Opinion: Greetings Mwenda

It’s been a while since the Independent Editor and Magazine owner Andrew Mwenda has written a “Last Word” and on the 5th September 2021 he released another edition in this series called “To Whom It May Concern”. Fittingly I feel the need to respond to this.

In the starting paragraph, he really sets the tone for the article: “section of the Ugandan talking heads have made a fetish of “credibility”, particularly the sort of “credibility” purchased by denouncing President Yoweri Museveni as a murderous tyrant who has destroyed Uganda. To preserve such “credibility”, opposition leaders like Dr. Kizza Besigye and now Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), take very extreme positions that make it difficult for them to grow their political appeal beyond a significant and loud but, numerically, a minority of opposition activists” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

Well, where do I begin. It is just like Mwenda doesn’t want to go to the heart or the cause of the problem. Only reflect on the opposition and deflect from the creator of the current affairs. That’s because his carrying the water of his master and wants to salvage his legacy. Therefore, he demeans and distort the pleas and the causes of the opposition. Calling it a minority and saying it has lack of appeal. While there is no dancing in the streets or jubilation for the lifelong Presidency of Museveni.

First: “It should therefore be obvious that if any politician wants to command a political majority, they need to build a supra partisan base who appeal is trans-group.  I think this has been Museveni’s greatest strength. He appreciates that you cannot seek any form of purity in a diverse country in Uganda and succeed. He has, therefore, made himself flexible and adaptable. He does not demand purity – whether of ethnic, religious, ideological or policy nature. Instead, he is willing to work with anyone even when they don’t agree on many things” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

It is just like we don’t know the man he speaks of or what he has done in office. Yes, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is across the Republic and has members from everywhere. However, the base and the ones in-charge are from one tribe and one ethnic group. That’s why the President has his family all close-knit and a kitchen cabinet, which rules beyond the powers of the offices in government. We are just supposed to forget that and think, because the NRM has a representative from Karamoja. That it is a national party and for everyone. This is just a place and a façade… not the mere reality as the NRM CEC and anyone with power comes from one area. If they differ with him or his ideals, which is changing after what is profitable can easily be expelled or lose their offices. That has happened to, everyone is supposed to follow the “correct line”.

Second: “For someone interested in influencing public policy, whether through mass media or private meetings, there is more to be achieved engaging Museveni than in denouncing him. In my engagements with him I have been impressed by how open-minded Museveni is; he is always willing to listen and to take advice; especially when backed by facts and based on sound research” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

When the personification of the state is supreme it all has to go through one man. In this instance, it just happens to be Museveni. That is the only truth Mwenda spills here. However, for the only man with a vision and self-serving individual like Museveni will not change his mind. It is only changed when he sees no benefit or profit out of the policy or order. Therefore, believing in sitting with him and discussing will bear fruits are naïve. It is like thinking you can sway a stubborn and self-righteous man. Well, that won’t happen and it’s a delusion. If you work with Museveni, you are willing to compromise and play into his games. Then there is no difference between you and the other foes his connected too. That is where Mwenda is wrong.

Third: “I believe that Museveni, like many of his contemporaries in Africa, is genuinely committed to transforming Uganda, just like Besigye and Bobi Wine are genuinely committed to liberating it. For Museveni to achieve his goal, he needs power – he cannot transform Uganda when he has been overthrown (and therefore in jail or exile) or been defeated in an election (and therefore in Rwakitura grazing cows). However, retaining power involves navigating a treacherous terrain of coup plots, internal intrigues, making compromises and giving concessions; especially in an ethnically diverse society, that often undermine the pace at which leaders can realise their goals” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

If Museveni would “transform” Uganda that would have happened ages ago. There is no reason to believe that now. He is not interested and not serving even the ideals of his 10-point programme. Yet along any of the other fancy development programmes he has unleashed on the general public over the years. These are just cannon-fodders to the UN organizations and multi-national development organizations to find ways to get grants and donations.

