Third day of Presidential Rallies in Uganda and some reports on the PFMA and KCCA

M7 NRM 111115

There been a new day on the trail the third one. This day has made most sad. Not by what has been said or really done. Though the news of certain candidates abducted and detained at Jinja Central Police Station. That is sad, but not a shock in the environment they campaign in. It was just a matter of time. The really sad thing is not that the President rallies in a Helicopter in the Northern Ugand with Bebe Cool Yellow-editing the reality. That is just expected by the NRM-Regime. What are sad is not the bad roads that FDC is travelling in Kisoro. That is also expected. What is sad is that the Parliament has fulfilled the wet-dreams of President Museveni with adding his wished amendments to the Public Finance Management of 2015. That is sad. But let’s go through the election trail while we also have a little bit of sorrow for the cancellation of Nominations of the Lord Mayor race in Kampala. Cowardice from the Electoral Commission, check it out!

Miss M 111115

Quote of the day:

“The commission calls upon police to investigate and arrest the people who torched an agent’s car in Sembabule” – Kiggundu”

VOA:

“Had to ask does Brown Bags during corruption means corruption?”

Kizza Besigye 111115 P1

FDC Today:

“Not even the bad roads in the villages of Kisoro will stop us from rallying”.

The People’s President Dr. Kizza-Besigye Wrn has campaigned in Mukotojjomuko Town in Rubanda West, Kabale District. Mukatojo trading centre was we’re he had his first rally today.

Bad roads force Gen Muntu and National Party Chairman Ambassador Birigwa to abandon cars. The Kisoro campaign trail is moving on well, Dr Besigye has 4 more gatherings to adress plus the main rally in Kisoro town

Dr. Kizza-Besigye Wrn and Gen Muntu campaigning in Rubugiri in Kisoro District.

They will have the main rally in the Mayor’s Garden in Kisoro Town. Here he got even more NRM cards up into the hundreds like in recents day from determind members who is thinking of leaving the ruling party.

Kizza Besigye 111115 P2

Besigye said this today:

“Museveni can only be President up to May next year. The corrupt can only steal up to then. After May, whoever dips his hand in goverment coffers. His hand will stay in there”.

A Fun Fact: 

“Kisoro is one of those region herald has a stronghold of NRM, where its alleged that 93% of voters support the ruling party”.

The Message that Dr. Kizza Besigye had to the people of Kisoro after the rallies:

“Thank you very much Kisoro !..for the overwhelming reception you have accorded to my candidature today. Despite all challenges the people of Kisoro face ,ranging from lack of decent rural roads,.hospitals and schools you have braved the long journeys and I salute your hunger for the message of hope exhibited today at our rallies” (…)“Kisoro region is one of the most naturally endowed part of the country rich with fertile lands and tourist attractions, but having travelled through the remote areas of the region, I feel quite ashamed and disturbed by the state of affairs in this region, the situation is as alarming just like in all the other parts of the country” (…)“It’s not surprising that Mr. Museveni alleges 99% of Kisoro region support him and the NRM regime yet he abandons you to a state of abject poverty, because his government is riddled with corruption to the extent that he doesn’t care about the conditions he exposes you to, as long as you vote for him or he forces himself onto you against your will. The same person makes the other parts of the country believe that everything is rosy in Kisoro which in reality has never been the case” (…)“ Therefore my message to you today is ; begin to change your mindset, Mr. Museveni is not your master, he is supposed to be your servant, it’s you who have the powers to appoint and dismiss him. So Kisoro for you to have better services in the region, we have to work together, join up in the ‘Power 10’ agenda; organize ourselves in groups of ten and connect and liase with each other, and I can assure you this corrupt regime will be history and the Bufumbira region will develop to the great potential it should be” (…)“Thank you so much Kisoro ,I am leaving here in a very energetic mood and full of hope and optimism that the timing has never been more perfect, to liberate our beloved country Uganda. God Bless you the people of Kisoro. For God and my country”.

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On the TIC:

Maureen Faith Kyala has been arrested today. She was detained in Jinja. Maureen is detained at Jinja Central Police Station.

Rule of Law and the FDC:

“Kizza Besigye risks being banned if he defies the law, Electoral Commission (EC) says as it warns the FDC flag-bearer against ‘inciting public with his defiance campaign’. Besigye who is seeking the presidency for the fourth time says his 2016 campaign is one of defiance, not compliancy” (NBS TV)

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NRM Rallies today:

Had their campaign at Dokolo today. There was massive turn-up of Crime Preventers at the venue and especially at the Iguli rally of the President. He also had Rally in Lira.

YKM said today: “When we took charge of Uganda, we enacted a constitution – all power belongs to the people”.

Amama 111115 Mityana

Go-Forward rallies:

Amama Mbabazi held rallies in  Mityana today. At Mityana he received a spear, shield with the water-hoe symbolic of agricultural roots. DP Norbert Mao is part of the trail, even FDC’s Beatrice Anywar!

Beatrice Anywar said this today: “Who knew DP members would be at the same rally with FDC and NRM members, this is possible with Amama Mbabazi”.

Mathias Nsubuga said this: “We have not sold DP to Mbabazi. TDA is an alliance seeking change in Uganda. Change one person can not bring”.

At the Mityana rally a man asked “Amama how they used to rig the elections?”, he answered the man: “Never leave the premises or polling station”.

Amama Mbabazi said this today: “Every generation has its responsibility. Ours liberation this country, brought it this far. Need to carry on” (…)”I know a lot and can assure such (vote rigging) will not be done this time around”.

One candidate more:

Abed Bwanika was at Bugiri and Namayingo. Has anybody seen or heard him?

Joseph-Mabirizi

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MABIRIZI JOSEPH ABDUCTED FROM HIS HOTEL ROOM IN IGANGA

This is an official statement from the Head of Bureau.

At around 2.00am this morning, 11th November 2015, TIC Presidential Candidate Elton Joseph Mabirizi heard a knock on his hotel room. When he asked who it was, the assailant said : “I am your bodyguard”. So he opened. It turned out that it was not his bodyguard but two strange men.

He was in his Pajamas but without a top (bare chest). In that state he was blindfolded, walked to a waiting car, forced into the car boot and driven off to a bungalow where he was ushered in a room and unfolded. In the room he saw three men dressed in military uniform and the two plain clothed ones that had picked him from the hotel. They made no attempt to hide their faces.

He was thoroughly roughed up and warned that if he still wanted to stay alive, he should quit the Presidential race. They had a hot plate in the room which they plugged into a socket till red hot. They told him that if he does not abandon the campaign, next time they would make him sit on it.

He was then blindfolded again and dropped at a small urban settlement at around 3.30am,. He was rescued by the area LC who made arrangements to take him back to his hotel.

It should be noted that he has 11 armed Counter Terrorism Policemen guarding him. Not even one of them including his personal body guard learnt of the abduction until he was brought back to the hotel by the area LC I.

The latest now (12.03 pm) is that he has been driven in another police car to Jinja Central Police Station and has been taken inside.

We have spoken to the EC spokesperson Mr. Taremwa to report the incident. We explained that our candidate had been abducted under that watch of 11 counter terrorism policemen. The phone went off during the conversation. We have called back five times- he is not picking his phone. We have sent a text message to him requesting to call me back. It is now 30 minutes, he has not done so yet.

This should give an idea on how important the EC takes Candidate security.

We shall have tie to address the press when my candidate has been safely evacuated from Busoga region to Kampala.

 Today he was scheduled to address rallies in Jinja and Mayuge.

It is not clear whether he will be able to do so.

Statement issued at 12.21 pm. November 11, 2015

Omar Kalinge-Nnyago

HEAD OF BUREAU

THE INDEPENDENT COALITION, TIC

After all of this, this morning the UPDF had to question the Presidential Candidate.

Mayoral Race in Kampala – Erias Lukwago comments:

Addressing the press on the obnoxious KCCA Amendment Bill that seeks to whittle down people’s sovereignty. It’s only a collapsing regime that takes refugee in draconian laws. I have submitted to the Electoral Commission all the relevant signatures endorsing my candidature ahead of the nominations slated for Monday 16th. I have also called for a stakeholders’ meeting tomorrow 12th November at my residence in Rubaga at 11am to chart a way forward. The struggle continues”.

NRM Primaries – Saga doesn’t stop:

Makindddye Muncipality aftermath:

This morning l have submitted a video recording of massive rigging in Makinddye Ssaabgabo Municipality masterminded by the Municipality NRM Registrar Charles Settebere, in favour of the outgoing twice flag bearer . l have submitted it to NRM Electoral Commission Legal Officer Mubarakia Kalungi, but his boss Dr. Tanga Odoi and NRM First Vice Chairperson Ah Haji Moses Kigongo, were also aware of the event. l have called for the cancellation of results and a call for fresh party primaries, and to do away with the notorious registrar, Settebere, and replace him with one from the headquarters. All Polling Station registrars should also be reinforced from those at headquarters. Failure to respond to my prayers, l intend to stand on an independent ticket. In my own observation however, three man Tanga Commission is over whelmed. Capt. Abbey Mukwaya Committee should come to its rescue” (Written by Ahmed Musaazi).

