President Museveni letter to Hon. Monica Azuba Ntege – Ruling out external or internal borrowing for development infrastructure (18.09.2019)

Another look into the Oil-Road Cost: “Package 2” Hoima-Butiaba-Wanseko Road!

In the newest report of Oil Roads, which is expected to borrow funds for. The China Exim Bank is supposed to be provider of 85 % of the cost of the operation and building of the roads in these projects. I will only look into one of them, as I have previously looked at this significant one.

This is the Hoima-Butiaba-Wasenko Road. A project that was supposed to start in 2015 and was clocking in funds from the state budgets in 2017. Back in 2015, the road was estimated to cost $126m USD. Today, with the recent report, the same road is costing $179,538m USD. That is jump of nearly $50m in a five years time. In addition, of these bloated funds, 85 % of it will be loaned from China and the rest 15% covered by the Government of Uganda (GoU).

In 2017, this project was designated the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), which signed a deal in January 2016. However, by the time of the report 2019, it is another Chinese Company who has the contract. This is Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CRC) Ltd. With the recent contract, the loans are clearly getting direct back to the Chinese, as their corporations are the ones with the contracts to build. A clever way of borrowing and then getting returns.

With this mind, we can see the changes, see over the years how the price has changed. If Members of Parliament was afraid of the price per kilometre in the past. They should be now. As the changes of price on the same project has changed significantly. There is no doubt, that the Chinese government are getting added loans on each of the packages in this deal. As this is just one of the roads in question.

This is 111km is now costing 659,921,964,460.17UGX in Ugandan terms or 659bn shillings and that equals to about 5,9bn shillings. Therefore, the prices has sky-rocketed and the price per kilometre is abnormal and extremely costly. The overpriced asphalt and the consultation is in absurd levels. The previosly estimated price for this road was about 444bn shillings. Therefore, we can see rising price between the years in both currencies. About 200bn shillings growth in 5 years. 

To many cooks and too few ingredients. They are boiling soup on nails on this one. Wonder how this will end. As I felt in 2017, that the pricing of this particular road was a bit too much, but now they have just escalated it.

We can wonder whose eating, but someone is. We just don’t know who, because there been designated funds to build this one in the past and it has still not commenced. Surely, this road will be built, but at what point. However, with the added loans, the pressure should be on. Also, to secure the oil so it makes financial sense too. That the added value is there. It got to be. Because this project is over the top. This is the real OTT service, paid for by the Chinese and the tab is all taken by the Ugandans. Peace.

Parliament Reports shows Gen. Tumwiine lack of discipline!

“Who is the Speaker? Who is she? What is Parliament? The Speaker rules over Parliament. She does not rule over Uganda. This Country was liberated by the military but not her Parliament. Do not tell me about your Speaker and about your Parliament. The army cannot be directed by civilians.” – Gen. Elly Tumwiine on 23^rd July 2019

We knew something was up as the reports of the altercation in parliament between Hon. Cecilia Ogwal and Gen. Elly Tumwiine on the 23^rd July 2019. What went down where not been sure of, but what the reports are stating and the recommendation from the majority shows why these sorts of things has to be sorted out correctly.

Because, there is always to side to every story and by all means, the culprits, the ones charging against someone. Always or most likely want to look more innocent or more nicer, than they really was. Secondly, in this narrative as the story progress, the historical and the title of Tumwiine comes to haunt his actions. His a many of the army, the rebel outfit NRA and acts like a intolerant rascal. Which is not a good look, especially if his so proud of being an army man. Than, he should keep his cool and show finesse. Alas, that is not the case with an entitled man, who cannot come under question.

That is why these parts of the reports is striking to me. As they show the intent and also the reasons why Tumwiine lack discipline and needs to be reprimanded by the Parliament. Which is a bad look for a General and some of his stature, shows that his not that great after all.

Key aspect of Minority Report:

“Hon. Cecilia Ogwal while in the committee averred that Gen. Elly Turnwine attacked her while sitted in the parliamentary lobby in the presence of some members of parliament. She further contended that the General pointed a finger at her and said “You are a liar, I have never pointed a gun at you”. That the General left and shortly came back and repeated the same words. That Hon. Gen. Elly Turnwine being a General of the UPDF, she apprehended fear for the safety of her life and the entire family” (Minority Report, 2019)

Key aspect of Majority Report:

Hon. Ogwal statement – “On what Hon. Gen. Tumwine said to make her feel threatened, she responded that, He said: ” You are lying, I did not pull a gun at you. You are a liar.” She also informed the Committee that his body language obviously displayed fury and agitation which scared her and the people around her. They anticipated a physical attack. She further said that if anything happened to her or any of the members of her family she would know that Hon. Gen. Tumwine was involved. She wondered why he would attack her twice with no provocation. She informed the Committee that she felt her life was threatened by the assault of a top military leader, aware of the fact that in the recent past many prominent Ugandans have been killed in unclear circumstances in this country. Her health was also affected as indicated by her blood pressure which continued to rise and could be controlled by medication since the incident of 23rd July 2019” (Majority Report, 2019).

