Cleanliness in Leadership is one rare commodity in Uganda: In the cases of Beatrice A. Anywar & Nabilah N. Sempala

loyalty_151899761-thumb-380xauto-3465

We have seen deflections during the election period. That is not news. Something that is expected! Everybody changes fields for better fortune or ideology, even losing hope in the place they have been in. Get a better state of mind or have more faith in another leader. This here is about two woman who has been loyal and hard-core FDC, Pro-FDC if you want to say so. Even if Beatrice Atim Anywar have been rumored to have a close relationship with Mzee. That is kind of confirmed while NRM Presidential Flag-Bearer Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had his campaign in town. The other one which is more silent, but still showing lacking moral and party loyalty is Nabillah Nagayi Sempala. They both proved that they we’re interested in Go-Forward. They both have some kind of suction at times with NRM. If they are all true then it’s really deserves a spiteful chant. But that is for another day. I will not go into their CV’s. More just from summertime this year till today’s movement; this should be interesting enough.

NRA M7

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni said this once upon a time:

“Cleanliness in leadership is one of the rarest commodities in Uganda” (Weekly Topic June 6, 1980).

Nabila Sempala

Some stories on Nabillah:

“Kampala woman Member of Parliament Nabillah Nagayi Sempala has withdrawn from the race for the Secretary General position of Forum for Democratic Change party citing anomalies in the compiled list of delegates meeting in Kampala today for the FDC Delegates Conference” ( 12.06.2015, 91.0 Best FM).

2nd September Statement:

“In a perfect world politicians wouldn’t lie. But when the voters elect politicians who lie over those who tell the truth then the voters shouldn’t be surprised when they get caught being less that truthful. But in order for politicians to tell the truth, the voters are going to have to stop punishing honesty. The voters are going to have to be ready to face the truth and the hard decisions that the politicians have to face in passing fair laws that are good for the people. Some issues are tough issues and require tough choices and require a solution that is more complicated than a slogan. So when someone running for office tells you that global population is a real issue and it’s not going away on it’s own, listen!”.

NABILLAH SEMPALA Traitor

The real reason why she pulled out was so she could show support for TDA/Go-Forward candidate Amama Mbabazi as she did on 2nd November when she went away from FDC to do so (Fakebeast, 2015).

On the Nomination day of Dr. Kizza Besigye, Nabilah Sempala turned back, just a week after saying she would be behind Amama Mbabazi. She was sitting at Namboole where the Electoral Commission issued the verification on the candidature of the FDC flagbearer. Which are strange moves from the woman (Observer, 2015).

On the 3rd December she became an FDC MP candidate in Kampala today. She has really done some actions that have been questionable, but still been able to get back to the fold.

30.11.15 KItgum FDC

Some stories on Beatrice:

On 22nd September:

She said: “What is wrong with welcoming Amama Mbabazi? I even foresee beyond that. If we came into government, Museveni [safety] should be secured. The NRMs who have done bad things in this country – there should be a reconciliation [ for them], they should be forgiveness, otherwise we are going to continue being in war. That is why am giving a challenge and a burden of challenge to Dr Besigye as a founding member of this party [FDC]. If TDA has decided on another [candidate], don’t bring other issues that ‘he was in government, he did this and that’” (Observer, 2015).

On 3rd November her statement:

“I am a fighter. I fought the Mabira war and won it. I am a staunch FDC member, but I belong to an FDC that goes forward”.  She also said this: “I’m tired of being in one place stagnating. I want to move forward. All those FDC supporters who want to go forward, Amama is the man”.

Team JPAM Statement the same day:

“As proposed by Beatrice Anywar and Seconder Rosette Nsonga, Amama Mbabazi will run with the people’s flag, the go forward flag. See you at Nakivubo then, mid-day. Come one, Come all!”

On Amama Mbabazi nomination:

“Candidate JPAM’s papers already presented to the EC returning officer Eng Badru Kiggundu for scrutiny by Hon Beatrice Anywar” (88.7 Arua One FM).

She said this on 11th November:

“We Should Move As One And Not Sit Back, we As People Must Unit. Amama Came With Keys That Can Open The Doors To State House… With Mbabazi Our Votes Will Not Be Stolen, jobs For The Youth, safety Of Mothers, plus Keys To State House” (Greenfield Radio).

M7 21.11.15

Mzee states on 22nd November on the Boma Grounds at Kitgum:  

“According to the files I have looked at, the nodding disease has been contained. It was being brought by the flies from the river and we have sprayed, it has now gone down. We fought this with my daughter Anywar Beatrice but now she went to another party, we shall continue doing this without her”.

On 24th November:

“The FDC spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has said the Kitgum woman member of parliament Beatrice Anywar by act of abandoning the party presidential flag bearer Rtd. Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye to support the Go Forward candidate Hon. Amama Mbabazi has left the party” (Crooze FM 91.2)

On the 27th November:

“FDC electoral commission chairman, Dan Mugarura says Anywar was denied the party flag because of her hostility to the party and its presidential candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye. She continues to canvass for votes for former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi despite the collapse of the Democratic Alliance (TDA)” (Radiocity 97FM).

On the 30th November:

“Hon. Beatrice Anywar aka Mama Mabira bounces back to FDC in support of Kizza Besigye-Kifefe after she had publically decided to nominate Amama Mbabazi”.

On the 1st of December: “FDC  maintained that Mr Denis Okalit was the party flag bearer for the Kitgum municipality MP seat even as Ms Beatrice Anywar made last minute attempts to persuade the party to reconsider the decision” .

FDC Kitgum 02.12.15

Today:

“Beatrice Anywar, the embattled Kitgum Woman Member of Parliament has been nominated to run for Kitgum Municipality parliamentary seat as an independent” (…)”Anywar, who formerly belonged to the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, promises to cooperate with the party in parliament, despite their frosty relationship at the moment” (3.12.15, Radio Buddu 98.8 and 95.5)

Afterthought:

We have should wonder about how long and at what reasons they sudden return to FDC and for much is their trade. I am glad that they didn’t take back Beatrice Anywar even if they gave her space at the campaign rally in Kitgum, her area. The Kampala Woman MP Nabillah Nagayi Sempala will still rally under the FDC banner and organization. Even if she has been trifling and wonder how she gets the forgiveness from the party… What is her suction for the Kampala position since Gen. Mugisha Muntu could easily done the same and given another person the post and nomination. She can’t be the only woman in Kampala who could stand for the FDC. That I doubt, though not as experienced. So that this election period turns interesting, that is for sure and the losing grip of Amama Mbabazi is showing. While FDC stay strong and relevant, at the same time NRM continue to pay for patronage like giving alcoholic’s free beer at the bar. Go-Forward lost already in few days 100 people and now two high-profile candidates. Even if Beatrice Anywar haven’t been let into the fold in FDC, she has proven she is not loyal to Amama Mbabazi either. That is something you… can think about. Peace.

Reference:

Fakebeast – ‘Nabilah, Kidandala, Segona join Amama’ (02.11.2015) link: http://www.fakebeast.com/nabilah-kidandala-segona-join-amama/

Observer – ‘Wolokoso: Nabilah dashes to be the ‘acting Winnie’ (09.11.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/40889-wolokoso-nabilah-dashes-to-be-the-acting-winnie

Observer – ‘Besigye TDA stand selfish – Beatrice Anywar’ (22.09.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/40017-besigye-tda-stand-selfish-beatrice-anywar

Norbert Mao the DP chief not Nominated as MP for Gulu Municipality

Norbert Mao NTV

Today is a special day, a former presidential candidate Norbert Mao who happen to be the Democratic Party in 2011, is after today not allowed to compete to become a MP from the Gulu Municipality, and we’re today told by Gulu Electoral Commission registrar Benson Obete for the reason of missing his National ID card. To top it all off now he cannot run as a MP, because he doesn’t have that National ID card(Had to say that twice!).

He had issues last time with photos and got a few hours to fix it(by the same Electoral Commission before the 2011 Nominations. This time it wasn’t that easy; because when the issuing of the National ID Cards he was sick (Reports are saying so). On that matter hen wrote to the Ministry of late General Aronda to get a reissue of the card. In so return nothing ever happen and Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu; has now said today; that he cannot give special treatment to any candidate.

Just a friendly reminder: Well, he did that with Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the NRM, who didn’t need to be nominated by his party before he verified his nomination form like the other candidates did (I’m just saying). But that is another issue (Indeed it’s Mzee we’re speaking about).

