Opinion: Is ‘Project Muhoozi’ resurfacing?

I beg to question, what is so special about Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba? What is so unique and such leadership skills he has that should make Youths and Ugandan citizens interested in this man? There are dozens of younger leaders within the Republic, which has more swagger, more profound qualities of leadership and has a positive public standing. None of the above is key features with this man.

The only thing and the only reason this is a piece and the reason why I write this. Because suddenly the Sunday Vision has a main story, that the Youths wants this man. I have a hard time believing it. At this point if it was Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine or even of the other renegade Members of Parliament. Has bigger standing in the public, than the son of the current President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. That Muhoozi is famous and known, is not strange, he is part of the leadership and is a Presidential Advisor. He is also a former leader of the Special Forces Command. Therefore, he has been in key roles on occasions and also gotten military training and teachings in specialized school in the United States. So it is not like he has no skills, but being a profound leader of the Republic. He is not and has no entitlement to be.

Even if the President of current believes so and trying to make it seem so. But that is only in his delusional mind. The makeshift of trying to forge a scheme to prepare next elections for Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is insane, but also shows the lack of understanding of certain key elements that are lingering in the public. The people are already tired of the father and his rule, why would they trust the son to be better or be less of crook in charge? It’s true they are two different persons and theoretically be totally different. However, he has been within the reach of power all his life, seen how his father has maneuvered and acted. Without a doubt, the son will do the same as father. Treat the Republic as he playground and crush the ones who stands in his way. He has already on few occasions proven the quality of SFC and used it even to exile the Rwenzururu King to the Baganda.

Therefore, I doubt people want a man like this, the only reason for his rise and his position, is not for his brilliance, not for his street-smarts or his public persona. Do he really have one worth considering? Even certain NRM historicals has more of a public standing and deeper roots in society, than the son of Yoweri. Let’s be clear. The youths who made this show, we’re most likely paid for it and their gear was made by the Museveni family themselves. To try to make it look like there are people who wants him.

The only time Muhoozi mattered a lot was back in 2013, when Gen. David Sejusa or Tinyefuza who dropped a few dossiers too Red Pepper and Daily Monitor, which initially was closed and suspended by authorities within May 2013. Part of the Second Letter from the General was this, which is striking in itself: “Of course it takes the lead off the can and its not only bad for the boy but actually dangerous to that ambition. Thats the truth. But of course its like the “tower of babel” you wonder if they they understand even what they are saying.( A distinction should be made between Muhozi the man and Muhozi the UPDF officer. I personally would never for even a second discuss the affairs of that young man as a person, for it would be wrong and unacceptable. But then once you make him a general in the army, he ceases to be a private person in that regard and must pass certain scrutiny. )” (General David Sejusa, May 2013).

So if you have forgotten the whole thing, this is even as revealing of the long-term plan of it all: “The government’s anger was prompted by a story in the paper said to reveal details of a plan by senior officials to assassinate rivals opposed to a scheme by President Yoweri Museveni to arrange for his son to succeed him in office. By exposing deep rifts within the ruling establishment, the paper has shaken Uganda’s political establishment to the core. The Monitor quoted extensively from a letter by a senior intelligence officer, General David Sejusa, calling for an investigation into claims that the government is planning to target opponents of the so-called “Muhoozi Project,” an alleged plan to pave the way for 39-year-old Brigadier Kainerugaba Muhoozi (pictured left), commander of an elite army unit, to take over the presidency. The state-owned Uganda Communications Commission (which controls licensing) warned radio stations that they would be shut down for airing the story of Gen. Sejusa’s letter” (Batanda, 2013).

Now in the 2017, the state and agencies are clearly preparing something again. Since they even uses their Newspaper to prop up the son. The son whose supposed to have no ambition and not wanting to become President(he said that earlier this year, not that anyone believed the man). Now, there are Youth prepared for seeing him in. It just happens as the lifting of the age limit is prepared for his father. Just so perfectly and the timing so striking.

That the Muhoozi Project surfaces like an old fish. The old fish is now stinking up the place with the family succession, to a man with no merit or finesse in public. There isn’t anything that could be said about Muhoozi that gives way to say, he should be our next leader. Other than he is the son of previous one. Like that is good fix, just look at the Democratic Republic of Congo and Joseph Kabila. He is such a lovely fellow and statesmen, who has no trouble killing and creating insurgency to stay in power. Not like we need another country with that issue, just because Muhoozi is following the bloodline of Museveni.

I would not be surprised if the 2013 Project came to life and lit up the place. Put some petrol into the steamy age-limit debates and just proves the entitlement of the Museveni-Clan. Since he own the removal of the Age Limit from the Constitution. Clearly, he doesn’t give a fig about how people sees him or his rule anymore. He just wants to rule and if that meaning to secure his family set, when he is left. Then be it. But Muhoozi is a non-character and nobody who seems like a candidate for leadership. He is just there because of his father. There aren’t anything of his persona that says, well, he could be “good one” even. He just have too, since he is already there.

