A brief look into the Committee on Human Rights Report on Human Rights Violations in the Country from January 2020 to date

Today I will look into the Parliamentary report named: “REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS ON THE STATE OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE COUNTRY, PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA, FROM JANUARY 2020 TO-DATE” which is dated in July 2022 and received by the Clerk of the Parliament during August 2022. This report is important, as we know the usage of the authorities against dissidents, activists and others during the campaigns and after it too. So, that should be reflected in the report.

I will take out the quotes and statements, which is showing the true character of the oppression and how the state operates. It would be shocking if there wasn’t some sinister actions reported or information about. The news about these acts and the common knowledge of it should be mirrored here.

The report is bluntly very long and could be taken into plenty of pieces. As there are enough pain and suffering to speak about. I am only taking a little part of the greater picture. Just to show what sort of things the state does to the citizens during the election period. Because, focusing on to big parts it will be becoming erratic. There are so many stakeholders who supplemented the Report as well.

So there could be taken out so much material. However, here is just a small fragment and it still prints a bleak picture. I believe this is only the top of the ice-berg and we don’t know what is underneath the surface. The state would never release the whole picture, but only the cliff-notes. That is obvious here….

A brief overview of human rights violations:

It starts with: “the highest number of complaints reported to UHRC was torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (443), followed by deprivation of personal liberty/detention beyond 48 hours (378)” (…) “The Commission reported to the Committee that some of the law enforcement or security agencies wear civilian clothes, sometimes with their faces covered

in masks, while those in uniforms lack name tags. The identification of perpetrators is further compounded when there are joint operations by the Uganda Police Force, UPDF, CMI and ISO” (…) “The Committee notes that there was arbitrary deprivation of the right to liberty because of wrongful procedure of airest by Police and security agencies. Most suspects were held incommunicado and were not informed of the cases against them” (…) “The Committee noted that UHRC reported 90 cases of alleged deprivation of the right to life. However, the report did not contain any additional information on how each case was handled and the status of said the cases” (Report, July 2022).

Abductions during campaign season:

The Committee was informed that between the months of January 2020 and March 2021, the Uganda Human Rights Commission received 65 complaints of alleged disappearances of persons in the districts of Kyotera, Mukono, Kampala, Wakiso, Mpigi, Pallisa, Bundibugyo and Mityana” (…) “Some of the released persons allege to have been freed from the Special Investigations Unit in Kireka, Wakiso district while others contend they were produced in court and remanded to Kitalya Prison” (Report, July 2022).

HURIPEC reported that from the start of the official presidential and parliamentary election campaigns in November 2O2O, not less than 500 Ugandans were abducted, kidnapped, held in custody without trial or in military facilities and “safe houses”, or killed extra-judicially. HURIPEC

alleged that on November 18 and 191h 2020 alone, it was estimated that over 100 Ugardans were executed on the streets of Kampala in a bid to contain protests that were triggered by the arrest of NUP Party flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu” (…) “They further claimed that while a few of the citizens arrested in this onslaught were arraigned before courts of law, an unknown number were found dumped in jungles and other remote places; often in poor health, bearing torture marks. Some women reported to have been sexually violated- These acts have gone hand in hand with a growing practice of trying Ugandan citizens in military tribunals. HURIPEC expres concern that this is against the letter and spirit of Uganda s constitution” (Report, July 2022)

Rt Hon. Speaker, UJA reported to the Committee that several journalists were injured by security during the course of their work; covering the 2021 elections. A survey conducted by UJA, for the period November 2nd 2020 and May 12th 2021, they recorded violations of rights for over 50 journalists in form of physical attacks, confiscation of work tools, vandalism, tear gas and

pepper sprays, unwarranted arrests, detention and intimidation by the security forces and private citizens” (Report, July 2022).

Violations of the LDUs:

Local Defence Unit (LDUS) personnel were reported to have used excessive force, including beatings and extortion of money from Boda boda riders, food vendors and taxi drivers in Kampala, Wakiso, Entebbe and Jinja purportedly to enforce Presidential Guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021” (Report, July 2022).