Side-note:

In Kijabijo (Gayaza Karagi Road). The community says «they need power back». They have spent 4 months since the transformer was taken by UMEME. So they have put fires into the main roads as a demonstration against the government and UMEME for taking away electricity.

Side-note 2:

Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu of Electoral Commission has suspended the nominations for Lord of Mayor of Kampala. Surely they trying to coup the place for Babu instead of having a fun race between Raga Dee and Erias Lukwago. That is because the NRM-Regime hasn’t the balls to do so, because they know what might happen! Especially since they remember in 2011 and also the last by-election in Amuru…

Side-note 3:

Finance Minister Matia Kasajja told the Parliament today that there is no money in the Contingency Funds therefore the need for the Public Management Fund 2015 Amendment. The sad note on this matter is that the Parliament passed it. So the Government can just ride into the Bank and take short term loans as they please now!

Aftermath: 

Think that was enough for the day. Don’t you think this was more than enough. THE PMFA 2015 amendment is frightening enough. The things that been said on the trail is not important, now the Government and the ruling NRM-Regime has secured funding for their campaign and buying of fresh gear to their “Anti-Besigye-Act” and their fresh tear-gas. Surely these elections will be mad and brown bags. Since the Bank of Uganda is now a free for all. You can be surely be proud Hon. Kasajja and President Museveni, there will surely be inflation and devalue of the Shilling in the near future. Kiss 5% inflation rate goodbye! Peace.

Second day of Presidential Rallies in Uganda and other reports affecting to these elections

Obiang - M7

The candidates have been to different venues. The kick-off of the election season was yesterday. This is just the second day of the rallies for the 8th candidates in the race. Still I will promise I can’t have the ability to follow it as tight until 18th February 2016. So now from now on the will be other types of articles and blogs from me. It’s heavy to know and get all the report and fit in one piece. With the information from all of the different camps and parties involved. But here are some of the basics of the second day, also other actions that has happen. Not between the venues of the candidates, but initially the bigger picture.

Because in the Parliament they have discussed the Public Finance Management Bill of 2015, AGAIN, TODAY! This offers certain advantages to the government and less accountability for the Parliament. This gives the Government an opportunity to take short-term loans without thinking… That should get people rise their eyebrows and sneezing because of the BS from the NRM-Regime to achieve their goal. A free-way to bank and not due diligence on the short-term loans, that should not be a possibility, because that opens up so many worm-holes and pigeon-holes for an embezzlement and added corruption, last but not least. Something that make the economy even more volatile ads up more problems that can lead bigger inflation and higher prices, and last also devalue the shilling. Because of the more flow of monies and less control of the flow of currency in the country, that ends with less value of monies in general.

If you wonder what it is about read this:  

My blog piece about the Public Finance Management Bill of 2015 Amendment

Here I continue on the reports and news of the day!

Bank notes Uganda

Handouts during elections:

“This is particularly not surprising since a large percentage of the electorate is extremely poor and vulnerable to monetary handouts. But besides cash handouts voters have also been compromised with petty handouts that are largely consumptive and have no long term impact on their lives. All this is conduct that is contrary to the electoral law but seems to have grown unabated” (…)“During elections inflation tends to skyrocket, which creates problems for the economy”, Muhumuza, an economic analyst with KPMG, says. “The inflation, he says, has a far reaching impact that not only slows down economic growth but has the potential to wipe out gains” (Ladu, 2015).

Express concerns of paying debts:

“The petitioners told the secretary general, Justine Kasule Lumumba, recently at Parliament that the purpose of their request was to express their dissatisfaction over recently concluded party primaries, explaining that the postponement caused them to incur a lot of debts.“The NRM Electoral Commission (EC) kept postponding voting in the primaries; the delay caused a big financial strain on aspirants, because we had borrowed money” (Kiwuuwa, 2015).

NRM hires a VJ to Campaign for Museveni:

“Famous local movie translator Commonly VJ Jingo (now a Ssalongo) is now in monies following a new deal from Kyadondo that indicates that Jingo will be bagging Ugx. 200 million to provide mentions for NRM’s party flag bearer President Museveni during the presidential campaign due next year” (Newz.ug, 2015). I know I am late to the party, but still worth noticing right!

Crime Preventers

DP on the Crime Preventers:

“DP Deputy Spokesperson, Alex Waiswa told journalists at the City House in Kampala that they have learnt from credible sources that this brutal act was executed by crime preventers in the area. “We strongly resisted the creation of crime preventers having forecast such incidences; these groups have been formed and passed out at such an elective period with the sole aim of bogging all attempts by the opposition to the take over power in the 2016 general elections,” Waiswa said. “I want to assure Ugandans that no amount of attack or intimidation on us shall hinder our candidate and the group to continue campaigning and subsequently take over power in 2016,” Waiswa noted” (Segwa, 2015).

Soroti Boma Grounds 090915 P6

Orders on Tear-Gas from IGP Kale Kayihura today:

The Deputy Spokesman Polly Namaye: “The Police Policy is to ensure as little engagement with the public terms of crowd control. We will only use means such as tear gas where absolutely necessary” (…)”The decision, according to the source, could also informed by the fact that the force wants to avoid using expired stock” (The Insider, 2015).

Seven Amama Supporters detained:

“Even Amama Mbabazi supporters are currently detained at Namataba Police Station. Go Forward’s PRO Mayanja Nkangi says they have been told those in police custody committed the offence of ‘driving a car with machines’. Mbabazi is expected to hold his second rally this afternoon in Mukono” (Investigator, 2015).

Amama 101115. Banda Stop

Police action in Mukono:

Also in Mukono there was a Brass Band playing for the Go-Forward candidate before the rally. The Police have stopped this brass band from playing.

NRM reaction to the Go-Forward rally:

Earlier today the NRM had a procession in Mukono. It just had to happen the day that Amama Mbabazi and the Go-Forward team were coming to town. After this they held an Anti-Amama Protest in town.

Deflections to Go-Forward:

“The Iganga District vice chairperson, Mr Ezra Gabula, has declared his support for former prime minister Amama Mbabazi, saying President Museveni has lost track and is no longer focused enough to lead the country” (Sigira, 2015).

Go-Forward rally in Mukono:

At the Mukono Rally of the Go-Forward one of the speakers Mugoba-Nsonga tells Ken Lukyamuzi: “You have two weeks to join Go-Forward lest you are no longer part of the party president”.

Mathias Mpuunga said this after the rally:

Thnx Hon. Betty Nambooze & Mukono! Time to offer leadership and not excuses!

Amama 101115 Buganda

Who Plans the Go-Forward rally in Oyam:

The loser of the NRM Primaries Omodo Omodo is making arrangements for the Go-Forward and Amama Mbabazi’s rally in the area.

NRM Poor Youth deflects from Go-Forward back to Museveni:

“Thomas Kategere who is also the National Resistance Movement flag bearer for Kamuli district LC5 chairperson on Monday crossed to Museveni`s camp when he drove all the way from Kamuli to attend the latter`s first presidential campaign rally in Luwero district” (Okello, 2015).

FDC Party and Dr. Kizza Besigye rallies toaday:

Dr. Kizza Besigye 101115 P1

Dr. Kizza Besigye on the Road:

He had an early stop at Rwamabondo. He will later hold a rally at Kyamate Grounds.

Inside the village of the Karaja County in Ntungamo district. In the village he had to stop to greet supporters and even held a speech to the greeting public. At the village level more than hundred people left their NRM-Cards to the Dr. Kizza Besigye and told that they would not vote for Museveni and NRM no more.

Dr. Kizza Besigye 101115 P2

Dr. Kizza Besigye wsa in Rwasahamire: “It took us many hours to get here because of a poor road network”.

Dr. Kizza Besigye 101115 P3

Dr Besigye has addressed our supporters in Kitwe in Ruhaama county of Ntungamo district. He is expected to arrive at the main rally in Ntungamo municipality around 7.

Hon Ibrahim SSemujju Nganda stated this today:

“In November 2013, Parliament’s Government Assurance Committee released a report indicating that since 1986, Mr Museveni had not fulfilled pledges totalling to 817 whose worth was estimated at Shs13 trillion in key areas such as roads, hospitals, schools, airports, bridges, electricity and industrialisation. And he insists on running for another term of office?”

