


Somalia: Cooperation Forum between Federal Member States of Puntland and Jubbaland – Communique (20.01.2020)







What is ironic about today, the 20th January 2020 was that Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga was walking for democracy. While the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) would struggle to hold meetings, celebrate 15 years as a party across the Republic. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) could just recently walk in memory lane, but again hypocrisy at its finest. As the opposition parties cannot do the same.
The news all across the Republic today is burning. Tear-gas, arrests and depressing activities from the Police Force. Instead of shielding the citizens and dissidents of the state, they are arresting and trying to silence them. This is the M.O. of the state, but still boring that it continues. What was even more striking. Is the knowledge that Nalufenya is still active, because that was promised closure in early 2018.
FDC has gotten in trouble in Mubende yesterday. While today, they have gotten a real problems in Jinja, Busia, Bukiwe, Mbale and in Soroti. While it was successful in Kumi and Namutumba. Therefore, today has been a hassle, but a few small positive things. But they are overshadowed by the depressing attacks on the party. Not only that Dr. Kizza Besigye is detained in Nalufenya and Patrick Oboi Amuriat at Soroti Police Station. That is bad enough.
Here’s the information.
Mubende:
“ Police commanded by ASP Ssekalema Shaban, the OC Station has blocked and dispersed an FDC Leaders meeting that was organised at Gwaniika Village, Nabingola Sub County, Kasambya constituency at Home Land Organic Gardens. Deputy President Owek Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo had led a delegation of leaders from Buganda Region including Vice Chairman Kibuka Mukalazi, Mrs. Ssebuwufu Harriet Nakiyemba the Ethics and Culture Secretary, Muzei Kalule Samuel Kiseyeye the Secretary for Elders, Mr. Kizito Livingston of the Security Committee among others to meet the local Party branch in Mubende in abid to reorganize the lower level structures” (FDC, 19.01.2020).
Jinja:
“Police in Jinja have arrested Dr Kizza Besigye and whisked him to Nalufenya Police station following running battles between police and FDC supporters” (NBS Television, 20.01.2020).
Busia:
“Security forces blocked and dispersed an FDC Anniversary celebrations today in Busia district. The Party had sent Hon. Mwijukye Francis as the Chief Guest” (FDC, 20.01.2020).
Bukiwe:
“FDC 15th anniversary cerebration in Lugazi Buikwe district have been disrupted by police and the district chairman Mr. Kanaabi Jimmy has been arrested and taken to Lugazi CPS” (FDC, 20.01.2020)
Mbale:
“Mbale district FDC boss Wokuri Madanda arrested as police blocks FDC 15 celebrations. FDC was scheduled to hold its 15th anniversary celebrations in the district on Monday(today) but was blocked by Police on grounds that the party did not seek permission from the district authorities and that aspects of the public order management law were not fulfilled” (Emmah M. Bwayo, 20.01.2020).
Soroti:
“Amateur video as Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat was being towed to Soroti CPS by a fire brigade vehicle. Meanwhile in the second photo, UPDF soldiers now patrolling Soroti streets, all shops, Kafunda Hotels closed” (FDC, 20.01.2020). It is later reported that the Patrick Oboi Amuriat is arrested and detained at the Soroti Police Station.
Kumi Successful:
“The Celebrations in Kumi district were uninterrupted and the Cheif guests were Ms. Plan Virginia Mugengyi, the Deputy Secretary for Education, Sports and Arts at the National Executive Committee, and Dr. Okello Ekwaro, our Party Chairman for Apac District. This successful event was coordinated by Kumi district Chairman Ebokorait Abdallah and Ms. Suzan Norma Otai, the Deputy Secretary for Conflict and reconstruction at FDC National Executive Committee” (FDC, 20.01.2020).
Namutumba Successful:
“Namutumba district under the full Command of Chairman Wante Jamal held their meeting/ Celebrations successfully” (FDC, 20.01.2020).
I don’t think this can be stated enough. There isn’t a real democracy, when a party cannot organize or even be able to hold meetings and gatherings. The Police Force is singling out and directly stopping what the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is doing. No one can deny that. Because its so blatant and direct.
This is just proving what the state will do and continue to do until the general election in 2021. To think otherwise is naive. This is just the reality. Impunity in action. Maybe, Kadaga should walk for the FDC too. Peace.




