Burundi: The CNDD-FDD has re-instated the “one-party” state again

“The ruling party has won all the seats in the lower house of parliament. According to the provisional results announced on June 11, 2025 by the Ceni, the CNDD-FDD won the legislative elections of June 5, 2025 with 96.51% of the votes” (Shikiriza Burundi, 12.06.2025).

The legends of Uprona are now revived with CNDD-FDD. This legislative election done on the 5th June 2025 have just proved the goal and the CNDD-FDD succeeded. They have ensured itself the majority and total control. The other opposition parties are just side-pieces or non-existent.

In the Parliament the CNDD-FDD have all the Members of Parliament. In local government they have such a majority that the other parties are only having small fringe representation, which is cleverly pointless.

The authorities are allowing violence against opposition leaders, activists and silencing them. They go after the ones who didn’t vote for the CNDD-FDD. There are reports of Imbonerakure and other affiliates who are using violence and state sponsored brutality to target the dissidents. Therefore, the CNDD-FDD is just showing what it is.

The ones believing things will be better. They are wrong. The violence and brutality is normalized by the authorities. The state actions towards dissidents and the falling outs of its own. They are endangered, detained, tortured and possibly killed. The lucky ones are able to run into exile or seek asylum. That’s how the Republic is run, and it shows.

This election just show how cynical and how dire things are. Not like the CNDD-FDD cares or are concerned. No, they are just using force and violence to stay in office. They don’t mind and they are getting political capital doing so. Therefore, the 5th June polls just prove how far the state is willing to go to get “legitimacy” after forcing people to vote for itself.

This here isn’t it and the CNDD-FDD should be worried. They are creating a nation of oppressed people. They are creating a tense and uncertain atmosphere. As people cannot trust the authorities or the state, as it is only a tool for the ruling elite and the ones who are connected to weaponry.

The CNDD-FDD is making itself a “One-Party” State and doing it by default. As it squeezes everyone else out. They are doing it by every trick in the book. The few representatives in local government will be crushed too. They are only there for the books, but their voice will be meaningless.

The CNDD-FDD has finalized the run to become a “One-Party” state too. That’s what they have worked for, and the people has to suffer as a consequence of it. Peace.

Burundi: Declaration de la Coalition Burundi Bwa Bose suite aux Elections Legalislatives et Communales du 5 Juin 2025 (11.06.2025)

Burundi: Uprona, Sahwanya-FRODEBU and CNL calls out the election!

“Uprona cites the following violations:

1 Cases of early voting and ballot stuffing were reportedly observed in several provinces before the official opening of the polling stations.

2 The presence of young people affiliated with the ruling party, near or even inside the polling stations, would have, according to Uprona, contributed to exerting pressure on the voters, sometimes with the alleged complicity of certain members of the offices designated by the CENI.

3 Party officials were allegedly expelled, intimidated or prevented from verifying the results announced during the count.

4 Uprona also reports cases of direct intimidation even in voting booths.

5 In some cases, voters were reportedly forced to sign F2 forms before they could even vote.

6 Finally, the party mentions situations where voters were asked to hand in their ballots so that the choice could be made for them” (Iris News, 06.06.2025)

“Sahwanya-FRODEBU denies having met with the Mission of the African Union or having participated in the legislative elections of June 5, 20250 as a party. He denounces false information contained in the preliminary statement published on June 7. He calls on the Mission to correct its statement” (IWACU Burundi, 09.06.2025).

“Among the main anomalies noted, CNL cites in particular:

  1. The deprivation of the right to vote for certain citizens, whose voter cards were confiscated in order to vote in their place, or pressure exerted to force voters to vote in favour of the ruling party;
  2. Ballot stuffing before the official opening of the poll, as well as multiple voting on behalf of several people;
  3. Falsification of minutes, in particular by preventing observers present from making comments, requesting the recording of observations, or by signing documents in the absence of said observers who have been expelled from the premises” (Le Journal Africa, 10.06.2025).

The opposition parties are calling out the 5 June polls. They are spelling out what was wrong with the elections. That isn’t shocking or surprising that they are going after the ruling regime and the authorities itself. As there been reports and indications that the citizens and civilians was forced to vote on the CNDD-FDD on default.

