Opinion: The Tories are in shambles…

The debate yesterday between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak only shows how bad the things are in the Conservative Party. Yes, the party has been inept and out of bound towards the troubles it has created. The Tories are the party who has reigned the United Kingdom for over 10 years and still inevitably not able to fix anything substantial. Alas, that is the main issue here.

The two leaders, the Foreign Secretary and former Chancellor has experience. They have both been in office and served in the Her Majesties Government. Still, by every day they seem like a nightmare that one of them is taking over for Boris Johnson. Not that Boris set the bar high either. To the contrary he depleted it and abolished the bar completely. In such a manner that codes of conduct or the Nolan Principal was sort of erased.

As an outsider… I have no faith in either of them. They are not honest actors or leaders, which I could trust or see as fit. One of these two will become the Head of State by default. Just because the Tories currently hold the most seats in Parliament and won the last election. Not because any of these two fought for the voters or any significant cause. No, they just the most cunning within the ruling party.

There is nothing that looks sincere or real about it. They are both willing to act and say things in stark contrast to the enacted laws, the budgets they have passed and the total package of legislation, which they have vouched for over the years. So, when these speaks of the rising poverty, the rising inflation and the burden of ordinary people. Well, these two was part of the party that made things worse and haven’t sorted things out.

Instead these two are the likes that blames France for troubles for citizens and lorries with goods to cross to Calais from Dover. They wouldn’t take any responsibility for supporting or standing behind the Brexit agreement. Neither would they boldly say that the Brexit is the reason for a drastic downturn, which would have happen with or without COVID-19. The Ukraine conflict is just amplifying the financial burdens, but it was already bleak. That was something they both knew and cannot run away from.

So, when they are trying to outsmart and sound like they will fix things. Well, as long as they are honouring the Brexit. There will be little to no changes, but as a Third Country things will only get harder. The realities of lack of movement to Europe and blocking Europeans from direct short-term visits. Will only hurt more industries and make it less accessible. Why go to rainy London and have to apply in advance? When you can just go to sunny Barcelona or be in Rome. There is no need to feel the fog or try to get a Paddington teddy-bear then.

Therefore, the Tories are in a pickle. A pickle they have created for themselves and everyone has to live through. No matter who becomes the captain there is no easy way out. Especially, if the fatigue and the lack of trust continues. Not like the fellow aspirants oozes of that or shows any significant flair of sorts. No, they are just the run-of-the-mill careerist politicians. Who are willing to say anything to be elected and follow wherever the wind takes them.

It hasn’t been a soft journey since David Cameron resigned. From there it’s been hurricanes and earthquakes. Still, the party has moved from the messy Theresa May to the scandalous Boris Johnson. Whatever Truss or Sunak delivers. Well, they haven’t the need to do much to look better. However, they have no time to prove their qualities either. Because, things aren’t getting better, but instead worse. That’s all on their own making and with factors they couldn’t foresee.

Now, these two leaders has to prove for the electorate in the Tory party. That they are the person to bring it forward and continues the reign. Nevertheless, it just seems hopeless. These two will only show what is wrong with the party and why it got here. They will not solve anything or make it better. No, that’s only possible with a General Election and new Members of Parliament. Because, right now…

It is grim and these two aren’t it. I cannot see them achieving or making a difference. They will only serve the elite and their needs. While adding more burdens on the working class and their disadvantaged financial situation. Just like the Tories a moment ago allowed companies under industrial action to hire people while others are striking. Taking away the rights and helping the companies instead. That’s the sort of individuals we are speaking of here. The sort of gallivanting for the rich and speaking softly to the poor. This is what they do and I don’t get how the public got tricked by this.

These two will only show the sinister side of the Tories. Which has been on full display of late. They will not try to change or see any reasons too. These two will only continue the reckless legacies and the abysmal legislations. The ones that tearing people apart and leaving no hope for the future. While either blaming the victims of it or the EU. Peace.

A look into the Roko Minority report

Details on the ROKO bailout have emerged indicating that the planned purchase of shares by the government will also mean the government injecting operation capital as well as inheriting UGX 130 billion liability from the construction company. Experts advise government to audit ROKO Construction Ltd or risk going down with it” (NBS Television, 08.07.2022).

Decision on the proposal to buy preference shares in Roko is stayed. The Speaker says the minister will need to take into consideration the concerns of MPs and come back to the House with a position before a vote is put” (Parliament of Uganda, 20.07.2022).

The fall guy and the needed construction company Roko Construction Limited is having trouble financially and the Government of Uganda is intending to bail-out the company. That’s why things are questioned, because it is a private company and suddenly the government comes to its aide. This is happening, because we know the company is used as a contractor for prestigious development projects.

The Roko company is getting a helping hand for one reason, it serves a purpose and a need of the state. Not because no one can else do the same, but it’s a useful entity for the government. Just like other companies who are in fields are getting similar treatment. That’s why it’s just an example of how the system is rigged.

This is why I will take vital quotes from the Minority Report on the company from the Parliament. Since the Opposition has no stakes in the company or how its run. They are not earning funds or kickbacks from it. The deals between the state, company and developers are done outside their knowledge. That’s why Roko shows up in all sorts of scandals. Not only this bail-out, but elsewhere too.

