The Creations of districts: Shows growing expenditure, not only at Parliament, but also at local level!

Local governments are supposed to be financed with 30 per cent of the national budget but this has never been possible; sometimes it is as low as 15 per cent. This continues to stifle service delivery,” said Mr Cuthbert Felix Esoku, the Mbarara District chief administrative officer” (Mukombozi, Rajab – ‘Government lacks political will to improve district funding, say local leaders’ 09.11.2017, Daily Monitor).

Sometimes I wonder, if the government understand what it does, or if the sins of the 9th Parliament is hitting the 10th Parliament hard. Also, that the President is lax on caring, because he wants his cronies well off, just like former Prime Ministers and Vice-Presidents are getting 20 million Shillings Yearly as a Pensions, without the perks they are getting too. Therefore, the silence from them, as they are highly paid without doing anything for the NRM. Their ills and the growing Local Government is costing. Not only in Parliament, but in the districts itself. Today, the issues of Parliament is hurting, but none is addressing the local issues. Which is the reason for the lack of money and needed supplementary funds for the Members of Parliament (MP). Take a look!

Parliament is seeking Shs 3.3 billion for the emoluments of twelve more legislators starting July 1, 2018. According to the parliamentary service commission, the number of MPs will increase from 453 to 465 at the start of the of 2018/2019 financial year when new districts and municipalities come into effect” (URN – ‘ Parliament seeks Shs 3bn for 12 new legislators’ 22.04.2018, The Observer).

I am amazed about the amounts of districts and the rise of cost. This not only the share Members of Parliament, the lack of space for their seats and the possible rebuilding of the Chambers. Because the amounts of MPs wasn’t built for this amount of people at the same time. Therefore, the Parliament needs funds and budgets to fit. That says the foolishness of the new districts in that regard alone.

We know, by recent news that the state cannot afford to hire civil servants to Local Government that as is, and that is without the new enclaves or districts created by the state. That is not just the salary of the MPs whose recently elected, while the Electoral Commission are stretched in getting the by-elections and the MPs their seats. That is just beginning, as the growing debt and the interest are growing. While the Parliament is lacking space and the infrastructure and the local hires are not there.

That the state has under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni gone from 33 districts in 1986 to about 136/7 after 1st July 2019. Which was ushered in July 2015, a year before the General Election 2016 and fitted the needs of the National Resistance Movement and keep up with pledges made by the President. So every single town is a District and none is inter-connected it seems. Every hill and top is Sub-County. Just the way NRM Regime like it.

In 2017, the Parliament gave a tender about 260 Billion Shillings to ROKO to build a 500 seat size of chambers there. So the payments and monies are there, when needed, as the state can configure and find money for this. But they are usually lacking funds for the civil servants and for the ones serving in public offices in low-level positions. Even not hiring the needed ones in the districts, schools and so on, as there are thousands of jobs that the Ministry of Public Service is not allowed to hire by direction of Keith Muhakanizi, the Secretary of Treasury said there was no funds for that.

But now, suddenly, just like there is funds to athletes, there are funds for new MPs. This is happening as the new possible Social Media tax and also the Tax on Mobile Money. So not like they don’t have projects to use it on. It is all of them districts that needs mansions for District Police Commanders and Residential District Commanders, who all need a palace to live in. Also the need for a local government building and facilities, they cannot run the district from a shack. If that means all citizens has to bleed, that is okay, they deserve this cronyism.

This is the pile of bills made by the amounts of districts, the running costs isn’t just the 3 billions supplementary for the MPs there, it is the new civil servants, buildings and develop these districts. Unless, they want to be ghosts on the paper like schools, teachers, students, refugees, roads and development projects in general.

So, if you don’t see the issues I see, then your either in on it or your just thinking. Its a lost cause, because the President is ushering it in and sanctioning it. This to feed off his cronies and making sure they get jobs locally. Instead of building good districts, he has just chopped them in two or made new ones. So the development and local changes can be made right before elections. That to secure his own candidates for the Parliament too. So for the President its a win-win.

