Tuesday 9 March 2021

JAMWA: Asuman Odaka writes to President Museveni

Several sons of Tororo are making a case for Chandi Jamwa


LAWYER AND POLITICAL ACTIVIST Asuman Odaka from Tororo Municipality has written a missive to the President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni, making a case for jailed former MD of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Chandi Jamwa. His immediate concern, he says in an Open Letter to the President, follows the recent death of another prominent son of Tororo in jail - Bob Kasango due to ill health. Jamwa also needs specialized treatment for his ailments, Odaka argues.

Here below is the Open Letter

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 TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA,

 GEN. YOWERI TUMUHABURWA KAGUTA MUSEVENI

PLOT 1, NAKASERO (STATE HOUSE) - KAMPALA

09 MARCH 2021

 

Salutations Mr President!

REF: SEEKING YOUR INTERVENTION TO FREE DAVID CHANDI JAMWA

First I wish to congratulate you upon your re-election as President of Uganda in the just concluded 2021 General Elections.

Mr. President, I am again writing to you, on behalf of thousands of voiceless Jopadhola from Eastern Uganda, over another pertinent issue that I fear your advisers feel shy to openly engage you on.

Although it's widely known and accepted that David Chandi Jamwa, (former MD of NSSF), went through the legal process, it is my considered view that his case be reviewed, and your power of clemency be applied for the greater good  and prosperity of a united Uganda.

Mr. President, I know you love proverbs because they are a foundation of African wisdom.  I am a Japadhola, and in dhupadhola we have one of the most (arguably) most (mis) quoted proverbs used when we find our selves in situations like that of brother David Chandi Jamwa. 

It states "ogwang luli nywangini gi'omerini". It can be loosely translated as "a wild beast should better find you with your brother". The key message is that you can protect each other at moments of need.

Unfortunately, many Jopadhola will conveniently find relevance in it mostly when it's to benefit them, thereby negating the concept enshrined therein – that Chandi was a father to many fatherless children, his hands were open to assist, remains a brother to many, and a very resourceful citizen to the nation, and I can argue that his freedom will add value to this country’s economic, cultural and social development.

Chandi comes from a land that has produced many of your country’s most loyal servants; Ofwono Opondo the most able Government spokesman of our times, Tezira Jamwa who is also the mother of David Chandi Jamwa is one of those who convinced the Jopadhola to support you and the NRM even many were still shying away. She is currently in the NRM women's league but also an influential member in the Forum for Women in Democracy.   

Then we also have the very able NRM chairman of the electoral commission Odoi Tanga, plus the chair (Oboth Oboth) of the Parliamentary Legal Committee that ensured a change in the constitution to open the age limit without forgetting your celebrated IGP Okoth Ochola, who is in charge of reforming Uganda’s Police.

Mr. President, there are so many avenues through which Chandi Jamwa can be assisted, whether political, and, or legal, and there are several precedents that you can base on or refer to in making your decision. 

It was alive in the minds of those who promulgated our 1995 constitution (David’s mother was part) that our judiciary will concern itself with mistakes of law but because of realities of politics, human behaviour and others issues that may not be covered by law, a window was created for you as the chief Executive to whenever necessary (like indeed it is in David’s case) intervene i.e in art. 121 (Prerogative of mercy).  This window is also to help the country heal. Indeed you have used it before and precedent is allover.

The cases worth referring to are those of Chris Rwakasisi, Katuramu, Kanyamunyu, Mike Mukula, Dr. Kizza Besigye, Gilbert Bukenya, Jim Muhwezi, Abudalla Kitata, and Abraham Byandala among others

Therefore, I have a deep rooted belief that this, is within your powers Mr President to apply your prerogative of Mercy to all sons of Uganda, especially if and when your decision can help unite, rally groups of people to the effort of rebuilding the country with a feeling that we are all citizens with equal rights.

Finally, David's health needs specialized treatment which he is not able to get from Luzira. A recent case where another son from Padhola, lawyer Bob Kasango lost his life, makes the case for Chandi even more urgent Mr. president.

Let it be known, Mr President, that for the sake of David, we shall never relent. It's an issue that we believe our culture demands we pursue to the very end. David Chandi Jamwa is our own and we shall speak about him every time we get an opportunity from now on.

 Yours truly,

Asuman Odaka

Tororo Municipality

WhatsApp: +256753195384

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