
South Sudan: TGoNU letter to ESP Holding – “Subject: Invitation to Discuss the $515 Billion Loan Offer to the Government of the Republic of South Sudan” (11.07.2018)



There is again promise of ending the reign of Globe and Smart in the Telecom business. Theis has been a steady process. Before today’s announcement at the State of the Nation address in Parliament, the Duterte Administration offered the same promise last year, and the Duterte administration has proposed this before. Therefore, this isn’t new, but more about when and who want into the business. First, read the passage of today’s speech concerning the industry, second, seeing the ancient ordeal between the duopoly and third, the DICT proposed third company into the market.
“My administration remains firm in its resolve to ensure that the country’s telecommunications services are reliable, inexpensive and secure. A draft Terms of Reference for the entry of a new, major industry player is at hand. The terms will be fair, reasonable and comprehensive. It will be inclusive so it will be open to all interested private parties, both foreign and local. The only condition is that the chosen entity must provide the best possible services at reasonably accessible prices. However, our efforts to usher in a new major player shall be rendered futile if we do not improve its odds of success in an industry that has long been dominated by a well-entrenched duopoly. We shall, therefore, lower interconnection rates between all industry players. Not only to lessen the cost to the consumers as it will also lower the costs [for the] incoming player to access existing networks, [thereby creating] a market environment that is more conducive to competition. This is a policy which is crucial to ensure that our solution to our telecommunication problems will be both meaningful and lasting. In the last 2 years, experience has taught me that lack of consultation or insufficiency of information can, at times, lead to rash judgments. If and when I am unsure on the most appropriate course of action to take given the problem, it’s factual milieu and the desired end, I never fail to consult to discuss options with persons whom I trust and whose advise I value” (Rodrigo Duterte SONA 2018, 23.07.2018).
“Globe Telecom, Inc. was registered in the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1935. It claims to provide mobile and broadband services to 55 million people. The owners of Globe include foreign company Singapore Telecom (SingTel) and Ayala Corporation, with Jaime Zobel de Ayala as the company’s chairman. Smart, meanwhile, is wholly owned by Manuel V. Pangilinan’s Philippine Long Distance Telecommunication (PLDT) Company. It claims more than 68.9 million cellular and broadband subscribers. In his book Colossal Deception, How Foreigners Control our Telecom Sector, journalist Rigoberto D. Tiglao said the biggest controlling stockholder in PLDT is actually Indonesian mogul Anthoni Salim through his HongKong-based company First Pacific, where MVP sits as managing director and chief executive officer” (Reporters Without Borders – ‘PCC scrutinizes Globe, PLDT deal’, 2016).
“As previously reported by CommsUpdate, earlier this month Eliseo Rio, Jr said that the naming of the much anticipated ‘New Major Player’ (NMP) could take place by the end of September or early October this year, barring unforeseen setbacks. DICT published its draft terms of reference (TOR) for the selection of the NMP to challenge dominant players PLDT and Globe Telecom on 26 June. The selection process has been delayed for months – an original March 2018 deadline proved unrealistic – but DICT has now released details on how it plans to assign valuable 3G, 4G and potential 5G mobile frequencies to allow a newcomer to challenge the status quo. Pursuant to the above, DICT held public consultations on 6 July – a process that seemingly concluded that of those that expressed an interest in the selection process, 75% prefer a points-based allocation system, using the HCLoS method. Only 8% of potential bidders preferred the second set of draft rules which entailed auctioning the frequencies with a minimum bid of PHP36.58 billion (USD583.4 million)” (Telegeography – ‘DICT official throws support behind HCLoS to select third telco’ 17.07.2018).
It seems like the Administration is struggling to find someone who will find it profitable and even possible to breach the duopoly at this point. As the Smart and Globe owns the market and shares, they have the infrastructure and the means to control it. Therefore, they are nearly holding the same shares of the market and also the profits from the segments. Surely, many has both, as the black-outs and other forces them to have second sim-cards to secure their communications themselves.
Especially also with the strict ownership rules and regulations in the Philippines, plus the strength that Globe and Smart have, it will be tricky to gain profits at first. There are reports of China Telecom, ZTE from China and also Korean PT&T. But nothing of that is certain at this point and whoever it might be. Will have a challenge.
