Opinion: Nabilah it isn’t the process, but its all on you

Nabilah Naggayi Sempala is most likely coming third in the Lord Mayoral Race of Kampala. Incumbent Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago seems to be supreme yet again. Even as Lukwago has gone all the way from the Democratic Party (DP) to become a Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate. However, that has been in the wood-works for so long, as his been a steady ally of Dr. Kizza Besigye. Therefore, the political change in the sense of Lukwago is a manner of integrity.

While Nabilah who has gone from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) where she had been the Kampala Woman MP and now went into the election with a bogus method. There is nothing that make it seem legit from the outside. Yes, the FDC wasn’t all good with process and the agreements made with Lukwago. Just like Nabilah didn’t want to challenge Dr. Stella Nyanzi. Who also came third in the race for Kampala Woman MP on the 14^th January 2021.

Nevertheless, Nabilah is questioned for her actions and her meal-ticket ways. I was against her standing for the National Unity Platform (NUP) for Lord Mayor. That wasn’t because of Latif Ssebagala who was first vetted to be the Lord Mayoral Candidate for the NUP. He dropped out and instead decided to stand as an Independent. Nevertheless, that man lost his election as Independent too. As the NUP candidate won that election in that Constituency, where Latif was the incumbent MP.

The NUP did in their first round of vetting ensure Latif, but they did also drop Jose Chameleone who also wanted to be the Lord Mayoral Candidate. Who had gone from being the DP Mobilizer to become a NUP Member. Still, the NUP didn’t take him in or give him an opportunity. No, they ditched him.

Instead with all of this. The now outcast within the FDC, Nabilah suddenly went over to NUP and became the appointed Lord Mayoral Candidate. So, the whole process was hectic. Nabilah had already tried to get her way in the FDC. But, that didn’t work out and she tried to challenge the one who had secret agreement within the FDC.

That didn’t work out, apparently. The voters doesn’t trust Nabilah. That isn’t because of the NUP. It is because of how Nabilah is playing around at election time. Nabilah did the same in 2016. When she was jumping between stages with Mbabazi (Go Forward), President Museveni and returning to the nomination of Besigye (FDC).

So, if people looking for someone to believe in or think they are working for something bigger then themselves. Then the likes of Nabilah isn’t the character you think off. She is trying to finesse the game and get ahead. Trying to find her place to ensure a secure office. Not that the office or service matters. As long as she is part of a movement with momentum. That is why she double dipped and suddenly turned red from blue over night.

What is really striking is that Daniel Kazibwe, the NRM Lord Mayor came before Nabilah. The Salim Selah operative is more popular and supported then Nabilah. This is from the same city she has represented as Woman MP and they don’t see her as viable.

This is the third term of Lukwago and second party doing it. He shows strength and that the city believes in him. The way Kampala politics is… they need a veteran and someone who knows the hectic mess, President Museveni have made. That has been done to clear oversight and to many chefs in the kitchen.

Nabilah can cry foul, but she should know its all on her. A cynical meal-ticket politician who has been revealed and she doesn’t have the ability to change. The only thing she can do is to create headlines, but not be a loved character. It is actually tragic, but she should look into herself and maybe do some soul searching before she finds a new home. Peace.

Opinion: I don’t trust Chameleone’s mission in the NUP…

Joseph Mayanja aka Jose Chameleone only last year left the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The man of the President. A man who has participated in rallies and singed songs for the regime for years. Suddenly last year in early July 2019 joined the Democratic Party and Mao gave him the role of Chief Mobilizer.

Today, he was announced as the Lord Mayoral Aspirant for Kampala for the National Unity Platform. Which means that Chameleone have within a year gone from the NRM to DP and final destination NUP.

Gone all red from yellow and for a hot minute green. This man is doing everything. Maybe by the time of 2021 he will try to join FDC. Just so he can say he was blue as well. No, I am just kidding. He will not go there, as he will not challenge incumbent Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Who has also left the DP for another party.

For Bobi Wine this isn’t a victory. This here isn’t something to celebrate. Even if Bobi Wine is cheering and smiling as he welcomes Chameleone to the team. By all means, this yet another back handed slap at the DP. However, this man is just trying to find a flag to be relevant under. Chameleone doesn’t seem legit.

Nothing about his time in politics seems sincere. He is now red on the outside, but I still believe his yellow on the inside. Sort of like a mango. He should sing songs for Uganda Telecom and Splash. Not be a Lord Mayoral candidate. I cannot think of anything he stands for or cares about. Unless, leeching on whatever that is popping at any given moment.