Muntu 101115

Dr.Kizza Besigye statement after the rallies today:

“To all the evidently change hungry people of Ntungamo. I want to say thank you for the warm welcome accorded to us. The dug up roads we witnessed today in a district where many NRM bigwigs originate is evidence that we should work for change. A type of change that will see us have better roads regardless of how remote our subcounty is. To the people of Rubare and Kitwe thanks for braving the rain as you waited for our arrival. With this spirit of defiance against heavy rains we shall surely win this election. Let us lift our country through a spirit of sacrifice and commitment like we have exhibited today. I would like to encourage those who have turned in their NRM party cards to remain steadfast and resolute. It is as well very touching to see you pull out your 1000, 500, 100 shillings to finance this campaign. You have given new meaning to the name ‘The People’s President’. Mwebare munonga. Ruhanga abarinde”.

TIC PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS:

Maureen Kyala 101115

We congratulate TIC presidential candidate Mr. Mabirizi Joseph and his colleague Mrs. Kyala Walube on a successful first day of campaigns. Mabirizi left Kampala a bit late which caused problems for Iganga- the Iganga rally has been rescheduled to tomorrow mid morning before proceeding to Bugiri and Namayingo. Kaliro was great.

Today Maureen Faith Kayala had a rally in Busoga. At the rally she promised to make Joseph Mabirizi her VP.

Reports saying this about one of the candidates:

Gen. Biraro is still studying the situation. He won’t rush, victory is his, he projects a 80% sweep.

M7 and NRM continue to have campaign rallies:

Museveni 101115

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Nakeseke:

He had to take a helicopter to the venue. Where he has asked the public vote for him and he is “your best choice”.

Journalist Detained because of the crowd photoes of the NRM rallies:

Five Journalists and photographers who were covering President Museveni rallies in Nakaseke and Nakasongola were arrested and detained. They were forced to delete all there photos and videos. The journalists and photographers had covered poor turn up of Museveni rallies. They was later released after deleting the photos.

A nice combo from one of the rallies:

Nakasongola crowd combined of this kind of crowd!

Crimes preventers + Army men at Nakasongola Barack + Army men’s wives + Army men’s children + Nakasongola police men and their women + Some few NRM supporters -Nakasongola residents = Museveni crowds.

Bebe Cool works the crowd at President Museveni’s Nakasongola rally.

The singer says the incumbent will retain the presidency “because he does 4 rallies a day, with the same crowd within a single district while others do one at most two a day and have even resorted to manufacturing pics to seek false confidence” (NBS TV, 2015).

In Amolator the Lango Chief Yosam Odur gave him a spear and shield. So Museveni got respect from the local folks here.

This is what I have from today. It should seem as enough. Second day of Election rallies. There been a lot and also lots of action on the ground. Hard to cover it all and give an edge that Daily Monitor, New Vision and all the other media houses does. So this is my go at it. I will follow the election, but I can’t do it this heavy in the coming days. But will try my best so that the cover of the election gets a bit fair.

Reference:

Kiwuuwa, Paul – ‘NRM losers seek audience with Museveni over debts’ (10.11.2015) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/675512-nrm-losers-seek-audience-with-museveni-over-debts.html

Ladu, Ismail Musa – ‘Election handouts: The scourge eating the economy’ (10.11.2015) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/Business/Prosper/Election-handouts-scourge-economy/-/688616/2949400/-/q09kal/-/index.html

Newz.ug – ‘NRM hires VJ Jingo to campaign for Museveni, bags Ugx. 200m’ (09.10.2015) link: http://newz.ug/2015/10/19/nrm-hires-vj-jingo-to-campaign-for-museveni-bags-ugx-200m/

Okello, Dickens H. – ‘Another Poor Youth Leaves Mbabazi for Museveni’ (10.11.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/another-poor-youth-leaves-mbabazi-for-museveni/

Investigator – ‘#AmamaTrail: Seven Amama Mbabazi Supporters detained as Baryamureeba Suspends his Campaigns’ (10.11.2015) link: http://theinvestigatornews.com/amamatrail-seven-amama-mbabazi-supporters-detained-as-baryamureeba-suspends-his-campaigns/

Segwa, Nixon – ‘DP, TDA- Go Forward Threaten to Counterattack Crime Preventers’ (10.11.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/dp-tda-go-forward-threaten-to-counterattack-crime-preventers/

Sigira, Yazid Yoli – ‘Iganga District boss crosses to Mbabazi camp’ (10.11.2015) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Iganga-District-boss-crosses-to-Mbabazi-camp/-/688334/2950424/-/wtnra8z/-/index.html

The Insider – ‘Kayihura tells cops to go slow on expired teargas’ (10.11.2015) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/kayihura-tells-cops-to-go-slow-on-expired-teargas/

Picture of the Day – Share a Coke with.. Amama

Share A Coke W Amama 101115

On the Road to Mukono today and this happen. Peace! 

First day of Presidential Rallies in Uganda

Besigye Supports on the Road to Rukungiri 091115

Today is the first day of Presidential Elections rallies that has been harmonized with the Electoral Commission. The Camps or Parties has travelled around the country while one candidate still works with the commission to get a go to campaign. The ones that really seem to matter is the President Museveni in Luweero, Amama Mbabazi and People’s President Dr. Kizza Besigye in Rukungiri. And the best of all, this has been very peaceful and IGP Kale Kayihura has put his tear-gas and violent men to the side. It’s rare to see so little activity from the UPF and the peace that is at venues today. Hope this continues. Because its good to see the crowds, though we surely knows that certain levels of the NRM crowds are shipped there as the Crime Preventers are taking buses back and forth from venues to listen to Mzee. But enough of that! Let’s feel the flow of the day, start with the economic situation and then address the Elections as they have unfolded. The reports are not it all, not full speeches or such. But pieces and gist’s of what has been happening.

Before I go on the trails with the candidates and their trails, I will show a report from the Watchdog:

“A well-placed source at the Ministry of Finance has told Watchdog that President Museveni ordered the Ministry to arrange for him Shs500 billion. The source suspects the money is meant to fund Museveni’s campaigns. “He gave us only one week to look for the money and send it,” he said. The move came at the time some civil servants have not been paid for about three months. But that is not the sad bit. The Finance official told Watchdog website that the money had to be cut from various ministries” (Watchdog, 2015).

Money to MPs to be energized for the Elections:

“While asking NRM MPs to support the proposed amendments to the Public Finance law, the minister for planning, David Bahati, warned of a crisis in government, if Parliament rejects a new Bill that seeks to amend the current law to allow government, among other things, to borrow from Bank of Uganda. Daily Monitor broke the story when the Parliamentary Commission, secretly approved a 40 per cent pay rise for MPs and House staff, in a move the Clerk to Parliament, Ms Jane Kibirege said was intended to motivate members ahead of next year’s elections” (…)”However, Mr Bahati’s explanation according to sources did not go well with some senior legislators led by Mr Emmanuel Dombo (Bunyole East), who insisted that the Shs286.7b in the Contingency Fund went to State House and defence operations. Asked why government is broke, the Ministry of Finance Spokesperson, Jim Mugunga, said: “Government is not broke. Some ministries and government departments received more money in the budget.” (Mugerwa, 2015).

Car as an election gift to the Lamogi Clan Cheif from NRM:

You know there is election when there is big pledges and free stuff to the citizens. And the security agencies get new equipment and other material. The reports here says this:

“The Lamogi clan chief Martin Otinga Otto Yai Otuka has asked his subjects to vote for President Museveni in 2016 presidential polls, saying he has honoured pledges to develop the chiefdom. The chief made the remarks while speaking to residents at his home in Guru-guru village Lamogi Sub-county, Amuru District, while receiving a new Pajero donated to him by Mr Museveni on Friday” (Ocungi, 2015).

When reading about this money issue the President pledges this later today at the 2nd rally in Luweero:

“President Museveni has promised to increase funds for the National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAADs) to the tune of Shs1 trillion if Ugandans re-elect him in next year’s presidential elections.” (Monitor, 2015).

Rukungiri 091115

The FDC travelled in a Team today, they we’re Gen. Mugisha Muntu, SG Hon. Nathan Nandala-Mafabi, Spokesperson Hon. Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju, Special Mobiliser Hon. Erias Lukwago, Hon. Amuriat, Hon. Otto Odonga, Fdc Chairman Waswa Birigwa, Shifrah Lukwago and Activists Gloria Paga and Moses Byamugyisha.

In Ntugamo town, people was lining up by the road with FDC signs. They had planted banana trees 10 kilometers from town and to the center of the town. At the FDC office in town Hon. Kataha was flashing the FDC sign and screaming “Kyahwa” transelated means “It’s finished”. In the same time even DP supports showed support for Dr. Kizza Besigye.

Rukungiri 091115 Rally P1

In Mbabara the town was in standstill because people wanted a view of Dr. Kizza Besigye. People were screaming and even woman was crying. People have been waiting in more areas for the FDC convoy in Mpigi, Masaka, Rwengo, Lyantonde and Rushere.