Nevertheless, this has clearly stretched the budgets, the need for public officers and civil servants, as well as more appointed local leaderships. All of these needs salaries and pensions, which means the grows and becomes more expensive with the growth of expenses like these. This is happening at a rate and time, as the growing debt and interest rates are rising. Therefore, the negative affects of it all needs to be put in perspective. However, that is not interesting to the NRM as they cannot question their king, without insulting his intelligence or his will of staying there. That is shown too…

Well, this was a bleak and sad story, but needed this perspective, since the cost of 136/137 districts should be discussed, not only the cost of MPs and the cost of building a new chamber at the Parliament. Peace.

Opinion: Mr. Sunday should remember that he spoke ill of the Clergy, not blame the media for reporting it!

President Yoweri Museveni has warned religious leaders against meddling in national politics. He said everybody had a specific role to play in the development of the nation and asked the clergy to stick to the saving of people’s souls. I thought that the role of the clergy was to preach and deliver the souls of people to heaven but not politicking, Museveni said” (Allan Turyaguma – ‘Leave Politics, Museveni Advises Church Leaders’ 26.08.2002, New Vision).

It’s isn’t new that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issues with people speaking up against him. That is because in his narrow mind, he is the only one with a vision. The visionary has never tolerated that people has spoken up against him or challenge him. That is treason and that is the reason why Besigye is court-side now and then. Museveni cannot stomach critics, especially not Clergy or Christian leaders, they should all bow down to him. So again, he is addressing the Clergy, but now blaming the media. Because he hasn’t himself blamed them before for addressing political matter.

Kampala. President Yoweri Museveni has warned newspapers against publishing false information aimed at causing confusion. “I want really to warn some of these newspapers that we are here to build our country. As Christians, we work for peace not for discord. They should not make it a business to spread discord,” said the President. President Museveni made the remarks this afternoon at Hotel Africana in Kampala, where he was a guest of honour at a conference organised by the Wekembe Group” (PPU – ‘PRESIDENT MUSEVENI WARNS MEDIA AGAINST FOMENTING CONFUSION’ 17.04.2018).

That is why he is separating them, the Newspapers are now the issues. During campaigns before 2016 elections, he said the Newspapers was trash then too. So this follows a pattern. If someone writes something intelligent or inside information from the NRM. You can expect to be in Court, detained in Nalufenya and closed papers for days, even months. The same as happen to Red Pepper recently and with the Sejusa Letters to Daily Monitor. What is weird is that the Observer hasn’t been touched in that regard.

The President would like anyone to be as submissive as the Seventh Day Adventist President Ted Wilson, who said while being with His Excellency: “work is to preach to the people and show them the right way to heaven and not involve ourselves in politics” (Samuel Kamugisha – ‘SDA President Ted Wilson: Church Should Stay Away From Politics’ 18.02.2018, The Pearl Times). It is a reason why the SDA Church Leader got to bask in the glory of Museveni. He spoke his message and his words. It was going back to 2002 Museveni. That must have made the holy ghost flee the building. Because, this was praising the works of the oppressive dictator who controls everything.

Part of me still believes that Museveni are still in the bush and believes what people said about him then: “Privately Ugandans will only refer to ”Sunday” or ”two-plus-five,” code for Mu-seven-i. Some peasants believe he cannot be hurt by bullets” (William Pike – ‘Uganda can’t seem to crush guerrilla leader Museveni’ 20.09.1984, CS Monitor). Since he still thinks he cannot be hurt by bullets or wisdom for that matter.

He continues to blame everyone else. He is saying the media is spreading false news about him. The thing is, that he has steadily attacked the clergy when they have addressed his shortcomings. Something he cannot stomach. Just like he cannot manage to have opposition that cannot be bought. Those are the worst in his opinion. They should go back to village and work, not speak up and ask for things. That is not patriotic. That is how simple minded the President is.

He thinks he is wise, he think he can be untouchable, maybe because of the 1980s mythical figure he created around himself. If not how he built an army and built a fraud of an affair where he pay off his cronies. Later get rid of them, when he has no use of them. That why he is bothered by the media and the clergy. You cannot pay them all off, many you can, but not everyone.