The ones believing the CNDD-FDD is beloved in 2025 must be wrong. As the mismanagement, inept leadership and fear is only running so far. The reports of using Imbonerakure to intimidate and ensure public order says it all. They are using law enforcement, violence and suppression to keep themselves in office. If people didn’t vote or register to vote. The government and authorities would cut them of from government services. That’s telling, as well, as how violence and intimidation was done against the CNL and other opposition parties ahead of the polls. They abducted, arrested and even tried to attack vehicles with opposition leaders campaigning. Therefore, we know the CNDD-FDD cannot win in an honest election.

It is just compelling how the opposition is speaking with the same voice. They are calling the authorities and the state over the same thing. The opposition parties speaking in tandem and it just shows how the state has failed the people.

This election was a forced charade for the CNDD-FDD to cement their majority. They did this to be “winners”, but we all know everyone is losers. Because this isn’t a sincere poll or elections. No, they just did it to get legitimacy, even if it is all fake and a fraud. There is nothing honest about it. Other than for the CNDD-FDD to prove why they are in power and how they do it. Peace.

Burundi: Congres National pour la Liberte (CNL) – Communique du Parti CNL sur le Deroulement du Scrutin du 5 Juin 2025 (05.06.2025)

Burundi: The CNDD-FDD will have a forced “victory” today

“These legislative and municipal elections come after the presidential elections, in accordance with Burundi’s new constitution adopted in 2018, which extended the mandate of the head of state to 7 years, while that of deputies and municipal councilors remained at 5 years. These 6 million Burundians who are expected to go to the polls for the legislative and municipal elections will choose 100 deputies, 60% of whom will be from the Hutu majority and 40% from the Tutsi minority, with at least 30% women. As for the municipal elections, the number of municipalities has been reduced from 119 to 42, but there are no longer ethnic quotas imposed on political parties, as in the past. However, victory in these elections already seems assured to the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD), whose members have increased pressure on opposition parties in recent months” (5sur5Afrique, 05.06.2025).

“Unfortunately, with the parliamentary configuration in sight, consisting largely of parliamentarians from the ruling party, the CNDD-FDD, and in an environment where the political space is closed, where the main political opponents have been banned from participating in the election, where the population has received clear instructions to cast their votes only in favor of the candidates of the ruling party, the CNDD-FDD, it is obvious that the hoped-for changes will not come as desired. For the past 20 years, parliamentarians and senators have been at the service of the Executive, instead of serving the interests of the people who elected them” (André Nikwigize, 05.06.2025).

The ones believing Conseil National pour la Défense de la Démocratie–Forces pour la Défense de la Démocratie (CNDD-FDD) would deliver proper democracy or even honest polls. They are apparently wrong, as the whole process has been used with violence, intimidation and misuse of power. That’s what the government has done and it’s so visible.

The CNDD-FDD doesn’t care about the citizens and their plights. As the suffering is staggering. The lack of service delivery and abilities to govern is deteriorating. The state rather use money on the security organizations and keeping the upkeep of the inner circle. As that is more important than ensuring the citizens gets fuel, electricity or anything else they need. As the rising prices, inflation and lack of basic commodities are on the rise.

This election just proves what the CNDD-FDD is willing to do. They forced the citizens to register themselves and they are forcing them to vote on them. The ones that protesting or voting on someone else is in danger. We have seen how the authorities have gone after Agathon Rwasa and his supporters. The state has also gone after the CNL party during the campaigns. Meanwhile, the CNDD-FDD have forced students and kids to partake in the campaign rallies of the ruling regime. This is all a charade and orchestrated to make the CNDD-FDD look magnificent.

The ones that has been following this knows that the state is manufacturing this and producing the results. This is all an effort to look supreme, but the acts are more sinister. As the state uses its power and whips people to stand in ques to vote. That is the initial thing here and they are forced to do so. There is no soft spot or soft power. Only force and fear. That’s what is driving this and it’s just horrifying to know. These people are using their offices to control and get themselves new mandates to cling on to power. That’s the reason for the actions today and yesterday.

