Brexit: Letter from Truss MP & Eustice MP to other MPs – Food Standards and future trade deals (05.06.2020)

State of the Nation Address 2020: 10 Points of Misbelief

We have actually continued to be in the bush even when we are in the Government and have continued to wage guerrilla warfare against the neo-colonial and colonial interests in Uganda” Yoweri Kaguta Museveni SONA 2020

That its yet another of year of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is beyond me. However, at this point he will still be there when I am at advanced age. Since his been all through my life and only the first year of my life he wasn’t in power. Mr. 1986 still addressing the Parliament, acting like “Captain Save a Hoe” and such. That’s who he is now, even if the words doesn’t inspire and as prolonged as reign. It is all getting old and that is happening quick.

This is his station, but his speeches and the scheme of things. It just become foolish. That he even mentioned the 10 Point Programme of the Bush. The long forgotten plan, which he hasn’t kept up with. A plan I have two pieces on to show how little his done with it. As he has embarked on the journey in power, the further he got from the goal-post. The more dire it has been needed for him to turn back to start. Which his doing now.

In spite of the obstructions by the neo-colonial actors and foreign backers, Uganda is able to stand up today and weather this storm because of the correct actions we took” Museveni (04.06.2020).

I wonder what he means here, as his been one of the donor darling like most part of his reign. So, if their was obstructing anything directly, why did he take their money and follow their guidelines for their grants and loans? That doesn’t make sense to me, unless his scapegoating outsiders. Because that is easier and more feasible in 2020.

Even uranium, I rejected the plans of the neo-colonial agents of exporting uranium so that others use it to generate electricity when Uganda has only a total potential of 4000mgwts on all the River Nile sites and those of its tributaries. A country like Japan generates a total of 298,350mgwts. Where will Uganda get all the power it needs if hydro-power is not enough? Or has it been biologically proven that Africans do not need electricity? As long as I am in charge of the country, no uranium will ever be exported from Uganda. Let it remain in the ground. When solar-power becomes as cheap as hydro-power, then the politics and economics of energy will change. Until then, sita-kange (I do not give up what is mine)” – Museveni (04.06.2020).

This passage of the SONA is very telling of what is happening. What sort of man Museveni is and how he behaves. He believes the Uranium is his, just its his oil in Lake Albert. It’s not the resources of the whole Republic, and therefore, should be treated as a commodity for all. Alas, it should be traded for the gains of the President and on his terms. That’s why the outsiders aren’t paying him correctly or giving him the right incentives to extract uranium. Because he doesn’t give up what is mine. That is a selfish statement … and nothing else.

The economics of Africa are correctly described as under-developed because, indeed, they have alot of potential which is not fully utilized. It is under-utilized, under-developed. We are going to fully develop that potential and become developed countries” Museveni (04.06.2020).

I understand what the President said here and the honesty is fine, but the last part is insincere. If he had wished to do so and willingly wanted it. Than he would have managed it long time ago. The President has had 34 years to finish his pledges and his work. Still not arrived there. He has promised Uganda to become a middle-Income country for ages now. Therefore, this sort of statement is more repetition of previous works of the President than actually a profound message.

This President is proving that his not up for the part. He even had to make up economic mumbo jumbo with Vulnerable and Real Economy. Both parts are direct part of the economy and non-of-these are disconnected. They are all balancing acts, as the economy and financial liquidity is only there because everyone playing their parts. That is why his jargon is only playing for keeps and that’s why I didn’t care for touching on that.

Enough nonsense in one day. Peace.

Maldives: Ministry of Tourism – Circular – COVID-19 Employees Returning Back to Resort for Work (03.06.2020)

Kenyatta’s Madaraka Day Speech: … This too will Pass!

President Uhuru Kenyatta is a force to be reckoned with, he uses all political will and power to stay in office. He bends the others and ensures his safekeeping. No matter what he does, somehow he ends on top. The dynasty President and the one who has in recent time hit at critics within his own administration and rejuvenated the high ranking officials around him. That is the sort of man Kenyatta is and unapologetic about it too.

Today, he did send the message from the State House, not an half-empty stadium or anything. However, he did it from his shelter and his residence because of COVID-19 or Coronavirus outbreak, which has hit the Kenyan Republic hard. What he did say was interesting, I will take a few of his points and discuss those.

