Soroti East By-Election: Mass-arrest of Opposition leaders and polling agents as the people heads for the polls

The authorities, the state and everyone involved is going after the opposition ahead of the polls in the Soroti East By-Election. Last night the Police did raid the home of Anna Adeke MP. There will be a follow up to what is going on, but anyone with a working marble should know that the state is preparing everything for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to win. That is the initial plan here and to do it in darkness. As the opposition and their organizers are behind bars as the polls are happening.

This is done to stop Moses Attan and the FDC Flag-Bearer from winning this election. The NRM does what it does to “win”. While using the authority of the state and arresting opposition ahead of the polls. They clearly don’t believe in their pledges, their program and their candidate Herbert Ariko. If they did… they wouldn’t need to arrest a village to elect a man in a By-Election.

What is also striking is that opposition candidate Moses Attan did vote in the election, but himself was arrested right after. That just shows the intention of the state and they not even trying to conceal it. While there reports that Andrew Ojok Oulanyah MP have come with pre-ticked ballots to a polling station, beat up a polling agent and stuffed the ballots in the box. It just shows what the NRM does to “win”.

Here is some of the news.

The FDC has dropped a full list of the arrest as of now:

PARTIAL LIST OF FDC LEADERS ARRESTED IN SOROTI BY ELECTION

1. Hon. Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, Party President

2. Hon. William Nzoghu, Deputy President

3. Hon. Centenary Robert, Mobilizer

4. Hon. Nyanjura Doreen, Deputy Lord Mayor and NEC member

5. Micheal Emorut -Poa driver

6.Augustine Ojobile,Deputy Chief Administrative Officer

7.Omer Paul, Mayor Soroti East Division

8. Denis Nono

9.Oboi Rajab

10.Elenyu John Calvin

11.Okwi Justine kokas

12.Kassim Ogwang-PA to Hon.Attan

13.Jafar -Attan driver

14.Ojakol Moses

15.Eigu Daniel-Chairpersons FDC Soroti

16.Acen Jane

17.Wanyera Simon

18. Mama Kevin -Opuyo coordinator

19.Erongu Moses

20.David Eguru

22.Ekou Robert

22.Edatu Joseph

23. Donge Pius

24. Okwii Emmanuel

25.Ramazan Rajab

26.Erwau

27. Kakeeto William

28.Counsel Buyondo Henry Patrick

29.Hakim Bukenya

30. Ms.Wokuri Madanda

31.Turyatemba Norman

32.Darlington Baryabarema Western Coordinator

33. Joan FDC Eastern Coordinator

34.Chagga Oyat.

This is a partial list of those we have confirmed, others we have not been able to reach out. This operation was commanded by an ordinary hired goon Karangwa from Jinja/Kayunga &Ssegujja.

It’s appalling that Commissioners of Police, RPC,&DPC’s are getting instructions from these goons who have taken over security in Soroti. All men save for women, were driven to Dokolo CPS” (Forum for Democratic Change, 28.07.2022).

Some says with the polling agents and mobilizers of the FDC for the election day. The numbers of arrests are already up to around 70 people. That says what the state is doing to get their MP elected in the Soroti East By-Election.

Capital FM has these reports in addition:

Voting at Omalera mango tree polling station in Soroti East Division has been stopped over alleged ballot stuffing. Four suspects said to be NRM supporters ferried from Kumi and Bukedea districts have been arrested” (…) “NRM electoral commission chairman, Tanga Odoi has been confronted by angry voters at Omalera polling station where some suspects were arrested over ballot stuffing during Soroti East Division parliamentary by-election” (Capital FM Uganda, 28.07.2022).

So, this will be followed up and monitored. This election is an disgrace and just follows an pattern of the state. Who is willing to use all force to “win” and create a “war-zone” to ensure victory. Even when it is far from the truth, but that’s what it does. The NRM cannot win an honest election. They got to use the Police and the state authority to get their people elected. Peace.

Opinion: The Tories are in shambles…

The debate yesterday between Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak only shows how bad the things are in the Conservative Party. Yes, the party has been inept and out of bound towards the troubles it has created. The Tories are the party who has reigned the United Kingdom for over 10 years and still inevitably not able to fix anything substantial. Alas, that is the main issue here.

