Opinion: Mpuuga’s fault-lines

“I wrote to the leading opposition party (NUP) asking for a meeting. I haven’t received a reply. However, I saw their Secretary General spiting me personally. I think he doesn’t know the full degree of what he is dealing with” – Mathias Mpuuga MP (19.03.2025).

Some cannot see the slow train coming. Some might never see the train at all. Some people just see the railroad tracks and others only hears about stories about the iron horse. There is a lot of things at play…

The Democratic Alliance is now in action, as Mathias Mpuuga MP is outsmarted and outplayed by the National Unity Platform (NUP). That’s why he feels the pain of the former party and where he was bestowed respectable offices within the party and in the Parliament. They trusted him with being the Leader of Opposition and Commissioner just to mention a few. Therefore, he should have some regard of his former party. Nevertheless, his feeling sour and we can taste the bitter tears.

Mpuuga MP continues his attacks on the NUP!

“The Hon. Bobi Wine all due respect to him, mobilised people for a month to go to my constituency to speak ill about me” (…) “I have constrained myself a lot. If I spoke about certain things and individuals, you would be shocked. You would not know for example, how NUP would call MPs, one by one to educate them on how Mpuuga is a bad man” (Mpuuga, 19.03.2025).

The Member of Parliament and Coordinator of the DA should wonder where he is and how his perceived. As this sort of battle his never winning. His already on the road to become another Norbert Mao. He speaks of electoral reforms and only misses the promise of political transition. Mpuuga MP just shows his bitterness and it is clear that his forever scorned.

The MP could have gotten into a better position, if he had towed party lines and followed the direction the party gave him. Mpuuga in hubris and confidence believes that his able to gain attention and create a buzz. The man maybe think he can galvanize what he did during the A4C days, but this is a decade later.

Mpuuga MP needed the NUP to get elected. He ran away from the DP and TDA alliance that made him elected in the 2016 elections. So, in 2026 he will lose, and his DA isn’t a winning formula. It is a DP Block with a new PR Team and a possibly support of Alien Skin. This gameplan and moves aren’t building a proper machinery ahead of the 2026 polls.

As a man who has experience and is supposed to be a seasoned leader. His leadership and his building of alliances is failing. They aren’t even able to get Justice Forum (JEEMA) on its side. We can wonder if the PPP and others will also call it quits. There is little proof that the DA has a massive support among the opposition. Until proven otherwise… show it and deliver huge statement. Not just hallow words against Bobi Wine or the NUP. That’s no difference than the insults and drunken texts of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga. This is maybe… why he has said he can work with him and that’s directly getting the regime behind him. It was just like when Mwenda said Mao was the most trustworthy fella or whatnot before the 2021 elections. So, are we really seeing the same nonsense again?

Mpuuga MP isn’t winning… Mpuuga needs to re-evaluate his stances and his moves. This won’t be it… Peace.

South Sudan: SPLM-IO pulls out of all mechanisms

“After a thorough assessment of the credibility and composition of the Mechanisms, Political and Security environment of the Peace Implementation Mechanisms, and after wide consultation, all the participation of the members of the said Security and Political mechanisms is hereby frozen with immediate effect until all the SPLM/SPLA-IO Political Detainees are unconditionally released. The Members of the said Mechanism shall only attend RJMEC Plenary Sessions to affirm the unconditional release of their colleagues. We hold the SPLM-IG their security apparatus responsible for the safety and life of all detainees.” (Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, 17.03.2025).

It is now clear that J1 are soon very lonely in the Transitional Government, as the state has targeted the SPLM-IO. The SPLM-IG has decided this and blamed the SPLM-IO for the Naath White Army. Alas, now the acts of the authorities, the army and the President backfires. As the tension between Dr. Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir Mayardit is in the air.