CNDD-FDD plans to stay, and they do so by any means necessary. Peace.

Opinion: Mao is running in circles…

“Today is the turning point. No more running circles because we have a direction for the party” – Norbert Mao (20.02.2010).

“Mbale/Kampala — Democratic Party delegates have elected Norbert Mao as the party president, replacing Mr John Ssebaana Kizito. In the results declared by the returning officer, Mr. Polly Mukiibi in the wee hours of Sunday morning [about 4.41am] Mr. Mao polled 708 votes to edge his only rival in the DP race Al-Hajj Ssebagala who garnered 321 votes after spending crazily during internal campaigns” (Daily Monitor – ‘Uganda: Mao is DP President’, 21.02.2010).

“UPDATE: Kennedy Mutenyo, the presiding officer for the Democratic Party (DP), has declared Norbert Mao the winner of the party’s presidential election, marking his fourth consecutive term. #NTVNews The election, held at the Asamar Hotel in Mbarara, saw Mao secure 969 votes, while Alitia Elia and Dr. Michael Lulume Bahiga received 52 and 339 votes, respectively” (NTV Uganda, 02.06.2025).

A fourth term is upon us and the Democratic Party of Uganda doesn’t look stronger, better or even surrounded by the talent, which brings change or any sort of momentum ahead of the 2026 elections.

The era of Mao has really shown his character and who he is. Now that he is in an agreement with the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He really is emulating the NRM and continue his legacy to tarnish the old party. That’s what Mao is up too, and the ones hopeful of the party has left the fold. Only Mbidde has stood by him, and he was shady from the onset. So, they are of the same kind, I suppose.

There is little reform or spark left in the DP. He has turned a future powerhouse of the 2010s into a relic of the past. They are becoming maligned, small and fragmented. The DP party of old would have various characters and leaders who seemed promising. Who would contest and try to change the party. Those days are long gone, as everyone is just to bow down to Mao and whatever whims he has. That’s why he even ensured the process was shoddy and blocked another candidate from running against him. This is because the incumbent knows that he isn’t without critics or without people who wants to see his downfall.

The DP Party is now running in circles. It is without a proper direction, except for feeding Mao and being a meal-ticket for his inner circle. The party fits the paradigm of being an organization that can be utilized for self-enrichment and getting fancy titles. That’s what Mao has been able to build but not create a party that endangers or even is capable of challenging the regime. No, he rather being a comrade and being a “Good DP” for His Excellency.

Now that he has another term on his hand. We can rest assure that he will use it to be a friend and an ally of the President. That’s because that’s the hands that feeds him. He has already revealed that he was connected and working for the Gen. Salim Selah Foundation since around 2007. So, this man is willing and have been a man who can trade away his integrity long time ago. He was just able to fool people in the past, but in the present we can all see it clearly.

Norbert Mao is one of them. A turncoat and a meal-ticket politician. A man whose willing trade principles for cash. That’s who he is and his selling his party for a fortune too. Even if the DP wasn’t “his” party, he surely sold it and destroyed over the years. Peace.

Opinion: Nsereko MP hopes to revive a briefcase party

“I promise not to run for MP after three terms, and now that my terms have expired, I have proven that when you are true to your word, you live up to it. When I say that as Ecological Party we shall restore term limits, with the president serving a maximum of two terms, we mean it because we stand by our word” – Muhammed Nsereko MP (NTV Uganda, 02.06.2025)

“The Ecological Party of Uganda has been a small voice of green politics in the central African country, and has had trouble finding its footing.  Though founded in 2005, the EPU has not fielded candidates since 2009, and has never won a seat in the Parliament of Uganda” (Joshua Allen – ‘Ecological Party of Uganda Campaigns for 2021 Election’ 30.11.2020, Global Green News).

The former NRM leaning Independent Member of Parliament for Kampala Central Muhammed Nsereko are now the Presidential Flagbearer for the Ecological Party. A party who worked in silence for about two decades and fielded six losing candidates in 2021. They had 5 MP flagbearers and one LC5 Candidate, all of them lost. That’s after 16 years without any candidates in any elections.

