
“Last night, on UBC, I saw a cluster of Opposition MPs, led by a one Kivumbi, expending a lot of energy, on the supposed sh. 100 million per person given to MPs through classified Funds, etc. In this campaign, these Opposition MPs are supported by the anti-Ugandan newspaper known as “Monitor”. We, the FRONASA–NRA combatants, fought from 1971 to 1987, i.e. 17 years, without pay. Since 1987 until about 3 years ago, the UPDF has been fighting but being paid very low salaries. Until 1st July, 2022, a General was being paid sh 2,029,152, equivalent to about USD 560. Therefore, with FRONASA–NRA–UPDF, the motivation for contribution, is patriotism, Pan-Africanism, etc. Actors, in the wider Ugandan Society, have different perceptions. Those who listen to us, we try to guide them and they make good contribution when they listen” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – Statement on the 100 Million shillings for the MPs, 11.04.2025).
President Museveni could not help himself, but has to insert himself and be visible on a scandal in the Republic. The Republic and the state of affairs that is created by him. It is his interests and how he has cannibalized and commercialized politics, in such a fashion that the wheeler-dealer August House is just another random Tuesday of doling out additional shillings to Members of Parliament for favourable votes. That’s what they do and we know that the President believes in this.
As he wrote in this piece of the defence of it: “Those who listen to us, we try to guide them and make they make good contribution when they listen”. That is an admission of the corrupt behaviour and quid-pro-quo which is apparently legalized and normalized. It is very compelling to listen to someone, when you know you will get a treat after. Sort of like when you an as kid visited your grandparents and hoped they would give you either candies or a small contribution for visiting them. Therefore, we are seeing the same sort of familiar treatment of the MPs here.
The President continues saying this: “Regarding the classified funds, they have two purposes: to buy classified equipment and also to promote activities that help in defeating the enemy schemes in Uganda and keep the peace of the People of Uganda” (Museveni, 11.04.2025).
Here his saying out the silent part loud. It is so telling and this sort of sentiment should have been kept in the drafts, but the old man thinks this is so clever. Alas, we know this is just a dribble to defend the UPDF Act and get it voted in as a way of “securing the peace” but its really just a way of silencing his critics. That’s the “enemy schemes” that he wants to resolve and shut down. This can only be done with civilians tried in military courts or General Court Martial. Those that he directs and controls without any independence. That’s why he wants to use Confidential Funds to soften the hearts of the MPs and get them to trade their souls and vote blindly over it. It is just compelling really and the argument is just foolish, as everyone can see why he does it and why he justifies it.
He ended the text with this: “PS: Congratulations Ugandans. Today, the 11th of April, 1979, is when the Ugandan freedom fighters and our Tanzanian brothers, captured Kampala and Idi Amin fled” (Museveni, 11.04.2025). I just find it funny that is this is a side-show and a byline. He doesn’t see it as that important, as it is isn’t a public holiday or anything like NRA/M Day in January 26th. No, this day isn’t important enough for him, as that would give Obote some shine and we know he cannot share with the dead. The supposed “father” of the nation cannot share anything and his the man whose only one has a vision. We see that again and again.
That’s why he defends open bribes and a bonanza of cash to the MPs. A man that all the time professes to combat corruption has no trouble defending it. Just like he defended tax-holidays for investors and a presidential handshake to civilian servants. That’s just who he is and the old man cannot change. He can only change wearing a hat or not. Peace.














