Soroti East By-Election: “The game is rigged, man”

“This game is rigged, man. We like the little bitches on a chessboard” – Preston “Bodie” Brodaus (S4:E13 – ‘Final Grades’, 2006).

The Soroti East By-Elections on the 28^th July 2022 was a shambolic affair. The authorities, the Electoral Commission and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) didn’t even conceal their actions and intentions. The mass-arrests, intimidation and use of force was the reason for the “victory” for the NRM Flag-Bearer Herbert Edmund Ariko. He was in the evening of the 28^th July announced as the victor with a “small” margin, but everyone who follows knows the drill.

The NRM with the usage of the state machinery came with pre-ticked ballots. The NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi was an active part of the rigging in Soroti. Other that participated was the newly “elected” MP Andrew Ojok Oulanyah. He was “elected” in the same manner in his constituency. Now, Ariko follows suit and they shouldn’t celebrate this. Because it is a mess and a fraudulent affair.

The NRM will take this a celebration and speak of their popularity. However, everyone with some working marbles knows the gist. The mass-arrests of opposition leaders and the deployment of opposition polling agents who was arrested to sign of declaration forms from the polling stations. So, the whole affair was shady and the “victory” can be seen as shallow.

The MP for Soroti East By-Election is now rigged into the 11^th Parliament. The NRM doesn’t believe in their pledges, promises or campaign. Since they needs to use force, intimidation and trick the polls to get ahead. Their candidate is so bad and lacking influence that ghosts, goats and ferried voters voted for him. The pre-ticked ballots are proof of that and the EC validated it all.

This is was a deliberate act. The mass-arrests just proves it all. The authorities even arrested the main opposition candidate from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Moses Attan Okia who was detained after voting himself. It just shows the process and how the state was at work. The same with any sort of political leader in the FDC and also went after elected leadership from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). Therefore, the authorities stoke at everyone. They even raided a home of one MP and went after the tires of another one. It was nothing they were not willing to do.

The Soroti East By-Election is just a proof that the NRM doesn’t believe in their own candidates anymore. They need to use force and fake themselves into power. If the NRM didn’t have the power and the authorities behind them. This wouldn’t have happened. They are not having elections, but a selection for their own will. Just proving a point and taking the people for fools.

Hon. Ariko was elected by ghosts and ferried voters. His not voted by the Soroti East constituents. He didn’t have the confidence or the bravery to allow their will to happen. That’s why he accepted the pre-ticked ballots and the use of bravado from the authorities to silence the opposition on the election day. This is why he should question himself, but like many in the NRM. He is just giddy for the cash, perks and be anointed into Parliament.

Soroti East By-Election is just another of these where the state doesn’t spare anything to win. Even if the “victory” is only because of the usage of all parts of the government structure. The NRM would never have been able to do this. If they weren’t in government and didn’t have the final say in everything that matters. If the NRM was in opposition and felt the blunt force. They would have cried havoc.

We know that, because that is how the NRM was incepted in the 1980s election. Which the President has cried out loud about ever since. He is now ushering in similar elections and even worse ones. Where the state is just creating pyrrhic victories, because everyone knows the gist.

The game is rigged and Bodie was right. Peace.

Soroti East By-Election: Return Form for Transmission of Results (28.07.2022)

Soroti East By-Election: East Kyoga Regional Police Cautions the Public against Electoral Guidelines and Laws (28.07.2022)

Soroti East By-Election: Mass-arrest of Opposition leaders and polling agents as the people heads for the polls

The authorities, the state and everyone involved is going after the opposition ahead of the polls in the Soroti East By-Election. Last night the Police did raid the home of Anna Adeke MP. There will be a follow up to what is going on, but anyone with a working marble should know that the state is preparing everything for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to win. That is the initial plan here and to do it in darkness. As the opposition and their organizers are behind bars as the polls are happening.

This is done to stop Moses Attan and the FDC Flag-Bearer from winning this election. The NRM does what it does to “win”. While using the authority of the state and arresting opposition ahead of the polls. They clearly don’t believe in their pledges, their program and their candidate Herbert Ariko. If they did… they wouldn’t need to arrest a village to elect a man in a By-Election.

