Skip to main content

About Africa Realities Media

[AfricaRealities.com] UK firm's surveillance kit 'used to crush Uganda opposition'

 

UK firm's surveillance kit 'used to crush Uganda opposition'


By Nick Hopkins and Jake MorrisBBC Newsnight
  • 15 October 2015
    •  
  • From the sectionUK
A protestor at the Daily Monitor newspaper poses in Kampala on May 20, 2013Image copyrightGetty Images
Image captionJournalists in Uganda have complained in the past of being muzzled
A UK-based firm has sold surveillance technology to Uganda which has been used to crush and potentially blackmail opponents of the president, according to documents seen by BBC Newsnight.
An internal report claims the technology has also been used in other African countries and in Syria.
The Ugandan government denies the operation exists.
The firm, Gamma Group, says it does not assist or encourage any government agency in the misuse of its products.
Technology companies are duty bound not to sell "off-the-shelf" systems to countries if they have any concerns about how they will be used.
Surveillance systems are not regulated in the same way as arms equipment, an anomaly that has raised concerns among MPs and human rights groups. They fear the technology can be used for internal repression.

Codename Fungua Macho

The BBC has been working with Privacy International, who were leaked a top secret memo and other documents purportedly detailing the use of the technology for the use of internal repression in Uganda.
British Prime Minister David Cameron (l) shakes hands with President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni during the Somalia Conference at Lancaster House on February 23, 2012 in LondonImage copyrightGetty Images
Image captionUganda's President Yoweri Museveni is generally regarded as an ally of the UK
One top secret document was prepared by a senior intelligence official for President Museveni and describes a surveillance programme codenamed Fungua Macho, which involved more than 70 intelligence analysts.
Dated January 2012, the document says the Finfisher technology bought from Gamma Group International has been used "to spy on the enemy, collect data, intrude enemy systems, intercept enemy communication and also manipulate transmissions.
"It can covertly be deployed in buildings, vehicles, computers, mobile phones, cameras and any other equipment deemed worthy for information extraction or surveillance."
The document says the operation has already gathered "hordes of information revealing secret plans" of the main Ugandan opposition party, the FDC.
It says the aim of the operation is to "to manage and control the media houses and opposition politicians.... which... may involve blackmailing them."
"I am glad to inform you that since we started we have managed to collect substantial amount of information from different targets... people deemed dangerous to state security like government officials and opposition politicians are being surveilled."
The document says the technology "is being used by countries like Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Senegal and most recently Kenya. It is also the main tool that has been employed by the Syrian government; although it came a little too late when the demos were out of hand but has to a greater extent managed to contain the situation."

'No evidence' says government

The BBC asked the Ugandan government to give details of its surveillance operations and explain why it was targeting opposition politicians.
Government spokesman Colonel Shaban Bantariza told Newsnight: "I am not aware of an order having been given or having been authorised to surveil anybody so those who are making that allegation, the onus is on them to prove it that they are being surveilled - that their phones are being tapped. When did they do that? What did they tap? What did they cause? So the onus is on those who are alleging to prove - we have no evidence they are being surveilled."
The Ugandan government, which received £1bn in UK aid and investment last year, did not respond to follow up questions about the surveillance programme.
However, in a letter to Privacy International, a Ugandan government spokesman denied the operation existed.
"President Museveni does not use criminal blackmail as a political tool to win over or deal with opponents... it does not add any value as (the) government enjoys broad political legitimacy and support."
Gamma Group International is a British-based company with affiliates in a number of countries, including Germany. It says it sells surveillance technology to governments for counterterrorism purposes.
Uganda's key opposition leader Kizza BesigyeImage copyrightGetty Images
Image captionOpposition leader Kizza Besigye is among those who may have been spied on using this high-tech surveillance
In a statement, the company said it was unable to to give details of any alleged orders.
"Gamma undertakes an absolute obligation of confidentiality to the governments which purchase its products and systems.
"Gamma does not assist or encourage any government agency in the misuse of Gamma's products and systems.
"These products and systems have been effective in many countries in the course of police and other government agency action against terrorist threats, drug cartels, other major organised crime, and paedophile rings."
Gamma Group said it has a human rights policy, but declined to share a copy of it.
Gus Hosein, director of Privacy International, said: "The documents say that the surveillance industry will sell to just about anyone. And it is proof of the fact that we have been trying to raise all along - that these technologies are far too powerful to be in the hands of governments and that governments will go ahead and abuse them."
Last year Gamma was criticised in a ruling by the UK National Contact Point for the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development. The OECD said the company's approach to selling technology was "not consistent with the general obligations to respect human rights".
Nick Hopkins full report ran on BBC Newsnight on Thursday 15 October. You can catch up on iPlayer or on Newnight's YouTube channel
For the avoidance of doubt, we'd like to make clear that a company with a similar name, Gamma Communications, is not related to Gamma Group International - and is in no way involved in this story.

