Opinion: Mwenda’s narrow path…

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

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

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

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

Especially when Mwenda write so poignantly this:

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

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

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

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

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

He ended his text with this:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opinion: Basalirwa and the 11th Parliament will regret this…

If a law, which is so draconian and despicable as the Anti-Homosexuality Act or Bill can be passed in a haste in Parliament. The same Parliament can enact laws, which restricts you and your kind very quickly. This was a test from the President to see what the MPs was willing to do.

President Museveni has yet again gotten his minions running wild in Parliament. They did the same about a similar bill in 2014. Which was later challenged in the Courts. The same can easily happening to this one. Especially, when the elites, the NRM way of foreign donors and outside support doesn’t accept this sort of thing. Because we know there is a deficit and lack of domestic revenue, which has to be covered somewhere… and no money comes without strings attached.

The Majority Report on bill does it’s magic too:

“The Committee 1s aware that the Constitution of Uganda does not recognise a right to homosexuality but instead, bans and prohibits same sex marriages The argument advanced for recognition of same sex relations as mainly grounded under article 45 of the Constitution which provides that the rights, duties, declarations and guarantees relating to the fundamental and other human rights and freedoms specifically mentioned in this Chapter shall not be regarded as excluding others not specifically mentioned Thus provision of the Constitution, according to persons who advocate for rights and freedoms of sexual minorities, recognises “other rights” including the rights of sexual minorities as articulated in various international instruments, including Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 and other human rights treaties, quality and which contain provisions recognising the right to non-discrimination as core principles of human rights” (Majority Report on the Anti Homosexuality Bill, 21.03.2023).

When you read a text like this… you just know your in trouble. You are trying to sway an opinion and an idea, that going after and criminalizing one minority is still within the boundaries of international human rights laws. Which is foolish and dumb. You cannot go after and make it “illegal” to be a minority and expect it to fit the United Nations Conventions or International Law at this point. That is a futile enterprise, and the majority proves that… and still they committed to this.

Basalirwa MP who is a supposed Human Rights Lawyer and the MP from a party named “Justice Forum” or JEEMA. Certainly, is misusing the words “justice” and “human rights”. When can inflict this damage and suffering on one minority. It just shows what his willing to do… to gain popularity and be a populist in the Republic. Making laws which justifies severe pain and plights on one group of people. By religion and by codes of faith, that lifestyle and set-of-life might be wrong, but so is having side-dishes and being sugar-daddy’s; But we are not seeing laws enacted against that… Because, then their “bastard” sons cannot become MPs one day…

So, the moral outrage and means to sufficiently enact this law is bogus. If they had trouble with immoral activity and troublesome affairs. They would have cleaned house and acted on their own sins. However, they rather vilify and go after a minor minority based on faith and “nature”. It is really compelling and really evident of what the 11^th Parliament is…

We must see if this law will be able to be accented by the President and later tested in the Courts. Just like the 2014 bill of the same sort of vibe. Whereas today the 11^th Parliament should have known better and Basalirwa MP should have been wiser too. However, he rather burn bridges, than build new ones. Peace.

Justice Forum (JEEMA): Press Statement (13.03.2023)

Opinion: Does Basalirwa MP know about Constitutional Article 21 (2-3) and 31(2a) or what?

I don’t know if the Asuman Basalirwa, the Bugiri MP knows about certain articles in the 1995 Constitution, which are relevant to a renewed Anti-Gay Bill. He is following the footsteps of the 2014 edition and going after cheap popularity by banning one sort of sexuality. This is making one small figment of society, one tiny minority in the Republic illegal. Just because who they love or have feelings for.

I understand as a Christian and as men of faith, that you have dogmas and belief systems that are countering the tides of time. Alas, still, there should be a difference between what is law and what is morally correct within a religion or belief. Unless, the ones ushering this in believes in State Religion and wants to amend the 1995 Constitution to make “Christianity” or another conservative religion the faith of the Republic.

