Opinion: The Opposition got nowhere to hide in the 11th Parliament…

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Thomas Tayebwa, has suspended 5 opposition MPs from attending plenary sittings for the next 3 days. The MPs are; Betty Nambooze (Mukono), Joyce Bagala (Mityana DWR), Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East), Frank Kabuye (Kassanda South), and Francis Zaake (Mityana)” (93.3 KFM Radio, 17.10.2023).

The Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Tayebwa is just proving the Republic one thing. That they are on a vengeance and wants to prove a point. Not that they want to govern, do government business or further legislation. No, they want to prove to their master that their was worthy of their appointed offices.

This they are doing by displaying ignorance, reflecting badly of the August House and making a mockery of proceedings. In such a fashion that defiance and resistance is the only way out. Not being humble and follow protocol, because that gets you nowhere…

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker don’t mind controversy. No that sells and gives them credit where it matters. These two are only playing for the gallery and hoping the State House listening in. As they are using force and sticking it to the opposition. Just playing around with them and keeping them preoccupied with nonsense.

That’s all they are doing and the 11th Parliament is shoddy for it. The 11th Parliament is practically a place for begging the President for help and getting his guidance. While they are awaiting his judgement and his verdict on any matter. They are awaiting a NRM Caucus at the State House to direct them and tell them what to do. The rest is just well prepared and acknowledge the will of the Master. That’s all there is too it… and it isn’t even funny.

The strangest thing is how the Deputy Speaker just invoked the suspension and with no protocol. No reasoning in Parliament and just all of a sudden. That is unprecedented and shows the way they want to intimidate and silence critics. There is no sublime messaging here. The ones picked is for a reason and they are vocal MPs. They didn’t pick some silent back-bencher that could be swayed in the way of the yellow. No, they picked the renegades and the ones daring to question the government. That’s who the Deputy did this too and it just shows…

It just shows what matters to this government and its high ranking officials. They just want to want in silence and not be addressed properly. Neither does it want any pushback or questioning. Because shredding real light on subjects can cause havoc. Showing a video of evidence of how the state brutally kidnaps citizens was blocked. That’s because the regime doesn’t want to get exposed or address the matter. No, it wants silence and doesn’t want hear any of it.

The Deputy is just serving his purpose and trying to show loyalty to the cause. Not the cause of respecting or using his office for good. No, his using the office for personal gains and wants to be in a favourable position next time it comes up. That’s why he acts like this and is so partisan in the way he uses his role.

If we ever thought the 10th Parliament was a quagmire, the 11th Parliament is even worse. It won’t be better ever either. That doesn’t serve the President and his will. He need people vouching for his bills, budgets and expenditure. The President doesn’t mind the Speakers getting dirty tricks to outsmart someone else. However, in the long term… the trust and lack thereof is only growing.

The Deputy Speaker is only showing us why we cannot trust him or his ways. Because, his just a pawn and it’s a big fall from grace. Peace.

Opinion: One rule for Zaake MP, another rule for others MPs…

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has been forced to adjourn Parliament until next week after some MPs attempted to assault Zaake accusing him of making defamatory remarks against Kinyamatama, thus prompting the Opposition MPs to shield Zaake from being lynched. When the NRM Female MPs saw Zaake exit the Parliament chambers, they ambushed him in an attempt to beat him up, but the Seargent at Arms & some Opposition MPs rescued Zaake and moved him out” (Parliament Watch, 12.10.2023).

MP Juliet Kinyamatama has accused fellow legislator Francis Zaake of defamation. This forced Deputy Speaker, Mr Thomas Tayebwa to suspend Parliament for 10 minutes. “Let that video be played, I want the world to see what he said, why are we covering evil? An attack on a woman is an attack on all of us as female MPs. I have been keeping my cool, but I want this house to see what exactly happened. We can’t cover men that don’t respect women. I can’t be called what he called me,” Kinyamatama said on Thursday” (933 KFM, 12.10.2023).

