aussiGhana : la loi anti-LGBTQ au début d'un processus judiciaireLes exigences de la Banque mondialeAccra n'a toujours pas résolu sa crise de la dette et a donc un besoin urgent de la Banque mondiale. Or cette loi anti-gay n'est pas compatible avec les standards exigés par le bailleur. La Banque mondiale a déjà suspendu deux fois ses versements après l'adoption de textes condamnant l'homosexualité en Ouganda. En 2014, le gouvernement fait très vite machine arrière. Mais en 2023, le président Museveni approuve la nouvelle loi pénalisant l'homosexualité et refuse de reculer sous la pression de la banque.Le plan BLa Banque mondiale pourrait annuler le prêt de 3,8 milliards de dollars accordé au Ghana. Le FMI pourrait suivre. Il assure un autre financement de trois milliards de dollars. Enfin, Accra redoute la réaction de ses partenaires européens. L'Allemagne a déjà fait savoir qu'elle réprouvait cette loi. Au moment du vote de la loi, le ministre ghanéen des Finances avait averti les parlementaires du risque couru, leur conseillant de chercher des financements alternatifs auprès des pays arabes ou de la Chine. Précisément ce que redoute la banque mondialeÀ lire aussiLe Ghana en défaut restreint de paiementLa Banque mondiale face à un dilemmeSoit elle transige sur ses valeurs pour assurer sa mission d'assistance aux États en détresse, soit elle reste fidèle à ses principes, mais risque alors d'être contournée, dépassée par des puissances du Sud global. La position qu'elle adoptera au Ghana sera attentivement suivie sur tout le continent africain, au moment où les États africains ont du mal à accéder au financement ; au moment aussi où les gouvernants comme les populations sont de plus en plus excédés par les conditions imposées par les bailleurs occidentaux, parfois en opposition frontale avec leurs valeurs. Une majorité de pays africains, une trentaine, interdisent l'homosexualité. Certains, comme le Niger ou le Kenya, envisagent même de renforcer la répression anti LGBTQ.À lire aussiLa Banque Mondiale s'inquiète du niveau d'endettement des pays en développement
After two weeks on strike, businessmen in Uganda have agreed to resume work on Monday after their leaders met with President Yoweri Museveni over the matter. President Museveni instructed the suspension of hefty fines imposed on defaulting traders and promised to sit with technocrats to seek for a suitable solution. Reporter Mugume Davis Rwakaringi has more from Kampala, Uganda
On Daybreak Africa: The UN rights chief calls for action to prevent violence in DRC. Plus, the US sanctions four former Malawi government officials for alleged corruption. East Africa is experiencing heavy rains. A Liberian political leader vows to continue engaging for fundamental change in the country. Namibia's Nama community rejects green-Hydrogen port. Uganda beefs up security as President Museveni prepares to meet with protesting five-day traders today, Friday. Jordan's King Abdullah says his country will not be a battleground in the Israel-Iran confrontation. For this and more tune to Daybreak Africa!
Uganda's President 79 year old Yoweri Museveni, has promoted his son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to head the military. His promotion comes amid a major cabinet reshuffle in which five ministers were sacked. Mr Museveni has denied speculation that he is grooming him as his successor. What do Ugandans make of it? Also an analysis of the recently approved Rwandan bill that, Rwanda says, will ensure the safety of asylum seekers from the UKAnd why the opinion about the police across the continent is very low!