Yes, nobody can “transform” anything when they are overthrown. That is a bargain that Museveni has asked for, since he doesn’t believe anyone else can run the Republic. He has retained power, but not built structures or institutions worthy of their names. It is all a reflection of his hackwork and lack of statesmanship. Museveni rather spoil and grind every dime out of a project, than build something sustainable. If he wasn’t the personification of the state… he wouldn’t worry about treason or compromise. Because, all politics and politicking are to one extent compromise between two parties seeking their objective goals. Alas, Museveni rather destroy the other party, than working with them, unless he has corrupted them.

Fourth: “Neither Besigye nor Bobi Wine is a radical extremist by character. But to keep their base happy they have to act as radical extremists; using language uncharacteristic of them. They are strategic radical extremists” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

He has called both People Power/National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) all sorts of name. Andrew has called the supporters extremists, hoodlums and other derogatory names. That’s why this is no shocker at this point. Just a mere reflection of Mwenda is. Because, he cannot understand the activists, members and whatnot who wants to end the Museveni era. They are “militant” and maybe willing to use defiance as a means to an end. Since, Museveni and his regime gives no way to other ways of a peaceful transition. Not, like the NRM or Museveni has offered any other way out or bargained to secure the future. No, his just lingering in power by the gun, using the authorities and even killing the opposition, if he has the opportunity too. And Mwenda wonder why people get “radical” or get organized in various of ways. Museveni is lucky that his opposition haven’t started their own bush-wars, because they have had the same reasons to retort, in the same fashion as Museveni did in the early 1980s. Not that I want that, but Mwenda is surely not selling his point. With the knowledge of the system, the militarization of politics and the usage of arms to bend the will for one man.

He ends with: “I am not willing to purchase “credibility” by mutilating myself. Besigye and/or Bobi Wine can afford to because the price of self-mutilation is the presidency. So, to the many people that write to me or about me almost demanding that I become a spokesperson of their grievances, with the hidden blackmail that I have changed, and therefore not what they knew, here is my message: I do not want to be anyone else’s version of Andrew Mwenda. I want to be Andrew Mwenda’s version of Andrew Mwenda” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

It is funny and tragicomically way of ending this article. As he speaks of selling itself for the Presidency. While Mwenda is trading his own name and reputation to safeguard the current status quo. He rather defends the tyrant and the tyranny, than oppose the oppression. Mwenda calling them “sell-outs” for the Presidency. Because, they dare challenge the man who charges, kidnaps, detains, attacks with weapons and even kill their supporters.

We know Mwenda changed, alas he will not resemble the man who was a speaking fire at the KFM Radio days. Maybe, that was just a front and he was faking it. If that is true, then a sorry excuse of a man. More than just trading off his career to be a spokesperson for this presidency. His just a “finessed” OO and that’s not a good look by the way. Well, we can never know, but what we do know. Is what he has said and done over the years. That is already been published and therefore recorded too. Therefore, he can never save or return to the promise, which his career looked like in the past.

That’s why he must undermine and mock the opposition. These folks still have some resemble of hope, which he doesn’t have. They can speak the truth and be blunt about it. While Mwenda got to trade carefully and mind his manners. Because, he can never challenge the Throne again. Peace.

Opinion: The KY and NUP isn’t the same – Another Museveni lie!

The NRM has never thrown stones. Those who faced our fire were those defending illegitimate interests like dictators and those denying the people free and fair elections like NUP which is an attempt to resurrect Kabaka Yekka or the likes of Amin”Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (14.08.2021).

I just had to dwell into this, as the National Address of 14th August 2021 needs to be debunked for the second time. As there was so many lies and deceptions in that speech. This one got out of bound, but still needs to be addressed. Since the old man with the hat is trying to use the lack of historical context to breach the difference between Kabaka Yekka (“The King Only”) only party, which was a Buganda Kingdom based. While the National Unity Platform party is a national party and has members across the spectrum of the Republic.

The NUP might have a majority of their leaders, MPs and such from the Buganda Kingdom. However, that is only because of the lack of time to register candidates, build party organization and the blockade of organizing political meetings or consultations across the up-country. That’s why the NUP has a bigger structure and party in Greater Kampala and within “Central Region” or Buganda. That is just mere luck and because the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and other parties have another presence in the North, East and the West, than the NUP has at this current moment.

