Opinion: Nsereko isn’t a visionary, but a populist…

The advantage of a visionary leader like me who dissented the president’s orders to declare a total lockdown is what Kampala needs” Muhammad Nsereko

There is vast difference between a visionary and a populist. Nsereko MP of Kampala Central, the incumbent is running for yet another term in 2021. His first term in office was for the ruling party, National Resistance Movement (NRM) in 2011. The second term he went in as an independent candidate, but is friendly to regime.

In 2013 he was expelled, but got into good graces again in 2015 ahead of the polls. Still, running on the Independent ticket. Something he will continue to do towards the 2021 elections.

To prove his loyalty in 2015 he went after the Jobless Brotherhood. That was a simple plan and proves his not that visionary. When he cannot work for the poor and the ones without work. However, throw them under the bus.

Also, how he went after “Defiance” too. If that is visionary, then the Independent editor Mwenda is mastermind as well. Nevertheless, Nsereko tried to affiliate with the FDC, but ran as an indpendent. While he was dismissive towards the Defiance Campaign. That isn’t someone with a vision, but someone using all tents to in. While he was running with the first family to rallies. That is what he did in 2016.

The same man who has supported the Age Limit and taken all the millions of shillings he could while his in-office. Nsereko have even used slush-funds from the President to gain popularity in the past, Watchdog even reported on that. So, its not like I’m making these sort of things up.

If he was an visionary as he claims. He wouldn’t act like a sheep like most of the MPs. Once in the while he will act smart and say the right thing. Still, that will not stop his leaning towards the NRM. He can rebel now and then, but that doesn’t make him a revolutionary. It just shows that he has some integrity, but most of the times he can bought.

With the knowledge of this. He uses the tag-line “independent” for his benefit, but could easily just be a NRM MP. There is little to no difference between this brother and the rest of them. Only difference is that he takes a moment of fury and comes with valid arguments. Still, that doesn’t stop him from associating with the NRM, but acting different when it fits him.

If he thinks this is special or unique. I hate to tell you its not. If you want to vote for a real independent candidate, do that, but not this fella. This man acts like something, but is initially a lackey. A true independent wouldn’t get a slush fund from the President. However, this dude did that.

Nsereko knows this, but tries act differently. Now he wants people to look at him differently after a decade in office. The Kampala MP wants to look smug, have swagger and be a righteous big-man. However, its the lesson of do what I say, but not what I do. Since, his actions and former activity is far from a visionary. Still, he wants envision himself in this image.

The MP is a populist and nothing else. He wants to play for popular gains. The causes that brings him popularity. The MP isn’t fighting for the weak, the poor and the disfranchised. He actually sometimes fights against them. That is not a visionary, but a populist. A man who rather enrich himself and his cronies, than be there for the ones in need. If he was a visionary, he would have used his position to help the Jobless Brotherhood and not throw them under the bus. However, his the kind that does the latter.

Nsereko can act a fool. He is allowed to do so. But when you lie on-air, I will call you out on it. You have had enough time to prove your character and what sort of leader you are. The track-record speaks for itself. So, don’t act holy, when your a petty thief. If you know, now you know. Peace.

Kenya: Council of Governors – Statement on Procurement Irregularities at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) – (15.08.2020)

South Sudan: COVID-19 prevention and promotion of national identity as citizens of Yambio gather to revel in face masks (15.08.2020)

During the launch at the Freedom Square in Yambio, potentially life-saving information on how to prevent oneself and others from the Coronavirus was handed out.

JUBA, South Sudan, August 15, 2020 – Hundreds of face mask-wearing Yambio citizens have been spotted reading vital COVID-19 prevention messages in their own local languages, courtesy of the UN Mission in South Sudan.

They enjoyed such illuminating sneak peeks at their flash cards while also relishing the launch of a campaign, Ana Junubi (“I’m South Sudanese”), aiming to promote peace by strengthening national identity and social cohesion.which means “I am South Sudanese”.

“I am very happy. I came here to hear about how we can think of ourselves as South Sudanese instead of as belonging just to a certain tribe, but as a bonus I also received this leaflet with messages in my language about COVID-19. I will read it carefully and pass it on to others,” said Suzan Gbiaundore, one of the campaign revellers.

