Opinion: DP had to retaliate against Nambooze…

From 2017…

The Democratic Party and Chairman Norbert Mao have this week lost 10 MPs to the National Unity Platform (NUP). Which is the biggest raid on one single party in a long time. Mao should be shattered and devastated as his party has deteriorated in front of his eyes.

The DP could have aimed at anyone. However, they picked Mukono MP Betty Nambooze, which have taken shots at Mao before. So, its fitting that they retaliate now that she has left. It wasn’t shocking that she found a new home. She’s been on the move and it was bound to happen.

So, that the Party releases a long statement on her. Not on Mpuuga or anyone else. Shows that the party bears special grudges to her. I am wouldn’t be shocked if others got into the firing line too. However, the blend of old spats and blistering words have clearly ruffled some feathers. Mao and the Party had to answer one of them and they just had to pick Nambooze.

That’s why they said this about her:

“Hon. Nambooze Betty has attempted one of the biggest hit-or-miss maneuvers in Parliament, crossing the aisle from the Democratic Party at a climactic moment in Mukono Municipality.

The shadow minister for Local Government in the minority government of Leader of Opposition in the 10th Parliament and also Spokesperson for the People’s Government made her switch to National Unity Platform (NUP) on Thursday 10th August 2020, returned to a TV show on the same night declining to formally cross to the new Party” (…) “Madam Teacher has long had a difficult relationship with many Democrats in her home district, based in part on her support to fail development programs in the area. But during her years in the Parliament , she has was an important opposition vote for the bill against “Tojikwatako” 102(b) which saw her back almost broken by the junta” (Democratic Party, 15.08.2020).

You can see how they are already in it to kill. There is no soft spots. They are taking quotes from the NBS Frontline too. Nevertheless, seeing the whole picture. While also in the same article using the new flag-bearer for Mukono as a centre-piece. Mr. Fred Kagimu is sounding like saint in the same article. Just fitting, when she has left the fold. That he is dismissing her and her journey.

What is really rich is how limited the scope of this is. How little it really says and how its not about why she really left. However, that would have hurt the pride of the Chairman and the historical party. Mao don’t want to look like a fool, even as he lost most of his team.

Nambooze and Mao has fought in public. They have gone after each other. Because, Nambooze been part of People’s Government and that have triggered Norbert. However, the same man never didn’t grieve when his people joined the cabinet of Museveni. So, this is a continuation of attitude towards her. They really like to paint Nambooze in a ill picture.

There is always costs in politics. You win some and you loose some. Sometimes you have to let things go. However, Mao and his team is bearing grudges. They are bitter at Nambooze. That is why they dropped this hit-piece. There is no other reason to do so.

Also, make her opponent from the party look like a rising star. The new King of the Hill. Because, that is what is needed. Now, that she left. They need to usher in a new star and make him look shiny. While burying the old. That is what this piece was all about. As they picked the first defector they took a shot at.

Who can wonder whose next. Maybe Mpuuga, as the DP will either field Mbidde or Bwanika to get his spot in Masaka? Peace.

Opinion: 10 DP MPs cross to NUP [It’s raining tears in the land of Mao]

The Democratic Party is being totally purged by the National Unity Platform (NUP). The DP have today lost 10 MPs. In the 2016 election the party got 15 MPs. So, there is a total free for all. Norbert Mao has really lost out today. This is the biggest purge in a long while.

Norbert Mao must be screeching and teething as his seeing his top shot MPs … going for Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. NUP has a big big blow to the DP today. This here is like aiming at the heart of the DP. This is the supposed third term for Mao, but his not able to keep his ducks in a row.

We can see how his losing. I saw the three earlier today, but now a few hours later. This is seriously rattling the cage. Bobi Wine can smile to the bank. He has raided a party and gotten their biggest MPs. The likes of Mpuuga, Nambooze, Ssewanyana, Kivumbi and Namayanja. All of these will be flag-bearers who can flex for the party.

Just look here!

“DP MPs cross to #PeoplePower’s NUP

Mathias Mpuuga from DP

Joseph Ssewungu DP

Medard Ssegona DP

Betty Nambooze DP

Moses Kasibante Ind

Muwanga Kivumbi DP

Allan Ssewanyana DP

Ssempala Kigozi DP

Ssentongo Robinah DP

Veronica Namaganda DP

Florence Namayanja DP” (Uganda Radio Network, 13.08.2020).

