Author: Sam K. Nkurunziza

The warrant was issued by Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, who was satisfied that Ssemakadde is on the run outside the country. The court has ordered Interpol to arrest him on sight.

The charges against Ssemakadde stem from allegations that he insulted the modesty of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo during a symposium in November 2024. The remarks, which went viral on social media, sparked public outrage.

Ssemakadde’s legal team had argued that he should not be compelled to appear in court in person, citing his illness and a pending High Court ruling. However, the prosecution insisted on his physical presence to formally address the charges.

This development marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against Ssemakadde, who is also facing separate charges for contempt of court.

The Uganda Law Society president has been at the center of controversy in recent months, with his comments sparking widespread debate about free speech and the limits of public discourse.

In an exclusive interview with Le Figaro, he reflected on his recent meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Qatar and addressed the region’s conflicts and resource challenges.

Tshisekedi and Kagame met in Doha under the mediation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The talks aimed to ease hostilities between the two nations, but no concrete agreements emerged.

“The meeting was conducted in a good atmosphere. The first step was taken with the support of Qatari envoys. The key issue was ensuring an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Talks must continue to reach a sustainable solution,” Tshisekedi said.

Despite efforts to engage the M23 rebel group in peace negotiations, talks in Angola collapsed after M23 refused to participate, citing sanctions imposed by the European Union on its leaders. Tshisekedi insisted that solutions must come through regional dialogue processes.

“The search for a definitive solution to the Congolese crisis is guided by the Luanda and Nairobi dialogue processes, initiated by the African Union and supported by regional organizations and the United Nations,” he said.

{{Mineral resources and military reforms}}

Tshisekedi also addressed concerns about the DRC’s vast mineral wealth and ongoing negotiations with the United States. He rejected fears of rushed deals and emphasized the need for fair trade agreements.

“What I absolutely want to avoid is a sell-off or rushed agreements,” he said. “The goal is a win-win partnership that allows the DRC to process its minerals locally, create added value, and develop a value chain.

As much as possible, raw material processing should take place here with investors who contribute to building the energy infrastructure that we lack.”

Another major issue is the presence of the FDLR, an armed group accused of harboring former génocidaires from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda sees them as a security threat, but Tshisekedi downplayed their influence.

“Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration are key. The FDLR is a residual force with no more than 750 fighters. It is insignificant compared to M23,” he stated. Tshisekedi acknowledged the weaknesses of the Congolese army, including corruption and poor pay, but noted ongoing reforms.

“Our army has about 100,000 soldiers,” he said. “A soldier’s salary was $100 per month, but we have now increased it. A soldier on the frontlines can now earn up to $500 per month.”

He also reaffirmed the DRC’s neutral stance on global conflicts, despite condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “We are not in conflict with Russia,” he said. “The DRC is an invaded country, just like Ukraine.”

Despite the ongoing challenges, Tshisekedi remains adamant that the DRC will not be divided. “I have always believed in the Congolese people’s desire for a united and indivisible Congo,” he asserted. “I promise you that it will not happen, at least not in my lifetime.”

At the event, held in Cheongju, South Korea, under the theme, “Building bridges for Korean reunification: Establishing legal and practical frameworks for peace”, close to a thousand domestic and international leaders gathered, outlining a comprehensive plan for a nationwide peace and unification initiative.

Spearheaded by HWPL, a UN ECOSOC-accredited international NGO, the “Together: connecting Korea” campaign, involving approximately 170 civic groups, aims to foster communication and harmony across Korean society.

The newly formed committee will focus on expanding socio-cultural exchanges between North and South Korea and establishing a robust foundation for future unification.

HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee said, “The expeditious path to unification lies in the implementation of free movement. It is imperative that we pursue unification through constructive dialogue without force. Our country must become a testament to peace. We should work together thereby future generations can be happy and our wishes can come true”

Ven. Seok Yeonhwa, Chairman of the Supreme Patriarch of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, detailed the committee’s future plans.

“We will unite people’s hearts through campaigns, expand the public understanding and support for unification through education, and conduct research on post-unification social and economic integration.”

Kim Yeong-geun, the 32nd Rector of Sungkyunkwan emphasized the critical role of civilian exchanges, calling for “a legal and institutional framework to ensure their continuity, regardless of political shifts.”