2.2 million children do not have access to quality education in South Sudan, jeopardizing the future of the entire country.
JUBA, South Sudan, January 20, 2020 – South Sudan is not sufficiently prioritizing children’s education, UNICEF said today. While the internationally agreed international standard for education allocations is 20 per cent of the national budget, South Sudan only spends 5.6 per cent for 2019-2020, according the national budget. This is the lowest public education spending in East Africa, recent studies say.2.2 million children do not have access to quality education in South Sudan, jeopardizing the future of the entire country. As the country prepares for a new academic year, UNICEF is calling on the Government of South Sudan to prioritize education in its government spending.
“Education must be a top priority for the Government in South Sudan and sufficient allocations must be made to ensure every child in the country can go to school and learn,” said UNICEF Representative in South Sudan Dr Mohamed Ag Ayoya. “By investing in the education of its children, South Sudan is investing in the future and development of the whole country.”
The call for more public spending on education in South Sudan, comes as UNICEF is launching the global report ‘Addressing the learning crisis: an urgent need to better finance education for the poorest children’. Nearly 1 in 3 adolescent girls from the poorest households around the world has never been to school, the report says – launched as education ministers from all over the world are gathered at the Education World Forum, ahead of the World Economic Forum annual meeting.
Poverty, discrimination due to gender, disability, ethnic origin or language of instruction, physical distance from schools and poor infrastructure are among the obstacles that continue to prevent the poorest children from accessing quality education. Exclusion at every step of education perpetuates poverty and is a key driver of a global learning crisis.
The paper notes that the lack of resources available for the poorest children is exacerbating a crippling learning crisis, as schools fail to provide quality education for their students.
In South Sudan, lack of public investment in education is contributing to the critical shortage of qualified teachers. An estimated 62 per cent of primary teachers and 44 per cent of secondary teachers are not qualified. Also, many teachers leave the profession due to salaries not being paid on a regular basis.
UNICEF calls the Government of South Sudan:
“With South Sudan’s academic year commencing in a few weeks, it is prudent to commit to realizing every child’s right to an education, by ensuring the education sector has the necessary resources,” said Ayoya.



