Opinion: Bobi Wine’s silence is telling…

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Dr Martin Luther King Jr

These days you know who your comrade is or not. We know the game of politics isn’t easy or for the faint hearted. No, you got have heart and a steady mind to play it. That’s why with the recent developments… the deafening silence is killing me.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the leader of the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform (NUP) have remained silent. He hasn’t uttered a word or written a statement. Neither has his party as a whole either. They are clearly looking at it from a populist standpoint and silently moving along like nothing happened.

Bobi Wine is a tactician and have used strategies to gain notoriety. He has been able to use his musical platform and build himself a name with edutainment. While also going into politics to usher in change. He went from being solo MP for his cause and to have about 60 within two or three years. The NUP went from nothing and became the biggest opposition party in the 11^th Parliament ahead of the well established ones. That is a feat and a resounding victory for Bobi Wine.

However, he has a narrow path to follow. His party has to coordinate and make right decisions. That’s why the silence on the Anti-Homosexuality Act is compelling to say the least. Especially, if he wants to stand up against impunity and oppression. Because, this law is the definition of that and doing so against one minority.

Yes, the NUP is oppressed, getting activists and leaders detained, abducted and even extra judicially killed. So, it is not like the NUP has it easy. Neither is the price of being active in this manner without a cost. The burden is enormous and you get little to nothing back.

Bobi Wine knows this and it is a struggle. It isn’t an easy ride and it’s going to get testing. This is another test. I know that several of allies and fellow MPs of the NUP supports the act in itself. Heck, one man he campaigned for is the man behind it, Asuman Basalirwa MP.

Shamim Malende, the Kampala Woman MP and NUP Lawyer has vouched for the act too. It’s not like there isn’t people in his circle who is partaking in it and doing the bidding to enact it. That’s a mere observation and obviously they are behind the harsh and inhumane treatment of fellow citizens. Because, that’s what the law does and will do to a minority. No matter how you cut it or justify it. There will be people scorned by it or possible suffer death as a consequence. They are target for one simple reason and that reason isn’t hurting anybody either.

The NUP and Bobi Wine knows what the state does to its critics. The leader of the Opposition knows it very well. The NUP has seen it and been under fire for their stance. Now it is radio silence from the most vocal leader. His not saying a word… and not even a sound-bite. It is like it doesn’t matter or face him.

Bobi Wine… we are hearing you loud and clear. The silence is compelling. Let me end with the words of late Archbishop Desmond Tutu: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality”.

He should say something. His a great orator and writer. Bobi Wine can spread a message and get heard. However, the deafening silence is “killing me”. Peace.

Church of Uganda: Church of Uganda grateful for Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 (29.05.2023)

Opinion: Now the authorities are allowed to be policing in your bedroom

“President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assented to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in accordance with Article 91 (3) (a) of the Constitution. Parliament passed the returned bill on Tuesday, 02 May 2023” (Parliament of Uganda, 29.05.2023).

Now that the President of the Republic has assented the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. We can rest assured that the authorities, the law enforcement and the bodies governing the state can officially police the bedrooms of the nation. This law is enforceable towards on minority the LGTBQ+ community. However, it is opening up the floodgates of other questionable behaviours.

This law was based on morals and religious codes. When you break the barrier of this and codify it to law. You can easily ascertain or ensure new avenues for restrictions. Because, why should only the indecency of the gay or the homosexuals be targeted?

There other transgressions, other misbehaviour and lack of moral judgements that can be deemed as “unnatural” or immoral. Therefore, why cannot the Police Force and the authorities target more people in the same manner, which it will with the LGBTQ+ community.

When you have started there and stopping them from their love-life. You can certainly do similar things. Especially, if you are concerned with upholding the value of family-life and traditional structures. Because, why shouldn’t there be a law that makes it illegal to be a slay-queen?

Why isn’t there a law that makes it a sexual offence to have sex outside of marriage? Why isn’t there a law against having side-dishes or being unfaithful to your significant other? Why?

