Dr. Kizza Besigye Statement on the Presidential Debate

Mbabazi M7 Besigye

The attempt to have a presidential debate in Uganda is not new. There has been an attempt at every of the previous elections to have a debate.

At every election that I have participated, I have been ready to engage in a debate. But at each of those attempts, it was the failure of Mr. Museveni to accept to have a debate that led to the failure of having a debate.

So this time when I challenged Mr. Museveni to a debate, I knew that he is averse to having a direct debate- which is unfortunate because in a situation like ours where there are deep contradictions, it is important to have a direct debate so that people are able to determine the candidates’ positions and policies.

But even then, when I challenged Museveni to a debate, I really knew that Museveni was not up to it because he has untenable positions; the positions he has taken over the last 30 years and the consequences of those positions are indefensible.

So I really knew he would do everything to avoid the debate. In fact, I was surprised by his initial response when he appeared to have agreed to the debate. I was surprised because I thought he would avoid it right away.

But as I have now heard, it is clear that he is not going to engage in the debate for 15th, Jan, 2016. This does not come as a surprise.

Secondly, it ought to be understood that we don’t have a multiparty democracy in Uganda; we have a military dictatorship. It is that military dictatorship that we intended to examine and interrogate in the debate.

The military dictatorship has been in power for 30 years and it has espoused certain policies that have had serious consequences on the country. So we cannot have a utopian debate about what is good for the Uganda without questioning and interrogating the 30yr incumbency of Mr. Museveni regime.

In fact the contestation in Uganda, to my mind, is between the dictatorship and the organizations challenging it. So if the dictatorship in the debate is absent, then is it a primary election of those who are challenging the dictatorship? Is it a primary contest of only those who are challenging the dictatorship?

Therefore, my view is very clear: that if Mr. Museveni declines to have a debate, then we cannot have a debate alone; the debate simply collapses.

I think it is disingenuous for people to suggest that the opponents of the dictatorship debate amongst us to demonstrate that it is only Museveni that declined to engage in the debate.

Thirdly, it also ought to be understood that the anti dictatorship organisations are engaged in this political contestation from a point of severe disadvantage.

Mr. Museveni has been campaigning for the last five years using state resources while we were restricted. Even in this campaign, we have severe obstacles from the poor roads to partisan security organizations that try to interfere and obstruct our campaign.

We also have severe challenges of financial resources to fund our campaigns- we have to raise funds from our very poor supporters while Mr. Museveni has unlimited access and supply of state resources, funds and even uses a state helicopter to facilitate his campaign.

So it is us that treasure every minute of this campaign more than Mr. Museveni. If Museveni is not going to be available, it would be madness to take off a day or two to go and talk to my colleagues with whom we are fighting the dictatorship.

It is most unfortunate that Mr. Museveni has more or less at the last minute opted out the debate. It is sad.
I was actually informed by chance of the date of debate by someone from Inter Religious Council of Uganda whom I had a meeting with on Monday.

The gentleman informed me that the date was set by Mr. Museveni in July last year before he became a candidate. That in itself is very curious that a none candidate sets a date for a debate presuming that he will be a candidate; that he fixes the date of the debate which six months later, he is not able to honour.

I was informed of the date in one week and immediately agreed to the debate but the one who set the date unable to honour his commitment. I had even promised to cancel my program in Tororo to attend the debate.

So surely, this is very unfair but it is not unaccepted that Mr. Museveni would turn down the opportunity for a debate.

The People’s President campaigning in Moroto; while the RDC shows his anger against journalists; and other reports

FDC Moroto 10.01.2016 P2

Today in Moroto there have been issues with the Police who wanted to block the FDC Campaign Trail Convoy. The Northern Uganda Police have made it hard for the main candidates in this part of the Road Map; they even made it hard for Go-Forward Presidential Candidate Hon. Amama Mbabazi! He had big issues with them; so that the FDC should also feel the wrath of NRM Police Force, though today that was the journalists filming and taking photos of it.

The Team Leader for the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF III) Endashaw Tadesse Gossa car has been driving around as reported from the 8th January 2016. He has been driving around in Karamoja in the car that I have a picture of. While he was driving around to pay people to not show-up to opposition rallies in the district. Especially get them to not show at the rallies in Moroto. Mr. Gossa have also bought locals brew to the people in Singila, Acholi Inn, Katanga and Chiambiswahili. With this actions the funds bought by World Bank to NUSAF and Governmental funding is being used to stifle the opposition; so proud the NRM can be of Mr. Gossa!