There is no need to dig deep in the United States House of Representatives Memorandum on the Impeachment of Donald J. Trump. The President of the United States, which was publicly dropped yesterday on the 18th January 2020. This has been a slow train coming, but a needed one.
This report put anything in perspective and shows the need for the impeachment. The Memorandum of the framers and the ones who written the two articles of impeachment makes all sense. We have known this, but its put collectively together. Trump knows this, but trying to propagandise it.
President Trump and his administration has acted swiftly to ensure the U.S. House of Representatives couldn’t do their duty with congressional oversight. Trump knows this and the lack of openness, transparency and acting as it should in regard to Congress. The President and his administration didn’t do that. It talked big-game, but stonewalled it. Tried to do everything it could to stop the investigation and find the evidence of the wrong-doing. Also, not letting vital persons testify and misuse the power he had.
What the Memorandum states is what the Senate should do. The Majority Senate, which is based of inner-party of Republicans. The supposed “Law and Order” party, the strong constitutional based and founding father loving party. However, that is only in elections that matter, but they are above the laws and statutes themselves. That is atleast how it seems from afar.
Because, even with the plea, the show of congressional oversight, the rights to impeach and the rights to subpoena the President. Seems like this Presidency couldn’t care less, and he couldn’t care less for foreign interference in elections for his gain. That is seemingly okay in his party and they are all for using all tools for victory. They will sell Montana, Idaho and the Department of Justice to Russians, if they could. That is how it seems.
However, the Senate can show that this is wrong and that they care. I don’t expect it. I expect that they vindicate and accept this. They don’t want this humiliation ahead of 2020 elections. They will trade away moments of power, instead of valuing rule of law and justice. They rather want the office and secure their future. It is more important to stand by Trump, than actually caring about the Constitution.
That the President can misuse power, abuse his power and threatening the up-coming elections. This is what the Senate can address, as the House has already done their bid and has the Memorandum as a proof of their findings. We cannot expect magic, as his fellow bed-mates run the Senate. If they were loyal to their station and Republic. They might have served justice and seen blood. Nevertheless, the result might be just hogwash. They will just thwart the whole thing and seal their misgivings. If Trump is guilty, so is the rest of the party too. Because, they let him and gave way to his whims. They all let him, but also was water-boys for him. These people can either show that the truth matters and that the Republic matters more than person.
However, don’t expect that dance. Expect that the politics matter more. The only way these Republican’s will be henchmen to their own. Is if their own seats, their own livelihoods and their reputation is for sale. If they can themselves be in legal jeopardy or even fall. Than, they might do something. But this memorandum will not seal the fate of the Presidency.
No, only if the Senators fears the elections of 2020 and think they can escape. If they don’t, they will go along and accept being puppets of the President and his foreign backers. Because, he uses all means to win. The President doesn’t care, as long as he “wins”. He doesn’t care about the laws, constitution or protocol. What matters is him and his cause. The Republic is the second fiddle.
Now, we can soon see if the Republicans in the Senate cares about their integrity, the values of the constitutional norms or even due process. Don’t expect it. Really don’t expect it. Since, they haven’t cared with the Russian Probe and neither this Ukrainian scandal. They have done whatever they can to spoil it like bad TV-Hosts on Fox News. Therefore, Trump might be saved, but his legacy is tarnished. Because we all know what he does and how he operates. Nothing matters, except for his own ass. Peace.

The man of the hour since 2005. The son of the Previous President, which ruled since 1967. The family dynasty and enterprise, established in 1967 and running to this day. The family business of Faure Gnassingbe, whose now able to run until 2030. With two elections, but that is formalities at this point.
Not like the Gnassingbe is going to give away his vast powers, give away the state and all the opportunities to enrich himself. Eyadema Gnassingbe could rule until death in 2005 and Faure got elected after him. Now, the son has amended the Constitution, so that he can have two more terms. This will be his fourth and fifth term. If Faure completes these terms, than the family has run the Republic for 63 years. They are already on their 53 years.
That is a long time, the son has already graced the office for 15 years. So, its not like he could do his magic or make a difference if he would already. But he will be more known for lack of service delivery, silencing critics and fatal protests. Closing beach-concerts for security reasons, bad water quality and lack of proper government functions. Because, that is something is rampant.
Not weird it is like that, all the cronies, loyalists of the family of Gnassingbe is all across the political spectrum. There are no judge who will go against him, no Member of Parliament, which will have the power to stand-up and change it. No, Faure is the sole king and the proprietor of the Republic.
On the 22nd February 2020. Expect a total black-out, total lockdown, closed borders, all VPN and military in the streets. Expect a full horizon of well-wishers and people giving way. The other 6 Presidential Candidates, didn’t even have a chance. They were just tokens, to make an appearance and make it look like the public had a choice. When, in reality, they were pawns, and the king, stays the king.
This election is a rubber-stamping exercise. This is misuse of the public trust and only a shallow appearance of normality. When it could have been done by decree and then closed the shop. The results will be in favour of Gnassingbe. The Court judgements after the elections will validate him and his cronies. This elections is only done. To make it “legitimate” to continue the Gnassingbe Limited (Ltd). Not to uphold any values or proper representation, which could make a difference.
At this point, the Togolese Republic is a family enterprise and they are profiting of the misgivings of the Republic. While they have powerful friends in Lome and in Paris. Which keeps this pumping and alive. That is just the nature of things. Gnassingbe wants to be as good as his father. Forever on the throne, until he dies. If not he has failed the legacy of his father. This is how it seems.
That February day will he hectic and havoc. As the Togo Debout have shown in the recent times. Nor, that it will change anything. Unless, the military switch allegiance. But don’t count on it. Really don’t, they are fed by the Gnassingbe. They don’t want to bite the hand that feeds it.
This isn’t an election, but just another step of justification for Gnassingbe Ltd. to continue their work and their looting. Peace.