However, that doesn’t make the party an Baganda factor. That is just out of necessity and where they have been able to build their party and generate results. This is not because it is like KY and being for the purpose of supporting only the Buganda kingdom.

Here is the vital information about KY:

The party was formed in Buganda in 1961. Its main objective was the preservation of the institution of Kabakaship and the “independence” of the Kingdom. The Baganda had for a long time respected the throne. Although with the advent of colonialism the symbol of Buganda’s unity had been weakened, the Kabaka still had a big following in the Kingdom. The monarchists feared that in times of political transition, traditional institutions would be destroyed. Therefore, to safeguard the institution in Buganda, a movement had to be formed and that was the Kabaka Yekka(…) “The actual formation of K.Y. was done by merging two organizations — “Banabulezi” [the people of Bulemezi] and the “Abana Ba Abaami” [chiefs’ sons]. The former had been formed after the banning of the Uganda National Movement. Its aim was to inspire the people of Bulemezi with the love of Kabaka and their country [Buganda]. The latter was formed basically to foster the position of the chiefs and their sons in Buganda. The two organizations could easily merge because they had similar objectives — both could achieve their aims by safeguarding the Kabakaship. Hence, it was thought that the name “Kabaka Yekka” would create a sense of unity and common purpose in Buganda. The objectives and composition of the party were stumbling blocks on the road to national unity(Ogena Otunnu – ‘THE HISTORY OF POLITICAL CRISIS IN UGANDA: THE LEGACY FACING THE MUSEVENI REGIME 1986 TO THE PRESENT P:18-20, 26.07.1989).

So, when you read that in comparison to the NUP Manifesto, the ideals are in stark contrast and shows the mentality difference between the parties, which is vastly different than what Museveni claims in his address. That is the clear indication of his lie.

National Unity Platform Manifesto 2021:

The National Unity Platform grew out of the People Power movement. The movement was formed to spearhead the first ever inclusive, non-violent transition of political power in Uganda. Our vision of Uganda is a dignified people thriving under an inclusive constitutional democracy. We seek a transition from the 35-year long dictatorial regime to a people’s choice government through free and fair elections. We are compelled by Article 1 of the Constitution of Uganda 1995, which grants all power to the people of Uganda. Our aim is to guarantee respect for the constitution. Our accountable leadership has been built from the grassroots to the national level. We shall continue to be strictly governed by the rule of law and universal standards of social justice, in order to ensure individual human dignity, national unity, and true equal opportunity for every Ugandan” (National Unity Platform – ‘Manifesto 2021-26).

We are seeing here it isn’t to resurrect an kingdom or preserve that alone. No, the NUP is for EVERY UGANDAN. That means not only the Buganda, but Bunyoro, Teso, Itesot, Ankole or anyone else. This is the easiest way to debunk this.

The KY was to preserve and pursuit the nationalistic aims of one ethnic group and save that Kingdom. However, the NUP is to fulfil a peaceful transition from a dictatorship. To continue the work of the People Power Movement and build an inclusive democracy. This means, the NUP aims and ambitions are not in accordance with the KY. The KY is a “single” mission party, while the NUP has a broader end-game and a total restructuring of the Republic. That’s why it’s hard to see similarities, but that is only tell sell a deluded story. In such a manner, that he thinks people will not see the difference between the KY and the NUP. Which is no where close.

That is why the President had to shoot and kill in Arua. Because Bobi Wine and NUP is a national party, but they have not the machinery or the ability as the NRM: Just like the UPM didn’t have the ability or structures to compete with ruling party UPC in 1980. That’s the reality here and Museveni should know this, but he rather vilify his enemies. Instead of speaking of the truth and what is the real deal. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Statement on Initiatives to Counter Torture in the UPF (16.08.2021)

National Unity Platform: Statement on the 200m Grant to MPs for Motor Vehicles (23.07.2021)

Opinion: MPs 200 million pay-off [and who cares about the pandemic?]

This week it has been revealed that the 529 Members of Parliament is receiving Shs. 200 million shillings as a one time “envelope” to purchase a new vehicle. Because, it is such an important prospect and bargain to pay the elected officials with cars. They have already hefty salaries, allowances and perks in office. This is just one of these one-time offers that they can eat quickly off.

