Bobi Wine house-arrested over a by-election of LCV chairman ….

More deployment by the Police and Military moves towards Bobi Wine’ s home in Magere. The NUP leader has been condoned off from his home ahead of his visit to Kayunga District and only Pedestrians allowed past the police barricades at Freedom Drive” (John Cliff Wamala, 13.12.2021).

Today, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was scheduled to travel to Kayunga District to support his party and flagbearer for the Kayunga District for the LC5 Chairman by-election there.

The military has increased deployment around my home. No one is allowed to leave or enter. Our security guard and gardener have been violently arrested, beaten and bundled into ‘drones’ outside our gate. Their phones confiscated” (Bobi Wine, 13.12.2021).

This by-election is scheduled to be happening on the 16th December 2021. However, we are seeing very clear signs that the opposition and the ones who are dissidents silenced. Bobi Wine is blocked from supporting his own party.

That is the tragic here. Just as we know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is sending the President Museveni to galvanize support. While we know the state has been busy to abduct journalists and the ones following the NUP candidate during the weekend too. Therefore, the government is putting a lot of stakes in this by-election.

They are violating people’s rights just to win a LC5 councillor. The state is really continuing to serve injustice and impunity. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine is getting the whole Besigye-Treatment [in Lira and Mbale]

These days we are seeing the former Presidential Candidate and Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader is getting similar treatment to what Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader Dr. Kizza Besigye gotten over the years.

What happened at the radio station at Mbale and Lira is common practice. That the regional appointed bureaucratic goons are doing to the opposition. The Residential District Commanders (RDCs) and District Police Commanders (DPCs) are following direct orders to block people like Bobi Wine and Besigye. That is just part of their protocol and what they do.

It is not fair or justified, but it is the mere reality. What is happening in these towns and places. We have all seen before… it is just a new generational leader, which the old man is blocking from moving and speaking. While the same party and President will say his nothing to fear. Which is really ironic, if you didn’t fear the man. Why don’t let him speak and operate like anyone else?

No, we know the Police Force is more busy scheming and finding ways of pinning crimes on opposition leaders and activists, instead of catching thieves, murders and blue-collar criminals. That’s just the mere reality and the Uganda Police Force (UPF) is embedded in partisan politics. They are so beholden to the throne and his decrees. These folks aren’t there to serve the general public or the needs of the people. No, they are there to uphold the reign of their king and that’s it.

This is why Bobi Wine will be in trouble. It doesn’t matter if his up-north, in the east or west. He can be in central (Buganda) but that doesn’t matter either. If he wants to be on a radio in Mukono or Busoga. Just forget about it. Bobi Wine won’t get access and the state will find all sorts of excuses. However, the President and his men can go on radio-tour anytime they want. This is because this is his kingdom and everyone is his servants. That’s why he prefers to sit in a high chair and dole away money to begging citizens. This is what he has become and his proud of it too.

It is not shocking that there is arrests, tear-gas and blocked radio-stations. This is what the National Resistance Movement (NRM) does to it’s enemies. Because, the NRM got nothing to prove or nothing to give. They have only monopoly on violence … and that’s what gives it additional life. The NRM surges on violence and secures the levels of fear is living within the population. That is what the NRM saying by doing over the years. It is not because the NRM values the 10 point programme or any promises made over the years. Nah, these are just empty pleas and to make some headlines. Since, the NRM and the President cannot keep up with them or even have the funding for any of it.

That’s why any serious challenger has to be silenced and stopped in their tracks. This is why Bobi Wine is getting the Besigye treatment. Bobi Wine haven’t been detained or arrested in such a way yet. However, Bobi Wine doesn’t have the years that Besigye have in the trenches. Bobi Wine needs years to be able to hit the numbers of charges, days behind bars and pending treason charges too. Therefore, Bobi Wine is only at the beginning of it. Even with the heartache of aftermath of Arua By-Election.