__._,_.___
Posted by: Samuel Desire <sam4des@yahoo.com>
Reply via web post • Reply to sender • Reply to group • Start a New Topic • Messages in this topic (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish.
I have loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore I die in exile.
The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.
When the white man came we had the land and they had the bibles; now they have the land and we have the bibles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Voice of the Poor, the Weak and Powerless.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Post message:  AfricaRealities@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: AfricaRealities-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: AfricaRealities-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: AfricaRealities-owner@yahoogroups.com
__________________________________________________________________

Please consider the environment before printing this email or any attachments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-http://www.africarealities.com/

-https://www.facebook.com/africarealities

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-New International Scholarships opportunities: http://www.scholarshipsgate.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Find  Friends in Africa:
http://www.africanaffection.com
http://www.datinginafrica.com/
http://www.foraha.net
https://www.facebook.com/onlinedatinginafrica

.

__,_._,___

Comments

Post a Comment

Support Our Work Now !

Africa Realities Media is independent. Your support helps us expose injustice, challenge silence and produce evidence-based analysis on Africa and the Great Lakes Region.
Africa Realities Media offre un espace aux écrivains, chercheurs, experts, activistes, voix communautaires, militants, analystes et personnes ayant une expérience vécue qui souhaitent contribuer à des contenus réfléchis, responsables et courageux sur les changements nécessaires dans la région des Grands Lacs, ainsi que sur les réalités politiques, économiques, culturelles et sociales africaines souvent ignorées, minimisées ou mal représentées. Nos articles et vidéos visent à ouvrir le débat, renforcer la sensibilisation, encourager la pensée critique et favoriser une réflexion plus profonde sur les réalités vécues par les populations africaines. Nous voulons aider les peuples de la région des Grands Lacs à mieux comprendre leurs droits, notamment leurs droits humains, leur droit au développement, leur droit à la dignité, à la sécurité, au bien-être et à une vie meilleure. À travers nos contenus, nous cherchons également à rappeler aux décideurs, aux institutions publiques, aux acteurs régionaux et internationaux, ainsi qu’aux responsables politiques, leur devoir de transparence, de responsabilité et de redevabilité envers les populations qu’ils prétendent servir. Notre objectif est de contribuer à une culture de vérité, de justice, de participation citoyenne et de protection égale pour tous les peuples africains.

Why We Exist

Many abuses facing African people are committed by African states, ruling elites, armed groups, military forces and security services. But these abuses are often sustained by international silence, Western lobbying, trade interests, migration deals, mineral access, diplomatic partnerships and unequal global accountability. Africa Realities Media exposes that system.

Lived Experience Matters

Survivors, displaced communities, refugees, families affected by repression, journalists, activists, women, young people and diaspora voices are not passive subjects. They are knowledge holders. Their experiences must shape policy, advocacy, journalism and public debate. The people closest to injustice are often closest to the solutions.

Our Principle

Africa Realities Media is rooted in one principle: African lives deserve equal truth, equal justice and equal protection.

Popular Posts

[AFRICAFORUM] Tr: Fw: WG: NOTIFICATION / GROUPE MICROSOFT CORPORATION

  A votre aimable attention s'il vous plait, Cher(e) lauréat(e), veuillez prendre connaissance de la pièce jointe et automatiquement entrer en contact avec Maître Bakary TOGORA dont les informations sont les suivantes :   Vous avez gagné 250.000€ suite à un tirage au sort. CABINET JURIDIQUE MAITRE BAKARY TOGORA.   Adresse Mail:   cabinet_consultant.togorab@hotmail.fr Contact Téléphonique: (+22) 546 077 726. Adresse Permanente : 20 Avenue du Général De Gaulle, Plateau Rue du Commerce, Immeuble le petit Bassam, Abidjan.   Numéro de la fondation : +1 347 434 5496 LA DIRECTION DES OPERATIONS. __._,_.___ Répondre en mode Web Répondre à expéditeur ...
Post a Comment
Find more