Rukungiri 091115 Rally P2

At the rally in town the first ones to address the rally were Wafula Oguttu and Ingrid Turinawe. After that Erias Lukwago has address them. After that Gen. Mugisha Muntu addressed the people. Then Dr. Kizza Besigye went up to the podium and the people went bananas. Quotes from his speech:

Besigye 091115 Rukungiri

“Our children can’t study properly when the teachers are not properly remunerated”(…)”Our people are hoodwinked that they will be given Naads handouts and they keep walking up and down from and to Sub county offices” (…)”Why should government first extort money from citizens in form of high taxes and yet they can’t give services to the people?” (…)”Government will now begin to distribute Naada handouts since we are going in elections and you will find people thanking and praising government” (…)”If you have no power, you will never get better education or medical care” (…)”No meaningful jobs for youths when you have no power as citizens” (…)”When government over taxes you, it leaves you with no money or capital to use for production and development of yourself”.

Message from Kizza Besigye after the rally today:

“To the people of Rukungiri, inclusive of supporters of various political parties, I would like to extend my heart felt gratitude for the overwhelming turn up and the material support you have accorded to my candidature today” (…)“The spirit shown in Rukungiri, I believe will be the catalyst of the liberation of the entire country. The wave you have began will be unstoppable, from here on ‘as we move, many people will join us, we shall assign them duties and we shall build a force to break all the obstacles before us'”.

#WesigeBesigye

Reports from FDC Primaries:

“Anywar tears ballots papers for FDC primaries in Kitgum:

“I am the one who brought Besigye to Kitgum … Let him come here. Where is Besigye ?” Anywar fumed when she stormed the FDC meeting in Kitgum. She later left the office wailing”.

Just so you know:

Prof Byra - Election Rally 091115 P2

In Busaana in Kayunga Professor Baryamureeba held a rally there today! Also was in Kamuli he held a public rally.

Bwanika 091115 Kamuli

Abed Bwanika held his first election rally in Kamuli. There were more people at his rally it seems then at the Prof. Barya, but that is just my eyes I guess.

Statement from one of the Independent Coalition candidates:

Elton Joseph Mabirizi: “I love you all my supporters. Keep on supporting me and encourage others to join”, he Joseph Mabirizi says this and also Maureen Kyala is supposed to hold Election rally in Busoga today. Look forward to hear the reports from their rallies in Busoga when they come.

Maj Gen Benon Biraro is most likely not to hold his first rally today as he is still harmonizing his campaign schedule

Go-Forward Rally in Masaka:
Ssekasamba and the DPC has spent the whole last night supervising and determined to take down posters of Amama Mbabazi in the town. As the morning has come the Go-Forward team has put more up. The Go-Forward team has also paid for free boda-boda rides in Masaka town. The police are heavy deployed in town. The Police have also warned Go-Forward Presidential Candidate to have a procession through town from the Golf Grounds to center of town.

Amama 091115 Chair

Amama Mbabazi on the road to Masaka where he got stopped got a special built chair and bananas by supporters.

Mao Masaka Mbabazi 091115

Former NRM Masaka Municipality MP Shanon Kakungulu has deflected to Go-Forward today! There is also reports that 20 other members has deflected from NRM to Go-Forward as well, seems like many leaves the Yellow-Party.

Amama Masaka 091115 Ready

To follow more up the Police and the NRM even had to have a function in the town as the Go-Forward Presidential candidate will arrive and have a rally later today. DP’s Norbert Mao has showed up to support Amama Mbabazi. There has also been set up some police barricades in town. So that Norbert Mao is stuck in a jam on the way to venue of the rally. He came to the venue and has been on stage with Vice Mukasa Mbidde and musician Big Eye. John Kawanga handed Amama Mbabazi a spear at the rally.

Amama 091115 MasakaJPG

Amama Mbabazi message after the Rally:

“Thank you Masaka for turning up in big numbers to support the Go Forward campaign. We continue preaching the message of a Uganda that works for everyone”. 

NRM Rally in Luweero:

There has been rumored that the President Museveni had a meeting and campaign rally in a town called Bamunanika. The People of the area were mad and screaming for all the promises that he has given and never kept. Also being mad at the how the Associates have taken land from them. He lost his speech and was stammering by the anger of the local residents.

Zirowe NRM 091115 P1

The second rally was held on the Kasana Ground in Luweero. Where he asked the local electorate to: “me your grandfather”.  At the Kasana Ground entered Kakooza Mutale!

NRM Call Center 091115

Technology in this election:

Spokesman of the NRM Ofwono Opondo has proudly told the party has gotten themselves a call-center which was launched this morning and will call and reach up to 8 million voters during the election season. If that wasn’t enough Mzee has released his own election app and had help from an aide to get it to work on his own phone.

Zirowe NRM 091115 P2

Side-note:

In Kabale there has been a Radio Panelist who first escaped from arrest after orders from the Resident District Commissioner Darius Naninda who tried to catch the Anti-Corruption Activist who was taking part of a show on the Kabala Freedom Radio (Mughisa, 2015). Later is seen that he has a warrant on inciting violence.

Side-note 2:

“The Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) is deeply concerned about the safety of Ugandan refugees Musa Isabirye and Timothy Yamin who were deported to Uganda by Botswana Government last week.  They have previously been active in opposition politics in Uganda and could face persecution, imprisonment or torture there.  According to their legal representative Martin Dingake, “Their deportation took place in spite of a clear court order from the Botswana High Court interdicting such deportation. As a result the deportation is in flagrant contempt of the order of court and displays a shocking disregard by the Government of Botswana for the rule of law” (SALC, 2015).

Side-Note 3:

In the External Security Organization there will be a reshuffle of four of the leaders on the top. Said to be an election switch. Also, one of the leaders who is Director General of this British which is kind of illegal in this matter; they are supposed to be Ugandan nationals.

Side-Note 4:

“According to Airtel Uganda Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Mrs. Charity Bukenya, “Airtel Uganda has and will always welcome ideas that focus on empowerment of the youth, not only by providing them with better telecommunications solutions, but also by giving them opportunities to better their loves through the kind of exposure that AIESEC provides” (IT News Africa, 2015).

There will be more to come. This is what I have for now. Hope you got enlighten about what has happen. I don’t have all the clear reports at least some to give you a feel of what has gone down. There will be more to come. Since we’re just starting on the road to February polls! Peace.

Reference:

Monitor – ‘Museveni to inject 1 trillion in NAADs’ (09.11.2015) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/SpecialReports/Elections/Museveni-inject-trillion-NAADs/-/859108/2949484/-/8rjmx6z/-/index.html

Mugisha, Alex – ‘Drama as Kabale Radio  Panelist escape arrest’ (09.11.2015) link: http://ugandaradionetwork.com/story/drama-as-kabale-radio-panelists-escape-arrest

Mugerwa, Yasiin – ‘Pension cash spent on MPs allowances’ (09.11.2015) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Pension-cash-spent-MPs-allowances/-/688334/2948430/-/vstkcjz/-/index.html

Ocungi, Julius – ‘Chief rallies for Museveni after car gift’ (09.11.2015) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Chief-rallies–Museveni-car-gift/-/688334/2948234/-/rt1x0r/-/index.html

IT News Africa – ‘Uganda: Airtel to take digital empowerment to Kyambogo University’ (09.11.2015) link: http://www.itnewsafrica.com/2015/11/uganda-airtel-to-take-digital-empowerment-to-kyambogo-university/

Southern Africa Litigation Centre – ‘Statement: SALC Condemns Deportation of Refugees from Botswana’ (09.11.2015) link: http://www.southernafricalitigationcentre.org/2015/11/09/statement-salc-condemns-deportation-of-refugees-from-botswana/

Watchdog – ‘MUSEVENI RAIDS SHS500 BILLION FROM TREASURY TO FUND CAMPAIGNS’ (09.11.2015) link: http://watchdog.co.ug/detail.php?id=559

Campaign preview’s and updates on the ground in Uganda – The day before the day

Uganda-Electoral-Commission

There been the nominations days and harmonization of the campaigns with the Electoral Commission. So tomorrow is the official start to the long journey to 18th February. They have already talked and commented about each other. Now the train has left the station and we will see how far the train goes of it ends well at the destination.

Yellow Buses Luweero 081115 NRM

First- NRM in Luweero:

There have been pictures of the Yellow Buses arriving in Luweero without any joy of the locals. Also been reports of the Crime Preventers that was left behind in Kololo has been taken buses towards Luweero as we speak. So that they might get paid this time and also get a free t-shirt. So that the President has an eager crowd at the place! There are also reports that the NRM will treat the ones that show up a free lunch and transport to those who comes by the rally in town.

YKM Luweero and Nakaseke

One Campaign plan by the NRM:

“The NRM is now on the move to Neutralize ‪#‎Goforward Msge saying they are the ones going forward and in effect it resonates with the No Change Slogan”.

