
Zambia: Center for Young Leaders in Africa (CYLA) – Press Statement (11.01.2021)




The man who promised a “fundamental change” and be a different from the ones before him. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni promised a lot, but however these days it shows no difference between him and the second Dr. Milton Obote II regime. He is using the same means against opposition and activists.
The abduction and suddenly detaining of Nicholas Opiyo yesterday proved it. As he was taken by law enforcement in plain clothers from a restaurant in Kamwokya. Later it was reported that he was at the Central Investigation Division (CID) at Kireka. However, they have suddenly charged him with money laundering and such. That is just an easy way freeze accounts and find excuses to have behind bars.
It wasn’t only Opiyo who was abducted yesterday. His team was also taken-in. These was Simon Peter Esomu and Anthony Odur. Which shows that anyone can be taken by the state operatives for no apparent reasons these days.
There been reports of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leaders and candidates who has been taken and in-custody without any warrants. The National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters have been attacked by soldiers as they were preparing for rallies. They were wearing red and posters of Bobi Wine. That was enough to get either brutally hurt by them or arrested to unknown locations.
These days the regime doesn’t have the State Research Bureau (SRB) which was a torture dome and where people was taken too. Today the Internal Security Organization (ISO), Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) and other outfits are using not only CID Kireka, but also ungazetted safe-houses for the ones that is abducted by the state. This sort of operation have gone on for long and court cases proved it. However, the election is only showing the lack of space for opposition in the Republic.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is acting like Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) under Dr. Milton Obote II did to the Democratic Party in the 1980s. Where MPs was arrested, gerrymandering and abduction of people. There is no difference there. Only new names and parties, but the parties are clearly acting alike.
Now the green of the DP isn’t the deadly sin, but wearing the red or blue is the problem. If you are associated with NUP or FDC you can expect legal trouble. You can get abducted for weeks without warrants or charges. The people who is abducted is able to get access to get attorneys, neither are they freed after 48 hours without a trial. They are just keeping them indefinitely and hoping nobody is blowing the whistle on the injustice.
The NRM is repeating the ills of the previous regimes. They are using the military, expanded the Presidential Entourage and finding new measures to suppress the public. The President is blaming the victims and using words that even Obote did in 1983.
Where Obote said: “It is convenient for them to make allegations in order to hide the effect of losing support and the lack of policies to put to the electorate” (Leon Dash – ‘Violence Poisons Political Process Within Uganda’ 01.12.1983, Washington Post).
We can hear the NRM saying similar these days. They are deflecting and hoping people are forgetting the ones abducted and arrested politically during these times. That would be very convenient for them. As we are following the campaign trail and what’s happening to the main candidates. While the lingering supporters and smaller candidates… can be behind bars without anyone defending them. Some can even be at a safe-house and their families have no clue where they are taken. The ones abducted to unknown locations. Just because the state can do so… Peace.

On the 14th January 2021 is the Presidential Election in the Republic. As things states the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is automatically winning. That is why the election is continuing. Because, he has put everything forward for a total victory. The rest is just procedure and pawns on his chess-set. His waiting to take everyone out, one by one and in the end up as the victor.
In regard to the 2021 elections nothing seems out of the ordinary in this fashion. Just like Dr. Milton Obote ordered full loyalty from all civil servants to his party. He appointed the Electoral Commission and District Commissioners. There was clear indication of gerrymandering, shut down public counting of the votes and suddenly announced the results over the radio.
Some of these things are not yet to happen, but knowingly how the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is working. We shouldn’t be shocked if some things are bound to happen in 2021.
First, the President has appointed loyalist and cronies into all institutions. They are directly involved in all government organizations. This being the Electoral Commission, Residential District Commanders, Judiciary, Police, Army and all other security organizations. Therefore, the President’s Men will be loyal and serve all his wishes.
Secondly, the state has been busy gerrymandering. That is why the extension of MPs never been higher between the 10th Parliament to the 11th Parliament. This is clearly done to able to fixate the voter registry and secure incumbent NRM friendly MPs. Just like the gerrymandering under Obote was to secure more UPC MPs in the Parliament.
Now, the President these days are offering a febrile and violent atmosphere, which could describe the days now. Museveni controls it all and orders everyone to his bidding. There is no difference from 1980 election. The election that brought him to the bush and made him overthrow the government at the time.