The problem with Museveni. Is that for someone who has been in charge since 1986, he clearly doesn’t remember what he has said in the past. How he has reacted and how easy it is to find countering statements from his own lacking-visionary mouth.

The first thing the President could do, was to look into himself. Ask himself, what have I said in the past, what could be found in the archives and what would not fit my own words. Before opening up with a grand speech, acting holier than God and thinking you have the answer to life, the universe and everything. Certainly, that is 42, even though in the in the mind of Museveni it is 86. Everything returns to 86.

He can secondly blame the media or thirdly the clergy, but the problem is always him. Because he is the one saying these words and others are reporting it. If he don’t want these reports. Maybe he should be inside the State House or on one of his farms. Not speaking to people or handle meetings, not having speeches and not being interviewed. Maybe then, the reporting would be different. However, he cannot keep himself away from the spotlight.

Maybe Mr. Sunday could wake-up on Monday, smell the coffee and know that he created the issue himself yesterday. I doubt he will, but it would have been healthy. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni doling out gifts in the West again, this time in Rukungiri!

If you we’re ever in doubt of favoritism from the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, he has again proved how much love he has for the Western Parts of Uganda. He has an obsession, not only with hiring and appointing fellow cronies from the region, but also dole as much of the state funds into the area. That was proven today.

It is happening as the certain parts of West Nile Region are asking for help, because of their dire needs. The state and with the meaning of state, Museveni decided that Rukungiri district deserved some favors. They deserved suddenly more 500 billions of shillings into the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and 193 millions of shillings on the Rukungiri Municipality Carpenters. This is a district with over 300,000 citizens, but it is big step giving this huge amount of money to significant projects.

He gave away trucks and dozens of boda-boda’s to the district. At least there was photo-ups of this and the wood machinery to the Carpenters of the town. Clearly, in a way of showing the use of government and spreading the message of his government. This is again, a proof of his mismanagement. Instead of letting the businesses grow naturally or letting people themselves make it possible. He has to come with gifts like any random NGO to Rukungiri. This isn’t sustainable practice, but a patching of the hurt.

To think that these millions of shillings and billions spent on the OWC will create a miracle, is very naive, it is very stupid to think so. It is in the best interest for Museveni took keep things cool and get the needs at low levels. So he can spare a few dimes here and there, but keep most of it for himself.

Nice that he gave boda-boda’s to the district. But why aren’t this happening in the Easter or Northern Districts for that matter? Why was it that Mbarara Urban Poor was getting rations of food during the last year, but the Isingiro, got breadcrumbs? When another region was starving… That is what doesn’t make sense, even if it partly does.

Because the Western Elite is gigantic, the men who has represented the district of Rukungiri, isn’t only Dr. Kizza Besigye, but Gen. Henry Tumukunde and the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, to mention a few of the gentlemen in the this area. Therefore, this district has significant factors and backers, still the Western shouldn’t overshadow the rest. Even if it does at this point.

That is what is so obvious, so vindictive, how the state and Museveni dole out this funds and gifts to this region. Just like it has done at others too. Dropping Tractors and needed agricultural gear, while other regions cannot even get the 2016 promised hoes. That is the level of impunity and lack of institutions, lack of governance and structure. Something the Museveni has created and is proud off. Since he is eating the biggest slice of the cake.

What was dropped on Rukungiri District today is pocket-change, small-fry and no big deal. It is for the ones getting a boda, a truck or even parts of the OWC grants. No doubt about it, but in the grand schemes of things, it is pocket change. Not significant and worth mentioning in the minds of the budget or the audit of it.

However, don’t tell me the West of Uganda, isn’t favored, the proof is the actions. That has been known for long. That is why the main roads there has been better the rest. Peace.

Opinion: It is a rare day, catching the Ministry of Ethics and Integrity in an Open Lie!

We know by now, that former Reverent Simon Lokodo, the Minister for Ethics and Integrity is struggling and his whole ministry is flawed. The basic needs and the promises made are undercut, if not existing; why do I say that? Well, his Pornographic Machine to detect browsing and what else of that content has now been scrapped, that is promise that haven’t been kept. They cannot afford this sort of machine and therefore, has to figure out new ways to moral superior to the citizens.