Bobi Wine now tasting the bitter fruits of popularity and being the voice of reason. Which is in the Republic, a voice of Treason. That’s the just the way things are… and it’s tragic. Freedom is limited and justice is only for the chosen few. The rest is prey waiting to taken by the predator. Peace.

Arbitrary arrest of 5 NUP Leaders in Kasese yesterday

Police in Kasese yesterday arrested 5 leaders of the National Unity Platform in Western Uganda and accused them of plotting to overthrow a legitimate government. The arrested leaders have been identified as Bryan Basisa the NUP Chairperson of Kasese, Geoffrey Bwambale from Bundibugyo, Atanazia Isanat from Ntoroko, Isaac Mumbere and Oniz from Hima” (SEE TV, 04.11.2021).

Again and again, the authorities and the Police Force is targeting the opposition. This is a continuation and there is nothing stopping them. If you believe the words of the President and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). You are a fool… as the National Unity Platform (NUP) is targeted and punished without any proof. This is yet another step from the authorities.

That it happens in Kasese and Rwenzori isn’t shocking either. As the opposition have had a stronghold over the region for over a decade now. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have reigned supreme and the NUP could become more popular here too.

The NRM shows their “multi-party” democracy in action here. As the NUP was doing internal party works. The NUP was just doing their duty as a political party. They where just gathering as a active leaders and members. This is being politically prosecuted for their association. That is the indirect act of the state. This would never happen to the NRM party affiliate or anyone in association with them. They would greet the mayor and meet the residential district commander. That’s what they do and this is what they do to the opponent.

The NUP is a target and it’s very evident. That the authorities are doing this just shows the total misuse of power and the arrogance of the state. As this isn’t terrorism or a threat to the nation. No, this is political activism. Just like the President used to do in the University in Dar Es Salaam. Surely, the old man and all of his cronies have clearly not gotten the memo about that. This is how stupid and shows their ignorance.

These sort of cases shouldn’t exist, but it shows the brutality with the state and what sort of political prosecution, which the state is doing here. This is the definition of injustice and impunity. Peace.

The NRM are preparing to scrap bail permanently

Cabinet queues behind President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as they heed to his call for the lifting of the right to bail. Lawyers want wider public consultation on the same & strengthening of investigations by the security agencies rather than scraping off the right to bail” (Red Pepper Uganda, 16.10.2021).

The National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni is all out and against the opportunity for bail before release of criminals in the Republic. This is clearly a plan to reform and again change the 1995 Constitution. However, this is setting a dangerous precedence, which could inflict harm on the ones enacting it.

What is striking here that one key principal of law is abolished by doing this. The state is practically implicating a person and saying they are guilty before trial. They are not innocent before proven guilty. The state can pin and put on charges on political prisoners and activists, which fits the penal code. Where the application for bail after per review of a judge isn’t needed. Alas, meaning the person is seen as a criminal and felon before even tested in the judiciary system. That is neglect of rule of law and injustice.

This is an deliberate act and a sinister one at it. The NRM and the President will with this have yet another legal tool to keep people indefinitely behind bars. As they can be charged with serious crimes of murder, manslaughter or treason. While being behind bars and not able to challenge it in the free world. They will be behind bars and not have access to attorneys or help. That will help the government to silence dissidents and the ones who are vocal against it.

We should be worried about it. The Constitution has been revised after wishes from the President before. That has been directly for selfish reasons and for his own benefit. Now, it is to prove his power and his whims. The Cabinet has no balls or ability to say “no”. They cannot say this wrong or even not right. These folks doesn’t have the spine, as they are “yes men” for the President. While these people could easily when fallen out of favour with the President be charged and taken to cout. They could suffer the consequences of this law. That wouldn’t be shocking. Neither would it be, if Odrek, Muhoozi or even Salim Selah could be touched by this one. They could all be victims of it and justifiably so.