In this bonus episode of The Cinematography Podcast, we interview Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp, who collaborated as directors on Bobi Wine: The People's President. The film is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Co-director and producer Christopher Sharp grew up in Uganda and was a fan of Bobi Wine's music. He met Bobi and his wife Barbie in London. Christoper says, “When I met him, he'd just run to be an independent member of parliament and he was sort of transitioning from being solely a musician into an activist and a politician. When he told me what he was about to sacrifice, it seemed pretty obvious that we needed to stick with him and see where it went.” Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu) had grown up in the slums of Kampala, Uganda and through his musical talent, had risen to become an extremely popular and famous Afrobeat musician. Bobi's music often communicates a socially conscious message aimed at political change. He put himself through university, where he met his wife Barbie. Political activism was extremely important to him, so Bobi successfully ran as an independent candidate for Uganda's parliament. He then decided to run for president against the dictator Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for 38 years. Christopher brought the idea of making the documentary to Moses Bwayo, a Ugandan journalist and filmmaker. Moses followed Bobi with cameras for five years, sometimes with a small crew, using a monopod and available light. Moses used the Sony FS7 and the smaller Sony Alpha a7 III. He often had to just run and gun, serving as both cameraman and director, documenting the tense and frequently dangerous situations Bobi, his family and Moses himself encountered. “We wanted to tell a story of this young, talented musician who comes out of the ghetto to inspire the nation, and he rises into politics and the coalitions he was building in parliament and the bills he was trying to bring. But, as we kept filming, it was very dangerous for him and there was a few attempted assassinations on him. More and more we realized the camera was actually a protection to him... So we just kept on going and going.” Uganda has been under the control of Yoweri Museveni since 1986. Museveni uses the might of the military police and his political operatives in Parliament to stay in power. When Bobi announced he was going to run for president against Museveni, the military police stepped up their aggressive attacks on him, his family and his campaign workers. “We knew that the closer we stuck with him and his wife and people close to him, it would bring some level of protection, and indeed, even the days I spent under house arrest with Bobby and Barbie, what worried us was that the military and police would break into the house at any moment. But I think what stopped them is when they knew that there was a cameraman in that house- it probably stopped them from breaking into the house.” Moses and the crew risked their lives to make the film. “I was arrested a few times. I was locked up in jail. I was interrogated, and I was shot in the face close to the election.” Fortunately, Moses recovered from his gunshot wound and the documentary continued. The political situation in Uganda had become very violent, so before they released the film, Moses and his family decided to flee and are seeking asylum in the United States. Though Museveni won election again through terrifying attacks and imprisonment of Bobi and his supporters, Bobi still goes back to Uganda and continues to risk his life to speak out against the government. “This story is still happening today. It's urgent. Christopher and I, we've been thinking maybe we should find a way to start filming again because the situation has not improved, and we have this incredible access, we have this story still happening right now. And the camera had become like a protection to them and now we feel like we're indebted to this struggle.
Uganda has become one of Africa's frontlines in the battle for LGBT rights. In 2014 a law was passed criminalizing same-sex conduct but it was nullified by the courts on a technicality. This year that same legislation was revived, passed again in parliament and signed into law by President Museveni. The penalties it prescribes include the death penalty and the queer community is vulnerable and anxious. Uganda lawyer Nicholas Opiyo talks about a litigation effort underway to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 and shines a light on the role of actors behind the scenes, including US Pentecostal activists. And in the Coda, a young Mexican disability leader finds inspiration and joy in a film about a brilliant generation of activists. For a list of supplemental readings and additional information about this episode's content, visit https://strengthandsolidarity.org/podcasts/ Contact us at pod@strengthandsolidarity.org
This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Tuessday, August 14th, 2023. Bohnet Music Academy Isn’t it about time to take action on how you're going to give your children and grandchildren a good music education? Moses, David, and all the Saints of the church have worshiped God with musical might, so let’s be confidently found doing the same. Bohnet Music Academy instructs children and adults in how to be musically literate. That’s everything you need to know and do as the musician God made you to be. Lessons are available locally in Moscow, ID and online. What’s great is that in addition to getting vocal training, you can also study the piano, guitar, violin, cello, drums, or the trumpet. Visit Bohnetma.com/crosspolitic for more information on how to equip your family to serve God’s musical commands. B-O-H-N-E-T MA.com/crosspolitic We start today’s newsbrief by heading to Hawaii. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/how-did-hawaii-wildfires-start-what-know-about-maui-big-island-blazes-2023-08-11/ Wildfires on Hawaii's Maui have killed at least 96 people, forced tens of thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate the island and devastated the historic resort city of luh-hai-nuh. It's the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. The Big Island of Hawaii is also battling wildfires, which have caused no fatalities. Firefighting crews were still battling flare-ups. The largest fire in Lahaina is 85% contained and has burned 2,170 acres (880 hectares), Maui County said. Another fire in upcountry/Kula is 60% contained and has charred 678 acres (270 hectares). Smaller fires elsewhere are now 100% contained. The fires, which started the night of Aug. 8, wreaked widespread destruction in Lahaina. The city of about 13,000 people on northwestern Maui was once a whaling center and the Hawaiian Kingdom's capital, and now draws 2 million tourists a year. Cadaver dogs searched Lahaina's charred ruins for victims, and officials said it was likely the number of dead would rise. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates it will cost $5.5 billion to rebuild the town. The Maui blaze is the deadliest U.S. wildfire since 1918, when northern Minnesota's Cloquet Fire, which raged for more than four days, claimed 453 lives, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The deadliest wildfire in U.S history, Wisconsin's Peshtigo fire in 1871, killed 1,152. Hawaii's fires also constitute the most lethal disaster to hit the islands since a tsunami that killed 61 people in 1960, a year after Hawaii became a U.S. state. Some Maui residents have questioned whether more could have been done to warn them. Witnesses said they had little warning, describing their terror as the blaze destroyed Lahaina in what seemed like minutes. Some people dove into the Pacific Ocean to escape. Sirens stationed around the island - intended to warn of impending natural disasters - never sounded, and widespread power and cellular outages hampered other forms of alerting. Hawaii Governor Josh Green vowed on Sunday to investigate the response and emergency notification systems. The causes of the fires have not yet been determined. The National Weather Service had issued warnings for the Hawaiian Islands for high winds and dry weather - conditions ripe for wildfires. Nearly 85% of U.S. wildfires are caused by humans, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Natural causes include lightning and volcanic activity. In Hawaii, less than 1% of fires are due to natural causes, according to Elizabeth Pickett, co-executive director of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization. The Hawaiian Islands have six active volcanoes, including one on Maui. The spread of flammable non-native grasses in areas of former farmland and forest has created large amounts of small, easily ignited materials that increase the risk and severity of fire. Record-setting heat this summer has contributed to unusually severe wildfires in Europe and western Canada. Scientists say climate change, driven by fossil fuel use, has led to more frequent and more powerful extreme weather events. What was Biden’s response to all this? https://nypost.com/2023/08/14/biden-slammed-for-no-comment-response-to-maui-wildfire/ Biden slammed for silence on Maui wildfire catastrophe President Biden had yet to offer a verbal statement Monday evening in response to the mounting death toll in the catastrophic Maui wildfire — the deadliest US blaze in more than a century — after spending the weekend sunning himself on the beach near his Delaware vacation home. The 80-year-old commander-in-chief avoided reporters upon his return to Washington Monday morning, walking directly across the White House lawn to the Oval Office without approaching the press to give a statement on the tragedy, as US leaders often do. The White House later put out a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, taking note of the carnage in Maui and detailing government resources on offer to beleaguered residents. “As residents of Hawai’i mourn the loss of life and devastation taking place across their beautiful home, we mourn with them. Like I’ve said, not only our prayers are with those impacted – but every asset we have will be available to them,” read the statement attributed to Biden. A day earlier, the president offered a stony-hearted “No comment” when asked about the death toll, which has climbed to at least 96. During a bike ride Sunday morning, Biden gave a similar unfeeling answer when asked about the tragedy. “We’re looking at it,” he said when asked if he planned to visit the Aloha State. Biden is currently scheduled to visit Wisconsin Tuesday and travel to Camp David Thursday to meet with the leaders of South Korea and Japan the following day. He is then due to travel to Lake Tahoe, Nev. and remain there until Aug. 24. Bloomberg reporter Justin Sink posted a photo of Biden lounging with a group of people on Rehoboth Beach Sunday afternoon, triggering outrage on social media. “I campaigned for you,” raged former Hawaii legislator Kaniela Ing early Monday. “Now, when I lose dozens of my friends, family, and neighbors. This?” “You’ll hear from the president on this,” Jean-Pierre promised. “I don’t have anything to announce at this time, but certainly, he’s the president and you’re going to hear from him.” https://www.breitbart.com/border/2023/08/13/exclusive-40k-migrants-apprehended-along-southwest-border-in-first-10-days-of-august/ 40K Migrants Apprehended Along Southwest Border in First 10 Days of August Border Patrol agents apprehended nearly 40,000 migrants along the southwest border during the first ten days of August. The Tucson and Rio Grande Valley Sectors reported more than 10,000 each. Unofficial reports obtained from law enforcement by Breitbart Texas reveal that during the first ten days of August, Border Patrol agents apprehended 39,324 migrants who illegally crossed the border between ports of entry. This is an average of 5,708 apprehensions per day. The Tucson and Rio Grande Valley Sectors reported 10,867 and 10,465 migrant apprehensions, respectively. The five Texas-based border sectors accounted for 23,119 of the 39,324 migrant apprehensions. Following a sharp drop in June, migrant apprehensions reportedly spiked again in July with the arrest of more than 130,000 migrants, the Washington Post reported. If the current apprehension rate in August continues, U.S. Customs and Border Protection could report the apprehension of nearly 177,000 migrants in August. Now this! https://www.reuters.com/article/uganda-lgbt-president-idAFL8N39R0ZU Uganda president defiant after World Bank funding suspended over LGBT law Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday denounced the World Bank’s decision to suspend new funding in response to a harsh anti-LGBTQ law and vowed to find alternative sources of credit. The World Bank said on Tuesday that the law, which imposes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts, contradicted its values and that it would pause new funding until it could test measures to prevent discrimination in projects it finances. The World Bank has an existing portfolio of $5.2 billion in Uganda, although these projects will not be affected. The anti-LGBTQ law, enacted in May, has drawn widespread denunciation from local and international rights organisations and Western governments, though it is popular domestically. Museveni said in a statement that Uganda was trying to reduce its borrowing in any case and would not give in to pressure from foreign institutions. “It is, therefore, unfortunate that the World Bank and other actors dare to want to coerce us into abandoning our faith, culture, principles and sovereignty, using money. They really underestimate all Africans,” he said. Museveni said that if Uganda needed to borrow, it could do so from other sources, and that oil production expected to start by 2025 would provide additional revenues. He added he hoped the World Bank would reconsider its decision. In June, the United States imposed visa restrictions on some Ugandan officials in response to the law. President Joe Biden also ordered a review of U.S. aid to Uganda.