This man has today gotten an easier ride without really having to struggle to do so. His just getting the umbrella, but without any real cost. Not like Chameleone have really invested time or energy in the DP. It is like everything he does is a publicity stunt.

Chameleone got to go head to head with Lukwago now. The others will not be in the same bracket. His the Ragga Dee of NUP. I don’t see how they will beat the two times Lord Mayor and former MP.

So, he wants to recreate himself again. This time in the vision of NUP and be under the wings of Bobi Wine. Because, he understands that there is little to no wheels helping the road ahead in DP. This is why he fled the scene and became an NUPer today. However, it is not a winning team this here.

Chameleone does this only for selfish reasons. I don’t see this a viable entry. His just using the flag, the party and the swagger of Bobi Wine. This is all just a ploy for him. Shopping the best opposition house to run on. Not because he believes in it, but because it helps his candidacy.

Chameleone have changed his colours so easily. Gone from yellow last year into green. This year gone from green to red. Who wonders what he does next, but don’t expect a magic wand or something unique.

This man will sound like everyone around him. Do what he can to fit in and be like them. However, I doubt he is, because of all the years he was on the payroll of the regime. This is just a another publicity stunt and his hoping the naive is flying high on it. However, I doubt this will help him much against Lukwago, except giving him some sort of credibility as an opposition candidate. Still, people like me doesn’t believe the man. Peace.

Opinion: Sorry Jose, I’m not buying it!

“This is a new crusade. They branded us thugs but it was because we trusted them and they left us poor. In 1986, I was like 6 or 7 years when they took over and welcomed him(Museveni) as our darling but has let us down and people have lost hope in the country” (…) “I am in this struggle with you and not because of any financial gains. If I wanted money I would have gone to board the bus (NRM) because they have money. I am here to tell you that I am one of you.” (Jose Chameleone, 16.07.2019)

Even as Joseph Mayanja aka Jose Chameleone held his first Presser as the National Mobilizer in the Democrat Party Block or DP Block today. He said this scripted words, as he later been arrested by the authorities, first held at Kampala Metropolitan Police Station to be transferred to his own bar.

The real dying question is about his loyalty. Because, this man seemingly has no message, no sort of drive or political stance. The only things that pops up, is the money question. So therefore, I cannot buy his defiance against the President. A man that has paid this man for ages, years and even through his whole career. Not only the campaign song of 2016. No, long, long time, way back when.

Therefore, the whole opposition thing and becoming a standing principled lad in contrast to the President. I have a hard time believing. It doesn’t really matter, what words or play he puts forward. If it is a skit or song, its still seem like a façade. Not the real deal.

We know his not the real deal, as the newsflashes are coming as I am writing. He apologized to the authorities about his remarks. That President Museveni let the people down. He was sincerely apologetic and didn’t mean it. That is why they let him off the hook.

This shows what sort of man he is, a weasel, no a Chameleon in true fashion. He switches depending on what he needs to do. His nickname is his traits and that’s why I cannot trust this man.

I am not buying it, that Jose is a REAL OPPOSITION. No his a fake and fraud, his playing for the guards, hoping some naïve idiots takes the bait. That is who he is. Nothing else. It is that simple. Peace.

Opinion: Chameleone isn’t green, his heart bleads yellow!

Don’t let Joseph Mayanja aka Jose Chameleone fool you by being the endorsed by the Democratic Party for the Lord Mayoral Candidate in Kampala for the General Election in 2021. His still the yellow fellow with loyalty to President Yoweri Museveni. This man is not an opposition guy, the guy who stood by and supported Museveni all these years. This musician, who have been eating of the campaigns and the support of the Presidency. He would never give that up.

That is why his just using the DP together with his brother Pallaso to have another flag behind him. Even if he is a loyalist to Museveni, which he has shown in the past. I do not believe he will ever go away from that, since he for over a decade stood by the Presient.

That is why it’s a front with the People Power fatigue and the DP Green flag-bearer behind him. The supposed feud with Ragga Dee, the previous candidate for Lord Mayor for the NRM. Which is just fitting, as two musicians possibly stands for the seat to beat twice incumbent Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, the People’s Government representative and former DP candidate too.

That is why Chameleone picks the DP, because they have won the seat before, not the NRM. Who haven’t had a shot in a while. His not stupid, even if his bar get closed for lacking funds, he is not paying his taxes on time and so forth. Still, his smart enough to now the gist and have the team behind him.