Every single MP gets 200 million shillings in July 2021, months after the elections in January 2021. That’s become a custom in the Republic. After an election and swearing-in, the new MPs and the old ones gets a huge pay-off in the millions of shillings to purchase a vehicle. This isn’t new, but its still insane.

Especially, considering the state have taken up huge loans to cover deficits and loans to cover the recovery from after the pandemic. The state isn’t using these vast funds buying vaccines, PPE or investing in the Ministry of Health. No, they are using more money on a car-fleet. A fleet given and paid for by the state.

This is 105.8 billion shillings spent on cars or vehicles by the state. That is how to misuse government and wasted spending. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President does this to buy loyalty. Because, for some strange reason… no MP is complaining or returning these funds.

It is not like the MPs are having an outcry or asking to refund the pay-out. The MPs should ask why they are getting this and why now?

We know the MPs are scheduled to get funds for the vehicles, which it does … in the beginning of the term. The 11th Parliament isn’t doing anything new… and nobody is shocked by this. The MPs are just following tradition at this point.

However, now as the state cannot afford to buy vaccines or has the ability to invest in the Ministry of Health. Nevertheless, the MPs are the priority and their wealth needs to be taken care off. That’s why this is happening. Just to ensure the MPs will be loyal to the President and his causes. They have already accepted the 200 millions shilling envelope.

If the MPs had a trouble with this. They would do like with the Age-Limit Consultation Money. The MPs would cry havoc and made a fuzz. That’s something that’s not happening at this point. This is just ordinary programming and no-one want stop it, apparently.

The MPs are just to accept this and clap along. They are dancing to the tune and hoping to have a party. Because, the feast is already covered by the state and they have huge payouts in the making. This is just the beginning. Peace.

Opinion: The FDC needs to grow a pair

The current Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) high ranking officials needs to grow up and take their losses on the chin. Today’s news of possible dismissal of FDC MPs accepting Shadow Cabinet positions is foolish at best.

This coming from the same party, which have appointed Shadow Cabinets with MPs from other parties. So, this just shows a lack of growth or maturity from the current leadership. Yes, the FDC wasn’t consulted. Nevertheless, the FDC haven’t been willing to meet or greet the National Unity Platform (NUP) on earlier meetings either. Secondly, the FDC have retaliated and questioned the NUPs credentials and their agenda.

Therefore, that Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda is calling out like this. After what Nathan Nandala-Mafabi have done in the post-election. They have both been on the warpath with the NUP. These two have been comrades in talking ill of the NUP and their actions. While never accepting anything its doing. Neither, have it taking it lightly that none of the MPs was appointed to committee’s.

That’s why today’s words was striking. That they went this way. When the NUP have invited FDC. It has been seen as non-important and as a obstacle. This seems to be the same reasons for why FDC can avoid or even boycott IPOD. However, when FDC is appointed as the leader of IPOD. Than it becomes an important thing…

This sort of pattern is tiring. The FDC leadership better grow up. Especially, as this is supposed to the party who has for ages been in the battle and fought the dictatorship. The ones who can educate and show how things are done. They could show some heart and skill.

They should be happy that Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga have considered 7 MPs from the FDC. He could have picked several more from his own party the NUP. He could have filled the ranks. Still, he appointed surely in talks with his own and own their merits to various of positions. However, this is not good enough for the FDC.

Now… suddenly… the FDC wants to meet and drink tea. Who are they kidding here? What sort of game is this? Maybe FDC National Executive Committee (NEC) needs to have an extraordinary meeting to figure out the way to be a ordinary opposition and not the leader of it. Since, this is the first time in ages. The FDC is demoted and they should be gracious to be considered this big.

Even, if some of the big-men and the long-term MPs wasn’t appointed here or in May to the Committee’s. Still, they should just be happy and accept this. Just like the other opposition parties took their part. When they were at the helm and appointed the Shadow Cabinet. That is what the FDC should do now.

