Chapter Four – Uganda: End attacks on journalists, hold perpetators to account (14.08.2018)

NTV Uganda: Public statement on the violent arrest and detention of our Journalists by security agents; ”We reiterate, journalism is not a crime.” (14.08.2018)

OSISA: “In Zimbabwe, our grant-making and advocacy work does not fund or promote violence: A response to the Herald and The Chronicle newspapers” (03.08.2018)

Malacañang: Do you lack talent? When the PCOO need Mocha Uson for the Federalism campaign?

I’m just doing my job, even though we encounter critics — but if I need to make certain changes, I’ll do it.” – Mocha Uson

If you would think the Rodrigo Duterte administration ever would sway away from controversy, they have to continue to find ways to do so. Now, they are working and have worked on a new constitution that introduce federalism. This piece will not be about that, but about someone they plan to tap into promotion of that cause. That is Duterte using a Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Assistant Secretary Margaux Mocha Uson to be a spokesperson for it, but how and what?

Does Uson even have the basic knowledge of what Federalism means compared to the democratic republic today and the constitutional democracy it is today, which simple definition is: “DEMOCRACY is a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. Constitutional democracy can be defined as a system of government in which there are clear limits of political authorities, and the electorate has the power to remove poor performing governments. Constitutional democracy is the type of democracy where powers of the majority are exercised within a frame work of the constitution designed to guarantee the majority right” (School Mattazz – ‘CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY: MEANING, TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS’).

While what she will promote is this: “Legal Definition of federalism: distribution of power in a federation between the central authority and the constituent units (as states) involving especially the allocation of significant lawmaking powers to those constituent units” (Merriam-Webster – Federalism, 21,07.2018 link: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federalism).

I have a feeling the Assistant Secretary would have a hard time explaining the difference, only speaking the points that the administration delivers her. Her past is no good either, so I don’t understand how she will be speaking on behalf of the administration in this complex case and with the changes of the possible constitution.

Using Uson to campaign for federalism:

Concom spokesman Ding Generoso told The STAR that Uson would be a big help in their campaign to promote federalism and for their proposed Constitution through her social media following. “I really wanted to tap her. If she can write and interview the Concom members about the proposed constitution and federalism, that would be a big help for our campaign,” Generoso said. “We will talk to her and see how she can help,” he added. Comparing his appearances on television interviews with that of Uson’s blog, Generoso said that he is getting fewer views than Uson, whose videos are reaching millions of netizens” (Robertzon Ramirez – ‘Concom to tap Mocha for pro-federalism campaign’ 29.07.2018, link:https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/07/29/1837706/concom-tap-mocha-pro-federalism-campaign#cey37RrlmvLZw56Q.99

Senate Defense of Appointment:

For one, I hope that she will be a purveyor of truth, rather than propaganda; of responsibly gathered and vetted facts and news, rather than so-called “alternative facts” and fake news. She is no longer just a private blogger or social media personality; she is now a civil servant. For another, it matters, not just what she says, but also how she delivers it. I implore her to be more circumspect about her choice of words and way of saying them. I do not mean that she ought to use sophisticated words. In fact, I do encourage her to speak plainly. Plain but cleanly. Be aware that our children are listening to us. Our future generations are taking their cue from us on how to express and carry themselves. I hope that Ms. Uson will prove herself a model of dignity – the dignity of a woman, a public servant – for our people, especially the youth of today” (On the appointment of Mocha Uson as Asec. of the PCOO, Dispatch from Crame No. 85, 16.05.2017, link: http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2017/0516_delima4.asp).

PCOO allowed Uson to work in Casino, countering the law of public official:

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement that “Mocha asked permission to honor her entertainment contracts when she joined government.” However, while Uson is not prohibited from performing, Andanar added that she is advised to avoid such places. This comes after videos circulated on social media allegedly showing Uson performing with her girl group “Mocha Girls” at Bar 60 located at the ground floor of Resorts World Manila. Uson supposedly also has gigs at places like Punchline Comedy Bar and Cowboy Grill, aside from Resorts World Manila. Meanwhile, Resorts World Manila management said in a statement that it asks those who performs to comply with all government regulations. Memorandum Circular Number 6 states that “the mere entry or presence of government officials and employees in a gambling casino shall be considered as conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, unless the same was in the performance of official duties and functions.” (Reporter.ph – ‘PCOO probes the issue of Mocha Uson’s performance at a casino hotel’ 08.09.2017, link: http://reporter.ph/pcoo-probes-the-issue-of-mocha-usons-performance-at-a-casino-hotel/).

