Justice for Rwanda, but how about Kenya and Uganda

26 years ago, a group of young brave men did something that I don’t think I can ever contemplate even under the influence of drugs. Numbering just 27 and with a less number of guns, they attacked a military installation with the aim of eventually overthrowing the Ugandan government of the day. They didn’t succeed at first, but five years later, they did and consequently changed the history of Uganda and later that of Rwanda, plus the region in general. The original 27 members of the NationalResistance Army were led by Gen. Yoweri Museveni and included names like Maj. Gen Fred Rwigema (R.I.P) and a 24-year old Paul Kagame, among others. This war that lasted 5 years, cost several lives and lots in terms of the property destroyed. On 26 January 1986, victory was declared and Pres. Yoweri Museveni was sworn in at the steps of the parliamentarybuilding in the company of some of his fellow fighters. Every year the National Resistance Movement (the ruling party in Uganda) has celebrated 26 January at colourful ceremonies where medals are awarded to various people for their role in the liberation ofthe country. At a ceremony held at Sebei College Tegres, in Kapchorwa District, our very own President Paul Kagame was among those who received medals for their contribution to the liberation struggle. For the uninitiated, Kagame did a lot for the NRA before becoming what he is today. He was awarded not one, but three medals for his contribution to freedom in Uganda. He received the Kagera medal, the Luweero Triangle medal and the Most Excellent Order of The Pearl of AfricaGrandmaster medal. I must admit I like the sound of the name of that last medal. Considering that the Rwandan government had already recognised President Museveni’s role for his contribution towards the RPF/A liberation struggle with medals at Amahoro Stadium a few years back, it was surely high time Kagame got recognition for what he called a “modest contribution.” To me that is justice. However it was justice served cold when Leon Mugesera finally found himself at Kanombe airport before officers of Rwanda National Police. He was deported from Canada to face trial for his role in events that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. All this happened after the aging linguist had exhausted all available legal loopholes to delay the flight to Kanombe. In Kenya, Justice Nancy Baraza who is now more famous for her nose pinching antics than her legal prowess, was also suspended by President Mwai Kibaki. In the same spirit, Kenya’s Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, and the Head of Public Service/Secretary to the Cabinet, Francis Muthaura, bowed to pressure and stepped aside from office after the ICC pre-trial judges confirmed charges against them.More importantly, questions remain as to why the issue of those who were displaced from mainly the Rift Valley area in Kenya has never been resolved to this day. These people have continued to live in IDPcamps while the politicians promise to solve their issue each time they stand before a microphone. In Uganda, the demolition of kiosks in Luzira town turned deadly when the bodyguard of a city council director went on a crazy shooting spree that would make seasoned game hunters die of envy. The bloody scene was caught on camera by a brave NTV cameraman. The whole bizarre incident left me wondering whether there is justice for the ordinary person if they happen to be in the same category referred to as the urban poor. Impunity was written all over theactions of the man who shot the civilians as he emptied his gun and even found time to briefly switch to a pistol as if to check whether it could also do the job. At the end of the day, one could not help but laugh at the irony of the fact in one moment the gunman was shooting residents of Luzira, and is now also a resident – but in the maximum prison facility located in the same area. Those are the wonders of this world. The Kenyan President must also feel justified for the honorary doctorate he was awarded by Makerere University at the just concluded graduation ceremony. Email: ssenyonga@gmail.comBlog: www.ssenyonga.wordpress.comTwitter: @ssojo81