Why is it only a sin against nature with the homosexuals and not all the homewreckers of society? Seriously, when you have open up the gates. Better come correct and shine a light. Because there is a lot of darkness and little light in nearby area now.

I just beg to question it. The ISO and UPF should suddenly come knocking in student dorms and in lounges of professors who are enjoying their slim pickings outside of marriage. They should answer for the screwing for grades. We know its going on and it’s common knowledge. There is a reason why slay-queens and sugar-daddies are established “roles” in society. We could kid ourselves, but then again… we know it’s going on.

If you are afraid that one day the officers will come knocking. Well, you should… because there are morally bankrupt politicians willing to sell you out for political capital. That’s what is going on and they are taking down one minority possibly at the time. They are not even seeing it themselves, but they are…

With the reasoning behind the recent legislation. Similar ones can easily be drafted. Just like the idea of legalising a couple for “living in sin” without being married. So, if two people are co-habiting for too long. The law is sealing the deal and the two are married by law. That’s what I have read the other day. Another proof of policing the bedroom and the lives of the citizens.

The Anti-Gay law is only a start. Sooner or later they will find you or someone close to you. They are maybe starting with the rainbow, but after that they will go after the wedding-crashers or the playboys of the city. If not they will take the hustlers or the slay-queens. Someone else will be tested and will be punished. They have just put forward the baseline and now we know where they can go. Peace.

Uganda: One minority is now a criminal offence in the Republc…

“President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assented to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in accordance with Article 91 (3) (a) of the Constitution. Parliament passed the returned bill on Tuesday, 02 May 2023” (Parliament of Uganda, 29.05.2023).

The ones cheering.

The ones celebrating.

The ones who are participating and calling it a good day.

They are naive and foolish.

These people are forgetting one thing. One vital thing. That if you give the state and a government the rights to violate, silence and stop one minority from existing. The same reasoning, the same justification and the same legal basis can be used against you.

Right now it’s the LGBTQ+ Community that is targeted. Together with haywire of messaging that this an answer to the collective West. However, the 11^th Parliament and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in their populism is forgetting one fact. That gay marriage was banned and the sanctimony of marriage was already legalised in the 1995 Constitution. Therefore, this law in itself is partly redundant.

Alas, the most vital thing isn’t the gays here. Yes, they are the minority and the victims. These are the ones that are losing their rights to live and love who they deem fit. That is wrong on all accounts. Landlords and media houses can get into trouble. There so many more who will be hurt and if you conspire to a “gay activity” you could also get punished. Meaning, if the state thinks or considers that one might take part. Well, the state can not only charge you but they can make you felon.

Seriously, today is a sad day. That a “human rights advocate” made this law is more insane. A man who professes “human rights” Asuman Basalirwa… his name is stained for eternity. An MP who knows how vicious and vindictive the authorities of the nation are. Basalirwa is already seeing how Law Enforcement and the Authorities are targeting the opposition. With that knowledge and modus operandi. His giving these people now the laws and justification to go after another minority.

That’s the tragedy here… now people can say and claim that someone has partake or is promoting these activities. By definition and by law they can be charged, detained and thrown in prison. Heck, if you only house a brother or a sister who is. That is enough to get you arrested and in legal jeopardy.

You can like I do… by religious beliefs and dogmas the activities are wrong. However, so is having side-dishes, thieving and fornicate outside of marriage. Nevertheless, only thieving is deemed wrong by law. The acts of having a mistress or having sex itself outside of holy matrimony is still legal. So, why only go after one thing and not the whole spectrum?

Well, the MPs don’t want to stop themselves. They are not the kind to enforce laws that are limiting their rights or freedoms. These folks prefers to get more things and more shiny objects. That’s why they are pushing for laws like these. Without thinking about the implications and how it can be used.

One day… one day soon. An Opposition MP will be deemed gay and will be punished by law. There will be no need for proof or evidence. That person will go through fire and will be burned by it. It is just bound to happen. There will be activists, leaders and civil society members who will haunted by this law too. They will target the ones that is critical and doing civic education. These are the ones that are in trouble soon.