Whatever Francis Zaake MP does… gets him into trouble. He cannot act as an politician and be active. If the National Resistance Movement (NRM) gets their way. They will easily banish him from Parliament and this is the latest move.

The Speaker and others has already tried to muffle him. They took away his role as Commissioner and haven’t allowed him to return. This is happening after the courts has re-instated him. So, it is convenient that it happens now.

Zaake MP is a politician from the People Power Movement and a close ally of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. A man who has been tarnished and been looked down upon, because of his loyalty and that his such a firebrand in the National Unity Platform (NUP). They wouldn’t have gone after him this much, if they didn’t fear what he represents and who his associated with.

Because, yes the words he used in Rakai district wasn’t beautiful. They were harsh and derogatory. However, if the Woman MP has such troubles with this. Why don’t she speaks to the President who has called the Opposition for “cockroaches, pigs, parasites” and the list goes on. He has talked about crushing and ending it plenty of times. In fashions and means, which are much more harsher than what Zaake MP ever was. Therefore, if the NRM wants to lecture anyone. Look at your master and what he says.

Yes, the words can hurt and yes they can feel critical. Regardless of that, the Kinyamatama MP is issuing motion to vacate the Mityana MP and calling for a recall. That is censoring his words and stopping him from acting in his best interest. This is something she wouldn’t allow herself or her members in the NRM. That’s why you know his a pawn and they hope to take him off the board completely. It’s how I perceive it, because nothing else has worked.

Zaake MP is a target and has been one. That has been obvious for years and he has been in the firing-line by association. He has dared to be on the barricades and has gotten little for it. Except a lot of pain and hardships.

She herself should be careful and she wasn’t acting in good faith either. When they inside the chamber today tried to lynch him. Who in their right mind does that? Especially, when the MP just issues a motion and wants her case heard like this. When we know the Parliament is in favour of going after him after all. That’s been done once already in the 11th Parliament and this would have been the second time in this term alone.

The Rakai District MP should ask herself… can she always carry her words and her actions? Will she always act honourable and not say something out of spite or order? Especially in a rally or to crowds to spread a political message? I doubt she’s that sort of person… when she can easily start lynching and call for his demise on the steps of Parliament. Like she is the voters of Mityana district. They are the ones that voted him in and they are the ones his responsible for.

While Zaake MP has his antics and has to be responsible for them. There are civil court cases that matters and not having plenary sessions discussing this. Unless, the August House has become a place for petty infighting and intrigue. Not a place of government business and legislation. Because, there are plenty of tragedies and needs that isn’t met in the Republic.

However, the Rakai Woman MP is more important than government business. That’s why the Plenary Session had to be ajourned, as they was so close to lynch Zaake MP. It is just tragic how things are operating and done in the chambers. They are just violating on the turf, but trying to implement the outstanding rules for others on the outside. Rules and ethical codes we know the NRM wouldn’t bound themselves by. Because, that would mean the President had to bite his tongue and talk more softly. Alas, that will never happen. Peace.

Opinion: Mpuuga won’t get it his way…

Those actions should never be repeated because they have no space in law and common sense. We aren’t going to look on as we see politics become vulgar and NRM is happy about disrespecting our party offices, including stopping the opposition from doing a simple act of humility which is prayer, and in their warp wisdom, praying is an illegality and therefore we need their permission” – Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mathias Mpuuga (11.10.2023).

This morning, the Opposition Caucus convened to chart a way forward following yesterday’s walkout from #PlenaryUg. We reiterated our demand that the regime offers an explanation in regard to the continued violation of the rights of various Opposition supporters and leaders as well as the seige on NUP headquarters. We also demand that the government apologises to the Opposition parties and the respective leaders for the brutality and other violations. We also demand that the perpetrators be brought to book plus a commitment from the government that such violations will not be repeated” (Mpuuga, 11.10.2023).