First: “The Executive Director of UDC informed the Committee that it did not undertake the required due diligence. This was attributed to failure to access funds amounting to UGX 800 million required to contract competent professional accounting firms to undertake the due diligence. It is therefore illogical for Government to fail to avail UGX 800 million for the due diligence exercise but instead proceed to seek approve from Parliament for UGX 207.13 billion” (Minority Report, 20.07.2022).

Second: “The President Directive referred to in the extract reaffirms the need to contract a profession competent firm to undertake due diligence of the Company. It should be noted that the Cabinet Extract was been drawn from a Minute of a Cabinet meeting held on 4th July 2022. Please note that this directive was given almost a month after the proposal was tabled in Parliament i.e. 6th June 2022” (Minority Report, 20.07.2022).

Third: “During the Committee meeting, the Ministry represented Roko Construction Ltd as a domestic investor. However, it was established that while the Company is registered in Uganda, based on its ordinary shareholders it is of foreign owned company. The 15,000 ordinary shareholders are owned by Swiss nationals who include. Jean Mann Francey Koehler (12,000), Friedhhelm Erwin Jost” (1,500) and Kurt Wolier Blaeter (l,500)” (Minority Report, 20.07.2022).

This Minority Report just proves how the state operates. The Roko Construction Ltd. is vouched for and one of them. That’s why it’s so easy to bail it out. There is a connection that is more important than reasons or even proper protocol. This is why the company is in favour and getting the good graces. It serves a purpose and therefore needs saving. Not because it is correct or done with the justified ways. No, the President and the cronies needs companies like this to work and entertain their prestige projects. In such a manner, that they all can profit and life moves on. That’s what the state hopes happens. Just like the scandals surrounding other companies like Dott Services etc.

One day it is a scandal, another day it’s totally forgotten. That’s what the state is hoping for and I think they will succeed. There is enough of other tragedies in the Republic. Which certainly make everyone forget about these billions of shillings spent on a construction company. Peace.

Opinion: Ramaphosa better save his energy…

We call on all South Africans to use electricity sparingly as we work towards ending load shedding and getting more energy on the grid” (Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on actions to address the electricity crisis, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 25.07.2022).

Today the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a speech on the load-shedding crisis in the Republic. This has been an on-going crisis and the black-outs are a re-occurring feature of life. That’s why Ramaphosa speaks about it. However, the parts of the speech that is interesting. Shows, that the African National Congress (ANC) and the President thinks they can trick themselves out of it again.

The South African Police Service has set up a special law enforcement team to help Eskom in confronting crime and corruption. A number people have been arrested in recent days and several others are already being prosecuted for corruption and fraud involving Eskom contracts” (Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on actions to address the electricity crisis, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 25.07.2022).

The ANC and the President is begging the people to save electricity and use less intially. He does it at-least twice. That is really compelling as his making a statement of the plans of the state. Nevertheless, it is fatiguing when you know how the State Capture and the ANC have destroyed Eskom. It has been big business to sell bad tenders to state affiliated associates and get deals, which again earns fortunes for the high ranking officials. Therefore, the talks of fighting corruption within the government company and such seems far fetched these days. It is a systemic practice and it doesn’t change overnight.

As he continued with other aspects like these ones…

All the people I have spoken to have said this is the time when the country must unite to address this challenge. The set of additional actions I am announcing this evening:

Firstly, are aimed at improving the performance Eskom’s existing fleet of power stations;

Secondly, will accelerate the procurement of new generation capacity;

Thirdly, are intended to massively increase private investment in generation capacity;

Fourthly, are designed to enable businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar; and,

Finally, are directed at fundamentally transforming the electricity sector and positioning it for future sustainability” (Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on actions to address the electricity crisis, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 25.07.2022).

What the most recent load shedding has made clear, however, is that the actions we have taken and continue to take are not enough. We are therefore implementing additional measures to achieve long-term energy security and end load shedding for good” (Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on actions to address the electricity crisis, Union Buildings, Tshwane, 25.07.2022).

When you read these words… they are fine in themselves, but will the ANC and the President really do it? Are they capable and willing? That’s what I am wondering about. The ANC is already struggling with their reputation and people are tired of their empty promises. It has been generations without any significant changes for others than the middle class. The citizens themselves see little to nothing changing.

Ramaphosa speaks the rights words, but also in his pleas shows how the government is failing. Instead of having a clear plan and such. It is a long speech that could have been a press release. Because very few, if any believes that he will achieve or do these things.

Ramaphosa can come with all the rights citations and whatnot. However, his track-record and what he has done in office doesn’t amount to much. That’s why I don’t believe he will be able or make a difference in concern to Eskom. The way things are operating is profitable for some and the ones in high ranking offices. Therefore, he will not undermine that… I don’t believe that and only time will prove if I was wrong. Peace

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Opinion: ROKO is a sign of the times..

Details on the ROKO bailout have emerged indicating that the planned purchase of shares by the government will also mean the government injecting operation capital as well as inheriting UGX 130 billion liability from the construction company. Experts advise government to audit ROKO Construction Ltd or risk going down with it” (NBS Television, 08.07.2022).