Sooner or later this law will backfire. The donors and international community will be resentful. These might suspend and stop funding of projects or direct government aid. That wouldn’t be shocking either. However, that isn’t the most troublesome here.

What is more troublesome is how this law can be applied and that innocent people can be hurt by it. Not only the minority that is targeted, but people who they deem “fit” for the bill. Peace.

Commends Fox Odoi MP for his bravery [and quoting his Minority Report on the Anti-Gay Bill]

Yesterday, it was a National Resistance Movement (NRM) Member of Parliament that made his own Minority Report on the amended version of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023. This was Hon. Fox Odoi of Budama North East County. He was the only voice of reason, as the 11^th Parliament for the second time passed the Anti-Gay law and did so with the blessing of the President.

I am amazed that Odoi was alone in this. Because his assessment is right. The law will be used as a tool and people can easily be deemed “gay” and therefore be in legal jeopardy. That’s the sort of play and this law is directly targeting on outcasted group of society. This is the LGBTQ+ community. I would have never thought a NRM MP would write a dissenting Report and be the only signatory of it. However, yesterday was such a day and its baffling.

Just read these parts of the Minority Report and you should be concerned to about the usage and the limitations of the law. It shows the disregard of justice and impunity of which it possibly serves. The law itself is draconian and can be a tool of oppression. Not only against actual gays or LGBTQ+ people, but also people who can be accused as such.

Just read these parts, which I have taken from the Report itself…

“The proposal of the President to the extent that it saves the criminalization of consensual same sex relations in clause 2 is self-defeating since on one hand it recognizes their existence and on the other, it punishes their acts. Like the Bill, the proposal by the President will still leave room for the abuse of the rights and freedoms of LGBTQI+ community by legislating the discrimination of such persons, the perpetuation of inhuman and degrading punishments, the invasion of their privacy, the denial of their right to health, housing as well as the right to seek and obtain justice and remedies at law for wrongs committed against such persons. The proposal by the President does not protect, in a comprehensive manner, any of the rights and freedoms enshrined and protected in chapter four of the Constitution” (Minority Report P:4, 02.05.2023).

“The minority fear that this provision will be abused by law enforcement agencies who may label persons homosexuals, without being denied by courts of law. The will require such persons to defend themselves, thereby reversing the burden of proof from the prosecution to the accused person. It is trite criminal law that the prosecution bears the burden to prove the offence against the accused. This burden of proof does not shift to the accused to prove their innocence as the Bill proposes. The burden of proof always rests on the prosecution. The prosecution must adduce evidence to discharge its burden of proof” (Minority Report, P: 5, 02.05.2023).

“The minority has examined the proposals by the President and is of the considered opinion that they are insufficient to salvage the Bill. The unconstitutionality of the Bill cannot be remedied through a partial and ineffective recognition of the existence of LGBTQI+ community while at the same time criminalizing the enjoyment of their constitutional right and freedoms” (Minority Report, 02.05.2023).

Hope to God that after the President accents the law and it goes into effect. That someone petition the Courts and tests its true limitations. Because, the Minority Report even states that its unconstitutional, meaning it goes against the cornerstone of the laws in the Republic. You cannot create new laws, which are in disregard of the Constitution. That makes the law “void” or unredeemable. Therefore, the Anti-Homosexual Act of 2023 could be dismissed or ruled against. If someone would petition it and if so… they would return the favour, which happened to a similar law in 2014.

The NRM and the MPs are apparently going in circle and never learning. The 11^th Parliament repeating the sins of the 9^th Parliament. When they can write a law like this against one Minority of Society. They can easily do the same against others. That’s what I fear and what people should be worried about. The Minority Report itself states another worry on the implementation and usage of it, which are despicable and a possibility. No one should be shocked if an opposition figure or activists is deemed “gay” and thrown in prison. That is just a given in the current state of affairs. Peace.

