Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeje Odongo – Re: UK Sanctions on Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament and Two Former Minister (02.05.2024)

Uganda: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Statement on the Sanctioning of the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda by hte Government of the United Kingdom (02.05.2024)

Opinion: Speaker Among is apparently over the rainbow…

“I have always said that I have a permanent passport to Bukedea and Buyende district. I don’t need a visa. So, honorable members, you need to be very firm and fight for your position. Just imagine it is your kid who is being sodomized. I have interacted [with some officials] and we have gotten to know what the sanctions are about. At an appropriate time, the Head of State will also respond to it because it is an indictment on the Parliament of Uganda” (…) “These sanctions are politically-motivated. I am carrying a cross for the 48 million Ugandans because of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill we passed in this House. This may not be the only ban. Another one will come in the pretext of corruption and [many] others but we serve a living God. We will always not allow bum shafters in Uganda” – Speaker Anita Among (03.05.2024)

London is calling, London is calling and Kampala isn’t picking up. I don’t blame Kampala for not picking up the call. They are torn and getting a punitive actions against it. The Speaker and two former Ministers are sanctioned by the United Kingdom on the 30^th April 2024. That’s a sign and a signal from the leaders in Westminster and Whitehall. However, that will not make anything change around Nile Avenue or such.

Just read the statement from the UK Sanctions list of 30^th April 2024:

“Anita Annet AMONG is an involved person under the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021. Specifically, AMONG, whilst Speaker of Parliament of Uganda and Member of Parliament for Bukedea District, is or has been responsible for or engaged in serious corruption” (The UK Sanctions List, latest Update 30 April 2024).

It states about the Parliamentary Exhibition and direct involvement in serious corruption. That’s not her effort to enact a law targeting a minority in the Republic. No, it is her shielding and partaking in the theft of state coffers. That’s the case and it isn’t a bargain.

She and her fellow cadres are doing this. They are blaming the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act/Bill. That’s what she is saying and others, but the UK haven’t directed the pendulum there. Nevertheless, they are reading other scriptures than the rest of us.

It is just tiring to hear this hearsay and nonsense. She is misusing her office and never taking any accountability. That’s for a person living in a mansion and living large while the citizens are suffering. She’s part of an elite and getting wealth according to her station. Therefore, she is entitled and arrogant about her role.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. She has power, prestige and a fancy title. Nevertheless, she isn’t respected or dignified for her role. No, she is brash, rash and acting in stark contrast to her predecessors. She is residing over a den of thieves and bashing in glory. That’s why she won’t have any say or speak of grand corruption. Because, that is what she is residing over and that’s what gives her power.

It is so sad… but that’s the grim reality. The 11^th Parliament is a tragic site and it should be different… nevertheless, we will not see that in the near future. Speaker Among is thriving and eating. That’s all that matters… Peace.

A look into Bobi Wine’s Statement “on Sanctions as a tool against impunity”

Today, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the Party President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) addressed the United Kingdom’s sanctions against some Ugandan individuals or High Ranking Officials, which was published on the 30^th April 2024.

Two days later Bobi Wine has responded on this one. This would be a hot potato. As the regime apologists are busy spinning the sanctions as an attack on the “sovereign” and a trick to do this instead of addressing the “gay plague” which are really unique. When the United Kingdom and the FDCO says it is because of grand corruption. Therefore, the opposition spoke his peace and it was necessary.

Bobi Wine started with: “The reason we call for sanctions on Gen. Museveni and his officials, and why we celebrate when they are imposed, can be summarized in one word: IMPUNITY” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2024).

Here Bobi Wine is speaking and using rhetoric that we have heard before from Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye have spoken of the junta’s usage of impunity and ruling by impunity. So, in 2024 his reflecting the ideas and the visions of Besigye here. The whole statement is addressing this and showing the impunity of state. That the state is shielding the thieves, but arresting the protesters who demonstrated against the theft of the mabaati. Therefore, the impunity is as clear as day.

Bobi Wine’s important statement: “Citizens are then left with two choices – firstly, to rise up and put an end to this nonsense. Secondly, to appeal to the international community to take measures – including sanctions – which the regime refuses to take against its corrupt and criminal officials” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2025).