The SPLM-IO is becoming an outside entity until the Transitional Government meets the needs of the IO. The IO is now addressing the state of affairs and willingly to cease operating within the various mechanisms and state organizations it’s a part of. This is endangering the R-ARCSS and the whole process of the transitional agreement. The lacking implementation and slow work on it, just shows how IO and IG have personalized the state. The Presidential Decrees and appointments haven’t built the state either. That’s why we are here in 2025.

Just read this…

“We also state clearly that the failure by the government of South Sudan to provide protection to life and property to all citizens of South Sudan has resulted in proliferation and establishment of community vigilantes including Tit-bai, Gel-weng, Agwelek, Abushok, White army, monyamiji, Arrow Boys, etc. Profiling the White army and declaring war by mobilizing state political, military and diplomatic machinery is tantamount to further a “state policy of targeting members of a group”. We call upon the African Union, United Nations, Troika, European Union and IGAD Partners Forum and the C5 Countries to protect civilians in South Sudan and reject the call by the government spokesperson to profile an ethnic group, and we also call upon you to visit the African Union Commission Report on South Sudan (The Obasanjo Report) and hold the government and individual committing atrocities and Human Rights Violations in South Sudan to account” (Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, 17.03.2025).

The SPLM-IO withdrawal and pulling out of the mechanisms are bad enough in itself. The last time there was need for mediation and a new security agreement between the IO and IG. Something similar will most likely happen again. Unless Kiir thinks UPDF can cover for him and be his guardian. We are seeing his willing to use these forces to defend the nation for him. The IG is attacking civilians and using the UPDF as their mercenaries. That isn’t making the uprising and the rise of the Naath White Army stopped. The state must address this in another way, but we only see more guns and advanced weaponry.

The IG should be concerned and worried about the state of affairs. As it now in dire straits, the IO leaving the R-ARCSS and mechanisms isn’t just stalling the peace process… but questioning the reasoning and acts of the IG. That is the reality… and J1 needs to reflect on his ways and why things are going in this direction. Therefore, the leadership in Juba needs to change and also listen to people, the warfare and the usage of force won’t settle things. It will only cause more conflict and harm, which is what we see in regard to Naath White Army. Peace.

South Sudan: Government of Jonglei State – Akobo County, Commissioner’s Office – Bombing of innocent civilians of Akobo County by SSPDF/UPDF gunship (18.03.2025)

Opinion: AgaNaga – Spent a million for each voter he got [or close enough]

“To compete in this election, you need at least 200M, I have been moving with almost 100 people who are paid daily, the cars we used daily all take a lot of fuel, I have done all in the music everyone knows but now I have to venture into matters of national importance” – Sadat Mukiibi aka Kalifah AgaNaga (18.03.2025).

The man that got about 239 votes in the Kawempe North By-Election, Sadat Mukiibi aka Kalifah AgaNaga who ran as the flagbearer for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). They went out hard and tried to sway the public, but didn’t galvanize anyone. That’s why the candidate got such a bad result.

The loss is just so clear and the FDC could reflect on its downfall, as the musician turned politician didn’t have the message or the character to sway the public. They didn’t believe in his platform or words for that manner. If they did…

He would have more impact than a little over 200 people voting on him. The FDC and the candidate should have been in the realms of the NUP. He should have been in the scope of the two bigger candidates. The FDC shouldn’t be this sort of a failure in the race.

That AgaNaga used 200 million on this result. The FDC and him should self-reflect on the way they did it. The people of Kawempe North didn’t accept him or his candidacy. The citizens didn’t believe in him or trust his message. That’s why so few voted for him and they didn’t see it in him. This is the reality here… and the musician should go back to producing records.

This man has lost twice elections. AgaNaga haven’t been able to win and tried twice already. Neither is he a trusted fella, as he went from singing songs for Museveni to suddenly become a FDC candidate. Therefore, he is really just trying whatever gets him into office. This man doesn’t have it in him.

That is proven and 200 million shillings couldn’t save him either. The man cannot even spend correctly or strategically, because if he was… then he would know that is a waste of funds. Him spending this much and get nothing in return. That is a compelling case, but show how dire the loss is. Peace.