The two leaders, the Foreign Secretary and former Chancellor has experience. They have both been in office and served in the Her Majesties Government. Still, by every day they seem like a nightmare that one of them is taking over for Boris Johnson. Not that Boris set the bar high either. To the contrary he depleted it and abolished the bar completely. In such a manner that codes of conduct or the Nolan Principal was sort of erased.

As an outsider… I have no faith in either of them. They are not honest actors or leaders, which I could trust or see as fit. One of these two will become the Head of State by default. Just because the Tories currently hold the most seats in Parliament and won the last election. Not because any of these two fought for the voters or any significant cause. No, they just the most cunning within the ruling party.

There is nothing that looks sincere or real about it. They are both willing to act and say things in stark contrast to the enacted laws, the budgets they have passed and the total package of legislation, which they have vouched for over the years. So, when these speaks of the rising poverty, the rising inflation and the burden of ordinary people. Well, these two was part of the party that made things worse and haven’t sorted things out.

Instead these two are the likes that blames France for troubles for citizens and lorries with goods to cross to Calais from Dover. They wouldn’t take any responsibility for supporting or standing behind the Brexit agreement. Neither would they boldly say that the Brexit is the reason for a drastic downturn, which would have happen with or without COVID-19. The Ukraine conflict is just amplifying the financial burdens, but it was already bleak. That was something they both knew and cannot run away from.

So, when they are trying to outsmart and sound like they will fix things. Well, as long as they are honouring the Brexit. There will be little to no changes, but as a Third Country things will only get harder. The realities of lack of movement to Europe and blocking Europeans from direct short-term visits. Will only hurt more industries and make it less accessible. Why go to rainy London and have to apply in advance? When you can just go to sunny Barcelona or be in Rome. There is no need to feel the fog or try to get a Paddington teddy-bear then.

Therefore, the Tories are in a pickle. A pickle they have created for themselves and everyone has to live through. No matter who becomes the captain there is no easy way out. Especially, if the fatigue and the lack of trust continues. Not like the fellow aspirants oozes of that or shows any significant flair of sorts. No, they are just the run-of-the-mill careerist politicians. Who are willing to say anything to be elected and follow wherever the wind takes them.

It hasn’t been a soft journey since David Cameron resigned. From there it’s been hurricanes and earthquakes. Still, the party has moved from the messy Theresa May to the scandalous Boris Johnson. Whatever Truss or Sunak delivers. Well, they haven’t the need to do much to look better. However, they have no time to prove their qualities either. Because, things aren’t getting better, but instead worse. That’s all on their own making and with factors they couldn’t foresee.

Now, these two leaders has to prove for the electorate in the Tory party. That they are the person to bring it forward and continues the reign. Nevertheless, it just seems hopeless. These two will only show what is wrong with the party and why it got here. They will not solve anything or make it better. No, that’s only possible with a General Election and new Members of Parliament. Because, right now…

It is grim and these two aren’t it. I cannot see them achieving or making a difference. They will only serve the elite and their needs. While adding more burdens on the working class and their disadvantaged financial situation. Just like the Tories a moment ago allowed companies under industrial action to hire people while others are striking. Taking away the rights and helping the companies instead. That’s the sort of individuals we are speaking of here. The sort of gallivanting for the rich and speaking softly to the poor. This is what they do and I don’t get how the public got tricked by this.

These two will only show the sinister side of the Tories. Which has been on full display of late. They will not try to change or see any reasons too. These two will only continue the reckless legacies and the abysmal legislations. The ones that tearing people apart and leaving no hope for the future. While either blaming the victims of it or the EU. Peace.

Opinion: Ruto should have shined, but Odinga shunned it…

Our competitors have run away from this debate in total contempt to the people of Kenya. They have little regard for the people of Kenya. They think the deep state is going to make the decision”William Ruto (26.07.2022)

Presidential candidates David Mwaure and William Ruto showed up the Presidential Debates. We both teams of the main candidates ahead of the Presidential Debates has questioned and asked for points ahead of participation. That is what is ordinary and that the campaign teams are prepared for parts of the debates. This is normal as way of getting the candidates ready and ensure they can answer or know what sort of themes that are coming up.

So, it is sort of special after everything, as it seemingly looked like both Ruto and Raila Odinga would both drop out. That only one of them did. Maybe, the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance is so sure of victory. In such a manner, that they thought it was clever to sit this one out and not show up. In this regard, Odinga is actually doing like Museveni did to the first Presidential Debate in 2016 and this is not a good look. He should have showed up.