This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Tuessday, August 14th, 2023. Bohnet Music Academy Isn’t it about time to take action on how you're going to give your children and grandchildren a good music education? Moses, David, and all the Saints of the church have worshiped God with musical might, so let’s be confidently found doing the same. Bohnet Music Academy instructs children and adults in how to be musically literate. That’s everything you need to know and do as the musician God made you to be. Lessons are available locally in Moscow, ID and online. What’s great is that in addition to getting vocal training, you can also study the piano, guitar, violin, cello, drums, or the trumpet. Visit Bohnetma.com/crosspolitic for more information on how to equip your family to serve God’s musical commands. B-O-H-N-E-T MA.com/crosspolitic We start today’s newsbrief by heading to Hawaii. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/how-did-hawaii-wildfires-start-what-know-about-maui-big-island-blazes-2023-08-11/ Wildfires on Hawaii's Maui have killed at least 96 people, forced tens of thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate the island and devastated the historic resort city of luh-hai-nuh. It's the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. The Big Island of Hawaii is also battling wildfires, which have caused no fatalities. Firefighting crews were still battling flare-ups. The largest fire in Lahaina is 85% contained and has burned 2,170 acres (880 hectares), Maui County said. Another fire in upcountry/Kula is 60% contained and has charred 678 acres (270 hectares). Smaller fires elsewhere are now 100% contained. The fires, which started the night of Aug. 8, wreaked widespread destruction in Lahaina. The city of about 13,000 people on northwestern Maui was once a whaling center and the Hawaiian Kingdom's capital, and now draws 2 million tourists a year. Cadaver dogs searched Lahaina's charred ruins for victims, and officials said it was likely the number of dead would rise. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates it will cost $5.5 billion to rebuild the town. The Maui blaze is the deadliest U.S. wildfire since 1918, when northern Minnesota's Cloquet Fire, which raged for more than four days, claimed 453 lives, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The deadliest wildfire in U.S history, Wisconsin's Peshtigo fire in 1871, killed 1,152. Hawaii's fires also constitute the most lethal disaster to hit the islands since a tsunami that killed 61 people in 1960, a year after Hawaii became a U.S. state. Some Maui residents have questioned whether more could have been done to warn them. Witnesses said they had little warning, describing their terror as the blaze destroyed Lahaina in what seemed like minutes. Some people dove into the Pacific Ocean to escape. Sirens stationed around the island - intended to warn of impending natural disasters - never sounded, and widespread power and cellular outages hampered other forms of alerting. Hawaii Governor Josh Green vowed on Sunday to investigate the response and emergency notification systems. The causes of the fires have not yet been determined. The National Weather Service had issued warnings for the Hawaiian Islands for high winds and dry weather - conditions ripe for wildfires. Nearly 85% of U.S. wildfires are caused by humans, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Natural causes include lightning and volcanic activity. In Hawaii, less than 1% of fires are due to natural causes, according to Elizabeth Pickett, co-executive director of the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization. The Hawaiian Islands have six active volcanoes, including one on Maui. The spread of flammable non-native grasses in areas of former farmland and forest has created large amounts of small, easily ignited materials that increase the risk and severity of fire. Record-setting heat this summer has contributed to unusually severe wildfires in Europe and western Canada. Scientists say climate change, driven by fossil fuel use, has led to more frequent and more powerful extreme weather events. What was Biden’s response to all this? https://nypost.com/2023/08/14/biden-slammed-for-no-comment-response-to-maui-wildfire/ Biden slammed for silence on Maui wildfire catastrophe President Biden had yet to offer a verbal statement Monday evening in response to the mounting death toll in the catastrophic Maui wildfire — the deadliest US blaze in more than a century — after spending the weekend sunning himself on the beach near his Delaware vacation