Here Bobi Wine is asking for a revolution and a uprising against the state. That has been asked before by others and by the likes of Besigye. This just shows that he follows the program and the ideals of his predecessor. The other is ask that costs the citizens less and can be accessible. The international community can sanction high ranking officials, but that won’t stop their impunity. We have seen sanctions and targeted leaders of the republic, but it haven’t changed the actions from within. Therefore, the first option is the ones that cost and is dire, but that won’t happen unless there is a real will to do it.

He ends with: “These regime officials have destroyed and underdeveloped and looted Uganda just because they think they can enjoy life with their families in developed countries, using the money stolen from Uganda’s tax payers. Now it is time for them to lay in the bed that they have made. They will have to stay in Uganda, go to Ugandan hospitals, use Ugandan roads — and even start using Ugandan cosmetics. While appreciating the international community for the sanctions so far imposed on corrupt and brutal officials, we can only request that they do more and more” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2024).

This is common knowledge what Bobi Wine said here. The regime has misused their power and taken the republic for granted. They are spending the monies of the state to create their own wealth. That is evident and how they are using their resources. What Bobi Wine is saying here is a low-blow, but we cannot imagine that the high ranking officials only using “Buy Uganda Build Uganda” as they can still import products. Especially, since they have the shillings to do so. Because, that haven’t to be done in their own name or businesses connected to them. Therefore, Among and the other Ministers would get their priority things regardless. The citizens are the ones who are touched and feeling the hardships of the neglect of the state. However, Bobi Wine and others have to reflect on it all.

The sanctions are only a start. This has been done before… and the FIRST option is the REVOLUTION or the UPRISING. While that is an ideal and a need. At the current moment there isn’t a level breeding ground for that or the mobilization for it. Not enough will to make it happen. It is already over a decade since the “Walk to Work” demonstrations, which was cracking the system. However, they were able to contain it…

Bobi Wine is right that the regime is acting with impunity and lives large on it. That is all fine and dandy, but he needs to polish the message and be more clear about the FIRST Option. As that is where the key is laying. Because, more sanctions from the West won’t save him or his Opposition. It will only cause a little eye sore for the high ranking officials and leave others off the hook. Peace.

Opinion: It’s the Mabaati and not the “gay plague”…

“Deputy Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, has announced sanctions on high profile Ugandan politicians charged with corruption, and the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, today (30 April). It is the first time the UK government has used the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime on individuals involved in corruption in Uganda. The three individuals, two of whom were previously ministers responsible for Uganda’s poorest region, Karamoja, and have been charged with corruption at Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court, will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes. The two former ministers sanctioned – Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu – stole thousands of iron sheets used for roofing and infrastructure from a Ugandan government-funded project aimed at housing some of the most vulnerable communities in the region, providing them to prominent politicians and their families instead” (Gov.uk – ‘UK sanctions corrupt politicians in Uganda who stole from vulnerable communities’ 30.04.2024).

Whatever Chris Obore or Speaker Among is trying to create a narrative of their own. They are trying to make their own game plan. It is a grander and bigger scheme behind the sanctions on the Speaker and the two former Ministers in the Cabinet.

That Among, Kitutu and Nandutu is all targeted is righteous in the case of the Mabaati scandal. There could be plenty more in this theft. As there was reported more high ranking officials who was caught with iron-sheets destined to the Karamoja sub-region. However, these have been off the hook.

The Deputy Foreign Secretary and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have done this in accordance to one instance. They have done so because of the iron-sheets. Instead the ones aligned and in cahoots with the Speaker is all making this about the Anti-Homosexuality Act. However, that isn’t mentioned or necessary.

Andrew Mitchell said: “Today the UK is sending a clear message to those who think benefiting at the expense of others is acceptable. Corruption has consequences and you will be held responsible” (30.04.2024).

I cannot glean anything about the attack on the sexual minorities or the gays. No, this is about corruption and misuse of office. That is another ball-game… and it is evident in the press release from the United Kingdom Government.

The Parliament of Uganda’s Director of Communications retorted with this: “The iron sheets have been used as a ruse to conceal the real, unstated but clear obvious reason for sanctions- which is Rt Hon Speaker’s stance on the recently enacted Anti-Homosexuality Act” (Obore, 30.04.2024).