Yes, Ruto failed on questions and showed that he has a tendency of lying. That is a character trait everyone knows and know his that sort of guy. In that perspective, the old-man and aged politician in Odinga could have been witty and smart too. He could have shown his finesse and how ready his for the Presidency. Instead his in absentia like Professor George Wajackoyah who also didn’t show up.

That’s why it’s only half of the top 4 who showed up. While the two main contenders, only one did and it was William Ruto. The man who has the most to gain from this and surely he will win votes by showing up. If he didn’t believe it would give him some credibility. He wouldn’t have entered and been there.

What Odinga is showing is a bit of contempt and disregard of the whole campaign season. Here he could have finessed Ruto and played at his game. Instead, his staying at home or not attending. That’s just showing how little he cares. A man who is supposed to be the front-runner and have the whole machinery behind him.

Odinga has no reasons to rest and take it easy. Seemingly he should win on a walk-over this time around. Everything that matters has gone in his favour until now. However, not showing up to the debate. While Ruto did… is bad publicity. Even if Ruto has a lot of own-goals and shown his character flaws.

Still, Odinga didn’t even dare to get out of the program and the self-serving campaign rallies. Which he controls and in a sort of territory he has been for years. To be questioned, tested and even possibly burned by another candidate could have shown who he as a man and a candidate. However, we never got to see that now.

My competitor is not here because he doesn’t have a plan, he doesn’t want to answer questions, he could not come here because he is not here candidate, he is a project” (Ruto, 26.07.2022).

Even with all the failures of Ruto during the Debate. He still carried himself and was there. A place where he could undermine and spell out the grievances towards Odinga. If Odinga had been there… he could have addressed it and undressed him. However, that will never happen and certainly Azimio will have their reasons.

However, what is striking is that Odinga let this one go and boycott. Odinga has boycotted a lot of things over the years. It isn’t the first time he has done that and he could have been a big-man tonight. He could have been juggernaut and proven why Ruto isn’t fit. Nevertheless, that is only fiction and a fever-dream.

Odinga lost even more than Ruto tonight. Yes, Ruto did blunders and shown how he cannot keep his tongue always in order. Still, Odinga did even set foot in the studio or show anything worthwhile. His mute and not participating when it mattered. That’s the gist of it.

Well, there you have it. The Presidential Debates, which has been so up in the air and how it became. Odinga joined Wajackoyah. They are in the same bracket here and nobody would expect that in advance. Peace.

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Opinion: Revisiting the TDA [and where are they now?]

5. The goal of The Democratic Alliance shall be achieved through the pursuance of the following objectives:

a) Building the necessary mobilization capabilities and organizational infrastructure of the Alliance and its members in order to win power;

b) Developing and presenting a common policy and governance agenda for elections;

c) Ensuring the attainment of an electoral majority by fielding candidates for all electoral positions across the country;

d) Fielding of joint candidates for electoral offices as set out in this Protocol;

e) Constituting a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) with the purpose of implementing appropriate political and economic reforms to build a strong and durable foundation for democracy, rule of law and economic justice” (Protocol of the Democratic Alliance, June 2015).

Because of the recent cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). This has started questions about the legitimacy of the coalition that was one part of the opposition ahead of the General Elections in 2016. It is striking that this is happening now and it’s worth to look into what has happened ever since.

The TDA was a coalition made by a various set of parties. The two parties that directly went out of the coalition early was Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and the Forum for Democratic of Change (FDC). However, the others stayed behind and they went ahead to stand behind the former Prime Minister and Secretary General of the NRM, Amama Mbabazi. He became the Joint Presidential Candidate of the TDA and the Pressure Group of “Go Forward”.

The TDA was much larger than Mbabazi alone. It was the Conservative Party (CP), Democratic Party (DP), Justice Forum (JEEMA), Pressure for National Unity (PNU), People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA). So, there were a handful of leaders in and around the TDA. There was also Olara Otunnu from the UPC and Dr. Kizza Besigye from the FDC. The UPC as a party left, but Otunnu stayed on, if I remember correctly.

The leaders who are vital part of TDA was Amama Mbabazi, Ken Lukyamuzi, Norbert Mao, Asuman Basalirwa, Beti Kamya, Gilbert Bukenya aka Mahogany and Dick Odur. There was also others associated and part of the proceedings like Mugisha Muntu and others. Therefore, it was a team of the opposition at the time who at certain points did their part here.