This is grim, but sadly not shattering. We have heard and read similar before… it is sinister that a state can act like this and only show a little of it. They are drip-dropping about it, but never revealing the whole picture. That’s why we know… that there is so much more to it all and so many more cases, which has never been told. This is the real trick of it all.

No one should have gone through this, but there are plenty of more that never gets into print. Peace.

A Joint Opposition ahead of the next By-Elections…

The way to get back our power is to unite all of us and the population to be rallied together. Once that happens, I’m very excited that I can see it now beginning to happen. Even if we said that let all of us do this, this regime has no capacity to stop it” – Dr Kizza Besigye (01.08.2022).

Today there was a real launch of a joint opposition ahead of the next elections. This was a mix of various parties and formations. The main ones are the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and National Unity Platform (NUP). The other parties was the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Justice Forum (JEEMA) and the DP Block. While the People’s Front for Transition (PFT) and People Power Movement (PPM).

This is the first one that is like this since the Democratic Alliance (TDA).The TDA have been shaky and most of the members there has ended up in the arms of the regime.

The TDA isn’t the only joint opposition ahead of an election. In 2011 the opposition went ahead with a coalition called the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC). In 2020 the FDC and NUP created the United Forces of Change (UFC).

Today we are seeing a new front with a lot more parties and formations behind it. That could strengthen the cause. We have already seen the NUP and FDC supporting a joint candidate in the Soroti East By-Election in the Moses Attan there. The new Press Conference and Joint Statement shows not only sentiment, but a plan for the parties ahead.

This country is bigger than our political parties. The mission is bigger than building our political parties. In any case, one would argue that there are no political parties in Uganda because we do not operate like political parties” (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, 01.08.2022).

The Joint Statement is stating the plan ahead:

Going forward, we shall jointly or severally use any upcoming elections to organise and rally the population to defend their democratic rights and end the election ‘madness’ that has bedeviled our country since independence” (Joint Statement, 01.08.2022).

It will be interesting to see it happening in the upcoming by-elections. The opposition is showing a united force and its needed. The messages from the leaders is as important. Because, the parties and formations are pledging to work together.

The ruling regime and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have been met with similar coalitions before, but this time around there is no direct or former NRM who will leave the fold quickly. The ones that has left the NRM did it so long ago… that it seems impossible for a return.

This statement comes days after the NRM-DP Cooperation Agreement and the previous election agreement between NRM-UPC. Therefore, this time around the Joint Opposition has to prove it. As the NRM is purging and trying to convince the opposition of working with them.

The Joint Opposition have to show it and also ensure they field the best candidates. They have to show the malpractice and undermine the election rigging. In such a manner, that the NRM cannot live with it or even announce the results. The opposition has to show fierce methods and not only play to the rules of the state. Opposition cannot just participate, but prove everything wrong with the regime.

Time will tell if this will work. The ambition and sentiment behind is commendable. I am hope it does make a difference. Not only a Press Conference and a Statement. The people have to see it and the parties and formations have to show it. Peace.

Uganda: Joint Statement of Political Leaders, Parties and Formations against the Brazen Thuggery of Elections in Uganda as Exemplified in the By-Elections of Kayunga, Omoro and Soroti (01.08.2022)

Opinion: Mwenda trying to knight Mao

Not breaking news, but the Independent Magazine editor and spin-doctor of the regime Andrew Mwenda published piece called “Thumbs Up for Mao”. That was published today. I will no digest the whole text, but only comment on the pieces that is worthy of discussing. Because, his sort of style is to whitewash and make the government insiders look good. He has become a talisman for the government and this article is no exemption. It is just the good old sort of spin to make the unreasonable look wonderful.

Mwenda’s piece is the norm now and nobody should be shocked. The mannerism and the attacks on Bobi Wine and Besigye is staple by now. The way he describes and goes after the opposition is just what he does. It’s like he has no other technique or abilities to understand their standing. Everyone is just supposed to think and move like he does. Be a government crony and get the kickbacks like everyone else Andrew knows.

