Opinion: The pistols of Besigye doesn’t make sense

The authorities of the Ugandan state don’t make. He took a flight to Nairobi and checked into a hotel. Meanwhile hiring a taxi driver to have another meeting at another location. Also preparing for a book launch of an opposition leader in the Kenyan capital. Therefore, it seems far-fetched.

Because why would the airline allow Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale to carry 8 rounds of bullets and have two pistols. In addition, having plans to solicit more weaponry and logistical support from Switzerland and Greece.

First and foremost, where and how where they able to get the guns? Especially, when the UPDF itself says to have a monopoly over the type of weapon. This means someone from the UPDF “sold” or “gave” it away to Besigye at one point. That must have happened before he travelled to Nairobi. Where he was alleged to solicit more of it and logistical support.

That’s why this is all hogwash. Just like the planted weaponry and ammunition that was pictured in the Hotel Room of Arua after Bobi Wine was arrested in the ruckus after the post-election melee after the Arua By-Election. It seems like the same thing all over again. It is the same sort of narrative and story, which is to malign and vilify Besigye.

They have sought similar charges of “destabilize Uganda” before and that was natural after kidnapping him, and later arraigning him in court days after. The authorities couldn’t take him for a parking violation or failing to pay a punitive fine. No, it had to be something serious and with severe ramification. That’s why they have created this case and made up these allegations.

It is just really striking that the two gentlemen were able to carry guns, take them through the airports. Get the weapons cleared and also the ammunition. Meanwhile getting a coordinated effort to capture them. Using that sort of intelligence and covert operation to detain them from Kenya. That’s really something. This is the sort of story is fun in a Hollywood production, but not in real life.

Especially when Besigye only checked into the hotel and never arrived to the Riverside apartments where we was scheduled to have meetings. Which means the state knew about this and kidnapped him before it. Now they are alleging him and his fellow traveller are co-conspirators in the same conspiracy.

The UPDF and the Government of Uganda is now making fanfiction for the Courts. Just in a way to justify the arrest, detaining and keeping them behind bars. There is no reality this makes sense. Why would two civilians have with them pistols, which is monopolized by the UPDF to Kenya? Why? For what reason and how did they arrive there?

That’s why you know this doesn’t add up… and isn’t true. The authorities and the army is foolish for thinking people will buy into this. Especially, when the state has manufactured charges against Besigye in the past and none of them has ever sticked. That’s because they are all fictional and not fact. They are allegations without proof, evidence or even witnesses who can beneath a doubt verify it. Therefore, it is just foolish and dumb… Peace.

Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in the General Court Martial Holden at Makindye-Kampala – Case No. 040 – Charge Sheet of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale (20.11.2024)

Kenya: Governor James Orengo – Statement on the unlawful abduction of Kizza Besigye (20.11.2024)

Ugandan opposition aren’t safe in Kenya

“According to his family, Dr. Besigye was abducted on Saturday in Nairobi and is suspected to be under military detention here in Uganda. This is most unfortunate!  A few months ago, 36 other activists were abducted from Nairobi and brought back to Uganda in utter violation of the law. As we call for his immediate release, we condemn this blatant abuse of the law by the regime here in Uganda, and sadly the authorities in Kenya. We are back to the dark days when Ugandans were casually picked from the streets of Nairobi and returned to Uganda to be tortured, jailed and others executed. The abduction of Ugandan citizens from Kenya and handing them over to the regime in Uganda without following extradition laws must be condemned by all people of good conscience!” (Bobi Wine, 20.11.2024).

Yet again, the authorities and the state of the Republic of Kenya is allowing Ugandan citizens to be apprehended, kidnapped and taken into custody when they cross the borders by force. This happened earlier in the year, and it happens yet again.

The Operational Zone for foreign intelligence organizations is clear. The Kenyan authorities under the reign of President William Ruto is allowing it. They are accepting and vouching for these actions.

Just imagine that Dr. Kizza Besigye checked into the Waridi Paradise Hotel and met with a taxi driver for a meeting at Riverside Apartments. A driver that waited for him and he never showed up. The same happened with his supposed appearance at the book launch of Marta Karua on Sunday. Therefore, they knew he was going to the hotel and abducted him from there. Since he never saw the driver again for the planned meeting later the same day.