Moroto NRM 08.01.2016 Buying to Shun voters

On the 7th January the Government of Uganda wants all of sudden to address the Cholera outbreak in the region. Here is the letter:

Cholera Outbreak - Uganda 07.01.2016

Strange that it happens now and in the campaign season. Not after because they want to show that they actually does something and maybe even care about the people in Karamoja.

FDC Moroto 10.01.2016 P1

Today in Moroto at Boma Grounds Dr. Kizza Besigye proclaimed this:

“’You have the minister in charge of Karamoja who is also tje first lady. She leaves Karamajong children languishing in the streets of Kampala and comes here to pretending to be caring about you. People here are dying of hunger”.

This here proves the power of the Opposition and why the Police go so hard on of them and the ones that cover them. That is because Mzee wants all the attention, still he goes after journalists who doesn’t cover him, something he has done during campaigns in 2015. The use of Mr. Gossa proves it to the fullest. While the Police officers and commanders stifle and block as much as possible the opposition parties campaign rallies. That shows how they all are tools for the NRM and the Government right now, instead of being civil servants for all people of Uganda. Sad sight, but they know who butter their bread. As on the 7th November 2015 Frank Tumwebaze handed over new Isuzu double cabin pick-ups at the value of UGX 145m. So with a new car recently the RDC of Moroto have to show that loyalty worthy and therefore acted as he has done today. Hope the car was worth you’re self-respect and honor of serving the people and not the loyal men of Mzee.

We can see that people even when paid to shun the campaigns shows up, to Amama Mbabazi and the Dr. Kizza Besigye in the area. Therefore the paying and showing off money isn’t helping the NRM. It’s more like draining money from the campaign budget, but hey that is just embezzled money of 29 years so they can afford it. That is why the people want’s change. Peace.

Pictures taken before the scoffle between the journalists and the Calvary in Moroto today

Moroto Road Block 10.01.2016 P1

Here is the preview to scuffle and melee on the road of Kitara to Moroto where the journalist took shoots and filmed the road-block that the Police Officers had put-up at the spot. This here is the photos of police before it all. Just look at it. Peace.

Moroto Road Block 10.01.2016 P2

The Calvary attacks in Moroto: On the field-Journalists on the FDC campaign trail

Kitura - Moroto Road - 10.01.2016

Journalists who were travelling to cover FDC campaign in Moroto today we’re stopped by the Police in on the road along from Kitora to Moroto. The District Police Commander of Moroto George Obia is the one who commissioned the stop of them. Then this unfollowed! 

The Police stopped the journalist from the NTV Ronald Galiwango, the New Vision photographer Kenedy Oriyem and Kyaaze Anyast of Bukkede TV. Their cameras we’re either destroyed or confiscated by the police at the road.

The Journalist has later been in discussion with the Regional District Commander Aruk Maruk. Since they should get an explanation for the matter and settle it. This here is a violation of freedom of the press and their movement to cover the national matter. In this sense the campaign coverage of FDC, the same Police Commanders would not do the same if there was a NRM campaign convoy in the area. Then they would have stand on guard and grinned because the Mzee would be around! Peace.

Press Release: Missing Aine Christopher still wanted by Police (Published 08.01.2016)

Go Forward 17.12.15 Free Aine

This is to inform the public that the police are still actively looking for Aine Christopher, who remains missing, but believed to be in hiding, over his alleged involvement and connectivity to acts of assault occasioning bodily and grievous harm, to several victims in Ntungamo District, and also, in response to the criminal summons issued against him by the Chief Magistrates Court, in Jinja.

We want to reiterate that despite the fact that questionable images of a “dead photo”, were published and also posted in the print and social media, we highly believe the suspect is alive, and our police notice for his arrest remain valid. We therefore, call upon members of the public who may be having knowledge of his whereabouts to provide it, so as to enable us establish the circumstances surrounding his alleged disappearance.

We are also calling upon Aine Christopher to come forward and hand himself over to the police for statement recording that would be beneficial to him as an individual, his immediate family, the public that has very keen interest in this matter and for criminal justice.

The police have meanwhile arrested Charles Rwomushana, on credible information that the dangerous and questionable pictures of a “dead Aine” were widely circulated by him online. He is now assisting police with investigations. The two others who published the photos without verifying their correctness and authenticity were released on police bond upon recording their statements.

