Opinion: Tumwebaze thinks people are naïve… [on succession of the “high above”]

“The time for NRM to declare an alternative presidential candidate will come. You will be shocked that NRM has a pool of bale leaders”Frank Tumwebaze

That the Minister and High-Ranking Official within the National Resistance Movement, Frank Tumwebaze thinks people are stupid. At least think they are naïve and cannot see the realities as they are.

The NRM is built around the sole candidacy of the President. His words are law and his directives are the gospel. He is both the salvation, the redemption and the punisher. All in one package. It is just like the Minister doesn’t know this.

Frankie Boy might think this is brilliant to say in the future there will be another candidate. In the future there will be another Presidential Candidate from the Movement. That will only happen when the current one stops breathing.

When the Minister speaks of pool of leaders. There been plenty with ambition to beat and overcome the President. That is well known, there been Besigye, Mbabazi, Bukenya, Muntu and so forth. There are plenty who been part of the Movement but gone tired of the Sole Candidate and left the building.

The honourable minister knows all of this but acts like it’s not a thing. We all know, that the son is aiming for the throne. Muhoozi wants to become the second-generation President. Just like a royalty. While, Tumwebaze thinks of others, however, he cannot mention him. We know that he has gotten higher and higher roles. That is why the NRM is awaiting his time.

The President is the sole candidate for life. There will be no other as long as his alive. Unless, the army makes a coup d’état. Until then, will the President be golden oldie Yoweri. That is just the way things is. There is no denying in that.

Frank might think he can play with words, because in some sense its true. However, indefinitely it will be the “High Above”. The NRM will not switch away from him. That will be seen as treason. If the honourable had said something else, he would be on the chopping block or become an independent.

The time for a new presidential candidate in the NRM is only when Yoweri stops breathing. Until then, he runs the shop and owns the shop. It is Yoweri’s shop. That is just the mere reality and Frank cannot run away from that.

There will be no sudden changes of leadership here. Museveni is going down the Mugabe route. The indefinite ruler, the survivor and advanced age overlord of the Republic. The party will not change that. He will not suffer the humiliation of seeing Amama or Gilbert on the throne. No, there will be none of that.

Succession will not happen through protocol, but through order of life. Meaning, only when the lifer is gone and vigils in Parliament have been held. In the meanwhile, we can play footsie with the idea, but there is no real challenge. The sole candidate is for life and no one else will dare to question that. If they do, then they are gone in a hot minute. Peace.

Zimbabwe: ZIMCODD – Statement on the Report of the Public Hearings – Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 2 (13.07.2020)

Opinion: Cayetano better chill, because he needs a new master when Duterte is gone…

Alan Cayetano wouldn’t be a speaker or have an office, if it wasn’t for the President. So, when defends the assault on Press Freedom, while taking way the rights for ABSCBN to Senator Grace Poe and Vice President Leni Robredo. It is evident how short-sighted the man is when telling them to “chill”.

The former senator and Vice President running mate with Duterte in 2016. He came third, but since then because of loyalty gotten high ranking positions. First as the Foreign Minister in 2017 and became the Speaker in 2019. Therefore, his rise has been associated with Duterte. That is very evident, as a political family, he has played smart for now, but how long will it last?

Cayetano only there now, because he campaigned and is a trusted ally. After Duterte he will need a new chief to give him positions. For the moment he is part of elite and the ones running the Republic. However, the man will not have this when its done.

Right now, he can defend everything Duterte does, because he doesn’t want to bite the hand that feeds it. That is smart and also expected. The failed VP candidate and former Senator. He got family members in both houses. However, he wouldn’t be speaker and had the roles in the Foreign Ministry, if it wasn’t for the President.

I have feeling, unless Cayetano will find a new master in the end of Duterte. He will struggle to find relevance. He has been the defender, the voice of the administration and been on the frontline for Rodrigo. Cayetano is associated with him, no matter what happens.

That is why he should walk more careful. It isn’t an eternal reign and some day he will not be there. Cayetano can act like that and be like this. For now, he can Netflix and chill. Take it easy, be a big-man and work with the dynasties. That is what they do.

The Speaker can a fool, however, the moment when Duterte is gone. When there is a new administration. Unless, he moves smart. He will be left behind. Just in the say unemployment line with the ABSCBN employees. The ones he defends and says is righteous.

That is the legacy he leaves behind. It is not a message of strength. Not a message of wisdom, but of short-term greatness and above all, loyalty. That his loyal to the President is fine and dandy. Duterte has a man who will defend whatever and at no cost. Cayetano has shown this.