Uganda: Deputy Attorney General Jackson Karugaba Kafuuzi letter to Speaker Anita Among – “The Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023” (20.04.2023)

Opinion: Déjà vu of 2014

It has nearly been a decade ago since the last Anti-Homosexual Bill was tabled and put into law in the Republic of Uganda. My stance has been the same the whole time. A bill that targets one minority will do no good. If you target one minority, the minority you belongs too could be next.

While the oppression, the brutal state and the authorities are unforgiving in their ways. The manners of which has only continued without any stops. The law enforcement are using means of kidnapping, keeping people incommunicado, imprisoned for years without charges or trials and neither is the actions of the state justified. Just like the state continues to arraign and put civilians into Military Courts. That’s a deliberate act and all the security agencies are in on it.

That’s why the new law from Asuman Basalirwa MP is a useless enterprise. His going after the same issue and same moral obligation as his predecessors did in 2014. What is striking is that he didn’t consider the Constitutional implications and how that would need to be amended before writing such a law. It was bound to fail and not happen…

That’s why the latest NRM Resolution are so in order. The Parliament has already enacted it and waited for the President to assent it. However, the President knows he cannot defy the donors or the multi-national organizations who feeds him. He won’t bite the hand that feeds him. The President know perfectly well that the economy isn’t booming and the domestic revenue isn’t growing either. He needs cash and fiscal stimulus. That can only come from afar and they won’t accept the law striking hard against the LGBTQ.

The International Community might write a condemnation and a warning for breaching human rights laws. Heck, they might even show support and visit a fellow opposition leader who are seeing their comrades suffer on the regular. However, they will not stop the criminalization of the opposition or the oppression, thereof… and the President knows this. So, it is easier to take away this law and get a bargain. Than to actually follow the populist and popular narrative of the day.

Museveni knows he can dismiss and call homosexuality “disgusting”. He can speak ill of it and call it unnatural. However, he will not give away the chance of fresh dollar bills or euros over a “holier than thou” bill in Parliament. I would have estimated that it would be challenged in the Courts and they would call it “void”.

I wouldn’t have thought or considered that Museveni would refer the bill back to Parliament for revision. No, that’s to much action and work for the old man. He could just await the game… and let the bygones be bygones. That’s what I anticipated, but the old man wants them to taste the bitter fruits. Because, his been here before… and we all have been here too.

This law was bound to fail, the way it was launched, manners of judgement and the whole ordeal was a tragic mess. Basalirwa MP should reconsider himself lucky. He has stained his name and reputation, as a “human rights” lawyer. His now just a pawn in a populist game and a man who has no issues digging the graves of a minority to get some political capital. That’s the sort of fella he is and the Parliament all went in on it.

The President just does this… to “win” and also prove a point. That you cannot twist the 1995 Constitution, only he can and he will when he needs it. Peace.

South Africa: Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – EFF Memorandum to the Ugandan Embassy (04.04.2023)

Opinion: Mwenda’s narrow path…

“Overall, the blog has taken a critical stance towards Mwenda’s political commentary and his views on Ugandan politics, with a focus on his support of the NRM and his criticism of opposition leaders” (ChatGPT, 25.03.2023).

Over the years, I have been a staunch and loudmouth critic of journalist and editor Andrew Mwenda. That has been within reason and with arguments, which I find reasonable. However, this last week. I find myself in a peculiar place, in agreement with Mwenda. Even if we don’t see eye-to-eye or is in the same head-space.

Mwenda has been a token ally of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and an unofficial government spokesperson with his views and perspectives. So, it wasn’t shocking that the Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga appointed him to the spokesperson of the MK Army/Movement. That was just the where he was headed anyway.

So, when I see the pushback and retorts back after Mwenda published another one of his Facebook rants. I find it interesting, that this time… his on point and the last time was maybe the garbage helicopters of Garang. So, it has been a decade or so, since we agreed upon something or can acknowledge the pseudo-intellectual spin of his.