All of that is nonsense and I had to bring up the May 2013 drama around Red Pepper, Daily Monitor and Gen. Sejusa, because it was said to be “Project Museveni” by the government back-then. Clearly, they we’re lying. But that is not so weird too. It is not strange that Museveni wants his son to someday take his place, but that doesn’t mean he has a right to do so. There are enough men and woman who has more public standing, natural leaders or even has the public persona that can be trusted compared to him.

With time there will not be less of leaders and people who could contest for the role, enough people with leadership experience and public standing to take the place of Museveni. There are so many who could and who deserves to try. The Project Muhoozi is back in full steam, by the demands of the old man, not because the people really want him. It is just propaganda by the state who wants people to believe so. Peace.

Reference:

Batanda, Jackee – ‘A leak in high places puts Ugandans on edge’ (22.05.2013) link: http://foreignpolicy.com/2013/05/22/a-leak-in-high-places-puts-ugandans-on-edge/

Uganda Police Force has summoned Red Pepper and Daily Monitor to CID over Age Limit Articles! (10.10.2017)

#NotBreakingNews: President Museveni finally said “This Age Limit Removal is Mine”!

…Museveni President Yoweri Museveni this evening told the NRM caucus that he is behind the proposed amendment of the constitution to remove the age limit. He said anyone against the amendment is against…” (Andrew Mwenda, 13.10.2017).

Well, this day had to happen, if where naive and believed that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was not behind the bill. Sorry brother and sister, you we’re very wrong. President Museveni has no come all out, like out of the closet and showed his gay face to the world. Not that he is gay, but he has a hard-on for life presidency. Therefore, the President had to say certain words to his fellow National Resistance Movement Parliamentary Caucus as they had a Consultation Meeting on the removal or lifting of the Age Limit. So before I discuss the matter and the words of the President. I will show the ones that has been revealed. Take a look!

A snippet from Museveni’s speech on the NRM Caucus:

This age limit removal is mine. It is my thing. I am the one behind it. I want everyone to know this. I am tired of hearing party members talk against it. All rebel MPs who have been campaigning against it, get out of the meeting”. After he said this, the 8 MPs was moved out and after that. He continued: “Those of you remaining but do not support removing the age limit, put up your hand now so that I can know you are against me”.

Museveni supported the dismissal commenting; “Their issues are in bad faith. When somebody is treating party colleagues as if they are criminals, going on the radio, telling lies about colleagues, inciting violence using social media, that is not something to gloss over.” (…)“If you disagree with something and come out to say you are not yet convinced, that is a decent way and matter of opinion.” The President condemned the legislators’ actions which he termed as “using unfair tacticts and tactics of the enemy” (…) “We had to bring security forces in Parliament because these people were defying the Speaker. And now you make common cause with the kind of people that were threatening to kill others and their families?” Museveni went on to say. “This is not disagreeing. This is enemy actions. Who are you to threaten us? Disagreement should be done through discussion.” (Soft Power, 2017).

If you we’re surprised by this, you have lived under rock or without following the procedures and the MP Raphael Magyezi of Igara has tabled a motion in Parliament on the lifting of the Age Limit. This happen with force inside the Parliament and it has now come to Committee. Until now the President has acted like he doesn’t care, but today the old dog started barking. He is tired of the MPs who are opposing it, since he wants everyone on his side. Therefore, he has had no trouble with ordering opposition MPs out of the Parliament with the Special Force Command. Neither to send away the NRM MPs who oppose him and his life presidency.

It is funny that he speaks ill of the ones disagree with him, but if you do. You are suspended, detained and even just sent away. There are no discussion with the President at this point. It is either his way or the harassment or intimidation of you. This is now happening inside the NRM, as 9 MPs were actually kicked out. Also insulted before it happen as they are acting vile and criminal. Because going against his will and his supposed change of law is using unfair tactics, with actually talking in public. Only the public view that is expressing his view is acceptable. The proof of this is how the NRM and the Police Force has done recently. That one rally is not ambushed with the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, does not prove democratic values. More a once in a lifetime, than the norm of Public Order Management Act.

That he is lying of killing and threats is totally insane. The Opposition MPs has said they would fight for the Constitution, but not kill fellow MPs. They would defy the rules of the Parliament, but if singing the National Anthem is killing the Speaker, then its her ears that explodes of the high pitch of Bobi Wine. Not that the singing and dancing in the National Assembly could ever be violent. That some of the MPs went violent is after the SFC started the vile grabbing of MPs and sending them to the Police Vans to be detained. Therefore, I cannot believe the words of the President and his misuse of the Presidency. That a man like him and a President for so long easily lies like this is insane.