The Leader of Opposition is right that the actions of the government is wrong. The authorities are in the wrong in the way they are kidnapping, arresting, keeping civilians incommunicado, charging in military court, besieging NUP Headquarters and even house arresting Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. All of that is wrong and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) continues to thrive on it.

The state has monopolized violence and it has no issues to orders that reflects just that. They have no bounds or no end to the brutality. The state just continues to serve the dissidents, the detractors or the ones who opposes it. That’s what it does and it has perfected it over the decades. The drones is known for a reason and families don’t know where their loved ones even are. That’s the state of affairs and it will not stop.

The NRM will not beg for mercy or give a plea, because if it does.. it will say that it knows its wrong and they are acting outside of constitutional order. Which is beneath its character, especially when the President is so proud of that constitution. That is one of the few achievements that still exists to this day. He can not be in defiance to his own laws and regulation, which is what he does and he has no scruples doing so.

Mpuuga knows all of this and it seems like publicity. We have seen the threats of not participating or being parts of the plenary sessions. That haven’t done them any favours and only been a useless protest. The same will come out of this one. Especially, when the NRM and their allies will have a majority. They don’t need the opposition or their MPs to get things done in the August House. That is deliberate and they are minority by default. Therefore, the LoP is bound to loose either way.

He does this… because he doesn’t have that many cards to play with. Neither is there lots of wiggle room. They won’t loose much or the stakes aren’t that high. Yes, they get to display their grievances to the public. However, they are losing out on debates and the business of Parliament. Therefore, there is nothing to gain here. Only being useless and the MPs should be better.

They are already in pickle by participating in the “multi-democracy” that Museveni has created. The hybrid regime that are hallow and in the end is in the hands of the President. They are just his puppets and when he plays the music they got to dance. That’s the story and they will sooner or later return to Parliament. However, the kidnappings, torture or extra judicial killings will not stop.

It haven’t in the past and it will not happen now. There is no leverage or reason for the regime to stop this practice. As long as they can get away with it and bear no consequences of doing so. They are above the law and can be lethal. Therefore, the LoP is cornered and can only do these theatrics.

It won’t amount to anything and sooner or later he will dance to the tune of the dictator. Because they are in his web and he can sting at any given time. Peace.

Opinion: It’s now time for Speaker Among to beg Zaake MP for forgiveness…

Update: The Constitutional Court has quashed a resolution by Parliament to suspend Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Zaake, from the position of parliamentary commissioner. This decision comes after the court ruled that several parliamentary rules of procedure were illegally suspended. These suspensions included amending the order paper to include a resolution to expel Zaake from the commission” (NTV Uganda, 28.09.2023).

UPDATE: Court has rejected Speaker Anita Among’s decision to remove Mityana municipality MP, Francis Zaake as a commissioner on grounds that she offended the rules of natural justice and had no quorum in Parliament.” (UBC Uganda, 28.09.2023).

In March last year the Speaker and the Parliament itself removed Francis Zaake MP as the Parliamentary Commissioner. That was done in a vendetta against the opposition MP whose a staunch ally of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. It isn’t the first time his targeted and won’t be his last, as long as his an elected official in the National Assembly.

I’m not shocked to hear today that the Parliament and the Speaker didn’t follow protocol in concern to the removal of Zaake MP. That was done out of spite and with haste. Just to send a message and show the Opposition who was boss. It wasn’t done out of righteousness or within the rules of the Parliament. No, just a public disregard of the rules of engagement, which is ironic… when the Speaker is supposed to adhere to those and ensure the plenary session are going down accordingly. Alas, that wasn’t the case.

So, 17 months after the act and Zaake MP is vindicated. His not re-instated or gotten back his office. No, his still in the dark and without a way to turn. The Constitutional Court has taken his side and his argument won the court case. However, the Parliament and Speaker will take this slow. They will digest this one and I don’t expect them to rectify their mistake.