Norbert Mao has been under fire since last election and the reckless fall of one of the oldest parties in the Ugandan country. He has been hectic activity since 2010. He was also parts of the ‘Walk to Work’ protest and a presidential candidate before that. He has had issues with the Police a dozen of times, seen rallies destroyed by police and been jailed. As so many opposition leaders and MPs has been now and then. Even totally pinked by tear-gas in Kampala (that picture is legendary); also rumored dead for a while during 2015, which we all know is not true. So let me give you some more quotes and issues in his political life!

Norbert-Mao 2011

Backdrops on today:

Mao we’re born on 12. March 1967. In 1991 he had been able to get bachelor degree in Law at Makerere University where he was Guild President school year of 1990/91. In 1992 he got the Post Graduate Diploma from Law Development Center in Legal Practice. From 1992 to 1996 he worked in two companies as a lawyer. From 1996 till now he has been an MP. And in General Election in 2011 he tried to be the DP Presidential Candidate.

DP Mao

Some of his love-life:

“Naomi Odong Achieng was seen leaving UK 16/10/98 in the company of Nobert Mao MP with whom she is reported to be deeply in love. Nobert Mao is a regular visitor to London and the relationship between the two has been going on for some time to the annoyance of Nobert Mao’s family” (…)”Last night I called Prof Ogenga Otunnu at his Offices at the York University Toronto Canada where he is a lecturer. I asked him if there was any rumour in the story that his wife had been snatched. He was reluctant to speak to me. He however confirmed that it was indeed true Mao had stolen his wife. He said that it was not news the relationship has been going on for some time now” (Masaba, 1998).

23rd October 2009:

He said: “In Gulu Municipality we had to exercise serious vigilance to beat electoral fraud. In 1996, my toughest election yet, even dead soldiers ‘voted’!! But I know only one way to meet a cchallenge – HEAD ON!! when you stand up to bullies you get beaten down. But at least you can get up…unlike those who lie down voluntarily…they will be down for good…So let us stand up for our right to make our votes count…”

18th November 2010:

He cited: “We are in Moroto! Last night 4 UPDF soldiers were busy tearing down my posters while putting up President Museveni’s. When challenged by my team, one cocked a gun. His colleague ordered him to shoot. Our police escorts disarmed him. If UPDF soldiers can do this then we are in a circus not a campaign. We are not campaigning against a party but the state itself. It is a mockery of democracy!”.opposition-leaders-sam-lubega-2l-upcs-olara-otunnu-and-others-were-weted-by-tear-gas-yesterday-picture-by-michael-kakumirizi1

In 2010 the year before General Elections in 2011:

He said this: “hose holding guns are entirely dependent on the gun. Those who are spending tax payers’ money on campaigns are dependent on money but we are relying on the ordinary Ugandan and everybody should know that DP has resurrected” (…)”We welcome whoever had temporarily taken refuge elsewhere to return home. Whoever fears rain can even seek shelter in a night dancer’s home but the rain is no more” (…)”I told them I am a Ugandan and I never filled any form to be a Mucholi (sic). I told them those who attacked the Lubiri did so before I was born” (DP, 2010).  If you forgot the troubling paperwork on the 2010 nomination: ““I declare Nobert Mao of DP, who has complied with all the regulations,” Dr Kiggundu said, amidst ululations and shouts of joy from the 20 man team.

However, Dr Kiggundu also said because of natural justice, Mao would be allowed some few hours to present another set of postcard photographs to the EC “because the ones submitted have one ear.”The team comprised of MPs, John Kawanga, Joseph Balikudembe, Mathias Nsubuga, and Jinja Mayor Kezaala among others” (DP, 2010).

April 18 2011 Statement:

We are now detained at Kiira Road Police Station. Seven of us are here facing ridiculous charges of being part of an unlawful society. They claim to have reinstated the old charges of inciting violence and holding an unlawful procession. We shall not be cowed. We remain resolute about the cause we have embraced”.

walk-work-@3double8

Reports from 2012:

Norbert Mao has already been a disappointment to the party, including all the neutral potential supporters who would have joined DP.  It is two years since Mao was elected, and there’s nothing that one can show” (…)”I have not seen or heard Mao and his executive in villages consulting and building the party, or empowering supporters, except during the elections. Yet DP would probably find it a lot easier to mobilise people since its values are very close to people’s hearts, and it has no history of engaging in killings” (…)”he has failed to reconcile the DP young leaders who connect very well with the voters. These are Ms Betty Nambooze, Mathius Mpuuga, Medard Ssegona and Erias Lukwago, among others” (…)”The DP that Mao leads has not even got an official website.  Ironically, Mao has a personal website where he regularly communicates to his followers, but not to the entire DP membership” (…)”Surely the DP party leadership can afford to build four rooms somewhere in outer Kampala to house our offices in a clean and respected area. I am not expecting Mao to use his personal wealth, and that’s why I am talking about fundraising not bankrolling the party” (Mwaka, 2012).

30th March 2012:

He cited saying: “My heart wept to see that displaced people who had returned to their homes in Apa, Amuru District have been beaten, killed and their houses burnt by the army and police on orders of the government. 25 people are in detention for saying no to this injustice. 9 people are unaccounted for. Police claims they shot dead two people but only produced one body. This is going to be a long struggle against a so called foreign investor who wants to turn our home into a game ranch! On Tuesday we shall see how to get the detainees out on bail…Truth will ultimately triumph…”.

norbert-mao-quote-museveni-has-not-kept-his-promises-to-west-nile-i

6th August 2012:

He said this: “We have just had a serious clash with NRM officials at Messiah FM when the radio talk-show host wanted to stop our program because Crispus Kiyonga and the NRM entourage were pressurizing him to close our program. We are filing an official complaint with the Media Council and the Broadcasting Council. Our program was cut to only 30 mins! Not just bad politics but also bad manners….”

30th July 2013:

He stated: “Police today surrounded the DP headquarters. Six pick up trucks downstairs, a police bus and our balcony swarming with armed riot police. My Press Officer Fred Mwesigwa bravely faced them off when they claimed that they had heard that DP was planning to deliver foodstuffs to families of police officers and so they had come to search DP offices. Mwesigwa told them that unless they produce a search warrant from court the party would exercise its right to self defence and protect its right to privacy. Eventually they cops went to the street level when it became apparent that no one was afraid of them”.

In August 2013:

He said: “The Public Order Management Act is the last nail in the coffin of civil liberties in Uganda. It is a monument to arbitrariness. It has amended the constitution by the back door concluding the formality of turning Uganda into a police state”.

Norbert Mao Quote

In November 2014:

“Mao said that he declined the Prime Minister’s position because he knew it was going to yield nothing for him and the people of Uganda whose interests he fights for” (…)”He says that the only way he was ready to work with Museveni was to restore peace in northern Uganda and take Internally Displaced people back to the homes” (ThemBokaHunga, 2014).

In September 2015:

He said: “The opposition is not as weak and unkempt as it seems. If the opposition was so weak and utterly in disarray as some people seem to think, Museveni would not be running around scared of losing elections” (…)”He (Museveni) would not be seeking to be guest of honour at every little ceremony in the country. Museveni is running around scared because for once he can smell defeat and he knows that the army will not defend him and keep him in power when he is defeated at the polls. He is desperate for a semblance of legitimacy” (Musinguzi, 2015).

And in a statement: “The Bank of Uganda will still be used like Museveni’s private ATM, the military and police will serve the role of appendages to the regime and the Electoral Commission will be but a figurehead as state operatives run the elections behind the scenes” (…)”Museveni was a Minister at the time when I was a primary school pupil. I am now 48. Museveni is combatting the onset of senility. He struggles to present an image of youthfulness. He does press ups to dupe the unsuspecting public that he still has stamina. He dabs in rap music to project the image of a man in tune with modern musical trends. But all that cannot beguile Ugandans. As Bob Marley sang, you can fool some people all of the time and you can fool all the people some of the time but you can’t fool all the people all of the time” (Musinguzi, 2015).

Mao Masaka Mbabazi 091115

Afterthought:

If he doesn’t get it fixed to become really nominated to be MP for Gulu Municipality which gives a free for all for the other candidates in that constituency and the candidates that are nominated there either UPC or NRM. This gives other parties than DP who has made head-weight by the voters in that area. Since one of their big men and main candidates since 1996 is not on the ballot in February 2016. I am sure this has something to do with his affiliation at the current moment. He has been on the trail with Amama Mbabazi and supported him as a TDA Joint Presidential Candidate that is one of the reasons why DP doesn’t have a Presidential candidate, the same with Justice Forum Uganda (JEEMA) and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) so on. DP is not alone, even the UPC who now has a deal with NRM has the same conundrum. They solved it differently and directly having a deal with Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

For some time it seemed that DP was lingering towards NRM. That train has now left station. This proves the situation and how rigged the elections are. Certain bunch of losers from NRM Primaries can still be a part of the elections in 2016. They are running as Independents and have now worries. A number of them have been in talks with statehouse and they are already reassured from the Mzee.