“Hon. Gen. Tumwine was pointing at Hon. Ogwal and leaning over her. He was almost poking her eye. Hon. Adong said she was so scared, more so with the fact that she grew up during the wars in Northern Uganda” (Majority Report, 2019).

Conclusions:

“The House adopts the resolution to reprimand or admonish the Member; The Member to be reprimanded or admonished is ordered by the Speaker to stand at the Bar of the House. In the event that the Member is not in the Chamber at the time, the Member may be called in to receive the reprimand or admonition forthwith, or may be ordered to attend the House the following day or some later day (except if the House chooses to reprimand the Member in absentia). The Committee’s recommendation that the Member stand at the Bar is based on the precedent set by Rule 90(2)of our Rules of Procedure, where an apology is made at the Bar” (Majority Report).

Now we have to wait and see if Speaker Kadaga will force an apology out of the General. That would show some real character of him. Not that it suits him or his ego, but surely would show some humility. Which is not a word I would commonly use for a man Elly’s stature. Because, his more ruthless and direct. He doesn’t spare anyone and everyone should be his servants.

That is why his addressing the rest of the Parliament as mere civilians, who shouldn’t dare to insult his authority as the army of both liberation and now currently safeguarding the public. That is the sort of man Tumwiine is.

We can clearly see that Majority is displeased and concerned by the actions made by Tumwiine, which acted as brute within the chambers of Parliament. Instead of feeling the room, he went straight for Hon. Ogwal. Which even intimidated the ones around her. That shows what sort of play he did. That is why he should think of his actions and his words. Because, they matter and causes a stir. He could show finesse, could show character, but don’t expected.

His NRA entitlement will overboard any civility out of a man like Tumwiine. He will only loot, conquer and eat. He will not do an apology, unless the President sends him a order to do so. Peace.

Reference:

The Parliamentary Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline – In the Matter of Hon. Cecilia Ogwal and Hon. Atkins Katusabe Versus Gen. Elly Tumwine (25.08.2019)

Parliament of Uganda – REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES, PRIVILEGES AND DISCIPLINE ON AN INQUIRY INTO ALLEGATIONS AGAINST GENERAL ELLY TUMWINE, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT REPRESENTING UGANDA PEOPLE’S DEFENCE FORCES (UPDF) AND MINISTER FOR SECURITY (August 2019)

Uganda: Salary Enhancement for Public Servants (01.08.2019)

Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU): Update on the Teachers’ Industrial Action (28.06.2019)

Uganda National Teachers’ Union: Clarification on Expected Salary Increment for Teachers in FY 2010/20 (28.05.2019)

Uganda National Teachers’ Union – UNATU Agrees with Government to find Money for Teachers’ Salary Enhancement in FY 2019/20: In the meantime suspends Industrial Action for One Term (26.05.2019)

Uganda National Teachers’ Union: Brief Highlights on the Teachers’ Industrial Action Effective 20th May 2019 (22.05.2019)

Opinion: Supplementary Waste to the State House!

We know President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is someone whose eating of the plate of the government, that is practically his job. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is praising this as a government tour, where they are even asking local pledges for the upkeep as they did in Moyo Town, where his scheduled later this week. This whole Manifesto Week and continued Tour is an extravagance the Republic cannot manage and was certainly not budget for. As the State House is now asking Parliament for more funds.

The President is asking for Ush. 17,5bn shillings or about $4,6 million USD for this enterprise, where his indulging himself and his comrades in every valley and creek of the Republic. Where the is known steps of typical NRM campaigning of voter tourism, as they pay participants, give them free t-shirts and offers small gifts to participate. Because, he cannot generate crowds out of popularity. They have to be paid and be ferried there.

Just take a look:

“State House requested for additional supplementary request Shs 33,282,235,000, the breakdown is as follows: Shs 15,700,000,000 for classified expenditure . Shs 17,582,235,000 for H.E the President’s field operations including accommodation and feeding of the teams that accompanying the President; fuel and other logistical expenditure, by the President during the country wide tours” (ADDENDUM TO THE BUDGET COMMITTEE REPORT ON SUPPLEMENTARY EXPENDITURE SCHEDULE LES NO.1 AND NO.2 FOR 2018/19, May 2019).

That is what the state boils down to the MPs Cecilia Ogwal Atim and Muwanga Kivumbi are loyal subjects professing the pledges and the needs, even signing off on the report. They have no boundaries and no levels of pity. As the NRM and Museveni does to this to show strength and get “endorsed” everywhere.

Of the first part of the report, only 9 out 30 MPs in the Committee signed of to these arrangements, so certainly the popularity of paying these funds to the President wasn’t there. What is special also in the report for this funding, is that the MPs are reasoning out why he needs the funding for the Tour his doing, but none for the Classified, because that is not needed. He can spend that on IPOD Delegation or whatever, because who knows where that money goes. Since its all classified and doesn’t need any recommendation, not even from the lawmakers whose job is to verify and check the accuracy of the needs for this.

I will end with the funniest and most Point Blank statement from the report: “Failure for State House to ensure that the president operates within approved budgets sets a bad precedence”. Just let that sink in, as his most likely getting an added payday by default. Peace.