During the launch at the Freedom Square in Yambio, potentially life-saving information on how to prevent oneself and others from the Coronavirus was handed out in not only English and Arabic but also in the locally speaking widely spoken Azande language. Civil society organizations complemented the joyous occasion by distributing face masks, which may have somewhat muffled any spontaneous ululations, but for a good and greater cause.

Traditional singer Simon Wasi thoroughly approved of the initiative as well.

“The COVID-19 threat is real, and the virus is not going away anytime soon. We need to continue to raise awareness through messaging, provide face masks to the people and maintain physical distancing as best we can,” he asserted.

Wilson Thomas, Secretary General of the government of Western Equatoria State and sporting a fine face mask himself, hailed both of the main points made at the festive gathering.

“This activity is of great importance to help us calling ourselves South Sudanese, to first and foremost embrace our nationality. As for the COVID-19, we will keep encouraging our people to respect the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health.”

The Ana Junubi project, scheduled to cover the states of Western Bahr El Ghazal and Upper Nile as well, is being implemented by the Yambio Civic Engagement Center together with the Young Women Christian Organization with support from the United States Agency for International Development.

Democratic Republic of the Congo: Millions ‘on the edge’ in DR Congo, now in even greater danger of tipping over – World Food Programme (WFP) – (14.08.2020)

Outbreaks of diseases, violence, and fears of a poor harvest, are worsening an already alarming situation.

NEW YORK, United States of America, August 14, 2020 – According to the World Food Programme (WFP), latest national data shows that about four in ten people in the DRC are food insecure, with some 15.6 million suffering “crisis” or “emergency” levels of hunger.

“So many Congolese are on the edge, and in even greater danger now of being tipped over the edge”, said Claude Jibidar, the head of WFP operations in the country.

“The world just can’t let that happen, worried though it understandably is about the huge toll COVID-19 is taking on lives and livelihoods elsewhere.”

Crisis in every direction

Outbreaks of diseases, violence, and fears of a poor harvest, are worsening an already alarming situation.

Malnutrition is particularly pervasive in the east of the country, where decades of brutal conflict has forced millions from their homes – many of them numerous times. In the first half of 2020, almost a million people were uprooted from their homes due to new violence.

Displaced persons across the DRC – numbering more than five million – live in makeshift camps and urban areas with poor sanitation and healthcare, making them especially susceptible to COVID-19.

Adding to this are killer diseases, malaria and cholera, exacerbating the hunger challenge. A new large-scale outbreak of measles in the central Kasai region has significantly increased the risk of fatalities among malnourished children.

The dire health situation is compounded by successive outbreaks of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). By the time the DRC’s tenth and biggest Ebola epidemic ended in June, having claimed almost 2,300 lives in the east over two years, the eleventh had erupted in the northwest, and continues to spread.

Resources urgently needed

Against this bleak picture, UN agencies, including the WFP have been working to provide life-saving assistance across the nation.

On its part, WFP need another $172 million to be able to fully implement its emergency operation in the country over the next six months. With enough resources, it aims to reach 8.6 million people this year– including almost a million of those hit hardest by the pandemic – up from a record 6.9 million reached in 2019.

However, without the necessary funding, food rations and cash assistance will have to be cut, then the number of people being helped, warned the UN agency.

“Interventions to treat and prevent acute malnutrition – which afflicts 3.4 million Congolese children – are at immediate risk”, it said.

Opinion: Museveni can sleepwalk into the elections [as the opposition only aim at their own]

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) who are not caring about the guidelines or the regulations for COVID-19 or Coronavirus. Who are busy scheduling all activities ahead of the General Elections of 2021. also settling the final flag-bearers of the party. Which sometimes are the same-old, same-old and dozens of sole candidates. The NRM looks solid ahead of the elections.

At this point, as the President Museveni is busy preparing for this 8th Term since 1986. The man, the legend, the dictator and the President for Life. The supposed Fountain of Honour and His Excellency can just sleep. He can be lazy, he can squander around and even have a few scandals on his hands.