This will not just be about having a third competitor into the telecom market, but also coming in as a ugly step-child where two companies are ruling all supreme. Unless, they come with cheap and better services from day one and is able to deliver at a rate the other two cannot. Than, it might have a fix, if not it might be a risky investment and sold quickly to either of these. Peace.

“People should not claim they are waiting for government programmes in order to develop themselves. A pig will not resist to be taken to the market for sale or slaughter just because the road is not tarmacked” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the 22nd July 2018.
There are some ironies with today, especially the mixed messages from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. As he was saying that the public should not expect the government to deliver programs for their development, while he is supporting and his government through the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and the State Minister for Tourism Godfrey Kiwanda who was starting Kisboka SACCO in Mityana District. So, it is weird that he is donating money to a project for development, while saying people shouldn’t expect the state to contribute funds. Is he dumb? Just take a look!
“Our Commander in Chief H.E President Museveni officially launched and accepted to be the Patron of the poverty eradication drive called Kisoboka (It is possible) in Mityana North. The drive, that was initiated by State Minister for Tourism Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda aims to bring about positive mindset change towards poverty eradication, job creation and wealth creation mainly though agriculture; It is already very popular in North Mityana Constituency with over 250 households joining the bid to earn at least 21.5 million shillings per annum” (Operation Wealth Creation, 22.08.2018).
“I gladly accept the request that I be the patron of Kisoboka SACCO and I will make a Shs50 million contribution towards its activities” (Museveni, 22.08.2018).
It is really not much to say, but if this works, the SACCO might do something positive to the public and citizens of North Mityana Constituency, however the OWC is not known for good seedlings and neither well-organized model of development. Therefore, this might fall flat and be empty promises to the district and constituency. We can hope for something else, but it might change for a very selective few.
This might just be another PR Stunt and a way for Kiwanda just to pocket money from the taxpayers or even shield his funds he is earning as a State Minister and MP. What is more ironic, is that the President talks of not waiting for the state to deliver development, while his state is launching possible development projects through the OWC. It is should be obvious. If he was a sincere man, he would see that.
He talks of not getting promises of development, while delivering a development projects… It doesn’t make sense.
That is just me though… I cannot be alone, but when you just have empty suits and yes men around you. You turn into this creature, this bloated arrogant prick who doesn’t see poverty; while living in lavish luxury on the state. Peace.



Surprise, Surprise, not really though, but for someone this will be insights into an open field May-Day, and we are not talking strong and stable Conservative Party government. No, we are talking May Day, as in all aboard a ship sailing in stormy waters without any significant captain into the abyss. Theresa May, if she goes for the No-Deal with the European Union, she is risking a lot and will not gain much for the Kingdom, except for keeping the Brexiteers on her side and if that is worth it is another bargain.
Today, the European Commission published ‘Preparing for the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union on 30 March 2019’, which is various amount of document saying what will happen, other than the notices of withdrawal, which they have made for all types industries and stakeholders within the Union. Today, they have unleashed documents showing possible outcomes if the negotiations fails.
What is most striking was ‘Main consequences of scenario 2: withdrawal on 30 March 2019 without a withdrawal agreement’, where the arch nemesis of possible soft transition from being a member state to become a third country to Union appear. The results are devastating at least and at best a big blow to everyone who thought it would be genuine good idea to do it in that way.
First assessment as a third country, the EU Laws Cease to apply in the United Kingdom, which is cool in itself and gives, added freedom as a sovereign. The rocks starts to hit the boat, when the second assessment hits, that is “Citizens: There would be no specific arrangement in place for EU citizens in the United Kingdom, or for UK citizens in the European Union”. Meaning, there are no plan or any legal framework for how to take of or, if the UK citizens in the EU has to leave or the EU citizens has to leave as well. This is putting many lives of expats into limbo in the EU, but also in the UK.