The NRM is playing with fire. The state is already misusing the penal code and the justice system to crackdown on the opposition. It is already violating the Constitution and keeping people detained without trial, sentencing and tortured in ungazetted safe-houses. Political prisoners are kept for a year and even longer behind bars without any proof of their alleged crime. They were punished for insulting the Don. That’s all really and now they will have legal intent to keep it that way. This is really at a dire stage. There is no jokes here and only no mercy.

Museveni and the NRM have no heart. This sort of enacted law and change of constitution shows their way of governing. There is no middle-ground or concern, only the vision of man and his every wish. Museveni clearly cannot foresee the future and what this can cause. He can ensure innocent civilians are behind bars without proper procedure. Manufactured charges and they have no remedy to challenge the system. That’s what he wants and it’s tragic.

This is disgusting and disgraceful. Nobody should accept this. The NRM should know better, but clearly they don’t. The Cabinet is filled of cronies and puppets who dances to whatever song Museveni sings. That’s so sad and at this point it’s inevitable.

I just wonder, in his after life and Muhoozi Kainerubaga is behind bars on phony charges. Will he cry river from the clouds or will be giddy? Because, his manner and ways punished his son… that could easily happen as a retribution to all the years of tyranny of the father. Don’t be shocked if these things happen. That is how mankind is and revenge is a powerful sentiment. Never underestimate what people are willing to do after being scorned for years.

I know Museveni doesn’t consider that. His in advanced age and thinks his a demigod. However, he should reconsider this stance. We know that will not happen, but it would be refreshing. Peace.

Opinion: The PFT of Besigye doesn’t seem well-planned…

It is not the first time that Dr. Kizza Besigye and his allies in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have worked alone and without much outside support. However, the establishment of the People’s Front for Transition (PFT) isn’t build on a strong foundation. At least not in concern with other opposition allies.

This week it is clear that Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Democratic Party (DP) isn’t really involved as it was stated in the launch. Where some fractions of the parties was part of it. There was one piece of UPC members and the DP Block. Those have been dismissed by the parties itself.

As well, as the spats and dismissals from the National Unity Platform (NUP) which would be the most important ally at this stage and time. The NUP is the biggest opposition party and has a similar agenda, as the FDC. They are maybe different in the manner of which they operate. Still, the objective and the end-game is about the same. NUP and FDC both works for a peaceful transition from dictator Museveni.

That Besigye have the best intentions and will with the upstart of PFT. I have no doubt in my mind and with his experience of doing this. I know that he wants to succeed and wants to assemble a collective for change. He doesn’t want people to give up and stop the cause. A cause, which he has dedicated his whole career too.

The PFT has been painful from the start. There is usually growing pains of an organization, but this is just hectic from the early beginning. You can wonder how this was communicated and organized. Since everyone in and around is either distancing itself from it or they are minor fractions participating, except for the main party FDC.

This means that except for the FDC. Justice Forum (JEEMA), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and People’s Progressive Party (PPP). There isn’t much great support in the opposition for it. There is no joint effort here and there is nothing pushing it together. Because, the launch made it believe to be bigger.

The JEEMA, SDP and PPP isn’t parties of which has big significance. They are JEEMA and PPP have one MP each and that’s about it. The SDP was part of DP Block and seems like the Michael Mabikke’s briefcase party. Therefore, the strenght of the pressure group or coalition is on thin-ice.

It is not like it’s a big unite and brigade. Yes, they are collective, but not a sort of unifying you would need. The PFT is weak because of this. When the DP and UPC also reacts like they do. Then you know that the PFT wasn’t launched in order to have them sufficiently participating in it. Like there wasn’t meetings, consultations or even gatherings to make it happen. Therefore, it wasn’t only NUP who ditched out of it. Nearly nobody joined and the ones who did… well … they have to move mountains with their bare hands.

The PFT needs a boost and Besigye needs to consult with the others. That is if it has a mission and goal to be strong functioning unit of the opposition. Clearly, there has been an aftermath that the PFT didn’t want. This is just jaded and not how it supposed to look. Peace.