The Gulu Municipality MP election results will be mind boggling and be weird. Since Norbert Mao will not be on the ticket. And he was going in for the President in 2011! Only – Made in Uganda! Peace.

Reference:

DP – ‘DP HAS RESURRECTED, SAYS MAO’ (26.10.2010)

DP – ‘I AM UGANDA’S OBAMA SAYS MAO’ (28.10.2010)

Masaba, Tony – ‘MP MAO STEALS EXILE’S WIFE; UK ACHOLI COMMUNITY OUTRAGED’ (17.10.1998)

Musinguzi, Bianshe – ‘Museveni Is Scared—Norbert Mao’ (08.09.2015) link: http://www.redpepper.co.ug/museveni-is-scared-norbert-mao/

Mwaka, Timothy – ‘Norbert Mao is a very weak DP leader’ (28.05.2012) link: http://www.ugandacorrespondent.com/articles/2012/05/norbert-mao-is-a-very-weak-dp-leader/

ThemBokaHungu – ‘NORBERT MAO REFUSED MUSEVENI’S OFFER FOR PREMIER’ (01.11.2014) link: http://thembokahungu.blogspot.no/2014/11/norbert-mao-refused-musevenis-offer-for.html

NRM buying loyalty the only way they know…

Uganda Shillings

Today is the epitome of how the National Resistance Movement or NRM. They have a fear for everybody and use every institution or committee to shut down “silently” opposition.

AmamaNRMElection2016

First is the pay-off of Uganda National Youth Council. They was recently elected into their positions in the council. The council has a massive numbers of members who affiliated to NRM like Felix Safari Kayihura, Samuel Odong, Oliver Mutesi and Ibrahim Kiata.  Even former Miss Bunyoro of 2010 Caroline Karungi who I am sure is not a part of NRM. And some who was independent candidates like the newly elected leader Lillan Aber who said this: “the best package for youth in this country”. That was Shs700m to be shared in-between the new council to give their support to NRM and Museveni. Surely the National Youth Council is paid to be branch of NRM instead of a functioning partisan council for Youthful questions that are in Uganda. If you wonder where that gravy train went, it went into the coffers and arms of President Museveni. A fun fact: Aber was a pro-FDC back in the day, but seems the coins prove where the loyalty is. And she alone got shs100m to eat herself for it, hope you’re proud.

G-F 01.12.15

Second pay-off Go-Forward paid to go back to NRM:

Idris Kizza and Ronald Tumwine is the plain example of leaders in the Go-Forward who could be brought back to the mother-party for a SUV. They sell their political soul for a car, it got and engine and will work for a while, but your honor and pride, loyalty towards something you stand for. You two showed today that your loyalty is worth a box of metal with an engine. Congrats Idris and Ronald. Hope you get a Minister without Portifolio or something. Because a SUV should not be enough to sell your political future and loyalty from ones party like they was supposed to be loyal to Amama Mbabazi by now.

Cars for G-F 01.12.15

The same fellow was reported to be loyal to NRM the whole time. Here is a report from 25th November:

“Ronald Tumwine Sekitoleko and Idris Kizza  who have been holding top offices in the TDA – Go Forward secretariats were relieved of their duties after they were suspected to be selling confidential information to President Museveni” (Mugume, 2015).

Hope the cars was worth it to be devious and play around in the TDA and Go-Forward camp and pretend to be somebody else then who you really are, pawns on the Museveni’s chess set. That must be beautiful to listen to while you drive in your new SUV and the SUV is now the proof of your loyalty and what your words mean.

TDA Adress

Not only these two went back, there are certain other people also returning to NRM:

“A group of over 100 staff members of the former Prime Minister AmamaMbabazi’s Go Forward secretariat have crossed over and joined President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign team” (Kazibwe, 2015).

NRM-P

The leader of the group who left Go-Forward Ronald Tumwine Ssekitooleko:

“We have officially left the TDA/Go Forward Uganda pressure group to rejoin the ruling NRM after being misled   by Hon. Amama Mbabazi, who since the beginning was telling us that he was to bring about the desired change within the NRM by participating in the party primaries, something   he rejected and stood as an independent candidate” (…)”We noticed we were fighting personal wars between Mbabazi and President Museveni as the former was serving his own interests, contrary to what he always told us and the public at large. We reflected on it and realized it was a bad scheme we could not continue with” (…)”We were not sacked as they claim because we were the ones who invited delegates who attended the launch of the nomination for Mbabazi recently. We however realized that he was serving foreign interests, which was unpatriotic of him” (Kazibwe, 2015).

With this also there are reports floating around that 44 losers that NRM Primaries who has been in talks with Go-Forward have been going to Entebbe and the statehouse. At the Statehouse they have been offered future positions and jobs. That is from Ambassadors and directors… even top jobs in government state bodies.

Some sells their future for a job at least and not just a metal box with an engine. Congratulations to you! We know that the 144 people has as much credibility as loaf of bread. That means the slice of bread has loyalty to the first one putting cheese on it and making a sandwich. Noting else matters since they are after the cheese, the money and the bribe, not about any political place or standing for anything. We could expect that point from the NRM losers. They tried and now want a simple way out. 

Biafra

Well, the National Youth Council of Uganda has now been paid to be loyal to NRM. Same happen with certain characters cashing-in with a brown envelope in the size of SUV. The same was given to my estimate: 144 more people; must be a lot of new Embassies opening in new countries. Are Biafra and Katanga becoming new states in 2016? Is the Azawad a place where NRM-Regime opening the first Embassy to validate their rush for freedom? Like Kurdistan also? Since you President Museveni has so many more people who are promised positions. Or are you planning to create 100 new sub-countries? Because Uganda really need that! So they get enough places to fill the new loyal people of Yoweri Kaguta Musveni and the NRM-Regime! Be proud people, ladies and gentleman. Let me end there. But, look at this.

And a historical document from Katanga: 

moniteur-katangais-1960

Peace!

Side-note:

Fox Odoi one of the losers of the NRM-Primaries was dismissed today in court and has now said that he will go into the election as an Independent Candidate.

Reference:

Kazibwe, Kenneth – ‘Go Forward Secretariat Team Joins Museveni’ (01.12.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/go-forward-secretariat-team-joins-museveni/

Mugume, Paul – ‘Go Forward Camp Infiltrated By NRM Spies, Mbabazi Fires Two’ (25.11.2015) link: http://www.hotspot.ug/2015/11/25/go-forward-camp-infiltrated-by-nrm-spies-mbabazi-fires-two/

The Curious Case of Tamale Mirundi

Statehouse Quote

The former mouthpiece of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the former Presidential Press Secretary Tamale Mirundi who has ever since been sacked by the State House he has been all around media blasting and commenting on politics. This has now been seen by the Uganda Communication Committee (UCC) as a volatile and meager expression of language and profanity that the media doesn’t need. This happens only two days after he appeared on AmamaRadio. He has been on NBS TV and WBS, also certain radio station talking ever since his sacking. Let’s look a bit on the fellow mouth-piece!

Tamale Mirundi Quote of the day 101115 (2)

Some older news on the man:

In 2009 these reports came:

“FM radio campaigns by John Tamale Mirundi, encouraging squatters to attack land owners. Mirundi uses Star FM, TOP Radio and other FM stations to tell his targeted listeners: “When those land owners bring court brokers or surveyors and try to evict you, defend your selves. Be ready to use pangas (machetes), sticks and fire to get rid them.” In the last two months, mobs of bibanja holders have murdered two landlords in Bugerere county alone” (…)”As Mr. Museveni’s Presidential Press Secretary, Tamale Mirundi is widely believed by rural land squatters to be speaking on behalf of the Ugandan strong man. The emerging consensus among Buganda analysts is that president Museveni may be creating the terror because Mmengo seems to have successfully blocked his Land Act Amendment of 2009 the way they did with the his Regional Tier” (Kabaka Concern, 2009).

Here are some wonderful quotes in defense of the former chief and head of state Musveni:

“The President doesn’t have a key to State coffers. If there is extravagance, the MPs should be the ones to blame” (…)”They should tell us why they keep approving this money. And before they accuse the President of being insensitive to the needs of the people, let them come to Parliament on bicycles and cut their salaries” (…)”He must see what is going on, that is why under the Constitution he is obliged to take over the administration of a district if things are not going well” (Kiwanuka, 2011).