That is why Jose picks the DP. Not because his against the NRM or the President. No, he picks them to suck enough people in and get a machinery behind him. Even if that is Bwanika and few other misfits, they will still be better, than having the same surroundings as Ragga Dee had. Who couldn’t push him through the finish line last time in 2016!

That is why the musician turned politician have picked the DP. Not because he believes in the DP, but because he wants the NRM-lite behind him. He knew the UPC have nothing in Kampala. He knows the UFA and the Farmers Party isn’t really there, not even JEEMA. That is why he picked membership and endorsement from the DP.

Anyone else can be fooled by Chameleone, but you shouldn’t, his just trying to fit the bill that Ragga Dee couldn’t last time. Jose trying to be smart and use other paths to glory. The DP is just an engine, as he will not be compromised and act like his departed from the NRM. When, he really always have been a supporter and been someone behind the President. Because, by doing so, he knows that pays-off.

He can lie, he can play on stage, he can use the microphone and entertain, he can even write fantastic songs, but he cannot deceive the masses. He is the Chameleon, who tries to be green, but we all know deep in his heart, he is a yellow mellow fellow. Peace.

Chameleone launching his Mayoral Aspiration: A man of the President!

The problems I have are more than the 400 million the President gave to artists, I’m paying mortgages…I also have a right to do what I want, I know Besigye, I know Amama but my man is Museveni” – Jose Chameleone 24^th October 2015

Musician Joseph Mayanja alias Jose Chameleone has for years performed for National Resistance Movement functions and campaigns. Chameleone done so since at least 2010 in Kabale, when he did it for the NRM Flag-bearer. He was also a major part of the musical acts who performed on concerts before the Presidential Campaigns of 2015 and in 2016. Therefore, by his actions, we know his a loyalist of the President.

Why do I say this, well, he launched his Mayoral Candidacy in Kampala for the upcoming General Election 2021. The NRM tried the same tactic with Gen. Salim Selah’s friend Daniel Kazibwe aka Ragga Dee, who ran as Mayoral Candidate in the General Election in 2016. So, Kampala have seen this sort of actions done by the NRM. This is a populist way of trying to cover all bases.

However, Chameleone have been a Museveni for so long. He sent him a congratulation message after the General Election in 2016. In this manner, his been similar to Bebe Cool, whose is also a vocal supporter of the President. So, if you think Jose will sway away from this, it is just for show. Because, his been eating the NRM Money and campaigned for the President for so long. Even said his been humbled by greeting the President. Therefore, don’t expect him to deep digging into the politics, as his been paid millions of shillings to perform for the ruling regime.

Even if Chameleone runs as an Independent, his is NRM in action and spirit. This should be known, even if the launch of yesterday are not proving a manifesto or any sort of pledge of what he wants to do. Surely, he just want to be a populist major for the ruling party, instead of someone whose representing the citizens of Kampala like Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. That is why the NRM needs candidates like this to even try to challenge him.

Don’t expect Captain Francis Babu to repeat failure again. Maybe, even Ragga Dee want to challenge Chameleone. But we don’t know, if the NRM Primaries going to down before the upcoming elections.

Don’t expect the likes of me to celebrate a candidate like this. His a screwed and loyal ways to the President. Chameleone will be a selfish leader, whose there only for own gains. That is why his defending his part of the previous campaign, as a monetary gain to earn a living. While, he is initially a big supporter of Museveni. I haven’t heard him or seen any writing confessing to think otherwise.

If, you support this man, your indirectly supporting the President. That is an FYI. Peace.

UN Experts Report expose illegal Gold Export to Uganda!

Again and again, the UN Experts are getting validated sources of mineral exports, which are ending up in the hands of the Gold Refinery in Entebbe, Uganda and ending in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. These stories continues, as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni are taking advantage of the lack of authorities and control of the borders. That is why the Ugandan can get the illicit gold and earn fortunes of the trade.

They are forging documents and doing so by tricking customs and ways. To ensure, the gold goes from Bukavu to Entebbe into the hands of the AGR. The company, which happens to run by Gen. Salim Selah, the brother of the President. The State House of Uganda is earning fortunes on the illicit trade of gold and forging the gold sources even.