Opinion: The State House needs a Trillion shilling in this Financial Year alone

“The approved budget for State House for Financial Year 2024/25 was Shs 452.2 billion. ln January, about one month ago, State House come back to Parliament requesting to increase its budget by Shs 234.75 billion for classified expenditure. You obedient MPs approved it, bringing total State House budget to Shs 686.6 billion. They have come back again with another request of Shs 367 billion which if you approve, will bring State House 2024/25 financial year’s budget to Shs 1,053, 635,660,000 (Shs 1.053 trillion)” (MINORITY REPORT ON SUPPLEMENTARY EXPENDITURE SCHEDULE No 3 of FY 2024/25, 12.03.2025).

The State House, the President and his inner circle is budgeted to spend a total of one trillion shillings, which a total of 686 billion shillings are spent on confidential funds. That is close to 2/3 of the budget to spending without any transparency or accountability, as it is stipulated as confidential.

This is how the President and his inner circle are spending funds. It is really special that the State House needs such vast slush-funds and can easily access billions of shillings. This is why the President, and his people are enriched. They can spend as they like and no one can question it, as they have billions as their disposal and that will be used. It could be for anything and whatever whims the President has. He can afford it and has the money for it.

The residence of the President is surely eating funds. In a never-ending spending spree and there is no real pushback. Only acceptance and silent nods of the Republic. As the President is issued new votes and budget posts. The massive spending on the State House isn’t shocking but is telling about the vast funds that are there.

The State House getting 1 trillion shilling in this Financial Year is a misuse of funds. The State House should have lesser funds. There isn’t a need for 686 billion for confidential funds. That just shows what the state does and is willing to do. They can just spend funds like no tomorrow.

We don’t know where the 686 billion shillings are going, and it is special that the State House needs a Trillion Shillings in one year to operate. This is only the first supplementary budget, so expect this to get much worse. The State House will issue more supplementary budgets and needs. Therefore, expect it to drain the state of more funds in the near future. That’s coming its way. There will be all sorts of excuse and shortfalls. If it is water, vehicles or whatnot. Even buying more furniture or such…

This State House doesn’t care about service delivery or even about government programs. Not when they are willing to ask and spend monies in this manner. They can splash funds like tomorrow. That’s the story… and the President must live with it. He doesn’t mind and living lavish is his lifestyle now. He might act like he has a small salary, but he needs a Trillion to run his residence this year. Therefore, he must be rich and has expensive expenses. Peace.

South Sudan: Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) – The current situation in South Sudan is deeply concerning (18.03.2025)

RDC: Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) – Communique Officiel (17.03.2025)

RDC: Ministere de la Communication et Medias – Le Gouvernement de la Republique Democratique du Congo salue les nouvelles sanctions de l’UE contre le M23 et le Rwanda et appelle a des sanctions plus robustes (17.03.2025)

Ethiopia: Salsay Weyane Tigray – Press Release (17.03.2025)

A look into Bobi Wine’s Speech on the Kawempe North By-Election

We saw an election where almost all media houses recalled their staff from the field a few hours after voting had started, just to keep them safe from those who claimed they were securing the election. We saw an election where the main candidate’s nomination papers were seized by security operatives just hours before nomination; his supporters and mobilizers beaten and arrested; and his communication devices seized just hours before voting. Several of our comrades were beaten and imprisoned just for supporting our candidate. Many others are in hospital fighting for their life” (Bobi Wine, 17.03.2025).

Today the victor of the Kawempe North By-Election spoke to his own at the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters. As the aftermath of the By-Election is appearing and the spin of the loss for the regime and their party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The NRM are already working tirelessly and so is the President too. That has been shown and that’s why I have to reflect on the words of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi who leads the biggest opposition party and was the party who retained the seat of Kawempe North.