But now we know he owns the Age Limit and MP Raphael Magyezi wanted to be Ugandan Judas Iscariot, the one taking the silver coins while making sure the kiss of death to Constitutionalism happen. This is what happening and anything else is masked lies. President Museveni really asked like a teacher: Who disagree with me put up your hand. I am sure the NRM MPs knew after kicking out the rebel MPs, if they disagree they would sent off too. None of them would get 29 Millions for Consultation Meetings and whatnot. They would also be in bad faith with their leader. The NRM MPs could not risk that, because they are boneless and without any character.

President Museveni has now proven the projects that matters is himself, nothing else. If believe anything, then your blind my friend. Time to open your eyes and look upon the stars. Look into oblivion, hope there are something eternal in the sky, because at planet earth. President Museveni thinks he is the Sun, the Moon and the Stars. No matter what he does he is the center of attention. Now he wants to be that for life and not give way to anyone else. That should not be accepted.

So expect this is going to be bloody. Peace.

Reference:

Soft Power – ‘“You Can’t Treat Party Fellows As Enemies” Museveni Blasts NRM ‘Rebel MPs’ (13.10.2017) link: http://www.softpower.ug/you-cant-treat-party-fellows-as-enemies-museveni-blasts-nrm-rebel-mps/

Bank of Uganda Order letter that freezes the accountes of Action Aid (03.10.2017)

Opinion: The Resistance Movement are throwing out Rebels, how endearing of them!

This Age Limit saga, if you may, are the point of time and at the crossroads, where the real life actions and beneficiary of the Presidency comes too light in this process. Nothing is left for granted, no amount of funds and neither is the other agencies at work. To secure that the process is giving way for more terms and life presidency of the founder and creator of all, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The one that took the Republic and now holding it hostage. The beneficiaries of this hostage situation wants to make sure their cut spread properly before the voting and the consultations done within reason. Therefore reading this make you laugh, but also wonder what is wrong with this party!

“Rebel NRM MPs are likely to be chased out of the meeting of NRM parliamentary caucus scheduled at the Office of the Prime Minister today. Speaking to the NRM chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa said that they can not tolerate fellow NRM MPs who are against the majority decision of amending act 102b of lifting the presidential age limit to attend their meeting. Among the considered rebels include, Kasanda North’s Patrick Nsamba, workers Mp, Sam Lyomoki, Lwemiyaga county Mp Theodore Sekikubo, Kumi woman Mp Monica Amoding, Buyaga west’s Banarbas Tinkasimire. Others are; Manjiya county’s John Baptist Nambeshe, kasambya county’s Gaffa Mbwatekamwa, Felix Okot Ogongo, and Alex Ruhunda of Fort Portal municipality” (91.2 Crooze FM, 13.10.2017).

It is now revealed that the order of expelling the MPs came from above and from the President himself, which shows that he wants to reaffirm himself. Not resist anyone or anything, and no one is allowed to resist him or his position as the Grand Wizard of Uganda.

The NRM Caucus cannot have people who resists the party line; the party of resistance cannot have people who resist. Do you know how stupid that sounds? A party come from rebellion and resistance to the former government structure can now not accept other people resisting. It is beneath me, but also in spectrum of nonsense that the President currently operates within and is apparently proud of it all. There are nothing to bothered or spared as the consultations and the Legal and Parliamentary Committee is working on the nuts and bolts of the Constitutional Amendment.

We can just wonder if the NRM are thinking how stupid and rare it sounds like, that rebels from a party forged from rebellion are not allowed to participate and talk. It is amazingly stupid and foolish. It is out of character, but also show how little values that is within the NRM party, that is a one-man show and a sole candidate party. The structures and organizations are more a front for his will, than a working party with different functions. If the NRM Caucus within the Parliament cannot accept outsider, who can?

That the men of Resistance cannot accept people who resist, who can? NRM name is pointless and the whole rebellion was used to forge so that one man could rule republic, instead of the other men he brought down. Now he wants to seal it for life and his party has to become the National Reaffirm Museveni (NRM) Party.

So when rebels and people who are resisting is not allowed within the Resistance Party, you know the party has become a reaffirming party of the one man that lead them to victory. Since then the causes has dwindled and his personal affairs has become the key operation of the state. Because of that, the NRM are reaffirming their commitment to cement the life operation of Museveni. Nothing else and nothing else matters. Peace.

Opinion: When it comes to lifting the Age Limit, the Republic apparently has a fountain of cash!

MPs to get 29 million shillings for age limit consultations” (NTV Uganda, 2017).

It is a miracle the state that borrows for possibly retain back some parts of it in the Oil exploration. Clearly has to empty the Consolidation Fund or some other public funds hidden inside the State House. Because this is the government that has to postpone salaries for their civil servants. Teachers and Police Officers has to wait for their salaries, while the Members of Parliament will get extra funds to support and “consult” their constituencies. The same MPs that has said they are afraid of meeting their constituencies. It is ironic and weird.

