Opinion: Why does every By-Election these days look like a War-Zone?

Let us be honest for a minute, the recent By-Elections under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, have become more hostile and more militarized, where the big guns, the soldiers and the mambas are all over the place. That is happening today in Sheema Muncipality in Ibanda and in Bugiri Muncipality in Busoga sub-region. Both National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates and opposition contest in both of them.

What is striking today is the efforts of the police and the army to intimidate in both places. In Sheema Muncipality and in Bugiri Muncipality, the Army and Soldiers are armed to their teeth. Like there is a war going on, and not a democratic exercise on who gets to represent the people in the newly created districts. No, no, it looks like a war story and someone is going to die!

Seriously, who brings the war machine to an election, if they are not fearing for losing it? Who isn’t bringing the police to arrest opposition activist on the day of the poll and not afraid of losing it?

If the NRM was so steady and had a message, had a mandate and trust in the community, would they need the UPDF and the Police Force to settle intimidation into their eyes. Seriously? I beg to ask!

You can say what you want about elections and about campaigning, but when the ruling regime and the orders from above, is to send a brigades of soldiers to the polls. You know something is wrong, you know that these elections are no good. That is just a common knowledge. Maybe not for Ofwono Opondo or Frank Tumwebaze, but for the rest of us it is.

This isn’t a sign of strength, but more of weakness, of a justification of harassing and intimidating the public. Just because you can and because you have the army. This isn’t there to secure democratic values or secure the public. Than, the soldiers would have bases there and await a sudden strike from an enemy. Not suddenly come out of their barracks and post up in the middle of towns and poll stations in the early mist of morning. No, that isn’t it.

Maybe, just maybe, the NRM thinks so, but than they are gallantly, stupid and I cannot blame them anymore. They are just the National Rwakitura Movement, where all citizens are his cows and he is just waiting to spoil their milk. That is just what is up.

Are the NRM so afraid of losing, that they have to order soldiers in the street to prove they exists and that they can hurt you, if you don’t obey every command made by Museveni? Is that it, is that the magic potion to get people on board. If so, than the President have forgotten Franz Fanon and his wisdom.

As the war-zones of Sheema and Bugiri have smiled to us today and God knows how the tallies will be. Let me end with the words of Fanon.

“The state, which by its strength and discretion ought to inspire confidence and disarm and lull everybody to sleep, on the contrary seeks to impose itself in spectacular fashion. It makes a display, it jostles people and bullies them, thus intimating to the citizen that he is in continual danger. The single party is the modern form of the dictatorship of the bourgeoisie, unmasked, unpainted, unscrupulous, and cynical” (Frantz Fanon – ‘The Wretched of the Earth, P: 164, 1961).

That is enough of the nonsense. Peace.

Bugiri By-Election: The Final Stages now and Museveni offers only development there if they vote for NRM!

The last day of the campaigns in the Bugiri By-Election, which the final polls are on the 27^th July 2018. This is where the candidates of Asuman Basalirwa (JEEMA), John Francis Oketcho (NRM) and Eunice Namatende (FDC). All of this candidates has massive backings from their parties and allies. Where the Police Force have started to follow Asuman Basalirwa especially and his ally Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, whose been followed and monitored by the Police Force. Therefore, you know that National Resistance Movement doesn’t want to lose this new district.

We know, that Museveni is behind his candidate, who will be part of the NRM Caucus and follow his every lead. That is why he went to Bugiri to tell his side of the story, because he couldn’t do without. Museveni have to be a part and also show his power to the tin-soldier he wants from the district. That is just the way he do.

“Bugiri by-election: President Yoweri Museveni has pledged to connect the people of Bugiri with clean water, construct for them better roads if they vote NRM’s Francis Oketcho. Museveni said the NRM is a party of action and this has been exhibited bvy the many things that have been done among them construction of better roads and the improved hospitals” (93.3 KFM, 25.07.2018).