What is also striking is that opposition candidate Moses Attan did vote in the election, but himself was arrested right after. That just shows the intention of the state and they not even trying to conceal it. While there reports that Andrew Ojok Oulanyah MP have come with pre-ticked ballots to a polling station, beat up a polling agent and stuffed the ballots in the box. It just shows what the NRM does to “win”.

Here is some of the news.

The FDC has dropped a full list of the arrest as of now:

“PARTIAL LIST OF FDC LEADERS ARRESTED IN SOROTI BY ELECTION

1. Hon. Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, Party President

2. Hon. William Nzoghu, Deputy President

3. Hon. Centenary Robert, Mobilizer

4. Hon. Nyanjura Doreen, Deputy Lord Mayor and NEC member

5. Micheal Emorut -Poa driver

6.Augustine Ojobile,Deputy Chief Administrative Officer

7.Omer Paul, Mayor Soroti East Division

8. Denis Nono

9.Oboi Rajab

10.Elenyu John Calvin

11.Okwi Justine kokas

12.Kassim Ogwang-PA to Hon.Attan

13.Jafar -Attan driver

14.Ojakol Moses

15.Eigu Daniel-Chairpersons FDC Soroti

16.Acen Jane

17.Wanyera Simon

18. Mama Kevin -Opuyo coordinator

19.Erongu Moses

20.David Eguru

22.Ekou Robert

22.Edatu Joseph

23. Donge Pius

24. Okwii Emmanuel

25.Ramazan Rajab

26.Erwau

27. Kakeeto William

28.Counsel Buyondo Henry Patrick

29.Hakim Bukenya

30. Ms.Wokuri Madanda

31.Turyatemba Norman

32.Darlington Baryabarema Western Coordinator

33. Joan FDC Eastern Coordinator

34.Chagga Oyat.

This is a partial list of those we have confirmed, others we have not been able to reach out. This operation was commanded by an ordinary hired goon Karangwa from Jinja/Kayunga &Ssegujja.

It’s appalling that Commissioners of Police, RPC,&DPC’s are getting instructions from these goons who have taken over security in Soroti. All men save for women, were driven to Dokolo CPS” (Forum for Democratic Change, 28.07.2022).

Some says with the polling agents and mobilizers of the FDC for the election day. The numbers of arrests are already up to around 70 people. That says what the state is doing to get their MP elected in the Soroti East By-Election.

Capital FM has these reports in addition:

“Voting at Omalera mango tree polling station in Soroti East Division has been stopped over alleged ballot stuffing. Four suspects said to be NRM supporters ferried from Kumi and Bukedea districts have been arrested” (…) “NRM electoral commission chairman, Tanga Odoi has been confronted by angry voters at Omalera polling station where some suspects were arrested over ballot stuffing during Soroti East Division parliamentary by-election” (Capital FM Uganda, 28.07.2022).

So, this will be followed up and monitored. This election is an disgrace and just follows an pattern of the state. Who is willing to use all force to “win” and create a “war-zone” to ensure victory. Even when it is far from the truth, but that’s what it does. The NRM cannot win an honest election. They got to use the Police and the state authority to get their people elected. Peace.

Soroti East By-Election: Today Besigye acted like fugitive to attend a FDC rally in Soroti

“Besigye beats heavy security to escape arrest in Jinja. Besigye moved out of his vehicle and entered the cafe before accessing Kyabazinga road, where he jumped on a boda boda which was seen heading towards Iganga” (Rukiga FM, 24.07.2022).

“UPDATE: After a failed attempt by police to stop Dr. Kizza Besigye from going to Soroti earlier today in Jinja, Besigye has found his way to Soroti City East to rally votes for the FDC candidate Attan Moses” (NBS Television, 24.07.2022).

Today should have been about the rallies, the messages and the appearance of popularity for Moses Attan in the Soroti East By-Election. By now the stories are instead focusing on Dr. Kizza Besigye and how the road-blocks around the location where Besigye was eating breakfast in Jinja. The authorities put up road-blocks and tried to arrest the politician as he was planning to participate in the rally ahead of the polls.