Well, maturity is clearly not this party thing. They are not able to show it. Neither, to take things to heart. Everyone is supposed to play after their tune and dance. However, no one else is supposed to counter or try on their own. That’s how this looks. This coming from one of the persons who has attacked the NUP after the elections.

That’s why this is tiring. This part seemed like someone you could look up to and get engaged in. That was just a lie. As they are only in it for their own and play by own rules. Never, accepting what other people does. Especially, the NUP should just follow and do the two-step. Never ever act on its own.

That’s why the FDC cry foul now and even wants to dismiss it’s own. They are so broken and lack moral courage. To even be gracious and move-on. They are not the big-dog anymore. Be leaders, act mature and take it on the chin. Show your character over this term and try again.

The FDC seems to lost their vibe and their Mojo. Like they have lost some vital parts and cannot operate in good faith. These folks who talks big. Should also act big. However, that’s to much to ask.

They are all for Democratic Change, but cannot the democratic change that has happened in the Parliament. Which they are smaller and the NUP is bigger. It is time for them to accept and eventually move-on. In 2016 they could act like big-shots in the opposition and in 2011 as well.

Now, the tide is turning and they just don’t seem ready for it. Time for Najjakumbi to visit Kamwokya and speak to the leaders there. I don’t think it would hurt. It would be a lesson of humility and maybe of finalization of maturity. Especially, if the FDC would ever continue to lecture the newcomer and their rise to power. It seems to be the only reasonable thing to do.

Unless, their only game-plan is to attack the NUP and Bobi Wine. Just like the NRM. Peace.

A look into the Shadow Cabinet of the 11th Parliament

Today, Leader of Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) MP Mathias Mpuuga unveiled the appointments of his shadow cabinet. Now the opposition is taking form and the NUP shows maturity in their choices. However, there are some interesting choices.

We anticipated that the NUP would have an majority and it does. What is striking, after all the dust is settled… the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) get several of positions and other parties get it too. This is not a sole NUP operation. No, there are MPs from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Democratic Party and Independents as well. Therefore, things has changed.

On the 28th May 2021 the first list was out and the ones picked for the Committees was mostly NUP and one JEEMA MP. That was a choice made by the NUP and the other parties felt left behind. Now, the LoP have taken them in, but don’t expect that to accept it or be gracious. Because, for instance the LoP have left behind the likes of Nathan Nandala-Mafabi and Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda. These will be foul and cry out loud. We just know this and be aware.

So, now on the 25th June 2021 the LoP have made this list and it’s a total of 30 members. There are 30 people in the shadow cabinet. While the original cabinet is at 81. So, they have slimmed it a little bit, but still giving roles to plenty.

It is a friendly reminder of a rising star in the opposition is to see Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende, the lawyer and MP on the Justice and Constitutional Affairs. She’s one of out of plenty who has been called an “iron lady”. So, it will be interesting to see how she plays this out. As this is her first term as MP and being in Parliament. Been vocal as a People Power Movement lawyer and a critic fo government. Now, she has the moment to prove her skill and use this office for some good.

A person who didn’t need a party primary, but became the party flag-bearer nevertheless was Fortunate Rose Nantongo. Who replaced her deceased mother as the MP. She became the Democratic Party (DP) nominee after a handwritten application to the party. The rest is history and now she’s appointed to the Shadow Cabinet to the Gender, Labour and Social Development.

The Former Presidential Candidate Abed Bwanika is appointed to the shadow cabinet. He has turned into a NUP MP as well. It will be interesting to see a man like this who has been fishing fr relevancy and found his way to get into office. Now, will be in the shadow cabinet for agriculture. The former People’s Development Party (PDP) and who was so close to be part of the DP Block as well. This is why, I will find it interesting, if he will seek for McDonalds to trade in Uganda.

Then you Karim Masaba, the Independent MP for Mbale. Who is NUP Leaning. He is a childhood friend of Mityana MP Francis Zaake. Bobi Wine supported his candidacy directly and he was part of the NUP convoy, which routed across Mbale in 2020. Now his appointed to the Shadow Cabinet for the Tourism and Wildlife.