Even if the Speaker should send him a letter and have a session where she asks for his forgiveness. That would have been in order after how it went down. She should humble herself and beg for mercy. Because she wronged this man and didn’t act like she should. That’s why he was kicked out and it just shows how tarnished the 11th Parliament is. When someone can act like this and get away with it.

The Speaker has a job to do and especially if she wants to be honourable. Not only in her title, but in her actions. That’s all up to her. We know the verdict and I don’t expect the gentlemen of the House or the Speakers to re-instate him. Yes, on paper he should be there, but knowing how things are. Well, I wouldn’t put it past the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker to let this one slide. They will put forward other business and hope nobody notice. That’s how they roll and they are not people who can take it on the chin. It is beneath them and only others are to comply with their reasoning.

That’s why even in victory Zaake MP haven’t won. Yes, he did it in Court, but the Parliament is still the same. The same people who impeached him and took is office is still there. The Speaker who was vindictive and who acted out spite is there. She will not relent and doesn’t have the moral backbone to reconfigure things. Even when she’s in the wrong. That is not in her character or her modus operandi.

Speaker Among will act like the Supreme Leader and the Wise One. Even when it is not true. She will act like the most powerful one, but she’s not. That’s just how she acts and how she operates as Speaker. Instead of serving, she’s is ordering people around expecting them to obey. However, she will not comply to this Court Order. No, that’s not happening….

She should go to the Office of Zaake MP and ask for forgiveness too. Nevertheless, we know that will never happen in a million years. There will be earthquakes, Biblical plagues and other misgivings before that happens. Peace.

Opinion: 82 able-bodied persons don’t have the time for the August house…

The failure of some Ministers to regularly attend house brings business to a standstill, remember you are here for you to be able to respond as the Executive, remember we are holding these offices in public trust, and when you abdicate your responsibility as Ministers, that is breach, as leaders. Let us do what we are sent to do, let us be responsible enough. The absence of Ministers impedes the efficiency and effectiveness of the Legislature” – Speaker Anita Among (07.09.2023)

In the 11th Parliament, there is 82 appointed ministers. That includes three Deputy Prime Ministers and several other ministers under the Office of the President and Office of the Prime Minister, which all have different mandates. Alas, there isn’t only the problematic issue of what a difference between a Senior and Junior Minister, but also the various of complicated approaches or duplications created with these ministers. When you know that… you understand why people are not showing in Parliament or knowing if it is their turn.

The bloated government structure of President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni has been like this for years. It is not even looking into the amount of Senior Presidential Advisors or Staff in connection with the State House. No, this is just the mere appointees into his cabinet. It is so vast and huge, as they have trouble remembering what they are supposed to do. If not… there is someone else on the detail anyway. So why bother, right?

These Ministers has a fancy title and a salaries. These people are well off and getting paid. Regardless of what they need to do or what sort of work they have to put in. When there are so many in the same office and within the same parameter. It is hard to know which of the Ministry of Agriculture your supposed to talk too. There are one Senior and at least three junior with all different “missions”. Alas, that is where the problem remain.

This is created by the President and it’s his making. It is the system and creation of Museveni. He has ensured this mess. There are to many chefs and a small kitchen to make the feast. It doesn’t have the space or ability to fit them all. The Ministers can complain about workload or traffic-jams in Kampala. However, they still need to report to the Plenary Sessions and answer to outstanding questions or remaining oversight from the Parliament. That’s their duty and they are bound by law to do so.

I understand that the Speaker wants to do a grand standing and show character here. That she is the one and has the direct line to the President. As she’s tired of the lack of care or concern of the plenary sessions. As the Ministers are not there to answer or to even show work ethic. Alas, they are bound to end up like that when several of people are indirectly working for the same or just small pockets of it. Unless, they are directed to work on one bill, one vote or answer to questions about one motion. Which happens to be within their ministry and field. However, in some of these instances it could be two or three Ministers that could show up for one thing easily. Who is the person and what gives?