When the invisible bogey-man comes to play again. We know the Speaker uses this every instance she can. If there is any sort implication or disregard of a foreign entity, it is their “gay agenda”. Not their reasons for stopping loans, grants or donations in general. That’s because of the policies and the actions of the state against the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) or the forced closure of OHCR in the Republic. Therefore, there is reasons for why there is less friendly foreigners and will to fund government entities or programs in the Republic. Not only because of the “gay agenda” or anything else for that matter. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) should understand that, but maybe that’s too much to ask…

Among and her peers should listen, but I wouldn’t think they would hear anything. No, they will make up conspiracies and go back to their mansions. Peace.

Opinion: Nandutu has fallen off so quickly…

The former journalist and show runner of the “Point Blank”, Agnes Nandutu MP is now back to the back-bench of Parliament. Nandutu MP was elected in 2021 on a Independent ticket after losing out in the National Resistance Movement Primary. So, she was a NRM leaning Independent MP and was lucky to become a State Minister for Karamoja.

That’s how she was able within a short window go from being a civilian to a Minister. The President gave her a prominent role and office. She was so lucky and giddy to be there. Bashing in glory and getting the honours of the office.

Instead of building upon the trust given her. She used her Ministry and Office to eat. The moment she was able to enrich herself. She took the moment and did just that. As much as the stockpiles of mabaati was emptied. As an MP and Minister of Karamoja, she stole Mabaati and misused her office.

At one point, she was one out of few that was made an example for. She was put on trial and arrested, arraigned and spent some time behind bars. However, she was never fully charged or sentenced. Therefore, the authorities just made her example… and didn’t penalize her totally. That’s why she isn’t behind bars, but on the back-bench of Parliament.

This week the MP lost her office and kicked out of the Office of the Prime Minister. As her role belonged under the Office of the Prime Minister. That must hurt her pride and being told she wasn’t a minister anymore.

Nandutu went from being a journalist to MP to Minister within a hot-minute. Now she is demoted and being made an example of. Even if she haven’t paid a hefty price. It is a subtle backhanded slap to be demoted like this. While others who partake in the thieving is still thriving and bashing in glory with His Excellency.

Agnes Nandutu MP will still be around, but the President has taken action against her. She wasn’t above it all and that’s why she was losing in the recent reshuffle. Nandutu couldn’t even be a Minister through the whole term. No, she gotten three years and one of them in trouble. Months after the trouble losing her office. That’s a telling story and show how she has fallen.

Nandutu MP would have made a skit and run a joke about this if it was another MP on Point Blank. She would have said something sarcastically and mockingly about how she went from thieving to losing it.

The former journalist now have to walk carefully. She is not above it all and could easily be used as a scapegoat again. That’s why she lost her influence and office. The President needed to remind the cabinet and use some of them to show some fight against corruption. While his still keeping several others implicated in the same scandal. Therefore, it isn’t a truthful or honest enterprise of His Excellency.

However, Nandutu is feeling the pendulum. The MP isn’t as prominent or important enough to be kept. Her independence and ability to win in the 2021 elections aren’t celebrated. That’s why she could get demoted and lose the office. If he wanted too… the President could have written a letter and pursuit the case even further with the authorities. Therefore, Nandutu is lucky to be here and still able to eat in the August house.

Nandutu MP is an example of how not to run a Ministry. She is an example of how arrogance and hubris can lead to your downfall. Right now she’s licking her wounds, but she will see another day. Already walking free and tasting the wealth of the back-benches of Parliament. Not like she’s paying huge price or being recalled as an MP. If the NRM did that and went further. That’s when she would have lost it all. Peace.

Opinion: Nabbanja we see you…

“Stop accusing me of stealing iron sheets. Talk about the things you have done for the people, I have never stolen iron sheets. Don’t accuse me of stealing iron sheets. You have done the likes of [Mathias] Mpuuga giving themselves Shs500m, did you hear my name among those? By the time I became Prime Minister, I had already roofed my house with roofing tiles (tegula), the other iron sheets I took them to Kagadi where they were used to roof a church. So don’t spoil my name, Ssenyonyi and team, the problem of corruption will kill our country. Money is stolen; iron sheets are stolen, even from the Office of the Prime Minister” – Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (10.03.2024).