Nevertheless, there are two articles that needs to be discussed in direct association with the new “Anti-Gay” bill, which will be either a hurdle or a help. The ones doing this are hardliners and people who wants to broaden the spectrum. That is obvious. While there are already laws in place and one Article in the Constitution, which are detrimental for the homosexuals/gays. Which are the minority that is targeted yet again.

Here are the articles, which I deem fit for the occasion.

“21. Equality and freedom from discrimination

1. All persons are equal before and under the law in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life and in every other respect and shall enjoy equal protection of the law.

2. Without prejudice to clause (1) of this article, a person shall not be discriminated against on the ground of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.

3. For the purposes of this article, “discriminate” means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.

4. Nothing in this article shall prevent Parliament from enacting laws that are necessary fora.

implementing policies and programmes aimed at redressing social, economic or educational or other imbalance in society; or

b. making such provision as is required or authorised to be made under this Constitution; or

c. providing for any matter acceptable and demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.

5. Nothing shall be taken to be inconsistent with this article which is allowed to be done under any provision of this Constitution” (1995 Constitution).

“31. Rights of the family

1. A man and a woman are entitled to marry only if they are each of the age of eighteen years and above and are entitled at that age

a. to found a family; and

b. to equal rights at and in marriage, during marriage, and at its dissolution.

2. Parliament shall make appropriate laws for the protection of the rights of widows and widowers to inherit the property of their deceased spouses and to enjoy parental rights over their children.

2a. Marriage between persons of the same sex is prohibited.

3. Marriage shall be entered into with the free consent of the man and woman intending to marry.

4. It is the right and duty of parents to care for and bring up their children.

5. Children may not be separated from their families or the persons entitled to bring them up against the will of their families or of those persons, except in accordance with the law” (1995 Constitution).

These two articles are important. They are the baseline here.

First the article 21 are setting a parameter, which cannot be breached. There are several of rights for an individual in the Republic to not be discriminated against. All of the reasons are mentioned in the article. This is a negative right in a sense, as the government are limited in their actions towards the individuals or the people mentioned in article. It sets the objective and where the government could take away their rights from. In sense, means there is very few to none who can be touched, because the broad spectrum of people, which are already mentioned here.

While in Article 31, that is even more clear and direct, the 31(2a) is so straight forward. The limitations of rights and lack thereof is set. A person isn’t allowed by law to get married to the same sex. Meaning the gays are not allowed to get married or live as such. This is already limiting their lives and their rights, which is the new goal of the Anti-Gay law, but shows what is already in stone.

The Constitution as is has stipulations that limits life for gay people. That’s why article 31 exists in the first place. It is made with the same sentiment, as the current day parade of “holier than thou” thinking. Instead of letting people living with their own conscience and after their own belief. The big state and government have to direct and take part in who people love or who they have as partners. Which is directly circumventing the 21 article, but the 31(2a) is in existence. So, the legality and the law is active. Meaning, this is something you just have to abide by. That is what you call constitutional order.

However, we are seeing that the individual shouldn’t be discriminated, but there is already set limitations on gay people. So, for the ones who wants to ban it and silence it totally. They will ensure it gets done in darkness and in secret. It will be a hidden community and underground. Because, these are existing whether you like it or not. Gay people are thing and their life-style will not cease to exists over a law. This minority will persist and be viable, but in a closed of community. Just like the speakeasies during prohibition era in the United States. They will just create own places and codes to live. It will be illegal, but be thing.

That’s why it’s tragic… especially when the Article 21 are supposed to safeguard individuals and minorities. Nevertheless, in this case, I think Asuman Basalirwa has forgotten about these articles in the Constitution. That is how it seems… Peace.