Surprise appointment at this point was Francis Mwijuke MP of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). We know he has a long history with Mpuuga. They have been together in the struggle since the Action 4 Change in 2011. Mwijuke is on his second term in office and been a vocal critic of the state. Still, he seemed very in favour of Kadaga as a speaker and not just doing it as a strategy. That’s why it’s interesting to see him in the Shadow Cabinet in the Trade & Industry.

Another interesting choice from Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) was Anna Ebaju Adeke. She is the former Makerere Guild President and has a Bachelor of Law. Other than the public known things, she has incorporated an foundation in 2020. This was the Anna Adeke Foundation Limited on 25th February 2020. In 2018, she was part of the deflecting MPs to the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). However, that had to be short tint and only seeing if the ticket was viable. Since, by the times of elections she has gone to the FDC.

The one and only People’s Progressive Party MP Santa Okut have been appointed as well. She has represented the PPP before in the Parliament that was in the term of 2001 to 2006. The return is after a third try and never losing hope of returning back to Parliament. So, it will be interesting to see what she does and what ever she will do. As she’s alone in Parliament for a party founded in the early 2000s. Time will tell and she is appointed in the Shadow Cabinet for the Special Regions.

My last appointed that I find interesting… was Forum for Democratic Change Gilbert Olanya MP. He has been an Independent MP, but he become a FDC MP over time. He was another FDC MP who vied for Kadaga as speaker. Still, he been a resilient opposition MP. Who has been arrested for demonstrations in his district. This man hasn’t had it easy and put his work in. Still, it was interesting to see Mpuuga choosing him. In the Shadow Cabinet he will be working on the East African Community (EAC).

Just as we comments and look through the vast lists of Cabinet Members. The Shadow Government needs to be addressed as well. Not just praised, but wonder of their credentials too. This is why I do this. This is the first cabinet of Mpuuga. He has shown great heart, but let see how this plays out. Peace.

The Final 18 from the NUP Campaign Team released on Bail after 6 months in jail

Today several members and activists, important parts of the campaign team of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have been released from prison. They have been kept behind bars and charged by the state since 30th December 2020. As they were captured on the campaign trail ahead of the final stretches of campaigns ahead of the polls in January 2021.

Today, the National Unity Platform (NUP) is celebrating the releases of them finally. This is Eddie Mutwe, Nubian Li, Dan Magic and others who have been released. They have all been detained without any reason or proof of their supposed crimes. What is really unique about this case. Was the NUP Campaign Team was arrested and charged for crime, which they couldn’t have committed. As they were already behind bars before the criminal conspiracy or moment could even happen. That is in the paperwork of the charges and trials. Therefore, the state is willing to do whatever to get opposition people behind bars.

The state used the Anti-Terrorist Law and other means to keep them behind bars. Even Court Martial civilians, which isn’t a part of the army or commanders who has misused their office or been deserting soldiers leaving battle. Therefore, the state has willingly kept these folks for so long.

It fits it perfectly that it happens after the Swearing-In and the Parliament is now in sessions. The Members of Parliament is in order. The Cabinet is getting vouched for and is officially appointed. That’s why its happening now and taken this long.

The Election season is over and it’s back to ordinary days ahead. Where the state can run back to normal and not be stressed by the NUP. This is why they are released today. However, they are released on bail. Meaning the case is still “working” and the state can re-issue it. If they are “finding” evidence or “proof” of it. Which most likely be fabricated like the bullets and guns… that was pinned on Bobi Wine back then.

So, expect that the state can suddenly make them return and especially if these people are disregarding court orders or meeting to trials in the future. If they are not posting up in time and for the courts. Then they are “criminals” and could face penalties for it. That is just the nature of things. It is not justified, but the papers are their and the state has these powers. Which is a worry and something the state willing to do.

It is sort of a halfway celebration today. The are partially freed. Just like the cold-cases and the not finished charges and criminal cases pinned on opposition leaders. The new prison of Kitayla have been useful and expect it to be used. The same as Nalufenya and Luzira Prisons as well. These are well-known for a reason. Because, of how the state operates and use the law enforcement for political means. They are more vicious to attack the opposition, than actually catch real criminals and hoodlums. That’s just what it does and it has been known for ages.