Also in 2011:

“Mashate’s case involves the government, so I’m not the right person to comment” (…)”“I’m not Museveni’s lawyer to know why the amount of money involved accumulate” (…)“I have to look for Museveni first before I can comment” (…)”The President’s office is not like a headmaster’s office. I am a highly trained journalist, I know you journalist what you want” (BlackStarNews, 2014).

Mirundi P1

In May 2013 Mirundi said this and did that:

“Sources have told us Mirundi was linked to Sejusa through the general’s phone call logs, which security operatives retrieved. Mirundi was reportedly asked to explain why the general was calling him regularly”. About that Mirundi said this: “They checked his (Sejusa) phone [numbers he has been dialing] and found out that I am one of the people who have been calling Tinyefuza.“I told them that ‘Yes Tinye is my friend and that I have been calling him.’ They later left” (UGO, 2013).

He said this in 2014: “spends hours… abusing members of parliament, abusing everybody and he says he is the president’s dog… the only person he spares is the president!”

When Tamale was managing The Voice newspaper over ten years ago he failed to pay his workers numbering 17. Three of them, including his cousin Felix Kyeyune, sued him and the money (Ush 5m each plus legal fees) was paid just as the bus to take Tamale to Luzira prison waited outside courtroom in Mengo, a Kampala suburb” (Odinga, 2014).

In July 2014 he said this:

“My contract ended. It is now up to the president to either renew it or not” (…)”I entered State House when I had one suit. But look at what I have achieved. The President educated me and my children in some of the best universities in Scotland” (…)”Even if my contract is not renewed, I will not complain. I can assure you that I will never attack Museveni when I am outside State House” (Lumu & Anyango, 2014).

Mirundi P2

Salary he had in the FY 2014/2015:

What did he earn during the last budget FY 2014/2015 while being a statehouse employee that was the net sum off US$ 9.846.672, and monthly salary we’re US$ 8.20.566. If I calculate this salary with exchange rate in November 2014 the UGX that would make that year’s salary: 27.078.348.000 Uganda Shillings that is if the exchange rate is on the level of 24. November 2014; when it was 2750 to one US dollar; so he we’re surely more paid then the average Ugandan in that financial year.

In April 2015:

“Mirundi reportedly singled out Kabiito for his handling of a case in which Cairo International Bank was challenging its prosecution in the Anti-Corruption court in regard to the theft of an estimated Shs 169bn meant for pensioners” (…)”Musota said Mirundi took issue with the judge’s handling of a case involving 1,000 former spies who wanted their retirement benefits worth about Shs 39bn paid. According to Musota, what angered Tamale was the judge’s rejection of an application by the Inspectorate of Government (IG) that sought to block the payments” (Kiyonga, 2015). Tamale Mirundi said this about it: “Those judges are suffering from colonialism. They think they are important but they are not important, they are just servants of the people and as long as they are corrupt, we shall talk about them” (…)”By the mere fact that they have reacted to my statements, that is an indication that I have defeated them. If they think that I’m guilty of anything, let them sentence me to death” (…)”I want Kabiito to tell me how I got his judgment [of Cairo bank] before he could read it out. I’m sure it wasn’t written by him and I have evidence to that effect. I just don’t talk without any proof”. He also laughed off the judges’ call for his firing’” (Kiyonga, 2015).

Mirundi P4

 

In May 28th 2015:

“President’s Press Secretary, Joseph Tamale Mirundi, has been appointed as an advisor to the cabinet of Isaabaruuli Mwogezi Butamanya, the Baruuli cultural leader” (…)”Buruli chiefdom based in Nakasongola District, like Banyala chiefdom in Kayunga District, isn’t recognised by Buganda Kingdom and they have been on collusion course which has sometimes led to deadly riots” (Kaweesi, 2015).

And then he has since gone like every day said something vile on NBS as a commentator on the Campaigns and Politics. Trying to sound wise, but instead becoming a side-show and that is attacks on everybody from Bebe Cool, Dr. Tanga Odoi, Amama Mbabazi, Gilbert Bukenya and so on. The list is longer then the so called Membership register of the NRM that they said at one point they didn’t have before the NRM Primaries. Well, see why I took pieces of his history. Continue to look!

Today:

Uganda Communication Committee chairman Godfrey Mutabazi has said today after Tamale Mirundi in the recent weeks actually was on a show for AmamaRadio. Mr. Mutabazi said to the press: “The language used doesn’t deserve to be on the airwaves. The commission therefore directs you to stop broadcasting such programs with immediate effect” (…)”Some stations have written to us acknowledging the concern and promising to restrain their guest from such conduct” (NewVision, 2015).

Later today because Tamale Mirundi has a show on Radio Star 87,5 FM have been switched off or taken cutting their sender after the report and statement from UCC. The transmitter from the station has to be muted as a reaction to the UCC threat earlier.  

He must have said something profane and vile that makes UCC react like this. We all know that he have after being fired… spoken wildly on every political topic on every format possible in country. They must be listening to you “mute” since July and since he dropped his wit on certain newly founded opposition campaign radio-station AmamaRadio. AmamaRadio the lamest name for a radio; where he must has said something hurtful spiteful crap that is more hunting then calling a political person a walking coffin or Museveni all-of-sudden is not the revolutionary mind that Tamale Mirundi always have claimed. Right?

An UCC has made Uganda and its ruling party and its leadership proud! Yep. The all-time and lifelong legacy of the President Museveni; I am sure the UCC is as afraid of somebody as the Electoral Commission is at the point. We have seen Kiggundu recently act upon Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye and now Mutabazi acting as an arm of the NRM. Not surprising, it’s expected, right?

Peace.   

Reference:

Committee on Presidential Affairs Meets the Office of the Precidency – (19.03.2014)

BlackStarNews – ‘U.K. Court Says Publisher’s Multi-million Dollar Case Against Gen. Museveni Still Active’ (27.11.2011) link: http://www.blackstarnews.com/others/extras/uk-court-says-publishers-multi-million-dollar-case-against-gen-museveni-still-active

‘Kabaka Concerned, Museveni and Mirundi Promoting Landlord Murders’ (27.08.2009)

Kaweesi, Samuel – ‘Tamale Mirundi appointed advisor to Buruuli Kingæ (28.05.2015) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Tamale-Mirundi-appointed-advisor-to-Buruuli-King/-/688334/2732166/-/gjeoad/-/index.html

Kiwanuka, William Kituuka – ‘TAMALE MIRUNDI REASONS CHILDISHLY’ (22.07.2011) link: http://williamkituuka.blogspot.no/2011/07/tamale-mirundi-reasons-childishly.html

Kiyonga, Derrick – ‘Judges want Museveni to fire Tamale Mirundi’ (24.04.2015) link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/37533-judges-want-museveni-to-fire-tamale-mirundi

Lumu, David & Anyango, Aida – ‘My contract has expired, says Tamale Mirundi’ (24.07.2014) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/657962-my-contract-has-expired-says-tamale-mirundi.html

NewVision – ‘UCC moves to stop Tamale Mirundi’s ‘abusive remarks’ (01.11.2015) link:

http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/676351-ucc-moves-to-stop-tamale-mirundi-s-abusive-remarks.html

Odinga, William – ‘Tamale Mirundi punches former employee below the belt’ (18.03.2014) link: http://williamodinga.blogspot.no/2014/03/tamale-mirundi-punches-former-employee.html

UGO – ‘Tamale Mirundi grilled over Sejusa calls’ (15.05.2013) link: http://news.ugo.co.ug/tamale-mirundi-grilled-over-sejusa-calls/

Presidential candidates back on the trail after Papal visit.. +NRM Primaries & Tamale Mirundi etc

CCEDU Topowa

The Papal Visit is over and KCCA can chill before trying to nibble on the fact that Erias Lukwago will start his campaign tomorrow. FDC travels to Pader today. Amama Mbabazi is suspending his campaign again. NRM, I am sure starting tomorrow. There are reports of crowds buying from them and also yet more information on the NRM Primaries(a tale that doesn’t seem to end). The Deflections from NRM continues to other parties. And not so much the other way around, if you take the exaptation of UPC-Akena to NRM. But that doesn’t count at this point. Let’s take a look!

Quote of the day:

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni: “I have no problem meeting Besigye or anyone, I am for Uganda and Africa”.

Reports before NRM Rallies:

There been rumored of advance teams of NRM and Museveni in Teso Sub-region where they already spending money on the people in the area to get them to attend the NRM rallies in the area. Each Constituency in the area was delivered 20 Million shillings to achieve the numbers that the NRM wished to see at the venues and rallies.