This here is insane. Just imagine that the about 66% of the DP MPs crossed today to NUP. That is major blow. This is like a kill-shot. Yes, the DP can field new flag-bearers. In Masaka, Mpuuga might met Bwanika or Mbidde, but that is not heated competition there. The others are having huge bases where they elected.

We can really see that Bobi Wine has taken over Baganda and the DP caucus there. This without being long in the political sphere. This is depleting the DP party. We can just wonder if others will follow too. As there soon final deadlines for nominations in the parties and the tickets are finalized.

Mao should cry today. Either that or raise havoc. He should be fuming, but understand that acting like a big-shot on NBS Frontline clearly isn’t enough.

Bobi Wine is winning. No doubt. The DP is dying and the umbrella is taking over. Evidently 66% MPs switched to NUP. That’s a train-wreck signal of the DP, but also a sign of strength for the NUP. Bobi Wine can wave a flag tonight. His gotten the bag without doing much today. Peace.

The Umbrella swallows three DP MPs

Today, there are three MPs who are announced at National Unity Platform Party Office in Kamwokya. These are Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana and Rubaga North MP Moses Kasibante. All of these MPs are leaving the Democratic Party and becoming NUP Flag-Bearers in the up-coming 2021 elections.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine didn’t even need to join the DP. He got the big-shots and the MPs who are vocally from the party. The DP Block leaders will be happy that Ssewanyana leaves the party. While we know Nambooze haven’t been friendly with Mao of late. Kasibante is seeking a new home and found safety here.

Nambooze have been moving along to elsewhere for a while. She has been part of People’s Government and been close to Besigye. That she now moves to NUP was in the cards. She’s been in Parliament since 2010 for Mukono and have drifted away from DP. We can see that since the 2016 elections. Therefore, today wasn’t a shocker, but was anticipated.

Nambooze have been in too trouble for her stances. Been treated with vile force. House raided, tortured and arrested for her stances. Therefore, she knows the cost of defying the state. Betty knows perfectly well and will continue this part with her change of party.

Ssewanyana, the MP for DP since 2016, the former Sports Editor and Chairman of Katwe United. Who has been arrested, charged and been in to much trouble in his term. A vocal opposition MP. A certain type that makes headlines without even trying. Just by opposing the government and its policies. That’s why this man is the perfect fit for the NUP at this point.

Kasibante have been in Parliament since 2012. Who is a DP MP, but on the pages of the Parliament his registered as Independent. Surely, he has gone more and more away. These are people who has associated themselves with the NUP and People Power.

So that Nambooze, Ssewanyana and Kasibante is all expected at this point. That they would either got to NUP or ANT. These was all individuals who was drifting away from Mao and the DP. They where abandoning the project, one by one.

It is not surprising. This is typical election season, but also a matter of making advances ahead of the polls. This is to score relevance and be part of the right team. They are fleeing DP to get more suction. This is Baganda MPs leaving the DP party.

Norbert Mao knew he would loose Lukwago and Nambooze. That was just a matter of time this time around. That he laso looses Ssweanyana is a loss, but the allies within DP Block will be happy if the rumours are correct. Give way to others to run on the DP ticket in Makindye West. Kasibante leaves Rubaga North and opens for another there too.

They are fleeing a sinking ship… to a party, which is on the rise. Bobi Wine has scored a victory with these folks in his team. While DP is even more weakened. The DP should start to reconsider their methods, as the ones vying for re-elections are abandoning them.

This are all vocal MPs and are people who are popular in their areas. These are not just some random MPs who nobody knows. Nambooze and Kasibante has been defiant for so long. They have suffered for it and now they are becoming NUPs.

This is a blow today for the DP and worth to celebrate for NUP. However, let see how this unfolds in the up-coming elections. Peace.

