Gen. Benon Biraaro the loyal cadre of the NRM

“In 1996 I told President Museveni that the 10 years he had been in leadership were enough and advised him to leave power for others” – Gen. Benon Biraaro in November 2016

Maj. Gen. Benon Biraaro is one of those guys whose loyalty is not questioned. As he joined the Bush-War in 1982 and stayed the course. He has served several of high ranking positions, even as the Chief of Staff in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and been in the inner-circle of military commando, both as a rebel and as an armed commander.

The man of honour, the man who served so diligently for so long. Still, had one more rebellion in him to defy the bush-war General he previously served. As the Luweero Triangle Medal and others faded. Retired from the army in 2008 after serving it since 1982. He started the armed service after finishing studies at Makerere University. He formed in 2014, the Peace and National Unity (PNU) before relaunching himself again with the Farmers Party ahead of the General Election in 2016. Which was the party he used to stand as a Presidential Candidate in the last election.

The man who is now deceased. Claimed he opposed Museveni before Besigye. However, that doesn’t add up, as the man claimed he was against Museveni in 1996, but he was promoted several of times since then. Therefore, the man was clearly not that vocal before he retired. That is evident, because if he were. He wouldn’t gotten higher ranks and been promoted like he did. President Museveni wouldn’t have done that.

Some are claiming he was a syncopate and a stooge as an opposition candidate. As he didn’t have the recognition nor the flair to stand-up to Museveni. Only empty words, but not like crowds would surge around him. Therefore, Benon was a former Bush-War Veteran who seemed like a possible catch, but not of something that would aim for the stars as a candidate in the 2016 elections. The man who has held lectures for armed personnel, been a teacher and one whose loyalty haven’t been questioned.

Not like he ran against Museveni like Gen. David Sejusa aka Tinyefuza, who had to go to exile because he wanted to retire. No, Benon could just retire and start his own party without any interference or big question. That’s because Biraaro wasn’t anything Museveni feared nor had any issues with. Even if Benon during the campaigns and after it, as warned the President and the NRM of a possible Zimbabwe moment. In regards, that Museveni might get the same treatment, as Mugabe did in his final stages. However, that has happen without any fanfare.

What we do know, is that Benon Biraaro is now deceased. His no longer among us. A man who fought, who started on its own and is no longer amongst us. What he leaves behind is a fringe party, which is the Farmers Party. He leaves behind a weak attempt for a peaceful transition and post-Museveni.

He leaves behind a life in the armed forces, in the higher ranking position and where he was loyal to the core. Biraaro might wanted more for his legacy, but this is what it is.  We know he went together with others after the General Elections in 2016 to the house-arrested Dr. Kizza Besigye and tried to offer a power-sharing agreement, where Besigye would be Museveni’s VP. But we know that this was dismissed in February 2016. Therefore, the General wasn’t always able to serve, even when he was trying his hardest.

Benon might want to remembered for more, there isn’t more I can say. He trained people in the Bush-War, he did it after the Bush-War and was a high-ranking official, and gotten medals for his service. Therefore, its not like he didn’t get accolades while living. Now, he is gone, but his legacy is loyalty, but not greatness. That is more than what some will be remembered for. He was loyal to the NRA and the NRM, to the President and to that cause. Peace.

Trump-Ukraine: Sen. Ron Wyden letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (11.02.2020)

Opinion: Muhoozi’s braggadocios demeanour

Now we’re back to the heir, the son of the self-styled President for Life, Lt. General Muhoozi Kainerubaga, the Senior Advisor to the President and all the above. The one whose not supposed have any interest in becoming the head of state nor wanting the office. While his father is ageing and is at advanced as is.

The President who closed newspapers and threaten other general like David Sejusa aka Tinyefuza over leaks of the planned “Project Muhoozi”. Even with all of that. The high ranking official and well-trained Lt. Gen. is acting up.

He has warned the enemies of the Republic. Last time was in mid-October last year. Now, he has repeated it. With even more force. On Twitter he tweeted on Sunday: Whoever dares to attack Uganda will learn that they are dealing with an empire…and we shall defeat them” (Muhoozi, 09.02.2020).

