KAMPALA – Andrew Karamagi, a renowned advocate, and his colleague Kato Tumusiime, are taking a bold stance against the inflammatory statements made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda.
Joined by colleagues from Kenya, Tanzania, together with their Kenyan and Tanzanian counterparts Gloria Kimani and Jebra Kambole respectively and other countries, they are addressing a pressing issue that affects national, regional, and continental stability.
“The situation is more than concerning,” said Karamagi. “As Ugandans and East Africans, we cannot sit back and watch as General Kainerugaba’s actions threaten the peace and security of our region.”
The problem began when General Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni, started making what they referred as ‘provocative statements’ that threatened the territorial integrity and sovereignty of neighboring countries.
They note that despite being promoted to General after a debacle with Kenya, Kainerugaba’s behavior has continued unchecked, with his father even apologizing on his behalf.
“We are not just talking about General Kainerugaba’s statements; we are talking about the implications of those statements,” said Tumusiime.
“We are talking about the potential for conflict, the potential for instability, and the potential for harm to innocent people.”
Karamagi and Tumusiime argue that Kainerugaba’s actions violate several laws, including the Uganda People’s Defence Forces Act of 2005, the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, and international treaties such as the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community and the United Nations Charter.
“We are not just talking about legal technicalities; we are talking about the principles of international law and regional cooperation,” said Karamagi. “We are talking about the need for countries to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
To address this issue, Karamagi, Tumusiime and their colleagues are undertaking two parallel processes. First, they are launching a citizens’ petition to the East African Community (EAC) Assembly of Heads of State, calling for General Kainerugaba’s punishment, as stipulated by relevant laws.
“We invite all East African citizens and Africans to sign this petition and join us in calling for accountability,” they said in their joint statement read by Karamagi and Tumusiime on Friday at Speke Hotel, Kampala. “We must stand together against impunity and demand that our leaders respect the law and the principles of international cooperation.”
Second, they are preparing to file a petition with the East African Court of Justice, challenging the legality of General Kainerugaba’s threats and provocations.
“We believe that the East African Court of Justice has a critical role to play in promoting regional stability and upholding the principles of international law.”
“We are confident that the court will take our petition seriously and render a verdict that upholds the law and promotes peace and security in our region.”