Cayetano. For now, your safe, but later you cannot chill. You have aligned yourself for now, but that will not last forever. Peace.

Security Council Press Statement on South Sudan (13 July 2020)

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Christoph Heusgen (Germany):

The members of the Security Council welcomed encouraging developments in South Sudan’s peace process, including the agreement between the parties to the Revitalised Agreement on the allocation of states and announcement of governors. The members of the Security Council encouraged the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) to finalize the remaining state governors and establish state and county administrations without delay.

The members of the Security Council expressed concern regarding the delays implementing the Revitalised Agreement and urged the parties to expeditiously finalize security arrangements, establish transitional Government institutions including a national legislative assembly, followed by concerted progress on transitional reforms.

The members of the Security Council recognized the efforts of the R-TGoNU to address the COVID-19 pandemic. They encouraged the R-TGoNU to continue to enhance cooperation with humanitarian agencies, United Nations agencies and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in this regard.

The members of the Security Council expressed grave concern regarding the increased violence between armed groups in South Sudan in recent months, including in Jonglei, which has killed hundreds and displaced thousands. They took note of the announcement of a committee to address intercommunal violence in Jonglei, and underscored the pressing need for the R-TGoNU to act swiftly to halt violence, end impunity for violations and abuses of human rights, including sexual and gender-based violence, and violations of international humanitarian law in South Sudan. They called for the R-TGoNU to support UNMISS efforts in facilitating intercommunal dialogue and enhancing community engagement.

The members of the Security Council called on the R-TGoNU as well as non-signatory armed groups to the Revitalised Agreement to take urgent action to prevent violence, protect civilians and civilian objects, as well as medical facilities and medical personnel, and allow rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access. The Security Council urged the R-TGoNU and non-signatories to the Revitalised Agreement to resume dialogue and fully implement the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities, in keeping with their commitments in the Rome Declaration.

The members of the Security Council expressed concern at the dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan, which is exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and renewed intercommunal violence, and reiterated the need for the parties to facilitate, in a manner consistent with relevant provisions of international law, the delivery of humanitarian assistance. They deplored the recent killing of humanitarian workers in Jonglei and Lakes State.

The members of the Security Council commended the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for its leadership in advancing the peace process for South Sudan. They underscored the need for continued and active engagement on South Sudan by the region and the international community. The members of the Security Council further commended the leadership of the interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission and called upon IGAD to appoint a permanent Chairperson for the Commission to support implementation of the Revitalised Agreement.

The members of the Security Council stressed the need for the R-TGoNU to govern in a unified manner and the importance of inclusivity within the R-TGoNU, especially achieving 35 per cent representation of women in the Executive in line with the Revitalized Agreement, and also ensuring meaningful participation of women, youth, faith-based groups, and civil society in implementation of the Revitalised Agreement. The members of the Security Council underscored the need to protect journalists.

The members of the Security Council called on the R-TGoNU to finalize establishment of all transitional institutions in line with the Revitalised Agreement, which are necessary to build trust and consolidate steps taken towards lasting peace.

The members of the Security Council recalled the obligations for the Government of South Sudan set forth under the Status-of-Forces Agreement with UNMISS and called upon the Government to ensure UNMISS freedom of movement to implement its mandate to protect civilians, monitor and investigate human rights violations and abuses, support the delivery of humanitarian assistance and support implementation of the Agreement. The members of the Security Council emphasized the need for the R-TGoNU to facilitate rapid clearance for medical evacuation flights for United Nations and humanitarian personnel.

The members of the Security Council stressed that actions which threaten the peace, security or stability of South Sudan may be subject to sanctions under resolutions 2206 (2015), 2290 (2016), 2353 (2017), 2428 (2018), 2471 (2019), and 2521 (2020). They recalled the decision of the Security Council to review sanctions measures in light of progress achieved implementing all provisions of the Revitalised Agreement.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their support for the people of South Sudan and reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of the Republic of South Sudan.

Mali: Mouvement du 5 Juin – Rassemblement des Forces Patriotiques (M5-RFP) – Communique No. 002 – Sur les Teuries et Arrestatons Abitaires des 10, 11 et 12 Juiliet 2020 (12.07.2020)

Opinion: Trump blaming everyone else for his mismanaged attempt to stem COVID-19

The White House and President Donald J. Trump have now acted the cowardly way of name-calling Dr. Anthony Fauci, the man who has warned and enlighten the public about the dangers of the Novel Coronavirus. Still, the Trump Administration nicknaming him Dr. Doom and Dr. Gloom like a kindergarten move to muffle the outspoken expert.