However, Besigye had to act like a fugitve. Besigye acted like a man on the run and couldn’t even use his own vehicle. Because, his SUV is now monitored and the movements are certainly followed. If they weren’t following him… why would they know where he was eating and he had to sneak himself away from there?

That is every evident and striking. Besigye have done sort of thing before. Been able to skip through road-blocked and sealed off streets to make a public appearance. Therefore, this isn’t groundbreaking of any sorts. It is however tragic that he has to resort to this.

Whe new are saying Besigye is never really free. It is because of things like this. He is either arrested, whisked away or kept incommunicado. Secondly, taken away for days and detained before arraigned in court. Where a sort of charge and possibly heavy bail conditions are set on him. That’s what is regular and modus operandi of the state.

Besigye knows all of this and that’s why he has to change his plan out of nowhere. Today he did that and people shouldn’t cheer or be happy about this. It just proves that the man doesn’t have the liberty or freedom to participate or be an active politician. Besigye aren’t allowed or is a target for just being who he is. There was nothing illegal in his movements or planned efforts today. His just another FDC leader who is inspiring others.

The authorities are just proving what we have been saying all along. The state is going after its critics and the ones who is dissidents. That is what it does and Besigye happens to be one of them. One of the most vocal voices of reason and that’s why the state fears him. That’s why they are targeting him and going after him in this way.

However, today we shouldn’t cheer that he was able to escape arrest in Jinja. He shouldn’t have had to flee or act as a fugitive in the first place. Besigye should have been able to travel and return from Soroti safely without any trouble or sort of adventurous journey. No, this is just showing the priorities of the state and who they seek to incriminate. Peace.

Soroti East By-Election: Former FDC MP Versus FDC Flag-bearer

“As you recall, I stood in the previous election on the platform of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party. However, on account of the irreconcilable differences in the party and the failure by my current party leadership to appreciate my contribution to the party, I shall NOT seek re-election on the ticket of the party (FDC)” (Herbert Ariko – Press Release, 05.08.2020).

The Soroti East By-Election scheduled for 28^th July 2022 is setting itself up for grabs. The things that is striking isn’t that the National Unity Platform (NUP) has supported and not fielded their own candidate. They are actually acting in unified motion with the opposition. Which has been asked for it for ages. Now they are showing not only words but actions. Yes, their MP Flag-Bearer didn’t get votes, but instead of using energy on a candidate which doesn’t stand a chance. They are instead backing a Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate. So, for a unified opposition their candidate is Moses Attan Okia.

“Although we had very good potential candidates in Soroti, we are doing this in the broader interest of the unity of the Forces of Change. We believe that Hon. Attan legitimately won the previous election which was interrupted by a court decision. Therefore, we shall be supporting him, and rallying the people of Soroti to take him back to Parliament. We are stronger when we come together!” (National Unity Platform, 07.07.2022).

In that regard. The ruling regime has also switched their game up since the General Election in 2021. The National Resistance Movement are sending the same candidate, which they had as a flag-bearer in January 2021. No, they are sending the former FDC MP (2016-2021) and former Independent Candidate Herbert Edmund Ariko. We can rest assure that Jimmy Ekemu will feel shattered by this. Because, his been deliberately knocked out, because the party don’t believe in his candidacy anymore.

We know the NRM is investing in this campaign and will use all means to get there. When Secretary General Richard Todwong, Vice-Chairman of Eastern Region the party Captain Mike Mukula and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa are already in Soroti canvassing voters ahead of the polls.

What the general public can await is the Police Force and the army intervening. Since any By-Election of recent years looks like a war-zone close to the polls. With road-blocks, armed soldiers in the streets and public intimidation to ensure a “NRM” victory.

The Democratic Party is saying they will announce their candidate for the By-Election tomorrow. However, we all know the real game changer is between former FDC MP and the one trying to win the seat a second time the current FDC MP Attan. Therefore, the DP candidate will have as much popularity as the Uganda People’s Congress candidate in 2021. If not become as big as the outcast NRM flag-bearer. Because, I don’t believe they will suddenly have a wind of green coming their way.

It is a reason why Mukula was himself only an MP until 2016. Because, the FDC took over the city and got the mandates from the area. That’s why the NRM is fielding a former FDC candidate for a reason. A candidate that was close in the last polls as an independent. That is political bargaining.