There needs to made an effort for the duplicated ministries and the people involved to know their turn. Secondly, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker have to have a hands on approach. If not have the Secretariat or Staff in their offices to fix these things. They got to direct it and tell when its appropriate for them to show up. Because, I could easily see several people showing up from Ministry of Works or Ministry of Gender etc. It is just so easy to see a few Ministers popping by, because they are guessing it is their turn. While in some cases, because of the way the Cabinet is organized. There was only one who was intended, but the Offices are so intertwined that its hard to follow suit…

So, yes the Ministers should show up and answer the call of the Parliament. That’s what they are supposed to do. There are 82 individuals who knows their place and turn. These should be notified and get a heads up. So, they know it isn’t another one of them. Since there are so many and they are so connected together. That’s why plenty of the 82 ministers are unknown to people, even if they were appointed in 2021 and we are in September 2023. The amount of Ministers makes things hectic and stressful.

This is the creation of Museveni and he is the one to blame for all of it. The cabinet is his making and because of his need to give all of his peers or cronies jobs. That’s what he does and this is why they don’t know what to do. Peace.

Opinion: Speaker Among has become to powerful [as she’s policing journalism now!]

UPDATE: Bugiri Municipality MP,Asuman Basalirwa just forwarded a WhatsApp message to speaker Anita Among who asked her guards to arrest Radio One/Akaboozi FM journalist Jude Bukenya (sender),who was investigating a scandal at parliament” (Rise News Uganda Network, 05.09.2023).

“Our speaker is like a goddess. She’s the 3rd in order of national precedence. I can’t allow foolish journalists to joke with her name. I hope that idiot from Radio One gets killed wherever he’s being detained. Never play on Among’s name,”~Bugiri municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa” (The Kampala Journal, 05.09.2023).

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among has to much influence. She got the Uganda Police Force (UPF) on speed-dial. Apparently, she has the rights to detain and get people arrested. That’s done pre-emptively and without any consideration of the law. All she has to do is order her guards and they fixes it for her.

The journalist of Radio One/Akaboozi FM Jude Bukenya was only doing his job. We also see what sort of man Asuman Basalirwa MP is. We already knows he has little to no heart for people who isn’t like himself. His a man who calls himself a human rights lawyer, but has a jaded vision of what that really entails. When he rats people out and is proud of getting them arrested. Instead of considering the work of Bukenya and his rights to investigate the speaker as a journalist.

This is criminalizing a profession. It shows how dangerous it is to touch or even try to expose the high and mighty. They are only allowing certain amount of scandals or pre-planned leaks, as cabinet reshuffle or fall-guy for the President. The rest can use the authorities and the law enforcement in their own hands.

We have already seen that the Speaker acts above the law. She has worked outside her mandate in regards to the opposition. Speaker Among is partisan and a soldier for the cause. While her arrogance and her demeanour will be her downfall. Eventually she do something wrong or become to high on her own supply. That Mzee or associates have to tell him to clip her wings.

Speaker Among enjoys the privilege and the power. She bashes in it and has a wonderful time in office. Right now Among is at her peak and feeling the glory. That’s why men like Basalirwa will serve her and they allies. Basalirwa got his private motion and private bill enacted and he has felt like a Prince ever since. That he matters and the Speaker allows it.

It is just amazing that the Speaker can do this and without any hesitation. That’s how both Basalirwa and Among values others. As they are brutally arresting someone and without justifiable cause. Only out of spite and revenge. There is nothing substantial and the truth will exposed eventually. As secrets and leaks will appear. Especially, the moment the Speaker falls out with the master and his close associates. That’s when she’s the next washed up politician to fall on her sword.

Speaker Among should be careful. She is not only criminalizing journalism, but using force, which can easily one day turn against her. As a Speaker she will not be worried about that today. However, all lessons comes at a later point. When that happens – it is too late to say – I told you so. Peace.