What is the weirdest from all the final rallies from Basalirwa, Namatende and Oketcho where packed. That is just weird, all photos from these rallies are filled to the brim. Therefore, the pictures from Museveni rally isn’t alone. The FDC rally had Dr. Kizza Besigye and Patrick Amuriat Oboi, these two people could gain crowds on their own too. That Bobi Wine and Basalirwa would bring people are natural, as the swagger of Bobi Wine hits the masses. While Museveni could for all we know, be ferrying masses from other parts of Busoga and giving them food and gifts. That is what the NRM have done during the General Election last time. So why not do it now too?

Well, Voter Tourism might be a thing. While the bigger story is how Museveni continues to talk. The government will deliver project, only if Bugiri vote for his guy. The Bugiri people will get roads and such, if they do the right thing and votes for Oketcho. That means, the government is only there for you, if you follow the direct orders of the State House. This is the final implication and shows the lack of democratic values in the President.

He only gives, if people give him all power. That is what is just in the eyes of the President. NRM or nothing. No Remedy Mentioned (NRM) continues, as the pledges of roads hits Bugiri, a promise that Museveni have been given steadily since at least 2006 for certain parts of constituency. Therefore, as always with the NRM, there have to be recycled pledges. That is just protocol by now.

What is really insulting, is the state of “if they vote”, that means he will stop funding and stop being acting as President over the Constituency, if they vote for someone else. Bugiri will not get money or tax money for development projects, infrastructure development and everything else.

That is what he is saying.

Bugiri will be yet another place, that Museveni might wipe out of the map. As people will not follow his orders. They are not his property, even if he acts like it. Peace.

Bugiri By-Election: Otafiire spewing out utter nonsense in defense of the NRM!

If I was the National Resistance Movement Flag-bearer or MP candidate for Bugiri, I would be amazed and in awe over the sort of words Gen. Kahinda Otafiire had there. That being said, nothing has been said or reported of any value from the man himself. That being John Francis Oketcho, he could just be a tin-soldier in the ranks whose lucky enought run for the office. Because that is how it seems, since all the big-men and the other parties makes the headlines before the polls on the 27^th July 2018.

Everyone knows Asuman Basalirwa and Justice Forum is running with Robert Kyagulyani aka Bobi Wine as his vocal supporter with the masses there. People also knows that the Forum for Democratic Change have fielded their candidate, this being Eunice Namatende. Therefore, this is a contended race without any shadow of a doubt.

However, Kahinda Otafiire cannot help being himself, as he is reported to have said:

“The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, has cautioned voters against electing Asuman Basalirwa as Bugiri Municipality Member of Parliament (MP), saying “it will increase violence in the country.” (…) “My dear Ugandans, let us not engage in bad acts and vote for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates in order to improve on the country’s economy” (…) “Some government programmes have not been implemented in constituencies across the country due to Opposition MPs fighting the (NRM) government” (Asuman Musobya – ‘Basalirwa will increase country’s insecurity if he becomes MP, says Otafiire’ 24.07.2018, Daily Monitor).

It is just weird how this man is a minister for Justice, when people have died because violence done by his party and the state own security agents, this being police officers and others in the name of the Republic. That he blames the surge of public recognition and care for the by-election is an issue, when Bobi Wine and Basalirwa are creating public rallies and movement on the grounds as the days to polls appear.

That is to be expected of the NRM and their co-conspirators, they are blaming everyone else. He just like his master Museveni. Otafiire wouldn’t even been in cabinet, if he wasn’t such a loyal stooge. He lost both the NRM Primaries in 2015 and the General Election 2016. His political life is only in the mercy of the President. That is why he is as he is, I suppose, indebted to the king and his crown.