However, as time has shown us. Plenty of these people has sided with the NRM or returned to the NRM. The Presidential Flag-Bearer Mbabazi was a NRM Member and hadn’t revoked his membership as he was standing up against Museveni. So, that he returned and is in the good graces with the President is just natural. The stage of Go Forward was only a short sighted project and was over the moment the election was over.

Bukenya has also returned and is living the good life. His living large and having perks with titles and being part of the elite. The Former Vice President has no worries and was only for a minute or less an “opposition”. I doubt we will ever see anything of the PNU ever again.

Mao has just become the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. His working in cooperation with the government. Still part of the DP but he has a hectic period ahead of him. As insiders in the party wants him out and ousted. Since, this agreement wasn’t signed of from the party or the members. The DP Block has even dismissed him too.

Kamya has gone from being appointed Minister of Kampala. To lose her leadership of her party the UFA. Later becoming a NRM Member and changing Ministry. Now she’s the IGG but certainly not electable or viable candidate. She has become a typical crony of Museveni over the years.

Basalirwa has been close to the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform. He has ensured popularity and gotten elected into Parliament as the only JEEMA MP. Therefore, his the first man here who is actual opposition from the TDA still.

Lukyamuzi has on the other hand lost his constituency and not become a third time re-elected to Rubaga South MP. He instead focused on finishing his degree, which he did in 2017. The Party President and former MP has been a vocal critic of the government. Even made a case against the Age Limit in the courts, which was dismissed. So, he is an actual man in the opposition. “The Man” is true to his missions and his goals.

Otunnu has been resigned from politics. He also lost the Party Presidency. The UPC has since then signed a secret agreement with the NRM. That’s why the UPC haven’t fielded a Presidential Candidate for two elections in a row. Otunnu has kept himself in the background and you can wonder if he will resurface or do anything for that matter.

Muntu also lost the Party Presidency. He lost to another candidate within the FDC. This made him create a New Formation, which is now known as the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). That party was launched in time for the 2021 General Elections and he ran as President.

Besigye ran a the Presidential Flag-Bearer for the FDC and created the People’s Government after swearing himself in after the General Elections in 2016. Since then he has launched several of campaigns and the latest after the 2021 elections is the Red Card Front. A voice of the opposition still.

There are several of other leaders who are in the opposition that was a part of the TDA in 2015/2016. These could be Mathias Mpuuga (former DP now NUP), Betty Nambooze (former DP now NUP) and so fourth. There are more people that has been involved and could be mentioned, but that would make this piece to long.

However, a huge pattern are still there. Plenty of the TDA high ranking leadership went either back to NRM or has found a home in government. That is really happening on a larger scale. We shouldn’t be surprised that Mbabazi and Bukenya went back home. However, the others should really be questioned…

This was a short revising of the TDA. An alliance built quickly and seemingly destroyed. It wasn’t meant to be. We shouldn’t expect the Go Forward or the PNU to be returning either. The era of the TDA is gone and it’s for a reason. The TDA was built on sand and not on mountain. If it had been real and a sincere enterprise. So many of these leaders wouldn’t have sought shelter under the wings of the man who they were promised to create a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU).

Obviously… things didn’t pan out, but it is a picture, which shows how the times are changing. Peace.

Soroti East By-Election: Today Besigye acted like fugitive to attend a FDC rally in Soroti

Besigye beats heavy security to escape arrest in Jinja. Besigye moved out of his vehicle and entered the cafe before accessing Kyabazinga road, where he jumped on a boda boda which was seen heading towards Iganga” (Rukiga FM, 24.07.2022).

UPDATE: After a failed attempt by police to stop Dr. Kizza Besigye from going to Soroti earlier today in Jinja, Besigye has found his way to Soroti City East to rally votes for the FDC candidate Attan Moses” (NBS Television, 24.07.2022).

Today should have been about the rallies, the messages and the appearance of popularity for Moses Attan in the Soroti East By-Election. By now the stories are instead focusing on Dr. Kizza Besigye and how the road-blocks around the location where Besigye was eating breakfast in Jinja. The authorities put up road-blocks and tried to arrest the politician as he was planning to participate in the rally ahead of the polls.