The first part which was interesting to me was this one: “The cooperation agreement between NRM and DP is an important political innovation and landmark in our country’s politics. Uganda needs this kind of politics. Indeed, it should be a yardstick for political cooperation among the contending political forces in the country. Other political parties like NUP, FDC and JEMA should seek the same” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

Well, we don’t know what sort of deal the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) did. Neither does we know what sort of deal Dr. Paul Ssemogerere did back-in-the-day or anyone else for that matter. Who has gone from being in opposition to working with President Museveni. We also know what happened to the allies of the UFF and UFM. Manhy of them are now gone and only a handful are still around in the upper echelon. So, seeing how Museveni betrays agreements and twists them for his own personal advances. The UPC and DP should know this. The Cooperation Agreement today could be diminished tomorrow when His Excellency don’t need it. The words to the wise of studying history and knowing how your enemy operates. Mwenda should know that NUP, FDC and JEEMA shouldn’t join hands with Museveni. Sooner or later they will end up as relevant as Beatrice Anywar or Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi. Please, we don’t want any of that in 2022 do we?

He continues: “From that experience I came to the conclusion that Besigye is an obstacle to democratic development in Uganda. It is hard for me to really know his subjective motivations. But the objective outcome of his actions impede democratization. This is because he sees all forms of political compromise as capitulation, negotiations with government as selling out. He has adopted an extreme position that there is only way forward for Uganda and that is the fall of Museveni and his (Besigye’s) usurpation of power – and through ultra-constitutional means” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

I would have to counter with the words of Besigye himself in the 1999 dossier as he left the NRM to form the Reform Agenda, which later turned into the now known Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). In that he says this: “All in all, when I reflect on the Movement philosophy and governance, I can conclude that the Movement has been manipulated by those seeking to gain or retain political power, in the same way that political parties in Uganda were manipulated. Evidently, the results of this manipulation are also the same, to wit: Factionalism, loss of faith in the system, corruption, insecurity and abuse of human rights, economic distortions and eventually decline. So, whether it’s political parties or Movement, the real problem is dishonest, opportunistic and undemocratic leadership operating in a weak institutional framework and a weak civil society which cannot control them” (Besigye, November 6 1999 Dossier).

Why do I use these words in 2022? Well, that’s the reasons for why Besigye doesn’t believe in compromise and working directly with the NRM now. The NRM haven’t become better since 1999, but its much more ruthless and less concerned about how it portray itself. Mwenda is claiming Besigye wants power, but he wants a proper transition of power away from the guns and to a civilian rule. Because, the NRM today is based on the power of the army and the authorities, which can be used to take total control. So, calling Besigye is just to justify the means to an end for Museveni. Since Museveni usage of force, intimidation and state sponsored violence is legit in the eyes of Mwenda. While being on the barricades to defend liberty, justice and freedom for all is called extremism. That just shows which side Mwenda is on…

Yet Besigye has ignored the path taken by Mandela and instead embraced the one pursued by Yasser Arafat in Palestine. He has helped nourish a large constituency who reject politics as an activity that might – and should – involve compromise. The battle cry is never to seek any common ground. He and his radical extremist supporters despise any such, seeing it as selling out. Their motto is that we either win or they lose. This zero-sum approach to politics is very dangerous and can only lead to a autocratic government. This is because any government that comes to power without any negotiation or compromise will most likely to rule without any negotiation and compromise. And the reverse is true” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

We all know the game-plan here. Mwenda wants compromise to look good and make the resilience of Besigye to look bad. Alas, the main issue with this here and using Mandela as an example. It is not like Museveni wants to promise a new beginning or reform in which his leaving. The white minority rule (apartheid) government made that agreement with the African National Congress (ANC) which lead to a new start in the rainbow nation in 1990s. Something we know that the NRM and Museveni has no interests in. They only wants that prolongs the life of the Museveni era and the NRM clinging on to power. That’s why this sort of mental gymnastics isn’t doing anyone a favour. The dictator and his party would never really negotiate themselves out of office or offer a soft landing for a free and fair election. We know that Museveni would never do that… it isn’t in his character and certainly after 36 years. He will not do that… Museveni will never compromise to the levels of sincere approach or a possibility of losing power. No, his to conning to do that.