FDC Rukungiri 081115

Second – FDC in Rukungiri:

There have been reports that Dr. Kizza Besigye travelled through Ntungamo via Kahengye Bridge and continued through Nyakibare to Rukungiri Town. There been reports of supports walking from as long as 100 kilometers to stay over to take part of the election rally tomorrow! In the area the rally has called off work and become a Public Holiday in the area. The Kasiki has begun at the Fdc offices in Rukungiri in preparation for rally tomorrow today.

FDC Campaign 2015 P1

Later in the week some notices:

“All is set to welcome Col.(rtd)Dr. Kizza Waren Besigye Kifeefe to Kanungu on Thursday 12th.Nov.2015 – He is expected to arrive in the District on Wednesday evening and thereafter address his people via a Kanungu popular radio station KBS at 8:00pm. He will in the morning head to Mpungu to greet his people there and later pass Butogota where he will have a stop-over and greet his people. He will thereafter address a mega rally in Kihihi before heading to Kanungu Main Stadium for a final Mega rally in the evening” (Reports is saying so)

Amama Supporter 081115

Third – Go Forward:

Muhamad Kikomeko who is a support of the Amama Mbabazi escapes death in Sembabule, a group attacked his car and burned his car.

Masaka Go-Forward

The Amama Mbabazi rally will happen in Maska District.

Fourth and Fifth – Independent Candidates:

Tomorrow November 9, 2015 TIC Presidential Candidate Mr. Mabirizi Joseph and Mrs. Maureen Faith Kyala Waluube will hold various meetings in Iganga and Kaliro districts.

We have decided that the two cut costs and share resources – they will be campaigning on the same platform everywhere. Their time table is the same.

Tomorrow 9th Nov they are in Iganga and Kaliro. On Tuesday 10th – in Bugiri and Namayingo. On Wednesday,11th they will be in Jinja and Mayuge.

A Sidenote:

“Kagame on Nkurunziza: ‘What kind of president locks himself up, talks to no one — no one can find him — while bodies litter the streets?’”

Can’t wait for tomorrow! There will be movement on the ground and reports ticking in tomorrow. Can’t wait, not worth stressing about it before it ticks in and the campaigning will happen. An wonder how the people in the towns and villages around the areas where the Presidential Candidates are running their campaigns, not only also how the Tear-gas skirmishing police will deal with Leaders of Opposition, don’t expect any violence around the NRM campaign, but there rest there could be issues! Because the UPF has an history of going against the other ones. Peace.

Recharging the Security Agencies in Uganda and other breif statements since the Nominations Days

the-1995-constitution-was-very-clear-on-two-terms-but-museveni-used-parliament-to-remove-term-limits

Follow up of some political changes since the Nominations Day’s in Uganda

There been actions and quotes after the start of elections-season in Uganda. The campaigning will not start officially before Monday 9th of November and end 18th February 2016. Still there already campaigning and movement from all parties involved. Even the ones paid to secure the elections and the ruling party. The last report I have to is a continuation of the fear-mongering the President Museveni does. It’s his trademark now. Just like Nike – Just do it! For Museveni it’s if you don’t get me to keep the throne then the guns shall arrive and you will regret trying to get rid of me!

Bary for President

 

Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba, PhD and Presidential Candidate – Statement 5th November:

“I was not disappointed by the comments made by President Museveni when he asserted that I am a young boy who failed to manage Makerere University and that he doubted my capacity to manage this country. It only affirmed my impression of him as a person who is of advanced age and has no more capacity to keep tabs of what is going on and has no idea what is happening on the ground in Uganda” (…)”Of course I know that President Museveni has grown very intolerant of anybody who threatens his hold onto power. It is the reason that he has gone an extra mile to forget the above as seen in his attacks over my personality” (…)”To avoid going back and forth on this discussion, I would like to offer myself for a public political debate with H.E President Yoweri Museveni as we ponder on issues that affect Ugandans and not each other’s ages. It is in such debates that we can be able to engage in mature politics”.

Joseph-Mabirizi

Joseph Mabirizi, Presidential Candidate of The Independent Coalition said this in his speech 4th November:

“I thank those thousands of Ugandans countrywide who signed our nomination forms, without expecting anything in return. This showed us that in Uganda, despite the culture that the 30 year old regime has attempted to impose on Ugandans – that votes are for sale – has not quite taken root. We are confident that this spirit will continue during the election period and beyond. We appeal to all Ugandans to reject voter bribery in all its forms, now and in the future” (…)”I have walked on foot when I had no transport fare. I have struggled to make ends meet. My relatives live in the villages, some work in markets, in garages, others are drivers- name it. Many of my young relatives are un-employed yet educated. I am just a hard working person who believes that with courage and determination, everything is possible. And I will be president of Uganda. With your support” (…)”To all citizens, the time for real change is now. We hear people talk about change” (…)”They have failed the young people. They have failed the women. They have failed the persons with different abilities- they have instead exploited them, manipulated them, given them empty promises and misdirected the nation. We pledge to return Uganda to its rightful path. Change can only come with new people, with new thinking. New attitudes. Don’t be deceived. No one can be able to make any meaningful contribution to governance after 30 years in power, whether as president or in any other capacity”.

Cars 051115 Frank Tun.. P1

Security and monitoring the election in Karamoja and Rwenzori:

Today, the minister for Presidency and KCCA, Hon. Frank K Tumwebaze has handed over nine brand new Isuzu double cabin pickup trucks to the RDCs of Karamoja and Rwenzori regions.The vehicles valued at 145m each were handed over to the RDCs of Abim, Napak, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Kaboong, Amudat, Kotido, Kamwenge and Kasese districts at a function graced by the Secretary, Office of The President, Ms. Deborah Katuramu and the media.The minister reminded the RDCs about their constitutional mandate under Article 203 of monitoring government programmes both at central and district levels. While the Secretary warned the RDCs from misusing the vehicles, urging them that punitive action would be taken against anyone who uses the vehicle for any other work besides monitoring.

Cars 051115 Frank Tun.. P2

Statement on Yesterday’s FDC Nomination Rally:

You made a loud and clear statement yesterday!

Thank you the people of Kampala, thank you the people of Wakiso, thank you the people of Buganda, Northern, Eastern and Western Uganda. Thank you for loving FDC and our charismatic leader Dr. Col. Kizza Besigye – flag bearer.

The journey to bring change has just started, we can not however accomplish this task alone as FDC and or opposition, we equally need everyone including but those in NRM who are pro change. By this we call upon all peace and democracy loving people iregardless of their political affiliation to join hands with FDC to bring about the desired change.

Let us exhibit maturity, respect and tolerance even with those with contrary views. Lets convince one to convince another.

Together We Can and each one of us matters.

One Uganda One People,

Rajab Kaaya Sema

FDC National Vice Chairman Buganda

POLOGY TO MY FDC COLLEAGUES

Yesterday I called the Kizza Besigye nomination event organizers Semujju Nganda and Kikonyogo John N to confirm my attendance at the nomination rally at Nakivubo.

There is no way I could not be with my FDC colleagues on this day. I had really wanted to put the record straight,- that not all JEEMA leaders put their weight being Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi (Go-Forward) as is alleged. Those JEEMA officials who have declared support to JPAM did so as individuals, which is their absolute right, especially since JEEMA did not find it strategic to field a presidential candidate in 2016. As some of you know, business to do with “flag bearer” is disposed of only at the JEEMA National Delegates Conference. This was not done.

Unfortunately, I failed to make it as I could not navigate through the jam, for, at 2.38pm I was also nominating a new kid on the block fronted by The Independent Coalition, TIC. His name is Joseph Mabirizi, Engineer, 40. It took us another two and a half hours to return to Kampala.

My reasons for participating in introducing this new face in Uganda’s politics in 2016, whose real political future lies certainly beyond 2016, is ideological. A new generation should be assisted to put its foot forward now, so that they can book their place in the future, at the highest table.

My personal support for FDC’s Kizza Besigye is rooted in a rich history of trust, respect and common danger that we have faced as change agents at the hands of those whom we know very well. I also know that many other JEEMA members and leaders do support FDC’s KB for 2016. God willing, I will find time at another FDC’s KB public event to repeat these words – and perhaps more, to a wider audience. This is my promise.

Omar Kalinge-Nnyago

JEEMA delegation in the Inter Party Organization for Delegation (IPOD).

Besigye Buganda Kingdom

Saturday 7th November – Baganda Kingdom:

“Crowd goes wild as Kattikiro, Charles Peter Mayiga introduces Kizza Besigye to Ssaabasajja Kabaka of Buganda Kingdom at the youth day celebrations in Kasangati, Kyadondo” – Reports say today!

AmamaNRMElection2016

What A Pro-Museveni has been spreading online:

“Amama seeking for sympathy:

Hey statesmen and women of the great nation Uganda.

In my last article I clearly showed you how Amama uses media to claim to be a billionaire yet he has money just enough for his family.

Yesterday we learnt that Amama Mbabazi was trying to seek sympathies from the public as his team claimed that he couldn’t access his account to facilitate campaigns and yet calling for support by donating via mobile money.