Opinion: 11th Parliament is now the House of the Lord…

“We gathered earlier today to dedicate Parliament to the Lord, and I pledged to the country that a bill will be introduced as soon as possible to deal with homosexuality and lesbianism. We shall Jealously protect our cherished values and culture” (…) “Tomorrow, we are going to introduce the bill on homosexuality and I want to request the religious leaders that this time around, be there to see who is who” (…) “We are going to vote by show of hands. You’re either for homosexuality or against it. we want to see the kind of leaders we have in this country” – Speaker Anita Among (28.02.2023).

I don’t know if the Member of Parliament and now Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has read the 1995 Constitution. Neither does it matter, because it is a forgotten text. The one that was the “fundamental change” and game changer when launched. It gave life to the National Resistance Movement and legitimacy. However, with time it has withered and obviously lost value.

Still because of her words… I just have to add two parts of the 1995 Constitution. Just to remind ourselves of the goals, the aims and what is the supposed law of the land. It is fine that the Speaker is a woman of faith and wants to live her life to honour a deity. That is fine and dandy as an individual, but as a legislator and such. She is out of bound with the ideals of the State, the government and her own role as Speaker.

“Article 7 Non-adoption of State religion Uganda shall not adopt a State religion” (1995 Constitution – Chapter 2)

“Article 21 Equality and freedom from discrimination (1) All persons are equal before and under the law in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life and in every other respect and shall enjoy equal protection of the law. (2) Without prejudice to clause (1) of this article, a person shall not be discriminated against on the ground of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability. (3) For the purposes of this article, “discriminate” means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability” (1995 Constitution – Chapter 4).

Speaker Among can be Christian all she wants and that’s all good. Nevertheless, the 11^th Parliament and the Members of the Parliament doesn’t have to be connected to any faith or such. So, to say that she gives the House to God is out of the sphere and function of the Parliament.

I wonder if the fellow legislators have seen these articles or even considered them. The activist lawyers’ better tool up. Because this should be food for the Courts and be tested by law-abiding citizens. This law should be tested, especially when the Article 7 and Article 21 specify certain rights. These rights has to be respected, even if are against or see it as sinful to live with the same sex. In your faith and what you deem as right is maybe morally incorrect in your view, but as society and by law it shouldn’t be criminalized. Especially, when the 1995 Constitution specifically says a individual should be discriminated against “on the ground of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability”. Those words are giving the homosexuals rights to live as they deem fit and they shouldn’t be discriminated against. I am maybe against it by faith myself, but by law they should be allowed to live the way they please. Just like I am allowed and have the rights to live after my religion. That’s why the laws shouldn’t target a minority and one group, which the anti-homosexual bill is doing. They are target today and tomorrow it could be another group of faith. Therefore, it is a slippery slope and when you start… they must demonize more people and make them illegal. That’s just how these things are played out historically.

If the Speaker wants to be Christian that is fine, and I applaud her. However, in this case… it’s the wrong context, the wrong forum and the plenary sessions isn’t made for that. That’s for church or the holy communion. The 11^th Parliament is created for legislative agendas and not a prayer house. Secondly, the law itself is a violation of the Constitution, which is what the Parliament is supposed to protect. So, the Speaker and her merry men are violating their own purpose and function by doing so. That’s the interesting part here… and that’s why this got to be tested in the Courts. Peace.

Opinion: The “gay plague” is used to haunt the other issues

The rise of the agenda against homosexual or LGBTQ cases in general are only happening for one reason: Populism. It is easy to gain points and get people behind it. Especially in the conservative and religious households across the Republic. The rulers of Kampala know this and so does the ones reside in the State House in Entebbe.

That’s why we are seeing it happening and being used. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) aren’t foreign to this. They are now using the gay agenda as a tool of silencing NGOs or CSOs. It is used to stifle civilians from assembling and possible re-ignite the “Anti-Gay” from about a decade ago. While books are banned because of its agenda and such too.

The same government is also earning points that the Church of Uganda (Anglican) has sent a stern letter after the Church of England has started to bless or pray for gay couples as a way of marrying them. Therefore, the recent moves are clear and the NRM trying to cash in on it.