Opinion: Mao is loosing to Bobi Wine [and needs his umbrella]

Right now Party Chairman and Presidential Candidate Norbert Mao needs Bobi Wine’s umbrella. Mathias Mpuuga, the Masaka MP are an ally of People Power. Betty Nambooze, the Mukono MP who has been elected in the last election on a DP ticket is going over National Unity Platform. While Medard Lubega Sseggona, MP Busiro East are today stating the DP block is endorsing Bobi Wine as their Presidential Candidate. While the leaders of the Masaka Chapter has also gone over the NUP.

Mao is clearly loosing. Not only has he lost other high ranking officials to National Resistance Movement. Now, the DP is missing others to People Power and the NUP. The leadership is failing and doing it horrifically.

If this was the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) the NRM would swerve all around the carcass and dance. There would psalms played in the New Vision, tales of mischief all over the Daily Monitor and questionable tea in the Observer. However, this will play out more next week if this continues.

Mao is clearly missing Nambooze, Mpuuga and Ssegona. Who are all showing loyalty elsewhere. Just like the State Minister Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi crossed over to National Resistance Movement (NRM). While Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago made his party too.

Norbert is clearly not running the show. He can only keeps Fred Mukasa Mbidde circulated around him. The rest are fleeing apparently. Mbidde who even went to NRM to get the approval and positive vibes to become EALA MP. So, Mao clearly doesn’t control his troops.

It is really clear that umbrella is eating the party from within. He is not only loosing the ones who has been shifting away from some time. However, the stronghold of DP in Baganda, Masaka is all turning to Bobi Wine. This being Sseggona and Mpuuga. Mbidde must be wondering what is going on, as the team is turning on him and Mao.

DP Bloc is not behind Mao, but behind Bobi Wine. That must hurt the pride of Norbert. Seeing his own visions turning against him. Also, the MPs under him undermines his drive to relevance. Not like he can act educated on NBS Frontline and hours later being humiliated by his own elsewhere.

Soon, there will be a battle cry. However for someone calling other serial looser. This here is a sign, that use of DP is falling. DP isn’t a flagship of importance. When Mpuuga needs to associate with other entities to be relevant, like has always done with A4C, TDA and now PPM.

Mao should know this, when his losing DP Bloc too. It is really time for Mao to take up the umbrella too. His friends is abandoning him. Maybe Abed Bwanika will show him some love to become an MP candidate in Masaka too.

This is not easy for Mao, but then, its raining and he needs to shield himself with an umbrella. The rain doesn’t seem to stop and he needs it. That’s if he wants to be relevant himself. Unless, if his happy with being a staple on NBS Television and doesn’t care about his party deteriorating in-front of his eyes. Peace.

Opinion: Here we go again, it’s not the tormentors fault, but the ones tortured

We have been here before, this story isn’t new. Just like suddenly a shell of a man comes out from one of the ungazetted safe-houses and has to sue the state to get some compensation for the hurt. This has happen with several of people with this regime. They have continued this practice and never let anyone has any oversight over this. Only continued the same regime as the ones they overthrow with several of security organization doing the bidding of the “high above” and ensuring they are intimidating the ones who challenge the throne and its rights.

With this in mind, there are big-men and high ranking opposition figures who suddenly fall into the demise of these security organizations. These are just the few ones I can remember and can reflect upon. There is surely more of these.

Than, you have the arrest in march 2001 of Major Okwir Rabwoni.MP Who was arrested by military police and alleged torture of himself before going into exile. Something the authorities back then denied.

It could be the likes of Dr. Kizza Besigye, who in 2011 was shot with a rubber-bullet and destroyed his finger. He travelled to Nairobi to get treatment. While the Army Spokesman, Lt. Col. Felix Kulayigye said that he wasn’t “hurt at all”. Claiming, indirectly, that Besigye travelled abroad for treatment just on a whim.

You have the likes of Betty Bakireke Nambooze MP, who in march 2018 dared to insult the authorities, therefore got into an “accident” while in custody. Prolonged detention before allowed to be released to India for future treatment.

Later in 2018, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was tortured and kept at a secret location after the Arua By-Election. Which damaged his feet and other parts of his body. Where it is still not to this day verified what sort of actions they did. But after a long time awaiting, he was allowed to fly for the US for treatment.

