Uganda: Propaganda

Archives

March 30, 2010: In eastern Uganda, the recently reported that a disease outbreak was not smallpox, but chicken pox. The initial identification (which proved false) created quite a stir in eastern Africa. Medical experts who investigated the reports said that smallpox and chickenpox can be confused, and this time, definitely were. Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1979. However, many people are not completely convinced the scourge has been eliminated and believe pockets of so-called wild smallpox may still exist.

March 28, 2010: New evidence has emerged that that the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) murdered 321 people in December 2009 in the Congo. The LRA also kidnapped scores of children. It is believed that the LRA savaged the Congo's Haut Uele district (northeastern Congo) over a four day period. Allegedly the LRA cadres posed as Ugandan or Congolese military forces when they entered the villages. European media confirmed attacks occurred, but the death toll is uncertain. This is usually the case. The survivors flee into the bush and hide. No one knows how many people were killed and because of the area's relative isolation, it takes time for the word to reach outside investigators and security forces.

March 26, 2010: One person died and ten people were injured as Bugandan tribal mourners gathered in Kasubi. Officials said the people were hurt in a massive stampede as they gathered at the fire-damaged Bugandan royal tombs. The government is concerned about further demonstrations. Last year Bugandans rioted to protest what they perceive as government intrusions on tribal business.

March 17, 2010: Tombs holding the remains of several Bugandan (Baganda) tribal kings were damaged by fire. The tombs were located in Kasubi (near Kampala). A demonstration ensued after the fire and one person was killed. Tensions remain high between the government and the Buganda as the Bugandans claim the government is denying them traditional rights.

March 12, 2010: Lords Resistance Army (LRA) senior leaders may be hiding in western Sudan, specifically the southern part of the Darfur region. The Sudanese government denounced these reports. There is a propaganda angle for groups opposing the Sudan national government (Khartoum). Sudan's president Omar al-Bashir is under indictment from the International Criminal Court (ICC). So is LRA leader Joseph Kony. The Sudanese government at one time aided the LRA, and there is evidence that Sudanese intelligence provided logistical support, finances, and weapons. Sudan used the LRA as a tool for fighting Uganda. Uganda was aiding Sudanese rebels in south Sudan. The Sudan government has maintained it ended its support for the LRA years ago.