Opinion: FDC always wants to be United on its own terms…

Well, I never wanted to do this, but the way Patrick Oboi Amuriat and other FDC leaders have acted lately. It is time to challenge the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and their manners. This isn’t anything new… just like after the recent elections, the FDC and the leadership went on a rampage against National Unity Platform (NUP). Even after the NUP asked for meeting and coordination with the other opposition parties.

Now, this week the FDC has launched a new opposition coalition in the People’s Front for Transition (PFT). Nothing wrong in doing that, but they didn’t do in a way, which the NUP felt at home there. Neither has the FDC or NUP resolved the previous coalition of United Forces for Change (UFC) which was founded in 2020 ahead of the polls. So, it is really questionable to start a fresh one this quick.

The FDC wasn’t that diplomatic or helpful with all parties in the 2011 Inter-Party Cooperation. A coalition where the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Democratic Party (DP) didn’t participate in. As they felt the way it was launched and created was to benefit FDC and their flagbearers. That’s why dropped out of it.

In 2016, there was another coalition made ahead of the polls. The Democratic Alliance (TDA) of which the FDC dropped out. Since, they didn’t get the flagbearer and they we’re afraid to support other parties within the coalition. As, the FDC was seen as the biggest party and they felt betrayed that they wouldn’t have the Presidential Candidate. The TDA eventually went for Amama Mbabazi, as he was independent candidate for a pressure group at that time.

Now, in 2021 after the polls and with an unsuccessful stint with the UFC. Dr. Kizza Besigye is again launching a new coalition. It is filled with fractions of the DP and UPC party. Also with Conservative Party, JEEMA, People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and others too. However, it does not have the biggest opposition party the NUP. That means it isn’t a totally united force. Neither, does it have the main fractions of the DP & UPC. Which renders the question of the power and ability to widen the objectives of coalition in question.

In this way, it seems like again the other parties have to accept the FDC terms and perspective join forces. Not that the FDC have to meet and greet the others. They just have to follow the suit and the ideals of what the FDC or Besigye is saying. Besigye means well and the ideals his committed too. We can all agree upon, but this haven’t been well coordinated or successful. When only these are showing up and showing intent.

Maybe, the likes of the NUP feels betrayed themselves and humiliated by the way the FDC answered the callings earlier in the year. When the FDC wanted to even revoke or relinquish the membership of the FDC MPs who joined the Shadow Government. Heck, the FDC leadership went high and mighty against the NUP. Therefore, the FDC haven’t been forthcoming or concerning the NUP. Until, the the launch of PFT this week.

It seems like the FDC needs to reconsider their movements sometimes. Especially, when people are supposed forget how they acted just a few months ago. When the NUP even tried to show an olive-branch and that got dismissed. Why should the NUP jump on the bandwagon without hesitation? Because, the FDC is so unique. That everyone is supposed to follow it blindly?

No, that isn’t fair to the NUP. Neither would the FDC accept that. That is why they would have felt betrayed, if they were automatically part of the TDA without a shadow of a doubt. This is how it looks like and it’s not cool.

The FDC should know better. I don’t know if it’s entitlement after years as the upper-dog in the opposition. They have fought and can be an inspiration for the next generation. The FDC isn’t dead, but isn’t as viable and strong as it was. Besigye has still power and ability to sway opinion. However, FDC better act more cordial and be more sincere. They cannot bushwhack others to submission. That is not how things works.

The NUP is free to join or not. Just like it didn’t IPOD either. They are finding their own path and that should be respected at this point. The NUP tried with the FDC in the UFC, which was useless. So, why should they trust in the PFT? Peace.

Opinion: Another year, another coalition created by Besigye – Is this enough?

From the launch last year in 2020

Dr. Kizza Besigye have together with allies created “People’s Front for Transition” (PFT) recently with the slogan “Twetaase” which means “Let Us Save Ourselves”. The National Unity Platform (NUP) have declined to join the PFT. Therefore, the coalition or pressure group doesn’t have the biggest opposition party behind it.