The Third assessment by the EU concerning a no deal is: “The European Union must apply its regulation and tariffs at borders with the United Kingdom as a third country, including checks and controls for customs, sanitary and phytosanitary standards and verification of compliance with EU norms. Transport between the United Kingdom and the European Union would be severely impacted. Customs, sanitary and phytosanitary controls at borders could cause significant delays, e.g. in road transport, and difficulties for ports”. Therefore, it is not like this will frictionless either, the EU will with all means put up a hard-border with checkpoints, to secure the transit of goods, it will be like in the past and the duty on goods will appear. The goods will be going through a massive check compared today and prolong the travel-time of the goods going into the Union. In addition, it will also be more costly, be more time consuming and add costs to the consumers, as the taxes on the products will come in the aftermath too.
The Fourth assessment: “Trade and regulatory issues: The United Kingdom becomes a third country whose relations with the European Union would be governed by general international public law, including rules of the World Trade Organisation. In particular, in heavily regulated sectors, this would represent a significant drawback compared to the current level of market integration”. This is yet another blowback, as the financial businesses and banking industry, will be left behind, not only the goods transiting to the Union, but all business will be left with WTO rules and tariffs as a third country, they will not have specialized agreements or securing trade between the Union and UK. This will surely hit industry, financial inclusion and all other cross-border businesses there are today between the parties, this will surely be costly and make it less accessible for Union Companies to access UK and vice versa.
The fifth assessment: “Negotiations with the United Kingdom: Depending on the circumstances leading to the withdrawal without an agreement, the EU may wish to enter into negotiations with the United Kingdom as a third country”. This is implying that the UK will have to configure their deals with Union and will come as a third country into negotiations, as they are outside and will not have benefits of previous membership. This meaning that they will come to Brussels as an outsider. They are really left with nothing and will start fresh negotiations without any pre-empty strikes or significant advantage, as they are not involved internally within the Union or based on the principals of the Union as whole.
The sixth assessment: “EU funding: UK entities would cease to be eligible as Union entities for the purpose of receiving EU grants and participating in EU procurement procedures. Unless otherwise provided for by the legal provisions in force, candidates or tenderers from the United Kingdom could be rejected”. This is showing the first cuts of funding and spending directly as a third country, as the Union funding and grants dries up. Therefore, the programs and the sudden closure of these will hit the UK. The collective spending on UK will stop and this will be costly for the UK. The UK will also not pay into these funds as a Member State, but will lose vital parts by the end of the membership.
Therefore, nothing good comes out of the no-deal. No securities of the citizens, goods will hectic and time consuming, the borders will be hard and the transit will take more time, the WTO laws put into effect and the trade regulations of free movement without tariffs will be gone, also trade in general across borders will be stifled. The final negotiations will be in another narrative, than today as the measures will be for a third country and not former member. The last issue that funding will cease, as much as the legal framework of the Union will stop too. There are little good news in this, other than becoming a sovereign, but all alone, which loose the benefits of today and have to pay a lot to gain anything positive in the future. Which is all but uncertain, the EU puts barriers, but as their protocol for a third country, the Tories cannot pick and mix. Even as they are putting legislation in, who knows how this will hit.
But this should be a reality check for those who says “No-Deal” is a no problem, because the EU certainly have protocols they will follow and the consequences are dire. Peace.

Earlier in the day suddenly without any forewarning, the Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah sent at the message of postponement of the plenary session from today the 18th July 2018 unto the 19th July 2018. This was not expected, but the 10th Parliament haven’t been business as usual.
The reason came later, as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Caucus suddenly was summoned to the State House today. This is all of the NRM Members of Parliament, which means the majority of the parliament. As the oppositions and independents are a minority. All of these MPs spent the whole day at the State House. Surely, they we’re made sure to follow the President line on the matter.
This was a meeting on the revision of the newly Exercise Duty, which was put into effect on the 1st July 2018. NTV Uganda reported: “Its expected that the caucus will support the cabinet decision of 0.5% tax on withdrawals, the same position they will support on the floor of parliament” (NTV Uganda, 18.07.2018). NBS TV reported: “According to the Government Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa, the meeting is intended to reconcile the caucus position on the two taxes. However, some of the NRM legislators who voted against the age limit bill have been blocked from attending the meeting” (NBS Television, 18.07.2018).
The ones not allowed to attend with his royal highness, as they have already proven dissenting voices last year, are these NRM MPs: James Acidiri, Monica Amoding, Norah Bigirwa, Johnson Muyanja Senyonga, Everlyn Chemutai, Hellen Kahunde, Justine Khainza, Gaffa Mbwatekamwa and Henry Kibalya. So these we’re barred from entering the NRM Caucus today. That proves the ironies of the NRM.
