Opinion: Museveni “owns” the airwaves

The ones who believes the campaigns or the rallies or anything associated with the 2021 General Elections will be free and fair? Who are we kidding here. The National Association of Broadcasters sent a letter to the Uganda Communication Commission on the 20th November 2020 because of the announcement of a National Address every Sunday by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Therefore, announcing that he would have the whole broadcast and all channels with his speeches.

The letter from NAB is fine by itself. However, it will not amount to anything. The ideals behind is fine. Nevertheless, the system is for Museveni and Museveni alone. To think otherwise in 2020 is naive. The UCC and Radio Stations have been cut mid-broadcast because an opposition candidate is speaking. Radios have blocked and not been allowed to air opposition candidates. Secondly, the UCC have sent out Memo’s warning people for having Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine on air. Therefore, this enterprise futile.

NAB means well and the ideal is good. Still, we know it won’t amount to anything. The UCC and the other authorities will digress and configure, mellow the reason and find a short-cut to make sound reasonable. When we all know that this is only to batter his message. No matter if it is profound, sincere or real at all.

Museveni and the National Resistance Movement aren’t even trying to play fair. They are not even faking fairness in campaigns. They are upper blocking, rigging and ensuring the opposition doesn’t have the abilities or the option to campaign like they do. The President can smile and grin. He can be all hospitable. While his law enforcement and soldiers are killing people in the streets. Therefore, the man that doesn’t bat an eye over the deaths.

Do you think he will care about fairness in the media and in publications?

This man will use all tools. No matter what. The man will use force, take the opportunity and have long speeches. He had the COVID-19 speeches. Several of them. Actually, he had around 20 of them. It was a running series. The old man miss it so much. That he has to reinvent it.

The lectures of old. The fear and intimidation, every single Sunday. The old man will be on the screens, on the radios and online. Speaking his ruthless and reckless behaviour. Expecting to be honoured like a Statesman, but acting like mobster. He easily get hostile and grabs the guns. So, don’t expect positive messaging.

The man need to show that he has the guns, the authorities and the total power. Yes, he does “own” the airwaves. However, he doesn’t own people’s mind. This is why we don’t have to listen. Don’t even have to turn it on. Just let it all go. He has said everything before… it is recycling and repetition. The boring lecturer that makes you fall asleep in class. That is the sort of affair and the spectacle his serving. Only his minions will sprinkle some additional spices and call it feast. Even when know its not worthy the price.

The old man would be better just being on the campaign trail and being amongst his own. Instead, of spewing garbage every Sunday. However, the broadcasters has no choice. Because, if they defy the man. He will revoke their license and their doors will be bolted shut. That is the game he plays and he doesn’t care. Peace.

Ethiopia: #OromoProtests Statement on Ongoing War in Ethiopia (21.11.2020)

Soon 4 Years since the Kasese Massacre: Some of King Mumbere’s Guards and Officials to be released… [still no real investigation into the matter]

KASESE – The Government is to start releasing subjects and some of the officials of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu who were arrested and jailed following the November 2016 security raid on the cultural institution. During the raid, security forces also picked the Rwenzururu king, Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere. Sixteen security operatives and over 100 other subjects died in the incident” (John B. Thawite – ‘Govt to set Rwenzururu suspects free’ 21.11.2020, New Vision).

Since the 26th November 2016 and the Kasese clashes the Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu Charles Wesley Mumbere have been in exile and charged with two counts of murder, which if he had been indicted and on trial for it. The King of the Rwenzururu could get prison for life. However, the King and his men who has been arrested in 2016. Have never gotten justice, neither all the people who died those pivotal days in Kasese and at the Buhikira Royal Place who was burned down as well.

The charge was put on the King on the 28th November 2016. The case against have never been resolved and he has been put in exile ever since. Only allowed one visit to participate in a burial of his mother. Before having to return back to Kampala.

What is also striking about this, there was never any investigation into the murders and the mass-killings, as the Special Force Command and Flying Squad was participating in attacking the Royal Palace in October 2016. Like the state came with official numbers from 2016 was 62 deceased, but these other nunbers 70 identified dead, another 52 unidentified dead and 14 police officers dead. That is near double of what the says, which was 136 killed during the skirmishes.

The claimed they we’re going after the “Kirumiramutima” or “the Strong Hearted” a militia gathering in the area and soldiering up. Working together with the Kingdom. Alas, the reason for the sudden attack on the Palace and killing civilians. This taking lives of the Palace Guards and others in Kasese. However, what is sadly striking… is that this militia have never surfaced before or after the skirmishes of the state. It is seemingly on the state violence and their operation that created the deaths these days 4 years ago.

Still, there have been no investigation or look into the amount of killings. Only a dark and grim day of burring unidentified in a ceremony by clerical persons. Doing it while the army was monitoring the events. Therefore, we know the lives taken was quickly buried and hoped that no one question it.

While the King is charged with murder and has also charged with treason. There has never been any evidence of this. Neither has the militia the state claimed appeared and was dangerous haven’t been seen since the skirmishes four years ago. If that isn’t sign. Nothing really is.