He continues: “Mao needs to be applauded for his courage, for leading the way, for breaking this fear that to work with Museveni is detrimental to the interests of Uganda. Museveni and his NRM are a deeply entrenched reality in Uganda’s body politic. They are unlikely to be removed from power any time soon. But Museveni is also a practical and pragmatic politician who is always looking out for opportunities to win over his opponents – or even to compromise them. That should not stop politicians of principle from being pragmatic, recognizing that building Uganda requires some cooperation with him” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

I can applaud Mao for showing his true character and lack of spine. His a sell-out and the deal will be breached. Sooner or later the President and his men will see no value in the DP or Mwenda. He will be as valuable as Beatrice Anywar aka Mama Mabira. Calling Museveni practical and pragmatic is joke. When he calls people’s parasites, insects and calls to destroy his opponents. A man who uses either the hook or the crook to go after his enemies. So, calling for pragmatic solutions with Museveni is hopeless. Sooner or later you will be lost and have no way to go. It is just showing the manner of which everyone else is supposed to beg for mercy, but Museveni is allowed to do whatever. Calling him pragmatic and practical. Well, say that to the tortured victims, the political prisoners and the families who has lost political activists in extra judicial killings because of their affiliations. That’s ruthless and not practical. So, Mwenda isn’t sincere here…

Mwenda further states: “Thus Besigye has built this cult that someone cannot compromise with Museveni without being compromised by the president. Yet one can work with Museveni without working for him and recognize the president’s accomplishments without endorsing his failures. This inability to see nuance and complexity leads me to believe that Besigye has despotic inclinations. His belief in the total annihilation of Museveni as the one and only path to Uganda’s democratization and development is dangerous” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

When Mwenda writes like this. It is like he has never listened or bother to care about the messaging of Besigye. Because, he has make Museveni look cool or like a likeable character. While demonizing and depict the enemies of the state as the worst. Alas, that is just what Mwenda does here. While not considering the implications of doing so. How can anyone have negotiations between the parties, when the spin-doctor of the other party calls Besigye that? That doesn’t make sense. Secondly, Besigye don’t have power and haven’t been in office of decades… FDC has proven to be a coordinated and a party machine which is ruled by proper protocol. So, why would he be dictator? It isn’t like Besigye is the Party President and a high ranking official there now.

Just to continue my reasoning. Let’s take another document of Besigye. Where in 2017 spelled out what was needed for a transition of government:

The following needs to be done to terminate the Junta’s control of our country:

1) Intensify the “awakening campaign”, for most Ugandans to become active in the processes of achieving a transition. Everyone has a role to play in achieving this.

2) Forming activist networks to make it possible to act together and to be coordinated.

3)Everyone seeking a democratic transition should take deliberate actions, individually or in concert with others to disempower and break down the Junta. Each one’s actions, however small, contribute significantly towards the desired change.

4) Public servants, including those in the security and military are called upon to join the struggle for democratic transition.

5) In coordination with other political and civil society formations, we’ll soon start various activities that will disempower and bring the, now fragile, Junta to an end” (Besigye, 11.06.2017).

If you read this sort of text it isn’t a script of a demagogue or a dictator, but of a man who wants a public uprising and people power revolution to overthrow the current regime. Where he wants organizations and parties behind who all pull their weight. This is a game of getting all stakeholders to choke the government and stop it. So, it has to cease operation. So, when reading about the compromise. It is just like Mwenda wants to breathe new life into the Museveni government. Instead of actually offer a transition or a proper representation of the general public in government.

He ends with: “Most democracies I know in the world work through coalitions. This means they have to share power with those they don’t agree with. Why not Uganda?” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

Besigye’s own words in the 1999 described this: “After some years of NRM rule, some in the leadership began to feel that there was sufficient grassroots support for the NRM, such that one could “off-load” the “broad–based” elements in government at no political cost. These factors were at the centre of an unprincipled power-struggle which was mostly covert and hence could not be resolved democratically. It continued to play itself out outside the formal Movement organs, with the results of weakening and eventually losing the concept of consensus politics and broad-basedness” (Besigye, November 6 1999 Dossier).