home. The 80-year-old commander-in-chief avoided reporters upon his return to Washington Monday morning, walking directly across the White House lawn to the Oval Office without approaching the press to give a statement on the tragedy, as US leaders often do. The White House later put out a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, taking note of the carnage in Maui and detailing government resources on offer to beleaguered residents. “As residents of Hawai’i mourn the loss of life and devastation taking place across their beautiful home, we mourn with them. Like I’ve said, not only our prayers are with those impacted – but every asset we have will be available to them,” read the statement attributed to Biden. A day earlier, the president offered a stony-hearted “No comment” when asked about the death toll, which has climbed to at least 96. During a bike ride Sunday morning, Biden gave a similar unfeeling answer when asked about the tragedy. “We’re looking at it,” he said when asked if he planned to visit the Aloha State. Biden is currently scheduled to visit Wisconsin Tuesday and travel to Camp David Thursday to meet with the leaders of South Korea and Japan the following day. He is then due to travel to Lake Tahoe, Nev. and remain there until Aug. 24. Bloomberg reporter Justin Sink posted a photo of Biden lounging with a group of people on Rehoboth Beach Sunday afternoon, triggering outrage on social media. “I campaigned for you,” raged former Hawaii legislator Kaniela Ing early Monday. “Now, when I lose dozens of my friends, family, and neighbors. This?” “You’ll hear from the president on this,” Jean-Pierre promised. “I don’t have anything to announce at this time, but certainly, he’s the president and you’re going to hear from him.” https://www.breitbart.com/border/2023/08/13/exclusive-40k-migrants-apprehended-along-southwest-border-in-first-10-days-of-august/ 40K Migrants Apprehended Along Southwest Border in First 10 Days of August Border Patrol agents apprehended nearly 40,000 migrants along the southwest border during the first ten days of August. The Tucson and Rio Grande Valley Sectors reported more than 10,000 each. Unofficial reports obtained from law enforcement by Breitbart Texas reveal that during the first ten days of August, Border Patrol agents apprehended 39,324 migrants who illegally crossed the border between ports of entry. This is an average of 5,708 apprehensions per day. The Tucson and Rio Grande Valley Sectors reported 10,867 and 10,465 migrant apprehensions, respectively. The five Texas-based border sectors accounted for 23,119 of the 39,324 migrant apprehensions. Following a sharp drop in June, migrant apprehensions reportedly spiked again in July with the arrest of more than 130,000 migrants, the Washington Post reported. If the current apprehension rate in August continues, U.S. Customs and Border Protection could report the apprehension of nearly 177,000 migrants in August. Now this! https://www.reuters.com/article/uganda-lgbt-president-idAFL8N39R0ZU Uganda president defiant after World Bank funding suspended over LGBT law Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday denounced the World Bank’s decision to suspend new funding in response to a harsh anti-LGBTQ law and vowed to find alternative sources of credit. The World Bank said on Tuesday that the law, which imposes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts, contradicted its values and that it would pause new funding until it could test measures to prevent discrimination in projects it finances. The World Bank has an existing portfolio of $5.2 billion in Uganda, although these projects will not be affected. The anti-LGBTQ law, enacted in May, has drawn widespread denunciation from local and international rights organisations and Western governments, though it is popular domestically. Museveni said in a statement that Uganda was trying to reduce its borrowing in any case and would not give in to pressure from foreign institutions. “It is, therefore, unfortunate that the World Bank and other actors dare to want to coerce us into abandoning our faith, culture, principles and sovereignty, using money. They really underestimate all Africans,” he said. Museveni said that if Uganda needed to borrow, it could do so from other sources, and that oil production expected to start by 2025 would provide additional revenues. He added he hoped the World Bank would reconsider its decision. In June, the United States imposed visa restrictions on some Ugandan officials in response to the law. President Joe Biden also ordered a review of U.S. aid to Uganda.