The Resistance Movement, has issues with rebels, even as the Movement was forged out of a rebellion. The 1986s of the world is a rare breed. Musevenism must be the most head-up-in-the-ass and lack of soul-searching.
So, if these people doesn’t follow party line tomorrow, everyone should understand. Therefore, the expectation is that the NRM are voting for only one of the third taxes on the Mobile Money. That being only 0,5% on Withdrawal, take away the 1% on receiving, transactions and withdrawals, which it is today. However, there is no change with the Social Media Tax or the OTT Tax of 200 shillings per day. The NRM has no plan of scratching that, they just want to weaken the blow on the consumer and users of the transactions of the money through the Mobile Service.
We can really see, how foolish the NRM Party have become and they all have to bow down for the majesty at the State House. Museveni have to get them in accord.
If the NRM things this was a smooth way… they are wrong, if the NRM things this a way of proving force; They are all wrong. The NRM deserves no credit, they pursuit the taxes on demand by the majesty, they levied it and didn’t due diligence on the taxes either. They we’re just following the possible revenue streams without thinking consequences. The NRM will sell this as a victory, but really it is poor performance. From a ruling regime and ruling party, that is rotten to its core.
If there was any party understanding rebels, this is one of them and they don’t, they are just blindly following Museveni and doing it without consideration of the implications doing so. It makes them look foolish. Peace.

“If you are committed Ugandan who really wants services from you government why are you motivated and proud with your head high to contribute money 30 times OTT tax to the Innovator of VPN” – Frank Tumwebaze
Today, The Minister of ICT &National Guidance Frank Tumwebaze spoke his heart out in defense of the Social Media Tax. Just as the first quote. Shows how he will defend the state massive breach of freedom of speech, with the 200 shillings a day for Social Media Tax. That the National Resistance Movement (NRM) calls OTT or Over The Top Services. They are continuing their assault on the use of phone, like it is a luxury and not a way of communications. Non of the times, they are explaining why the citizens are taxed, but not the companies.
“When Ministry of Finance is borrowing, we, the Parliament and civil society are grilling them for borrowing. But when we say this is a sector that has grown in the economy so let’s get a bit of it, let’s get Shs. 6,000 from every holder of a smartphone consuming OTTs, what production capacity will it stifle?” (Frank Tumwebaze, 17.07.2018)
Well, when you live on less then a dollar then a day, than your already struggling in life and many are, but this tax is taking up to 20% of the lowest civil servants or public officials, these are the low level government clerks and teachers. They are using one fifth of their salary on this tax on the top of the use of paying taxes for using the phone, as the air-time is taxed, the phone is and the income of the salary is too. So it is not like the person didn’t pay for anything before opening Facebook or WhatsApp. That is just a non-story.
Let me say what it will stifle, the conversation and the opportunity to get the information online, as the most is spread through social media. The media houses, the government and the rest is informing through these platforms to the public. If you want to know something, you go into the Social Media and read the information there. This also close out the poorest from addressing their vocal needs online and even maybe make it too expensive to use apps to configure trade of crops or even tips for using their plots. Not that is considered, because everyone can afford to fork out money like drunk MPs, right?
“Is USD 1,4 too much for a citizen to contribute to tax yet you have money to buy a smartphone, minimumly at Shs. 300,000 that is data enabled, and you load bundles of over shs. 30,000? Logically it doesn’t make sense” (Frank Tumwebaze, 17.07.2018).
If this was only true, if the part of the big majority who is under poverty-line or struggling to get salaries, they cannot afford this. They will be silenced. Many are buying knock-off B-Products of Cellphones, which cost a fraction of what the Minister propose. It is a very selected few who owns the newest Iphone, there are more lackluster Samsung and Nokia out there. The ones with the simple smartphone systems. So that the minister should consider that. In the same regard, the Minister should disclose why the companies have closed and stopped the cheapest bundles and packages after 1st July 2018 as the OTTs Tax came into affect?