Disgusting Reports On How African & Indonesian Women Dry Their VAGINA With Sand & Bleach To Make Sex Pleasurable For Men

Share 64   3   Share 3   1   Tweet 64 Women mostly in South and Central Africa, and Indonesia are carrying out a horrific practice known as  ‘ Dry Sex’  which not only leaves them in pain but at increased risk of HIV.  Dailymail  Report Dry sex is a practice where women reduce moisture in their vaginas in order to make intercourse more pleasurable for men. This according to reports can lead to cuts, sores and inflammation in the vagina, and increases the chance of a condom breaking. These factors in turn increase the chance of the women contracting sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. It is borne out of a cultural belief that men find sex more pleasurable if a woman’s vagina is dry, and that men will reject women whose vaginas have been  ‘stretched out’  by sex. To achieve dryness, women insert, chalk, sand, pulverized rock, herbs, paper or sponges before sex, according to journalist Ms Syfret, who has reported o...
Post a Comment
Find more

[RwandaLibre] The Paul Kagame Doctrine After 20 Years

  http://www.inyenyerinews.org/amakuru-2/the-paul-kagame-doctrine-after-20-years/ African leaders have just concluded a mini summit in Luanda, Angola, to discuss the conflict in DRC and the diplomatic showdown between South Africa and Rwanda. It is reported, as usual, that a "Luanda Declaration" was signed, and President Zuma and President Kagame "agreed" to talk to "resolve" the impasse between their two countries. The latest quarrel between South Africa and Rwanda is due to the assassination of Colonel Patrick Karegeya in South Africa on 31/12/2013 and another attempted assassination on General Kayumba Nyamwasa a couple of weeks ago. Is this new ground for hope, or it is the usual diplomatic hype, postponing the problem to a later date? This writer firmly believes it is the latter. A good foreign policy champions, defends and protects a country's ( read people's) national interests. It seeks friends and...
Post a Comment
Find more

[AfricaWatch] Even some Israelis are questionning why they are supporting a murderer, Kagame!

  http://glpost.com/rwanda-leader-paul-kagame-gets-jewish-embrace-human-rights/ Great Lakes Post Website: http://www.glpost.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/greatlakespost Twitter: Great Lakes Post@greatlakespost __._,_.___ Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1) ---------------------------------------------------------- The Voice of the Poor, the Weak and Powerless. More News: http://changingaf...
Post a Comment
Find more

[RwandaLibre] Fw: *DHR* pétition à l' Union Européenne contre l'arrivée du criminel kagame

  ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: MUSABYIMANA JEAN DE DIEU <musajados@yahoo.fr> To: Democracy Human grpe <Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr>; cliir Antoine <cliir2004@yahoo.fr>; CORWABEL ASBL <corwabel@gmail.com>; leprophete umuhanuzi <lepropheteu@yahoo.com>; ijwiryarubanda ijwiryarubanda <ijwiryarubanda@ijwiryarubanda.com> Sent: Monday, 31 March 2014, 11:34 Subject: *DHR* pétition à l' Union Européenne contre l'arrivée du criminel kagame   Soutenez les étudiants en signant contre l'arrivée du plus grand criminel de l'histoire de l'humanité à Bruxelles. signer ici svp!: https://secure.avaaz.org/fr/petition/LUnion_Europeenne_Conseil_de_securite_de_lONU_Contre_la_visite_du_Hitler_Paul_Kagame_le_criminel_a_la_tete_du_Rwanda/edit   L'Union Européenne.  Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU: Contre la visite du Hitler...
Post a Comment
Find more

[RwandaLibre] Re: EVODE Uwizeyimana nommé VP - amezi atandatu!

  Nyirubwite "Maître" Evode Uwizeyimana yarabyivugiye ko kontaro ye izamara amezi atandatu. Ubwo iyo comisiyo nayo izamara amezi atandatu. Ngira ngo kandi mwiboneye igisubizo cya Barreau ya Québec yemeza ko "Maître" Evode Uwizeyimana atigeze aba avocat muri Kanada! Ahasigaye ababishoye mwatwohereza cya gisigo cya "Maître Corbeau Et Le Renard". -- SIBOMANA Jean Bosco Google+: https://plus.google.com/110493390983174363421/posts YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9B4024D0AE764F3D http://www.youtube.com/user/sibomanaxyz999 ***Online Time:15H30-20H30, heure de Montréal.***Fuseau horaire domestique: heure normale de la côte Est des Etats-Unis et Canada (GMT-05:00)*** __._,_.___ Reply via web post ...
Post a Comment
Find more

[RwandaLibre] Re: Iyumvire aho Radiyo Flash FM itangaza ko amakuru yizewe yemeza ko Jeannette Nyiramongi Kagame ariwe uzasimbura umugabo we mu w' i 2017!