This pandemic have been an assault on the American public. The response from the Federal Government have been totally bonkers. Reactionary and not with anyone at the steering wheel. It has been dismissive and downplaying the risks. It has played soft-ball with a fatal disease. The President have been golfing more, then he has done legislations or regulations to safeguard lives.

That is why the President is blaming China, World Health Organization and its own expert Dr. Fauci. Because, the President is never to blame, never at fault as the perfect masculinisation of leadership he is. The orange skinned mobster is everyone’s cup of tea and everyone’s nightmare as head of state. No accountability, no transparency and no acknowledgement of utter failure.

A disgrace of a President. A man blaming everyone else. Playing it for a hoax. Saying the democrats made it happen. Speaking vile and racist about its origin. While days later enjoying the tee at his golfing estate. Instead of finding means to help states hard hit by the pandemic or making guidelines to stop the community spread. No, it is more important that the peasants dies so Wall Street can continue to print money. Ensure the billionaires gets wealthier, while the middle American and lower classes are bleeding. Also, to top it off, trying to kick out more people with pre-existing conditions out of medicaid and ensure less people have health insurance in the midst of global pandemic. That is good sport. Just like another round golf, while thousands of people are catching it and people are dying.

On the President’s watch, the US has lost 137,000 people to the disease. This has all been a blood-shed, which the President is responsible. He could have avoided many of these. That is if he wanted more social distancing, longer closure of society and lockdowns. If the President wanted to stop the spread and ensure less people got sick. He would have used the means of the Federal State to guide the Governors and secure the public. Not just donate goods and needed equipment as a gift for the up-coming election. That is what the President has done.

It is the proof of the failure. The ones paying the price isn’t the head himself. No, its the citizens, the public and society at large. He can take Air-Force One and dip through traffic for publicity stunts. While the public have to go to the store, get their necessities and even work while screaming Karens bitching about their birthright not to wear masks. Because, that just a good way to create more worry for the piss-poor employees who are working nine-to-five to pay the bills.

This President doesn’t care. If he did, he would have done something. He would have secured the bag, paid the hush-money and screwed the actress. That is what he does. However, there been no personal gain or need to do so. Unless, the President are gaining something out of it. He doesn’t care about the dead. About the families scorned and torn apart. They are just random casualties.

The President wanted at some point act like a War President against the COVID-19. Be out and speak every night like a campaign rally.. However, that worked as it was 2 hour session of tragic disproportion and disingenuous at best. The lies and deceptions got caught up combined with his vile rhetoric. It was a reason why the spokesperson does it instead. Not that it becomes more true, but a better way of self-defence. The President just made things worse and pushed the unscientific solutions on the public. Like a national hack-job to the whole public to see every night.

Now, the President has turned on Fauci. He has already been aggressive, ceased the membership of WHO and open war with China. Since all of that saves lives… which it doesn’t. It only makes the Americans more alone in the world and have less friends. The US is losing both at home and abroad. They are just pathetic and it starts from the top.

Trump trying to create scapegoats, because he got no clue how to fix this. There is no way to rig this or cheat himself out of this one. No matter what he does now, he will fail. Peace.

Opininon: The Ghost of Kantinti should haunt the FDC [and the rise of Bobi Wine]

That the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) nominated the nullified MP Apollo Kantinti to stand as a Flag-Bearer in the Kyadondo East By-Election in 2017 should be a friendly reminder what the FDC leadership did wrong. What has transpired since, has been a growing momentum and popularity politically towards the Independent MP and Opposition Leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Who won the By-Election in 2017 over Kantinti. The loser has since then needed to go to court over bankruptcy.

We all know what has happen since and the groundwork the MP has done with his People Power Movement. A rising movement that even the People’s Government and Dr. Kizza Besigye have gone in coalition in. Which is just a small time ago that Bobi Wine and Besigye formed the United Forces for Change (UFC).

The FDC is really not pulling their weight, when the Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat (POA) is saying this in a interview these day:

It is very early to say that. What if Bobi Wine joins FDC tomorrow? For us we maintain an open door policy, he may change his mind and say I think I want a home. He is welcome to join FDC any time he wants and then he will be weighed against the other candidates” (Derrick Wandera – ‘Uganda: Bobi Should Join FDC If He Wants Coalition With Us, Says Amuriat’ 12.07.2020, Daily Monitor).

This is a bit late. The tea is freezing. To open the door for Bobi Wine now that he is in the upper echelon. When Bobi Wine get the same treatment by the authorities like Besigye. Than you want him to become part of the FDC? Also weigh him with others? Seriously?