Use of Football stars to verify the Western support for Museveni-Regime:

“Uganda Tourism Board has payed millions of dollars to Barcelona football stars to come to Uganda as tourists but in reality they are supposed to appear on Museveni’s political rallies in Central and Western regions of the country. The football stars already in Uganda include Edgar Davids, Patrick Kluivert, Louis Garcia, Simao Sabrosa and others. This is designed to give Museveni maximum world wide exposure to fool the West that Museveni is still popular in the country, and the opposition would not be in a position to scream election rigging. They are scheduled to appear with Museveni from Dec 8th through Dec. 12th”.

ofwono

Ofwono Opondo saying about TVO:

“”Tom Voltaire Okwaliga is Tamale Mirundi , all that you see on Facebook are posted by Tamale Mirundi but he disguises in the name of TVO” (…)”Of all Tom Okwalinga’s 40,000 followers no one has ever seen him physically. We have proved without doubt that TVO is Tamale Mirundi” (…)”you’re asking me proof?? if you want proof, arrest Tamale Mirundi for some days and you will never see a post on Facebook by Tamale I mean by TVO”.

Padre 29.11.15

FDC on the Trail in Padre:

“This is the first time uganda is going to remove a president without using gun” said Dr. Kizza Besigye as he addresses a mammoth crowd in Pader Town Council

Lukwago-Eria

Invite to Erias Lukwago’s mayoral rally tomorrow:

“Monday 30th November 2015 at Nakasero Market Park yard at 2:00 pm as we launch our campaign platform. The program is organised in strict compliance with the EC harmonised campaign calendar. It’s truism that transformation of Kampala into a modern metropolis befitting the pearl of Africa will always be a mirage unless we cultivate a culture of democratic and corporate governance in the way we run public institutions. It’s for that sole reason that the policy agenda we’re unveiling tomorrow revolves around institutional building, creating strong and vibrant systems of accountable governance, strategic planning and prioritisation, social justice and equity as well as building viable synergies that will engender the much desired sustainable transformation of our capital city. Come One Come All”.

Amama 17.11.15 Poster

NRM Primaries continues:

In Rubaga North MP the contested candidate for the region has been taken to court and therefore blocked his nomination. That means that Singh from the Rubaga North can’t stand as a candidate for MP for the area, and that leaves NRM without a candidate for the area unto the 2016 General Elections.

Second report:

“533 declared NRM parliamentary primaries’ losers have now picked forms to run as Independents. Out of these 17 are serving ministers and ministers of state, while 69 are current Members of Parliament”.

Third Report:

Go-Forward and Amama Mbabazi are holding talks with 44 MPs who lost their nominations and candidacy in the NRM Primaries to give them a place under the Go-Forward Group under the election in 2016.

Message from Amama Mbabazi:

“Dear Friends” (…)”I would like to inform you all that we will have a slight postponement of the next leg of our campaign tours. This is as a result of my travel to visit with my wife and her anticipated return this week”.

Elton Joseph Mabirizi 17.11.15

PLEASE DONATE TO THE MABIRIZI CAMPAIGN

We appreciate all the financial contributions you are making to the Mabirizi TIC Presidential Campaign. Over the weekend, we returned from Eastern Uganda over the weekend. This week till Friday, we are in Kampala divisions and will leave on Saturday for Kalangala, Masaka, Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, Sembabule and Lwengo. A team of 15 campaigners will spend 8 days and nights in the field before returning to Butambala again.

We really need money for this extended campaign leg. We need fuel, car maintenance, water, food, accommodation, posters, and communication.

Please send your generous contributions to:

MTN: 0772 411 491

Airtel: 0702 411 491

You may want to call to confirm receipt or send a separate message to the same numbers, if you did not send for your own phone.

Thank you for your support to the struggle for an better Uganda.

Enough right?

I think that was interesting enough for today. Peace.

NRM cries foul over media coverage

M7 NRM

There is some fun in this that the NRM cries foul over coverage. Especially when some of remember when certain loyal cronies was crying over how the NBS and NTV was following and imbedded into the convoys to their consultation meeting. Let me remind you on that before going over the comment recently coming from the NRM.

Kale Kayihura

On the 14th October 2015 IGP Kale Kayihura spoke at his press conference that day on the media:

“The thing, you as Journalists, especially NTV, NTV and NBS. Who normally are embedded with, in these convoys, I don’t know for what reason, whether you are really Journalist, at the edge of consents, or your been inducted into parties politics. That goes against by the way the professional ethics of journalism! That got a mandate to go after this, because it’s the broadcast act, the media and journalist act”.

So having the head of the Police commenting on how the journalist follows the FDC and Go-Forward consultation meetings was expected for everybody, though ironic talking about ethics, because they did in the same time period create havoc in Rukungiri and in the Greater Masaka area where the FDC was planning to have events. The Police also was violent in Soroti and Jinja where the Go-Forward camp had planned meetings. So that the media was following was to address the interests and how the Police was going against their own citizens. They are doing their duty as journalist to address the matters and also the unnecessary violence and detaining opposition party members and leaders; that is a common good that, that get addressed by the media in those instances.

Justine Kasule Lumumba

But let’s take a look at what the NRM said this week:

The Secretary General of NRM Justine Kasule Lumumba said this: “You should take note that our candidate has so far addressed 70 rallies and some haven’t even covered 20 of them(…)”I have observed that some media houses are biased and do not cover all the candidates equall” (FakeBeast, 2015).

What we have seen in October this year had the IGP Kale Kayihura saying that Media should not be in the convoys of a political parties, especially considering their ethical and codes of conduct of a journalist. That is in stark contrast to what the Secretary General Cries fowl about this week.

Though she does that, I am sure that NRM forgetting their own actions while they we’re in Lango Sub-County on the 13th November 2015 on the trail to 2016. This happen that day:

Museveni expels NTV from his media team after what he called unbalanced reporting on him. As per now, NTV journalists are being escorted back to Kampala by soldiers of the Special Forces Command. Daily monitor was also warned of a possible closure should their reporting continue to ‘favor’ the opposition ‘against’ Mr. Museveni.

Mbabazi M7 Besigye

That is just two weeks ago. So when you see how the NRM and their Presidential Candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni wasn’t happy with the pictures and “unbalanced” reports given at the time and at the rallies. That the Secretary General now in all respects says the same thing. It is not surprising, since they want all coverage! They don’t want people to follow the FDC, Go-Forward, Farmers Party or PDP, even the Independents who also have rallies.

The trouble NRM and the Police has with the coverage is that it isn’t just in favor with the view and perspective that NRM wish to perceive. That is because they will cover as they feel is right and question it all. I am sure the NRM is not happy with the covering reports of how they have used Crime Preventers to fill up crowds and deliverance of T-Shirts, foods and paying gas to Boda-Boda drivers around the venues of the NRM rallies. That is something that is not happening around the Go-Forward or FDC venues in the same time frame.

The pain that NRM have right now is that they don’t know how to handle that their losing grip. Everybody isn’t eating out their hands and taking their words for granted. That the media doesn’t follow you as they used to, because they are trying to cover the other parties rallies as well. Since there 8 candidates, there is a trio on the top that has the most coverage no matter how you look upon it. That Museveni, Mbabazi and Besigye has the most is natural, not only by looking at the size of their campaigns, but also the suctions of the candidates. That is why deflections is mostly happening to these candidates and their parties.

The reason why Go-Forward Camp or FDC camp is claiming the same as NRM about biased and unbalanced coverage is because of the massive coverage in general these days. NRM has their own media-house, which has been proven with 5 pages special from the NewVision during the start of the campaign trail. Something that the same paper would never do on FDC or Go-Forward because of its loyalty to the NRM. That is something other media-houses doesn’t have, even when they have shut down the Daily Monitor, reports of even paying of editors to scribble something else then negative and true coverage of the Government of Uganda and that means the NRM.

So if the Secretary General Kasule Lumumba and President Museveni complain; it’s kind of expected at this point. That IGP Kayihura was directing the media was also expected since he will detain anybody who doesn’t follow his reasoning. But that the internal parts of the Party of NRM now reacts with three months to go to General Elections in 2016. This shows that their struggling with convincing the media on how to cover the rallies and pledges given by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

IGP Kayihura get his wish in a way if that the media is not imbedded with convoys of the NRM party, since that is what he said was against the ethics of journalists. Something that Museveni and Kasule Lumumba we can assume isn’t happy about at this present time. Since they want to have the NRM in the spotlight, get the GREEN positive GO light. That they don’t get. The coverage is followed by their actions and when you constantly attack and address journalist as problems and make their relationship problematic, it will be easier to address the Go-Forward and FDC where you are welcome. That is proven with the actions done by the NRM in Lango Sub-County.