  Komera Agnes.   Kiriya kiganiro cyahise kuri Radio Flash FM naracyumvise ariko nasanze nta gishya kiri mo, ari propagande isanzwe ya FPR igamije gushyushya imitwe y'abantu ngo bareke gutekereza ku bikorwa bindi bishobora kuzahura uRwanda muri rusange.   Njye yaba Jannette yaba Habumuremyi ndetse n'undi wese uzava muri RPF simpamya ko azatsinda amatora yo muri 2017.   Nemeranya n'iyi Raporo ya AFRICOM k' uRda yo muri 2011 aho ivuga ko RPF yamaze urwayo, ko rero yagombye kujya ku ruhande, ikareka n'abandi bakayobora.   Pour votre info:   Excerpts from: Rwanda : assessing risks to stability By Jennifer G. Cooke Center for Strategic & International Studies Washington, DC   June 2011 ( http://csis.org/files/publication/110623_Cooke_Rwanda_Web.pdf )   ======================================= "The elections in 2017 could be a moment for a significant pol...
Post a Comment
Find more

[RwandaLibre] Re: (pour Madame Vidal) : « Le Rwanda est stable, mais à quel prix ? »

  Mme Vidal La première caractéristique d'un blanc menteur c'est de faire comme si la tragédie rwandaise avait commencé le 6 Avril 1994, et de chercher les preuves là où elles ne sont pas, c'est-à-dire au détour de petites phrases prononcées par des personnes qui ne maîtrisent pas la langue, qui étaient enflammées ou qui sont malmenées par leurs interrogateurs. Quand vous parlez de planification du génocide, vous oubliez ceux à qui il a profité et qui avant tout le monde ont commis des exactions contre la population civile. La rancœur accumulée par les hutus contre les tutsis a été notamment été favorisée par le nettoyage ethnique opéré par le FPR dans les régions de Byumba et Ruhengeri, ce qui a eu pour résultat, un million de réfugiés entassés aux portes de Kigali. Parler du génocide et omettre de parler de cette situation est un mensonge par omission. Disons comme vous l'affirmez que l'attentat n'a...
Post a Comment
Find more

[RwandaLibre] Fw: *DHR* RADIO IMPALA.

  ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Theobald Gakwaya <tgakwaya@yahoo.com> To: "Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr" <Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr> Sent: Friday, 28 March 2014, 19:31 Subject: Re: *DHR* RADIO IMPALA.   Abatekereje gushyiraho Radio yo kumara abaturage ubwoba ngo baharanire uburenganzira bwabo bagize neza cyane Ariko se niba barabwiye uwo mugiraneza ko Radio Impala ari iyo gufasha opposition politique Rwandaise kugira acces kuri Medias Noneho yaba yarabaye umwihariko w'amashyaka amwe gusa bigenze bite? Mbese ariko byagenze nta buriganya bwo bwaba burimo? Mbese uwo mugiraneza yaba yari agamije gufasha gusa plateforme RNC-FDU-Amahoro Congres? Nimukomeze kutuvunguriraho natwe tumenye ukuri, Rwaka On Friday, March 28, 2014 2:06 PM, "majaribu1987@yahoo.fr" <majaribu1987@yahoo.fr> wrote:   ...
Post a Comment
Find more

[RwandaLibre] Re: *DHR* Claudine Vidal s'est réveillée en disant: "Et moi aussi, et moi aussi"

  Depuis les   5 dernières   années, les experts sur le Rwanda n'écrivent plus des livres sur le génocide rwandais. La plupart ont disparu parce qu'ils ont honte de leurs écrits sur le Rwanda considérant que certains éléments de la vérité sur le Rwanda sont maintenant connus   ou que le Rwanda avec son   dictateur   Kagame sont   vus d'une manière  différente. Mme Vidal est en train de les rejoindre. From: Rwembe Charlie <rwembe6030@yahoo.fr> To: "Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr" <Democracy_Human_Rights@yahoogroupes.fr> Sent: Friday, 28 March 2014, 15:18 Subject: Re: *DHR* Claudine Vidal s'est réveillée en disant: "Et moi aussi, et moi aussi"   Mme Vidal, Pourquoi ne reagissez-vous pas aux nombreuses reactions qu'a suscite votre interview? J'attends tjrs de lire votre reaction aux reactions des netters...
Post a Comment
Find more

Why Africa Realities Media Is Different

Africa Realities Media speaks to Africa and to the developed world. Many abuses facing African people are committed by African states and ruling elites, but they are often protected by international silence, lobbying, public relations, trade interests, migration deals and unequal global accountability. While governments pay lobbyists to present a good image abroad, ordinary African people continue to face violence, hunger, disease, poverty, repression and exclusion. We challenge the normalisation of African suffering and demand equal truth, equal justice and equal protection.