That a broke state has funds, that a broken Parliament, a Parliament, which is shooting itself in its foot. Is trying to run to for the in plea and prospect of positive re-enforcement. That the government can afford this amount is staggering, that the MPs can accept this sort of affair. But hey, they want to be loyal to their master and spare nothing to show it. If we combine the numbers it is 29 million times 450 MPs, which means the total sum of Uganda Shillings is estimated around 13,050 million or 13 billion and 50 million shillings or 13,05 billion shillings. If you convert it into United States Dollars or USD it is the $ 3,596,073 or 3,5m USD. For one single bill is an amazing amount of monies spent on it. Even when it is as unpopular as it is.

That the National Resistance Movement, the President and his whole regime is hellbent on it. That they can afford to spend this all of a sudden, but uses years for getting the Cobalt Machine to Mulago. Are lacking medicines in the hospitals, are having schools without roofs and equipment. Teachers without salaries, nurses without the same and so on. There is clear lack of understanding what is important. The citizens and their needs is second hand or even left over contraband. While the Presidents own life and will are the most important.

That President Museveni is so God-Damn important is beneath me, but at this point it is natural. That his vision and his lifestyle is more important than anything else. Therefore, making sure he gets life presidency, seems like the most important. That is nothing else matter. President Museveni proves it, when he can spend 13 billion shillings or 3,5 USD in one big blow. He has no problem blowing the bank or bankrupting the economy. If it fits his lifestyle and his paradigm. If this will create inflation or making the currency lose value. So be it, he is still the king and stays king. Nakasero Hill, Entebbe and all the other estates are still his. He will still be the Executive and Commander-in-Chief, even if his state is in shambles. Seems like he will risk it all to get the last dime and get the last breath in office.

The republic is a tool for him and his life. Nothing else, the citizens needs is left to chance. There is noting at this point that proves that he cares. 29 million shillings to try to persuasive the constituents is a far-fetched plan. There is no project to offer and no promise that hasn’t been given by this administration. They have seen the winds, the rains and the droughts. They have seen the peace and the war. They have seen the inner-turmoil and the killings of leaders so that the NRM could live on. There isn’t anything they haven’t seen, there is nothing left to give. Since it hasn’t been given now and they have had 31 years to do so.

NRM and Museveni has had their time, but still trying to push blood out of a stone. They can keep knocking at the rock, but nothing will come out. If they say so, then they are either forging a miracle or lying out of their teeth. The same can be said about the whole Age-Limit scenario that they are creating for themselves. Peace.

Opinion: Sometimes its better to say nothing at all, MP Magyezi should have been silent!

Fine clothes may disguise, but silly words will disclose a fool” Aesop, Aesop’s Fables

I don’t know what went through Raphael Magyezi’s mind when he spoke in Parliament to the Press today. If it was his arrogance, his little-Museveni spirit of intolerance and despotic self-service. It is hard to know, because the supposed Constitutional Amendment on the lifting of the age limit. MP Magyezi is far from honorable, as he wants to silence the ones who are openly opposing inside the Committee of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs reviewed. It is insane, but fits how this bill has been delivered, since the ones opposing has already been suspended. Also taken out by Special Forces Command, under order of Speaker Rebecca Kadaga and Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura. Therefore, MP Magyezi just follows chain-of-command and the orders from above.

Raphael Magyezi speaks out:

If you say Hon Kafuuzi cannot be an active participant of the committee, then I have a right to express my reservation of those members who have come out in the public to oppose the bill. If these members continue to express their reservations on my bill openly, then they should withdraw from the committee or let the committee be reconstituted for the objectivity of the process,” Magyezi said. He added: “Fair hearing demands that the committee to which I am going to appear must portray its independence, neutrality and objectivity without bias”. Last week, Oboth announced that Kafuuzi will not be allowed to discuss and vote on the bill, on grounds that he was one of its seconders when Magyezi tabled it in parliament” (Eyotaru, 2017).

I know that the hut is burning and no-one wants to speak of the fire. The hut and the village just don’t want to look at it or caring about the family who lives there. Similar should people start to shun this man, the man who has stamped his legacy together with life-presidency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Raphael Magyezi will forever be connected with him and his unjust rule. That the same MP are now wanting to go further to disband legal procedures, shows his pure intent. He has no regard for the Parliament or the provisions that are within these chambers. The ones standing in his way could easily be sent packing. The President and his Master must be giddy by his powerful statements, while the people should be gloomy.

That someone like this is their representative, that someone like this can make laws and be a parliamentarian. Clearly, he only see his cases and his ego, so that he can serve the President. The will of serving him is blinding his vision and his mind. It must be a blurry visions and crossing over blurred lines. Since he cannot see what is outside his narrow mind. That he has all the rights and just behavior, that him lifting the age limit is the only thing the Committee is supposed to do. The Despotic act and directive proves the problematic arguments for changing the article 102(b).