When you read the speech of Bobi Wine. It is another type of play than Museveni. It just shows the difference of character and leadership. Just the way of navigating it and representing. That seems so natural for Bobi Wine. Meanwhile, Museveni is forcing himself and his ways on others.

I truly congratulate you Counsel Nalukoola for beating the seemingly impossible odds to sit amongst us here today as a Member of Parliament-elect. You were not declared winner because the regime wanted to. You were declared winner because the elaborate measures the people of Kawempe North took to protect their vote left the regime with no other alternative” (Bobi Wine, 17.03.2025).

This here isn’t a new story and Bobi Wine lived through the same thing when he got elected in Kyadondo East. He knows how the games is played and how you have to fight to keep it. There is nothing given in the Republic and especially not elected seas. The contested seats that the NRM wants to win and have control over. That’s why it is a battle and is such a mess to begin with, as the stakes are so high and the willingness of using force is very eminent of the state. Therefore, the prices of doing is costly and that’s proven again. So many lives has been scorned so one man could become an MP.

Dictator Museveni has since released a statement seeking to undermine the legitimacy of our victory and deflect blame for the criminality he unleashed on citizens in Kawempe” (…) “He accuses us of ballot-stuffing, voter intimidation, and results-tampering. But there is abundant video evidence showing his ministers accompanied by masked goons protected by gunmen engaging in this criminality. The destruction of ballot boxes in Kazo-Angola and other areas was not the work of the opposition—it was orchestrated by regime operatives to create a pretext for rejecting the otherwise legitimate results from an election they simply couldn’t win!” (Bobi Wine, 17.03.2025).

The projection of NRM and Museveni towards the NUP is just bonkers. The viral footage and pictures tells stories that Museveni cannot lie about. Neither can the NRM downplay or think people will forget. It is just really amazing after all these years and plenty of By-Elections. That the NRM and Museveni think people haven’t seen their game before and how it appears. This is their modus operandi and what they does. Kawempe North was no exception, but more of the norm, actually. This is who the NRM is in 2025 and what it has become. Bobi Wine and NUP is just exposing it, and showing it to the world to see.

To the people of Uganda, let what happened in Kawempe North strengthen our resolve to fight for a better country. Let it remind us that despite the small wins along the way, our struggle for freedom and good governance is far from over. We must keep organizing, mobilizing, and resisting.

We must emulate the people of Kawempe North who have showed us what a PROTEST VOTE means and requires us to do. They united, voted, and guarded their vote. If we replicate their example across other parts of the country, we can beat the dictator at his own game! Freedom is in sight!” (Bobi Wine, 17.03.2025).

The victory of Kawempe North By-Election is a nice one for the NUP. Even if it is a seat and a place that has turned into a stronghold of the opposition. There is a long time since a NRM representative was in place from there. Therefore, it must be with a little hesitation to celebrate to fast too.

The NRM wanted to take it and look strong ahead of 2026. The President wanted to have the final straw and build some sort of momentum before the polls. Meanwhile we know he campaigns with the PDM as his vehicle to do so. Just like he did with OWC and Emyooga in the past. Using government programs as an excuse to canvas voters and hold rallies. This game has been played before and people should watch it.

The NUP cannot do the same and neither can any other serious competitor of the NRM. The authorities won’t allow it or accept it. As that doesn’t fit their plan and their majority rule. It cannot see the growth or see a potential of galvanized support of an opposition leader or party. No that has to be stifled and suppressed. That’s why Bobi Wine cannot rest or be in good vibes for too long. There is to much hurt, pain and suffering ahead of 2026. We saw it in the By-Election and there will be plenty more in the General Elections in 2026. That is just bound to happen, whether we like it or not.

The protest vote of Kawempe is beautiful and poetic in defiance of the state. Now the whole Republic has to do the same. If that happens. Then there is nowhere Museveni or his NRM can go. Until then, freedom is far from visible and is far from hope of another tomorrow. Because right now, we are just waking up to another day of the Yellow Brigade singing their songs of glory and praising the sacrifices of Luweero. Peace.