Why where you lying in August 2016, promising this fancy machine would be delivered in September 2016? It has now gone 2 years and still nothing but empty promises. Not that I want the Republic to have that sort of equipment, because if people want to see porn. Let them see porn, it is their minds and their bodies that is enthused, not the whole public. It is not as if they are having public viewing like cinemas with it. Unless, the Ministry is fearing for that sort of activity.

In August 2017, the same Ministry said the Machine was coming soon, but it never did. That was year in and still nothing materialized, except for more lies from the Ministry of Ethics. Such a Noble place to be lying.

However, now in April 2018, the Ministry is saying it will buy software to monitor it instead, so the privacy breach is still important, but they lying itself isn’t? Double standard much, aye?

Therefore, it is bad to watch porn, but sanctioned by the state to lie. How convenient right? That the reverent is paid to lie and is doing it with a steady pace, surely he is running a marathon on this lie. Both in 2016 and 2017, as he was knocking down on the Porn Addicts. Instead of tackling the problem head-on, he has succumbed to narrowing in on software. The hardware has to wait, because of technical difficulties.

It is beautiful to have caught the magnificent gentleman and minister of Ethics in lying. Especially, when he has been so involved in catching other people and making a lesson out of people reactions. How he has attacked Stella Nyanzi for her demonstrations of oppressive behaviour. Therefore, it is about time someone says it.

Instead of backtracking, just say you lied and ask for forgiveness, I am sure there as some Catholics who can take you in for a while, so you can repent and ask for your sins to cease. The Confessions would uplift your soul and cleans your ways for the bad habit you clearly have.

It doesn’t matter at this point if the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) or the National Information Technology Authority (NITA), haven’t helped procure the machine, the software update to block pages is benign from the actual promises made. Therefore, time to repent from the lying ways. You cannot have a man preaching how sinful other people are and he is caught in lying. That is just bad and gives a sour taste in your mouth, doesn’t it?

Rev. Lokodo, please confess, it would be healthy for us and for you. That you would humbly ask the public for forgiveness and confess your sins. I don’t even ask for cash, for side-tracks or reasoning, just that you tell the truth. You are the head of Ethics in the Republic, we should expect you could have your tongue in check, if anyone in the Republic should, it should be you! Peace.

Uganda Bankers’ Association: Position of Financial Institutions under the UBA Umbrella Notices Recieved from URA to Obtain Information of all Account Holders (08.04.2018)

Hon. Nankabirwa continues her cult-like praise of Museveni!

I would like to assure you that Museveni is here to stay. He has the power, the money and other resources that are necessary to push this country to greatness,” Nankabirwa said” (…) “Those who opposed the move to amend the presidential age limit are now living cowardly. They feel ashamed of the fact that their efforts proved them wrong at the end of the day. For us in NRM we proudly say that our stand was the best for Uganda,” she said” (Namanya, 2018).

Ruth Nankabirwa, the government chief whip continues her praise and being a loyal subject of the President. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni must be giddy to have someone praising him in this manner. She is now a useful mouthpiece, she is praising him and heavier, than Beti Kamya, which in itself is special. In the championship of praising Museveni in the current day, Nankabirwa is in the pole position, even in front of Lewis Hamilton.

She is now praising him and allying herself with him, in a way, where her fate is bound by what happens with Museveni. There isn’t anything of policies or political belief. It is just bound by her alliance with Museveni.

This here is just an act to solidify her position and show that she is loyal to the President. That is why she is even proud of the abolishing the Age Limit in the Constitution. Just to give more time and ability for the President to continue to rule. When the NRM speaks for the best, it is the best for the President and then the Republic. Because the President always comes first. Last mentioned was Uganda. That is because, Uganda has been blessed with Museveni in their eyes. He can do nothing wrong and if he does it you too blame.

That is why the President is quick to blame his cronies and his own people, there is never his fault. But he expects that people like Nankabirwa praises him and gives him the fountain of honor. Not that a man of his stature do wrong or doesn’t listen to advice. Even fellow peers at the time of the makings of the Constitution, warned him about term limits. That he didn’t want to hear, but had to revise when he had spent that time in office and didn’t want leave. The same appeared again, as his age was closing in on him.