Amama got this from Kizza Besigye but for the money he got from Gay activist and then Temangalo Scandal.

Ugandans are wise Amama is not going to fool us.

Vote wisely

Don’t vote for vulnerable thieves

‪#‎M74PRESIDENCY2016

JONAH LUTHER BYARUGABA

CHAIRMAN MUSEVENISTS COMMUNITY.

Reports from the Go-Forward Group this Saturday 7th November:

“A MAJOR REBELLION and SPLIT has finally broken out in THE GO FOWARD camp with seven chief mobilisers on the run having swindled 10BN CASH meant for strategic mobilisation! Thousands of GO FOWARD loyalists continue to storm plot 28 nakasero and vow to crush the chief robbers! In a sphere of national confluence we do urge all political practioners to exercise moral prudence, when managing the financial infrastructure of their organisations! And to you chief professional robbers in the GO FOWARD CAMP, please be reminded that your chronic culture of stealing money was well inherited right from the time when you served in the MIGHTY NRM GOVERMENT, a matter worth no indelible suprise! thank you” (Reports say).

Some more aftermath reports from the NRM Primaries:

“Junior minister for Lands Idah Nantaba has been flown to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi for specialized treatment after police subdued her with pepper spray following a confrontation at Kayunga Police Station in the chaotic NRM primaries”.

Crime-preventers-on-the-parade-in-Kasese-district-2

Crime Preventers from Up-Country demonstrate:

“80 crime preventors, along with their counterparts from Nwoya and Amuru, are protesting for allegedly having hoodwinked to join the M7 nomination rally on 3rd November. They were ferried from their training grounds with hopes of being passed out, ending up in Kololo!” (Reports from Gulu say’s so today!).

IGP Kale Kayihura Quote

On 5th November the UPF released this information:

“Minister of state for Internal affairs, Honorable James Boliba Baba has today launched twenty seven (27) regional Joint security Operation Centers with the aim of further enhancing crime reduction & management at a regional level. These centers will work hand in hand with the security teams within the districts. The regional centers will also work very closely with the Joint Operations Command center at the national level. The function took place at police headquarters & was attended by representatives from UPDF,UPF, UPS, ESO,ISO, DPP. All regional Police commanders were in attendance. The launch was also attended by Mr Stephen Kagoda, the P.S Ministry of Internal affairs”.

MuseveniNRM2016Election

President Museveni continues with his fear campaign:

“Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned Ugandans to prepare for a war if they don’t vote him as president comes 18th February 2016. The president was addressing the nation at statehouse Entebbe and he clearly stated that Ugandans must vote him or prepare for a war (AfroReports, 2015).

Hey! What do you think, wasn’t that all enlightening and giving you a feeling for what is happening and the results of what is going on. There are massive moments and the camps are preparing their campaigns and everything. They way of addressing and deflections, not to mention the state giving police more fancy equipment right now before the elections and also starting joint operations between the security agencies while the President Museveni have to reassure the people what will happen if they don’t vote for him! Something is smells fishy! While the Harmonization of campaigns have been done the Electoral Commission and the days are scheduled and the document is able to get for free on Scribd. For those who are interested. In this days the manifestoes can also be read. But trust me; it is more interesting to see the movement on the ground then empty promises. Peace!

 

Reference:

AfroReports – ‘Prepare for a war-Museveni Warns’ (06.11.2015) link: http://www.afroreports.com/index.php/latest-news/263-prepare-for-a-war-museveni-warns.html

Lukwago picks forms to run for Kampala Lord Mayor again (Youtube-Clip)

“Incumbent Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has picked nomination papers from the Electoral commission to contest for the same position. Lukwago says despite all the attempts to block his candidature to vie for the position, he is confident that the will of the people will prevail, even after a tumultuous spell at the helm. He is also into an alliance with his long time political ally Dr Kizza Besigye” (NTV Uganda)

Uganda – Statement by the Chairperson, Electoral Commission at the Closure of the Presidential Nomination Exercise – 2016 General Elections (04.11.2015)

Uganda-Electoral-Commission

Ref: ADM72/01 – The Republic of Uganda – The Electoral Commission:

The Electoral Commission appointed 3rd and 4th November 2015 as dates for the nomination of candidates for the 2016 Presidential Elections. There were forty eight (48) persons who picked Nomination Forms for Presidential Elections. Twelve (12) persons/parties returned the Forms to the Commission for verification. The nomination exercise which commenced yesterday Tuesday 3rd November 2015, has been concluded today, Wednesday, 4th November 2015, and the following have been successfully nominated as candidates

No Nominated candidate Political party/Organisation Symbol
1. Yoweri Museveni Kaguta National Resistance Movement Party Symbol
2 Amama Mbabazi Independent Chair
3 Baryamureeba Venansius Independent Clock
4 Besigye Kizza Kifefe Forum for Democratic Change Party Symbol
5 Abed Bwanika Peoples’ Development Party Party Symbol
6 Mabirizi Joseph Independent Ball
7 Maureen Faith Kyalya Waluube Independent Pot
8 Biraaro Buta Benon Farmers Party of Uganda Party Symbol

 

One of the presidential aspirants, Mr. Bbaale Charles Lwanga (Ecological Party of Uganda) presented himself to the Electoral Commission but did not satisfy the requirements for nomination as a candidate for the Presidential Elections, 2016.

Another Presidential aspirant, Hajji Nasser Ntege Sebagala, who had picked nomination papers, complied with the provisions of Section 10(1)(b) and (3), of the Presidential Elections Act 2005 (as amended) on supporters for the nomination, and booked nomination date and time did not turn up for nomination as required by the law.

The Commission congratulates all those candidates who have been successfully nominated and wishes them the best as they go out to campaign and solicit for votes from the electorate.

The Electoral Commission wishes to emphasise the following: 

The Electoral Commission has appointed the period 4th – 9th November 2015 as the period for inspection of nomination papers for candidates contesting for Presidential Elections 2016.

The inspection of nomination papers will be held at the Office of the Chairperson, Electoral Commission, who is the Returning Officer for the Presidential Elections, during office hours.

During this period, any person will be free to raise objection, to the qualification of a nominated candidate, to the Chairperson, Electoral Commission/Returning Officer, at the Electoral Commission Headquarters in Kampala.

No complaints shall be accepted after the expiry of the appointed dates.

Meeting for Harmonisation of Campaign Programme 

The Electoral Commission will hold a meeting with all the nominated candidates and/or their agents on Thursday 5th – Sunday 8th November 2015, at the Electoral Commission Boardroom, at 10:00am, to harmonise the campaign programme.

After harmonisation of the campaign programme, candidates will be expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), calling for compliance with the campaign guidelines and programme, to achieve peaceful campaigns and elections.

The Commission wishes to appreciate the following who have made the nomination exercise a success:

  1. The National Organisation Committee (NOC);
  2. The aspirants, their families and delegations;
  3. Protocol team, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Associates;
  4. Security, particularly the Uganda Police Force;
  5. The Management of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole;
  6. Uganda Red Cross Society, and St. John Ambulance;
  7. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA);
  8. Development Partners (IFES, DGF, British High Commission, and others);
  9. Always Be Tolerant (ABETO)
  10. Service providers;
  11. National and International media;
  12. National and international observers;
  13. And in a special way, the entire Electoral Commission family.

Finally, the Commission announces the Polling day for Presidential/Parliamentary elections being Thursday, 18th February, 2016.

Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu

Chairperson, Electoral Commission/Returning Officer, Presidential Elections

2nd Nomination day in Uganda – the People’s President Makes Kampala go BLUE!

Kampala 041115 P5

Today Kampala turned BLUE. The FDC colors flying high and blue shirts everywhere. After the Yellow fever yesterday and the buses from around the country and people left behind. There was people stranded in Kampala after the Kololo Independence Nomination Rally of the NRM and there was none buses going back to Lira, Gulu and other places where the buses came from. Though I will not discuss that further! Wait, maybe a hot minute, but it is not important considering the action that really happen in Kampala. What I will discuss it what has happen today and how it has gone.

Besigye and Besigye at Namboole 041115

Though this day of the FDC couldn’t be itself without the honor of the Police showing the People’s President some extra service, both in worth and in namesake, being courted to the Commission by Police Office Besigye and also getting a warning by Uganda Police Force! Because the Forum for Democratic Change has to get that – and is never excused for what they do!

UPF FDC 041115

A tiny report on some of these people travelling to Kololo yesterday:

“People in my mother home Kabale you have to inform me on this! Crime preventers who were transported to Kololo on Monday to entertain President M7’s nomination have been stranded in Nyamukana-Ntungamo this evening, that they have spent 2days without eating. That they driver of Kigezi college Butobere who was driving them stopped and parked the vehicle on road-side claiming that the tyre got a puncture. He told them to wait 4 the bus of Kigezi high school which was still behind but they waited in vain and decided to walk on foot.They were crying like babies coz mbu they weren’t given any single coin”.