While he later dropped a video online too, where he said: “Ugandan strong! I never used to believe it but Almighty God has made me a believer. Nobody can defeat Uganda! This is God’s country. Whoever dares will be crushed to dust! Ruhanga asiimwe. Happy Independence Day! God bless Uganda!!!” (Muhoozi, 2020).

We can wonder why he does this and whose his sending a signal too? Is he sending smoke-signals to himself? Or is he trying to convene a message to the DRC and Kigali? Because, there is no clear address to either party nor anyone in particular. Only, that his warning someone. Like they know who they are and don’t they dare cross the borders with arms.

Well, this bragging and bloated talk, only shows the sort of state of mind the son of the President has. As a Lt. Gen and inner-circle of power, as his part of the Kitchen Cabinet and the State House. Groomed for success and prepared for possible takeover, even if he downplays it, every single time. Because, he knows that its not a monarchy, even if his father thinks his the Ssabagabe and the King of Kings.

Therefore, who knows, if he has the bloated vision of his father and the same big-man complex as he has. The apple maybe doesn’t fall far from the tree. However, the public might disregard that sentiment. There is also no proof of his claims nor the justifications of these warnings. Since, there is no army on the other side preparing to invade, except locusts who is appearing in Karamoja.

Well, Lt. Gen Muhoozi can say what he wants, but he should be challenged. Unless, he knows something the rest doesn’t. That there are someone lurking with a ghost army and white walkers might pass the invisible wall in the North to attack Winter Fell or Gulu. Who knows, but why does he do it twice in two years? Unless, he wants to flex his muscles for his wife and side-dish.

What we do know is the son wants to become something. Just not the Senior advisor to daddy. The good son, the groomed man and possible heir.

But if he thinks his the force and spirit to make people fear the republic and their army. His the wrong man to do so. Even if the UPDF and the NRA has a relentless history of proxy wars and armed support across the borders. Still, this is not the way to gain support nor get glory.

Only making a lot of smoke, but no fire. Though the smoke is harmless, it is usually a sign that something is brewing. Peace.

Sudan: The Sovereign Council serves Al-Bashir to the ICC

The Sovereign Council, the transitional government in Sudan has finally done the big act of sending their former head of state for 30 years and former dictator, Omar Al-Bashir to answer his charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague.

Now his final reckoning. Even after being charged with grand corruption in December 2019. This after being overthrown on the 11th April 2019. That after months of demonstrations and continued protests, a revolution where the public had the slogan “We’re All Darfur”. Meaning they are all victims of the atrocities and genocide in Darfuf, which Al-Bashir and his henchman did on his orders. All those years of violence, killings and looting. The President had his end.

Now, 9 months since his fall from power. His been charged and detained. The Sovereign Council partly with military cadres of Al-Bashir and technocrats from the Forces of the Freedom and Change Declaration (FFC) are now ending his “quarantine” and limbo. They are sending their former master to the lions. The ones whose collected evidence and charged him. The ones who has hunted for him and wanted him for years. They have even condemned other nations for hosting the President and Head of State. As they violated the charges and the ICC arrest warrant on him.

Now, nine months after they are doing this. Surely to get some goodwill. You can beg to question: Why now? Are the banks empty again? Are the Sovereign Council running out of fiscal cash and needs some foreign exchange to run government?

Because, giving away and sending him to the ICC. Would give international goodwill. Would be a leap of progression. That would be deemed as a positive step in respecting international law, but also co-operate with an entity respected across the globe. However, it adds questions, which is unresolved.

It also begs the ICC, will they indict and give arrest warrants for people connected with Al-Bashir in the Sovereign Council or the Janjaweed (Rapid Support Force)? Because that would make sense. That the other men who followed orders and on their watch did the atrocities in Darfur and Blue Nile State would answer for it. Not only the Head of State alone in the Hague.

Al-Bashir was a tyrant and a grand dictator. However, he didn’t do this acts a vacuum and alone. He did it with the people around him. That was done deliberate by him and his security organizations. If that was NISS, RSF or anyone else. They did that to enemies, activists or anyone else who dared the regime.