Why should he step down and await vetting in the FDC? When he can run on own platform and own merit?

Because the same FDC said this before the Kyadondo East By-Election:

Forum for Democratic Change [FDC] will not support popular musician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine in the yet-to-be scheduled Kyadondo East by-election, party officials have said. The party said it will instead support Apollo Kantinti, its flag bearer in 2016, whose election was nullified by the High court and the nullification upheld by the Court of Appeal last week” (Baker Batte Lule – ‘FDC to Bobi Wine: wait for 2021’ 05.05.2017, Observer).

With this in mind, the party followed party protocol and let Kantinti stand again. However, with that they lost Bobi Wine too. As someone who has shown political finesse and ability beyond Wakiso district and Kyadondo East.

Bobi Wine is so big, that the President has tried to sing Elvis “In the Ghetto” to the public at times. That is why the FDC did wrong and should be humble in concern of Bobi Wine. They are the ones that lost out. That they are having talks and a coalition is showing progress in concern of results together as opposition. However, POA is not showing grace and demeanour, which understands what the People Power are brining right now.

The momentum isn’t on Besigye. It is on Bobi Wine. Nothing wrong with Besigye. He has carried the mantle, been the man in the line of fire and deserves credit for his hard labour. However, FDC doesn’t have Bobi Wine, because they played him wrong. That’s why the Party President of FDC acts like this. He wants to be the giant, but forgetting what they did themselves. It is not like he needed a party in the last election and he has only grown stronger since then. That is just common sense by now.

POA could have had the courage to show some humility, but instead he wants to bamboozle others. Hoping nobody see the game his playing. FDC is fighting for the good cause, so is the People Power Movement and they can do it together. However, that should be done by consensus and fair game. Not walking over one party and expecting it to roll over.

The FDC could have done better, hindsight 20/20 is always easier, than actually making good decisions in the moment of time. Still, the FDC is haunted by the ghost of Kantinti. He follows them and that’s why they cannot steer the conversation or get Bobi Wine totally on board. Instead, they have to talk and negotiate with him. This because of a simple mistake in 2017. Peace.

Mali: Parti pour la Renaissance Nationale – PARENA – Declaration du Parena sur le Crise Politique (12.07.2020)

Mali: Communique Conjoint des Representants de la CEDEA, de l’UA, de l’UE et des nu au Mali (12.07.2020)

Opinion: It’s not REA’s fault, but the NRM [meanwhile REA is a useful scapegoat…]

An agency made by the National Resistance Movement (NRM), enacted by law in 1999 and operative agency from 2001. The NRM is all to blame for the failures of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). They might want to get rid of the head of the agency for 14 years in the campaign season to look better, but the same rot is there as in the ruling regime.

So, when the Minister of Energy and Development Grace Kitutu blames the REA for bad service deliver and the percentages of progress with it. That is a result of what the government wanted with it. The blame for all of this is the government.

The Minister putting the blame now is very convenient. That they are doing this in 2020. The REA has been working for 19 years. The government been in-charge since 1986. That’s why the Minister blaming the REA for back track-record is a bit half-baked.

The people who makes the policies, funding and votes for projects it wants. They are working with stakeholders, donors and others to build these projects. Also together with private companies and foreign investors.

Still, with all the time and the ability. The lack of results is staggering. When the minister outcries only 7% electric coverage to rural communities. Well, with the amount spent and what was their goals. It isn’t that shady, but its abundantly heart-wrecking knowing all the time spent on this.

It is easy to blame REA now. Not like they are working in a vacuum. It is the typical game-plan. Shift focus from one, instead of the others. We know it really sucks, when the President promises 26% electric coverage by 2024. He did that in 2014, but the Minister say they are at 7% and it’s only at a third of what is promised. Which is really not something to praise anyway.

If you would feel entitled to have used 3 decades in power to give such little power. You know why there are surplus electricity. Since there are no lines to take it on anyway.

That the NRM now pin-points one of these agencies it has created, instead of looking into themselves. The NRM will do this now to clean their slate. While they are the ones writing the plans, creating the agencies and not implementing it. They are allocating funds, which is going to ghosts, lost or forgotten about. Suddenly, when the Auditor General or someone looking over the paper-trail, the ducks start quacking.

Minister Kitutu might scream and shout. Blame REA. It is so damn easy… Instead of trying to be accountable. Being really accountable and taking responsibility would have been healthy. Not that we can expect they to do so.

It is easier to make someone a scapegoat, than actually do something. That’s the lesson from all of this. Peace.