Further, we have made admirable progress in the implementation of Vision 2030, as my Administration implements the Big Four Agenda. But this Vision comes to an end in 9 years. The urgency for a new vision and a new dream is, therefore, real” (Kenyatta, 01.06.2020).

This is really deep, that Kenyatta is working on two visions, the Vision 2030 and the Big Four, two things that seems connected, but we know he has done this properly. It is high and mighty visions, but they have not succeeded. A few pet projects, a lot of debt and failing economy. The Kenyan state is worse off after the two terms of Kenyatta, than before him. However, he cannot state that, because that is the reality.

But for us to craft this new dream and prepare for the “…great leap forward”, we needed to finish what our Founding Fathers had started. And this is what we set out to do in our quest to uproot the remnants of ignorance, poverty and disease in our midst. This inspired my Administration’s transformative agenda for the nation – the Big Four Agenda. Allow me to give you only three examples of unfinished business started by our founding fathers and which we are endeavoring to complete” (Kenyatta, 01.06.2020).

He mentions again the Big Four Agenda like that is the coded message of the supposed achievements. There been so many empty pledges and ghost projects in the time of this government. So, yes the SGR has been built, neither is it profitable nor is a success. That is why the cargo transport been ordered there and also to the inland port of Navisha. This is all a centralized plan, however, this isn’t a sign of greatness. When everything is forced and the economy is tanking. It was even doing so before COVID-19. Therefore, the President and his team is already struggling, while the state has piled up debt upon debt. Also squandering funds on scandals and whatnot. Not building for the future, but living lavish for the moment.

And part of this sermon speaks to our reality as Kenyans. If we are to push the re-set button and re-imagine our dreams as a nation, we must transform our civic culture to one that is biased towards duty, hard work and integrity. My Fellow Countrymen, We need political leaders totally committed to promoting not self but what will transform lives of our people in line with what our founding fathers yearned for. Indeed, as Martin Luther King, Jr said: “We need political leaders not in love with money but in love with justice. Not in love with publicity but in love with humanity” (Kenyatta, 01.06.2020).

In this one, his asking for the “my turn to eat” paradigm to quit. However, that is embedded in the politics. That is why you as President has hired the loyalist and made positions for them in Councils and what else needed. Just to ensure your place, as well as securing the industries you got companies in. Like you did with the regulations of the Milk Industry and so fourth. The way your steered by the cartels and let them dissolve factories, as long as they are earning on the imports. That is what has happen during your tenure. The money factor and quick profits for you and your associates has been more important, than hard work or morality. There been several of scandals, grand-corruption, but none has put into prison or lost their livelihood. They have all been close to you and not paid any price for it.

That is why speeches like these Mr. President is insincere at best. Your motivation might be there, but your actions speaks otherwise. If you cared about this things. You wouldn’t be all politicking and secure the dynasties future. Instead of leaving a better Kenya behind when your term is over. Its a lot of smokescreens, but no real action.

The Cambridge Analytica PR Stunts isn’t cutting it. Not when the realities are hitting the grounds. When the continues suffering, the problematic state and the fragile weakness of the financial institutions and liquidity. A spiral of debt, overspending and lack of results. Expensive white elephants and very little to show for. That is what you got. You bough temporary peace after the last election, but you didn’t buy a legacy of finishing anything. Except for enriching yourself and your allies. Peace.

African Development Bank Group: Recent News Reports and the African Development Bank (27.05.2020)

Central Bank of Kenya (CBK): Monetary Policy Committee Meeting (27.05.2020)

Malawi: MPs soon getting tax-free rides!

In June 2019 with the newest salary increases, the Members of Parliament was getting 2,5 million Malawian Kwachas monthly, while the average median salary is about 159,000 MWK. However, this is what 50% of workers earns or lower. Meaning the MPs before the newest pay-rise they are earning around 15 times more than over 50% of the general population.

So with this in mind. There is new reports that the MPs whose already rich by all standard in the Republic. Are ensuring their own wealth with more incentives. This being tax-exempt cars. They can buy cars without paying taxes. Before, the newest incentive, they we’re not paying for it anyway during their elected term. However now, it is totally tax-exempt. They will not have to pay exercise duty nor paying customs after the fact. Meaning its only the cost of getting it from abroad and shipped to Malawi.

The MPs are not paying taxes on their cars. MPs will be allowed to do this with two cars during their term, while the Ministers are allowed to buy three.