PCOO disown Uson’s blog:

PRESIDENTIAL Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said Wednesday Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson’s blog was not an official page of the PCOO and was not representing government views. He cleared the PCOO from the controversies involving Uson’s weird and comical blogs. But he said Uson was not a source of fake news in the country as she was only expressing her views. He said the PCOO could not influence or control Uson since she was engaged in a personal activity. Should he order bloggers like Uson to stop airing their views, he would be accused of “suppressing freedom of expression.” He said when Uson became part of the PCOO, “I told her that all the news coming out from government media platforms are real news.” (Vito Barcelo – ‘PCOO disowns Mocha’s blogs’ 01.02.2018 link: http://thestandard.com.ph/news/top-stories/257655/pcoo-disowns-mocha-s-blogs.html).

Therefore, with all this mess of hers, the administration are still keeping her on board. That is just weird, because she is not that bright and misuse her public space. Not to inform, but keeping herself popular. That is evident, even as an appointed public official, she keeps peddling questionable articles, also even break codes of conduct like performing in a casino last year. That is why it is weird that she still has a place in the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) of the Duterte Administration.

That is just strange, for me awful idea to put her into the campaign, unless the Duterte Administration are going for squad goals and making sure they make scandalous headlines by her and her words? Is that what they need to be able to get the Constitutional Change or the Federalism enacted?

Do they need Mocha Uson, is she that unique and special that the President needs her skills and ability to create controversy to bring the game, set and go? Seriously? Is the change to federalism that lack-luster, that the Presidency see the need to bring her in? Is there nobody else that can campaign and bring the message out, not even demoted Alvarez?

Because we know she is not that wise, she has moved mountains and a volcano in the past. If she cannot even the basic geography of the Philippines, how can she explain and have the ability to grasp the difference between a constitutional democracy and federalism?

I have lack of faith, if she was like Maine Mendoza selling MAC products, I would get that, but she is trying to be spokesperson for a government, which plans to change of how the government works. That is not an easy task for anyone, but for someone like her. I lack faith, trust and ability to pull it off. Unless, she will push empty slogans and try to gain popularity because of her face. When it comes to a question like this, when it comes to the balances of power, the limits of the citizenship and what matters for all the branches of government, these questions are not a quick fix. However, a big question and need a lot of relief, this isn’t something changed in a day.

If the Duterte administration is serious and want people to believe in the change, maybe, just maybe, pull some better cards out of the stack. There got to be someone else with more craft and capacity to bring the message of federalism, than Uson. Peace.

Kagame is a joke: Bans satire and political cartoons!

It is hard for power to enjoy or incorporate humour and satire in its system of control”Dario Fo

You would think that someone running a nation practically been running Rwanda since 1994. That a President of that kind would have the stature and the character to manage some criticism and some satire. Kagame has gotten rid of his opposition, both internally and abroad. He has taken real Presidential Candidates and put them in jail. Where they are rotting as we speak. So its not like there is a real democracy or real elections. The ones countering the image of Kagame is already silenced. This is just taking it to the next level.

In Rwanda from now on, if you mock or play for laughs by cartooning any Rwandan Patriotic Front figure or leader, you could be sent to jail or fined. This is the reality of the free speech and liberties within the 1000 hills Republic. Look!

The new 335-article penal code might have decriminalised general defamation for which a journalist would previously be sent to a year in jail and a fine of Rwf5 million (about $5,800) on conviction–the Rwanda Media Commission is now mandated to handle the matter–but editorial cartoonists and satirists now need to thrive without depicting politicians and other leaders in a manner that mocks their deeds. As well as cartoons, the penal code has no place for humorists who write satirical articles that thrive on mockery of personalities, especially leaders, has been criminalised. “Writings or cartoons that humiliate Members of Parliament, ministers, other government authorities and security agencies when they are exercising their mandate will be punishable by law,” says Article 233 of the new penal code” (Seaman, 2018).

As we see here, the leeway for cartoons and satire have gone away. If you joke about Kagame your possibly detained or gotten a hefty fine. Nothing that the President wont do to save his image. A real spirit of a grand dictator. He just want praise and PR Stunts, not the real deal. Kagame just want the passion and blessings of the office, but not the sincere criticism of him. That is a no go!

Kagame is this weak, when his state puts in laws like this. Rwanda is silly and stupid, because the Presient wants this. He is afraid of how the media will make him look like a fool, but by pursuing laws like them make them just look dumb.

They are little whiny bitches who cannot manage questions or even satirical words. They don’t have the heart or the ability to stomach it.

Let me just end with a satirical piece from The Rwandan:

As the former president prepared to depart Rwanda, a reporter asked him two questions: Had Kagame managed to visit the devastated regions of Rwanda by heavy rains and landslides that killed hundreds and left thousands homeless? Kagame replied that he did not have time for that” (…) “What are Kagame’s next destinations and when might he visit Rwanda again? Kagame told the reporter that ”it was none of his business.” (Himbara, 2018).