And by looking at their actions and wishes is not something you can combine. It doesn’t match. If they want more coverage then they also have accept it for what it is. Instead of telling what and trying to spin it the way they want it. I am sure Dr. Kizza Besigye didn’t want the photos with the chicken to the public, as much as Amama Mbabazi didn’t want to have the “Share-A-Coke with” moment earlier in the campaign. But that happen and the media and online world has captured it.

Share A Coke W Amama 101115

That the NRM feels that the coverage is biased or not covered enough is telling more about the NRM, then the media. The Media can make their decision to where to cover and how they explain and express what happens around the NRM. The NRM can’t do like they do internally to explain and argue, the media should be different. That they feel less covering then Dr. Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi proves how much they fear the opposition and their candidates since the NRM can’t handle how big crowds surround their trails and none of them is payed Crime Preventers or hired men to show up. Some of the crowds at the NRM venues has been so and when that has been pointed out in media, the media has been criticized for saying so. Well, the retort should be – there shouldn’t be hired crowds at the campaign trail, and doesn’t matter which party. NRM they have a history for this kind of action, therefore when the media and journalist address it, it’s the NRM who should change, not the Journalist addressing it.

That is in general what the NRM, Museveni and Kasule Lumumba implies that the Media and Journalists should change to their tune and not think for themselves and just cover what they want to show. Like they wanted all to see Bebe Cool speaking about roads to Moroto after the recent rally, but not about the rest of the state of Sub-County where he was campaigning, I am sure not all parts of those areas was that great built and functioning, right?

NRM can cry foul and can be suspicious of how the coverage is being carried out. But we all know that they just want the whole spotlight and leave everybody else into darkness. That would be wish of President Museveni, he want to be leading star and the guardian of the galaxy!

Still, it seems that they still get massive coverage, maybe not the one they want… or wished in the first place. And that hurts them because they want be the beautiful ruling government instead they are showing the NRM-Regime as they really are. The actions and rhetoric hurts them and doesn’t help their cause, if they really have another one then ruling, and one man ruling them all. If so, please enlighten me on that, since I only see a one-man ruling party who is a skeleton when he needs it. And loyal subjects to him like Secretary General Kasule Lumumba and others who comply with his every need. Something the media does not do and question their behavior and words. To see and discuss it! That will hopefully also happen under a new regime and hopefully be more tolerant of the journalist and their opposition then the one that currently ruling Uganda. Peace.

Reference:

Fakebeast – ‘Media ignores Museveni, Kasule cries out’ (26.11.2015) link: http://www.fakebeast.com/media-ignores-museveni-kasule-cries-out/

Kabuzire, Linda – ‘NRM: Mbabazi Must Stop Provoking Us’ (26.11.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/nrm-mbabazi-must-stop-provoking-us/

Actions around the Go-Forward rallies in Northern Uganda (25.11.2015)

Amama NRM 25.11.15

We will go through certain actions by both NRM and Go-Forward that is suspect and not something that should occur during campaigning. Especially if this election supposed to be free and fair, not to talk about simple gentleman-ship by the Presidential Candidates towards the Opposition and their parties. Let’s take a look!

Yesterday in Gulu:

The Police together with NRM supporters crashed the rally and claimed for the so called stolen Northern Uganda Development Fund that Amama Mbabazi is supposed to embezzled from while being a part of NRM. They tried to stop the procession towards the venue.

Later in the night NRM supporters storm the hotel that Amama Mbabazi was sleeping in Gulu. To get the money he promised them before the rally in town.

Today before the Amama Mbabazi’s Lira Rally:

This was before the Rally the Team Amama Mbabazi 2016-2021 got delivered to them dark t-shirts with Anti-JPAM message. That led to a fire burning of these t-shirts in the middle of the street. There also been seen in town that Amama Mbabazi Posters have been put of NRM Posters. While burning the Kamudingi Member of Parliament Hon. Otto Odonga shirts that he gave out in June 2015; the public was cheering and even wearing Mzee hat while seeing it burning.

Hon. Otto Odongo Happy Burning Anti JPAM T-shirts in Lira 25.11.15

Preview to the burning today:

In 29th of June he started the Anti-Mbabazi campaign where they had a casket that was supposed to have Amama Mbabazi inside it while wearing the Anti-JPAM t-shirts. This as an reactions to the embezzled funds from the Northern Reconstruction Fund. For instance: “About Shs 50 billion meant for the Peace Recovery and Development Fund [PRDP] was stolen between 2011 and 2012” (Waswa, 2015).

In July 2015 Hon Otto Odonga said this: “If Amama Mbabazi is to be President then will shall our flag and immediately form the Nile Republic because we can’t accept to be led by a theif” (Ojok, 2015).

Hon Otto Odonga was one of the MPs who supported the Youths who brought FDC Flag-Bearer out of TDA offices as a reaction to establish himself as candidate for the FDC and not the TDA in October. He was not alone on that.

Hon Otto Odonga was also the MPs who crashed the Masindi Police Station in September 2015 to get Gilbert Olanya out of jail after the other MP were in jail for demonstrating against the land grabbing of Apa Village in Amuru district.

So as you can see the MP Odonga is a hot-head and a straight shooter, the FDC member is surely acting in faith of Dr. Kizza Besigye though in ways that other MPs wouldn’t go or say. But he has his own points. Though we are allowed to questions his reasoning and argument for his actions. He has really proven loyalty to FDC though not helping the dialogue between Go-Forward, TDA and the FDC. But that on something else.

So with that in mind, the reaction today was to see how Amama Mbabazi and his team reacted to it. While this demonstration was totally tasteful though viable with the casket; the burning of the T-Shirts is distasteful and disrespectful. If they threw them in the garbage that would be understandable and then end out of sight because they he see the t-shirts as spite. Still, it is not a just way of handling criticism in a democratic way to burn opposition’s views. It doesn’t matter if it’s a t-shirt or a book that sends the wrong message; like all the actions from NRM towards the Go-Forward rallies and disruptions towards them. That can also not be validated because it shows that there is not righteous ways of presidential campaigns in the area.

The sad pictures of a Amama Mbabazi supporter in the Northern Uganda has been severely beaten for being that by NRM supporters and the wounds look terrible. Nobody during the elections and campaigns, that is not just by any means.

Amama Lira 25.11.15

Arrested if leaking state secrets

Brigadier Kasirye Ggwanga said this today about Amama Mbabazi: “He will have booked himself a good place at Luzira Prison” (…)”The law is very clear. If you release classified information that came to you by virtue of your office, you are immediately arrested and jailed. That’s what will happen to that man called Mbabazi” (…)”He can tell the people that ‘I used to go hunting with Museveni but he would miss targets.’ That’s okay. But releasing confidential information, no way” (…)”he moment you reveal classified information, we arrest you – because you are joking with national security. That’s a dangerous zone” (Aine, 2015).

At Lira and at the Akii Bua Stadium there was UPC flags hanging around, hasn’t the UPC become a branch of the NRM-O now? Jimmy Akena must cry in the Uganda House in Kampala. Olara Otunnu must laugh somewhere if he has joined Amama Mbabazi trail… He was pictured in the TDA Manifesto. So there are a real split between UPC-Akena and UPC-Otunnu, how deep it is, will only the future show.

Amama Lira Anti-JPAM T-shirt 25.11 P1

Hon. Amama Mbabazi has a road and trail to go. But the choice to burn T-Shirts of opposition is not a maneuver a gentleman in any election should do. If he threw it somewhere and in the garbage, it would be acceptable, as we all do with leaflets of parties we feel is rubbish; So they get in the bin. The same should have happen to the shirts. There been seen visible NRM members burning NRM-Membership cards during the last months. But that has been themselves after rigged NRM-Primaries hick-ups. This has not happen in villages or towns where FDC has visited they have taken them in and later throwing them. That is gentleman way of dealing with opposition material. Hon. Amama Mbabazi proved a lack of judgement today.

Lira TDA 25.11.15

Brigadier Ggwanga is a loyal man to the UPDF and NRM by all means he will do what he can to go against Amama Mbabazi or anybody else going against Mzee, especially if the drops intelligence that hurts Mzee. That is expected of Brigadier Ggwanga!

Last thought of today:

That was enough for today. I could have reported on President Museveni rallies or Besigye, Besigye keep painting Uganda blue and FDC should be Proud! I am proud of how the FDC conduct themselves and how the campaigning it’s so honest and folksy. The way they travel far and deep into villages, not just big crowds at stadiums. That is something that many of the other candidates do not do. That is why he is the People’s President. Kigwa Leero. Peace.