Now, the President needs his fellow MPs and Cronies to praise him, even if it is wrong. The people who was against abolishing the age limit isn’t cowards, but they have just seen the Republic and the Parliament, mostly sold to the President. They are not representatives anymore of the people, but of the President. There are few who are real and who try within the system to represent the people. However, there is very few and those who does, like even within the NRM would be fined and sanctioned by the Party. The NRM Rebel MPs was even talks of sanctioning them.

Nankabirwa, we know your loyal, but your words are still not true. Museveni isn’t a visionary anymore, and your just trying to catch your next paycheck. We understand, we do and we are not blind sheep following without thinking straight. It is hard to believe that Museveni will bring the republic to greatness now.

Museveni has had 32 years and there is still very little progress made and the achievements of the past is now getting tarnished with time. Also, the lack taxation, the added debt and the cronyism that is destroying the state. If that is greatness in Nankabirwa eyes, than I am sorry, but I beg to differ. It isn’t greatness, its self-inflicted destruction of the state in favor of one man and his cronies. That is not development, but using the state as a racket. It has been done now for over 30 years. However, that is just me. Peace.

Reference:

Namanya, Job – ‘Museveni is unchallengeable, says Nankabirwa’ (07.04.2018) link: https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1475062/museveni-unchallengeable-nankabirwa

Prof. Tumusiime-Mutebile: Bank of Uganda is Soundly Managed (05.04.2018)

Former Buganda Premier Dan Muliika Spits Fire over Kampala Expansion (Youtube-Clip)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf6vS6GFii8&t=58s

“Buganda Kingdom reviews documents of proposals on the expansion of Kampala, there’s still uncertainty on how the largest Kingdom in Uganda is likely to react to the plans. Former Buganda Premier Dan Muliika talks to Canary Mugume on the on-going debate about the proposed expansion of Kampala city to integrate fast-growing suburbs of Wakiso, Mpigi and Mukono” (NBS Television, 01.04.2018)

A man gone missing: Where is Vice-President Ssekandi?

Edward Ssekandi, the Vice-President since 24th May 2011. He has been in his role for 7 years now. Still, he is not a viable character, not of any significance. I cannot remember him doing or saying anything profound. I cannot see his spirit or his political be left behind. It is more like he is left behind and hope someone finds him.

The VP is a shadow, a ghost of government, the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has a more presence, has a bigger portfolio and a bigger budget under the Office of the Prime Minister. Surely, the PM inherited lots of tasks and projects that Mbabazi put forward. However, the Vice-President should have been more of leader. He is the second in command, but it doesn’t feel that way. At this point, I am sure Gen. Salim Selah or someone else has a more say, than the current VP.

That is how it seems, his lack of importance, his lack of policy and office. Therefore, thinking that other Cabinet Ministers could have more power, than the supposed second in command… that is saying something is wrong with the system. If not deliberate, because the President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni want it this way. Museveni, this is his way.

Ssekandi has the importance and stature of a statue in the Constitutional Square or somewhere else in Kampala. He could be on the mural on Speke Avenue, instead of actually living and breathing. That is because he isn’t doing anything substantial in a while.

It is hard to see his value, other than he is there, because of his loyalty and that he has no ambition. Because if you have ambition in the National Resistance Movement, sooner or later, your wings will be clipped. That has happen to many and might happen to more. If they dare to question or even trying to succeed Museveni. Because his rare glimpse brilliance, he is still able to hold a tight grip on the party. However, the cracks and the creeks might come. But that will not because of Ssekandi.

Ssekandi will be busy at funerals, at village levels opening government facilities and also at random government sponsored forums, where he can feel like he has a say and has an honorable position. The VP at this point, is an extra and just someone you call in when the ministers are busy cooking up policies. If they are not finding ways to get a Presidential Handshake or his praise, but they don’t need permission from the VP to do anything. Everything passes by the State House anyone. So the VP can practically be out of the loop.