So, they are getting a real bargain. While the ordinary citizen has to pay added taxes on the commodity. The MPs and Ministers will drive around in cars, which they never paid taxes for. This is all for the up-coming term from 2019-2024. The MPs will all have a capital gain and able to save money. Even not really loose to much using the cars and then trading them when their term ends. It is a real incentive to buy extra cars during their term.

This is all a small heist by the MPs. They are getting cheap cars, easily access to cash to buy it with allowance, sitting fees and whatnot. All of this blended with incentives to buy two cars during their term without taxes. This makes the cars cheaper and makes it good deal for them.

Every single citizen has to pay the levies and taxes on their cars. Only the MPs and Ministers are exempt from it. These people are ironically representing the people. A people who has to pay taxes for the same product and vehicle. While the MPs are getting a free-ride, the public have to cough up the taxes for it. That’s shows how unfair it is and the public cannot stop them. Since, this is something they vote for themselves. Just like they do it with the salaries. Which is already superior to most in the Republic.

The rich are getting richer, while they poor continue to struggle. These are the representatives of the people. They are acting like kingpins and forgetting their part. They are enriching themselves on a position, which is bestowed on them. Instead of showing gratitude and serve the public, they are finding new ways of gaining wealth. This is misuse of office and this should be the perfect excuse of getting new leadership. Which represents the public and their needs, not only fill their own pockets. Peace.

Opinion: The government have money [unless your not a priority]

Let me just say, that tonight, this evening I am tired of reading headlines from various of Republics and Countries where they state they don’t have funds for pledges nor supposed basics during this global pandemic. Yes an global pandemic of COVID-19 or the Coronavirus isn’t a planned affair, unless your a conspiracy theorist who makes up ghost stories out of thin air. The rest of us lives in reality and try to figure the best way out of this.

What is boring in these troubling times is when the state says they doesn’t funds for PPE, Masks, Medicine, Salaries for Front-Line workers and whatnot. It is just an endless stream of costs, payments, allocations and expenditure the state has to carry. The imports of sudden extra equipment, ventilators and such. By all means its an expensive enterprise to cover this and ensure enough of the basics. Still, if the people, the citizens and the well-being of them matters. Than this should be shielded first.

However a reason for the lack of funds is that the state hasn’t this as a priority. This isn’t their breadwinner, this isn’t their ballpark. No, this is a side-show, a show where donors, where foreign donations and other comes in to cover the basics and the needed cover. In sunny days this is usually enough, because the ones getting hurt isn’t an priority and the ones whose VIP gets treatment abroad anyway.

That is why the Health Care system isn’t fully functioning nor has the capacity it should have in consideration per capita. The lack of enough beds, ICUs and such are now a contrast to the amount people in the dominion. Therefore, the state has lost the battle, if it gets bad quickly. The state cannot assume they will get help from elsewhere. Since they are already hurting themselves and are damaged by the virus as well.

So in this regard, when the state is complaining and stating lack of funds for this now. Its all about priorities. These states usually has no issues getting loans, grants and donations to cover deficits. They have no issues getting loans and supplementary budgets to secure new revenue-streams in sunny days for infrastructure and development projects. However, securing the well-being of the citizens and their welfare. That is burden it cannot shelter. Not to the max, not to the appropriate levels. That is just to expensive. Unless, a drunk uncle, snappy-nephew or an in-law is kicking in some remitted funds to shelter its own family at family. That is how this goes.

The governments can run their coffers dry, they can create huge deficits in the times of needs. They can boost their stimulus and use the credit, the forecasted revenue and the sales of treasury bonds. All of that cover it in the future, as the government and state can in practicality never cease nor get bankrupt. That as a sovereign state and therefore, has more gains and possible future income to cover debt and deficits.

That is why in these times of need, the government can prove where their loyalty lies. Either its with their citizens or its with the corporate agenda. They can show that solving it and investing in the Health Care system matters.

We can see if it is a priority or just talk. We can see by the pounds sterling, the US dollars or whatever currency spent on it. That its a priority or not. If they priorities it, they are risking a bigger deficit for now. If not, they are shielding the hurt and hoping it just goes back to normal quick. Peace.

Opinion: [Don’t be shocked] NRM MPs always eats!