Adam Bwainka of the People’s Development Party arrived at Namboole for the nominations today on a boda-boda. He has said this today: “If we are going to turn around our Economy. We must be firm on our Education” (…)”I have researched that 100 MPs in the 9th Parliament has never gone to school” (…)”When Idi Amin left Power we had 12 planes, now we have none”. After the nomination the Electoral Commission has given Mr. Adam Bwaina a security detail and a car so he doesn’t have to leave the venue on a Boda-Boda; where he was headed to Nsambya Sharing Hall for starting his campaign!

Further deflections has happen Lord Mayor of Kampala Erias Lukwago has gone to the FDC and taken part of the Nomination rally. Other DP high standing members are Moses Kasibante and Allan Sewanyana. Also Denis Onekalit the MP aspirant for Kitgum and also Naru Nakalema was also a part of nomination of Dr. Kizza Besigye.

“The Blue siege of the city, the energy of our young people! We have a sacred duty to engage our youths to build a stronger prosperous Uganda” – Asuman Kiyingi (Independent Candidate).

KB to Namboole 041115

At Namboole today the Presidential Candidates got their nominations about the same time as the President had a Press Conference at the Statehouse in Entebbe after having his own nomination yesterday. Where he said: “How can you create jobs without an foundation? That is why the NRM says les priorities peace” (…)”Birigimana exposed the theft in the Office of the Prime Minister” (…)”Bambi, we have been moving forward since 1986, sorry” . While he was saying this Dr. Kizza Besigye was crossing town, I am sure there was more people walking amongst the FDC leader then the brothers watching and listening to the President on the different media’s at the same time. That I say with the Photo evidence of how the capitol looked blue today!

NRM-701x350

Dr. Kizza Besigye said this after being nominated by the Electoral Commission today:

“I have been nominated by an Electoral Commission that I protest, a Commission that is not independent. We are going to engage in a three phase struggle;

-the first phase is a liberation struggle, to take power from those who wield it using the weapons of coercion and put it back in the hands of the people.

-The second phase is the Reconfiguration of the Institutions of the People (The Electoral Commission, The Police, The Military, The Judiciary etc.) and make them bonafide institutions of the people.

-The third phase is the Transformation of our country to enable the citizens to live in a country that they are proud of, that they share all the resources of the Country equally”.

March from Makerere to Nakivubo Stadium 041115

Dr. Kizza Besigye, the FDC Flag Bearer duly nominated at exactly 12:00 noon by EC Chair Engineer Badru Kigundi. And he is now addressing the press:

“I have nothing against the fine ladies and gentlemen that constitute the electoral commission. I have problems with the institution. We need a truly independent electoral commission”.

March from Makerere to Nakivubo Stadium 041115 P2

The one who got turned away yesterday Presidential Aspirant Charles Lwanga Bbaale came back to be nominated today.

Another candidate who wanted to be nominated was Joseph Mabirizi of The Independent Coalition. At the nominations was his team who was Omar Kalinge, Vicks Kingo and Kyuma Kyayesu.

The only female Presidential Aspirant Maureen Faith Kyala was turned away by not having her credentials or papers ready; not having the papers correct for the A-Levels and National ID papers. Therefore if she wants her nominations she has to had this sorted out before 4PM today. After being turned away she arrived at the same time as Joseph Mabirizi. Then on the second coming today she got her verification and also possible Presidential aspirant.

In the midst of this blue power sessions and other candidates; where was Malcom “Dan” Matsiko? Wasn’t you supposed to be a candidate for the NFT or New Form for Thinking. Wasn’t you a Presidential Aspirant as well?

Ben Biiaro has not been seen at Namboole today… the reports was coming quickly when he only had 45 minutes left of his deadline to show up if he still wanted to be Presidential Aspirant. They we’re also waiting for the nomination candidate for Charles Bbale Lwanga. Charles Bbale Lwanga has been turned away for the second time because he had a cheque of the 20 million instead of a bank draft.

Maj. Gen. Ben Biiaro of the Farmers Party came 5 minutes before the deadline to get his nomination verified. The Electoral Commission started and scrutinized the nomination papers of his. After a while Dr. Kiggundu stamped and appends the papers. This means that he became the 8th candidate in the Presidential race for February 2016.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHrnIb0USMo

While on the road to Namboole and to Nakivubo Stadium there has been one man in the shadow of the Dr. Kizza Besigye has been Gen. Mugisha Muntu. Who has been sitting comfortable and swallowed being in the political shadow of the People’s President!

“A guy (possibly a carpenter to or from a workshop) with a backpack on is back was among a multitude of Besigye supporters lining up the road. He pulled out a hammer from his bag, ran and handed it over to Kizza-Besigye Wrn and he disappeared. I hope that picture will get published. Another man, in front of EC offices pulled out $300 and handed it over to Besigye. He also disappeared into the crowd. To both men, Besigye held his right hand to his chest and bowed to them. That is humility. Those are small gestures that live in my memory. Besigye has made people believe” Source: Ronald Muhinda a Kampala based radio journalist.

At 3PM the traffic was already in a standstill on Jinja Road when the Dr. Kizza Besigye was having his convoy towards the Nomination Rally at the Nakivubo Stadium.

There was a calm and energetic movement through town! IT took five whole hours to cross that; we’re massive crowds meeting the FDC Flag-Bearer.  The stadium was filled hours before he came; reasons why it took him such long time to cross town.

Kampala 041115 P2

The Town went totally Blue and FDC. There was nothing like yesterday. Yesterday was like meek celebration. Where the buses was sent from Up-Country to come to Kampala and while there where people hiking on the trucks to get to  Nakivubo Stadium.

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At the Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium first speaker today was Gen. David Sejusa aka Tinyefuza. He said this: “We do not make our own shoes, we are wearing dead people’s clothes, that is how you measure what Museveni has done” (…)”Government offers $ 1 per child a day in UPE. Ours (learnt) earn UGX 20, 000 – UGX 50, 000 a day, A $ 1 child can not compete with ours”. FDC Ibrahim Semujju Nganda called out John-Ken Lukyamuzi of the Conservative Party to greet the Supporters. Where Lukyamuzi said: “Those who were here yesterday on Amama Mbabazi rally cannot speak for CP better then myself”.  After that Mayor Erias Lukwago congratulated Dr. Kizza Besigye with the nomination and said: “But we have Generals on our side, Gen Sejusa, Col Besigye, Gen Muntu and Lt Gen Lukwago” and ends: “ONE UGANDA” the crowds answers “ONE PEOPLE!”.  Gen. Mugisha Muntu came on and said this: “We know our main challenge is to remove the regime in February” (…)”You cannot have a roof without a strong foundation”.

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After him came Dr. Kizza Besigye:

“In Uganda, are tired and tired completely” (…)”Our journey begins today, allow me to thank God first” (…)”I want to thank Muntu because the party he leads is a democratic party” (…)”I thank you Kampala dwellers for showing the world today that we have a reason for this struggle” (…)”the reason for all of this is because our county  is in captivity.  Only a few people decide for all of us” (…)”whatever has brought this current situation is because our country is not our own hands” (…)”You voted Lukwago overwhelmingly in Kampala but he is  the office of the Lord Mayor?” (…)”I promise you that I will liberate the country” (…)”I’ve been nominated to stand with you and work with the people”.

Also today in Court:

“Meanwhile, the High Court in Kampala has dismissed with costs the case in which a concerned citizen had sued four top official of the Independent Electoral Commission in their personal capacity for having illegally blocked rallies that were being held by Presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi in the Eastern part of the Country. The four top officials who had been sued are; the chairperson Eng Badru Kiggundu, Mr Jotham Taremwa (spokesperson), Sam Rwakoojo (secretary) and Paul Bukenya (deputy spokesperson)”.

Official from the Electoral Commission:

“BREAKING: Uganda Electoral Commission sets February, 18, 2016 as polling day for president and MPs”.

A Sidenote:

Professor Barya who is one of the candidates also has issued fresh warnings to Amama Mbabazi on using the orange color. Barya maybe you should challange the Orange or the Dutch for it also? 

NRM sidenote:

MP Sejobba ask the FDC Musumba if solar exists to power laptops for such children in Busoga.

Another Sidenote:

Tamale Mirundi has confessed that Dr. Kizza Besigye made his day today, and coming from A Pro-Museveni guy as him, and a so-called loyalist it means much. Even though he can be crying hyena and buffoon, but now he proved some clarity, maybe?

Kampala 041115

This here was a peaceful and magnificent day that proves the power of the People’s President and how he overpowered everything else. The Presidents press conference was a weak portfolio to try to distract the other candidates because he supposed to be the main one. Though it proven with the five hour travel and full house. Kampala totally BLUE! Bwanika why did you have yellow tie, by the way? #Wesige Besigye!