Ssekandi could be on vacation, he could be like Cameroonian President Paul Biya, whose spending vast amount of time in Geneva, Switzerland. Instead, he is doing demeaning jobs and has no say. There hasn’t been anything he has done, that I can remember that meant anything. Ssekandi will go down in history as the stooge and Donky Kong VP. The VP who we don’t know what did or stand for. He is just a man serving the President, but not working or doing anything justified.

He is a lost VP, he is out here somewhere, breathing and eating, maybe even challenge someone in Poker or Chinese Chess. Who knows if he drink Waragin or just a splash. We have no idea, but what we do know. Is that his lack of ambition, his lack of courage and will, is a useful piece in the machinery of the President. However, he is useless from a political and a parliamentary place.

Ssekandi is there, but not really though. It is a mirage, we have to wait to see where he returns next. Peace.

Bank of Uganda’s Fresh report spells fear of the growing levels of debt!

This isn’t breaking news, this just facts at this point. The growth of debt is becoming a danger for the economy in Uganda. Because of the overspending and lack of donors to pledge for the needed government services, the bloated amounts of local government and the rampant cronyism. Is all combined making sure the extent of the economy gets hit, while the Uganda Revenue Authority, doesn’t have enough levies or enough taxes to gain enough for the shortfall of cash. The deficit is founded on loans, while the government are still paying interests and growing the debt ratio at a scale that is not healthy for the economy. Even if there is a future possible oil-revenue, it still has to become massive, to repay the debts of yesterday. When the amount of GDP goes to repaying and higher rates on the new loans. This is how to step-by-step killing the economy, by circling and re-issuing new debt, to pay off the old debt. Sooner or later, you need a scheme to fix it and start a Ponzi scheme to fix the economy. That is why there are ghost refugees and ghost projects to fix funding for the failing state.

Just take a look:

The provisional total public debt stock (at nominal value) as at end December 2017 stood at Shs. 37.9 trillion, representing an increase of 9.4 per cent relative to June 2017. This growth in the stock of public debt was mainly on account of a 12.2 per cent growth in public external debt (in Shillings terms), which continues to have the dominant share of 66.3 per cent of total public debt. In December 2017, external and domestic debt amounted to Shs. 25.1 trillion and Shs. 12.8 trillion, respectively, which is an increase of 12.2 per cent and 4.2 per cent, respectively, compared to June 2017.

The provisional stock of public external debt disbursed and outstanding stood at USD 6,902.7 million as at end December 2017, representing an increase of 10.8 per cent from June 2017 compared to an increase of 24.6 per cent in the corresponding period a year ago. The total external debt exposure (debt disbursed and outstanding and debt committed but undisbursed) amounted to USD 11,690.6 million as at end December 2017” (BoU, P: 16, 2018).

The present value of total public debt as a ratio of GDP stood at 28.1 per cent as at the end of December 2017, which is lower than the PDMF benchmark of 50 per cent. However, including committed but undisbursed loans, the ratio of total public debt to GDP is closer to the threshold. This poses a risk of higher exposure or failure to meet external debt obligations in case of exchange rate volatility and slow growth in exports. In addition, high debt may become a drag on economic growth by discouraging public investment due to the high debt service costs” (BoU, P: 17, 2018).

This sort of report should worry anyone who cares about the future, the growing debt is a bad sign. It is a sign that the National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is putting the future at risk, because he wants to eat right now. Instead of balancing the budgets or trying to find ways to get fresh revenue for the shortfalls and deficits, instead he is borrowing for everything and with the lack of transparency, the funds are embezzled and gone in the wind. Therefore, the state can often borrow for something that only exists on paper. Which is even worse, because they are not delivering anything else than growing debt like it is a gifts. That they will not pay interests and pay it off sooner or later.

The amount of loans should worry, it really should. This sort of reports should shatter the Parliament, should reshape the government and should make the Finance Minister Matia Kasaija and Treasury Secretary Keith Muhakanizi, wish their were on a peaceful island drinking umbrella-drinks, while far away living on their pensions, and hope they are not getting a Q&A at the Plenary Session. Since this is damning and beginning of troubles ahead. Just not knowing how damaging it can be. Peace.

Reference:

Bank of Uganda (BoU) – State of Economy – March 2018