He is using the force to silence opposition. Using techniques of intimidation. His even arresting his main competitors. Like he arrested Patrick Oboi Amuriat and has still Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine behind bars as we speak. Therefore, the rules are rigged. The man does it differently. The names has changed, but the end-game is the same.
President Museveni is pushing on. Even as the army is on the streets. The scores of dead citizens is rising, the amounts of injured is on the rise too. This is the game the President is playing.
The 1980 election can teach us something. President Museveni felt scorned and was bitter. He felt cheated and used that as a reason for war. Now, his using the same means again. However, his the culprit and the head who spoils the polls in his favour.
That is the act that Obote did with the use of the mechanisms left behind by the colonial administration. Where the “administration” appointed the Electoral Commission, which is the same practice done today. This is why its loyal to the President and not to the public. Like so many of the other institutions who serves him, but not the public. They are all in the working for his end game. This is why there are MPs going directly into the next election without any polls. These are given the advantage before things are really starting.
That is why Museveni wants another 1980 election. The one reason for his reign and why “they fought”. When he has to rehash the sins of the past to get into power. In spite of giving reasons for others to become like he did. He walks into the same pitfalls, which he was supposed to liberate the people. An assertion we can all with time dismiss and know that he clearly haven’t regarded to fix. As that would make it impossible for him to win.
It is just a mere fact. In a free and fair election, where all candidates has a shot of winning. Museveni would never win. He wouldn’t have a half-chance. The old man wouldn’t even be reckoned with. So, if it wasn’t for all of his appointees, control of the state and intimidation. The man would have nothing and even less than Norbert Mao. Just think about that. Nobody in their right mind would elect that man can easily order the death or your son, daughter or nephew without a flinch of an eye.
That’s what he does and this is why the deaths of citizens doesn’t face him. Because, if it did. He would have acted differently. Like most of the time to show power he got to intimidate the public. Not that its enough with soldiers on the streets, para-military groups around and even armed people in plain clothes.
The 1980 election should be our lesson. As it shows where he gets the flair and bravado from. Museveni knows the Commonwealth and United Kingdom signed off the rigged election. There will be someone else doing his bidding this time. To ensure the election is legitimized in favour Obote. Now, in 2021 there will be someone else doing the bidding of Museveni. Surely we can expect Museveni wins by secure numbers and have total control of Parliament. Anything else is a shocker and a result the President wouldn’t accept.
Museveni doesn’t win elections, but he rigs them. Peace.

Fred Mukasa Mbidde, the man seeking the office of Member of Parliament in Masaka City, the former Masaka Municipality. Where the incumbent and former Democratic Party MP Mathias Mpuuga is running for another term under the National Unity Platform and directly supporting Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Something Mbidde does now suddenly too, even as his boss Norbert Mao is running for Presidency too.
It is like Mbidde is trying to act like he cares about the People Power and NUP. When in reality, the man couldn’t give an rats ass. This man only gives his support for Bobi Wine for clout and chasing relevance. That is why he lost to Mpuuga in the last election too.
Let’s be clear. Mpuuga is a honest fighter for justice. Not because he jumped ship early to the NUP. No, because he has fought the good battle since the days of Walk to Walk (W2W) and been part of Action 4 Change (A4C). That all happen before he became a MP and someone of leader. Therefore, if Masaka chooses principals and true leadership. Than I vouch easily for the likes Mpuuga.
However, Mbidde is a man who seeks glory of others and wants a easy way out. This is why he searches and throws his support to Bobi Wine. That because the man knows his popularity is much more than of Mao.
Just like Mbidde knew it was wise to throw support and join the ranks of Museveni in the days before the EALA elections. That is why he was at the State House at the NRM Primaries and guested the festivities there. Just to ensure he could be the DP candidate for EALA. Which in the end he did.
Now in 2020 his fishing again. This time in a city and a municipality where he last before to Mpuuga. A man who is directly associated with Bobi Wine. Alas, it seems very fishy that he does it. Now that he starts campaigning.
This is the sort of political gambit, which is done only to benefit his cause. Mbidde doesn’t care about the Presidency or the battle against Museveni. This man has eaten with Museveni and gotten a good job in the EALA Assembly. Therefore, this man is just looking for another sweet-job with all the perks.