A cornerstone of the event was the presentation of a draft of “The Constitution Establishing a Unified Korea” by Professor Ciarán Burke of Friedrich-Schiller University Jena.

Developed by the HWPL International Law Peace Committee, this draft establishes legal foundations for a unified Korea, including denuclearization goals and a peace system that protects citizens’ rights and welfare.

“This initiative will be furthering the cause of Korean unification, of future stability, and ensuring that the region and the world is likely to remain a more peaceful place,” said Prof. Ciarán Burke.

Under this year’s global theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, the company showcased key initiatives that have set the pace for creating an equitable and inclusive workplace, with a strong focus on increasing women’s participation in the industry.

As the longest serving brewery in the country since 1957, operating in the manufacturing sector that has traditionally been dominated by men, BRALIRWA Plc has taken intentional strides to change this narrative where women now make up 50% of the management team, with also a significant increase in the number of women working in supply chain functions.

“Over the past years, we have doubled the number of women in our workforce, with many now holding key positions across all functions. We have been very intentional in implementing progressive policies and initiatives because we believe that our teams and our company will thrive if we combine performance, inclusion, and diversity,” said Laetitia Uwera, Human Resources Director at BRALIRWA.

As part of the HEINEKEN Company, BRALIRWA offers its female employees unique access to global leadership development programs, such as international assignments and the Women Interactive Network (WIN) among others.

Female talents are also given the opportunity to join the ‘Lift Her Up’ program by Gate Consult, where participants benefit from a nine-month mentorship program focused on leadership growth and professional development.

According to Ethel Emma-Uche, BRALIRWA Managing Director, this year’s theme is a reminder of the need to speed up effort to improve gender balance as well as striving for an inclusive and equitable workplace.

“As a consumer company, we recognize that diversity is critical to our success. Our products serve a broad customer base, and a diverse workforce ensures that we better understand and meet their needs. Gender inclusion is a priority, and we are committed to expanding opportunities for women at all levels,” said Ethel.

One of the company’s standout policies is its enhanced parental leave where women are given 18 weeks of maternity leave and men receive 14 days of paternity leave, as a bid to support employees in their work life balance.

As BRALIRWA continues to champion diversity and inclusion in the manufacturing sector, the leadership ascertains that creating opportunities for all enhances business performance.

“As we accelerate action, we must look beyond gender and embrace diversity in all its forms because when we create equal opportunities for all, we unlock better business outcomes and a more sustainable future for everyone,” said Ethel.

A curfew remained in effect for the second consecutive day on Wednesday March 19, 2025, across 10 police jurisdictions of Nagpur, a day after more than 50 people were detained amid violence sparked by protests against Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb.

State lawmaker Chandrashekhar Bawankule said 34 police personnel and five civilians were injured during the violence while several houses and vehicles sustained damage.

Senior police officer Ravinder Singal confirmed that at least 50 people had been arrested. Police earlier said at least 15 officers were injured in the clashes and one of them was in serious condition.

The violence erupted after right-wing Hindu group Vishwa Hindu Parishad burned an effigy of Aurangzeb, demanding that the government raze his tomb in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, formally called Aurangabad.

They claimed the tomb was a reminder of “centuries of oppression, atrocities, and slavery” of Hindus during Muslim rule in India.

The agitation by Hindu groups started after the release of Bollywood film Chhaava, which portrayed Aurangzeb’s execution of a local Hindu king called Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.

The chief minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, said in the state assembly that “Chhaava has ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb.”

In Nagpur, tension escalated when rumors spread that a Muslim holy book had been desecrated during the effigy burning. Muslim groups marched near a police station, leading to stone-pelting and attacks by masked individuals carrying weapons.

Mr Fadnavis condemned the violence and ordered strict action. “I have told the police commissioner to take whatever strict steps are necessary,” he said. He had earlier said the violence looked like it was “a well-planned attack”.

On the second day of the curfew, shops and businesses in central Nagpur remained shut as security was heightened across the city. Security was also tightened around Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad town.

Maharashtra’s deputy director general of police, Rashmi Shukla, instructed district police chiefs to watch carefully for even minor incidents that could spark unrest, according to The Indian Express.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad denied involvement in the clashes. The group’s general secretary, Milind Parande, said in a video message that they wanted a Maratha memorial to be built in place of the tomb.

