
There are sometimes you wonder why certain things take so long and why they just have not happen already. Today is not such a day, since it was late last week that the Hon. Raphael Magyezi of Igara West allowed to seek leave to finish his bill. It seems like he was already before the vote last week and prepared with the finished product. Because today, the Member of Parliament is ready for reading. This without the suspended opposition MPs, who either has their house ambushed with grenades, detained on public transports or directly taken from their homes.
There is nothing subtle about this act or bill, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), are dwelling at Sheraton Hotel to deal with the ones who might vote against it. To see if they can list them, so they don’t get their cash-out, like the loyal MPs to the President does get. In addition, that Don Wanyama proclaims that Opposition leaders gathered at City Blue Restaurant at Nakasero, where they was discussing the way forward. These fellow leaders was Mugisha Muntu, Olara Otunnu, Winni Kiiza and Norbert Mao. Who knows what these fellows discussed.
Since Dr. Kizza Besigye house was blocked, Robert Kyagulanyi been arrested by the famous police van, Hon. Karuhanga and Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi got detained in the same car. Ingrid Turinawe was arrested again earlier today. Hon. Francis Mwijukye on the way to the Parliament in a taxi, was stopped, but not arrested as they only confiscated his red-ribbon. Lord Mayor of Kampala, Erias Lukwago arrested at his home, like the last time the bill was up for Plenary. Clearly, the Police is busy cracking down on dissidents today.
Robert Kyagulanyi stated this towards the intimidation today:
“GRENADES have for the second time in two days been thrown at my house and exploded. Property damaged and no one hurt! But what kind of country are we now living in? I had decided to ignore the blasts and these threats, but it seems they are now getting real. Let me announce to the whole world that these past days I have been receiving death threats on an almost daily basis. I have also been advised by some friends who know more than I know that I should be very careful what I eat or drink, how I drive and from where, whom I meet, even who touches me while I go to Parliament. Apparently something could be done to me during the kind of scuffle that happened when state agents invaded the Parliamentary chamber! Reason? Opposing the removal of age limits in the Constitution! Anonymous calls targeting not only me but my family as well. I have been told that if I don’t leave that thing a lone, I will just be terminated or disabled. These are cowardly acts which must be condemned by all people of good conscience. We are not involved in war. We are just citizens who are interested in a good country for ourselves and the generations to come. WE SHALL NOT BE INTIMIDATED. Let them know that NOTHING can stop an idea whose time has come. If you kill one me, perhaps a thousand more will rise up. The world is watching!” (Kyagulanyi, 03.10.2017).
Just so show how blunt the Police Force was today about their motives, they even stopped the critical NRM MP Muhammed Nsereko from appearing and he was blocked from being part of the Plenary Session today. Certainly, if they tried to go, the ones on the Uganda Police Force list of 28th September 2017, they would all get into trouble.
While the kingmaker himself has been posing with youths who support his cause:
“In other news: Kick Age Limit Out of the Constitution(KALOC) youths pose for a picture with President Yoweri Museveni” (The Observer, 03.10.2017).
Because there is no money involved or any kinds of tricks into play when these sort of gatherings happens, just like in the recent rallies and recent election, when crowds was bought with money, food and t-shirts. Therefore, they could all bash in the glory of Museveni, as the new coined term – voter tourism became a thing.
No surprise when this happen after the first reading of the bill:
“The Constitution (Amendment) Bill has been tabled & referred to the committee on Legal and Parliamentary affairs” (NTV Uganda, 03.10.2017). “MP Magyezi Tables #AgeLimit Bill in Parliament. This afternoon Hon Raphael Magyezi of Igara West has tabled his Constitution Amendment Bill for first reading. The Bill has been sent to the committee on legal and Parliamentary affairs. The rules of procedure require the committee to consider the bill within 45 days. The Opposition MPs were absent in the house following the suspension of some and the ongoing boycott by others” (Parliament Watch Uganda, 03.10.2017).
In Ordinary lingo:
That means the NRM Caucus together with friendly forces will meet, discuss and find out when and how they will benefit. When they will meet in the State House, to hear the proposal and possible pay out. So that the forking out of cash flow can come in time for the second reading and the votes. The Second reading will either be in the end of this week or early next one. Since this will be landslide and secure funding of new suits and ties to all of them.
So the Police and the authorities is on the tale of the opposition and opposing MPs. They are arch-criminals in the eyes of the state. They are followed and some are even in the line of fire. Meaning they are getting grenades thrown at their houses. There are no stones left untouched for this system at the moment.
This tale of the Age Limit is far from over, there will be more arrest, more intimidation and more propaganda like the ones with the KALOC group suddenly appearing when needed. To show “support” of it. Even if it is real, unless they stomachs are hurting and need some quick cash, just like the NRM MPs. They all must be starving for having the capacity to sell the country to Museveni and in this speed! Peace.