Besigye isn’t alone, but it is lonely place in some regard. Since, there are long-term allies who joins him no matter what he does. He has held several of campaigns and ran with new slogans. That is something he has done with a steady pace. It is not long ago on the 15th June 2020 Besigye and Bobi Wine announced the United Forces of Change (UFC). They would start with their joint campaign “No Nedda”.

With that in mind and it’s October 2021. The UFC didn’t do anything. The FDC went their own way and the NUP did the same. In this new organization of PFT there are fraction from the UPC and DP. People’s Progressive Party (PPP), JEEMA and the Conservative Party is part of it. The FDC is the main party when both Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Erias Lukwago was participating in the launch.

This time Besigye is trying to hard. He should have tried to work on the agreement, which was already done with UFC. A coalition that hasn’t delivered or done anything. That is very clear, as the UFC was invisible and non-active during the campaigns. Therefore, Besigye should have alerted and made it relevant for Bobi Wine to use during his campaign trail. Alas, that wasn’t the case and it ended up being an photo-op.

Some might say… NUP is ditching out and not using their means to properly participate here. However, there is no binding or expectations of them to do so. This is a initiative and there is nothing in the cards that says they should join either. Because, the merits of the previous one amounted to nothing.

Who thinks the PFT will be more successful than the UFC? Or is this another IPC?

I know that Besigye means well and wants to succeed. He has had this ambition and drive for a peaceful transition most of his career. Besigye should also question himself… why is he starting yet another one?

Is he gaining anything out of this. Except having several of outfits as his start-ups. It is time to deliver results and add pressure to the regime. Yes, plenty of the opposition parties wants the regime gone. However, should Besigye negotiate more and find more allies before launching anything?

He is not the “sole” leader. Yes, Besigye is inspirational and has told the stories on how to dismantle the current leadership. Alas, people haven’t listened or gained enough attention to follow him. There is hope that one day they would. However, he needs Bobi Wine at this current time. The NUP is a growing power and they needs to be in sync.

Has Besigye outplayed himself here? Should he have moved more smart and tried to work with the NUP more closely before launching?

Or did Besigye give up on UFC? Since he maybe felt like everyone else… that this was a useless coalition. So, why expect the NUP to join another one? Peace.

Opinion: Awaiting either a private bill or a constitutional amendment to abolish bail

We have been here before… the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have twice altered the 1995 Constitution to favour or personally help the will of the President. Now, the President is on another war-path. As he wants to have all legality to keep people in prison and not free them. Since, he believes killers and the ones doing serious crimes deserves to behind bars without the constitutional right for bail or be temporary freed until trial or sentencing.

This is showing the viciousness of the state. A state that already uses the authorities, security organizations and law enforcement to target and detain the opponents of the state. This state uses Panda Gari’s or “drones” to pick-up, abduct, kidnap and keep civilians incommunicado for days. These people are not produced in court within the 48 hours timeline. Neither is there a trial or proof of guilt for their supposed crimes. Many has been tortured or extra-judicially killed by the authorities. That has happen during the reign of Museveni and how he operates.

Those actions is clearly not sinister enough. The state who already uses the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI), Internal Security Organization (ISO) and Uganda Police Force (UPF) for their own gains. This is done to intimidate and make it impossible for dissidents and activists to organize. They are blocking and finding ways to silence the main opposition too.

That is why the President wants to take away the ability to get bail. The courts are issuing this and they are tending to come with conditions and the “culprit” or alleged criminal has to appear before the courts. This is happening while the investigation and the case is pending. However, when it comes to political active and opposition members. They are arrested for charges, which the state never proves or produce evidence. The state is prolonging the cases and never stopping them. The criminal cases against an opposition can last for many years and never been closed or dismissed. It can take a decade or even longer. Therefore, if the bail goes away. In practically for cases like these. The person charged could be behind bars for a decade without sentencing or proper case work. That is detaining innocent civilians and non-criminal without prejudice. This is making the citizen guilty before proven innocent. That isn’t rule of law, but lawlessness.

