Uganda: Ministry of Defence & Veterans Affairs – Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) – Inflitration into the Country by some ADF Elements (18.03.2024)

Philippines: Joint Press Statement for Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Call with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (27.10.2023)

RDC: ENVOL & Ensemble – Communique de Presse du 31 Juillet 2023 (31.07.2023)

Guinée: Comite National du Rassemblement pour la Developpment (CNRD) – Communique No. 002 (31.07.2023)

Opinion: Akena Vs. Museveni – Who is telling the truth?

“We don’t have anything signed. I always tell people that UPC has nothing signed with the NRM and we are free to carry out our activities” – James Akena (10.07.2023).

“Congratulations to our allies, the UPC and for the candidate, Eunice Apio, for winning the Oyam by-elections. Congratulations also to the NRM and the candidate Engola Junior because the difference between the two was very small” (Museveni, 07.07.2023).

We have seen how the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) operated in and around the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of the General Elections in 2016. Later we have seen how meagre and silently the party has moved on a national level. It isn’t like the UPC have renegaded or acted in spite of the NRM. No, it is having been friendly and done so by a large extent over the years.

The story that Akena tells on NBS Television is in stark contrast to what Museveni wrote after the Oyam North By-Election. These words cannot co-exist. The UPC is either in an alliance with the NRM or it isn’t.

We know the UPC can work with and has been in partnership with the NRM before the 2016 General Elections. However, what is happening now in 2023 that’s another ballgame. While the UPC will be questioned, and we know they are familiar. Since, the wife of Akena, Betty Amongi is a cabinet member and a UPC MP. She is planning also to cross over to the NRM. Like plenty of other high-ranking officials, which has been purged from the UPC to the NRM. It wouldn’t be a historical achievement, but still a sign of how close the UPC and the NRM are at the moment.

It isn’t strange that the UPC wants to act independent. The UPC can see how the DP and Norbert Mao is seen. That vision and that sort of arrangement is costing in public. They are becoming cronies and part of the government by default. Instead of being defiant or in opposition. That is directly supporting the vile, the oppressive and the dark sides of the NRM. Which DP or UPC really doesn’t want to support, especially when it wants to be seen as different than the regime.

Jimmy Akena wants to save face. The writing of Museveni is hurting him and his “independence”. Though he must go home to his wife, which is part of the cabinet and the inner circle. That’s why its hard to believe the hostilities… or the defiance, if there are any in general. Because would Akena talk ill of the man that his wife is siding with? Would you believe that or think that is wise?

That’s just how small the world is and how close associates’ things are in politics. The UPC can try to profile itself as independent and opposition. However, there been enough people fleeing the ship or suddenly becoming NRM to question the closeness between the parties.

We still don’t have the proper answer, but here is something going on between the parties. If it wasn’t, certain individuals wouldn’t consider to move parties. That’s a gist of things and that’s something the UPC have to live with. The questions would be asked and I don’t know if we will know the truth.

That’s why we should wonder why Museveni would lie about the alliance. When he doesn’t even need the UPC. He can only use them as pawns and as a historical factor, which he overcame. This might also be a factor to why Akena tries to act so independent and downplay whatever agreement or coalition they have. Because it weakens him and his ideals. It isn’t like he has vied for the highest office or challenged the NRM in any way since 2016. That is what is telling and shows there is something going on. Unless the UPC is that weak and cannot show old glory in this day or age. Peace.

RDC: FARDC – Etat Major General – Coordination Operation Conjointes FARDC-UPDF – Communique de Presse (06.04.2023)

Dr. Bayigga Michael Lulume MP: Open letter to President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhurwa Museveni (24.03.2023)

Somalia: Lasanod Declaration (05.02.2023)

RDC: Kabila Forever A.S.B.L – Communique Officiel (07.01.2023)

Opinion: Endorsing Mzee for 2026 [the ones who does it is either hungry or foolish]

“As the struggle for win the hearts of the youths by Uganda’s presidential hopefuls continues, NRM youth leaders from Buganda have endorsed President Museveni as the sole presidential candidate for the 2026 elections. Museveni, who has been in power for 26 years, has not yet indicated that he will run for 2026” (Farish Magembe – ‘NRM Buganda youth endorse Museveni, not Muhoozi, for 2026’ 18.10.2022, Nile Post).

In Masaka there was a group of youth leaders from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has already endorsed President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni. A man who has ruled the nation since 26^th January 1986. A President that has already reigned supreme for 36 years is still viable some youths.

You can wonder what is their incentives and reasons to do it. Certainly, they must be hungry and wants to show loyalty. If they show loyalty and proves their services to his government. That’s what the youth leaders of Buganda did or Central Region. If it is the opposition it’s the Central Region, but when it’s NRM – it is back to the Kingdom and calling it Buganda. Ironically, right?

Well, NRM Youth Leaders of Buganda signing off an endorsement in 2022 is a sign of poverty, lack of vision and also utterly ill-advised. This isn’t done in the run-up to an election. Neither is there any signs of Yoweri standing as a candidate in the next election. Though, we shouldn’t kid ourselves. Museveni is doing this every-time and claiming the “people will decide” and “so will his party”. Though we know the drill and his most like the flag-bearer for NRM in the next term.

They haven’t even published a road-map or the committee to write the manifesto. Therefore, settling now only shows your motivation and that you are hoping for incentives to do so. The NRM Youth here is only showing their soul is sold and they have traded all integrity. That’s what legit has gone down…

Because, we know what is happening ahead of the election new NRM umbrella groups are popping up to fit whatever narrative and stories the NRM needs. We know also that these groups will praise the President and supposed achievements. That’s why there is plenty of youthful groups, which is sort of a part of the NRM. These are now mentioned without any particular order, NRM Poor Youth, NRM Youth League, NRM Isolated Youth, NRM Yellow Power and NRM Generation Seven.

All of these ha been made to ensure elections and continuation of the NRM regime. The NRMYL is the most significant ones, but the others has been made to cater the needs of NRM ahead of the polls. That really their mission and this is why you haven’t heard from them in forever. They only comes in a hot-minute before the polls and to be there for a campaign pledge.

You are seeing so many youth groups… and this week a group of youths from Buganda… suddenly endorsed the President for Life out of nowhere. They are certainly hoping for a pay-off, either a plate or a brew. These youths hopes for opportunities and recognition. The clearly made some headlines and got some people talking. However, they are too early.

These youth should have waited for the RDCs and the NRM Vice-Chairperson for each regions are out hunting for positive groups or stories. At that point ahead of the election wants as much credibility and youthfulness as possible. They want to look more popular than pop-stars or the Lord Saviour. However, now… this is futile, except, if these people are hungry and hoping for a plate.

They could get that and a free t-shirt. Nevertheless, these folks won’t be Kings, because they are already peasants. They might become glorified peasants, but they will not reach the throne. That place is sealed and they are already proving it with their action alone. Peace.