This party is now aging and is already two decades old. The party is over 20 years old but never been tested. The EPU has lost before, and the Electoral Commission has turned away Bbale Charles Lwanga in 2015 and in 2021. It just shows how the party has been run, and it couldn’t manage to run for their registered representative.

We know Muhammed Nsereko does this to salvage his career and worry of another red wave ahead of the 2026 elections. He cannot sustain the possible tidal wave in Kampala. That’s why its easier to bounce and jump ship elsewhere. Nsereko MP doesn’t try to return to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) but instead moving to the unknown EPU.

Nsereko MP is now the face of EPU and his the most well-known person to ever carry the banner and the name of the party. It is just unique position, as the party couldn’t do it or even able to field a Presidential Candidate in the two previous elections. Only fielded their first candidates in 2021. All of them fell flat and they didn’t gain much traction either. They got a total of about 4500 votes in total. That says something about the knowledge of the party and their reach.

Because who cared about the Ecological Party (EP) two weeks ago? Most likely none. It only created headlines when Nsereko MP became the face of it. However, we shouldn’t expect impact or make a giant change. No, this is meal-ticket politician hoping for a new home. His just making himself bigger and wider under a new banner. The EPU sold itself on a promise of a snake-oil salesman being Nsereko MP.

Nsereko MP has proven his credibility and what his willing to do. His doing everything for the silver-lining of earning easy profits. That’s why he jumps to the party and wants to be their leader. He revives a party that no one knew about and think he can affect the political landscape. Nevertheless, this most likely falls flat and will be a giant falloff.

Nsereko MP showed his face in regard to the Jobless Brotherhood. People should remember that and his not a trustworthy man. However, people tend to forget and that’s why we are here. Peace.

Opinion: Mpuuga’s road to oblivion

“Introducing the Democratic Front (DF), a new political party that is deliberate in bringing freshness to Uganda’s political landscape. It is born out our motherland’s need for meaningful transformation that transcends the tired cycle of recycled ideologies. The comes not a disruption, but a necessity born of the failures of the status quo. It is a home for logical thinkers, progressive minds, and those who believe in political ethics and disciplined service delivery” – Mathias Mpuuga MP (27.05.2025).

The fallout from the National Unity Platform (NUP) couldn’t have been played out more dramatically. Mathias Mpuuga MP couldn’t carry the weight of his action and follow the codes of the party, which he represented. However, he preferred to keep his office and be a renegade against the party that gave him a lifeline and offered him a safe haven. Alas, that wasn’t enough and now he starts yet another journey.

Mpuuga MP is a journey man. He has gone from Action for Change (A4C) to the Democratic Party. He stood beside and was a vocal voice in opposition coalition of The Democratic Alliance (TDA). Later he ditched all of that to become a NUP leader and MP there as well. Mpuuga followed the red wave and secured himself a title, got the trust of being the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. Meanwhile, he was just finding all ways to eat and do so in secret.

We know he started his journey of leaving the NUP after the 500-million-shilling award. He went ahead and didn’t want to do the righteous thing. Instead, he defied the party and has since been a vocal critic of the party. His fighting the NUP more than he does in regard to the NRM. That is a very useful pawn for the elites and for the ones who wants to weaken the biggest opposition party.

He first did so by launching the Democratic Alliance (DA) with an agreement with Alien Skin. That he did in December 2024 and now in May 2025 ahead of the General Elections of 2026. Mpuuga MP returns with his own party and it’s the Democratic Front. He went from the Democratic Party went to National Unity Platform to the Democratic Alliance, and his final place for now is the Democratic Front.

The thinking this man has any direction or any sort of drive to anywhere. He is decades in and is all about the democratic values. Nevertheless, this man doesn’t want to follow or being guided by others. That’s what his proven in the NUP. We don’t know how he acted within the DP or if he was a renegade there as well and only saw a better option elsewhere.

Now his rebranding the Green Partisan Party (GPP) which been registered since July 19th, 2010. He must have made a deal with Sentongo Muzafalu. The party itself had no candidates listed for the 2021 elections. If that is telling, this means that Mpuuga has bought a briefcase party and rebranded it.