This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Wednesday, May 31st, 2023. https://www.christiantoday.com/article/archbishop.distressed.by.attacks.on.christians.in.india/140278.htm Archbishop 'distressed' by attacks on Christians in India The Archbishop of Canterbury has lamented violent attacks on indigenous tribal Christians in north-eastern India. Archbishop Justin Welby said he was "distressed" by the reports of violence coming out of Manipur state in recent weeks. Writing on Twitter, the Archbishop said he was praying that "justice and peace would prevail" in the region. The violence, carried out by Hindu nationalists, has killed dozens and displaced around 10,000 people, mostly Christians. Many churches and buildings belonging to Christians have also been destroyed. The Archbishop said he was praying "that regional authorities would protect all minority groups, including Christians and their places of worship, and that justice and peace would prevail". Open Doors last week shared reports from Christian partners on the ground fear that the violence will lead to a civil war. They have expressed disappointment at what they see as a lack of action by the Indian government and local authorities to quell the violence. According to Open Doors, at least 300 churches have been burned or demolished and 1,000 Christian homes have been destroyed in Manipur in the last few weeks. The NGO is providing support to Christians caught up in the violence but has warned that conditions are "grim", and many are still fearing for their lives. "If the situation continues civil war is inevitable," said an Open Doors partner who cannot be named for security reasons. "If there is a civil war the situation will only become more gruesome, more lives lost, properties destroyed and further open persecution of religious minorities." https://taskandpurpose.com/news/taliban-humvee-m240-iran-fight/ The Taliban is using leftover American gear to fight a border skirmish with Iran A gunfight broke out between Iranian border guards and Taliban fighters along the border between Iran and Afghanistan this weekend. Fighting killed three people in the biggest escalation between the two countries over water. And the Taliban brought out a big gun to help. Video posted to social media offered an up-close view of the skirmish, inside an unexpected place: an Humvee kitted out with an M240 machine gun. If that looks familiar it’s because those are some of the pieces of military equipment captured by the Taliban, now put into use for fighting other parties. Other accounts shared online reported heavy machine gun fire, as well as purported use of mortars and other explosives. Outside of the Humvee, Taliban fighters were spotted using AK-style rifles and RPGs to attack the Iranian position on the border. At least three people are confirmed to have died in Saturday’s gunfight, although accounts vary on how many belonged to each side. The Taliban claimed at least one of its fighters was killed, while an Iranian paper said all deaths were on Iran’s side, per al-Jazeera. The fighting took place in the Nimroz province of Afghanistan. As a result, the border crossing between Milak and Zaranj in Iran and Afghanistan, respectively, closed (it was not where the fighting took place). Both nations accused the other of starting the gunfight. The fighting between the two nations broke out amid political fights over water rights. Drought has been a serious issue in Afghanistan for the last three years. The Helmand River flows from Afghanistan into Iran and is dammed on the Afghan side. Earlier in May, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi called on the Taliban not to restrict the flow of water. More than a year since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the group is using all kinds of seized American and NATO weapons. It’s not a new development. The Taliban regularly used captured American-provided equipment when fighting the U.S.-backed government. In the later years of the war, special Taliban units were spotted wearing American-style driving Humvees and even wielding weapons belonging to special operations units. During the fall of Kabul in 2021, Los Angeles Times reporter Nabih Bulos captured footage of Taliban fighters in the city dressed like special operations forces. When the U.S.-backed government fell and the Afghan security forces collapsed, the Taliban got its hand on a lot of leftover weapons and equipment. A 2022 report from the Pentagon’s lead inspector general for Operation Enduring Sentinel and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel found that approximately $7.12 billion in equipment was still in the country when the Taliban took over. That included everything from rifles to aircraft. https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/africa-uganda-gay-rights/2023/05/29/id/1121533/ Uganda Signs Anti-gay Law With Death Penalty for 'Aggravated Homosexuality' Uganda's president has signed into law tough new anti-gay legislation supported by many in this East African country but widely condemned by rights activists and others abroad. The version of the bill signed by President Yoweri Museveni does not criminalize those who identify as LGBTQ, a key concern for campaigners who condemned an earlier draft of the legislation as an egregious attack on human rights. But the new law still prescribes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality," which is defined as cases of sexual relations involving people infected with HIV as well as with minors and other categories of vulnerable people. A suspect convicted of "attempted aggravated homosexuality" can be imprisoned for up to 14 years, according to the legislation. Parliamentary Speaker Anita Among said in a statement the president had "answered the cries of our people" in signing the bill. "With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues the Members of Parliament for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of our country," the statement said. Museveni had returned the bill to the national assembly in April, asking for changes that would differentiate between identifying as LGBTQ and actually engaging in homosexual acts. That angered some lawmakers, including some who feared the president would proceed to veto the bill amid international pressure. Lawmakers passed an amended version of the bill earlier in May. Homosexuality was already illegal in Uganda under a colonial-era law criminalizing sexual activity "against the order of nature." The punishment for that offense is life imprisonment. The U.S. has warned of economic consequences over legislation described by Amnesty