This just shows that someone flew into Nairobi and checked into a hotel. Then after all of this and with the planned schedule of Besigye. He was captured and silenced. As his communication was shut-off and the kidnappers muted him. Until we saw him again arraigned at the Makindye Military Court at the Makindye Military Barracks in Uganda.

There unverified reports that the Kenyan state is allowing Ugandan security operatives to abduct and kidnap citizens within the republic. If that is agreed upon between the heads of state. That is unknown too, but it is a reason for this speculation to happen. Especially, when stories like Besigye is happening. When other citizens are captured in Kenya and later either detained or arraigned before the courts in Uganda. Therefore, there is a coordination and allowed actions on Kenyan soil. If it is Nairobi or in Kisumu. They are allowed to act and do as they please.

This shows that the Ugandan activists and people aren’t in a safe haven in Kenya. The Government of Kenya is allowing it and letting it happen. They are saying “okay” and giving the Ugandan state a “heads up”.

If you are afraid of drones in Uganda. There is a possibility for a similar action happening in Kenya. That’s the message here. They are allowing it and accepting the fate of the foreigners who goes to Kenya. These are in an “operational zone” and are “fair game”. That’s why this happens and people should be concerned. Because the authorities are okay with it and they aren’t even worried about the consequences of doing so.

If they were afraid or worried about it. These people wouldn’t be captured and arraigned later in the courts in their nation. No, they would be safe and be able to escape the authorities in Kenya. Alas, that isn’t the case, and no Ugandan activist or opposition is safe in Kenya. That’s the message that is sent and it’s tragic. Peace.

Pan-African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network: Abduction of Dr Kizza Besigye from Nairobi on the Night of Saturday the 16th November 2024 (20.11.2024)

Dr. Kizza Besigye facing the Court Martial at Makindye Military Barracks as a civilian…

“Dr Kizza Besigye and another FDC Katonga faction member, Obeid Rutale, have rejected being tried in Makindye miliary court martial citing the fact that they are civilians. “I have never joined forces or been a scout for me to be tried in a miliary court,” Rutale said” (97.5 Messiah Radio, 20.11.2024).

“Dr Kizza Besigye has been taken to Makindye Military Court. Besigye was abducted from Nairobi, Kenya, last week and forcibly returned to Uganda” (NTV Uganda, 20.11.2024).

“Veteran opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye is appearing at the General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala days after he was reported missing in Nairobi where he had travelled to attend a book launch of former Kenya’s Justice Minister, Martha Karua. He’s appearing in the dock alongside ‘his comrade’ Hajj Lutale Kamulegeya on yet to be known charges. Court proceedings have been adjourned for 15 minutes after Dr Besigye said he has no lawyer given that he wasn’t able to contact anyone since he has been in detention” (Daily Monitor, 20.11.2024).

If you ever wondered how despicable the authorities are and how they operates in regards to its dissidents. Just follow how they react and go after Dr. Kizza Besigye. It is new that they are apprehending him and allowed to kidnap him in Kenya. Meanwhile taking him into custody and days later arraign him in a Military Court.

That’s what the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is doing. They have all the ploys and all their guards up. They are treating him as if he planned a treasonous act and planned to topple the government by force. That’s how this looks like…

The nemesis of the President and his fellow comrades. The man who has faced the law more than any other. Who has been charged with everything between the moons, the stars and whatever that underneath the soil. They will be claiming he was found with arms or planned to purchase arms to topple the government. That’s how they will play it, but he was there for a book launch and not to plan a coup d’etat.

Nevertheless, we know how this will play out. The state has arrested him and will start the discovery and finding whoever they can deem fit as witnesses. They will prolong the agony, as they now have within their midst and can stifle his every move. It is just convenient, as him and others were starting to launch their own party and be out of the FDC quagmire.

This saga is far from over and only the beginning. It is sinister and dark when it is done like this. The manner of which the state produced him and how they are now pinning crimes on him. Just like it has done before. If they charge him with “treason” it wouldn’t be the first time or the last. Now they cannot use other penal codes or laws to take him down. We can just wonder how they will prove the conspiracy, collect evidence and have witnesses. Because that will take forever, and the reality is that it would be all made-up.

