Burundi: Congres National pour la Liberte (CNL) – Communique No. 01 (18.10.2024)

Malawi: United Democratic Front (UDF) – United Democratic Front (UDF) Statement on the 2025 General Elections (16.10.2024)

Opinion: Bobi Wine will “rinse and repeat”

The ones that think the 2026 General Election will be any different than the previous ones are false. This is doing the same thing again and expecting another type of result. However, that is lunacy and idiotic….

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine isn’t stupid, neither is his team and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP). The NUP will then run their second campaign and trying to establish itself as a viable option to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Alas, that is given and is what it has too. The NUP and Bobi Wine had a red wave ahead of the 2021. Ever since Bobi Wine was elected as an MP, he galvanized the youth and reach new people. Therefore, he is a threat to the status quo and the elites of the nation. Nevertheless, we know the gig and the game’s that are in play.

He might be able to steer the ship and be able to continue the progress of the party in the midst of trouble. The Party President and leader of the NUP might be able to continue to be the biggest opposition party. However, that isn’t the cause and the reason for the existence of the NUP. That’s just making the People Power operational and a part of a new political elite…

Bobi Wine fought to get rid of dictator. His party was supposed to be revolutionary and be different than the predecessors in the opposition. The smartness and wit of the party was to be vastly changing the terrain. Nevertheless, it was meant to be deeper than this…

The NUP and Bobi Wine needs to engage and be part of it. To totally disassociate or be disengaged from the General Election will be to costly  at this point. They need the MPs and the polls to be viable. However, it is a race where we know the winner and who will have the majority. The NUP and the other opposition parties will only get a fringe minority and not have a final say in the end. It doesn’t matter how they do it or what they do. In the end…

Bobi Wine will fall.. the numbers this time around might be different, but the result is the same. NRM and Museveni will win. The NRM will gerrymander and ensure total control of the Parliament. The Presidency will Museveni’s regardless of his real popularity or not.

Bobi Wine can do this a second time. His within his rights to stand and be a Presidential Candidate. By him doing so… his legitimizing the affairs and contests in a ill-willed elections. That’s what his doing and continuing the path of the predecessors that went nowhere as well.

Just like Besigye stood countless times up to Museveni. Bobi Wine is continuing this tradition. His NUP is taking the place of the FDC. However, things aren’t really changing and only the name on the ballots. The rest is more of the same and we are repeating the sins of the past. Peace.

Kisoro By-Election: Do we even care?

“For decades, the Mateke family has been a powerhouse in Kisoro’s politics, leaving an indelible mark on the district’s development and governance. The extent of the family’s influence was once again on display this week, following the demise of Kisoro Woman MP and State Minister for Defence, Sarah Mateke, when district leaders endorsed her younger sister, Ruth Nyiraneza to succeed her as Woman MP” (NBS Television, 15.09.2024).

I beg your pardon, but do we? Do we care about this By-Election? It’s a long time coming. The 11th Parliament is settled and yet another Member of Parliament died in office. So, there has to be an election to replace the late Honourable Sarah Matake, the former State Minister of Defence.

Certainly, the family wants to ringfence it and others has supported this. The state of hereditary politicks is among us. We have seen this several other races and by-elections over the past few years. Where the family members of the deceased as fielded a candidate for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and if it has failed. They have stood as independent and still won the seat. Therefore, in this case… that wouldn’t be shocking either.

There is talk of 15 candidates across the board for this one. The ones thinking this will be a test and a show for 2026 is wrong. It is just another By-Election and its sort of already scheduled. There is nothing surprising here and we know the gist.

The authorities are ready and the Electoral Commission too. The whole gig is prepared, and the pre-planned warzone is soon amongst us. Where the opposition will be man-handled, the law-enforcement will arrest and block rallies. Meanwhile, the NRM can do whatever they like. See unmarked cars and vehicles with officers doing questionable acts. However, they will claim the opposition planned some sinister things…

That’s why the results and the polls are a farce. There is nothing here to see that we haven’t seen before. We can wonder if Ruth Nyiraneza is the next in line or if Fancy Nirere will pull it off. There are other candidates too, but I am not hopeful. Neither if it is NUP, UPC or anyone else for that matter. These sorts of races are to get a new NRM MP and nothing else. That’s the endgame and how the score is tallied.

There is no fanfare or joy in this. It is only procedure and more causes or effects. There is no sort of hope or signs of possible positive outcomes here. No, it is just another poll that is most likely ending in favour of the ruling regime. The ruling regime that is handling it and ensuring their favoured result. Therefore, everyone else is just props and making it look legit. That’s the gist here…

I am not giddy or looking forward to this By-Election. After how several others has gone over the years. This won’t be any different and only the names on the ballots has changed. It is the same NRM and same security organizations interfering in the elections. The same intimidation, briberies and voter tourism that we have seen before. Everything to make it seems good, but we know the reality on the ground.