Anyone else challenging the FDC is meeting hardship. Soroti and the region is very blue. It will be hard to muffle that. Nevertheless, don’t expect free and fair elections. No, the NRM can only win with bribes, intimidation and rigging. Which is very common and that’s what they are willing to do. So, expect the same in Soroti later this month. This will not be peaceful, as the state is coming with armed forces and vicious means to prove whose in-charge. Expect arrests of activists, polling agents and anyone associated with the FDC at the latter stage. Especially done at night and raiding of homes, of the registered polling agents and such. That is just what the state does and no one should be shocked by this in 2022. We have seen it’s happening so many times. This here will be no difference.

Soroti East By-Election will be like the previous by-elections. We should be aware and as we follows. Not act like we didn’t’ see it coming. Because this is what they do. Peace.

National Resistance Movement (NRM): The 4th Central Executive Commitee of the National Resistance Movement at its 10th Meeting (08.07.2022)

Ahead of 2021: The NRM repeats itself in true NRM fashion

We are soon in 2021 and the General Elections is upon us again. The new word “Scientific” is the new idea or subject of controversy. However, there are plenty of staples.

Just like President since 1986 picked up nomination forms and paid a few millions to his party. This is so steady and random. We knew this was happening since abolishing term limits in 2005. We all knew this was happening after he abolished age limit in 2017. It was written in stone. This was written in the stars and there was no way a meteor would hit Okello House in Entebbe and stop this from happening.

We are now seeing battles for the National Vice Chairman, which happens every time. This being in the North being the incumbent versus the deputy speaker. In Western someone whose either a relative of the President or the possible elevation of his Muhoozi. In the East being Mukula, Tanna or someone else whose loyal to the cause no matter what. Then in the Central its a free for all and former Lord Mayors or Presidential Advisors wanting this.

We are now also seeing the NRM Electoral Commission doing the ordinary warning to both members and candidates. That they need to run a free and fair election, where they will be victors, as this is the mass party. The party for the ones aiming at the stars, but hitting the moons. The pop-stars of the Republic.

We are also seeing old heads returning to campaign for the party. Even after they lost in the previous election in 2016. This being Kahinda Otafiire or Jim Muhwezi. These are the sort of NRA historicals who cannot step back and lead the youth from behind. They have to be in the front-line act like big-men. Be generals who has to be in the spotlight and be giants. Instead of giving and educating the next generation. No, they are just in it to eat in yet another term. However, these gentlemen who does that follows the sole candidate on top.

The race for 2021 is following a normal pattern. The NRM tries to show off amount of members. It is trying to make headlines with new deflections and MPs going from the Opposition. They want to have positive publicity, even if doesn’t make sense.

We can expect nice SUVs for RDCs and Chiefs, Pastors getting sudden funds and NRM Village Fund will resurface. The NRM will drop the shillings around like beers in and around alcoholics. That’s what the ruling regime will do. As soon as they can campaign now. They will drop facemasks, sanitizers and whatnot. Soap and smaller things to get the voters greased for the polls.

This is what we know. This has been played out for us so many times. The internal “drama” and knifing over smaller positions from the NRM Central Executive Committee to the rest of the Party. To even be flag-bearer in a newly minted district. That just happens every time. There will be former MPs who was disqualified in the Courts return to the polls claiming to have the academic credentials and needs to stand as a candidate in 2021. This will all appear in front of our eyes.

The NRM will repeat itself. It is doing it. Following standards, protocol and the whole thing. The structure is moving and they have the same story. Even the same actors acting up and wanting your attention. They want to suddenly sound democratic and sincere. When the rest of the time they are muffling the opposition and uses the police to policing them.

While they are free campaigning and using the state as a tool for their benefit. That is what they do and the continuation of the Movement continues. It is not cool, but a repetition of the same old thing. Peace.

Opinion: NRM queuing in the line of 1989

It was reported that in February 2019, that the National Resistance Movement – Central Executive Council (NRM -CEC) was proposing to have the NRM Primary Elections of 2020. Where all the members and the general public who would participate in these elections would go behind their lines. By that way decide whose the candidate in the up-coming election in 2021.