However, that is not a big deal for him. He thinks everyone has his salary and has capacity to pay out of their ass in double or triple tax on the same service, as they are doing in this. Still, putting it all on the citizen and still not on the corporation. What has the Telecoms done to beat the ass of the government? Since the argument is never to tax the corporations who are earning on these services, but always on the citizens?
The final rebuttal from me today, for the fist question about VPN. It is very simple why people use VPN. Because this government spend revenue and donations like there is no tomorrow on wastage of cronyism, corruption and on the President. It doesn’t deliver services, but feed the royal court of Museveni. Therefore, they rather pay a random stranger, than feeding the monster at the State House. This is their reaction to the unhealthy activity of the state, also the unfair double taxation. If they didn’t pay VAT and other taxes on the Air-Time or Data-Bundle, it would be a little fair, but when you already do that and has a second pay wall. Than you know that the issues of stupidity deserves to be counter with defiance. Peace.


Sometimes, I wonder if Prime Minister Theresa May is living in Hogwarts or even Wakanda. Because the reality check needs to hit and quickly. Because her recent notes on the Brexit and especially the Customs Union with the European Union doesn’t make sense. It is like she wants free-trade, but doesn’t want to follow the standards and regulations of the EU. Sorry, Prime Minister, that is not how it works. You cannot control Brussels without being a member in Brussels. You have only London from now on and have to beg to get into EU Common Market as a Third Country. That is a very simple math, but still not understood after two years by the United Kingdom and HM Government in London.
The UK people should be appalled by what she is trying to pull. It is naive and foolish. The naivete and playing the public for fools. It is brilliant, but perfectly stupid. I will take three key quotes from the note she delivered on Facebook today, before commenting on the quotes further down below them.
“This means we have to have friction-free movement of goods, avoiding the need for customs and regulatory checks between the UK and the EU. And this cannot happen if products have to go through different tests for different markets, or if customs declarations have to be made at the UK/EU border” (May, 2018).
“So I believe we need to come together behind our plan. As the Trade Bill returns to the Commons this week, there are some planning to vote for amendments that would tie us to a permanent Customs Union with the EU. This would be the ultimate betrayal of the Brexit vote. It would remove our ability to have an independent trade policy at all, conceding Britain’s role on the global stage as a force for free trade and endangering people’s jobs and livelihoods. This government will never stand for that” (May, 2018).
“We will leave the Single Market and Customs Union, and get out of the Common Agricultural Policy and the Common Fisheries Policy. We will have that independent trade policy and a new UK-EU free trade area with a common rulebook for industrial goods and agricultural products. We will maintain high standards in keeping with our values, so we continue to promote open and fair trade. We will have that Parliamentary lock on all new rules and regulations” (May, 2018).
First: Friction-free movement movement. Second: Betrayal if the Commons vote for permanent Customs Union and third promote open and fair trade. These three things doesn’t work together. It just doesn’t, this is getting old on me. It really do.
First if she wants friction-free movement of goods, she needs to have a government following standards, procedures and protocols, labeling and basic agreements of the Customs Unions with the EU. Second, if it is problem and betrayal of the Brexit to be in the Customs Union, than you can say bye bye to friction-free movement of goods, as the tariffs and checkpoints of goods will start. The borders will be fixed for a third country and not free movement of it from the UK and neither from Ireland or France into the UK. I know that is hard for May to understand, but that is the reality if you abolish the Customs Union. Third, you can promote open and fair trade, but it will not be open if you are abolishing the Customs Union, you will be a third country and be lesser important trading partner to the EU.
The UK might feel tricked and unfair trading practices, but this is the wish of the Tories and May. The fair trade has to wait, as they cannot change the regulations from the outside and neither control the trading flow of the Union. They can do that to Cardiff and Edinburgh, but not in Dublin or Brussels. So all three points when concerning trading doesn’t make sense. Unless, she wants to be a sheep in a wolfs clothing. Than, she has pulled it off.
I am not surprised anymore, but that she still does it like this. Is amazing after two years of negotiations and two years of making provisions for the UK. She still bickers and promise both gold, silver and dog-poop at the same time.
Theresa May, how stupid do your think your citizens are? Peace.
Reference:
Theresa May – ‘I say to the British people today: I am not going to Brussels to compromise our national interest; I am going to fight for it’ 15.07.2018