That is why the state has to release these “suspects” because they are pulling things out of thin air. If there was anything. The state would have had a case and found them guilty of conspiring and doing criminal activity. Alas, that is not the case. The same should happen to the Obusinga as well. Since, they have no claim to hold him. Other than loosing their pride.

The ones that need to challenged and questioned for their actions in November 2016. Is the leadership of the SFC and the Flying Squad. This being Presidential Advisor on Security and former leader of the SFC Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga and army commander Gen. Elwelu who both was in-charge that day. However, these two gentlemen has since then promoted and not suffered any consequences over their actions. While the victims of it has faced the law with no proof. This is why they are getting released. The Kings Guard that was arrested shouldn’t only be released, but get punitive damages and get vindicated. Since, this was injustice and making them guilty before being innocent.

What happened in Kasese and the aftermath is the sort of act, which no Government with sense should do to their citizens. Alas, it did happen and went down, a tragedy and massacre. A state sponsored enterprise with no efforts or no investigation into how it did happen. As well as any indication or proof of the supposed intelligence to spark the attack on the Palace in the first place.

Therefore, the injustice and impunity of the state is so viable. The wounds are still fresh. This didn’t happen a decade ago. It just happened months after the previous election. It is therefore vital that this doesn’t go away, but is a reminder of what the state does to its own. How little life matters and little consequences there is taking lives. If it had consequences and had effects on the ones taking the lives in Kasese. They wouldn’t walk free and without any cases against them. These folks in the Flying Squad and Special Force Command wouldn’t be allowed to carry guns. They would be charged with murder and manslaughter themselves. However, that is not the case and it doesn’t seem to happen with this regime. They rather hope people forget and only hopes the families of the lost ones moves on in silence. Peace.

Ethiopia: Prime Minister Abiy Statement on Tigray (21.11.2020)

Ethiopia: Tigray Region Humanitarian Update – Situation Report No. 4 (20 November 2020)

Joint Communique: On the Outcome of the Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Bilateral Commission of Cooperation between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa (20.11.2020)

Ethiopia: Where warfare is conducted during a media blackout [and that is done for a reason]

The Ethiopian authorities are not only cracking down on local media and media houses. As they have arrested several of local journalists for various reasons since they went to war against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on the 3rd November 2020. These have been arrested and detained in Addis Ababa.

There has also been jamming phone-lines, stopping the internet and cutting the electricity in the Tigray region. Now, during the day of 20th November 2020 the reports are out that DW and BBC have been warned about possible losing licenses to work in the Republic. Reuters has already lost their license and William Davidson a Crisis Group analyst lost his license and is deported today. Therefore, the authorities are picking their targets with care.

They are going after international media houses to ensure that only their vision is coming out. If the authorities and the state gets their will. Only their message and their stories are coming out. As the TPLF will only counteract with minor retorts now and then. The trouble with that is both have an agenda and they are working for their own cause. It will not be the whole story or be investigated, but instead be the favourable story of either the Prime Minister or the TPLF President. Therefore, this is no good for the outsider or the ones gleaning for the truth.

In warfare there are many stories, some things that is not suitable for office and for the kind hearted. There will be horrific crimes, acts of brutality and possible breaches of human rights. These violations will never be broadcast by the perpetrator, but by outsiders who is telling a story of what is happening. The murderer would never want to tell about his manslaughter, no he wants it to be self-defence or be acquitted.

That matters for both sides, as the reports will be one sided and jaded for their purpose. It is hard to believe the government want to take fault for bombing public institutions, infrastructure or vital installations. They would say they never did or didn’t miss a target.

So, we can be really skeptical about the news that comes out. As we all should know that both parties have motives. It is to better their cause and sound like a justified mission. They would never breach or violent human rights. Neither would they ever say that they did crimes against humanity or conducted warfare, which was violating the codes of the Geneva Convention. No, they would never say that. This is why the independent press and eyes on conflict can directly tell stories and report for the general what is happening. In a manner, which the government nor the opposition want to have out. The Prosperity Party wants one story and the TPLF wants another one. That makes sense, right?

This is why the current state of affair is worrying. As the state wants a total blackout of media. They only wants media who is eating of the plate of the government. Only tell the stories, which puts them in a positive light. Not tell the stories of the refugees or anyone else who has been an eyewitness to actions. As they are not telling the story that favours the ideals and vision of the Prime Minister. These are just stories of scorned civilians who should envision the world in the spirit as the ones who ordered this war.

That is why we should be worried. This story will never be fulfilled. Not until investigative reports are coming out. When the affidavits and witness reports are leaked from the battlefields. Not the victory lap of the National Army and their victories. No, when the general stories of what went down and how they did it. We will know what happened. Right now, it can only be speculated about what happened. Since, the state and their authorities doesn’t want the world to know.

When they are blocking it. We should worry what they do. As they have a pass to commit any sort of actions. Since no one can report it and only eyewitnesses are the ones fleeing to refugee camps in Sudan. These says some of what happened, but not the whole story. Because, no one could tape it or record it. We are only getting the stories two parties wants and that is only the gist they want to tell. Not the whole story or the whole truth. Since that truth is silenced by state itself. Peace.