Pourquoi Africa Realities Media est différent?

Africa Realities Media s’adresse à l’Afrique et au monde développé. De nombreux abus subis par les peuples africains sont commis par des États africains et des élites dirigeantes, mais ils sont souvent protégés par le silence international, le lobbying, les relations publiques, les intérêts commerciaux, les accords migratoires et une responsabilité mondiale inégale. Tandis que des gouvernements paient des lobbyistes pour présenter une bonne image à l’étranger, des Africains ordinaires continuent de faire face à la violence, à la faim, aux maladies, à la pauvreté, à la répression et à l’exclusion. Nous contestons la normalisation de la souffrance africaine et exigeons une vérité égale, une justice égale et une protection égale.

BBC News

Loading...

Policy and Systems Change

Our work is designed to trigger debate, discomfort and action. We do not only expose injustice; we work for policy and systems change. We want governments and institutions to address the root causes of inequality, disadvantage, discrimination, exclusion and barriers affecting African people. We believe lasting change must be shaped by people with lived experience.

Exposing Injustice in Africa

Africa Realities Media is an independent African accountability platform based in London. We report, analyse and challenge the systems that shape African suffering, silence African victims and protect abusive power. We are not here to repeat diplomatic language. We are here to ask the questions that are often avoided: why are African deaths treated as normal? Why are African victims given less urgency? Why are governments that imprison, exclude, displace or kill their own people protected when they serve powerful international interests?

Africanews

Loading...
Africa Realities Media gives space to writers, researchers, experts, activists, community voices, campaigners, analysts and people with lived experience who want to contribute thoughtful, responsible and courageous content about the changes needed in the region, as well as the political, economic, cultural and social African realities that are often ignored, minimised or misrepresented. Our articles and videos aim to encourage debate, raise awareness, stimulate critical thinking and support reflection. We seek to help people in the Great Lakes Region understand their rights to human rights, development and wellbeing, while also encouraging decision-makers to be more transparent, responsive and accountable.

Recent Posts

Appel à contributions

Sensibilisez le public aux causes qui vous tiennent à cœur. Prenez part au changement que vous souhaitez voir émerger. Aidez à combattre l'injustice partout où elle se manifeste.

Africa Realities Media accueille des articles originaux, analyses, tribunes, réflexions communautaires et commentaires fondés sur des faits concernant la région des Grands Lacs africains, ainsi que les questions liées à la justice, aux droits humains, à la gouvernance, aux conflits, à la paix, aux réfugiés, aux ressources naturelles et à la responsabilité publique en Afrique.

Nous accueillons également les annonces concernant de nouvelles ou d'anciennes publications liées à nos domaines d'intérêt. Vous pouvez annoncer gratuitement votre publication, notamment un livre, un rapport, une étude, un article académique ou tout autre travail pertinent.

Les articles doivent être rédigés en anglais ou en français et ne doivent pas dépasser 1 500 mots.

Veuillez inclure le nom complet de l'auteur, qui sera publié avec l'article s'il est accepté.

Avant de soumettre votre article, veuillez d'abord lire nos pages du site web afin de vérifier si votre article correspond à nos priorités éditoriales, à nos thèmes et à nos domaines d'intérêt.

Si vous avez un article, un commentaire ou une annonce de publication à partager avec un public plus large, veuillez l'envoyer par email à :

africarealitiesmedia@gmail.com

Nous étudierons la possibilité de publier gratuitement les articles et annonces de publications appropriés s'ils répondent à nos critères éditoriaux, notamment la pertinence, la clarté, l'originalité, l'intérêt public, le respect des communautés concernées et l'utilisation responsable des informations et des preuves.

Les articles sont publiés tels qu'ils sont soumis s'ils répondent à nos critères et à notre politique éditoriale. Nous ne procédons pas à une modification supplémentaire de votre article avant sa publication.