The Prime Minister thinks we have forgotten that she was investigated together with several ministers and high ranking officials who was a part of the mabaati scandal last year. This one is lingering on her, as it was part of her Office, which the stockpile of Mabaati was taken from. She had to know what went down and not just blame lower ranking officials within her office. However, we know her arrogance and won’t take responsibility.

We shouldn’t be shocked that Nabbanja acts like this. She has the hubris and arrogance of it. At the moment she’s untouchable and one of them. It is really striking that she defends the Mabaati thieving… by roofing a church in Kagadi, but it was destined for Karamoja sub-region. Which means the mabaati never went where it was supposed too. No matter what the cause or the supposed usage in another region.

Her defence is that things, money and in general things are stolen from her office anyway. That isn’t a valid response. It is just an admission of guilt and telling what is going on behind closed doors. She isn’t showing strength or leadership by saying it.

Well, things are going missing like mabaati, money and whatnot. People just take things from the stockpiles, which are supposed to be delivered to certain programs and people. Nevertheless, my minions and other high ranking officials are eating of this plate. Don’t mind us… we are doing our duty and we are working for the people doing so.

It is just striking the way she tries to defend all of this. The mismanagement, the rot of the system and how the Office of the Prime Minister is a den of thieves. If it was run correctly she wouldn’t need to defend it. We wouldn’t have to call her out and knowingly seek out her part of the theft. However, we have too, because there is no other way.

The PM cannot spin this around. Especially in her defence of herself is saying there things stolen from her office anyway. That is just really strange, but that is also done to pin blame on others in her near proximity. She speaks of not spoiling her name, but she’s weakening her office by saying what she said.

If you want good spin or better arguments. Don’t expect them from this Prime Minister. She will only try to forge a narrative that others are to blame, but not her. That’s not working when the ill deeds are happening in her midst. 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.

Opinion: How many agents does Mzee need to combat himself?

“Mr Museveni announced his latest anti-graft plans in a Labour Day speech delivered in the rural eastern Uganda district of Namutumba yesterday afternoon. “I am using this Labour Day to tell everybody that we are going to have a big fight. I am going to set up another small unit in my office where the investors can ring directly if anybody asks them for a bribe or delays decisions,” Mr Museveni said” (Philip Wafula – ‘Museveni to set up new anti-corruption unit’ 02.05.2023, Daily Monitor).

The battle against grand corruption, graft, bribes and other siphoning of funds is getting ridiculous, as the Government of Uganda is not lacking offices or units, which are focused on the matter. It isn’t like the State House – Anti-Corruption Unit is the sole organization working with it under the Office of the Presidency.

No, there are several others like the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). In addition to that you have the Judiciary and Law Enforcement itself that works or have jurisdiction to follow up on cases concerning this sort of crime. Therefore, the State has several of units or organizations combatting this already.

There are already 6 Offices that has various of roles in concern with the battle against corruption. That’s without adding the Uganda Police Force or any of their entities who also investigate corruption. The Judiciary is also handling these affairs and the ones that are judging the matters. Therefore, there is already plenty of hands involved and have the ability too combat this.

The President is only creating another busy-body and another separate Unit in his residence. It is just a nice headline and looking like his really working against it. When the other ones are enshrined in law and are based on legislation. That’s why the IGG, FIA, PPDA, OAG and others are there to work and have a mandate. Alas, the Units created out of the Office of the Presidency is just on the whim and whatever guidance the President felt at that very day. Instead of boosting the ones who exists. He creates another possible entity who will be controlled and close proximity of him.

However, this will not solve it or combat it. No, this is just another “cat and mouse” chase where they will only capture small-fish and leave the big-ones alone. There is no way the ones in association or have had a handshake with the President will be captured. No, this is just to cause some good vibes and call it a night. Peace.