While this was passing by the KCCA was busy taking down illegal elections posters that even Uganda Police Force as said they wanted to eliminate.

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“THANKS FOR THE NOMINATION DEMONSTRATION TODAY!”

The people of Kampala have always given me tremendous support at all the three presidential elections I’ve participated in. At all the Kampala elections, there has been enormous rigging. During every Kampala election, several people are arrested with pre-ticked ballot papers; in polling stations covering military barracks, there’s always a rigging bonanza; many people are always disenfranchised by striking their names off the final register etc. However, in spite of all this rigging, Mr Museveni has never defeated me in Kampala! That’s why on top of calling me the “people’s president”, the people of Kampala call me the “president of Kampala!” (…)“Therefore, I expected a good turn out for my nomination today, in spite of the negative propaganda that has been orchestrated for sometime now. Even then, I was completely overwhelmed by the show of support that we received today. I think that it wasn’t simply a matter of supporting my candidature; it was also our people’s way of demonstration their disgust with the NRM/ Museveni regime” (…)”Apart from the unprecedented crowds, there was show of immense energy and excitement. I was given money contributions all along the way- a total of UShs. 2,779,000= (Two million, seven hundred and seventy nine thousand only), US $ 320= and Nine hundred Oman biasa. I am sure that if we had time at the Nakivubo rally, we would have got much more. I also received a sofa seat, flowerpots, potted plants, spray pump, pair of slippers, many sets of handkerchiefs, bread and many various other small items. Thus, the campaign of defiance has begun. There’s no turning back. Continue to watch the space”.

Written Dr. Kizza Besigye

Peace.  

The surge of deflections between the political parties in Uganda and how to live with it

Daily Monitor Museveni 031115

This is the round-up to the General Elections in 2016 in Uganda. Where we will see deflections like never before. There will be run from people going from wherever to Go-Forward and people leaving the parties after missing their spots to become Independent candidates in the polls.

Deflections are norm and allowed, but there are something about timing and explaining it. Like if you’re been somewhere for long and is tarnished by the way the party leads, then it feels natural to leave. Which many of the big-men has done in Uganda for that reason we have FDC. They are an reaction to the ruling party NRM. UPC has had people leaving to NRM in the Past, like Hon. Amama Mbabazi was at certain time a piece of that puzzle. Dr. Kizza Besigye was a piece of NRM until the fallout. Hon. Amama Mbabazi went finally away; when he got kicked out and Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda his childhood friend took his place as the PM in Uganda.

There many NRM losers all over the country who is deflecting to the Go-Forward Group and Amama Mbabazi. This proves that there is slot open for sore people and a reach for surge that hasn’t happen. Because for many NRM people Dr. Kizza Besigye and Gen. Mugisha Muntu haven’t had the power and spirit of the NRM party, that means that Amama Mbabazi has that or else he is promising to feed them. There is not easy to know what is what. Even FDC members and kind of high ranking members like Mathias Mpuunga the Walk to Work head honcho gone over to Go-Forward.

The validation from JEEMA, DP, CP, UFA and PPP gives an edge to Go-Forward. But their powerbases is small and has been small. Even if all arguments are that Dr. Kizza Besigye has lost the last times against the ghost of all elections Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and National Resistance Movement. The President has won everything since gripping power with the civil war to tore down UPC and Okello’s and all the other former short term presidents. Museveni has secured first a few elections as sole party and as a sole candidate. Sole Candidacy is his wish. I am sure that if he could run as he please then this election in 2016 it wouldn’t be any FDC, TDA and him!

Go-Forward and the allegiance that is with him, gives him an edge. That is even though FDC has the long standing force of the opposition in the country. So here we are, people are crying foul. I have cried foul over Gilbert Bukenya, but that is because was a hot-minute on the outside of the Movement throwing shades at the President and calling him a problem. And seconds later when he offers a position in the NRM CEC he crawls back.  The president might not offer him a place in the NRM CEC, but I am sure NRM has promised a nice position to Alhaji Nasser Ntege Ssebagala for his allegiance.

But there aren’t just the big men who switch allegiance; it’s also on the grassroots-level where members are burning their membership card and switching alliance to another party. That should be worrying for NRM to see that on the Social Media and how their cards are blatantly being discarded like worthless mud.

Though I am sure the result of the election is already picked by the Electoral Commission and the lack of electoral reform to gain population support and not support by the NRM-Regime, it will surely be set for yet another term for Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Even if this is surely the end-game we can still see that the movement of people is changing. The sadness is to see that the movement between opposition parties making sour feelings between them; especially with the Second Round K.O. and stop of the consultation between the FDC and Go-Forward. I expected it to fall to pieces by how it ran into sand after the smaller parties of the TDA endorsing Amama Mbabazi over Dr. Kizza Besigye.

The Movement and Museveni will do whatever to destabilize the other parties, rule and conquer. Therefore he had to say at the NRM CEC at Kololo Independence Ground that nobody in the party shouldn’t say that somebody is “Pro-Mbabazi” or “Pro-FDC” because the party is the ones that matters.

That the NRM-Youtb Brigade/League leaders of   Omodo-Omodo and Adam Ruzindana has officially not endorsed should be sad view for the NRM since they even had been rounded up in August to change their stance from this to support Mzee. Seems like it didn’t work even after being under siege by the NRM-Regime! 

There are different ways and easy jumping ships so often between parties proves that it can buy and it isn’t ideological reasons between it. That is what Go-Forward camp should ask them since they get deflectors from all over the map in short space of time. Will it be a sand-castle that the wave from the sea will brush away or can it be sustained?

FDC has a situation and is used to be in the war-zone through the elections and being in trouble with police for trying to be a political party. The Go-Forward is doing everything for the first time, though Hon. Amama Mbabazi has been in election, but then in friendly territory in those times under the wings of the Mzee.

The deflections is a natural thing, especially the ones who has lost their Flag-Bearer positions in the NRM is surely natural to try to get other ways into the Parliament and Constituencies again, though their stripes should be wacked because their couldn’t handle to lose for somebody else, even if the primaries we’re filled with malfunctions, pre-ticket ballots and general rigging.

The FDC can that has decided to move on; can have done that for ideological reasons. If so then it’s should be seen as okay. Secondly if it is a tactical move instead of ideological move; then we have more to question the person that goes from a set off fixed situations with a party actually functioning, though there was some Electoral malfunctions some of their internal election.

Some facts from the CCEDU

“In advancing this objective, CCEDU sought accreditation and deployed a technical team of eight to observe the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Elections held at a Special Delegates’ Conference on 12th June 2015 at the UMA main exhibition Hall, Lugogo, Kampala” (…)”Claims of vote buying were received by the observers. Allegedly, some camps were sending delegates mobile money in a bid to secure their votes. These claims were not verified. A pledge by one of the candidates vying for the position of Secretary General to supply smart phones to districts secretaries general and another candidate for the post of Treasury General to contribute Shs10m to a party Savings and Credit Society were interpreted by some as an effort to induce support” (…)”It was noted that delegates did not heed the call by the Electoral Commission that no campaigns should take place during polling time. Unfortunately, there were no measures to curb this vice” (CCEDU, 2015).

So the surety that the ones leaving from the other parties like FDC/DP/UPC/PPP/UFA or Independents to the NRM has to promised something because they know what they have done and how they have done it to get it.

Independents can do as they please and show allegiance or alliances as they please. Nothing can be taken for granted by any parties they can be bought or ordered, even if they want to be by-partisan. That is justified, though it is a favour to them all if they know where they have them. Independents can either fill their pockets or actually stand for something. So if their flag their place and who honours who. Because they can became pawns on the chess set and easy capped if they don’t take a stand.

Though we will see more movement and deflections we can see the difference between ideology and tactical movement from the politicians. There will be some sour feelings and hurt. There will be some sees it as betrayal. The betrayal is when it so not justified by their recent actions and sudden move to do it for self-serving instead loyalty to party. Independents can move as they please, but the ones moving from any other parties can be questioned, even if it reasonable. Prof. Gilbert Bukenya kissed the ring of President Museveni. That is the truth!

Deflections from the parties will happen. From the FDC and NRM, from all the other parties as well for different reasons and if UPC will be split in two it wouldn’t  surprise anybody with the different of opinion between Jimmy Akena and Olara Otunnu. That could easily be two separate organizations. And leave to more deflections. Especially if they continue as today to address themselves as presidents of the UPC! There will be deflections from there as well.

Deflections from the parties occur neither you like it or not, because that is part of the political game and life. There will be more leaving any party into the General Election and move for possible gain. The men and woman who does that has to address themselves and argue for their move. As the men and woman who is left behind has to respect it, depending on the motive of it all. Even if the motive is only a place in their party-organizational structure or get a free place in higher organ; instead of doing the work as politician to gain the constituencies trust.

What do you think? Peace.  

Reference:

CCEDU – ‘FDC Party Elections – Observation Reports’ (17.07.2015)