MP Magyezi is himself very much partial and asking for an independent Committee is walking into dreamland, Narnia and Mordor if you may. Magyezi is asking only for people positive to his words and his bill. So they can stamp it through and show his loyalty to Museveni. There isn’t a magic formula, but just a mere reality that the MP are shallow and a fool. Not the brightest mind, but a serving servant of his President. There is nothing else to see than that.

It is ironic and stupid at the same time to do this: Your really impartial and biased, but asking the ones dealing with your case to be independent and without bias. Magyezi MP are using his bias to expect other to be unbiased. A real poetic and foolish act, but this coming from the man who tarnished his own persona with this bill. Therefore, he has to succeed because this is his life-work. Everything he can do, to prove that is worth something for Museveni. If he doesn’t he will be a failure, the man who couldn’t deliver him life presidency.

So don’t expect the brilliant mind behind that, will wish to have democratic values or even freedom of speech. He just want it passed, by any means possible. Peace.

Reference:

Eyotaru, Olive – ‘Age limit: MP Magyezi wants Legal committee disbanded’ (11.10.2017) link: http://observer.ug/news/headlines/55391-age-limit-mp-magyezi-wants-legal-committee-disbanded.html

Opinion: The MP’s who support the removal of the Age Limit should fear their constituents!

Some Members of Parliament are in fear following the hostility in their constituents over supporting removal of Age Limit. “I was almost Embarrassed in some of the meetings as people accused me of taking money and trying to change the Constitution” (NBS Television, 10.10.2017).

There have been stories of Members of Parliament that has been chased away, they have been booed during speeches in their constituencies. This is the price they pay against an unfavorable bill, the consultation price with their already steady payment structure. Should worry anyone who cares. They are seeing the real emotions around the proposed change of law.

It isn’t a fairy-tale, it is more like the MPs actually see the real feelings of hardship and they are tired of the central government lies. They cannot stomach it anymore, they have seen it all before and heard it all before. Nothing is new, it is just yet another thing for one-man to rule. Like he is the only one. Certainly somewhere in the villages is a brilliant mind who can rule as well as him or have the mental capacity to get advice and reign. The Commander-in-Chief wasn’t made only for man, even if the National Resistance Movement speak of it like that. That is because President Museveni have learned them that and they comply.

The NRM MPs and the others who eats the 20 millions shillings for the consultation and spend the time discussing the law. Should know there will be answers from the public. Their name will be tarnished and their persona will be put in question. We will all know that they mind and heart is for trade, their soul has vanished into the pockets and guilds of Museveni. They have nothing left to share to planet earth, they are only useful twits for the President.

That is what we will know of the ones who eats the monies and who works favors of the President. They will not be respected, not be honorable, they will be useful props to the existence of Museveni. There will be nothing left of these suits, they are used and ready to be dumped. Just like the ones who abolished the term limit. The same will happen to these, they are just pawns on the table, while the king stays the king.

Will, these MPs actually represent their constituents or will they just represent one-man and his vision? Aye? What say you MPs of the August house on Parliament Avenue in Kampala? Peace.

Dumbfounded that President Museveni spoke about Tolerance and Democracy at the 55th Independence Speech in Bushenyi!

It’s shouldn’t be this hard to celebrate freedom and independence, but in Uganda at this very moment it is, because it is only the National Resistance Movement and the President’s Men who is free. They are rest are men and woman for hire, for their agenda and their usefulness is only when they are loyal to the state or the people who are public servants. This is the 55th Celebration of the Independence. All other than the Parade and Gathering in Bushenyi was banned. What sort of freedom is that? This happens days after the National Football Match at Nelson Mandela Namboole Stadium in Kampala. Between Uganda and Ghana. There all sort of attire wearing red got snatched by the Police Officers. They took caps with Airtel and Coca Cola, by all means all red-ribbons. That people wear to show their support of keeping the Age Limit of the Presidency in Constitution.

So when the President ends his speech like this today:

Finally, democracy is about the harmonious coexistence of contending views. A democrat is, therefore, a person who disagrees with a view but at the same time defends the right of someone to express the view he or she does not agree with. However, in the recent past, I have seen people who, for a long time, have claimed to be democrats attempt to violate the right of freedom of expression of the people they don’t agree with. This intolerance is not what we fought for and it will, therefore, be resisted in the strongest terms possible. I would like to conclude by saying that Uganda’s independence and democracy was bought with blood of our patriots. Therefore, nobody will be allowed to undermine it. I also wish to assure all Ugandans that the NRM Government will continue to maintain peace and stability in Uganda” (SPEECH BY PRESIDENT YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI PRESIDENT ON THE OCCASION TO MARK UGANDA`S 55th INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, 09.10.2017).