When this have been public knowledge for decades and it hasn’t become better. The main problem for the way the government is operating is starting from the top. That’s His Excellency and the orders his issuing. The way of the NRM CEC, NRM Caucus and the way the Parliament is doing it’s business. Therefore, the Mwenda’s of the world speaking of coalitions. The ones who signs off and works with Museveni. Sooner or later will realize that they are being used and will be dropped off shortly. They will not have long shelf-life, unless the agreements signed gives them eternal pass like Gen. Moses Ali. The rest are left astray and without any house to keep. Museveni will not budge or give way. He wants it his way or your got no choice. That’s why calling him pragmatic and practical. Its just ridiculous and utter garbage.

Mwenda should study the patterns and the Leopards Anus. However, he rather try to spin to make the current regime look good. That’s all his busy doing now. Peace.

Opinion: The DP isn’t Green anymore – it has turned itself Yellow

I met with Democratic Party President Norbert Mao at State House Entebbe. We signed a cooperation agreement between the NRM and the DP. I salute the DP leadership for this gesture of mature, foresighted and constructive politics” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 20.07.2022).

We have seen the shift over the years. The NBS Frontline commentator and Party President Norbert Mao has today signed an agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It a cooperation agreement and by doing so… the DP party is certainly dying.

The DP Party has lost their strongholds. The DP has been weakened over the years with Mao at the helm. He might proclaim and act like it isn’t true. However, the Parliamentary Group is weakened and the party itself has lost it’s purpose. That’s why a deal like this will breathe life onto it, but also trade it all away.

The DP party cannot be seen as an opposition party. Mao and his associates has now ensured his pockets. However, the party is now tainted. The DP is now working directly with the tyrant and his tyranny. The cooperation agreement is selling the soul of the DP. Not that’s its shocking, but inevitable.

This just shows the power of the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform (NUP). The NUP already took away most of the base of the DP. The DP lacks strong grass-root support and the NUP has gained on their territories. The youths and the like rather go to the NUP or the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Than going to a moderate and elitist party, which isn’t directing its energy towards the problematic sides of the NRM regime.

That’s why the DP lost in the two last elections. They haven’t gained anything and only gotten some people in high ranking offices, because they wanted to work directly with Museveni. Now Mao is doing the same and there is no subtle way to describe it.

The DP was formed as a reaction to the Progressive Party in 1956. Now in 2022 it has sold its soul to the dictatorial party of 36 years the NRM. The former Catholic party with a base in Baganda and Catholic North. Has now traded away its glory and possible moderate answers to the dictatorship. It is instead becoming a crony and an ally.

Not that this is shocking. It explains why Mao has targeted the NUP and Bobi Wine in the recent time. Anyone who has followed Mao has seen his rhetoric and actions, which could been a well spoken Ofwono Opondo. Now his becoming a stooge of the President and he surely cost barely nothing.

Museveni blasts DP in 2004:

How can you say for 50 years I have been here doing nothing and you also celebrate?” (…) “To remain in a deserted home and you celebrate for remaining there does not make sense” (New Vision – ‘Museveni blasts DP’s Ssemogerere’ 05.04.2004).

A man that speaks like about your party and later signs an agreement with you. He will destroy you and use the deal to undermine you. Museveni has promised to crush the opposition and take it down. Just like the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) deal hasn’t strengthen that party either. Instead it has taken seats and also ensured new MPs by doing so. Therefore, the DP will now go down the same path.

Mao should look onto Jimmy Akena and know that his becoming a similar party leader. Since his in favour of Museveni, but not being a big national figure. Secondly, his not even fielding candidacy to become President of the Republic. The UPC agreement should be studied and the results of it. Because, the DP-NRM agreement will most likely deliver similar results.

Mao has now traded his soul and all his ego to safe his accounts with fresh shillings. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Communique Regarding the Decisions of the National Executive Committee (NEC) held from 15th to 16th July, 2022 at Namanve (17.07.2022)

Opinion: Museveni can only fool the blind…

No one can teach me about the subject of human rights because that is what I fought for, to have a democratic society in Uganda. I spent sixteen solid years of my life putting in place human rights observance and correcting what the regime of Idi Amin distorted. When handling human rights issues, be careful, cases of illegal detention, torture, and human rights violations will end, and will not be tolerated” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (30.06.2022).