6 Briefcase parties supports Museveni

Under the “six friendly political parties” alliance, the leaders told journalists in Kampala that the decision to back the NRM candidate was not for selfish financial gains as they may be perceived, but to ensure their own growth. The political parties are; the Liberal Democratic Transparency (LDT), Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP), People’s United Movement (PUM), National Peasants’ Party (NPP), Green Partisan Party (GPP) and Society for Peace and Development (SDP)” (Nelson Kiva – ‘Opposition parties back Museveni’ 20.11.2020, New Vision).

In the midst of riots and demonstrations, the state and ruling regime needs to show that it has support from a wide spectrum of people. This is why the New Vision came with an article showing that six parties are under the banner of the President. That is done to show solidarity to the project of the President.

The ones taking serious… well, it is not a big deal. Mukasa Zaidi of LDT , if you wonder who he is. Well, your not alone. The party is most known for using AL-Hajji Nasser Ntege Sebaggala as the Presidential Candidate in 2016. Other than that … I cannot think of anything it has done.

The same can be said RPP’s Kaswabuli Joshua Clinton who started the party in 2014 to oust Museveni. Now 6 years later is supporting the man they supposed work against. Ironic, right?

After that you PUM’s Shadrack Ogemba is supporting Museveni this year, but that’s not something. Since, the party haven’t fielded an Presidential Candidate ever. As even back to 2006 they went behind the President and his camapaign.

Also, the NPP who was registered in 2004 and is represented with Segujja Wamala. NPP is like PUM who has supported the President since 2006. Not really been established or done anything significant.

You have GPP and Sentongo Muzafalu who was registered in 2010. If you haven’t heard about the party. I don’t blame you. It is a fringes and has nearly no wordings anywhere. So, throwing behind the President now. Makes sense… as they are not really anywhere.

Last party is the SDP who is the represented by Charles Adiaka. Who was registered in 2006. There is really nothing to mention about this party either.

So, when you see the NRM celebrates these ones. You know its all brief-case parties. It is not worthy of your time. It is really nothing to celebrate. These parties have no real structure or fan-base, supporters or people behind them. They are less relevant than many of the Presidential Candidates who runs as Independents. That says it all. Peace.

Opinion: Trump would have ushered in a bloodless coup d’etat if he could

The incumbent “strong-man” and Republican President Donald J. Trump seems to willing to trade the truth, the will of the people and everything else for one simple thing: Him staying in power. He is willing to let people lose their licenses to practice law in filing in fraudulent petitions to the courts. The President is willing to use sedition and forging a coup d’etat by triggering the electoral college his way.

That is the sort of man that speaks of rule of law and justice. The man that supposed to be righteous President of a Republic. A man whose willing to steal the election for his own favour. Where all the stacks of odds is against him. He has lost both the popular vote, which he has done twice and also the electoral college. In the same manner as he won in 2016. Therefore, he should take the loose on the chin and man-up for civilian life soon.

However, as a fake “strong-man” and a bunker-boy he wants to be the greatest ever. The man who is supposed to be winning, but ends up loosing. It is always about him. Nevertheless, he is willing to jeopardize institutions and rule of law. Just so he can reign supreme. Because this man needs leverage and needs help to salvage anything before it is over. This man has so many loans and huge debt to repay. Without the office, his estates and his companies might suffer hard. As well, he might be only President in living memory because of court orders not allowed to open an Foundation in his name. That is the sort of ordeal waiting for him in January 2021.

If Trump had a chance he would made a shot and taken away certification from the various of states. Just to undermine the elections and ensure that he could win. This is why his even trying to sway state legislators in swing states to appoint electors who will vote for him. That is a coup d’etat and rig the election in his favour.

That the Republicans are playing this game and using the lame-duck position to do this. Only shows how little they care about the value of the polls. They don’t care about the ballots. Playing with the will of the people for his own gains.

The White House should make it easier for the Biden Transition. Instead, it is working and postponing the ideal easy move of an new administration when Trump is over. We can clearly see that the Republicans doesn’t value the state, but the individual is more important. That one man is more important than the laws and the moral judgment of character. They should have started like Bush and Obama did when their terms was over. Instead, his petition courts, being dismissed and having erratic mismatched press conference to conceal the lack of evidence for the courts.

President Trump shows again that he doesn’t value the Republic. Trump and his team only values power and feeding its base with lies and deception. Seemingly there are people buying into it and they want to be conned.

This is their long-con … to trick the public and its supporters. However, in legal terms and within the reach of electoral laws. They got nothing. None. Zero. They are on a fishing expedition and cannot catch a single thing.

However, we are seeing that the “strong-man” isn’t capable to rig himself to second term. He warned that he wanted to do this. Playing with the legitimacy if he lost. That is what his doing and trying configure himself on the throne yet again. However, that shouldn’t work. He should fail and fall flat. Nevertheless, it shows that the institutions and the American democracy is super fragile and needs reforms. Because, it cannot be this easy for a ruthless and a reckless person like Trump to fiddle with it this easily. Peace.

Eswatini: Government – Media Update (20.11.2020)