That the President says the first marked sentence is rich, very wealthy coming from him. If he believed it he would haven’t threaten, intimidated and detained opposition. He wouldn’t send police and monitor the opposition parties. The Forum for Democratic Change, Democratic Party, Justice Forum and such are offices that could become a crime scene any moment. Especially if they are going against the views of the President and his party. So if someone disagrees with the NRM and President, they could fear and possibly end in jail. They could even get charged with treason if they push the case for freedom, liberty and rule of law. This is something the President knows, so it is hypocritical of the man to say those words in Bushenyi today.

The President of Uganda is intolerant and narrow-minded. If he had an open heart and common sense, as he speaks of, the FDC and other parties should bail out their members, activists and their leaders so often on bonds. The Police shouldn’t be a partial force within the NRM Government and acts as extra guards for them and then detain the ones who are not apart of the NRM. Its rare that you are talking what you fought for, when you are on the daily basis and ordinary circumstance going against this. But it fits the paradigm of independence and tolerance as ethical backbone. Still, the NRM government are far from living within these visions.

Than he continue and shows his more real sentiments, that he means with more reality of his will and power. Therefore, is someone undermine what he fought for, the sort-of-peace he created, therefore, if you push him. Then the blood of the patriots, the ones that he fought for, will turn on you. Because no one should be allowed to undermine him and his patriotism. Even if he undermines that on the daily basis.

I don’t believe what the President says about Democracy and values of tolerance, when the society and what his security organizations does to ones who dissent from him. He has proven time and time again, that the freedom and liberty of Ugandans is limited. Not in the cozy limited edition, but in the way that its either Frank Sinatra’s My Way of the President or the small narrow road of oppression. Peace.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine: “My Letter to Young Ugandans” (09.10.2017)

Dear young women and men of Uganda, today our country marks its 55th independence anniversary!

I feel the urgency to communicate to you on this day, and through this letter on three things; the state of our country, the prospects for the future, and what each one of us must do TODAY to better our destiny.

I know this letter is a bit long, but I beg all of us to read it. We should disapprove those who say that in order to hide something from an African you should put it in writing!

*****************************

“…..We are that generation. The grandchildren of the independence generation and the grandparents of the future generations….. We must within ourselves find solutions, since our leaders don’t seem to care for the next generation but instead care for the next general-election…… We are the country, we are the future, we are the change we badly need. We are the youngest population in the world, we stand a chance. We are the leaders of the future and the future is today. If we only come together we can change our destiny.”

These are some of the lyrics from my song called ‘Uganda’ (ft. Nubian Li).

Firstly, I commend all of you for the zeal you show each day for a better country. Every day, wherever I go, whenever I read your social media engagements, whenever I tune into the radio and TV- I see a generation which is passionate about their country!

I see young men and women who are tired and fed up of a country which does not work for them and a system which is disconnected from their daily realties. The reason why I am writing to you today is because on an almost daily basis, these same young people, who unanimously agree that there is a problem, also ask me the question- “WHAT CAN WE DO?” The state giving up is real. Many have resigned to fate. Now, in 1962, exactly 55 years ago, the colonialists handed over this country to our grandparents. As we all know, as they left, they handed over a country which worked. Infrastructure was in place, having been built by the British- Mulago Hospital, Makerere University, roads, schools, power generating plants etc.

Institutions of government functioned- the public service, the police force, public transport, agriculture, etc. Merit was rewarded, mediocrity was shunned – if you worked hard you were rewarded.

The ‘colonial’ government gave scholarships to intelligent young people to study here or sent them abroad to further their education and help build the nation upon return, without need to pay any bribe or to go through a ‘big father.’

Many of us have watched the short video titled ‘Africa’s largest Airport Opened’ in reference to Entebbe Airport when it was first opened. Professor Oloka-Onyango best describes what our country was like at the time in his book ‘Ghosts and the Law’- “The country was thus still in an age of innocence”. Newspapers of the time paint a picture of some kind of tropical paradise, of course with the nickname ‘Pearl of Africa’…… One could travel from Jinja to Kampala in one hour straight without meeting a pothole, and all traffic lights in Kampala- which were many more than they are today- worked. The railway network could take you virtually around the whole country. Cinemas existed not only in the capital but in major regional towns. Although education had not been universalized via UPE, a student from a rural school in Uganda could favorably compete with a student from the city.

It seemed like a time of order and tranquil governance; a time of social stability and economic prosperity.”

Those who got a copy of the Uganda Argus of October 9th 1962 (reproduced by the New Vision last week) must have read that Education took 27% of the national budget because the government at the time understood that quality education was a precursor to national development and improving the living standards of the people. They did all this, operating with a meagre budget, nothing compared to our present even when the value adjusted to the present.

Therefore, when our forefathers agitated for independence before and in 1962, their problem was not poor service delivery or a failed system. They were simply agitating for self-governance. They wanted to free themselves and their children from the indignity of being ruled over by the ‘white man.’