Especially when Mwenda write so poignantly this:

“More critically, the law is as stupid as it is going to be redundant. It is stupid because it is passed on the basis of protecting Ugandan morals. But you cannot legislate morality and enforce it using state diktat. Morality would be best left to families and religious institutions. Besides homosexuality is not the only “immoral” problem Uganda is facing. As already state above, Ugandans are having sex before marriage, husbands and wives (in fact 90% of the MPs who voted for this law) are cheating on their spouses with reckless abandon, kids in schools are binge drinking and fornicating as if it is running out of fashion etc. etc. The law will be redundant because homosexuality among consenting adults is a private activity conducted in the privacy of their bedrooms. Since both parties are consenting, there is miniscule likelihood that one party will report to police against another. If the problem is pedophilia (sex with underage kids or minors), which is what most Ugandans I listen to seem to insinuate, we have the law against defilement. If it is nonconsensual sex, then we have the law against rape” (Andrew M. Mwenda – ‘Uganda’s homophobic madness’ 24.03.2023).

These words are so on point and makes on the other side of his boss. Mwenda is now crossing paths with the views and perspectives of Muhoozi. The spokesperson of the MK Movement is questioning the reasoning and political motives of their “beloved” leader. I couldn’t have stated these words more perfectly myself. I’m amazed that Mwenda wrote this… when he should know how Muhoozi feels about. That is the man with the meal-ticket and future political base to uphold.

While Mwenda is right in his reasoning and basis for his arguments. I totally agree with him. His going into troubled territories here. Mwenda is crossing swords and negating the views of the Lt. Gen. A man who has professed his love for the Lord and Women. We know the General has even praised the beauty of Kenyan and Rwandan Women. As well, as speaking endearing about his wife. So, we know the game his playing…

Alas, here comes the trouble. Even if Mwenda is right and has a sound mind here. That don’t matter when he has to cater to the court of public opinion. Neither does it help him when the cronies and everyone around him eyeing for his spot. Sooner or later he could fall out of favour and be sacked in the morning.

Mwenda is playing a game he cannot win. He can challenge the law in the Courts like he did with the previous ones. However, his gambling the ticket and the enterprise he has with Muhoozi. The Lt. Gen. isn’t a seasoned vet or a man of rational thinking. His a boozed up and brutal individual with an ego higher than Mount Kilimanjaro. So, Mwenda should be careful here…

He ended his text with this:

“To conservative Ugandans, I can only say that our country can only suppress homosexuality by simply abandoning our search for modernization. Here, we would all turn our back on development and return to our villages to live as peasants. But this we will not do because out desire for development is much more intense than our hatred for homosexuality. For gay Ugandans and liberal intellectuals, ignore the subjective motivations of the homophobes. The objective outcome of this draconian law is to widen the debate and bring more knowledge, curiosity and eventually tolerance of homosexuality in our country” (Mwenda, 24.03.2023).

It is really a compelling way and a story to tell. That is uses this argument and reasoning this far. A man who counted cars to explain the rising development. Now he says homosexuality is a sign of modernity. In this instance, I beg to differ a little, because this has always existed and been a thing. That’s why even Roman emperors was dwelling in these activities and that’s ages ago. So, it is part of humanity. The only difference with out time… is that the legality and the human rights conventions are allowing it by law many place. Nevertheless, I am on the side of Mwenda.

You shouldn’t target one minority and have laws that are so severe over moralities. That will be a dangerous path and we don’t know where that is ending. It is starting today with the gays, but tomorrow it could be your neighbour. That’s why the text of Mwenda is within reason and common sense. While we know that all common sense, isn’t all that common.

For a man that has bastardized and gone overboard in his defence of the state and vilification of the opposition. Mwenda was on point here… but by doing so… he could lose his fortunes and his future. As he bets on goodwill and possible other ramifications by taking this stance. This saga will continue.

A year ago or two… I would have neither sided with this man. However, his proving that he can be reasonable and be right. That’s a relief, but don’t expect this to be an occurring theme. Peace.

South Africa: Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – EFF Condemns Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill (24.03.2023)