That is why he does this. Mbidde isn’t trustworthy in this. He has dined with the NRM and enjoyed the gifts he got. Now, he hopes to do this here too. Just much easier and hoping the public is gullible. However, they shouldn’t forget.
This man does whatever to get a meal-ticket, be relevant and have a office to go too. What happened now is just another twist. Another turn, which he hopes he doesn’t get exposed. Nevertheless, people shouldn’t forget how he became an EALA MP in the first place. That was because of his affiliation with the NRM and because in the end.
We all know his an “Good DP” who now tries to associate himself with the “Bad DP”. So, who is he kidding here? Only but himself… Peace.

The Democratic Party President Norbert Mao seemed a little minute like they were not fielding a Presidential Candidate. This because the Electoral Commission didn’t have the candidate on the list. Just like other parties who was not on the listed to be verified and cleared. This is why it seemed like he wasn’t running.
Mao haven’t looked strong and his politicking ahead of the General Elections 2021. The Democratic Party looks more shallow and more of a side-show, than a well governed machine. This with a Party President in his third term.
The DP has already lost their trying out of DP Block or the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). These two combination have lost out. Mao have tried to become more important and a bigger star. However, it has fallen flat. He has lost his own MPs to both other opposition parties and to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Now, we have a sudden letter of intent from Mao and the DP Party. After everyone else have been open and vocal. It seems like he has waited as long as possible to unleash it. To make a flash in the pan.
Mao at this point has to battle the same moderates as Muntu. The thing is that Mao never have been directly challenged by a man like Muntu. They are in the same space and with similar behaviour. Mao have been out there on his own more than Muntu. However, Muntu is more respected and credible. Even if he will negotiate and have dialogue into oblivion, instead of actually make a change, which is needed asap.
Mao is neither ruthless or brash. Neither does he has the finesse or the ability to score high. The man has failed in two elections already. First in 2011 and totally abysmal in 2016. Now he returns for the third time and second time Presidential Candidate.
He has not seasoned like wine. Mao haven’t gotten better with the years. To be honest he was better in the early 2010st than he is now. It is like he has lost the spunk and the flair. Mao is running the same game and hoping it will give returns.
However, the main challenger isn’t Muntu, even if he is the man in the same space as Mao. Mao got to challenge Bobi Wine, which he cannot. The People Power Movement and National Unity Platform (NUP) have rocked the opposition. In a manner, which haven’t happen in a while. Besigye had popularity and people behind him. Bobi Wine has the same for this generation.
That is why Mao got nothing to give. His a lucky loser here. He will play, but will only loose. A nice mantle and fun games, but the cards he has is only good enough for bluff. As a Presidential Candidate in 2021 he can never win.
Mao could become someone in Gulu, even an MP representing Gulu. Nevertheless, he aims at the throne. A place where he got nothing to entertain and nothing to offer. Other than being a man who fights for the same secure space as Muntu.
Mao wants to be more. He wants to be the educated and wise brother. The former Guild President wants to be the elite and the modern nobility of the Republic. However, he got nothing to gain or to win. This is a losing battle, even before it starting.
It’s a tragicomedy and the main act is Norbert Mao himself. Peace.

You know something is up… when the oldest parties are not aiming at the highest office. Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and the Democratic Party isn’t trying to aspire to the highest office. Because, on the list of 19 candidates for the Presidency in 2021. There is no one entering the race from these two parties.
That shows a sign of weakness. Yes, the UPC have been working in direct alliance with the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It has had MPs becoming Ministers in the Cabinet and they are running for the NRM as aspirants in 2021. The DP is clearly doing the same, as there been MPs and candidacy.
That some parties has gone behind others isn’t new. However, that UPC and the DP have no gone twice without a Presidential Candidate. If these parties wants to aim for relevance and trying to make a difference. Why are they so subtle and safeguarding so much?
Is Party President James Akena afraid to ruffle the feathers with his deal with the NRM? Since they are not fielding an aspirant and not even himself. Since the last UPC candidate for the Presidency is now Olara Otunnu. That begins to a long while ago.
The DP haven’t fielded anyone since the first time with Party President Norbert Mao in 2011? Because, last time it went behind The Democratic Alliance (TDA) Amama Mbabazi. Now, in 2021, who are you backing?
The UPC is backing the NRM and because of the agreement between them. While the DP haven’t said or that. We cannot anticipate who they favour or who they support. As it could be whoever really this time around.