The opposition are busy scheming tearing each other apart. The Uganda People’s Congress is the NRM-Light at this point. The big-man Akena and his wife is both in the sphere of the President. They have traded perks and agreement with the NRM .The UPC is only viable in small pockets and doesn’t have the organization nor trust in the public. Because of the trade-off that Akena, Son-of-Obote did in the last election cycle.

Democratic Party have been raided, taken by everyone. Norbert Mao should by crying at home this weekend. The day of betrayal was this week and he lost his MPs. He got none of the big-men and the party is weakened. There is little left and the promise in the months ahead can’t be much. Not like they can muster such voices and cadres over night. To take the space, which these MPs left.

Forum for Democratic Change are also weakened, also many questions about where they are turning. The ghost of Besigye. While Lukwago only created questions of protocol and validity of the nomination process. No matter what it does, it has lost plenty of the faction belonging to Muntu. The pragmatic part of the FDC has left and the defiance of Besigye lingers on. We can wonder what it will do and how it will become the biggest opposition party again. It needs to show flex and muscle ahead. Needs to drop heavy hitters of flag-bearers and show it isn’t just a punchline.

One of the newcomers, who has shown new strength is Muntu and his Alliance of National Transformation (ANT). Most of this has come by weakening the FDC. The ones who was supporters and allies of Muntu is the ones that left the FDC. There are very few independents who has come, except for Kassiano Wadri. Who is also a former FDC, but had left the party already. Muntu got some good people around him, but he seems like his trying to do the same thing he always does. Saying the right things, but not really challenging status quo.

The second newcomer is the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform. Where Bobi Wine have really scored big and creating headlines. A man who is getting support from all parties and independents. He raided the DP party and gotten several of MPs standing for the NUP. Right now the momentum of the opposition is in his hands. He even got the nudge of the DP Block and the Justice forum for the Presidency. However, JEEMA will field own MPs and not do that under the NUP flag. Showing, there are a balance of sorts and there will be honest competition.

The DP is losing big, FDC is weakened and creating uncertainty, as the biggest party and the one historically challenging the President. Museveni must be giddy that the FDC is lingering like this. Instead of having a steady line and showing resilience. The up-hill battle that persist must be tiring and that’s why its showing some fatigue.

ANT and NUP are revitalized, but they are still not that big or organized like the FDC. Bobi Wine has momentum, but he needs support from everywhere to get the final push. He got friends all around, but with purges like recently in the DP: There might be fear that does happen elsewhere too.

The NRM should be joyful that the opposition looks like this. The message is distorted and the opposition is busy seeing whose deflecting and whose staying. Not to talk about finding out who is the flag-bearer and who gets the nominations. There are so much in-fighting.

There is more talk about what’s happening between the parties. The new and the old. If the old parties have the push or if they are out of steam. We can wonder ourselves. If this is all meal-ticket politics or actual battle for change.

Museveni is lucky with this. They are not pin-point at his failures, at him tanking the economy, taking up more loans and continuing his impunity in power. He can walk free of that. Only touched a small amount of time. Instead of being the target, the one people are aiming for and proving his recklessness. That is what they should do. Expose and show the intolerant and the state sponsored brutality, which is the image of this state.

Except he gets away with that. As he visits factories, radio stations and hold speeches on the regular. He walks and travels at ease like a bird. While the others are in cages and they are not even allowed to sing. Peace.

Zimbabwe: The March Is Not Ended – Pastoral Letter of Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference On the Current Situation in Zimbabwe (14.08.2020)

FDC made itself look like fool by nominating Lukwago… [and blocking Sempala MP a month earlier]

On the 15th July 2020, Woman MP for Kampala Nabilah Naggayi Sempala went to Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Headquarters to deliver her nomination form to seek the flag-bearer stance for the Lord Mayor of Kampala. This after two terms as Woman MP for Kampala since 2011.

She was told by her party that she was too late and couldn’t deliver. Nabilah wasn’t allowed to that in the middle of July, which was right as the FDC said it was a day after the deadline.

Now, we have seen Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago have joined the FDC on the 28th July 2020. That is two weeks after the deadline, which Sempala was blocked from. Continuing that, another two weeks, the FDC accepted the nomination of Lukwago on the 13th August 2020 at the same headquarters.