He will now go in the footsteps of Amama Mbabazi. Instead of being a galvanizing figure and someone who didn’t get to upend the un-ceremonial King of the National Resistance Movement. His instead running on his own and with his own imprint. That will a road into a desert and with no hope of finding a proper water source. If he goes really bad, he will be running wild for nothing like Gilbert Bukenya did back in the day.

There is little hope and seemingly the currents isn’t on his side. The DF is bound to fail and be an epic downfall. He will go into nothingness and be an unknown within no time. Mpuuga MP misused his office and ran away from accountability. That’s what we remember him for, and his corrupt behaviour is the one that has tarnished him and destroyed him. He did it all by himself and now he runs on his party.

The DF will be worthless and within time he will feel the pinch. Just like he didn’t create havoc or even any popularity with the Democratic Alliance. He will just fall flat and be yet another one. At least Muntu and others who has started parties, they have had a message and had a platform after leaving the nest. That doesn’t feel sincere in regard to Mpuuga. No, he does this for selfish reasons, and we can all see it coming. Peace.

Kawempe North By-Election: The High Court have nullified the result

“Conclusion

107.This court has reached the decision to set aside the election of Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola as a Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North constituency for two main reasons:

i). 16,640 voters in the constituency including Nambi Faridah Kigongo were denied the right to vote (disenfranchised) which affected the result of the election in a substantial manner.

ii). Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola personally campaigned on election day at Mbogo Primary School Playground (KAT – MAJ) and Kazo Angola (KAL – KZ) at LCI Office polling stations which is an offence under Section 100 (1) (a) and (b)and Section 100 (2) (a) and (3) of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap. 177).

Order of the court

108.Therefore, in accordance with Section 80, 82 (4) (c) and 82 (6) (c) of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap. 177), I order as follows:

i). That the election of Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola as a Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North constituency in Kampala District is set aside.

ii). That the seat for the Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North constituency in Kampala District is declared vacant.

iii). That the Electoral Commission is ordered to conduct a fresh election for the Directly Elected Member of Parliament for Kawempe Division North constituency in Kampala District.

iv). That each party shall meet its own costs.

IT IS SO ORDERED

BERNARD NAMANYA

JUDGE

26th May 2025” (Nambi Faridah Kigongo v Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola and Electoral Commission (Election Petition No. 1 of 2025) [2025] UGHCCD 58 (26 May 2025)).

It’s not that long ago since March 13th and the Transmission of Results Form of the 14th March of 2025 which announced the winner of the Kawempe North By-Election. The Parliament waited long to swear-in the winner and now the winner of the election must go to the Courts of Appeal to uphold the results. Alas, this is a thwarted one and he cannot legislate in the little minute his in office. As his busier fighting to stay in office than actually doing his duty.

This nullification is just mere action of the state to punish the voters and the opposition party, National Unity Platform (NUP). The National Resistance Movement (NRM) could have won this By-Election. Everyone with a pulse knows this, but the ones that are delusional would consider NRM’s chances in Kawempe North. Therefore, they are foolishly fighting this battle and want another round of polls.

This is the looser calling foul and having the state machinery behind it. They created the violence, the issues surrounding the by-election and they created the chaos, which was this by-election. If the state believes this is the winning formula to nullify it. Well, they are wrong and only shows their misuse of power. They can do this and nullify it, but that doesn’t mean it will be the victor second time around. This is just adding more pain and plights, as if it was worthy of so.

The state and the government are the fools here. They are doing a fool’s errand. Just because it is plausible, doesn’t mean this is a righteous action. As the state should answer for their misgivings, misuse of power and how they wanted to rig this by-election. The misuse of JATT, SFC and army to go after the people in this by-election.

It is just two months since the MP was sworn-in and this is how the system pays off. This is a deliberate act to spend time in the courts and ensure he has to run another campaign. That is just to ensure the NUP, and the MP is busier working with the electorate. Then being a vocal MP or even galvanizing the party. Alas, he is bound to waste more time and just show how the state is rigging the game. This is because the NRM cannot lose face ahead of the 2026 General Election.