That’s why this Kisoro By-Election isn’t all that. It’s a default setting and we have seen it before. This is why I am cynical and not hopeful. I don’t see anything good coming out of this. It is just another re-establishment of a new NRM MP and that’s it. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Party President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu letter to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – False Allegations that the National Unity Platform rigged One Million Votes in the Last Presidential Election (15.09.2024)

South Sudan: Nothing is more “permanent” than a transitional government… Part II

“𝐉𝐮𝐛𝐚, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 — The Presidency, under the chairmanship of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has announced an extension of the country’s transitional period by two years as well as postponing elections,which were initially scheduled for December 2024 to December 22nd, 2026. Speaking to reporters, Presidential Adviser on National Security, Hon. Tut Gatluak said the extension is an opportunity to implement the critical remaining protocols in R-ARCSS, such as the permanent constitution process, census, and the registration of political parties. On his part, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro said the extension is in response to the recommendations from both electoral institutions and the security sector. Citing pending critical tasks necessary for the successful conduct of elections, necessitating the delay, saying there is a need for additional time to complete essential tasks before the polls. Minister Lomuro also reassured the public that the government would remain operational during this extended period” (Office of the President – Republic of South Sudan, 13.09.2024).

Here we go again, the R-TGoNU, the TNLA and the whole gathering of stakeholders have pushed back and stopped the scheduled elections that was supposed to go down on the 22nd December 2024. The ones that has been following from the sidelines knew this could eventually happen.

As J-1 and everyone encircling the President aren’t ready for an election. The authorities, the legislative bodies or the state apparatus wasn’t in order. Neither has the R-ARCSS been implemented, the structures being built or the institutions prepared for a free and fair election. If the Republic held an election in December 2024 it wouldn’t be credible or fair by any figment of imagination.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Dr. Riek Machar and the rest of the key stakeholders in this administration knows everything has gone slow. Every talks, negotiations and such are with hurdles. With fallouts and with bitter bickering. Warlords crossing fires and burning bridges. There are someone who is in it for the short-con and to get a cut. That’s why things are stalling and everyone is trying to further their own interests over building a functioning nation.

That’s why people are waiting. The Khartoum Declarations and the Entebbe Talks are far gone. The Tumaini Initiative and the Rome talks will be forgotten too. The years goes by and things are just malfunctioning out of “status quo” and giving a life-line to the current rulers. While they don’t have to abide by rules or regulations, because they haven’t enacted them or cared to do so.

It is really depressing… R-ARCSS was supposed to be finalized on the 12th May 2019 and since then the leaders have given themselves several of new deadlines. Now they furthered the Transitional Period. Making it soon a decade more. Just imagine the nation never held polls or credible elections since it’s inception. The people haven’t been able or had the option of choosing their leaders. These are people who has taken arms and shoot themselves into power. It isn’t people who are anointed or even vouched for in that regard. No, they are people who has rebelled and who had armed groups behind them. That’s why they are at the table and has a say.

Just think about it. Since 2011… the people have waited on J-1 and the others to do the right thing, but these leaders have failed them. Again and again. Kiir wants to rule by decree and not by constitutional order. Neither does he trust the will of the people. That’s why he doesn’t implement or have the heart to build governing institutions, which could resolve the matter at hand. Alas, it is all individuals who doesn’t want to lose power and influence. Leaders who are afraid of the people and what they would do. Because, if they had faith in them and trusted their judgment. These leaders who have enacted, ensured and made the election happen yesterday. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni has a million secret votes apparently…

I have now got all the evidence that in the last election, NUP cheated by one million votes. I have the facts. NUP can take me to court and say ‘Museveni has falsely accused them” – President Museveni (12.09.2024).

There been days and nights since the General Election of 2021. It is like a far distant memory cause of the COVID pandemic and everything that has gone on during the time. Feels like a decade has passed, but we are still in the same term and two years ahead of a 2026 elections.

Now that this is digested, we know how the state operates with the elections. They are part of it and it is all secured through the High Command. The NRM is the state and the state is the NRM. Museveni appoints and directs people he trusts to secure what needs and he has the final say. He uses all sorts of security agencies, deployment of law enforcement and media blackout to control his narrative. Therefore, anyone believing in the free and fair elections in the Republic is either blind or naive. In my life time… there never been a just election or a free one. No, it has been jaded ones and controlled operations to ensure NRM majority and the President for Life at the top.