When, the FDC disregarded and blocked the MP, they said they had an agreement with the Platform Truth and Justice for a supply and demand agreement. That is surely still alive, even as he went from his own T&J and before that his demise in the Democratic Party (DP), which he has drifted from over the year. That was not surprising as he has been part of Besigye People’s Government and been a side-kick over the years.

So within a months time, there was a supposed deadline. Which blocked Nabilah, but they later accepted and partied when Lukwago was nominated as the Lord Mayor Flag-Bearer. This is seeming unreasonable and unfair.

That’s making the FDC looking like fool. They are looking like they had a deal behind closed doors. A deal that blocked others from nominating and making it possible to Lord Mayor on the FDC ticket.

I’m not a fan of Nabilah, not at all. She is a meal-ticket politician. The sort who does all games during campaigns and elections, but relaxes through the whole term in office. Only shows up for elections, but is gone in the years in between. I cannot mention anything she written, motion or law she has sponsored. Not even taken a stand worth a headline.

Lord Mayor Lukwago has been squeezed all his career by appointed leadership and the KCCA is taking all control. So, the Lord Mayoral position in Kampala is more ceremonial then powerful. The Executive Director and Secretariat has the control. The City Hall is more for the display then doing something substantial.

Still with that in mind… Lukwago is running for the third time. This time on the FDC ticket instead of the DP. What is striking is how this all went down. It shouldn’t be this hard. The FDC cannot pull this one off without accepting wrongdoing towards one of their own. Not that Sempala is a clean leader or anyone I respect as a politician. However, the way they did this… was just plain wrong.

I understand that they didn’t want to field anyone against the incumbent Lord Mayor. A man who has support and can win for the third time. However, the FDC could have shown more humility, even addressed their plans ahead. Instead of blocking someone a month ahead and looking foolish for it.

This is not a winning streak for the FDC. Yes, they got a big-fish, a man who has been an associate of Besigye and FDC for so long. However, the party should have acted differently. Especially, when they are giving way to Lukwago now. Peace.

Opinion: Kanye is an “independent” Republican candidate…

And I’ll never let my son have an ego

He’ll be nice to everyone, wherever we go

I mean, I might even make him be Republican

So everybody know he love white people” Kanye West on ‘New Day’ (2011)

If you thought 2020 couldn’t be more insane. Where the White House wouldn’t use all tricks to win in November. They are now Using Kanye Omari West aka Kanye West. The shoe-selling, clothing-brand, music mogul and artist are now Republican operative.

White House Innovation Director Jared Kushner, the Son-In-Law had a secret meeting with Kanye West in Colorado. This is similar to the secretive meeting the Trump Campaign had with Russian operatives ahead of the 2016 elections. Again, this has been revealed. While there is more to this too.

There are Republican lawyers working on overtime to secure the West ticket on the most states as possible with fraudulent signatures. Where they have to petition the local authorities and sue to get-in. The Kanye West candidacy is already late in some states, but they hope to get him on the ticket n swing-states to siphon votes.

They hope Kanye can eat the Jill Stein votes and Gary Johnson of 2016. So, that they are taking just enough votes from the Democratic ticket. Even if Kanye has been selling himself as a MAGA lover, a Trump supporter and a Conservative.

We know all of this. He has been crying on stage, held a weird campaign rally and still pushing this through. Republican backers and even secret meeting with White House Officials like Jared Kushner. Kanye even said they talked every day. That is insane.

If there ever was co-ordination between a third party candidate and Republican party. They are in a way fielding a third party without using the ticket of its own. Because, the Republican can only field one Presidential Candidate. That is why Kanye is a tin-soldier, a puppet to create a circus and theatre for the public.

Kanye must be a proud millionaire. Who are willingly to be used and possibly do illegal activity through his campaign. Using his platform, his name and his position to weaken opposition Joe Biden. Even if your not a fan of Biden. Would you feel okay, if the Biden and the Democratic Party had issued another third party candidate to weaken Trump? Sending a David Duke or another dog-whistle just to tease and play for the guards to duck into the base of Trump.

Kanye might like the publicity. This is making headlines and he doesn’t have to use money to issue an LP or a single. However, his trading away his legacy and what he came into the early stages of career. Instead of known for quality epic beats, his now known for being a Republican operative shielding as a “independent”. How biased and dumb isn’t that?