You know the times are hard when the construction company and engineering company is failing. A company which is dealing with government projects. This company which has been running for generations and has a long history in the Republic. However, it doesn’t mean it’s all shiny.

That’s why the company has ended up to write to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in 2020 asking for financial assistance. As even back then the creditors was suing to get money returned. There was even written a research report back in May 2018, which stipulated the needs for budget control and more oversight over the financials of the company. That could all be reasons for it’s downfall.

ROKO is part of the system and juiced up by deals, which involves high ranking officials. Just like the Dott Services is too. That’s why the company is prominent and is alive. The company is getting favoured and named in deals like the construction of Lubowa Hospital and other profiled construction sites. Therefore, the connections and the high ranking officials are endorsing this one.

That’s maybe why it’s kept alive. Even if the financials are horrific and the results of the company is bananas. There is maybe not much liquidity or assets to begin with. It could just be a mirage and a failing enterprise with a long history. That has happened before and now the deals comes back to haunt it.

What is striking is that the company is filled with scandals not only the hospital, but the likes of the upgrade of the Parliament. Than you have other construction sites that takes years to finish and never get done. If not you have built city markets, which isn’t fitting the traders or the costumers of the traders. There is also terminations of contracts because of shoddy and late work too. So, it is not the ROKO has a clean track-record or anything.

Still, the company is able to win and get huge contracts, which is significant. The sort of wet-dream for any company to get. The sort of constructions that would be sought after and be vital for years to come. However, they are still not able to keep things sustainable. Neither are they able to pay the sub-contractors and others for their supplies. That is why they were sued back in 2020.

Now, the company is struggling and its has a lot of work to do. Like what is really going on with Lubowa and Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium? Is there any movement or was that just some fraudulent paper-work to get some dimes in the coffers?

We know they lost Pearl Marina Estate to another company. In this regard we can wonder if anything is happening with Tourism and Training Institute (UHTTI), which is supposed to be built on Nalufenya road in Jinja.

There is also side stories from 2021 stating that one of the owners of the company is hiding millions of shillings in Switzerland. If that is the case. Then the company is just as corrupt as the State House, which makes sense why they are such good partners to begin with. This whole enterprise is questionable and bailing it out. Only means that their name and practices is needed by the government. Because, they trust each other. Even when the company isn’t delivering or doing what they are obliged to do.

It is just a mess, but a mess that the State House and the NRM is proud off. It is their product and they are vouching for it. That’s why they are bailing it out. Peace.

Opinion: Ramaphosa is so bad that you dream about Zuma

The ballad of Cyril Ramaphosa is certainly not a love song or a song of a favourable moment. No, the Presidency of Ramaphosa won’t be mirrored or written kindly about. That’s all the fault of Ramaphosa himself. He made this bed and he got to sleep in it.

The State Capture case and the connections to the business-family Gupta’s was the end of Jacob Zuma. The way he traded and used office to profit of shady business-deals with Gupta operated businesses. The case is still ongoing and not finalized in the courts. It has been a slow train and the former President still have unresolved allegations against him. Just as bad as that was…

Ramaphosa was supposed to be different. He was to make a difference and a change. However, his just another cog in the machine and a slow burner. His the operator and the benefactor, but not a man of governance or governing abilities. The African National Congress (ANC) is now living on past glories and stories of oppression. Their years in power is wasted and they haven’t succeeded in changing the nation.

Yes, the ANC changed and stopped the Apartheid government. The ANC fought for the rights of all people and released a Freedom Charter, which should be reflected upon the reign of the party. The ANC under Ramaphosa have forgotten the old ideals and is enjoying all the perks of power.

The ANC is corrupted, sullied and compromised. This didn’t start under Ramaphosa. No, this has been going on and has been on going since the procurement scandal of the arms deal in 1999. This is why we can say the party culture and the cultivation of eating of the state plate has been a staple during the ANC era.

Zuma just took it up a notch and Ramaphosa have never cared about it. Ramaphosa maybe haven’t cared because he thought it was his turn to eat. Everything and every scandal surrounding him just shows that. This being questionable campaign funds or now the robbery and kidnapping at his Phala Phala farm.

We know things are bad under Ramaphosa when he dodges questions and suspends the Public Protector. Something is up and it’s grim. Just like the realization that this man isn’t fixing the public debt, the added distress on government owned companies or anywhere else. Heck, Ramaphosa isn’t even delivering any substantial government programs to the ones in need. His just the operator and the head of state by choice.

When you are seeing all of this. The load-shedding, the lack of concern or how to move forward. You just know things has been better under Mbeki and parts of the Zuma years. That why you know that these two actually tried. However, Ramaphosa isn’t even doing that. No, his just clinging on and living lavish. The last Prince of the Republic.

Ramaphosa isn’t showing any signs of improvement. With every month and every year… the ANC and his Presidency things are only getting more grim. There aren’t hope on the table, but a dark realization that these guys only work for themselves. While they are supposed to represent the people and their needs. Which has become a back-burner and a lost cause. Peace.

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