In the same year and after the by-election in Arua. Francis Zaake MP in late 2018 was arrested, taken to a secret location and was tortured. He was suddenly dropped from detention and left at the gates of a hospital. A hospital he was not allowed to leave, because he was a “fugitive”. At this point he wanted to get treatment in India, which his lawyers and fellow MPs fought for.

Now in 2020 since April, Francis Zaake MP has been through this ordeal again. He has been beaten and hurt during detention with the authorities. Just been released yesterday from the hospital. That from being transferred and been between the Courts. The MP has proven his illness and the damage done to him. Therefore, it is very unique, when the minister claims he did damage on his own.

These is just a mere reflection, I am sure there plenty of more stories that could be told. Because, with what happen to Zaake over the recent month. I just felt the need to drop these stories. To show how this is something the state does.

Right now its Zaake whose in the spotlight. A man who has been through this before and gotten similar returns from the state. It is sad, but that is the reality. Again, the state will deflect and say its self-created, which would be a miracle. Just like the other cases or stories, which I have put together here today.

These are just a few and quickly mashed together. Not even that deep. It however, gives an insight and show over the years what the state has done to MPs and leaders of the Opposition. Peace.

The State of Health service delivery and financing: CSO perspectives (17.03.2019)

Betty Nambooze Bakireke Statement on the House-Arrest of Nganda Ssemujju today (16.11.2018)

We are permanently under a twenty four surveillance by the regime…our homes are under watch day and night…We travel around the town with armed Bodabodas following us…Government spies followed me to hospital in India…those who follow us don’t do it for our security…. we are watched as enemies of the State….. in other words we are full time prisoners in this big brother’s house called Uganda.

So yesterday when I and Lord Mayor Lukwago visited Honourable Ssemujju for a colleagues meeting,the junta’s hitmen where watching….to them we can never meet to talk about anything else apart from plotting to overthrow their regime. So the fact that Hon.Ssemujju had a consultative meeting today and I and Lukwago were meeting him in the evening a day before was enough for them to tell that today we were to “overthrow the regime” through the Bweyogerere public meeting.

Deep in the night they intesfied surveillance on our homes …my guard told me that last night patrol vans kept a culculated distance from my home…In the night they deployed around Hon Ssemujju’s home breaking into the compound this morning,highly traumatizing his children and innocent wife. We are tired of living this life…I say we are tired,yes we are tired.

Opinion: Mbidde hopes people are so forgetful!

The folding his hands like “birdman” is Mbidde on the NRM Celebration of their 31st year in Masindi (January 2017).

This is not a written defense of Abed Bwanika, I have always found his ways weird and suspicious, as he turns up to Presidential Elections for a non-existent party, which amount of members and representatives are not really rewarding any politician who has been part of it for so long. If he was serious about it and had a plan, he wouldn’t walk around like he is hungry everyday and do what he does.

However, he moves in all sorts of circles, even joined the Democratic Party Reunion in Masaka on the 28^th September 2018. Where many opposition leaders from various parties showed up in solidarity for the DP Party.

While that was happening, Fred Mukasa Mbidde have really spread the word and called Bwanika a Bosco mole in the opposition yesterday. As he claims Bwanika does his bidding and his works to participate and report to Bosco. That wouldn’t surprise anyone.

But, Mbidde shouldn’t speak so loud, as he did whatever he could to please Bosco in 2017, as he couldn’t win inside the DP or in the Masaka Municipality MP elections in 2016, as Mathias Mpuuga won over him. Mbidde have even threaten him too and promised to challenge him again in 2021. That is maybe why he is vocal now, to act out to have a place possibly by then.

However, people shouldn’t trust Mbidde, he would marry the enemy if that fits his narrative and his needs. As he even kicked it at the 31^st Celebration of the National Resistance Movement in Masindi on the 26^th January 2017. That was done so he showed Bosco loyalty. Just so he could be on the ticket for the Ugandan delegation to the 3^rd Assembly of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

With the knowledge of that, as he himself has a cozy relationship with the NRM and Bosco. That for his own need of a meal-ticket. Because Mbidde wouldn’t have the EALA spot if he wasn’t a “Good DP”. Therefore, he shouldn’t be the first to throw a stone at Bwanika. Yest, Bwanika is a character that is hard to trust, because of his activity and his sudden rise, whenever it is needed. But is gone in the wind, the next movement.