Take a look:

“In addition, the Group found that Ugandan authorities lacked a coherent policy to combat smuggling. The Group also found that Kampala-based gold exporters did not have an efficient system to avoid the contamination of their supply chains with illegally traded gold from the Democratic Republic of the Congo” (…) “In fact, documents concerning a supplier for AGR obtained by the Group show the risk of contamination of the supply chain with gold illegally sourced or traded from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The supplier, a Congolese national based in Bukavu who provided AGR, in October 2018, with gold worth more than $3 million, travelled with an official document, delivered five months earlier, identifying his occupation as that of an electrician. The supplier declared to AGR that the gold was sourced from the United Republic of Tanzania. Initial investigations conducted by the Group suggested that the individual was used as a broker by many Bukavu-based gold smugglers” (UNSC, 2018).

We have seen these stories before, its still vital and important to show, yet more evidence of the illegal export and illicit trading of the Congolese gold through Ugandan exporters, which happens to be in connection with the President and his brother Gen. Selah. This is common knowledge, but has to be addressed. As the ownership of the AGR is known and also, how that implicates the State House.

This is just a few statements of what they do, but still enough to prove how they do it. As this is very fresh reports and just out from the UNSC and their experts. Peace.

Reference:

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) – ‘Letter dated 18 December 2018 from the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo addressed to the President of the Security Council’ (31.12.2018)

The Sentry’s new report have been digging into the export of conflict Gold to the Gold Refinery in Entebbe!

“The conflict gold trade sustains ruthless armed groups such as the FDLR and Congolese army units that commit mass atrocities, sexual violence, and other human rights abuses against the population of eastern Congo. It is critical that actors in the international community, especially global banks that trade gold and the consumers of gold, know the origins of the precious metal they are buying. More importantly, governments and companies need to take action against the corporate networks that traffic conflict gold and move it into the global economy” (The Sentry, P: 20, 2018)

Just as the Global Witness Report of June 2017 named “Under Mined” and United Nations Security Council Report from June 2018 named “Final report of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo”. Today, the Sentry launched today the report named “The Golden Laundromat”. They are all digging into the illegal and sinister gold trade of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the possible money laundering scheme of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his brother Gen. Salim Selah. Who is both invested in this operation.

This report is again stating the fact and the reality with this trade. As the Sentry is proving new perspective to the matter. These being their analysis of the documentation of the operation and more into the Goetz business practices, which are vital for the export of these conflict minerals. They are showing the trail from the fields and mines in the DRC to the World Market.

Here is some quotes, which I think was worth taking a minute to digest:

“According to interviews conducted and documents obtained by The Sentry, there is a significant risk that AGR sources conflict gold from eastern Congo, and that it imports illegally exported artisanal gold mined in eastern Congo. In 2017, according to documents reviewed by The Sentry, AGR refined and exported 9.3 tons of gold, although the company says it exported 7.7 tons. Several people involved in the trade of Congolese gold with direct knowledge of AGR’s operations told The Sentry that the company sources gold from conflict-affected parts of eastern Congo. Two prominent gold smugglers in eastern Congo acknowledged they sold illegally mined and trafficked gold to AGR from 2016-18, which two South Kivu-based traders confirmed” (The Sentry, P: 8, 2018).

“Furthermore, there is at least reason to suspect that AGR buys gold. Trade insiders told The Sentry that AGR buys gold, and Goetz reportedly decides on the price paid to traders, as well as arranging terms and scheduling of payment. Ugandan export records indicate that AGR exports gold: it exported 9.3 tons of gold in 2017, although AGR says it exported 7.7 tons. Goetz’s original AGR project proposal sent to President Museveni in 2014 calls into question the company’s commitment to due diligence. In the document, Goetz, on behalf of Tony Goetz NV, states that AGR should attract gold from the region and that any gold traders who do not have official documents should be allowed to sell gold to AGR but pay a $500 penalty” (…) “From Uganda, AGR’s gold flows to other Goetz-controlled companies in Dubai. The DMCC was scheduled to audit another company in the Goetz network, Tony Goetz NV, in 2017, but no new audit report has been published. Despite the lack of an updated audit, Tony Goetz NV remains a Dubai Good Delivery (DGD) member today. It had passed the DMCC’s audit on responsible practices in 2015 based on its 2014 activities – before AGR was launched” (The Sentry, P: 13, 2018).