To write like that is now outlawed, because the RPF cannot manage this sort of jokes. That should be non of their business, but apparently it is. Peace.

Reference:

Himbara, David – ‘Kagame Ends His Brief Visit To Rwanda 😂 (Satire)’ 03.07.2018 Link: http://www.therwandan.com/kagame-ends-his-brief-visit-to-rwanda-%F0%9F%98%82-satire/

Seaman, Jacobs S. – ‘Rwandan MPs criminalise cartoons, satirical articles that mock politicians, leaders’ (15.07.2018) link: http://thecrime24.com/law-and-order/human-rights/rwandan-mps-criminalise-cartoons-satirical-articles-that-mock-politicians-leaders/

President Magufuli how thin-skinned are you?

Goebbels was in favor of free speech for views he liked. So was Stalin. If you’re really in favor of free speech, then you’re in favor of freedom of speech for precisely the views you despise. Otherwise, you’re not in favor of free speech.”Noam Chomsky

President John Pombe Magufuli have now asked and an inquiry into the popularity of you as President. This was made by Twaweza in 2018, to show how his popularity have gone. Because of the reaction from the public. The results from the survey was negative going from in the 96% favorable in the 2016, but in 2018 it is down to 55%. So he had lost over 41% ratings as proven by their survey.

That is clearly insulting to the big-man and his thin-skinned ways, if your write articles questioning him. Expect your paper to closed, if your blogger expect to pay and ask for license. Therefore, the crack-down is continuing, even surveys done by NGOs and others are now under-fire. Radios closed, Musicians have been detained and fined for their message in their music. All voices under Magufuli is under question. He cannot manage anything else than praise.

I think early in his Presidency, everyone praised the Bulldozer, the man with plan and without any scruples. That has been proven, as papers, bloggers and radios has closed or lost license because of him. If they did say or write anything, they would end up in trouble. Even opposition MPs have been behind bars because of him.

That is maybe why the President is losing favor, maybe that is why people wasn’t celebrating the Union Day this 26th April 2018. Magufuli ordered the military in the streets of the bigger cities as a showdown of his power. The President has clearly forgotten why he had popularity.

It is because he did the right thing, not all praising him and his actions, but seemingly for the betterment of Tanzania. That is why people loved his ways and his activity as the President. With time he has taken everything personal and also taken action against critics and closing the public space, also ability for them say out in various media houses and platforms.

Magufuli should listen to the likes of Chomsky, maybe then he would understand why I call him thin-skinned. The Tanzanian President cannot stomach criticism. That is proven with his action. He is a whiny little bitch, with lack of character and lack of leadership. If he had been a good leader, he would have listen learned something, not just directing and micro-managing. However, that is something he cannot carry. That is why he is losing popularity.

Because, why is it a problem to get the knowledge of losing popularity Mr. President?

Maybe, you should think of your ways, that people wasn’t celebrating Union Day should be worry itself. Because of your actions. It is time rekindle yourself and maybe even envision yourself in another spotlight.

You should take it and carry it. But your not, because your whining and attacking the free speech. Peace.

RDC: Lambert Mende – Modifiant et Completant l’Arrete No. 04/MIP/020/96 – Portant Mesures d’Application de la loi 96-002 du 22 Juin 1996 Fixant les Modalities de l’Exercice de la Liberte de Presse (14.06.2018)

Uganda Communications Commission: Warning Against Promotion of Hate Speech and Incitement to Violence (13.06.2018)

OO: Do us a favor, please, shut up!

If everything is amplified, we hear nothing.”Jon Stewart

Man, I am tired of his shit. Pardon me, but I am. I have seen and heard enough of the Musevenism and the giant National Resistance Movement (NRM) apologist Ofwono Opondo, the Director of Uganda Media Centre, which is under the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, therefore, he is also employed now by the Minister Frank Tumwebaze. Therefore, the famous OO are far of the left-field and everywhere. He is steady on Capital Gang and NBS Frontline. I am tired of him. Today he even written a piece.

He is defending the NRM and Museveni at a rate, that is extensive, that his blood-pressure isn’t out of whack is strange. Because his level of lies and deception that he plays. If he is proud of his work, I would feel sorry, but everyone wants to eat. I am sure the hypocrisy and the tarnish of reality must hurt his brain-cells. Since it is long inbetween any truthful statements and the reality. That is because he has to play to his master. The reason why I am tired of his crap.

So, those like Besigye, opposing NRM by propagating outright lies perhaps need to trade very carefully because Ugandans know the truth, otherwise, voters may not be kind to them at elections” (Ofwono Opondo – ‘NRM is Delivering on most of its Election Promises’ 10.05.2018).