Besigye is yet again losing his freedom, liberty and rights as a civilian. His losing his ability to work and be a citizen. Instead, his again a felon and a criminal until proven innocent. Not the other way around. Where you are innocent until your proven guilty. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye is missing

Two days without a word. Reports from Uganda Radio Network (URN) and Daily Monitor is resounding. The firebrand politician and maverick is now gone in the wind.

Two days since last spotted in Nairobi, Kenya. Dr. Kizza Besigye is now missing. That is concerning and worrying. It is very very unfortunate and worrying.

That someone like his is gone and haven’t communicated. Someone who speaks out and are a voice of reason. A man who is known for his resolve and his skills of building political platforms. Therefore, it is extra strange that his just leaving without a trace.

Unless, someone acknowledge where is and in what condition. The speculations will go haywire. There will be lost in the sauce. It is too many things that could appear and abductions on behalf of the Ugandan government have already happened in Kenya during Ruto’s term. So, to do this wouldn’t be out of the ordinary either. As other Ugandan civilians was kidnapped and later detained in Uganda. Therefore those sorts of things could happen to Besigye too.

Meanwhile at this current time. We know nothing. We haven’t a word. We haven’t a signal or even a little token. We got nothing. His communication channels are off or closed off. That seems deliberate, as he knows how to be shadowed and be spied upon. Therefore, this isn’t adding up…

It could be something sinister going on. A deliberate scheme, but it is no good to think of that or even consider it. Alas, we know nothing and haven’t heard a thing. Only last seen on Saturday and now it’s Monday ticking into Tuesday. That would be three days without a noise or a reassuring thunder from the man.

I cannot speculate now, but unless there is official words from someone close to him. Part of the Katonga Branch or the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) or cadres who has been associated with him for years. We need someone to vouch for him.

This freedom fighter and man of will for the betterment of the Republic of Uganda needs to heard from again. It is just frightening to know that it has been that many hours without ordinary activity or even public utterance from Besigye.

We need to hear from Besigye and a report of his well-being. This is dangerous and I only hope everything is well with the man. As his a hero and a living legend. One of kind and there isn’t many who has fought as long and haven’t seen his dreams come into fruition. Peace.

Opinion: Are the public ready for the PFF?

“The Katonga-based FDC faction has launched a new political movement called the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF). The party has chosen a phone as its symbol and adopted the slogan “Freedom for All and All for Freedom.” The PFF, which is backed by 12 promoters, has selected royal blue and white as its official colors” (91.2 Crooze FM, 27.08.2024).

It is now official that the Katonga Road outcast from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has now become the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF). This means the allies of Dr. Kizza Besigye has a new party that is based in Katonga Road. The former powerhouse and place of inspiration outside of the FDC HQ has now become its own entity. That’s a failure of the FDC leadership and everyone in-charge there.

This has massive implications and will severely damage the FDC in the long run. The original splinter fraction of Gen. Mugisha Muntu. It will now be even felt more harder, as the crowd of defiance and the ones who is associates with Besigye will now leave the FDC. They are now imprinting their own movement and party.

Muntu started his own “new formation” that became the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). Now Besigye has the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF). ANT and PFF is parties that was formed out of necessity and the lack of place within the FDC. Therefore, the FDC is disembarking and isn’t the big body for a larger opposition.

“Freedom for All – All for Freedom” is the slogan of the PFF. That is a message and shows where they are turning. They are becoming White and Royal Blue. So, the colour scheme is in continuation of the FDC with the blue. The white is the difference here, but that’s the tradition and where the party came out from. This is a “child” of the parent.

Besigye and his allies will continue with their programs, vision and ensure the continuation of the peaceful liberation that so many has fought over. There is a lot of blood, pain and suffering that was put into the building of the FDC. Now there are several of former comrades and allies that is now on board with the PFF. They can continue this struggle and fight under a new banner.

It is tragic that it had to go this way, but the PFF has to exist to prolong the continued battle with the regime. The way to be in the way and be a voice of reason. The PFF and Besigye has now a movement and a party that will resemble what they are fighting for.

