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Distorted videos are fake news
Therefore, I categorically reject the distorted video. It is old footage, maliciously edited, and should be dismissed with the contempt fake news deserves. The intention behind this video is clear: to sow division, incite hatred, and undermine the progress that has been made in ensuring equal citizenship rights for all Ugandans.
Frank Gashumba.
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
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OPINION
By Frank Gashumba
In recent days, social media platforms have been inundated with a maliciously edited video in which I am portrayed as making inflammatory comments about the M-23 rebel group in the DR Congo in the context of Uganda. The video falsely suggests that I threatened an M23 uprising in Uganda if Lawrence Muganga is not sworn in as minister.
Let me state unequivocally: this narrative is fake news. It is deliberately manufactured to mislead, spread fear, and tarnish reputations. The comments in that video were not made in relation to Muganga or any current political developments. They were made three years ago during an Equal Opportunities Commission meeting I attended.
At that time, I was addressing the gross violation of citizenship rights faced by Banyarwanda and other ethnic groups by certain chauvinistic officials at NIRA and immigration. These officials ignored the fact that Banyarwanda are recognised in Uganda’s 1995 Constitution (as amended) as one of the indigenous communities. Census records dating back to 1921 confirm their long-standing presence in Uganda. The video now circulating has been maliciously edited with misleading subtitles and voice-over commentary to make it appear current. It distorts the context of my remarks and dishonestly links them to Muganga’s situation. This is nothing but a fabrication by unscrupulous individuals intent on spreading hatred and confusion.
For the record, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) engagement was part of a broader effort to address systemic discrimination. Prior to that meeting, the Council for Abavandimwe had petitioned several leaders, including the late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, the former head of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, former Speaker Anita Among, the former minister of internal affairs Jeje Odong, and the Inspector General of Government and EOC. The matter was also brought to Parliament, where Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja informed the House that the President was handling the issue.
The President took decisive action. He met with the Council for Abavandimwe, listened to testimonies of victims of discrimination, and issued an Executive Order that directly addressed the plight of citizenship. This order guided NIRA and Immigration on how to handle these cases fairly and lawfully. In the Executive Order, the President gave powers of assessing eligibility to Local Council authorities, District Internal Security Officers, and Resident District Commissioners. These officials were empowered to determine who was eligible to receive national IDs and passports.
Since that Executive Order, the treatment of Banyarwanda by NIRA and Immigration has greatly improved, and complaints have ceased. This proves that the matter was addressed constructively and resolved. The malicious video circulating today ignores this reality and attempts to reopen wounds that have already been healed through dialogue, leadership, and decisive action.
Therefore, I categorically reject the distorted video. It is old footage, maliciously edited, and should be dismissed with the contempt fake news deserves. The intention behind this video is clear: to sow division, incite hatred, and undermine the progress that has been made in ensuring equal citizenship rights for all Ugandans.
At that time, I was addressing the gross violation of citizenship rights faced by Banyarwanda and other ethnic groups by certain chauvinistic officials at NIRA and immigration. These officials ignored the fact that Banyarwanda are recognised in Uganda’s 1995 Constitution (as amended) as one of the indigenous communities. Census records dating back to 1921 confirm their long-standing presence in Uganda. The video now circulating has been maliciously edited with misleading subtitles and voice-over commentary to make it appear current. It distorts the context of my remarks and dishonestly links them to Muganga’s situation. This is nothing but a fabrication by unscrupulous individuals intent on spreading hatred and confusion.
For the record, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) engagement was part of a broader effort to address systemic discrimination. Prior to that meeting, the Council for Abavandimwe had petitioned several leaders, including the late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, the former head of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, former Speaker Anita Among, the former minister of internal affairs Jeje Odong, and the Inspector General of Government and EOC. The matter was also brought to Parliament, where Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja informed the House that the President was handling the issue.
The President took decisive action. He met with the Council for Abavandimwe, listened to testimonies of victims of discrimination, and issued an Executive Order that directly addressed the plight of citizenship. This order guided NIRA and Immigration on how to handle these cases fairly and lawfully. In the Executive Order, the President gave powers of assessing eligibility to Local Council authorities, District Internal Security Officers, and Resident District Commissioners. These officials were empowered to determine who was eligible to receive national IDs and passports.
Since that Executive Order, the treatment of Banyarwanda by NIRA and Immigration has greatly improved, and complaints have ceased. This proves that the matter was addressed constructively and resolved. The malicious video circulating today ignores this reality and attempts to reopen wounds that have already been healed through dialogue, leadership, and decisive action.
Therefore, I categorically reject the distorted video. It is old footage, maliciously edited, and should be dismissed with the contempt fake news deserves. The intention behind this video is clear: to sow division, incite hatred, and undermine the progress that has been made in ensuring equal citizenship rights for all Ugandans.
Uganda has come a long way in addressing issues of discrimination and marginalisation. The struggle for recognition of the Banyarwanda community was not about conflict or rebellion; it was about fairness, justice and constitutional rights. The President’s Executive Order was a landmark step in affirming that all Ugandans, regardless of ethnic background, deserve equal treatment under the law.
To distort this history and weaponise it for political mischief is not only dishonest but dangerous. The circulation of such fake news highlights the growing challenge posed by artificial intelligence and digital manipulation. Technology can be used to enlighten and empower, but it can also be abused to misinform and destabilise. As Malcolm X wisely observed, “The media is so powerful to the extent that it can turn a saint into a sinner and a sinner into a saint. Unless one is careful, the media can lead to condemning an innocent man.” His words resonate even more strongly today, in an era where AI-generated distortions can spread faster than truth.
I call upon Ugandans to exercise vigilance. Do not accept every video or post at face value. Question the source, examine the context, and seek the truth. Fake news thrives on our willingness to believe without verification. By refusing to be manipulated, we deny malicious actors the power they seek.
To those behind this fabrication, know that your attempts to spread fear and confusion will not succeed. The truth is clear, the record is documented, and the people of Uganda are wiser than you think.
The writer is Chairman, Council for Abavandimwe
To distort this history and weaponise it for political mischief is not only dishonest but dangerous. The circulation of such fake news highlights the growing challenge posed by artificial intelligence and digital manipulation. Technology can be used to enlighten and empower, but it can also be abused to misinform and destabilise. As Malcolm X wisely observed, “The media is so powerful to the extent that it can turn a saint into a sinner and a sinner into a saint. Unless one is careful, the media can lead to condemning an innocent man.” His words resonate even more strongly today, in an era where AI-generated distortions can spread faster than truth.
I call upon Ugandans to exercise vigilance. Do not accept every video or post at face value. Question the source, examine the context, and seek the truth. Fake news thrives on our willingness to believe without verification. By refusing to be manipulated, we deny malicious actors the power they seek.
To those behind this fabrication, know that your attempts to spread fear and confusion will not succeed. The truth is clear, the record is documented, and the people of Uganda are wiser than you think.
The writer is Chairman, Council for Abavandimwe