It’s kinda hard believing that OO had to go this and say these words. When he knows the reality, but trying to make the numbers and the words fitting the paradigm of success. That always going back to the 1980s, always going back to a time with nothing and with inflation after a bush-war. Because that is the standard the NRM every single time seeks to. That they secured peace and made progress. But after doing, they haven’t delivered to the public, that is proven with the schools, the health care system and the unemployment rate. The lack of delivery of service, the rampant poverty, the debt level of the state and the lack of development in the state. All of that is the serious mess that the NRM are leaving behind, combined with a growing elite eating of the dying and rotten state, which is created in the image of Museveni. He has created this with all of his cronies and his self-control, that OO always say is right and doing the right thing.

OO is off the wall and high as a kite, when saying that, as the state is levying more tax on the public, the government loans are maturing and the oil revenue is still not hitting the fan. The giant development projects they have borrowed monies for are not to be sure off and the Rural Electrification Projects are still continuing. There are so many things missing and so much funding taken away, creative financing and creative spending of funds. That makes roads more expensive, more projects taking longer time and more cronies paid off, while land-grabs and grace periods to foreign investors, which makes sure the state earns less, but someone gets a favorable kick-back for so.

That OO is still praising all this is beyond me, that he is professing to a state that intimidate its citizens, that messes up the Sim-Card Registration for over a year and make a mockery out of the media. A state that is disconnected with the community, as they are not engaged delivering the needed services or state programs that actually could bring development. Instead they are looting and eating on the public plate. To say otherwise, is to look outside the window and lie.

That is why I am tired of the likes of OO. He can lie about his amount of hair on top of his head to his side-dish, he can lie about how many cups of tea has during the day, but he cannot lie about the reality and the state of affairs. Which he does everytime in public.

So, please shut up, OO stop lying, your bad at it! Peace.

Kenyatta’s Cybercrimes Act is a crackdown on all content online!

During this week, President Uhuru Kenyatta signed the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018, meaning this is becoming actual law, that all citizens of Kenya has to comply to. As this is the legal framework and provisions, that can incriminate or be used against the citizens. They are really prepared to assault the digital world and the ones putting content online.

Two of these provisions, which is really cracking down on the online content is article 22 & 23:

22:“A person who intentionally publishes false, misleading or fictitious data or misinforms with intent that the data shall be considered or acted upon as authentic, with or without any financial gain, commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding five millions shillings or to imprisionment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both”.

23: “A person who knowingly publishes information that is false in print, broadcast, data, or over a computer system, that is calculated or results in a panic, chaos, or violence among citizens of the Republic, or which is likely to discredit the reputation of a person commits an offence and shall on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding five millions shillings or to imprisionment for a term not exceeding ten years or to both”.

This is clearly attacking and if they finds something as fake, they can make the people liable and criminal. While the Jubilee party and President signed this off, their own party should be careful signing this off. As they have worked with Cambridge Analytica and Harris Media, created fake news and also spread wrongful deceitful messaging online. This has been deliberate by them during the General Election of 2017, as well as the Jubilee has spread fictitious promises. Just like the fantastic trains and massive stadiums. Therefore, Kenyatta should know better.

They will use this law to go against the likes of Cyprian Nyakundi and others. The ones like the Elephant and others. Who are not spreading the message of the state, but are questioning their powers. Kenyatta knows this, even his own Presidential Strategic Communications Unit (PSCU), who spread the news of an honorary title from the UNICEF to Kenyatta. Which was false, I even got caught in the hype. I know I did, because it seemed like possible, as a month before the WHO gave a Mugabe a title too. Therefore, I got pissed and felt it was unfair to give a title for championing youths, when he destroyed the lives of plenty with the crackdown on protests during the elections.

Therefore, this sort of bill should make sure the PSCU also get arrested on their malicious content and propaganda. Even the planned messages from the team around the President should be spotless, however, the PSCU isn’t. They should have been, since the President has sanctioned these provisions. Why I am concerned, as they are putting restrictions on others, but the Social Media program of the state itself has been questionable and attacked the public itself.

We now can see what the state wants to do to its own citizens, as the are getting stronger provisions to follow and to track, in the end also making their content illegal. This is not just for safety, because these sorts of laws can be used against whistleblowers, and even the ones who drops data online on frauds and such. Since its damaging for the government, this might be a criminal offense for some.

What is the definition of a panic? Is it that Kenyatta cannot stomach a beer? Is it that DP Ruto don’t get a handshake? What is the stakes? Because the provisions that matters for most of the citizens are vague, meaning it depends on the interpretation of the officers and judges. That is not a good signal, that is a bad one, however, doubt the PSCU will get into trouble. More like bloggers, writers and television journalists that suddenly will be detained, because Kenyatta didn’t like what they said, wrote or broadcast. Peace.