Regardless of what you think of the NUP. This is the image of the NRM and what they are willing to do. It is their answer as they lack the charisma, lack the programs and the policies that is edible for the public. The NRM lacks the popularity and lack the popular will to get voters behind it. That’s why the military and security organizations have to be used to spread the message and intimidate the voters to vote on them. Therefore, this is bound to happen, and the state cannot mange the idea of being hated by the public.

It is a waste of energy, time and everything that is surrounding us. To call for another round and have another By-Election in Kawempe North ahead of the General Elections is just ridiculous. If the NRM feels vindicated and such by the Courts. They are really dumb, as they used force and should answer for their sins, but we know that will only happen in the afterlife. They are above the law and untouchable for the moment. Peace.

Opinion: The “Protest Vote” is the “Defiance 2.0”

The National Unity Platform (NUP) are planning ahead of the General Elections of 2026 to campaign under the banner of “Protest Vote”. That means the party and their members are participating in the elections. Meanwhile, they are acting as a protest party and making the actions of voting a protest against the “status quo”.

The act of the Protest Vote isn’t anything new. It has been done before, but we can wonder why this is the strategy?

The NUP is planning ahead and is participating in the General Elections. The NUP really has no choice and wants to be part of the political landscape. To do so they have to participate and be an active party within the Republic.

The big problem here is if they boycott they will loose out on elected official positions and possibilities of offices within the Parliament. The Party will lose benefits and being a substantial party. The NUP seems unlikely to risk all of that and still wants to be an actor from within. However, that will only further the legitimacy of the regime.

The NUP is between a hard rock and a hard place. If they partake it in, they are part of the charade and if they boycott… they are losing out monetary gains and needed offices to enlarge the party. That’s why it cannot sustain or be viable outside the current political space.

The Protest Vote is another edition of Defiance. The run-up for 2016 should be studied ahead of 2026. The NUP needs to understand the lessons of the FDC and Dr. Kizza Besigye. So, just so they don’t fall short or even become similar as them. Therefore, Bobi Wine should take note of what Besigye did and what he can do to further the cause. If not… they are just doing the same and hoping for a different result.

I have a hard time seeing the protest vote making a vast difference or being substantial to tarnish or destroy this regime. The NUP is playing within the framework of the state and not outwitting it either. They are being token opposition and allowing the state to continue their majority control of all parts of government. The NUP will never ever win or be the pronounced the victor.

The game is rigged… and there is nowhere or no time the National Resistance Movement (NRM) would risk to lose the power or the instruments of the state. No, they rather bury their enemies and ensure their early demise. That’s what the NRM does and is willing to do so. Unless, the NRM can compromise them and buy them out. Therefore, NUP is playing a game they cannot win and the authorities will be on their tail. A tail they are already monitoring and following non-stop.

It isn’t like the NRM or the Authorities have slowed things down. The NRM will use the law enforcement and the state to attack the NUP. They will forge up charges and cause massive amounts of suffering towards the ones who are associated with the NUP. The NRM will use their power and they will not hesitate to hunt the NUP down.

The Protest Vote can only be powerful or successful, if the people are backing it and not allowing the system to rig. The Protest Vote only matters if they guard the votes and are able to stifle the authorities from operating. The people have to defend their ballot and risk their livelihoods doing so. That’s where plenty of people will stop and go home in silence. They have families and won’t risk their lives against the oppressor.

The Protest Vote can only be a game-changer if the protest itself turns into a revolution. That’s the only way the tyranny and the tyrant will let go. This is when the centre won’t hold and the army won’t save the Head of State. As long as that’s not happening and the risks are to high. People will shun or be afraid to jump. I don’t blame them… they just want to live and breathe. It’s all natural in the sense of things.

If the ballot has extra power. Then the NUP needs to organize and needs to be operative in a manner, which it wasn’t in the previous election. They need to have the manpower, activists and the poll agents that can show up or even be on guard for the foreseeable time during the polls. Alas, that costs and the people has to be trusted to do so.

This is why it’s a gamble… the NUP loses either way at this point. Not because the NUP isn’t popular or have a party worth recognizing. No, they are losing because the game is rigged and the NRM isn’t here to play. Peace.