International as "draconian and overly broad." The leaders of the U.N. AIDS program, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Global Fund in a joint statement Monday said they "are deeply concerned about the harmful impact" of the legislation on public health and the HIV response. "Uganda's progress on its HIV response is now in grave jeopardy," the statement said. "The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 will obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat." That statement noted that "stigma and discrimination associated with the passage of the Act has already led to reduced access to prevention as well as treatment services" for LGBTQ people. Anti-gay sentiment in Uganda has grown in recent weeks amid news coverage alleging sodomy in boarding schools, including a prestigious one for boys where a parent accused a teacher of abusing her son. The February decision of the Church of England 's national assembly to continue banning church weddings for same-sex couples while allowing priests to bless same-sex marriages and civil partnerships inflamed many in Uganda and elsewhere in Africa. Homosexuality is criminalized in more than 30 of Africa's 54 countries. Some Africans see it as behavior imported from abroad and not a sexual orientation. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-oversight-committee-taking-steps-to-hold-fbi-director-wray-in-contempt-of-congress-over-biden-document Republicans to hold FBI Director Wray in contempt of Congress over Biden document House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer is taking steps to hold FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress after the Bureau notified the panel it will not comply with its subpoena related to a possible criminal scheme involving then-Vice President Joe Biden. The FBI, though, said Tuesday evening it remains committed to cooperating with Congress, and will provide access to the document "in a format and setting that maintains confidentiality and protects important security interests and the integrity of FBI investigations." Comer, R-Ky., has subpoenaed the FBI for a document that allegedly describes a criminal scheme involving Biden and a foreign national and relating to the exchange of money for policy decisions. The document is an FBI-generated FD-1023 form. Comer first subpoenaed the document earlier this month. The FBI did not turn it over and instead explained that it needed to protect the Bureau's confidential human source program. Comer set another deadline last week, giving Wray until Tuesday, May 30, to turn over the document. After the deadline was set, Wray set up a call with Comer for Wednesday, May 31. However, the FBI notified the panel it would not provide the document to the committee by the Tuesday afternoon deadline. He added, "Americans deserve the truth, and the Oversight Committee will continue to demand transparency from this nation’s chief law enforcement agency." In response, the FBI told Fox News Digital that the bureau "remains committed to cooperating with the Committee in good faith."
This is Garrison Hardie with your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief for Wednesday, May 31st, 2023. https://www.christiantoday.com/article/archbishop.distressed.by.attacks.on.christians.in.india/140278.htm Archbishop 'distressed' by attacks on Christians in India The Archbishop of Canterbury has lamented violent attacks on indigenous tribal Christians in north-eastern India. Archbishop Justin Welby said he was "distressed" by the reports of violence coming out of Manipur state in recent weeks. Writing on Twitter, the Archbishop said he was praying that "justice and peace would prevail" in the region. The violence, carried out by Hindu nationalists, has killed dozens and displaced around 10,000 people, mostly Christians. Many churches and buildings belonging to Christians have also been destroyed. The Archbishop said he was praying "that regional authorities would protect all minority groups, including Christians and their places of worship, and that justice and peace would prevail". Open Doors last week shared reports from Christian partners on the ground fear that the violence will lead to a civil war. They have expressed disappointment at what they see as a lack of action by the Indian government and local authorities to quell the violence. According to Open Doors, at least 300 churches have been burned or demolished and 1,000 Christian homes have been destroyed in Manipur in the last few weeks. The NGO is providing support to Christians caught up in the violence but has warned that conditions are "grim", and many are still fearing for their lives. "If the situation continues civil war is inevitable," said an Open Doors partner who cannot be named for security reasons. "If there is a civil war the situation will only become more gruesome, more lives lost, properties destroyed and further open persecution of religious minorities." https://taskandpurpose.com/news/taliban-humvee-m240-iran-fight/ The Taliban is using leftover American gear to fight a border skirmish with Iran A gunfight broke out between Iranian border guards and Taliban fighters along the border between Iran and Afghanistan this weekend. Fighting killed three people in the biggest escalation between the two countries over water. And the Taliban brought out a big gun to help. Video posted to social media offered an up-close view of the skirmish, inside an unexpected place: an Humvee kitted out with an M240 machine gun. If that looks familiar it’s because those are some of the pieces of military equipment captured by the Taliban, now put into use for fighting other parties. Other accounts shared online reported heavy machine gun fire, as well as purported use of mortars and other explosives. Outside of the Humvee, Taliban fighters were spotted using AK-style rifles and RPGs to attack the Iranian position on the border. At least three people are confirmed to have died in Saturday’s gunfight, although accounts vary on how many belonged to each side. The Taliban claimed at least one of its fighters was killed, while an Iranian paper said all deaths were on Iran’s side, per al-Jazeera. The fighting took place in the Nimroz province of Afghanistan. As a result, the border crossing between Milak and Zaranj in Iran and Afghanistan, respectively, closed (it was not where the fighting took place). Both nations accused the other of starting the gunfight. The fighting between the two nations broke out amid political fights over water rights. Drought has been a serious issue in Afghanistan for the last three years. The Helmand River flows from Afghanistan into Iran and is dammed on the Afghan side. Earlier in May, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi called on the Taliban not to restrict the flow of water. More than a year since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the group is using all kinds of seized American and NATO weapons. It’s not a new development. The Taliban regularly used captured American-provided equipment when fighting the U.S.