FDC 25.11.15

PS: I got no space to spare #VoteSsevo – Crap I used space of it now. Please forgive me,  Peace, again! 

Reference:

Aine, Kim – ‘Kasirye Ggwanga: We’ll Arrest Mbabazi if he Leaks State Secrets’ (25.11.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/kasirye-ggwanga-well-arrest-mbabazi-if-he-leaks-state-secrets/

Ojok, James Onono – ‘800 walk 10km to demand Accountability for PRPD money from Amama Mbabazi’ (13.07.2015) link: http://acholitimes.com/2015/07/13/800-walk-10km-to-demand-accountability-for-prdp-money-from-amama-mbabazi/

Waswa, Sam – ‘Odonga Otto Leads Anti-Mbabazi Squad in Northern Uganda’ (29.06.2015) link http://www.chimpreports.com/odonga-otto-leads-anti-mbabazi-squad-in-northern-uganda/ :

The Electoral Commission of Uganda – LEG 75/79/01: “Re: Conduct of Campaigns and Related Concerns” (23.11.2015)

EC Letter November P2

Adm72/01: Press Statement from the Electoral Commission of Uganda – Progress of Electoral Programmes for Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government Councils Elections (25.11.2015)

Badru EC

  1. Introduction

Our esteemed partners, members of the press, it is my privilege and pleasure to welcome you to this press briefing.

Today, the Electoral Commission would like to update the country on the commencement of the campaign period for Local Government Councils Elections, preparations for nomination of Candidates for Parliamentary Elections, as well as other activities related to the Roadmap for the 2015-2016 General Elections.

  1. Conclusion of Nomination for Local Government Councils Elections and Commencement of Campaign Period

The Electoral Commission concluded the nomination of candidates for the following elective positions at Local Government Councils countrywide:

  1. Candidates for District/City Chairpersons, District/City Directly-elected Councilors; District/City Councilors representing Women, the Youth, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and Older Persons;
  1. Candidates for Municipality/City Division Chairpersons, Directly-elected Councilors, Councilors representing Women, Youth, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and Older Persons; and,
  1. Candidates for Municipal Division, Town Council and Sub County Chairpersons, Directly-elected Councilors; Councilors representing Women, the Youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Older Persons.

Campaigns for the above elections commenced after the harmonization of the candidates’ programmes, for each respective category yesterday, Tuesday November 24, 2015, and will stop forty eight hours before polling day for each category.

The Electoral Commission urges all candidates, their agents, supporters, and members of the general public to adhere to set rules and regulations guiding the campaign period, and to particularly ensure that campaigns are held in accordance with the harmonised campaign programme.

Candidates and/or their agents must not use or publish any foul language or defamatory words, which incite public disorder, hatred, violence or which threatens war.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has appointed the following polling dates for the above electoral positions as follows:

No. Elective Position Polling Date
1. Chairpersons, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for District (LC V); 24th February 2016
2. Lord Mayor, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for Kampala Capital City Authority* 24th February 2016
3. Councilors for PWDs, Older Persons and Youth to District Councils and Kampala Capital City Authority; 26th February 2016
4. Chairpersons, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for Municipality and Kampala Capital City Divisions; 2nd March 2016
5. PWDs, Older Persons and Youth Councilors to Municipalities and Kampala Capital City Divisions; 4th March 2016
6. Chairpersons, Directly Elected Councilors and Women Councilors for Municipal Division, Sub County and Town Councils; 9th March 2016
7. PWDs, Older Persons and Youth Councilors to Municipal Division, Sub County and Town Councils; 10th March 2016

* The nominations for Councilors representing Professional Bodies at KCCA have not yet taken place because the Commission is still waiting for the list of members of respective electoral colleges, namely:

  1. Uganda Institution of Professional Engineers;
  2. Uganda Society of Architects;
  • Uganda Medical Association; and,
  1. Uganda Law Society
  1. Nomination of Candidates for Parliamentary Elections 2016

The nomination of candidates for Parliamentary Elections will be conducted on 2nd – 3rd December 2015.

Aspiring candidates for the following elective positions at Parliamentary level are advised to collect the nomination forms and guidelines from the Office of the Returning Officer in their respective district across the country;

  1. Directly Elected Member of Parliament (representing constituency);
  2. District Woman Member of Parliament;
  3. Member of Parliament for Persons with Disability (PWD).

The nomination of candidates for Directly Elected Member of Parliament (representing constituency) and District Woman Member of Parliament, shall take place at the respective EC District offices across the whole Country beginning at 9.00 a.m. and ending at 5:00pm on each of the appointed dates.

Please note that the nomination of Members of Parliament representing Persons with Disability (PWDs) will be held at the Electoral Commission headquarters during the above period.

The National Conference for elections of Members of Parliament representing Persons with Disability (PWDs) will be held from 21st to 22nd February 2016, at a venue to be communicated by the Commission in due course.

The Electoral Commission calls upon the Uganda Police Force to ensure law and order during this period.

Please note that the Electoral Commission will not organize nomination for representatives of the following Special Interest Groups to Parliament, during the above period until Parliament of Uganda addresses the concerns raised by the Constitutional Court.

The affected Special Interest Groups include;

  1. Member of Parliament for Workers;
  2. Member of Parliament for Youths; and,
  3. Member of Parliament for Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF);
  4. Requirements for Nomination of Member of Parliament

An aspiring candidate for Member of Parliament shall be a citizen of Uganda, a registered voter;  

  1. The nomination shall be made by two (2) registered voters from the constituency, who shall appear in person before the Returning Officer, and present a nomination paper filled in duplicate indicating the following:
  1. The names, age, address, and occupation of the aspiring candidate;
  2. Names and address of a person appointed as the official agent;
  1. A list of names and signatures of a minimum of ten (10) persons, who must be registered voters in the constituency where the candidate seeking nomination supporting his/her nomination; each of the persons so signing shall state his/her village, occupation and Voter Number or National ID Number or Application ID Number;
  1. Aspiring candidates shall also be required to present the following:
  1. A receipt being proof of payment of non-refundable nomination fee of Shs. 3,000,000/- (three million shillings) only. Please note the nomination fee can be paid in any commercial bank which collects Non Tax Revenue, in accordance with the issued guidelines;
  1. Three (3) postcards size copies of a recent straight face, color photograph with a light background;
  1. Certified copies of educational qualifications showing the aspirant attained a minimum formal education of Advanced (A) Level or its equivalent;
  1. Certified copies (if qualifications were attained from outside Uganda) from the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE);
  1. Proof of resignation, in the case of public officers;

Please note that a candidate who uses a convoy for purposes of nomination shall have a maximum of two vehicles bearing police stickers and each shall carry a maximum of ten persons.

  1. Update on the Presidential Campaign Meetings

The Electoral Commission would like to commend the Presidential candidates for the smooth start to the campaigns, and especially compliance with the harmonised campaign programme. We urge the candidates to continue in this direction, so that together, we achieve a peaceful campaign and elections.

However, the Commission has also noted with concern, the consistent calls by Candidate Kizza Besigye, one of the Presidential candidates, for defiance as a campaign strategy. This kind of campaign is likely to have serious impact on the conduct of peaceful campaigns and elections.

The Commission condemns this kind of conduct and hereby warns the Presidential Candidate, his agents and supporters, to desist from taking this path, but instead conduct the campaign in accordance with the law.

The Electoral Commission has also noted several reports of malicious acts of defacement and/or removal of candidates’ posters.

The Commission warns the general public, candidates, their agents and supporters, that a person who malicious defaces or removes or tears any election poster of any nominated candidate commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment.

  1. Misrepresentation of the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission has further noted that several stakeholders, especially the media, have continued to call this institution either the National Independent Electoral Commission, or the Independent Electoral Commission. I would like to clarify that the name Electoral Commission has never been changed

We, therefore, caution the public, and our stakeholders to stop using unauthorized name and logo when referring to the Electoral Commission.

Similarly, the Commission took note of the article published in The Sunday Monitor (November 15th 2015) where the Chairperson Electoral Commission is said to have stated that the Electoral Commission will announce the right winner, because the Electoral Commission of 2016 is different from the Electoral Commission of 2006. This has created an impression that the Commission did not announce the right winner in 2006, which is very wrong.

I wish to state that the statement attributed to me was not correct. The Commission has always announced the winning candidate at each elective level; this has always been the case in all elections we have organized, and it will be the case in 2016.