Mwenda’s recent Illusions of the ‘FDC versus NRM’ doesn’t make sense!

There are certain members of the media atmosphere, that is so deluded and so paid-off by the National Resistance Movement, that their vision is blurred. If someone would believe that this fellow was drinking or even lack of memory, than people would have believed that, since his reasoning is so far fetched and forged together. So, that the elitism and the favorable view is so in the open. That no matter what the Opposition would do. It would be wrong, anyone standing in the way of the NRM. They are vicious people and vindictive to be supporting the cause of toppling the dictatorship. However, that is the vision of Andrew Mwenda, the Independent Magazine owner and writer. The man whose lost his way, today. I will take extract of his two recent rants on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). I just have to scrutinize them, as they deserve.

First on disintegration of the FDC:

“Besigye himself did not start out as a radical extremist. However he adopted this position in order to keep the loyalty of his base. These radical extremists believe in a politics of blackmail, insults, lies and intimidation to get their way. They represent a worse alternative to President Yoweri Museveni’s politics of corruption and patronage. For all his faults, Museveni represents a more enlightened politics than Besigye and his extremists. He is to some degree liberal democratic – to a good extent – he has some tolerance of and respect for free speech and other liberal democratic values. But the radical extremists are fascists” (Mwenda, 2018).

This little extract shows how narrow-minded Mwenda has become, if that is in his own high esteem or his lack of vision. That he has to figure out a way to narrowly escape the perjury of his own mind. What we can see, is that no matter what Museveni does, it will be better than Besigye. Even if Museveni has all powers and made a crappy patronage system, that will be better than the FDC and Besigye ever will be. Even if no one has ever tried or succeeded in doing so. Therefore, just by this mere impasse, his reasoning are falling flat.

Secondly, how can liberal democratic values turn into fascists? Where in his right mind does this work out? It is just like reading political voodoo again. The mismatch of political in a petri-dish and use of tools to create an imaginary Nessie in the midst of Lake Albert. Because that is what Mwenda here does. If your members and supporters of Besigye, your fascists, by his reckoning, which is in itself a disgrace. As the Besigye supporters aren’t violent brown-shirt or ethnic cleansing individuals, even the P10 in diaspora isn’t supporting an armed struggle against the Museveni. So where in the mind of Mwenda makes these ideas. He surely need therapy or more schooling, because this doesn’t make sense.

FDC’s radical extremism:

“Here has been the tragedy of the struggle for democracy in Africa. Claims by any group opposed to a dictatorial government to be fighting for democracy are taken on face value. Its internal operations and the behaviour of its leaders and members are rarely questioned. And in many cases these groups have captured power and produced governments that are worse than those they overthrew. The lesson for Uganda is simple but fundamental: denouncing Museveni’s dictatorial tendencies is not enough to make a political movement liberal-democratic. Its modus operandi is more critical. FDC is the best positioned party to capture power from NRM. The radical extremists are its strongest faction in FDC. Hence a capture of power by FDC would be a victory for radical extremism and a danger to democracy in Uganda. Whatever the democratic deficits manifest inside NRM, Museveni individually and his party and government generally are fairly tolerant and liberal-minded. I built my career as a journalist exposing the rot in his government alongside its dictatorial tendencies. Yet throughout this period I frequently visited Museveni at State House and we argued over our differences. He would come to my radio show. He would telephone me to express disagreement over opinions or facts I had written. The same applies to NRM and UPDF leaders. They were regular guests on my radio show and my major sources of information” (Mwenda, 2018).

It is weird again that someone would be danger to democracy, while the other one are keeping a narrow hold of power in the State House. That is why someone whose been into power for 32 years are no problem for democracy, but the ones in opposition will cause havoc. That even without proof of it. This is just peddling lies and deception. That Mwenda says NRM are liberal and tolerant minded, why does everyone has to follow the guidance of Museveni and the ones who doesn’t get demoted.

If the NRM was so liberal and tolerant minded, why the NRM rebels get demoted? Why did the leadership throw out Mbabazi, Bukenya and others because of their ambitions? Mwenda, why doesn’t you mention that? While the FDC has had three Party Presidents by now since its inception since 2005, while the NRM since 1986 has had one in command from the State House. There has been lack of control from others.

So, therefore it is special, that ones ordering the army and police to be able to control power, have trouble with supporters of the opposition. This is just weird, that the NRM are okay with its mistakes, but the FDC will become fascists and extremists, but the armed military government of NRM are fine and dandy. If you don’t see flaws in that reasoning, than your right and Mwenda is off the chains.

We can clearly see the brilliant mind or the wacked head of Mwenda. His own head must be a battlefield, as the lack of reasoning and mental breakdown of the defense of Museveni is in the open. It is just like accepting the dictator and making the opposition criminal hoodlums. Not complaining about the ones ordering the killing, but saying the ones reporting the killings as the ill of society. That is what Mwenda is doing these days.

If you know, you know. Peace.

Reference:

Andrew M. Mwenda – ‘The likely defeat of FDC’s radical extremism’ (13.08.2018)

Andrew M. Mwenda – ‘The disintegration of FDC’ (11.08.2018)