They understood that having good infrastructure, excellent service delivery and a functioning healthcare without political freedom meant nothing. To them, it was important to have both economic development while at the same time exercising their God-given right to self-determination! They wanted a black man or woman on the steering wheel of the country because they thought ‘Our own shall not betray us. Our own shall not enslave us. Our own shall be accountable to us.” Therefore, Independence Day was celebrated with pomp and flair.

For the new Uganda, some lyrics of the national anthem went like this; “United, free for liberty together we’ll always stand. Oh Uganda, the land of freedom, Our love and labor we give….In peace and friendship we’ll live.”

These lyrics echoed the kind of hope our forefathers had for this country. As they watched the Union Jack (British flag) go down and our Ugandan flag rise up- their hearts were filled with joy and anxiety. They visioned a better future for their children and their grandchildren- which is our generation.

They could never imagine that anyone- let alone their own black-man would ever step on and undermine the sweat, labor and in some cases blood, which they expended to create the nation of Uganda!

We all know what has happened to our country for the past 55 years. We have all witnessed the crushed promise- captured very well in the preamble to the 1995 Constitution, a history characterized by political and constitutional instability, tyranny, oppression and exploitation. The shattered hope!

In 2017, it is not yet Uhuru! True independence still eludes us. The good which the colonialists left has long been destroyed and the freedom which our forefathers struggled to give us only remains in song. It is shameful- a serious indictment on our leaders that many Africans, many Ugandans would rather have the colonialist rule over them than have one of their own who disrespects them in every way.

Yes, some progress has been made- but as if we live under a spell, there have always been people in these 55 years who are enemies of progress. They work so hard to destroy the little we have achieved and throughout our history, we have often times had to start afresh!

Mothers die in child birth, unemployment is everyone’s, the healthcare system is sick, corruption is the headline, the national debt has already placed a charge on our unborn children and grandchildren. The economic models are just irrelevant for the present times.

I watch with misery thousands of young Ugandans who struggle to get onto that plane to go and give their labor abroad- many times in great suffering. We have seen stories of young girls who go to find a job only to be turned into sex slaves and sometimes tortured to death.

We all know that doctor or nurse who had to leave Uganda for greener pastures; even in other African countries! Although they would love to remain here and serve their people who are in great need, the system doesn’t appreciate their services. Poverty is appalling. Only last month, Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), a government agency, announced that 10 million Ugandans now live in poverty, and the numbers have not been reducing but increasing. 3.4 million of our people have slipped into poverty since 2012! Our GDP growth stands at a mere 3.9%!

As the gun reigns supreme, those who hold it- our brothers and sisters in the forces are equally hit hard (and sometimes harder) by these same unfortunate conditions. 30 has become the new 18. Previously, young people were able to stand on their own at 18 years of age, today, majority can hardly find their feet until about 30 or more. Even then, most are glad to be underemployed, and only very few are able to find befitting employment.

The education system is dead. The curriculum is not relevant to the needs of this generation. Only last week, a World Bank development report (Published in the Daily Monitor) revealed that at least 80% of pupils in Primary Two in Uganda cannot perform a two-digit subtraction, and 61% cannot read a single word of a short sentence!

Uganda, according to the report, is the second country in the whole world with pupils who cannot count. Yet these children everyday sing – “We young women and men of Uganda, are marching along the path of education singing and dancing with joy together uniting for a better Uganda. We are the pillars of tomorrow’s Uganda…. Let us rise now embrace true knowledge yielding disciplined resourcefulness to rebuild a great, great Pearl!”…Empty words!

Many studying on a hungry stomach, under trees and in most cases being taught by equally hungry teachers! This is the country in which our children are born in! Apart from very few, many of us understand the struggles our parents or guardians have gone through to raise us in this country. And indeed, we each understand the struggles we go through every day to afford a decent life in mother Uganda. Individuals and families are working so hard but the returns are too low. The phrase ‘times are hard’ used to be seasonal but it is now a daily for most of our people- January to December, times are hard!

Constitutionalism and the rule of law remains an aspiration. We are constantly reminded that power originates from and is sustained through the gun! We, the people cannot express ourselves freely. We cannot assemble freely. Political leaders who oppose the status quo cannot move freely in their country. This is not yet Uhuru. This is not the freedom our fathers bestowed upon us.

I can go on and on but we must not just lament. I have delved into the history and the present to try and put things into context. But I know that we all understand what is at stake. I just want each one of us to ask the one fundamental question – “What went wrong?” We well know that many African countries started with Uganda, some starting on an even worse footing than us- but now more than double us in terms of GDP growth and their people live in tranquility, dignity and freedom. The answer and indeed the only difference between countries which have seen the fruits of independence and those which have not lies in only one word- LEADERSHIP.

How a country is governed determines if it will succeed. Patriotic, selfless, courageous and competent leaders who put their country first, made progress for their people. And the opposite is true. As Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous reign, people rejoice. But when the wicked rule, people groan.”