Parliament of Uganda: Leader of the Opposition Mathias Mpuuga – Statement on Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya’s Condition (21.08.2023)

Opinion: Speaker Among shows the world her lavish lifestyle…

Today there was a home-coming party or house warming party in Bukedea District. That was at the new mansion, the poshest building in the area and biggest splash in memory. This was done the behest of Speaker Anita Among. She has built a huge house with lots rooms. In such a fashion, which resemble the aristocracy elsewhere.

We know the Teso region is hit with poverty and lack of resources. There been UBOS reports that states worrying numbers. While the Speaker doesn’t mind or couldn’t care. She is living like a Queen and has a Castle now. The Speaker is living the high life while others are starving. Plenty are malnourished and lacks food in her district. Meanwhile she built a building with more rooms than she ever would need or could care about.

This just shows the priority of the state. How the newfound riches and powerful is splurging cash. They are building opulent buildings and facades. This is manifesting their achievements and wealth. A wealth that is built on the treasury and national reserves. Because, it is not build on the craft of their own or their businesses. Since they couldn’t afford it before they joined politics.

Now we are seeing a Speaker who lives lavish and enjoys power. That’s why she is so flamboyant and public about it. She’s just oozing it and living her dream. While the district she represents and the nation isn’t living as large as she does. Most like the district she resides in is in the same predicaments as before she got into office. The schools are bad, health centres too and the roads are lacking. The government services are not to be trusted. Neither does plenty of citizens has electricity or water in their homes. While about 50% of the population in the District is living under the poverty line. Meaning they are struggling just to put food on their plate. Therefore, seeing this building should infuriate them and their struggle. When the person representing them are spending like this and showing it in their faces.

When the leaders, representatives and high ranking officials starts to live like this. Build like this and show their wealth. The poor should start to organize. They shouldn’t accept the public wastage of funds. It is not like the Speaker has earned this and honestly so. No, this is ill gotten gains and done with possible siphoned funds. While the government services is depilated. I’m sure we could find pictures of health centres or schools in the nearby areas that is beyond repair…

Alas, that is the case and it’s tragic. That a speaker of a nation can do this… when so many is suffering and struggling, the speaker doesn’t care and neither does the fellow MPs who was visiting. They had a blast and made the Speaker feel powerful. She had the possibility to do this and it has no ramifications for her. The Speaker can just live another day and live in assurance of prolonged power. That’s all she wants and sooner or later it will all tumble down.

Right now she is bashing in glory and in vast wealth. Tomorrow that could all fall and the house could become haunted too. We have seen this in the past and this house could become a relic of the Museveni era. As a reminder of the token soldiers who thought they were it, but when the time was up. It all went to pieces and the smouldering reality hit hard. There was no return and only mother nature returning to takeover the plot…

Speaker Anita Among might feel on top of the world today. What happens tomorrow is another day. Peace.

Opinion: Does the Speaker have the authority to summon other high ranking officials into an ad hoc meeting?

“The speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among has summoned the minister of works and transport, the Uganda Police, the leader of opposition in parliament and other stakeholders for an emergency meeting over worsening road crashes” (Daily Monitor, 13.07.2023).

Today there was a populist move by the Speaker of the 11th Parliament, Anita Among. She summoned in several leaders for a meeting, because of the recent car accidents. Instead of calling into a debate in a plenary or adopt motions in the House. She called a meeting… and I don’t see how she could or have the ability to do so…

“7. General Authority of the Speaker

(1) The Speaker shall preside at any sitting of the House.

(2) The Speaker shall preserve order and decorum in the House and shall decide questions of order and practice.

(3) In deciding a point of order or practice, the Speaker shall state reasons for the decision and shall cite any rule of procedure or other applicable authority.

(4) The Speaker may invite submissions from Members but no debate shall ensue.

(5) The Speaker may decline debate on any contribution” (RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE 11TH PARLIAMENT).