Therefore, his day of reckoning is here now. The Sudanese is sending him to the lions. The big-man, the former leader of men, will be court-side and answering for his actions. He will be humiliated further and even beg for mercy. Only if the ICC does technical glitches or doesn’t follow protocol he will win. Also, only the Sudanese doesn’t comply and intimidate victims and witnesses. Than Al-Bashir will get of the hook.

Nevertheless, it is a historic day. That the man ruling with an iron fist and with a trigger happy army , his now awaiting a new trial, a new court and answer for his misgivings. Which is about time. Who wonders what will happen with the charges in Sudan itself. If they will be followed and actually followed through.

What we do know, is that one man is down and his lost it all. The Sovereign Council has lifted one of their burdens. Maybe there is a pay-off, but that is just mere speculation for now. Peace.

EFF Statement on the Unlawful Deployment of the South African Police Services to SONA (11.02.2020)

RDC: Communique Officiel du Ministere des Finances a l’Attention des Operateurs Economiques de la Republique Democratique du Congo (10.02.2020)

South Sudan: 32 Governors – Joint Press Release (11.02.2020)

Makerere University: Parliament Report strikes hard at the authorities

The Parliament made a report into last year’s violence and demonstrations at the Makerere University. The Report was made in December 2019, but only released in public now in February 2020. Therefore, I got it in hand today and will dwell on some aspects of it. As it shows what sort of fashion that went down and what the MPs see as vital information for the public to know after the deeds was done at the campus.

As the report states: “the demonstration led by the 85t1, Female Caucus was legitimate in nature [Article 29 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda] and did not merit the brutal conduct of the University administration and the security operatives in managing the protests” (..) “there was lack of evidence to suggest that the University Students’ Disciplinary Committee headed by Justice Precious Ngabirano had convened meetings to hear and determine allegations levelled against the affected students. The Committee notes that it is now coming to two months without any report from the University Disciplinary Committee” (Parliament Report, 2019).

Just by these simple paragraphs shows the extent of force used to a demonstrations that had merit, which the University combined with the authorities escalated. As we known by following the events to a violent path.

As it further states: “The Committee observes that the deployment of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces [UPDF] to participate in the management of the protests at the University were not justifiable” (Parliament Report, 2019). With these words in mind, it is not strange that the UPDF and the authorities, which was not justified, misused their means on civilians and students alike. The acts of ill towards citizens and students demonstrating at unfair raise of student fees. Which is a natural reaction to sudden change of livelihood.

While the minority report stated this for instance: “the senior Minister of Education and Sports makes a public apology in light of the statement she made depicting Makerere University as a drug infested institution. We presume the statement is an indictment to the students and the university at large, and her apology would restore confidence and trust on Makerere University” (Parliament report, 2019).

Also, states a reason why there was no evidence in the majority report of sexual harassment: “The Committee on Education and Sports did not spare time to specifically inquire and interface with alleged victims of sexual harassment at the Campus of Makerere University” (…) “One female student [names uithheld] testified that she was subjected to verbal sexual insults inside the hostel and at Wandegeya Police Station after her arrest. Among the insults, a uniformed security officer threatened called her a prostitute and threatened to put his genitalia in her mouth” (Parliament Report, 2019). Therefore, the concerns of these actions made by security personnel, neither police nor soldiers on the ground. Show, that there was no actions being done to ensure their hurt nor their stories to collaborate with the alleged sexual harassment. This could have further shown the ills that were done and the amount of pain the students went through those weeks of last year.

Let me end with a final statement from the Minority report: “The recent students’ demonstration at Makerere was indicative of the fact that some interests were ignored by the University authorities” (Parliament Report, 2019). That is enough. Peace.

Mali: Communique du Gouvernement de la Republique du Mali (10.02.2020)

RDC: Observatoire de la Depense Publique (ODEP) – Communique de Press – L’EPOPEE des Sauts-De-Mouton: Pas de Nouveau Decaissement avnt l’Audit de l’Inspection General des Finances (10.02.2020)