What is still striking is that there more independent candidates running for the Presidency. Than from the old parties. This is really shocker. It is victory for Museveni to see his old enemies are losing at this rate. They are not even competing with him. That is the mere reality of that.
The UPC and DP is losing relevance. They are losing their edge and uniqueness. When they are not even trying to challenge on the top, but only from the bottom. You would think these people who are so proud of their parties. Should go to their Party President and be baffled that they are not even trying. Because, that is how it seems. They are settling with becoming MPs and not even trying to go against Museveni.
That is weak tea. The ones who is fighting for these parties must be dismayed and feel belittled. As they are even conquered by newcomers and independents. They are not even able to be in the same regard as them. Peace.

There is some who says its a democratic deficiencies to have Independent candidates for Parliament and elsewhere. I differ on that, but it does have consequences. The Independent candidates or aspirants are in more tighter races fighting for the same electorate as the one who one the primary election. Some, are the same, which ironically who didn’t vote for you in the first place.
The Independents who run as Independents all along is different. They have decided to run on their own merit and stand alone. Instead of abiding by a party or even nominating themselves there. That is always a risk. A candidate is most likely never running alone for the office. There would be others vying for it and in any competition. There is some winners and some losers. Which is the reasons why the party losers have turned independents.
The ones saying this is a misstep and misfortunate… well, this is the system and the electoral laws allows it. The parties, the codes and the supposed goodwill dies with this. That is because of the price in the end. The fortune and the bounty of getting into Parliament is so big. Not only titles and a public office. However, an MP get money, allowance, SUV and perks, which other jobs wouldn’t offer. Unless, you was hired to be a CEO or CFO of a major corporation.
These Independents are running because they have the funds to pay the nomination fee. Even if it is 3 millions shillings. They have the hope that even if they lost in their preferred party. They will have gained enough support and has a second shot of winning in the General Election. That means the Primary was only a pit-stop. Instead of a final nail in the coffin. This is why some complain.
The folks who complain about that wants politicking to be a gentleman’s game. Nevertheless, that has never been the deal. The game of politics isn’t all about showing a facade and a bunch of mannerisms. It is also about naked ambition and greed. When you know at the end of the day, the ones winning could get wealthy. Could afford mansions and own businesses because of it. They will vie a second time. Even if that insult their “mother” party and where they belong.
The aspirant for MP should show loyalty and accept the loss in grace. There should be another term and another opportunity for the person to run. Still, that would humble a person and if the person already has had office. They know the opportunities and the envelopes in the future. With that in mind, the person will not risk losing that. Especially, just to show a gentleman’s agreement and give way. No, there is to much money at stake to give that away for free.
This is why the losers of NUP, NRM and so fourth has gone Independent. They know what they could get, if they get elected in the General Election. They don’t want to loose out of the feast. These want to eat of the fine dining tables. Be hosted like dignitaries and live lavish on the spoils of the state. Who cannot understand that? Especially, if they have already been there and knows what they could get?
It would be foolish to give away a Michelin Meal and instead eat at a junk-food joint. You would pick the fine dining and enjoy the abundance of excellence. That is if you have a shot of it. It just makes sense that way.
The ones who wants this practice stopped. Needs to amend the electoral laws. Nevertheless, the opportunists will take a bit and see if they can pull it off. I don’t blame them, but they have already lost once. What make you think you will win on second round? Expecting on powerful punch and K.O. Good luck with that. Peace.

What is happening within the Democratic Party and what is up with the leadership of Norbert Mao? I just got to ask. Because, this all started with Joseph Mayanja aka Jose Chameleone. He was the supposed Lord Mayoral Candidate after Erias Lukwago went to the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
Alas, he went away and the DP had to get someone else. In early September the shocking pick of outside forces went to Beatrice Kayanja. However, by early October, the party and herself found out that she wasn’t eligible. Therefore, the party had to look out for someone else again.
Today, there is a sudden rise of a Charles James Senkubuge as the Lord Mayoral Aspirant for the DP party. His nicknamed Siasa, a veteran dramatist. Who at one point ran as a Presidential Candidate, but bowed out only after a month. The man has also been a radio presenter on Radio Simba as well. He has worked in SALT Media, working in radio and television for Pastor Bugingo. In July 2017 he retired from the stage himself.