Sometimes… the delusion and the deluded mind thinks they are always correct. Especially, someone who has been in power without any significant challenge or without a proper contest. The elections and the rally for power after January 1986 has been based on who got the guns and the authority. Not on which brother or sister who has the best skills, attributes or policies to change the status quo of the Republic. Because, Museveni has held the army, the police and the judiciary. He could easily navigate and get his will into policy. Therefore, his words to Ken Roth, the Executive Officer of Human Rights Watch (HRW) means squat or nothing.

We know the authorities, the police force and all other security agencies uses means, which violates with human rights. It is common knowledge of the practices performed by the state. The abductions, the illegally detentions and the torture of dissidents. That is well-known, as much as the drones and the usage of army courts to charge and sentence civilians. This is why the President knows perfectly well how his in the wrong.

Museveni continues to speak ill of Amin. However, they are genuinely alike in many aspects. They are using the law to stranglehold the opposition. The authorities are used to arrest, detain and keep people incommunicado. People who defies and resist the pressure of state can easily be found dead after being kept at unknown locations. The state uses ungazetted safe-houses, the army and security details to apprehend and assault civilians who dares to question the legitimacy of the rulers of the republic.

That’s why anyone with a working marble and a little wisdom. Knows that the state apparatus, the imprint of the guards of the republic is to directly violate the human rights. They are proudly following orders, which circumvent their own constitution and principals of equal before the law. However, in the republic you are proven guilty before your proven innocent. This is why people can be behind bars without being produced in court. Neither are there any warrants, indictments or any production of evidence in the cases. The activists, citizens or opposition leaders are just barred from ordinary life. Because they dared to question and stand up for justice.

This injustice is known and shouldn’t shock anyone. The Safe-Houses, the practice of the Special Forces Command (SFC), Internal Security Organization (ISO) or the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) are capable of despicable things and acts, which are wrongly conducted in favour of the state.

The National Resistance Movement has used these techniques since it’s inception. The usage of torture and illegal arrests has been common practice. It has never ceased and the operations has only changed in the nature or by the way the interpret it. That’s why cases are pending in the courts and people challenge the treatment at government facilities, which caused them harm and made them scorned for life.

So, when President Museveni speaks of never doing or will not tolerate it. That is just nonsense and empty words. It is as meaningful as his words about combatting corruption. This is not really happening either and we all know. The President is keeping the fear and intimidation alive. His signalling anyone who dares to oppose him. That they can be touched and be violated. So, that they know who is in-charge and who is staying there.

The anointed one, the high above and the eternal prince of Rwakitura. Peace.

Opinion: The GoU isn’t the owner of the DGF

Today, I hosted the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation. We discussed a number of bilateral issues. I also agreed to lift the ban on Democratic Governance Facility (DGF), to run till December 2022, with Government represented in the decision-making structures. I shall formally communicate our position to the relevant government departments” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 22.06.2022).

You know that someone has ruled for too long when you think donor funds are for you to toy around with and decide. President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni has been running the Republic since January 1986 and it shows. The audacity of this man…

Yes, his a real life villain and he thrives on that. He was able to hoodwink people for a generation, but the truth of his actions is catching up to people slowly. The ones funding the DGF should have all ears and listen to the dissidents. Because, there is sinister and dark scheming behind the scenes, which we know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) nor the President want out on blast.

That’s why when his doing this putting condition and stings on “free money”. You just know it’s off the hook. It isn’t for the President nor his state to decide what the donors want it spent on. They can spend how they deem fit and what sort of governance, organizations or state institutions they deem fit. Because, it is their monies and their tax-payers funds, which they have to be accountable for. Therefore, after 18 months suspension and giving nearly 6 months more run-time. It is really showing that the President is tired and cannot manage to not micro-manage everything single thing in the Republic. He needs to know and it bugs him like crazy. That someone else has a vision and an idea in the nation of which he reside and happens to be the Head of State off.