-backed government. In the later years of the war, special Taliban units were spotted wearing American-style driving Humvees and even wielding weapons belonging to special operations units. During the fall of Kabul in 2021, Los Angeles Times reporter Nabih Bulos captured footage of Taliban fighters in the city dressed like special operations forces. When the U.S.-backed government fell and the Afghan security forces collapsed, the Taliban got its hand on a lot of leftover weapons and equipment. A 2022 report from the Pentagon’s lead inspector general for Operation Enduring Sentinel and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel found that approximately $7.12 billion in equipment was still in the country when the Taliban took over. That included everything from rifles to aircraft. https://www.newsmax.com/world/globaltalk/africa-uganda-gay-rights/2023/05/29/id/1121533/ Uganda Signs Anti-gay Law With Death Penalty for 'Aggravated Homosexuality' Uganda's president has signed into law tough new anti-gay legislation supported by many in this East African country but widely condemned by rights activists and others abroad. The version of the bill signed by President Yoweri Museveni does not criminalize those who identify as LGBTQ, a key concern for campaigners who condemned an earlier draft of the legislation as an egregious attack on human rights. But the new law still prescribes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality," which is defined as cases of sexual relations involving people infected with HIV as well as with minors and other categories of vulnerable people. A suspect convicted of "attempted aggravated homosexuality" can be imprisoned for up to 14 years, according to the legislation. Parliamentary Speaker Anita Among said in a statement the president had "answered the cries of our people" in signing the bill. "With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues the Members of Parliament for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of our country," the statement said. Museveni had returned the bill to the national assembly in April, asking for changes that would differentiate between identifying as LGBTQ and actually engaging in homosexual acts. That angered some lawmakers, including some who feared the president would proceed to veto the bill amid international pressure. Lawmakers passed an amended version of the bill earlier in May. Homosexuality was already illegal in Uganda under a colonial-era law criminalizing sexual activity "against the order of nature." The punishment for that offense is life imprisonment. The U.S. has warned of economic consequences over legislation described by Amnesty International as "draconian and overly broad." The leaders of the U.N. AIDS program, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Global Fund in a joint statement Monday said they "are deeply concerned about the harmful impact" of the legislation on public health and the HIV response. "Uganda's progress on its HIV response is now in grave jeopardy," the statement said. "The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 will obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat." That statement noted that "stigma and discrimination associated with the passage of the Act has already led to reduced access to prevention as well as treatment services" for LGBTQ people. Anti-gay sentiment in Uganda has grown in recent weeks amid news coverage alleging sodomy in boarding schools, including a prestigious one for boys where a parent accused a teacher of abusing her son. The February decision of the Church of England 's national assembly to continue banning church weddings for same-sex couples while allowing priests to bless same-sex marriages and civil partnerships inflamed many in Uganda and elsewhere in Africa. Homosexuality is criminalized in more than 30 of Africa's 54 countries. Some Africans see it as behavior imported from abroad and not a sexual orientation. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-oversight-committee-taking-steps-to-hold-fbi-director-wray-in-contempt-of-congress-over-biden-document Republicans to hold FBI Director Wray in contempt of Congress over Biden document House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer is taking steps to hold FBI Director Christopher Wray in contempt of Congress after the Bureau notified the panel it will not comply with its subpoena related to a possible criminal scheme involving then-Vice President Joe Biden. The FBI, though, said Tuesday evening it remains committed to cooperating with Congress, and will provide access to the document "in a format and setting that maintains confidentiality and protects important security interests and the integrity of FBI investigations." Comer, R-Ky., has subpoenaed the FBI for a document that allegedly describes a criminal scheme involving Biden and a foreign national and relating to the exchange of money for policy decisions. The document is an FBI-generated FD-1023 form. Comer first subpoenaed the document earlier this month. The FBI did not turn it over and instead explained that it needed to protect the Bureau's confidential human source program. Comer set another deadline last week, giving Wray until Tuesday, May 30, to turn over the document. After the deadline was set, Wray set up a call with Comer for Wednesday, May 31. However, the FBI notified the panel it would not provide the document to the committee by the Tuesday afternoon deadline. He added, "Americans deserve the truth, and the Oversight Committee will continue to demand transparency from this nation’s chief law enforcement agency." In response, the FBI told Fox News Digital that the bureau "remains committed to cooperating with the Committee in good faith."
South Africa grants diplomatic immunity to officials attending the BRICS summit in August. Russian President Vladmir Putin is expected to attend. Also, Uganda's President Museveni reacts to Ugandan Troops killed by Al-Shabab militants in Somalia. And we'll find out how incessant illegal gold and diamond mining is polluting rivers in Sierra Leone. Those stories and more in this podcast with Karnie Sharp.
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