The ideals of the meeting and summons are fine in itself, but the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja should feel betrayed. Other High-Ranking Officials should feel the pinch too. All of these appointed leaders have been downgraded and flower-girls in comparison to the Speaker.

The Speaker is going outside her mandate and her role as the Speaker. She doesn’t have the authority or mandate to do this. Among might think she’s that influential or has the power to do so. However, that isn’t her role, and she should beg for motions to move in a plenary session. She shouldn’t participate or take part in government business. Because that is what she did by calling or summoning the people for this meeting.

Even if this is the result of the meeting: “As a mid-term intervention to curb road accidents, the stakeholders have agreed to reintroduce mandatory motor vehicle inspection” (Parliament of Uganda, 13.07.2023).

The Speaker shouldn’t have done this and there should have been others who has the initial mandate or role to do so. She has overstretched her place and abilities. The Speaker should consider herself lucky because other places this could have consequences. That had been normal to call her out and question her reasons to do so.

The Speaker is the Speaker and not the Officer of the Government. Neither is she the most powerful government official. The President has delegated his powers and appointed a cabinet. There Vice-Presidents and a Prime Minister. Even Deputy Prime Ministers who could fit the bill. Alas, that is apparently not the case.

There are plenty leaders and high ranking officials should feel troubled by this action. If this set the precedence than they are obsolete and busy-bodies. As the Speaker is taking their place and orders people around without the mandate or authority to do so. That’s why it’s impressive that she gets away with it… Peace.

Mabaati Scandal: The big fish is off the hook…

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) discontinued the prosecution of ministers and other top officials implicated in the iron sheets saga following the intervention of President Museveni, the Kampala Report has learnt. On Saturday, DPP Jane Frances Abodo said she had closed 17 files on the theft and diversion of iron sheets meant for Karamoja after they found that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed with 17 case files of suspects. This means Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among who had been implicated, will not be prosecuted” (Mike Opio – ‘REVEALED: More details emerge on why DPP dropped charges against Nabbanja, Alupo, Among in iron sheets scandal’ 25.06.2023, The Kampala Report).

You cannot make this stuff up, but it is apparently the case. The DPP is not charging several high-ranking officials. That means what we all suspected that some Ministers and people within the Office of the Prime Minster (OPM) would be the fall-guys or the ones that has to fall on the sword to let other off the hook.

This is the National Resistance Movement (NRM) after all. The famous NRM Way and its guidance to control and besiege power. That’s why the Vice President, Prime Minister and Speaker doesn’t get challenged or arraigned in Courts.

The Junior Ministers and low hanging fruits like Agnes Nandutu, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Amos Lugoloobi. Where all implicated and arraigned in the courts. While we are seeing others getting off the case and don’t have to answer for their actions.

It is very telling that there are certain people who can avoid the law and law enforcement. While others can be implicated, indicted, and charged over the same matter. It just shows how frail and personalized the law enforcement is.

The law and the codes of law should be blind to an individual. The Courts should arraign anyone involved no matter their position or office. Especially, if Rule of Law exists and is a given.

The Mabaati was stolen and didn’t go where it was intended to be. The Ministers and High-Ranking Officials took it for personal benefits. If it was to serve their constituencies or directly build on own properties. It doesn’t really matter, because the iron sheets were destined for Karamoja sub-region and not wherever the high-ranking officials reside.

This scandal just proves what we already knew and how the NRM operates. The NRM and the President speaks loud against corruption. However, when it is their own who does it… it just doesn’t matter and ceases to exist. That’s what they do, and the people are suffering. The NRM is there to eat, and they do it in plenty fold.

The public coffers are a slush-fund, and the development projects are excuses to find a decent meal. That’s how things are looking, and this isn’t good PR. Especially, if the NRM wants donors or want to build public trust. It is shattering how little concern they have for their own activities and looting. For everyone looking, it’s just another day and another scandal for the whole world to see. Peace.