Who are the DGF and why does it exist:

The Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) was initially established in July 2011 by eight Development Partners (DPs) as a five-year governance programme aimed at providing harmonised, coherent and well-coordinated support to state and non-state entities to strengthen democratisation, protect human rights, improve access to justice and enhance accountability in Uganda. The Programme goal was to contribute to equitable growth, poverty eradication, rule of law and long term stability in Uganda. This programme marked the first phase of DGF that ended in June 2016. A transitional period of 18 months was implemented from July 2016 to December 2017. Currently the DGF is implementing its second 5-year phase (January 2018 – December 2022) with support from seven DPs: Austria, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the European Union, to build on the achievements of the first phase, address the continuing democratic deficits, and consolidate peace and stability in the country” (Democratic Governance Facility – What is DGF).

The board of the DGF is also the ambassadors of the respective donor nations and the head of delegation of the European Union as well. So, it has already 6 board members, which represents the ones who is funding the DGF. That is the vital part here. The DGF wouldn’t exist and be an entity without the funding and the operational funds of the donors.

That’s why the President directing and pinning in the ministries to intervene and partake in it is infuriating. This is insulting the donors and their worthiness. It is like the President and his associates believes it’s their birthright to donations and funds of which these nations are bringing. Which couldn’t be further from the truth. They are lucky to receive it in the first place. Why shouldn’t Austria just invest in health care in Vienna? Or the Sweden in Stockholm, Norway in Oslo, Ireland in Dublin, Netherlands in Amsterdam or the EU in Brussels? They are not owing Museveni or the NRM anything. No, this is “free” money and they are lucky to get it and the arrogance of the President shows.

These ambassadors and the board of the DGF isn’t his minions and senior presidential advisors. No, they are there to promote the interests of their respective nations and find good partnership in Uganda. Not being told what to do and whatnot. That is what the President did here and this is how his used to running the Republic. Directing, decreeing and ordering from the “high above”. That mentality shows here after 18 month suspension ahead of the January 2021 polls. Which was supposed to fund opposition activity, a sort of activity he can never prove or show any evidence of. Therefore, the suspension was hostile in the first place.

Yes, the Government of Uganda is sovereign is deemed to do what is see as fit. That I’m not questioning, but the act of suspending this was done in bad faith and the arrogance of him while lifting it. Just shows his true intentions and that he wants to control the DGF directly, which isn’t for him to “own” or “run”. That’s what it seems like he really intends to do. By putting in a crony in the board and such.

Museveni is just showing his dictatorial tendencies. His now telling what the donors should do and direct their funding. It isn’t enough that they are donating and supporting the development of the republic. No, they have to be told what to do. This should be amplified, because this insulting the donors and their respective will to give.

Why should they give to nation that does this? What value is the currency and the will of helping of others, if they are putting rigid stings before getting the money. It is the donors that should decide the spending and where they want the money to go. Since, they are the ones supplying it and funding the DGF. Until, Museveni and his cronies invests in it and actually put the work in. Then they can talk, but for now… the NRM and Museveni should be happy that people and nations are still willing to fund these sorts of organizations, civil society and even government entities through the DGF.

There is enough other places the nations can fund and help out people in need. It isn’t only in Kampala and across the Republic. No, there is plenty of other places with the lack of good governance and other issues, which a sort of DGF could be positive contribution. Therefore, the President should be lucky that this exist. Instead… his targeting it and showing his total disregard for the donors. His just continuing to bite the hand that feeds him. Peace.

Opinion: Acheng should explain the allegations against NUP SG Rubongoya…

Police in Kampala have today arrested Mr. David L. Rubongoya, General Secretary of NUP

and his Driver Agaba Godwin Joseph on allegations of threatening violence. It’s alleged that on 26/05/2022 at about 1200 hrs while in Omoro County Mr Rubongoya using Motor vehicle reg. no.UAS 490Z Toyota land cruiser white in colour threatened Hon. Acheng Ruth vide Omoro SD reference 19/26/5/2022. They are pending transfer to Omoro” (100.2 Galaxy FM Zzina!, 22.06.2022).