CP Fred Enanga

Press and Public Relations Officer

Uganda Police

8.01.2016

Mzee have a campaign rally in Isingiro; the local people leaves the venue early as a protest! (video-clip)

Here is video that NRM will not want to show the world. It’s deep and the easiest way to explain it is that people are leaving the campaign venue at Isingiro where President Museveni where under way and holding his speech to the public. The only standing left is the paid crowd of the campaign rally, the crime preventers who have to be there: if they leave they wont get a pay-check. This video shows how the people and citizens walks away from him in plain view. Peace.

Ugandan Presidential Live TV Debate was actually on; but Mzee chickens out and is off!

Mbabazi M7 Besigye

Well, I have written a piece on this before where I started like this: “There is a dream of TV-Debate between the three main candidates in Uganda: the NRM with Museveni, the Go-Forward Amama Mbabazi and the FDC Dr. Kizza Besigye! So what will that be, it should be sent on NBS, NTV and WBS at the same time. So that nobody can watch dubbed South American TV-shows for those who don’t care about the politics or elections” (Minbane, 23.11.2015).

Well, the spokesmen of both the campaign team of Mzee and Governmental one says he want show up to the planned one on the 15th January. Here is what been verified today:

Ofwono Opondo the NRM or Government spokeperson says: “Museveni will have no time for the presidential debate”. He continues with this reasoning: “President Museveni has no time to engage in a presidential debate for 6 hours. He will use the time in more meaningful engagements with the Population”. Michael Sebalu said this today: “We respect and value even lowest our supporters… we cannot abandon them to go to Serena and waste time!”

Obiang - M7 

Mzee could stop campaigning for governmental matters earlier and the papal visit which made him look a bit genuine. Now it’s just a mockery and makes no sense. This is weak tea not even a strong masala mix take away the bad after taste.

If you want to read a made up Ugandan TV-Debate read my former post from November 2015:

The Dream of a Public TV-Debate between top three Presidential Candidates in Uganda

So there is yet again Mzee looks like he is chickens out; just a week away from the TV cameras to be broadcasted live on TV. This is something he could fake or spin is his way. His NRM Team and Campaign crew could have set some standards, but he couldn’t rehearse the answers. Like the international interviews that hunts him and the answers showing his true passions. The same will happen on the Live TV-Debate where the spotlight will eat him.

FDC TV Show

Though he said this earlier in the year:

““President Yoweri Museveni, also NRM flag bearer, says “he is ready to take on any of his fellow 2016 presidential candidates in a public debate” (…)”While addressing a press conference early Monday in Gulu at the State Lodge, Museveni said: “If Besigye or any other candidate wants to debate with me, I am ready. I don’t move without my mouth or brain…” (…)”The president’s comments today come days after Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye challenged him to a debate ‘to discuss issues affecting Ugandans’” (…)”Besigye became the second candidate to dare the president to a live televised debate after Venansius Baryamureeba (NBS TV, 23.11.2015).

Museveni - Road building

 

So here we are where the NRM and its President who happens to be Presidential Candidate; that can’t be able to show up to a Presidential Candidate Debate on live TV. That is because he can’t all of sudden stop campaigning or schedule with the Electoral Commission or have his screws loose in his pocket; have fear for the outcome of the whole shin-ding and knows he might look like old buffoon instead of the wise old-statesmen he thinks he is. We won’t hear any bible-quotes from him or any imaginary tales of old when the Live debate on TV happens, because he can’t his team, or himself in general to address the public proper. Unless he controls the venue and have all creative control; he and his loyal staff or his loyal subjects who are YES MEN. Because the giant of 29 years can’t trust himself to not blunder or speak some kind of hurtful. Mzee might come with some stupid comment when the TV channel has it directly sent for the world to see. Even if the Government usually turns of transmitters when some unwished spiteful or opposition leader goes too far, than they will take the whole radio or TV station down for necessary time.

Well, we all know by knew by now that this would not happen, that why I wrote it would be a dream in November 2015. Mzee doesn’t have the balls or integrity to show his face together with the pack of candidates, especially not his arch-nemesis Hon. Amama Mbabazi or former arch-nemesis Dr. Kizza Besigye. Because he will not be discussed in the ways of villain or buffoon, but he looks like whiny old man who doesn’t have the ability to carry his own words. Because he said in November 2015 that he would join and be a part of the Live TV debate.