If the NRM does this… they do that to please their master and his whims. It will be a practical issue and assure the President that he can punish his enemies without any court order or a sentence. He can keep them detained and they don’t have the right to be released pending trial and sentencing. The state doesn’t need to produce evidence or witnesses to build cases. That is the evil side of this.

It wouldn’t be shocking, if the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Kahinda Otafiire or a private bill from a loyal cadre within the NRM caucus. They would do that to abolish the article 23(6) or amend it. The NRM did that with the term limits and the age limit as well. So, this wouldn’t shock anyone if they did.

However, the previous articles was directly about the Presidency and his office. This can be a legal jeopardy for citizens in general. Taking away bail means the citizens looses their rights and if they are arrested. Nobody can bail them out or pay bond to get them out. That is injustice and shows what the regime is willing to do.

Yes, the regime and the President is already serving the public injustice with the “drones” and ungazetted safe-houses. The state is already misusing it’s power by re-arresting people released on bail. Taking them to a new prison and a new incarceration facility elsewhere. While they are adding new charges or pinning it on the citizen. That is what the state is doing towards two NUP MPs these days and these tricks has been used before.

So, am awaiting two types of legislation delivered in Parliament. That is done to secure the ambition of the President. Either the Minister coming with his testing of the popularity of it or a private bill to do it in favour of the will of the President. Because, the NRM and Museveni is willing to alter the Constitution and this is the manner the state does it. Peace.

Opinion: IPOD is officially dead

The Interparty Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) was rejected by the largest opposition party the National Unity Platform (NUP). The IPOD was just set-up in 2010 even if it felt like it has been there forever.

IPOD haven’t lived up to its potential and neither is the organization at any use at this stage. Unless, the President and his regime wants positive publicity. If not he tries to intervene and participate to get his will. He has also used to seek opposition and undermine their efforts as well. Where he has tried to find the “Good DP” and the “Good FDC” as well. That is what he does and the manner of which this works is futile now.

That’s why its healthy that NUP isn’t becoming a member of IPOD or participate in the Summits/Councils, which isn’t delivering anything worthwhile. Not at this point in time and been nothing substantial to show for either.

We know Museveni is hurt that the party of Bobi Wine and with a massive mandate in the Parliament isn’t showing up. He is playing with the older parties and the ones who doesn’t have the same relevance as before. This is showing that the IPOD is fading…

IPOD haven’t been a tangible asset or a enterprise for good dialogue either. The President has shown up late and the Summits hasn’t showed any progress. The last thing that happened was that the President promised billions of shillings to party coffers and nothing else.

The IPOD haven’t been used for electoral legislation or reform. Neither has it been used to ensure a level playing-field for campaigns or party work. No, it is only used for a decoy and buying the President time. For some strange reason the Dutch is willing to pay for the parties and meetings. They hopefully enjoy the empty slogans and statements, because it hasn’t paid-off.

The time of the IPOD is over. The IPOD is overrated and it isn’t working. So the Dutch should stop wasting their time and money. The IPOD is just a tool to legitimize the President and his regime. It can look like he has dialogue and a drive for “multi-party” democracy. When in reality he would crash and destroy them at any given moment.

Therefore, someone should do the IPOD a favour and hold a final ceremony. Now that the NUP isn’t part of it. The signal of it’s death bed is final. It should have been the times when FDC in the past boycotted it. However, they always returned …

IPOD should be buried and the casket of IPOD should be held in the halls of Parliament for a week to mourn the deceased. Nevertheless, there shouldn’t be any sorrow or pain in it’s demise. The IPOD never served it’s purpose or objective. It became a wastage of time and funds. This is why the burial would be a nice ending to a tragic story of a futile organization. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP) letter to Interparty Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) – National Unity Platform Eligibility to Join IPOD (02.09.2021)