There is a joke here, but I know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or the Muhoozi Kainerubaga Movement “The Bridge” won’t take that kindly. The Presidential Guards or the Special Forces Command (SFC) have gotten a two billion shilling deal to fix potholes in Kampala.
That the SFC is getting two billions shillings in itself is questionable… because where there a tendering process and was all stakeholders partaking in the process? I doubt that ever happened and it was the “high above” that decided this.
The Mission of the SFC is this: “To develop and operate a powerful and versatile special operations force that is situated within the unique Ugandan way of war and is responsive to the requirements of the UPDF and the nation.”
I wonder how they can play this one out, because this is a versatile operation, but not in clever warfare. If this is to show the leadership of Muhoozi and his brand of standby generator vibes. Well, he will loose and not win this one. First off, the government have given him a budget, which practically won’t fix much. It is hackwork and patchwork that we all can say won’t last long. There are too many players getting paid and getting a cut before the bitumen is procured. Therefore, the SFC is bound to fail like KCCA and UNRA already is doing.
They are all pinning the Lord Mayor, but the General won’t fair any better. Even if he has the ears of his father and all the powers within his midst. Muhoozi is a making a mockery of the state and how things operate. When a specialized unit like the SFC is suddenly building or maintaining roads. That’s not a military operation, but a case of mismanagement.
It is just a sign of militarized the economy is, but no one is surprised as the UPDF has been used in plenty of private sectors in the recent years. Now they are signing of for the unit of Muhoozi. That’s why he shows up, even as his only Senior Presidential Advisor and an Army Commander. He shouldn’t be partaking in this, but because of the prestige. That’s why his there and wants to look like his doing something.
This is the launch of “Operation Potholes” and we can wonder why the golden boy, the golden child and the Prince of the City gets the bid. They are trying to forge a narrative and make it believe that Muhoozi and his army strategies works in civilian terms. Surely, he should do this fast and efficiently. Since his capable of invading Nairobi within 3 days. Therefore, he should be the guy to salvage the plights and stop the suffering of potholes in a heartbeat.
However, we know that won’t be the case and this is a money-grab. It is guaranteed to not be sufficient or be enough. This is put up in haste and to make the General look good. In a manner that continues his process to the Presidency. Even if he has no idea what his doing and the SFC isn’t burning down a Royal Palace in Kasese, but suddenly fixing roads in Kampala.
It is just amazing how this is done. Some people are saying whatever that works, they don’t mind. However, this is undermining the KCCA and UNRA. The MoWT should also feel disregarded, as the General are taking their spot. Just like the UPDF Engineering Brigade started to fix the Stadium in the City too. The army is becoming a unique brand of builders and engineers. They are not soldiers or army commanders fighting terrorism or insurgency. No, they are becoming honest men digging in the dirt.
Who knew? But let’s see how “Operation Potholes” will unfold. Peace.
MinBane 