Opinion: OO sounding like an opposition spokesperson…

Today, Ofwono Opondo, the Government Spokesperson published a piece called: “HARD TIMES AHEAD; DROP EXCESS POLITICAL BAGGAGE AND OPULENCE”. It is striking that he launches this triad now. This is an epic rant and would be fitting from any opposition Member of Parliament or a spokesperson of an opposition party.

OO has been a defender of the NRM and the Government of Uganda. That has been his day-job and he has done so for years now. OO is synonymous with the NRM and the Museveni era. He belongs with them and has earned his currency by doing so.

That’s why today’s text reveals something… but also show how the NRM tries to re-populist itself. Even when it goes against the grain and the current status quo. Because, this sort of opinion piece belongs in the Observer or the Daily Monitor. This doesn’t belong in the New Vision or Bukedde for that matter. Nedda ssevo, this is a piece that would fit the opposition very well. That’s why it bothers me…

First paragraph from the text says this:

“So, Uganda must reform its fiscal frameworks, exercise utmost discipline, provide more for areas that will grow the economy, expand jobs opportunities and debt management. In calling for “stepping up our domestic revenue” many think that Ggoobi, in light of the tax proposals sent to parliament is walking back his public statement of December 2022 that he will not introduce new taxes in 2023/24” (OO, 24.04.2023).

This is the sounds of an opposition spokesperson. It isn’t the voice reason of someone who is defending the track-record or the fiscal discipline of the NRM. No, this is the opposite and someone going after it’s own and begs you to question why? What reason is there and who will be the fall guy? Is that the game here?

As OO continues…

“Unfortunately Ggoobi came out a little shy on the rampant and well-spread out corruption, wastefulness, financial indiscipline and failure to adhere to set priorities. The profligacy in the face of the ongoing economic squeeze is shocking to say the least and we cannot convincingly explain the extravagant motorcades for ministers, judges, top technocrats and security officers as if Uganda was at war” (OO, 24.04.2023).

This is a system created by the NRM and the High Ranking Officials. It didn’t happen over night and neither is it by default. The NRM has found ways to eat and enjoy the perks in office. That’s why these sorts of things happen on the regular. They are all in on it and enjoys it too. It isn’t shocking anymore and that’s why “missing funds” is a proverb in the Republic.

As OO continues…

“The excessive spending on leaders is directly undermining delivery and sustenance of quality basic public services like education, health and water. Most of our leaders have continued to live opulently even when the economy has had a knock and unable to quickly recover, generate new jobs and revenue. The agricultural sector where 69 percent survive is struggling with high in-put costs yet returns remain low” (OO, 24.04.2023).

This is the nation and the vision of Museveni. He is letting the elites and the appointed officials eat. They are getting fat while the poor is starving. That’s the business model and the NRM way. Everyone has seen this for years and the donor community has shielded some of the issues. Alas, here is the bargain, that the NRM are feeling the pendulum is swinging and they are not favoured anymore. That’s why they need more domestic revenue and not donor funds to cover their expenses. This is why the hurt is more severe and the rot is spiralling out of control…

As OO continues:

“The apparent helplessness government exhibits in dealing with sloth and avarice within its ranks is regrettable and calls for a ruthless approach to stem wastefulness and abuse. These excessive security details, honking car horns and aggressively tormenting road users have become public nuisance, made Kampala look more like Afghanistan, and is counter-productive to tourism and investment attraction” (OO, 24.04.2023).

It is just funny that a NRM and Government Spokesperson wrote this. This quote and paragraph would be fitting for a FDC or a NRM MP to write. It is what the Spire Exhibitions are doing on social media. Just exposing the lack of service delivery and the lack of government oversight.

The idea that he published it and thought it was smart is beyond me. This just proves what many of us been saying over the years. Now they are trying internally to prove the faults and mistakes. It is the system that has been created in the vision of the President. He has promoted this behaviour and he given them awards for doing so.

So, please take your crocodile tears and drink some tears of the lion. Because, I am not buying it. This isn’t sincere or legit. It is making a few scapegoats and trying patch up the hurt. Maybe even drop some “deadwood” for more beloved characters surrounding Muhoozi…

So, please sound like yourself Mr. Ofwono Opondo. This isn’t you and I’m not the guy you have to convince. The message is fine, but I have trouble believing the messenger. Peace.