It is not like the NRM have controlled the violence as is, they are not even make good measures and the police are more a front of peace, than taking real criminals to court. The NRM haven’t the best track-record or showing real justice, unless it fits the paradigm of the State House. The NRM Justice Minister should trade the waters a bit more careful, but he cannot, because he has only a political life for the simple reason:

Museveni gave it to him and now he has to pay back in return. The NRM shouldn’t blame the opposition, they are in majority and can vote anything they want, they can find the money if they please and could put in the effort to make a difference. However, the NRM are just blind tin-soldiers of the President and await him to call in the NRM Caucus to get right direction before a vote. Therefore, the lies are tiring. The people are tired and 32 years of nonsense has to stop.

Otafiire you know better, but you are just a loyal stooge. If I were Oketcho, I would hope that people say less and just hang around the campaign rallies, because this is just foolish and he should know it too. Peace.

Bugiri By-Election: NRM Press Release – “Re: NRM Mourns Dead Bugiri Voter” (20.07.2018)

Bugiri By-Election: My take on the squabble between Basalirwa and the FDC!

There is an upcoming Bugiri By-Election on the 10^th July 2018, this is the new district with a new MPs and councilors. However, this will be focused on the MP election, which has been heated even long before the polls. Like it was been discussion and hard words hit either way. The Opposition has attacked each other and also shown disdain as the FDC are having a candidate and also JEEMA. Therefore, some people are saying they are splitting the vote. But if the candidates are good, then that shouldn’t matter. NRM, FDC and JEEMA fights for the same slot in Parliament.

The Candidates for this By-Election is National Resistance Movement (NRM) John Francis Oketcho, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Eunice Namatende and Justice Forum (JEEMA) Asuman Basalirwa. Therefore, there are three candidates, they are competing for the same possible office. This shouldn’t be shocking, as the Democratic Party (DP) and the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) could in theory have fielded a candidate in this race. Even independents could run in it. So it is not a major crisis that its three candidates. Are the state of affairs so weak, that the opposition only feels safe if they field one candidate in every district?

There are many who is worried about fielding two opposition candidates, especially when many are standing behind JEEMA President Basalirwa, the UPC are standing behind him, Bobi Wine has endorsed him and parts of the rallies. There have been negotiations between JEEMA and FDC for a joint candidate. However, that stranded and the JEEMA team has attacked the FDC. Even went after Dr. Kizza Besigye, just like they did when he campaigned for the FDC candidate in Kyadondo East By-Election. So, we have seen this before. This is trying to tarnish FDC for their work and struggle.

To defend Besigye here is easy, as he has on both occasions just stood behind his party. It is natural, would Museveni rally behind any other party candidate? Both have been part or key person behind establishing their parties. Mao has helped other party candidates, but that is when their party doesn’t field anyone to be the flag-bearer like he did with Amama Mbabazi for President in 2016.

When people complain about the one candidate standing for this place, remember they already scrapped former Leader of Opposition in Parliament Wafula Oguttu. He is not just a random FDC leader and former MP. He was fielded for the slot in 2016. Therefore, Basalirwa should be Namatende is put forward now. That he is so bitter on FDC shows more signs of desperation, than of strength. That Bobi Wine wants the parties to prioritize is natural, but has already used his card and endorsed someone. The FDC has had talks with JEEMA without succeeding. Bobi Wine is also independent, so has not a structure to support or someone else to answer. That does the ones who has parties behind them. That is why it is more hard for a Party President not stand as an MP. Because that is the highest rank except for President. That is why James Akena stood as MP and Norbert Mao tried get in time before the 2016 without succeeding. So if Basalirwa didn’t stand he would show weakness to his party and no one wants that.

So please, just let it be. Let the challenge the NRM as two big opportunities for the Bugiri By-Election. Just like there were two possible candidate to pick from in Kyadondo East, there will be two in Bugiri. If the public want to go for them, then they should vote and stand-by as the counting appears. The NRM will use their tricks. But if they want justice and a fair candidate to elected. All of the parties should rally and be sure to get people behind their candidate. That Basalirwa is black-balling the FDC is just to post his narrative. Instead of seeing that the FDC tried to have talks at all. There is nothing automatic about that. Already Basalirwa have already gotten rid of Oguttu.