My message to you young Ugandans is this, the responsibility to build or fail your country lies completely with you!

As Frantz Fanon says, “Each generation must discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it.”

John F. Kennedy also said, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”

Can we therefore stop lamenting only and think about what we can individually and collectively do to redeem this country and set it on a path to true independence? Can each one of us ask this noble question- “What kind of country do I want my child to grow in? What can I do to create that country?” As a generation, what shall we be remembered for? For looking on while our country went to the dogs or for standing up for what we believed was right?

Some of us continue to support a system and politicians who we know are not working for us. We align ourselves with leaders who only use us to get into positions of leadership only to forget us and return to us in the next election! All over the continent of Africa, we have seen wars and conflict spearheaded by young people. Who are they working for? Some greedy, power-hungry maniacs who are not bothered at all about them but about themselves and their own children!

Like the proverbial grasshoppers which fight amongst themselves in a bottle, we often forget what the real problem is and turn against each other for petty reasons. Even from debates on social media, you see forces in disarray- young Ugandans insulting each other because they belong to different tribes, religion or political parties etc… Yet these two young men or young women share the same challenges and problems every day. They are both unemployed, they both struggle to put food on the table; they both struggle to raise some little money to help parents or guardians who brought them up; and when they fall sick, both have to be admitted in some dilapidated hospital!

Rather than fight amongst ourselves and seek the attention and small favors from people whose cause we do not belong to; rather than continue to be used to fight other people’s wars, let us envision the kind of Uganda we want, and embark on building it.

We must never forget that about four decades ago, young people in Uganda faced similar dilemmas that we face today. They had a choice to make. They refused to sit down and fold their hands and watch as the country went to the dogs. We are once again at that point. Our generation does not have to resort to violence because as we have seen violence begets violence and the cycle never ends. But we can do something to refocus the direction of our country!

Young people ended apartheid, young people marched against slavery, and yes, young people fought for Africa’s independence. We should remember that there are some generations in this country which have been bypassed- which have not played any contribution to the development of this country.

If we do not make a conscious decision today, we may become one of them. The Obote, Kiwanuka generation fought for Independence, the Museveni generation fought against instability rising out of bad politics. There is a generation which came after- people who are presently in their late 40s and 50s. That generation did not play a decisive role. They are approaching the evening of their years, and those who I speak with, regret the missed opportunity to substantially contribute to this nation’s development. They were told that they were leaders of tomorrow. They waited for that tomorrow, and it never came!

Remember this- we shall not be young forever- not even much longer.

The statistics are clear. They are on our side! The median age of Uganda is 15. More than 77% of the people are below 30 years of age, and over 80% below 35 years of age!

The average age of our cabinet ministers is about 65 and the young people continue to be sidelined.

Rather than demand for and take their place in shaping their country, the majority continue to beg for handouts from the minority- turning themselves into subjects of patronage.

Out of the many intelligent, young Ugandans with great potential, it is the likes of Hon. Evelyn Anite and Hon. Ronald Kibuule who get appointed become ministers- to represent this generation!

This should and must bother us! It saddens me that our leaders are always on the plane visiting countries which with even fewer resources and less opportunities have been able to work for their people and make great strides. And yet, they return here to superintend over this mess!

Let me also speak to you, young people who live in some bit of comfort which has made you complacent. Some of us are luckier than the majority in this country. We are doctors, lawyers, musicians, bankers, insurers, IT specialists, economists, engineers,etc. We often feel comfortable and because we can afford some basics of life, we have become depoliticized. The temporary comfort has blinded us to the bigger picture and to the problems of our country.

Our silence in the face of injustice is loud. Our inaction is costly. Many of us do not even vote! By so doing we do not only betray our generation and country, but the effects of a badly run country will soon catch up with us. Assuming you were driving upcountry and you are involved in an accident and there is no ambulance or there is no blood in the nearby hospital (if there is one)- all of a sudden your disinterest becomes costly. If you’re a lawyer and the country’s Constitution is constantly undermined, sooner than later you may have no job.

Therefore the struggle for a better country must involve all of us- men and women, young and old, from rural and urban areas, educated and not educated, ALL OF US. Our country is endowed with enormous natural and human resources. There is no aspiration we cannot achieve, no height we cannot reach, no obstacle we cannot overcome. LET US UNITE, determine and purpose to take the long tiresome journey to make this country better.

We must build a country which works for everyone. Where merit is rewarded. Where if you work so hard you are 100% sure that you will succeed. Where all persons are equal before and under the law. Where freedom of expression and assembly are respected and protected. Where a national Constitution is indeed supreme, popular and durable. Where all persons are proud to be called UGANDANS.

I will repeat that this is achievable. And this won’t come from any politician. Not from any leader- not even me. We should not wait for another prophet. It all begins and ends with ‘WE THE PEOPLE”

Your friend and comrade,

*Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert- Bobi Wine*