So, today someone who was charged and been detained for 6 months for crimes they never committed. The only thing they did was participate in an election and challenged the President. Which is a cardinal sin and they offended the Don. That’s why they deserved this suffering and being behind bars. The NUP has paid a huge price and they are continuing to doing this to this day.

There are more people behind bars and activists who still awaiting their trial and get freedom. However, the state is just pursuing all means to show their power and intimidate the opposition. They want to prove a point and this is what they are willing to do. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s true heart on display

There are so many people I would have killed because they were annoying me. One of them is Hon. Cecilia Ogwal. I used to call her “dako Maracha” – “bad woman”. Because, she had really a bad tongue. But if I had killed Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, she would be a hero now. People would be saying, ” If Hon. Cecilia Ogwal had not died, great things would have happened.” But now I am here with Hon. Cecilia Ogwal. It is really bankrupt to kill people. If had killed Kizza Besigye, he would be a HERO in the memory of the people” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (10.06.2021)

The man, the visionary and the freedom fighter, the self-styled President for Life. The General and the Tyrant, Mr. Museveni. The man of all season and beyond. The only man with a vision and the greatest man of all times. The President since 1986 is speaking his peace and showing his heart.

He is clearly showing his will. We know that President Museveni have ordered deaths. We know that he has had death squads and been in-charge of extra judicial killings. People have lost their lives for their association and for their allegiance elsewhere.

We know that Museveni has the ability to order death. That has been in effect all through his presidency. There been so many lives taken, families scorn and fatalities on the hand of the President. The “high above” ordering by decree or as a commander-in-chief… ordered the army, security organizations or anyone else to do his bidding.

His just stating what we know. That he can order to kill. His not denying that. The President has sure tried to get rid of his enemies. It is mere luck at times that the likes of Besigye and Bobi Wine haven’t paid the final price for their causes. Since the guns, the tear-gas and the use of heavy weaponry has made it very close at time. That they haven’t paid the ultimate sacrifice, but surely the President considered it.

This is not shocking news. The President has wanted to crash and crush the opposition. His a General and enjoys the spoils of war. The tyrant, the army commander and his allies knows how to use the bullets in their favour. Therefore, the sudden demise of fellow opposition leaders wouldn’t be shocking. Especially, how easily the state and its operatives can order a killing. They have their assassins and contract killers who are obeying their command. Therefore, if the opportunity arises the President and his men will ensure someone in their path stops breathing.

He calculate the risks and the public outrage. That’s why he picks the victims with care. The President ensures it doesn’t cost to much or even makes a fuzz. The targets will not cause a revolution or anything. It is a mere outcry and its ceases. There is deceased political activists, members and even some politicians. However, not the ones that are beloved or have enough popularity within the general public.

The President and his men isn’t saints. We all know that and it’s not even a secret at this point. However, with age he shows his heart and he is not even containing it. The brutal honesty and it reflects his heart. That he isn’t generous, but calculated. His also saying he kills people who annoys him. Maybe it wasn’t Besigye, but who knows of all the other extra judicial killings over years that annoyed him. If a person bugs the President. He can suddenly with a snap of finger ensure someone’s last supper.

That’s why this quote isn’t a funny one, but a sinister one. Where the President says he can decide if people dies or lives. It just depends on how he see it and whatever criteria he has in his mind. Peace.

Opinion: The bloated structures of the Cabinet [and just showing a few ministries(!)]

The newly minted 80 Cabinet Minister’s is an overkill. When you read that people are representing a government and being Ministers. You can wonder? How does that work and what is the gist of this? It is really a messed up system. A frustrated one.

Just to put things in perspective. There isn’t just one President, one Vice-President and one Prime Minster. No, these three has offices directly underneath it. Which is the start of the hectic structure, which President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni have created over the years and is only making bigger after each election.

That is without counting the people hired, working and being civil servants. Neither looking into all the Presidential Advisors, which by 2017/18 was about 163. He has appointed others since then and in 2020 was about 170. Now there is appointed a 5 more. Meaning the amount of Presidential Advisors is about 175. We can only know the exact of this, if a Ministerial Policy Statement ahead of the budget drops the full figure and the salaries for all of these appointees. Who is cashing in their checks on the regular.