Mbidde might be true, but people have the right to ask about him too, as Mbidde has done deals all the way back to 2010 for Norbert Mao with the NRM. Therefore, the reason for him being the “Good DP”. He should maybe not be the biggest voices of moles, as he has questionable relationship with ruling regime and Bosco. As he has made deals to twice be parts of the EALA in Arusha. Peace.

Rotten roots: MPs Medical Tourism are needed, because Health Ministers flee to do it too!

“We have specialists to handle the cases the Members of Parliament that went abroad. We are not shamed about our hospitals, we have all requirements for specialised treatment of the MPs that left” – Ruth Aceng (04.09.2018).

Today, the Uganda Media Centre, State Minister of Helath Ruth Aceng, Minister for Housing Hon. Chris Baryomunsi and Gen. Elly Tumwiine has done their best to defend the state defense to the media. However, their defense of the state of Health Care needs to be dismissed. The other of the spin of what happened in Arua in August has to stop. As there are no one looking into the death and the tortured individuals, more spinning the blame on the civilians and not on the ones shooting live-bullets.

While that is a case, the Members of Parliament Hon. Francis Zaake and Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine left the Republic for medical treatment in both United States and India. However, this is not new. Earlier this year Betty Nambooze after the Age Limit ruckus has had medical treatment in India. She is not alone. As I will show.

From the Ministry of Health Alone in 2017:

The State minister for Primary Health Care, Dr Joyce Moriku Kaducu because of food-poisoning last year, couldn’t get treatment in Uganda, so she flown to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. While Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the State Minister of Health left Uganda for her knee surgery in India.

Former MPs Died in 2017:

Last year, Annie Logiel MP for Moroto headed to Denmark for treatment for her brain tumor, but did not survive. In the same year, William Bejikukye Zinkuratire, who was poisoned after he was sworn-in as MP, later getting treatment several times in India, but as he got final treatment in Uganda, finally succumbed to the illness. Former MP Issa Kikungwe died last year of a brain-tumor, as medical team at Mulago couldn’t save him.

In 2018:

Earlier this year, former MP Ruth Alinyikira Owagage was to get life needed treatment at the Jinja Hospital. However, the lack of oxygen and treatment let her die at the premises.

So, when I hear Ruth Aceng and others saying the Health Care have the ability to treat Bobi Wine and Zaake. I have my doubts, as the State Minister’s of Health went abroad for their treatments last year. The Presidents daughters have traveled abroad to give birth even. Therefore, when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) says everything is fine and dandy. Why did the State Ministers for Health travel themselves for treatment last year? Shouldn’t they be the firsts to use the services they represents?

This is like the brewer not drinking the own made drink, but instead buys Coca-Cola. Your supposed to be proud of what you produce and sell, not the ones you buy wholesale. That is what the State Minister of Health is doing. They are not proud of their service delivery, when your traveling abroad yourself for medical healthcare. That is what they have done. That is why Aceng isn’t the right voice to defend it. She has traveled herself, if someone should understand Zaake and Bobi Wine, it her. Instead she is all defensive. Peace.

If Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine would die at the Barracks? – Could he become the “Ninoy” of Uganda?

It is reasonable to ask this as the health condition of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, whose in detention at the Makindye Military Barrack. This is happening after he is charged with treason, awaiting trial. Why I am asking this question, because will the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni risk the life of the young politician and kingmaker?

Because he has risked other people’s life of late. This being in September 2015, when General Aronda Nyakairima died of a mysterious illness while visiting South Korea. There was an assassination of AIGP Andrew Kaweesi on the 17^th March 2017. Also, the recent assassination of Ibrahim Abiriga on the 8^th June 2018. There are others too who has died in this period. Other MPs that has died during this term of the 10^th Parliament are William Zinkuratir, Annie Logiel(Moroto), Cyrus Amodoi (Toroma county) and Grace Khauda (Jinja). Therefore, there are enough people who are dying in and around the President. This are not all crimes, but some has been by suspicious illness. Other by traffic-accidents. Its a lot of deaths. Also, some who has seen the barrel of a gun.