That was just a mere report from NRM CEC was reported in the New Vision this: “The Central Executive Committee (CEC) sitting in Entebbe on Thursday discussed the proposed amendments to the NRM Constitution and adopted lining up as a mode of voting during party elections” (New Vision, 24.01.2020). That’s a mere year later and they are really sticking to it.

This time they have made excuses for this lax elections too: “The party leaders extensively discussed the advantages that come along with this proposed amendment some of which include reduction in logistical and financial such as procurement of ballot papers, buckets, indelible ink, pens and basins among other electoral materials, provide a desirable party cohesion because it will be open and transparent and elimination of ghost polling stations” (New Vision, 24.01.2020).

Its like they are initially saying, we are so bad at holding these elections and we don’t trust the NRM Electoral Commission. Especially not that rascal Dr. Tanga Odoi. His a useless tool, but our useless tool. So, we have to abolish ordinary elections. The candidates has to put forward like school-kids in the yard and the ones with the most people behind them. Becomes not only captain, but the class-president. This is how it seems.

Just like in 1989, it was the personal merit, which counted in the National Resistance Council Elections. Now, the same will happen. On the grounds on Election Day. Where the polls will all be open. Where the members and the public in general participating will stand in line behind the person they see most fit or feels the pressure to vote for. This is not secret voting, but a public gathering of people and pressuring them.

The NRM CEC and Delegates Conference should maybe give it a three week notice for the elections. Let the President decide the majority of the Candidates and call it a rewind of the RC Election of 1989. They are queuing like the RC1 did back then. So, the NRM CEC and the President wants a Personality Contest.

What is special is that the liberator is going back to his old tricks to get his cronies behind the wheels. His using the same tools he did in the 1980s. Instead of developing, the NRM and its Secretariat is digressing. This isn’t developing the party, but time travelling back-in-time.

So, the NRM want the public to ‘Walk a fine line’. It’s 34 years in power, 31 years since the first election was held and now they want to repeat that. It is internally, but shows their lack of respect for their members and voters. When they want to continue the “art of peer-pressure”.

We are living in 2020, but the NRM CEC is still in 1989. Maybe, the NRM CEC should buy a Nintendo Gameboy or even watch Lethal Weapon again. So, they can reminisce about that long forgotten time. Instead of pushing old tricks on the public now. The Party of a ruling regime, which is getting closer to 4 decades. Should be able to run a proper election. Not do the same as it did in their inception.

That’s what’s you do when your lost and you got no where else to go. Peace.

Hypocrisy: Capt. Mukula Team holds a Semi-Rally and Concert in Serere District!

Captain Mike Mukula, the owner of Voice of Teso was able to hold rallies in Serere District and concerts sponsored by him too. That all happen under the guise of promoting the radio station with artists like Bebe Cool. Bebe Cool is a official mobilizer for the NRM party. That shows levels of hypocrisy, which the state is in. So, it was a semi-National Resistance Movement rally at the Serere District Headquarters.

That it happen now on the 18^th January 2020. Is really insulting to the troubles of others to hold consultation meetings and do party work itself without any issues. Mukula has been able to gain a lot of power within the leadership and the State House. As his been able to get vast fortunes on corruption scandals, even been serving time in jail for that. Still, his still in the inner circle of power and has never left.

That is why the likes of the Captain and his ‘Voice of Teso’ is allowed to hold concerts and rallies. Even if the grace of the owner and political juggernaut Mukula. While also Bebe Cool was also allowed to address the crowds in Serere District.

That there was no police force, no toilets, no sniffer dogs and not any proof of applications for a formal announcement from the Electoral Commission with notification. Neither, any proof of following the Public Order Management Act (POMA). Since, they just announced the whole trip and promotion tour in Serere, but seemingly needed no paperwork. Even made a concert into a semi-rally. If the FDC or Bobi Wine even did this, they would be ambushed or blocked from doing so.

It shows the double standard. However, that is not new, as the state party can act as they want too. While the opposition has to beg for meeting and greeting outside of campaign season. While the state can organize any sort of function, for any sort of figure of the party and call it a day. That is what this is. As the Voice of Teso is like a privately owned “state radio”, as they working for the things the NRM does too. Peace.