We know the President and his handlers aren’t fools. It doesn’t cost them anything and they have a reason to act. They can do it for purity and honour long traditions in society. In such a manner, which gives them political leverage. While this is also popular in the religious parts of the population. They are validated and their reasoning after the holy scriptures are verified by the ones in office.

That’s why the NRM is seeking to end the “gay plague”. It is an easy goalpost and is a circus. They are not giving people bread but serving them a show. Instead of doing due diligence, government services or following presidential directives. They are following up on a populistic cause that doesn’t cost a thing. Yes, it costs for the gays, the homosexuals, and the minority, which is the target. However, in the grand scheme of things… they are only getting political currency and leverage.

No one should be surprised by this… and there have already been a crackdown on Human Rights, on NGOs and CSOs lately. The state has gone after the OHCHR and the DGF of late. The current acts are furthering the cause and ensuring a silent night for the ones in power. They are targeting the minority and using it as tool to oppress. That’s the gimmick and the religious are buying into it. Therefore, the goalpost can easily go from the “gay plague” to “foreign agents” or other derivative alleged ties to undermine the state. That’s just the next objective and a way of silencing all critics. They are just using the gays as pawns for populist gains and it’s so obvious.

The NRM and Museveni knows what they are doing. They have no quarrels doing this, because it benefits them. It isn’t like the government is acting all in good faith. No, the same state is already apprehending and sentencing civilians in military courts. They are arbitrary arresting, keeping people incommunicado and torturing activists or opposition leaders at large. Therefore, the reality is already grim and it isn’t getting better.

I know I have stated before that the gay agenda shouldn’t be a main cause. It is easy to sell to Westerns and the “woke”. However, the whole society is just tested. The Republic isn’t giving or sheltering anyone but their own. That’s why we should worry… and be concerned. This current regime have no scruples… or heart.

They will use the “gay plague” … and that will buy them time while they are doing other sinister acts in the dark. Peace.

Chapter Four Uganda: Reject Regressive Clauses in Sexual Offences Bill (08.05.2021)

Opinion: The “Anti-Gay” Law is the top of the ice-berg of Oppression in the Republic

Yesterday, the prolonged time for making it illegal to be homosexual or gay in the Ugandan Republic came into effect. This was passed in Parliament and was a part of the new Sexual Offences Act of 2019. This has been in the making since the early drafts in 2014. However, the attack on people’s love-life is just the beginning of the oppression in the Republic.

The same-sex persons and gay-community in Uganda is small and disfranchised already. There been cases of people going into exile and claiming to be gay to get visa’s in the Western Hemisphere. Therefore, this is far from new and is a continued problem. As well, as the Police have had crackdowns on gathering and rainbow meetings.

Well, they are meeting the same blunt force all dissidents are getting. The political freedoms are limited. The dissidents and people who are against the regime is targeted. The state is going after, using all means to silence the opposition. They cannot have rallies, meetings or even do internal party work without meeting security organizations. Radio shows are blocked, venues sealed off and so fourth.

The opposition are abducted, kept incommunicado, detained without charges, arraigned in court martial as civilians, held in ungazetted safe-houses, tortured and even killed. The state is using all of its security organizations to brutally get rid of the ones who oppose its reign. This is the aim of the state… and what they do. It is reported and stated. They are targeting civilian activists, killing civilians during demonstrations and random bystanders are hit by “stray-bullets” too.

I feel bad for the homosexuals and the gays. They deserve to love whoever they love. That shouldn’t be criminalized. Nevertheless, like in early 2014 and 2015, I called it wrong to just point at this and I still do. Because, the wrongs done to them is a systemic default of the current state. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is targeting dissidents and people who oppose it. Therefore, them going after the same-sex lovers is just following the same programming. Giving them ten years in prison for doing so.

The state is already attacking such big groups and everyone who gathers in spite of His Excellency (H.E). The NRM can use the army, security organizations and the police force to silence the opposition.