  1. Message on Papal Visit to Uganda

Finaly, the Electoral Commission joins with all Ugandans to welcome His Holiness Pope Francis to Uganda. We congratulate the people of Uganda on this unique opportunity to host the Pontiff a third time.

This should serve as a reminder to all Ugandans of the special position our country holds in the world.

The visit takes place at a time when political campaigns are taking place by candidates contesting for various elective positions. Let us use the visit to promote the virtues of unity and peaceful co-existence.

Thank you for listening to me,

For God and my Country,

Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu

Chairperson, Electoral Commission

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

Mbabazi M7 Besigye

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.

I can’t expect the now gone away Maureen Faith Kyala or Joseph Mabirizi being a part of this. The same with Gen. Benon Biraaro or Abed Bwanika and Professor Bayramureeba; I am sure some people wont to see this candidates to! But, we know that they don’t have the suction yet to be viable combined with the trio who are really fighting to become the President. Even if the Electoral Commission (Now the Independent Electoral Commission), surely will work towards another term for the Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his NRM! Still, would be fun to have him on the spot together with his arch-nemesis Besigye and new enemy Amama Mbabazi!

Why I discuss it:

“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).

Though the Professor Barya we’re first touched it and Dr. Besigye we’re second. And then the President answered them. It’s a reason why he didn’t answer the Professor, he doesn’t see he as threat. That he do by Dr. Besigye. So that he sent shots and questioned in the public with other candidates. That is something new, because the NRM-Regime can’t control it or really stare the conversation, they can’t rule it. They can’t script it all. Neither can the other candidates. If it will happen there will be banter and change, even if they set certain terms for the discussion and the general debate between them.

Then the candidates can recharge their words they will stay in memory. Certain facts will be tested. The numbers they drop to each other will be discussed like they also are on the manifestos and speeches. The difference with speeches in campaigns is that the candidate can write it himself and conduct it himself. He will say his own words on the debate, but the forum and space will be different. It’s a place where you need your tongue check and in order. If you don’t do it well you will be political daft or naked by your own words. You can be praised if you have said and conducted yourself accordingly. That is an reaction that you can’t script in anyway, but they have to mobilize and anticipate accordingly to the debate. That will show if the politicians actually has any substance or is just some hot air.

The things that can be good about a debate is if the candidate really get tested. Touched and emotional and loses his cool. Even if many debates can end up in stale boring sadness, because none of candidates actually say something meaningful about the subjects at hand. Since there haven’t been in ages or ever been a presidential candidates debate there would be a breath of fresh air to the citizens. Might even see Mzee out of his comfort-zone! That is something that would be good. I think even Amama Mbabazi could be fired up. Dr. Kizza Besigye has been attacked so much that him I am sure would keep his composure in the debate.

A made up debate between: 

Who is in the debate:

The Canidates are President Museveni, former PM Mbabazi and (rtd) Col. Dr. Besigye. 

And an un-named TV-Host.

On security:

Museveni: “I and the NRM has ensured, secured and made this country safe, nobody except NRM and my government can keep UPDF under control. Then me and the NRM”.

Mbabazi: “You say you have kept the country safe, but not paid the veterans or made people safe, is that why you have hired crime preventers?”

Besigye: “There isn’t just one man who can control the UPDF; the people, the Government, the Parliament can hold the army under control!”

This is a segment we will show more time later in the debate! (the crowd clapping).

Dr.-Kizza-Besigye-speaks-to-NTV-Uganda

On media freedom:

Museveni: “I am revolutionary differs from Obote and Amin, we have given the freedom of the media, look at the Vision, the Monitors, the radios, they can speak their mind, unless it creates problems, they should not speak to much then they create problems for the country”

Mbabazi: “I will address that the media get more funding from the my new government, get digital and fresh new visions, not the secured media of the NRM that have secured in the past”

Besigye: “The media should be total free and not kept under surveillance from the NRM-Junta. There is too much Musveni-Media where his own propaganda get spread instead of the truth!”

TV Host: 

“What are your thoughts on the balloting and election reforms? Are they ensuring the people of free and fair elections in Uganda?”

EditedElections-300x145

On Elections:

Museveni: “We have re-introduced free and fair elections, an independent Electoral Commission, that have delivered more than before 1986 when the government had fraudulent elections. If you see somebody who rigs the elections take it to the police and their will take care of it”.

Mbabazi: “After you have voted and not sure if the polls will matter and get the correct result. Ensure to stay at the polling station until they finish. So that the Election Officers can’t fix it! Don’t  leave!”

Besigye: “We need a new Electoral Commission, now it is a Museveni-Commission. The culture is to rig for the NRM-Junta. There isn’t a way that this entity will give the will of the people. Until we reform it and change it, we will see that the will of the Ugandans will happen”.

Dr Kizza Besige From Police Station to Police Station 151015 Kiira Road

On the Police:

Museveni: “The police are ensuring and securing the people, my people all of Ugandans which the revolutionary force that I have made since the 1980s. Obote or Amin never had the safety and security as the police is doing now. The police only acts, acts upon those forces in Uganda who works against the government, like ADF and LRA”

Mbabazi: “the Police under me and Go-Forward will be police for the Ugandans. The Police will not stop public gatherings and meetings. They will be going against criminals and fight corruption, will make a new commission to fight corrupt much better”

Besigye: “The Police needs reforms. They are not for the Ugandans, if not the Ugandans means the NRM and Museveni. They are a unit and ensure the regime to crackdown on anybody, anybody who speaks against them or acts towards them. We need a police reform that ensure that the IGP, DPP and Courts are independent and not loyal to Museveni, but according to laws to ensure safety for Ugandans”.

TV Host:

Now it’s time for a commercial break please don’t switch the channel, it’s more juicy quotes to come!”.

NTVUgandaUPDF

On Foreign Affairs:

Museveni: “We fought against sectarianism; we the NRM are a Pan-African Movement. We Move-Forward. We fight to liberate and have liberated Uganda and Ugandans. In the same way we will fight these guerillas, guerillas [who] will destroy the NRM and Uganda. We will continue to fight the LRA, the Al-Shabab and other force together with other African armies to secure Uganda and the movement”

Mbabazi: “We will continue to fight together with African Union in AMISOM and continue to have forces in C.A.R. to fight LRA. We in Go-Forward will re-evaluate the police to civic protection, not to fight Ugandans as they do now. The Armed forces will get better housing and better salaries”

Besigye: “We have to change the UPDF from a mercenary force which it has been in South Sudan, been hired to fight in C.A.R. but I will still continue to have forces in Somalia as part of the struggle of our fellow comrades in Somalia. But the NRM-Junta and have kept the UPDF to have seats in Parliament, that is something I will change!”

Uganda Shillings

On the Economy:

Museveni: “We the NRM will continue to build a secure economy as we have done since 1980s. The NRM has built stability and we will over the next term, create a industrial economy, there will be more towns turned into city status, more villages turned into industrial towns, we will stop land grabbing and secure the development. We will focus on agriculture and cash-crops like coffee and tea. I myself as a farmer, a farmer knows the importance of cows and I got rich of agriculture myself! That is wealth creation which Ugandans can do himself. Parts of wealth creation that ensure our YOUTHS! Our Ugandan people we also will strengthen the NAADS and SACCO’s to assure that districts and counties get funding for their and our agricultural projects, agricultural projects who will ensure the Ugandan people and grow our economy”.

Mbabazi: “We will establish more of our economy to support our famers. Farmers are the main workforce. We will move forward to support our farmers. We will support growth with the cooperatives and ensure that districts get silos, follow up budget by the Mputo Declaration. That they get silos in every district and cheap fertilizers! Get more education on cash-crops and learn about more effective methods to earn more on their farm. We Go-Forward! ”

(Some guy in crowd scream: “WE GO FORWARD!”)

Besigye: ““This will be in recognition of the pivotal role of the Agricultural Sector in economic growth and development given the fact that the sector employs 70 percent of Uganda’s labour force.  We boast that the backbone of our economy is agriculture yet the budget allocation is small, something that has curtailed the growth of the sector and poverty fight among the farmers. Once voted into power I will increase the budget allocation to agriculture to 15% Time to revive ourself from the NRM-theives”.

FDC TV Show

The host ends with asking: 

“Does anybody in the crowd here have any questions for the candidates? Please grab the microphone so the candidate can try to answer you question, and please adress the one or who your asking the question!”

Afterthought:

Like this I could have continued. Don’t you think it would be interesting! What do you think? It would be special with a TV-Debate between three Presidential Candidates. Who can address the public on TV and can’t make switches and changes to their statements and can’t retract quotes. Their banter will stay and they can’t stop the filming and their mouths from blabbering! That can be beautiful. Peace.