“However, in response, Nakyobe told the MPs that there is no official or formal communication from the President, regarding the appointment of Catherine Kusasira and Butcher man as his presidential advisers.“As far as I’m concerned it is still a pronouncement that has not yet been put in writing, therefore, Kusasira and Butcher man are not yet staff of State House until when we have it in writing and then we shall have a normal process of their recruitment,” Nakyobe explained” (Henry Sekanjako – ‘Kusasira, Butcher man, Full Figure not our employees – State House’ 18.01.2020, New Vision).
When you do public stunts and sudden political moves like President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni did in regards to the Ghetto Superstars of Kusasira, Butchaman and Jennifer Full Figure. They are not official Presidential Advisors, even if they consider themselves as big-men already.
Therefore, what is really weird is the reports of 600 millions shillings first salary in cash and also SUV Cars. This is really heavy spending on these three, which is not even official or on the payroll of the State House. A State House, which already has over 170 Presidential Advisors on its payroll. Not like these three would make a huge difference in the asked funds for the next financial year. And in that regard, the State House usually get at least one Supplementary Expenditure or budgets for the up-coming elections. Don’t be shocked or surprised by that.
That is why, the President and State House acts like this. Not like its a big whoop, but still substantial. That the President doesn’t act accordingly to protocol and now someone else has to sort it out. Unless, suddenly there will come a letter of formality and sort this one out. As it is embarrassing.
This show how the State House and the Republic is run by a one-man brigade. One man with one vision. Nothing else is holding it up. They are all supposed to dance to his tune. Surely, these people will be paid. The State House will not humiliate the President and his will to “ghetto”. Even if the President will always be more of cow herder, than a man of the Ghetto. But because of Bobi Wine he will sing tales of the streets, the murky roads and the potholes. However, it will not be a tale he lived, because he never did.
That is why he has hired these people. Why he has handpicked them and is using them as tools for his upcoming elections. Soon, they will be on the lists of Presidential Advisors, but they are only needed tokens and they will be used as bargain chips. Not because they are smart, neither because they have much to offer, but because serve one cause. That he has them, as a representation of what his not.
It is always a reason, some are hard to digest. Others are easy access. This one is slim pickings. Peace.

Captain Mike Mukula, the owner of Voice of Teso was able to hold rallies in Serere District and concerts sponsored by him too. That all happen under the guise of promoting the radio station with artists like Bebe Cool. Bebe Cool is a official mobilizer for the NRM party. That shows levels of hypocrisy, which the state is in. So, it was a semi-National Resistance Movement rally at the Serere District Headquarters.
That it happen now on the 18th January 2020. Is really insulting to the troubles of others to hold consultation meetings and do party work itself without any issues. Mukula has been able to gain a lot of power within the leadership and the State House. As his been able to get vast fortunes on corruption scandals, even been serving time in jail for that. Still, his still in the inner circle of power and has never left.
That is why the likes of the Captain and his ‘Voice of Teso’ is allowed to hold concerts and rallies. Even if the grace of the owner and political juggernaut Mukula. While also Bebe Cool was also allowed to address the crowds in Serere District.
That there was no police force, no toilets, no sniffer dogs and not any proof of applications for a formal announcement from the Electoral Commission with notification. Neither, any proof of following the Public Order Management Act (POMA). Since, they just announced the whole trip and promotion tour in Serere, but seemingly needed no paperwork. Even made a concert into a semi-rally. If the FDC or Bobi Wine even did this, they would be ambushed or blocked from doing so.
It shows the double standard. However, that is not new, as the state party can act as they want too. While the opposition has to beg for meeting and greeting outside of campaign season. While the state can organize any sort of function, for any sort of figure of the party and call it a day. That is what this is. As the Voice of Teso is like a privately owned “state radio”, as they working for the things the NRM does too. Peace.