We know his a Kardashian by marriage. The new Kanye isn’t that stable. Some are worried about his mental state. However, what should worry about is when the truth of all the things done behind closed doors are released. When everyone involved in the campaign and the co-operation between the White House and Kanye. The world can see how he was a tool and a pawn for the Donald. That is what value he has for them.

Kanye might see this a ego boost. However, his being used and the Republicans are doing this waste votes. They don’t care about Kanye or what he stands for. His the nail in a coffin for them. It is tragic that he will use his space for this, instead of all the positive things he could have achieved with his platform, popularity and wealth.

Kanye, how do you like do be used?

Kanye, how to you like to be a means to a greater purpose, which isn’t your own?

Kanye, how do you enjoy the spoils of being a tin-solider?

Last question:

Kanye you said once “Bush doesn’t care about black people”, do you think Trump cares about you?

Nah, he don’t and he doesn’t care about black people either. So, its beautiful that your being used by the people, who you used to despised in the past… Peace.

Opinion: Odinga continue to sell the same dream

A referrendum does not need to cost more than Sh2 billion ,so we should not be told, we have no money, there is no money to do, we can teach Chebukati how to do it so we have everything needed for a country to do a referendum, we will do it before the next General election” (…) “It is not the desire for anyone to make it any more difficult and costly than it is, a referendum doesn’t have to cost billions” (…) “The purpose of the BBI is to have a free and fair election and that no Kenyan blood is shed because of an election” – Raila Odinga (Capital FM Kenya, 13.08.2020).

On 9th March 2018 President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga made a “handshake” that turned the enemies, the two heads into a team. The Jubilee got an alliance and a friendly opposition by giving the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) a Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). Which have dropped a report in November 2019. Even if the Reported was dated back to October 2019. There was a long time rumours and speculations of what it contained. However, the propositions and the ideals of this. Is to ensure the dynasties and the political another life.

The BBI Report and the whole BBI project is a big-man game. This is not to ensure the wrongs within the 2010 Constitution. This sort of journey has been to ensure relevance of Odinga. Also, buy Kenyatta freedom to do whatever, as he can use the BBI as a bargain chip. Since, he knows Odinga will not trade that away over a vote or a policy in Parliament. This is why Kenyatta have won big by giving away a few shillings.

Kenyatta bought himself peace of mind. That is why he can clean the slate. He has the majority in Parliament in both houses. The President has all houses and controls the state. Kenyatta can just order, direct and push a few buttons. From there it will go his way and fix his needs.

The political gambit was over after the Fresh Presidential Elections. When Odinga and Kenyatta parleyed. These two settled their grudges. The second rigging and the systematic injustice of the vote got erased. As Odinga botched the unease and got a few tokens. He got a little trophy, got a committee and some official appointments. However, he still have very little to no power.

That is why his selling a referendum. The BBI is another OKOA. The same sort of trade-off, where they want to change the legislation and secure the next election. However, not having the powers or the opportunities to do so. It is selling the same dream. As Kenyatta will not give up the cartels, the power and the needs, which enriching himself and his closest associates.

Just like Odinga sold Canaan to his supporters. He is now trading BBI and the Referendum. Just like he did with OKOA too. Yes, the IEBC has faults, yes the rigging is there and the state has pins in it. They are ensuring the ones are picked and appointed. Kenyatta knows this and Odinga knows this too.

Still, he wasn’t kicking and screaming after the handshake. He went into another mode after the handshake. Odinga got a unofficial role and the ODM got suddenly more relevance. His now selling another OKOA, a BBI, a revised edition to make changes. Kenyatta should be grinning, because Odinga is still in 2015 and 2016. Just missing the questionable signatures and other issues that the last go round had.

Odinga better get another song to sing. He needs another message. Baba seems to be on one MO and cannot sing another anthem. Odinga should learn new tricks, but maybe that’s a bit late now? Peace.

Cameroun: Communique du Gouvernement – Recrudescence des Actes d’Horreur et de Barbarie Perpetres par les Rebelles Secessionnistes dans les Regions du Nord-Ouest et du Sud-Ouest (13.08.2020)