When the state have re-issued the ills of previous regimes. Giving the “Panda Gari’s” a second life. Ensuring to strike fear to anyone who oppose the old man with the hat. The Special Force Command, CMI, ISO, UPF and UPDF are all collecting individuals who they deem fit. They are taking without proper procedure or within the bounds of the law. While the civilians who is taking in have to follow the same law. That is the reality of the oppression in the state.

So, the whole state needs to be reformed. Not just revoking the stipulation in the Sexual Offences Act. There is a need to change how the state operates … and create another atmosphere. The current regime doesn’t value, liberty or freedom of anyone else than the ones who is anointed by the state. The rest can just linger in detention, get re-charged and re-arrested. These folks can get tortured and possibly killed as well on the watch of the regime. There is not mercy and only sinister approach to justice.

It is injustice and impunity on a high scale. The same-sex/gays are just a populist fitting target to shallow the lack of results of this state. To follow up on a old promise and not really do anything to create a better nation or steady progress. This is what the guys believes is securing your future. They are putting people in bracelets and screaming “democracy”. You cannot make this one up, but that is the reality of it all. Peace.

Uganda: The 10th Parliament passed the “Anti-Gay” Bill

Since 2014 there been a running act and planned effort to make homosexuality illegal. The National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have done as a populist move to regain trust among the faithful people of the Republic. This is to galvanize the conservative Christians and Muslims.

In one of the last sessions of the 10^th Parliament there was several of acts passed. One of them was the Sexual Offences Act of 2019. Where there is one stipulation and its very clear with the intent. The state is making it a crime and criminalize it.

The law now has been part of two terms, the 9^th and 10^th Parliament. It needed all those years to come to pass. The state just enacted at with many other things that makes sense. The rest of bill is sensible and uses common sense.

What the state have no made illegal, which is the anti-gay stipulation of the bill.

“11. Unnatural offences.

A person who-

(a) performs a sexual act with another person contrary to the

order of nature; or

(b) engages in a sexual act with an animal;

commits an offence and is liable on conviction, to imprisonment for

ten years” (Sexual Offences Bill, 2019).

That this happened wasn’t shocking. It was inevitable. Now that the President and his party done this in majority is because they know they won’t loose donor funds or anything. The state is already under fire for other political actions and electioneering of late. The NRM and Museveni knows that their standing is losing elsewhere.

That the anti-gay bill is commenced within 7 years shows the resilience and does it in the final minute of the Parliament. They are not having huge discussions or anything. It is just passed in the middle of 7 bills is one of its Final Acts of the 10^th Parliament.

They have made it illegal to be gay and if someone have sex with the same gender. That will be criminalized as an unnatural offences, which can be charged with imprisonment up to ten years. They are doing it now because nobody cares and the human rights violations are already catching up. The state is already using the security organizations to apprehend the political dissidents and secure the majority for the 11^th Parliament.

I’m not surprised that this happened. It was inevitable, but that its happening now makes sense. As the 10^th Parliament is going out with an bang and finally showing they can pass legislation. Not only approve loans, which have been the most important part of their duties of late.

The bill has been in the progress since 2014 and was finally passed on the 3^rd May 2021, Monicah Amoding who wrote this and got it into the Parliamentary Library on the 27^th November 2019. It only took about 1,5 years for this to be passed. Still, there been drafted legislation for this since 2014 … and means the state awaited 7 years to make it happen.

To make it illegal to be gay is just winning over some part of the community. While taking away their freedoms and liberties. They are doing this as simple populism and cheap politics. It doesn’t cost them a thing and they have made certain sort of sexual preferences illegal. That being same-sex acts, which only can been as “unnatural offences”. This is how I see this and that’s the mere fact of it all. Now, it just awaits Presidential Ascending and it’s official law of the Republic.

It is sad, though the whole regime is delivering atrocities and horrific acts against the ones who stands in their way. So, now they just have another minority to criminalize as well. Peace.