That’s why yesterday’s statement in Munyonyo is foolish at best. When the Electoral Commission is his baby and they are directed by him. The authorities are all following his command and the opposition are barred from interacting or even operating to full capacity. Because the authorities and law enforcement blocks their entry and passage even during the elections road map. Therefore, the President is really talking out of terms when he claims what he claimed. There is no proof and no justification. Only self-projection, like we don’t know…

Just read the old and good wisdom of Tinye aka Tinyefuza aka General David Sejua!

The first is because of the nature of the current political structure in the country. Because the ruling party NRM is fused with the state, it is difficult to draw the line of who are real NRM supporters and those I consider INDIRECT CONSCRIPTS to the system. Since all the jobs are appended to the NRM party, including those in the Judiciary, parliament, civil service and even the OMBUDSMAN ( IGG) who must be a government functionary, people have lost the natural space to oppose the system. So the kind of opposition is COVERT (silent and hidden). That is why it is always a shock to Mr Museveni when he loses an election like what happened in Luweero recently. Or the many defeats he has suffered in Kampala city. To him, the easier explanation is that the opposition has stolen the vote! How can the opposition steal the vote when all the presiding officers are yours? The explanation here is simple. EVEN THOSE PRESIDING OFFICERS BELONG TO THE OPPOSITION AND SO DOES THE MAJORITY OF VOTERS. So the voting is genuine but he does not understand that his “conscripts” turn against him in the privacy of their voting booths. That is why armed thugs, in civilian clothes are now being trained so that they look into the voting booths in 2016 (the Kabalye graduates)” (Gen. David Sejusa – ‘ADDRESSING THE QUESTION OF UNITY/ COOPERATION FOR LIBERATION LEADERS’ 11.09.2014).

The words of Gen. Sejusa is now 10 years old, but is still relevant. It is the same President and same regime in charge. Things haven’t really changed and only a few modifications of empty suits and willing public servants to further the interests of NRM. That’s the only change and we know the elections are made to ensure longevity of Museveni and his party. This is the objective and what Museveni wants. He wants it to look legit and seem reasonable, but at the same time… he needs a majority in Parliament and in general in all elected offices. If he doesn’t get that… then he figures out ways to change the result and get the announced verdict that he needs. Therefore, everyone knows this aspect and elections are partly futile. Because, the end-game is the same and there isn’t really a say.

There is no will of the people, but the will of Museveni. So, when he speaks of stealing a million votes and he has the evidence. It is hogwash, when he gets his team to manufacture the results and ensure he has the upper-hand. That has been to perfection over the years. Every election since 2001 has been made in this fashion. Don’t matter who stood up against him. If it was Dr. Paul Ssemogerere, Dr. Kizza Besigye or Bobi Wine. Everyone was bound to fail and that’s for one reason.

The reason being Museveni himself. Museveni could never ever win in a fair fight. The Old Man with the Hat couldn’t win people’s hearts or their attention to get elected without the usage of violence, intimidation or election malpractices. There is a reason why Pre-Ticked Ballots is a thing. Why ballot-stuffing is a well known concept and the algorithms and Kiggundu math is subject that should be studied at Makerere or MUBS.

Seriously, this man needs to figure himself out. He claimed in 1981 that Obote stole his votes. Now in 2024 he claims Bobi Wine took his. Even a significant number, but not a substantial to change the “winner”. Therefore, who believes this nonsense and will we ever see the so-called evidence?

We haven’t seen the President dropping his credentials or paperwork like the opposition candidates has too. They have to be validated and certified to stand as a Flagbearer and a candidate for their party. However, the President doesn’t have to and can only use his thumb. That’s all he needs… and it shows how the system is rigged against the others.

So, if you believe Museveni in 2024. Please, re-read the wise words of Gen. Sejusa. He speaks the truth and a truth that resonate today. Peace.

Sénégal: Assemble Nationale – Groupe Parlementaire Bunno Bokk Yaakaar – Communique (12.09.2024)

Algeria: President Tebboune sleepwalks into a second term…

“In Algérie, candidates Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Youssef Aouchiche, and Hassani Chérif Abdelali denounce inconsistencies in the provisional results of the presidential election of September 7, 2024, criticizing the opacity and contradictions of the figures announced by the National Independent Authority for Elections (ANIE)” (Africa24, 10.09.2024).

“Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been elected for a second term as head of Algeria, according to the preliminary results of the September 7 presidential elections revealed this Sunday” (TSA – Tout sur l’Algérie, 08.09.2024).

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was re-elected in the 7th September Presidential Elections. He has been in power since December 2019. We can certainly say that these results are questionable at best. Neither is the incumbent oozing with confidence.