Today there was news that National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya was first arrested around Wandegeya and later re-arrested on new charges, which is alleging him to threaten Minister of Health, Ruth Acheng. Therefore, after being released on bonds or bail this evening.

The Minister of Health should explain herself. Even release an affidavit. Since, this seems like a political charge and nor a sincere. The Minister has a heavy security detail around her. She is never travelling alone. While the NUP SG doesn’t have it similar. That’s why his easily to arrest across the city. Which is why the authorities could arrest him and keep him detained so easy.

This just shows what the state is capable of doing. They can easily arrest high ranking officials in the opposition and they don’t even need proof of the allegations. Not that this is anything new. That’s why people are lingering behind bars for “inciting violence” and such. This is what the authorities does and it clear. It is open intimidation and crack-down on the opposition.

What we should need to know is what the Minister has done and why the charges is suddenly pinned on the NUP SG. That is needed now and she should address the allegations to the public. Because, the opposition leader shouldn’t be charged willy-nilly. Neither should anyone else be apprehended or charged without proof. This is why the Minister needs to explain it to the public. I have feeling she feels above that or any critique.

However, that he was taken into custody and so suddenly. Make you wonder what’s the reason and why the state did it today. Certainly, this tale is far from over. As the NUP SG was released hours later, but the case will now be pending. However, we should never expect anything to be address or any substantial trial. Since, it is all a mockery and an attempt to silence an opposition leader. Peace.

Opinion: Kibalama and company is outsmarted yet again

You cannot break a man’s hustle. The former leadership of the National Unity Reconciliation and Development Party (NURP) is trying to hijack the current National Unity Platform (NUP). The other so called fraction of the party has built a new headquarters in Rubaga (Lubaga) but the official one of the party is in Kamwokya. Therefore, the stalemate is there and now the NUP – Rubaga isn’t only acting in contempt of the courts, but also the Electoral Commission.

Both the High Court and the Electoral Commission states that the current leadership of the NUP in Kamwokya is the righteous ones. This means that whatever mission Moses Nkonge Kibalama and Paul Ssimbwa Kagombe is a flawed and an epic failure. They can go on TV and NBS Television to cry out loud. However, their party and what was in the past is now gone. That was done before the General Elections of 2021 and registered as a new party.

The old guard of the NURP could possibly start another party or another venture. However, they cannot hijack or try to forge their way into controlling the current NUP. That is already sealed and was done wisely. For all matters and sake, the coordination and the manner of which it was done. Was done in a way of ensuring that no one could suddenly ambush it.

Yes, the system and the other parties has tried to soften the blow. They have gone after everything and the party has been targeted. It has been tested in the courts and now with the recent developments. This is only showing how futile the mission or enterprise of Kibalama is… his hungry and got nowhere to go. Heck, his house is lacking windows… it is leaking just like his plans or his new organization.

They are acting all out and the newest reports is that the NUP Kamwokya is planning legal action against Kibalama. This time the Kibalama fraction has to answer the Kamwokya and not the other way around.

The ones calling this is a hurdle, it could turn into a tailspin for Kibalama. As the things seems iron-tight. For a moment, I was worried that this could become a MDC-Alliance sort of tale. Where the one fraction would undermine with the help of the junta. However, at this very moment and after the letter of EC. Things seems secured and all legit. That’s why Bobi Wine and associates can all muscle up.

Certainly this tale is far from over. The NUP of Kamwokya has the upper hand. We just have to see how this pans out. Kibalama is playing a loosing game. Looking more and more foolish by the day. That is certain… and it’s tragic really.

He and his company should just start a new chapter and new body. Instead of trying to act like they lead what they lost. The ones following and in the circle of Kibalama should know that. However, ego and pride plus the ability to see the relevance is maybe a reason why Kibalama is doing this. Nevertheless, his losing more and more. Not regaining or winning by any stretch of the imagination. That is obvious.

No matter how dubious or how clever you are. The team around you and how you operate will expose you. This second edition of using means to destroy the NUP. Is only showing that Kibalama could never leave it alone or let it go. He wants it back, but it isn’t his anymore. Peace.