Every dictatorship government has its face of terror and extrajudicial violence and arbitrary arrests. In Uganda, Col. Frank Kaka Bagyenda took it upon himself to pursue the pro-regime killings. His 3 year reign has reportedly led to the deaths of Ugandans in large numbers as most breathe their last while in his torture chambers dubbed safe houses. Some of his victims believe that he is the reincarnation of Malyamungu who was president Idi Amin’s ruthless serial murderer.
SEE ALSO: 200 ISO torture victims call for Kaka’s Indictment
‘It is easier to squeeze water from a stone,’ reads one of the local proverbs.
Background
Col. Frank Kaka Bagyenda was born in Ibanda District in Western Region in February of 1952. His body physique though reflects a typical Mutoro from the Tooro sub-region. He is a retired Uganda military officer of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces UPDF. Effective January 2017, he was the Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) having been recalled from his private duties.
In 1981, a youthful Bagyenda joined the Uganda Freedom Army UFM/UFA, a rebel guerrilla led by the late Dr. Andrew Lutakome Kayiira (RIP) who waged the Bush guerilla against the Obote regime between 1981-86.
In 1981, the Uganda Freedom Movement (UFM) dispatched Colonel Bagyenda to Tripoli, Libya for further training. He was among the troops which participated ”instrumentally” in the Lubiri main Army barracks attack on February 23, 1982 by the Uganda Freedom Movement/Uganda Freedom Army (UFM/UFA).
Colonel Frank Bagyenda Kaka joined the National Resistance Army (NRA) led by Yoweri Museveni between 1982-1983 after the attack on Lubiri barracks on February 1982.
At one time between 1982-83 Museveni forceful took (“stole”) weapons from the UFM which he never returned. His intentions were to weaken UFM and prolong the war.
NRA ambused Kaka’s UFM unit and abducted some of the soldiers including himself. We find it difficult to say he willingly joined the NRA because it appears that he was forced by circumstances. The fact remains that Kaka is not an NRA original. He is what can be referred to in the NRA as a “half-caste” (mixed blood). Therefore whatever is happening to him at the moment should not shock the public. People should interest themselves in why he was specifically recalled from his private life and assigned the ISO roles.
Did Col. Kaka Bagyenda willingly join the NRA
Ekyebuuzibwa Frank or he was forced by circumstances?, we still wonder. Whatever Kaka Bagyenda has been doing has been green lighted by the Commander in Chief, Gen. Yoweri Museveni.
His appointment as an ambassador to Angola is very telling as they are indirectly getting rid of him or there is mis understanding within the UPDF army.
In our series, we are going to digest and break down the structure of the NRA rebel outfit. They are grouped into three categories which we will break down in our weekly series. In the next episode, we will expose the testimonies of some of the victims of Kaka’s brutality.