Like Mzee said on the 23rd November 2015:

“If Besigye or any other candidate wants to debate with me, I am ready. I don’t move without my mouth or brain”. There seems like Mzee’s body doesn’t move with his mouth or his brain. Since his body will not have the balls to move his mouth or brain on live TV.  But that is just me. Peace.

The People’s President held peaceful campaign rallies today in Nakapiripirit and Amudat; While the Calvary defaced and pinned over posters; They even sieged the Amudat Hospital

FDC Amudat Rally 090116

If you we’re in Amudat today, you would see that RDC Saban Kachimete of Amudat was first busy getting police to pin-over FDC presidential candidate poster in the day before his arrival and his campaign rally. They we’re also tearing them to pieces like they have done with Go-Forward posters before their campaigns. The Police is so impartial in the campaign work for the NRM! They are really the NRM Police Force, why not just switch names, maybe that is the next for IGP Kale Kayihura and CP Fred Enaga to do, to prove loyalty to Mzee.

FDC Rally in Amudat Hospital 090116

Well, the local police we’re not doing the work for Mzee.They was stationed at the Amudat hospital to make sure that the Campaign convoy of FDC held themselves far away. If you needed the police today in Amudat, then forget the police posts in the area; most of the crew seemed to be stationed there, because all the crime and prevention of crime seemed to be there.

Now read what the People President says after all of this.

Defacing Poster Amudat P1 090116

Dr Kizza Besigye message after the rallies the 9th January 2016:

“Nakapiripirit and Amudat was a great experience! Thank you to everyone that made everything possible for us to have our campaign done and completed in the two districts. In Amudat, the police manning health centre 3s continued, our posters were all defaced and covered. But this we know that our support comes from people’s hearts. The RDC, police and NRM members are so desperate to deny us visibility in people’s eyes, but it is evident we are in their hearts. Thanks for the support for the party and my candidature. God bless you all. One Uganda One People».

FDC Campaign Rally 090116

That’s enough today, Peace.

Press Release: The European Union Election Observation Mission for the 18th February General Elections has begun its activities (08.01.2016)

EOM PR 080116 P1EOM PR 080116 P2

NRM-Supports reacts to non-payment for shunning JPAM-Rally and demonstrate today in Maska; Uganda Cranes donates a charity match the Masaka Hospital;the World Bank promise funds to roads in Masaka

Masaka NRM 090116 Shun Mbabazi

We have today a nice Saturday when the UPDF supposed to be deployed and take control of security towards the end of the General Election. Well, in Masaka NRM-Organization promised towns-people an NRM-Supporter’s if they shunned the campaign rally of Go-Forward and Hon. Amama Mbabazi campaign venue in town. While the NRM members who cried out for not being paid not to show-up somewhere. Shows the lacking mentality of NRM to pay their own and keep their promises! Yet again I guess! While the Police had to throw tear-gas and shot live rubber-bullets towards the crowd because of the missing funds of UGX 100millions to them.

Masaka NRM 090116 P2 Shun Mbabazi

The Go-Forward had a rally in Masaka 9th November 2015 when they held a rally at the Masaka Golf Course and they reacted today 9th January. Technically two months after the rally and  now they wondered where the money they was promised to get wasn’t arriving. That is slow service delivery!

Eddy Kenzo Masaka Hospital 070116

Something worth reporting is that Musician Eddy Kenzo and the Ugandan Cranes Football Team sponsored and was charitable towards the Masaka Hospital with a facelift and upgrade on the 7th January. They donated to Masaka female ward and this was done through a charity match!

And something that would be lost in the wind about Masaka is this is just in today on 9th January 2016:

“Masaka Municipal Councils have received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Uganda Support to Municipal infrastructure Development Programme (USMID) for the Civil works of Infrastructure projects and Consultancy Services of supervision of road works”. Well, World Bank has to finance this for Masaka and not the local tax-base, wonder who is financing the missing funds for the shunning the campaign rally that was in 9th November 2015…? That is why they have more missed funds and why the NRM-O in the area had the reaction today.

While also the Masaka District Local government had to tell the civil servants how to allocate the money at a hotel yesterday 8th January 2016: “Regional Data Quality Assessment (DQA) at Mariaflo Hotel in Masaka District with a call on participants to appreciate data for improved service delivery through proper planning and resource allocation”. That must be why World Bank has the wishes to finance the civil works in parts of Masaka. That must be golden.

Think that is enough of Masaka today! Peace.