However, now this man has returned to politics. Instead of seeking the highest office. The dramatist wants to enter the stage of Lord Mayor. He wants to make a fool out of Lukwago. However, I think that’s a fools play. He is bound to loose at this point. Just like all the others aiming at him. That is what Latif Ssebagala already have understood.
The newest recruit and actor, the former Presidential candidate, comedian and one who feared and was intimidated to drop-out in 2001. His back and wants to run against Lukwago. The third aspirant of the DP. That is how much the DP is fishing.
Senkubuge isn’t a winning ticket, but finally a ticket indeed. The DP maybe have another wild-card. Who will be as useful as Ragga Dee. Instead of being a direct musician, the DP can spread jokes and drama. He can even mock Nabilah Naggayi Sempala.
If people should take him seriously? Well, I won’t, because his a side-show. A sort of mockery of it all. The punchline on stage, but not the man to behind. He even said he stood for the KCC and not the KCCA in a statement. The man isn’t aware that the KCC is defunct for awhile. Therefore, this man is only small player on a giant stage.
This man isn’t prepared for this. If you felt Chameleone didn’t know what he was doing and jumping erratic around. Senkubuge won’t be any different. Only difference is that the DP has him as an aspirant.
What else can we say?
Maybe close the curtain and stop the show. Peace.

“I am still a NUP member much as the party has decided someone else to contest for the same position. I decided to defy the party to come as an Independent after I was denied a card for NUP…The city is not looking for an Opposition leader. It needs a capable leader who will be able to promote development and come up with strategies to create jobs for the youths” – Jose Chameleone (Job Bwire – ‘I support Bobi Wine but I’ve my ambitions, says Jose Chameleone’ 01.10.2020).
The National Unity Platform (NUP) have accepted and endorsed Nabilah Naggayi Sempala MP as the Lord Mayoral Aspirant for Kampala. That happened after the first round of nominations where MP Latif Ssebagala dropped out of the day after getting the nomination. In that race to become the Lord Mayoral Aspirant for the NUP, one of them was Joseph Manyanja aka Jose Chameleone.
Chameleone lost to Ssebagala. However, he dropped out as he wanted the Opposition to have a joint candidate in Kampala. That is something the NUP didn’t accept, as they want to challenge the status quo and go after the incumbent Erias Lukwago.
It is ironic that the NUP has Sempala MP as the Flag-Bearer as she intended to run for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) for the same role. Alas, she was blocked first because of the agreement between FDC and Lukwago. Later, Lukwago got nominated directly when he shifted parties and became a FDC Member. Therefore, Sempala bears grudges, as she knows she would struggle to defend her place as Woman MP against Dr. Stella Nyanzi. This is why she fled the FDC for NUP.
So, Sempala has found herself a new home. However, her campaign now is more throwing a tantrums against her former party. It is understandable that she is hurt. Nevertheless, she has jumped ships before and returned home. This time it seems more permanent. While it will be fruitless.
I doubt with the standing Lukwago has, that he will be defeated this time around. He has the gravitas and the field for himself. The man has won twice and could easily do it again. The NRM sending Ragga Dee is just mockery of the race. Because, they know they cannot win it.
Chameleone running as independent with the People Power sticker will not make significant change. He will maybe steal votes for Sempala, but not take away from Lukwago. That is why they are both lucky losers.
Chameleone and Sempala are running a race to the bottom. It is just a matter of how fast it will happen. Chameleone could have run on the DP Ticket, but he ditched that and they have another candidate in his stead. Sempala couldn’t face Lukwago and Nyanzi in the FDC. Therefore, she needed to run somewhere. That just happened to be NUP.
Neither of Chameleone or Sempala are people who are trustworthy in the public. They are looking like meal-ticket politicians. When it quack like a ducks and sounds like a duck, it is most likely a duck. These two are that by all definition. These are not people serving the interests or trying to conceal it even.
This is why, if I have faith in the people living in Kampala. They are seeing the same and doesn’t want to waste their votes. Yes, the NUP is a power for change and wanting to dismantle the NRM. However, a person like Sempala isn’t the trick. She will bend wherever she needs to get in office. Chameleone will do the same and that is why he has switched so quickly too.
That is why these two are not it. They are not showing anything in manifestos or pledges. Except, they are the magic potion to fix everything…. I don’t believe that, but that is the play they are playing. Peace.