If it wasn’t for these and all the other unanswered deaths during the Presidency of Museveni. We wouldn’t even dare to ask this question. But now that the darkness is here, the kidneys are possibly failing, the internal bleeding and lack of x-ray of his damaged head. As of the deteriorating health condition isn’t how it supposed to be. This is the hurt that the Special Force Command and the authorities have done to his body. Therefore, the responsibility is on the President and the ones in high-command that ordered it.

Therefore, what will happen if his body start to fail, as the condition of kidneys are worsening, as their no dialysis or treatment at the barracks. As the reports of only a hot-towel on the tummy. If that is true than, his special medical condition and possible hurt isn’t taken care off. What if the damage become much worse and the lack of bodily function stops him totally? What will happen then?

A mockery salvage of a day of silence within the chambers of parliament, a government burial and an empty speech of democracy and buying CCTV cameras from the President? Is that what awaits us, if he dies?

At this rate, the state isn’t caring for their MPs nor the health of its citizens. They have made life worse for Hon. Betty Nambooze, who was charged for her social media postings after the assassination of Abiriga. She could nearly not leave for needed treatment in India earlier in the year. Now, Bobi Wine is in a similar state. As he is charged with treatment, but pure torture and now continued ones, as the state is not giving him needed health care at either Mulago “the Kings Hospital” or at Katabi Military Hospital. That is where Bobi Wine should have gotten treatment, not linger at the barracks in uncertainty. Especially after the Special Force Command has tortured and hurt the man. This shows how little humanity the NRM has for the people in the Republic. If they truly cared, they wouldn’t have done this to him and continued his pains.

Bobi Wine are now in dire straits, but what the authorities should worry about:

What if he stops breathing?

Will, there be more than mere riots in Kamwokya, Gyaza of Kyadondo East and possible marches in Mukono. The Kingmaker might create more problems dead, than alive. As his spirit and the youths might rise up because he becomes their martyr. He becomes the embodiment of the fight against the tyranny and the leader who the NRM took away from them. The ghettos, the youth and the ones who is not in the lingo of 1986ers will react and take the republic back.

Museveni should consider this, that the Walk to Work, the Action for Change and all the other rallying of the past. Might be small-fry, if they have a high level, national martyr. They might have the battle-cry, to avenge the lost Bobi Wine. Would the NRM risk that?

A beloved, a hero and a well-spoken new generation of politician. The new face for liberation of the tyranny of the Museveni era. The three decades long control of the politics. Which has just taken the state and sold away their values for short term gains for the elites of Bugolobi and Kololo. There is time for fresh ideas and true liberation. Not from Bush-War legends, but from the children of the ghettos.

If they killed him. I think it would spark a possible fire, that Museveni never has seen before. A sort of attitude and martyrdom, which he could never anticipate. Because the ripple effect by just have him in detention at the barracks is creating an international reaction. However, if there is chain-reaction of protests, riots and even rallies, than the army couldn’t quell it all. That because he didn’t give the needed health care and special medical treatment. Which is insane, to risk ones man life, just because he bothers you and has the ability to gain grass-root political changes.

Would he risk that over the one life?

The ways revolutions starts are usually over one special assassination or death by authorities. Which they didn’t prepare. The one that triggered the People’s Power Revolution in the Philippines was the killing of Bengino “Ninoy” Aquino, which was the final nail in the coffin for the Marcos dictatorship. If Museveni will do the same. Then, the one that might trigger his downfall would be the death of Bobi Wine. Because of rising popularity and his message. Which the state couldn’t anticipate and now has to maneuver.

This is all just in our minds, I wish Bobi Wine speedy recovery and get acquitted, the cases against him dismissed and him back as the whirlwind in politics. Not being in the sick-bed at the military barrack without special medical treatment. That should happen as soon as possible and before his return to the Court Martial at the Gulu Military Court on the 23^rd August 2018. Now he will await to that time before he can get medical treatment. That’s why we worry about it all and hope for the best. 

Is it worth risking losing his life over the forged charges put on Mr. President? Really?

Would you risk that he would be the “Ninoy” of Uganda and be the final nail in coffin for your Presidency?

Peace.