The whole elections are questioned by the low turnout and lack of proper announcements of it. That the incumbent wins the election with over 94% is questionable alone. However, that isn’t new or significant for that matter. It is just systemic default and an overwhelming win.

The problem is that the turnout was super low. They tried to keep the voter turnout secret. The President only got 5,329,253 votes and the total amount of voters are 24,351,551 voters. Which means the President only got 21,88% of it. That means close to 78% of the voters either boycotted or are “null or void”. This is depressing and shows how little support the president has.

Yes, numerical his superior. His superior over a majority. A majority of the low turnout voters. The authorities and the state, which has ensured him a victory. We know the other Presidential Candidates has several of questions regarding the polls. Therefore, this is a contested election, and we knew the winner before the people went to pick up the ballots.

When you know that and see that the incumbent gets 94% of the votes. That’s when the system is on overload and the gig is up. The other candidates were just window-dressing and for the façade. These wasn’t candidates that had any shot of winning. They filled the ballots and looked righteous for the big man to rule supreme. That’s it and they played along.

The old man that has run the nation since 2019 has now gotten himself a legitimate second term. We know the man doesn’t have a popular movement surrounding him and will struggle in the years ahead of him. Not only because of his advanced age and supposed to be retired. However, because these sorts of things sow discontent. This sort of bloodless and trickery of the stats. It is only a way of fortifying an office.

President Tebboune and his allies can be giddy these days. Nevertheless, unless they change their stripes and they way the operate. Sooner or later, the kettle will boil over and the trouble will start. We are maybe not seeing it today or tomorrow. However, sooner or later… it settles in… and that’s all because of the arrogance and entitlement to power. Peace.

Opinion: Lumu MP wants the NRM to decide who becomes the LoP…

“Election is the epitome of democracy, I am a Catholic, there is an election of the Pope, the highest and respected leader in the world, if there is an election there, there must be an election here. We are in the Opposition, we were elected and we also elected you (Speaker), the very reason why you are seated in that seat. We also elect the President therefore, there is no reason why when we come to Parliament as the Opposition, we don’t elect our leader who is the Leader of Opposition” (..) “It is important that the pillar of democracy, which is election should actually be done by us the Opposition, who are actually bout to take power. We need an election, clear, in the Opposition. Section 8 of the Administration of the Parliament Act Cap272 provides for the election of the Leader of Opposition by the Party in Opposition having the greatest numerical strength in Parliament. The Rules also say that other parties should be consulted, my Party has never been consulted on that whenever there is a new or the other Leader of Opposition” – Richard Lumu MP for Mityana South, 29.08.2024).

The Leader of Opposition has been the Parliamentary leader elected by the party in opposition which is having the greatest numerical strength in Parliament. That has been accustomed way of electing or appointing the LoP. This has been done for years and been a regular, which the Speaker has later officially announced for the Parliament. That’s how the National Unity Platform has appointed the LoP, first with Mathias Mpuuga MP and now Joel Ssenyonyi MP.

Before that it was the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) who has changed the LoPs, as they have been the biggest opposition party before the 11th Parliament. Where the National Resistance Movement (NRM) haven’t always been happy with the figure or the leader itself.

This is making it a spectacle and a show of popularity, which is very ironic. It is taking away the power of the opposition to chose its own. Deliberately giving the power to the ruling regime and their majority in Parliament. It is significantly taking away the powers of the opposition and the one with numerical strength among the opposition. This post and office can easily become the one that is the “Good DP” or the “Good NUP” for that matter. Instead of being the MP who challenges and checks the government as its supposed too.

The Leader of Opposition should be chosen by the opposition and not by the whole Parliament. Just like the Government Chief Whip shouldn’t be appointed or voted on by all Members of Parliament. The Government Chief Whip should be appointed by the party in government. The LoP should be appointed or nominated by the opposition itself. If not… what is the point of the office?

The LoP shouldn’t be a majority contest. Just like the Party Chief Whips shouldn’t be a party contest either. If not… then all roles in Parliament should be voted over and be announced after a secret ballot. However, that wouldn’t be useful for others than the government with the majority. They will have say in the matters of the opposition and clip their wings.

If the MP succeeds with this legislation and get the law changed. He has initially given more power to the regime and written of the opposition. This is giving the NRM the power to decide who is the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. That shouldn’t be the role of the government to do so, but the biggest opposition party at the time. In the past FDC and currently NUP. Therefore, the DP MP is selling his soul for popularity points, but it doesn’t make the Parliament or Government Business running any smoother. Neither does he help the government to be held accountable or transparent for that matter. Because this law will only give reasons for the NRM to chose someone who is friendly and NRM leaning opposition as a LoP and that’s making the office completely useless. Peace.