We are living in 2020 and the abolishment of Age Limit still haunts the chambers of Parliament. As the payouts for it is coming to the ones who favoured the Self-Styled President for Life. That all happen a while ago, but the 317 MPs is getting all the love.

Now there is report of a more millions of shillings coming their way. As there was a special delivery of 40 million shillings each. The money was already late and delayed. There is also claims this is for hardship of voting for the motion to praise the “high above”. No matter what, their representation is clearly a pyramid scheme. Where the drips of money comes down to them, when they favour the one on top of the pyramid. After that they are selling his empty dreams to public and hoping no one is understanding the prolonged scheme.

In this regard, they are promised even more, just like they we’re promised more favours too during the Age Limit saga. They were planned instalments for favourable voting. They are anticipated to get another 60 million. When they vote against the NSSF Act. Because, that is how you run a state. Bribing MPs to vote on your whim. So, that they have extra funds to campaign and pay-off old debts. That’s what you do.

These MPs have already allowances, fees and perks to the skies. They are already eating like crazy. This here is just eating of the plate of the public. While the state is taking more loans from World Bank and IMF. They are eating on the borrowed money and hoping this doesn’t hurt the state down the line.

These NRM MPs are just the epitome of greed. They are selling their souls for very little. This is short term gains and will backfire eventually. Onto the up-coming elections, these MPs will use any opportunity to get some money. Because, suddenly they need to fix local schools in their constituencies. Suddenly, they will need to buy rice, soap and small tokens to their constituents. Even pay courtesy to the local radio for air-time. Maybe, even pay some random designer to make posters and gear. That’s what they do.

So, always know. The NRM MPs always eats, don’t be shocked. That’s what they do. They eat and figures out ways to trick the system in their favour. Especially, doing the will of the State House and getting paid for it. That’s why the big-man is stressed, he always have to pay them extra to “get thy will done” as it is in Rwaiktura farm and on Nile Avenue. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee wants it to BOP his way

You want another rap? Nah, didn’t think so. Even if President Museveni wants a BOP. Not a DaBaby track or anything. His just approved the US$500 million dollars to the Republic. This was reported earlier this month and he approved it on the 6th of May 2020, but stamped by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) on the 11th of May 2020.

What is unique here is that this loan is given on the idea of “Balance of Payments”. Economist would know that this to cover the deficit and the balance the budgets. This is to ensure the state has enough revenue to already cover the deficit it has. That is why grants and loans comes to ensure the levels of revenue covers the spending. This means that the state has spend a hundred dollars, but only had 50 dollars in liquidity. So, to ensure the accounts are balanced, the BOP comes in and fix the shortfall.

Museveni writes this in the letter:

The money that goes to the Bank of Uganda is for “balance of payments support”. “Balance of Payments supports” does not only mean helping the country to “import more” but must also mean helping the country to “import less” by manufacturing these products here. With this undertaking, I approve the loan” (Museveni, 06.05.2020).

Because what the support does in the instance of the hundred dollars budget with a shortfall of 50 dollars revenue. The BOP support is the missing 50 dollars and makes it zero. Meaning, the accounts and financial flows should turn into zero. That means with the budget with its expenditure and its revenue its should be a nil or zero sum game. Therefore, when the President claims this helps local industry and less imports. I don’t see it.

Especially, if this is a BOP. Because, a BOP is a fixated way of balancing the budgets, not secure more trade. Its to cover deficits between expenditure and revenue. This isn’t a magical sphere of happiness and joy. This is budgetary measure to cover the shortfalls and lack of domestic revenue. To cover expenses that appeared or was already budgeted. Therefore, the need of Balance of Payments from the IMF to cover those.

This can be seen as a Financial Inflow to cover the deficit.

Like this:

-100 dollars budget/Import

+50 dollars revenue/Export

+50 dollars Financial inflow (BOP Support)

= 0

That is why, when the man says like this. Its a game of balancing the budget. Not putting a wand on the thing and swiftly changing things. This is just a financial measure to cover a deficit. A short-term solution to a shortfall. That will not solve anything, but by time. Not cover debt, not create a market nor make a big difference. Its just covering expenditure. Nothing else.

The President can make it seem so, but that wouldn’t be a BOP. That would be another instrument and another measure. Where the funds was actually meant for investment. This is covering the basics.

Let me end with DaBaby: “I needed some shit with some bop in it (Let’s go)” (DaBaby – ‘BOP’ of KIRK, 2019). Peace.