According to Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson ASP Elly Maate, the incident occurred on March 17, 2025, at around 2:00 PM when Usanase reportedly attacked a fellow Rwandan and stole his belongings.

Witnesses, believed to be Rwandese nationals, pursued him as he fled across the border into Uganda through a porous entry point. The mob caught up with him, stoned him to death, and then fled back into Rwanda.

“The deceased had a long history of being a known thief. His body was found with bruises and injuries all over,” Maate stated.

Katuna Police Station was alerted about the incident by OC Station Katuna, Engemu Moses, who reported the matter and led a team of officers to the crime scene. The Kabale District Police Commander and the District Criminal Investigations Officer also deployed officers to examine and document the scene.

Maate confirmed that a murder case file has been opened, and investigations are ongoing. “We are carrying out inquiries into the matter. Suspects are still at large,” he added.

A postmortem was conducted as part of the police inquiry, but no arrests have been made yet. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and the identities of the attackers.

The suspect, identified as Francis Ocaya, alias Lawinyo, allegedly killed his wife, Nancy Adoch, and their children, Robinson Akena, 10, Canon Omara, 5, and Nancy Aloyo, 3, in their home in Tepwoyo West Village, Mucwini West Sub-County, Kitgum District.

“We are at the crime scene in Mucwini West, where a man killed his three children and their mother. We are actively tracking him down,” said Joe Oloya, spokesperson for the Aswa East Regional Police.

An eight-year-old girl, Sandra Lakica, survived the attack with life-threatening injuries and is receiving treatment at Kitgum General Hospital.

According to police, Ocaya allegedly attacked his wife and children with a knife after a heated argument with Adoch. He then reportedly dumped the bodies inside their main house and set it ablaze before fleeing.

“The fire attracted neighbors, who managed to rescue one of the children. However, Ocaya had already escaped,” Oloya said. Authorities are investigating claims that Ocaya later took his own life after committing the murders, though his body has not yet been found.

Security forces were by Wednesday morning still combing nearby bushes in search of him. Local leaders say the killings may have been triggered by Ocaya’s recent HIV diagnosis.

“He had tested positive for HIV and accused Adoch of infecting him. This led to a bitter quarrel that ended in bloodshed,” said Smith Opon, the district councillor for Mucwini West Sub-County.

Opon described the incident as unprecedented. “We are still in shock. This is the first time a man has wiped out almost his entire family in a domestic dispute,” he added.

The murders have added to growing concerns about rising domestic violence in the Acholi sub-region. The 2023 annual police crime report recorded 119 murders in the Acholi sub-region, translating to an average of nine killings per month.

Kitgum District recorded the highest number of murder cases (34), followed by Gulu (28), Omoro (27), Pader (18), and Nwoya (12). “The leading causes of these killings include domestic violence, shootings, stabbings, and assaults,” the report noted.

As police intensify their search for Ocaya, authorities are calling for increased awareness and intervention programs to address domestic violence and mental health issues in the region.

This statement was released by Angola’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the postponement of planned talks between M23 representatives and the DRC government on March 18, 2025, due to “unexpected circumstances.”

“The Government of Angola, in its capacity as a mediator, is doing everything possible to ensure that this meeting takes place soon, reaffirming that dialogue is the only path to lasting peace in eastern DRC,” the ministry stated.

The postponement occurred after the DRC delegation, led by Transport Minister and former rebel leader of the MLC group, Jean-Pierre Bemba, had already arrived in Angola.

On March 17, M23 had announced that it would no longer participate in the talks due to sanctions imposed by the European Union on five of its top leaders, including its President, Bertrand Bisimwa.

M23 argued that these sanctions reinforced the DRC government’s actions aimed at escalating the conflict in the country’s eastern region, as they suggested that the international community was discouraging peace talks.

M23 political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated, “Under these circumstances, negotiations are not possible. For this reason, our organization will no longer participate in the discussions.”

Meanwhile, on March 18, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, hosted a meeting in Doha with Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to discuss regional security.

The heads of state expressed support for peace initiatives led by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to bring lasting stability to the region, particularly eastern DRC.

They also emphasized that direct talks between M23 and the DRC government should take place soon to address the root causes of the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.