The ones blaming all on FDC should understand, that its all up to the parties itself to resolve this. Just like it is understandable that a party want their President to be an MP. There is nothing automatic about that, just ask Mao whose residing at home and waiting from reports from other DP MPs. Surely, Basalirwa want to be in Parliament and not at home.

That is why I say this, work for you cause and your candidate. The throwing shades between JEEMA and FDC will not further the fight against the NRM. Unless JEEMA wants to be a bitter rival who favorable to NRM, as they stood behind the TDC Presidential Candidate in 2016. If that is the case, the voting should be simple. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, the FDC has the same right to field their candidate as anyone, but the failed negotiations here is a blunder from both. If they don’t believe Basalirwa can beat the NRM candidate, unless he is alone. That is not a sign of strength, but weakness.

So please, Basalirwa, stop be bitter and spread your political agenda. Do that together with Bobi Wine. That is fine. Just as Besigye and other top officials from FDC support their candidate. That is all natural. But expect the NRM to come with funds and the military like they always do. So, be alert and woke, guard the voters if you believe you have the strength to conquer the NRM. We haven’t heard much about the NRM candidate. Because Basalirwa and the candidacy of Namatende has been so hostile. When it has no reason to be so, unless JEEMA have so little message to spread to the people of Bugiri. Peace.

The People’s President campaigns in Namayingo and Bugiri; looking quickly at good governance level in Namayingo

Today is the first day after the live TV debate and the campaign trail continues. Even if Mzee does his business as usual; the FDC campaign convoy trvels to Namayingo and Bugiri to follow-up on the performance of yesterday. Take look! And by the way have some governance issues from the district. And not on the gold-rush of Namayingo; that should get a separate piece.

Message from Team Kizza Besigye 2016:

“Namayingo district has emphatically welcomed Dr Besigye, congratulating him on his good performance during the presidential debate. We are winning. #WesigeBesigye”.

At one town where Dr. Kizza Besigye and FDC campaign convoy was supposed to pass by the Namayemba village in Bugiri district. The villagers cleans the road for the coming FDC convoy.

Dr. Kizza Besigye message after the rallies today:

“Thank you Namayingo and Bugiri for the massive support. ‪#‎VoteBesigye on 18th February and all FDC flag bearers. ‪#‎WesigeBesigye”

Good Governance in the Namayingo:

Police for in the district:

“The police disciplinary court has found three top police officers in Namayingo District guilty of negligence of duty and recommended their dismissal from the Force” (91.2 Crooze FM, 14.02.2015).

Voter’s reacts in the districts:

“Voters in Namayingo district are up in arms against the arrest of Stephen Dede, the Bukhooli South legislator and Namayingo town council LC 3 chairman Dan Wanyama for their alleged connection to the Busoga murders” (Radiocity 97FM, 09.03.2015).

Little payment to locals for roadwork:

“Casual workers mainly locals from the eastern districts of Namayingo, Jinja, Mayuge, Busia are decrying the very little pay they are subjected to by the Chinese company constructing the road from Musita to Majanji. Reporting to the works and transport minister this problem today, the Namayingo RDC revealed that a casual worker at the road construction site is paid UGX.3000 per day something the residents and their leaders are strongly complaining about” (Radio Buddu 98.8 and 95.5, 24.04.2016).

Health situation in the district:

“Namayingo District had the highest HIV prevalence at 10 per cent, while Kaliro and Buyende districts had the lowest prevalence at 0.2 per cent and 0.1 per cent respectively. This implies that for Namayingo District, 100 out of every 1,000 adults are infected; while for Kaliro and Buyende districts it is two and one out of every 1,000 adults respectively. This information to the public means that there are many infected people in Namayingo, while there are almost no infections in Kaliro and Buyende!”  (Health and Care Foundation Uganda, 12.06.2015).

 

Electricity news:

“Mounting the first-ever transformer in Namayingo District” This happened apparently on the 23 July 2015, take a look:   

Think that should open your mind a little for now. Peace.