Now, let’s return to the cabinet and it’s hectic structure.

Begining with the President.

There are 3 directly ministers under the President. These are the Minister of the Presidency, Minister of Security and Minister Serviced by the State House Controller, In-Charge of Science, Technology and Innovation.

However, this is not enough, there is two State Minsters under the President. Minister of State for Election Monitoring and Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity.

Therefore, just underneath the Office of the President there is three (3) directly under him and two (2) who “junior” ministers. This means there is five ministers with various of portfolios under the Presidency and in-connection directly to the President.

Secondly the Prime Minister has it even more of structural issue. Not only does the Prime Minister have three (3) direct deputies underneath. It has two (2) Ministers in the Office of the Prime Minister, this is the General Duties and the Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees. In addition there is five (5) “junior” ministers under the Office of the Prime Minster. Meaning there is a collection of 8 Ministers with various of portfolios and roles. These in combination to the 3 deputies. Totally being 11 officials, which all are under order of the Prime Minster. This must be a hectic mess.

Thirdly, the Vice-President on the other hand has only one (1) “junior” minister under the office of the VP. Who just seems to be the Deputy of the “Deputy” President too. With no specific role, but being a minister in the office of the VP. That must be a chill role.

When we look at Ministers directly in Ministries themselves. Then it makes more sense, but also shows how they operate and how many people the President is really employing to this.

Just looking at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. There is one (1) minister, but three (3) “junior” ministers underneath. The Juniors are directly having one for each part of the ministry. Meaning one junior for Agriculture, Animal Industry (livestock) and Fisheries. How to make it a bother and employ four (4) persons to run ONE Ministry!

Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs have one (1) minister, but two (2) “junior” ministers. These are one for each side. Meaning one is working for Defence and the other for Veterans Affairs. This has secured the state three (3) ministers.

In the Ministry of Education and Sports, there is one (1) minster, but three (3) “junior” ministers. There is one (1) for Higher Education, Primary Education and Sports. Clearly, the main could have hold on to three (3) of these jobs with the education, but the sports could be totally separate. Still, this shows how the President is creating posts for his Movement. This is another 4 to run one Ministry.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has one (1) minster, but two (2) juniors. You can guess the structure. One “junior” for Energy and another for Minerals. Therefore, to run this Ministry is three (3) ministries.

Again, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) have one (1) minster, but four (4) “junior” ministers. The “juniors” are posted in General Duties, Planning, Privatization and Investment and Micro-Finance. This is having five (5) ministers to run this ministry alone.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have one (1) minister, but has two (2) “junior” ministers. One is posted at International Affairs and the other at Regional Affairs. What is striking here and shows the lacking structures and how they entangles each other. Is that the 1st Deputy Prime Minster is for the East African Community, which would have been fitted under the MoFA, but for some reason is breached out of here.

Then you have the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development have one (1) minister, but has five (5) “junior” ministers. This is one (1) for Gender and Culture, Youth and Children Affairs, Employment and Industrial Relations, Disability Affairs and Elderly Affairs. This means six (6) ministers are running this ministry.

The ironic thing about this ministry in one fashion and additional representation is that the Parliament has five (5) Youth MPs and Five (5) Elderly MPs as representatives as well. Plus the 5 Workers MPs as well. This means there 15 MPs who works and are there directly for the causes of the Ministry. This should further add to the structure and shows there is 21 High Ranking Officials who are there for these specific reasons and not picked on a random.

I could continue, but I feel I am getting the point across. There are other ministries who are bloated and have to many hands. There are already a flex of people who are appointed and works in the Ministries. This is just the ministers and the “junior” ministers aka State Ministers. Therefore, we are not looking into the Permanent Secretaries and the other civil servants. All the other organizations in the hierarchy or within the Ministry itself. Where they are also covering the same mandate and working towards the same goal.

This just show the brutal truth of how the government is made for hacks, cronies and the extended entourage of the President. His hiring his folks and allies. Secures jobs for the ones he can from the opposition as well. Just to spite these parties and show his “victories” over them. Peace.