“According to documents reviewed by The Sentry, Goetz sought the intercession of President Museveni in 2014 in order to gain a 10-year tax break for AGR. Three years later, that became a reality when President Museveni announced a pending zero percent tax rate essentially benefitting only AGR. This, in turn, potentially relates to a fourth FATF AML red flag that is applicable to the Goetz network: registration of a trading company in a tax haven even though its business relates to another jurisdiction. While Uganda is not a traditional tax haven, as a practical matter, it presently serves as one for gold refining since Uganda changed its tax structures on gold to attract gold companies” (The Sentry, P: 17, 2018).

What we are seeing as some would be shocked, other would see the deliberate action of the President to support and earn of the illegal gold trade, also ensure the business in Uganda. That the DRC can be used and illegally export the gold, where the business-partner are acting on behalf of the President that has made the arrangement for the refinery in Uganda. This has been done, while also giving AGR a tax-holiday, so that the production will not be taxed and neither able to follow ordinary customs. That means the President and brother together with Goetz knows perfectly well what happens from the DRC to the World Market. They are earning fortunes on the illegal gold trade and is single-handed securing the profits because of it.

The Sentry has done great work collecting the documentation for this and proving their allegations. As others has done to of late. They have extended their work and shown more meat to the bones. Making it a juicy stake. That is showing the acts of violence and killings in the DRC are benefiting the Ugandan President to this day. He is earning wealth on the misery of the Kivu’s, as they by doing this trade keeping up the in-security there. So, that the illegal gold trade can persist… and linger on.

President Museveni knows this and blames the MONUSCO still for being there to long. But his reach and his hands are in the cookie jar. As it has been since he supported Laurent Kabila to overthrow Mobutu. Peace.

Reference:

The Sentry – ‘The Golden Laundromat – The Conflict Gold Trade from Eastern Congo to the United States and Europe’ October 2018

Kampala is a political mess: That is not Musisi’s fault!

That the political map and the organization in and around Kampala is frustrating. Is because there is first the Kampala Capital City Authority, who is a legal administration and Executive Director Jennifer Musisi. The Second there is the elected City Hall with the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and the Divisions and Wards. Thirdly is the Ministry of Kampala and the State Minister Beti Kamya. Fourthly is the Members of Parliament representing the Capital City itself and the fifth the Presidential Advisor for Kampala Singh Katangole. Plus you have the added interference of the State House and the President, who micro-manage everywhere and especially in the Capital.

When you see this and the stages, you knew Jennifer Musisi had a hard job. Surely it was easier when she and the Minister Frank Tumwebaze impeached the Lord Mayor in 2013. So, they settled the score and one less item to pass through. Because you don’t need to be a wise-guy to understand there are to many cooks and to many procedures to do anything in Kampala.

You don’t only has the elected from the Wards to the Lord Mayor, the ones elected in Parliament with their reasons and wants of change. The KCCA has their jurisdiction, the City Hall has their, the Ministry orders people around and the Presidential advisor says whatever he says to the President, who suddenly intervenes as well. That is why I have always been worried about Kampala.

The hierarchy and the political landmines are everywhere. There are no leeway, as the monitoring and the checks and balances comes into question. The KCCA answers to the Ministry and orders the City Hall. The City Hall is ordered by both the KCCA and Ministry, while the City Hall is trying to have a saying in the KCCA and the Ministry, without getting anywhere. As they are both acting as the City Hall is a symbolic enterprise. Instead of having elected leadership to make changes, the President has appointed the KCCA and the Ministry to try to evaporate the City Hall. To some extent they have managed that.

We know that even the Division Mayors have wondered what their tasks are, as they have little or less to do. As well, as the Lord Mayor are feeling override by the KCCA. The KCCA was established to counter the opposition and get in their way. Combined with the Ministry of Kampala, they are never giving space and when the State House orders the Minister. The whole chaos are happening. Like the kicking out of vendors from Owino Park Yard. This was done by the will of State House on decree by the Minister and met with hostile reception from the Lord Mayor. This is a sign of a messed up system and not of building a better Kampala.

There are too many cooks and for a reason. The President wanted to ensure the value of the elected leadership get as low as possible, while his loyal minions will overcome them. That is seemingly working, but must be tiring and Musisi gave up battling with the Ministry, State House and City Hall. That is unforgiving job, but she carried it and did what the President wanted her to do. The only thing she didn’t manage was to usher Ragga Dee in as Lord Mayor. Peace.

KCCA Press Statement on the cancellation of Kampala City Festival (12.09.2018)

KCCA: Management of Wandegeya Market (19.06.2018)