However, Besigye had to act like a fugitve. Besigye acted like a man on the run and couldn’t even use his own vehicle. Because, his SUV is now monitored and the movements are certainly followed. If they weren’t following him… why would they know where he was eating and he had to sneak himself away from there?

That is every evident and striking. Besigye have done sort of thing before. Been able to skip through road-blocked and sealed off streets to make a public appearance. Therefore, this isn’t groundbreaking of any sorts. It is however tragic that he has to resort to this.

Whe new are saying Besigye is never really free. It is because of things like this. He is either arrested, whisked away or kept incommunicado. Secondly, taken away for days and detained before arraigned in court. Where a sort of charge and possibly heavy bail conditions are set on him. That’s what is regular and modus operandi of the state.

Besigye knows all of this and that’s why he has to change his plan out of nowhere. Today he did that and people shouldn’t cheer or be happy about this. It just proves that the man doesn’t have the liberty or freedom to participate or be an active politician. Besigye aren’t allowed or is a target for just being who he is. There was nothing illegal in his movements or planned efforts today. His just another FDC leader who is inspiring others.

The authorities are just proving what we have been saying all along. The state is going after its critics and the ones who is dissidents. That is what it does and Besigye happens to be one of them. One of the most vocal voices of reason and that’s why the state fears him. That’s why they are targeting him and going after him in this way.

However, today we shouldn’t cheer that he was able to escape arrest in Jinja. He shouldn’t have had to flee or act as a fugitive in the first place. Besigye should have been able to travel and return from Soroti safely without any trouble or sort of adventurous journey. No, this is just showing the priorities of the state and who they seek to incriminate. Peace.

Opinion: Chebukati has a massive hurdle to pass…

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should be a stellar institution and a place of trust. The Chairman of the IEBC is far from that. Wafula Chebukati is clearly over his head and has an epic problem on his hands. The recent days isn’t a good forewarning ahead of the polls.

The IEBC should be the gearing the final movements and prepared the details for the elections. It isn’t that long before the 9th August 2022. This is an important date as the ballots, the counts and all the things needs to be in order. The IEBC has already a questionable history with the run-up to the 2017 elections and the nullification of the first round. So, there was a need for a second one.

The IEBC should because of that history even be more clever and secure the polls to be free and fair. Because, there was even questions about Cambridge Analytica and the servers from the IEBC in 2017. Now we are in 2022 and the IEBC isn’t making it easier to trust it either.

Chebukati has a history. Chiloba isn’t around this time, but Chebukati is and he should be more careful. The IEBC should coordinate with all government agencies if it is ballots from Greece or whatever. The same with all the technical expertise and the foreign agents/contractors hired for the BVR machines.

That he has hired Venezuelan contractors would be fine. If the Directorate of Immigration knew and if the other authorities knew about their entry. Secondly, if the possessions of the electoral equipment was alerted ahead of time. If not, it looks suspicious and weird. Because, why should foreigners carry equipment and stickers or anything associated with the elections ahead of time?

This is why the authorities and the ones arresting has a reason to detain them. It seems like people with questionable motives and entry ahead of the polls. That is what Chebukati should have cleared and ensured them a safe entry. However, that ship has sailed and things has instead been confiscated from the individuals.

You know things are not looking better when IEBC and Chebukati hires Smartmatic to handle the technical parts of the election. A company that has a bad reputation and could harm the legitimacy. The IEBC has already done questionable things in the past and there are reasons for why the NASA petition worked in 2017. The same could happen again and Chebukati could have fixed the issues from the previous elections. Instead his risking it yet again…

Chebukati knows that the election can be nullified for irregularities and illegalities. Now it seems to start with more of that days ahead of the polls. It is just appalling that its happening now. Chebukati should know better, but clearly his inept and incompetent. You can wonder how he got there and been able to stay in office.

The IEBC has trouble ahead when they cannot even clear contractors from Venezuela. Chebukati should know better, but clearly he doesn’t…

This scandal could have been avoided and the IEBC should have been prepared. However, that is too much to ask. Instead of oozing with confidence… it is questioned. That’s not a good look ahead of the polls.

The IEBC is the one that is behind the scenes and ensures credible elections. If they cannot keep their ducks in the row. How can the political parties or the general public for that matter? Everyone is supposed to trust the IEBC. Nevertheless, that’s something which is not a given, apparently. Peace.

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