Uganda: The connection between the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), led by Jamil Mukulu, and the Allied Democratic Movement/Army (ADM/A), an organization that boasts a membership consisting mainly of people from the Baganda tribe, and whether the ADM/A has been accused of war crimes or atrocities against civilians between the dates of 13 November 1996 to 30 March 1997 independent of the ADF group
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 10 May 2002 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | UGA39034.E |
| Reference | 2 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Uganda: The connection between the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), led by Jamil Mukulu, and the Allied Democratic Movement/Army (ADM/A), an organization that boasts a membership consisting mainly of people from the Baganda tribe, and whether the ADM/A has been accused of war crimes or atrocities against civilians between the dates of 13 November 1996 to 30 March 1997 independent of the ADF group, 10 May 2002, UGA39034.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3df4bebb24.html [accessed 17 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
No reports on the connection between the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) led by Jamil Mukulu and the Allied Democratic Movement/Army (ADM/A) could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
According to information posted on its Website, "the ADM is a political movement and its armed wing is ADA (Allied Democratic Army - popularly known as Allied Democratic Forces - ADF). This is a political movement comprising of the new breed of typical Ugandan politicians (BannaUganda nnakabala/kaswa/baana nzaalwa) with brilliant Visions of shaping the future of our country" (n.d).
According to its memorandum of grievances, allegedly signed by its Secretary General, Ssentamu Kayiira, the ADM was formed in 1991 as a "movement comprising of all Ugandan Multiparty democrats" (30 Dec. 1996). The ADM "finally went to the bush in 1996 after we had lost hope in both the biased constituent Assembly delegates' election which resulted into the formulation of a biased constitution, and the rigged presidential and parliamentary election" (ibid.).
A statement allegedly issued by its Chairman, Ssengoba Kyakonye Mukongozzi, states that "We [ADM/A] are not:-
– A mixture of the defeated Zairean soldiers and Nalu rebels.
– A mixture of Interahamwe and former Rwandan soldiers.
– Muslim fundamentalists
– Former Idi Amin soldiers.
We are pure Ugandans "baana Nzaalwa" we are fighting to liberate our country from Museveni who is a Tutsi Rwandese and has caused a lot of woes to our people." (n.d.).
An 15 August 2000 ADM/A press release, signed by Sentamu Kayiira dissociates itself from the ADF Jamilu Mukulu by stating that:
The Allied Democratic Movement (ADM) wishes to dismiss as false and untrue claims published in the state run Newvision news papers published on the internet on August 14, 2000, that its leader is a certain Jamilu Mukulu.
The said Jamilu Mukulu has never at any one time been a leader of the Allied Forces. This is a propaganda campaign by a government (Movement government) that has totally failed to deliver its promise of wiping out the ADF and has instead resorted to cheap propaganda to tarnish the image of our organisation.
The allied Democratic Movement has nothing to do with the said Jamilu Mukulu whether formal or informal, official or unofficial.
We categorically deny that we have never dealt (sic) with any Jamilu Mukulu, we are not dealing with him now and we do not intend to deal with him. However, this is a people's struggle and all Ugandans are welcome to contribute towards this noble struggle regardless of their ethic background, belief, or status.
The Allied Democratic Movement has time and time again named its leaders as Sengooba Kyankonye Mukongozi (chairman) and the secretary general as Kayiira Sentamu.
For additional information on the ADM/A please consult its website at
For information on the composition of the ADF led by Jamilu Mukulu and its objectives, please consult UGA38401.E of 25 January 2002, and numerous other Responses on the subject available in REFINFO.
No reports on whether the ADM/A has been accused of war crimes and atrocities against civilians between the dates of 13 November 1996 to 30 March 1997 independent of ADF could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Allied Democratic movement/Army [ADF]. n.d."Welcome to the ADM/A."
_____. 30 December 1996. Ssentamu Kayiira. "Memorandum of Detailed Grievances Against the National Resistance Movement Government. "
_____. n.d. Ssengoba Kyakonye Mukongozzi. "Message from the Chairman."
_____. 15 August 2002. Sentamu Kayiira. ADM/A Press Release. "Re: The ADF Leader."
Additional Sources Consulted
Amnesty International. 2001. Amnesty International Report 2001. New York: Amnesty International USA.
Africa Confidential
Africa Research Bulletin: Political, Cultural and Social Issues.
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1996-1997. 1997- 1998.
The Indian Ocean Newsletter.
IRB Databases. LEXIS/NEXIS
Keesing's Record of World Events.
Internet sites including:
All Africa
Human Rights Watch
Relief Web
Search engines including:
Mamma