Now its time to rebuild and rehash the liberation struggle. Now the ones surrounding Besigye won’t associated with or be part of a party that is compromised. That’s what his happening here and the FDC is on the losing end. In stead of being a powerhouse, it’s a house that has lost vital leaders and allies, which could have much more sway. The FDC has the history now, but not the likes of Besigye and others who are now working in tandem with him.

That is the memo here. It is a new party on the horizon, which is fighting for freedom. That is the news. It is breaking news. Not shocking news, but a reflection on the times.

Besigye have moved on, and new others will follow him too. Peace.

Opinion: Sabiiti is a disappointing fellow…

I worked with Dr Kizza Besigye when he was president of FDC party. He contested [against President Museveni] three times but when you look at his achievements they were very minimal. Now he’s struggling to come back so that these young people (Patrick Amuriat and Nandala Mafabi) are pushed out of the party” – Jack Sabiiti (24.08.2024)

To hear Jack Sabiiti speak in this manner of Dr. Kizza Besigye is just sad. That a fellow founder of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has turned this way. It is really just a tragic sight.

The man who has been entrusted over the years and worked in close association. To speak of each other this way. Where Sabiiti is openly maligning Besigye at every turn. It is so easy to see interviews and articles of late where he speaks venom against former comrade in the cause.

That’s just what Sabiiti does now to Besigye. Instead of saying what the FDC Najjanankumbi is doing differently or has to offer. His instead going after Besigye and whoever is in his midst. Just like the Party President and Secretary General. All of them are in cahoots in and in the battlefield to destroy Besigye.

That’s how this is looking by the day. The former MP who happens to be friends with former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and Gen. Moses Ali. We know by the reports that Sabiiti has been willing and wanting to have dialogue with Museveni. Therefore, he wanted to betray the cause and get compromised.

Anyone who settles and hold talks with President is being bought and dumped. It is like Sabiiti doesn’t care about and thinks everyone has a price. That reflects on how he maligns Besigye. This is all happening after the “dirty” money and the internal quagmire of an affair, which has left two fractions dwindle apart from the party.

I’m just getting tired of the ones back in the FDC HQ throwing shade at Katonga Road and whoever resides there. When they are the ones that made them “person non-grata” and disassociated itself with the fraction. It was the FDC resolution and decision to do so. Therefore, whatever Besigye and his likes does from now is on its own. That’s the play and the options they have been given.

It is just tarnishing and damaging of the FDC HQ leaders to continue this path. It is bound to self-destruct, as they should their folly. Alas, they are maybe high on their own supply. Thinking they will overcome and become the noble leaders again. However, that ship has sailed and they don’t even know it yet.

Sabiiti should reflect on his choices and the manners of which his describing fellow peers. Him and Besigye should be friends and long term associates. These two should know each other and respect each other. Nevertheless, Sabiiti and the FDC HQ are only disrespecting and downplaying Besigye. They are treating him as the villain, the villain who only wanted accountability and wondered about questionable funding of the party. Alas, that is too much to ask of these fellow comrades, apparently.

That’s why we are here… and Sabiiti who is ageing should know better. Jack Cissy Sabiiti should be more reflected and have more insights. However, he prefers being on the high horse and never consider that it can throw him off. Peace.

Opinion: POA cannot outwit his mentor Besigye…

It is not true that Dr Besigye sidelines people. He has been working with everyone” – Patrick Amuriat Oboi (25.04.2018)

I want to be President. And this is no surprise, because I got good training from Dr. Besigye. Now you see that I have experience; you can see it when you watch television these days. So on January 14, go vote the key, go vote for POA” – Patrick Amuriat Oboi (05.01.2021)

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has kneeled and internal bickering gotten destroyed. As the two sides hasn’t squashed it. Meanwhile they are both moving forward, but we know the bridges are burnt. There are no return of the FDC Headquarters and the Katonga Road branch. Both of these entities are separate units, which used to belong to the FDC.

Patrick Amuriat Oboi, who happens to be Party President of the FDC knows this very well. As he was a follower, a student and a participant of the Katonga Road branch. The man developed there and built alliances in the past, which was one of the reasons why Besigye vouched for his candidacy over Muntu. That has been the final straw and is now used against Besigye. This just shows what sort of fella he is now. Not that its shocking, because POA has already dismissed and downplayed Besigye. The FDC HQ has even made him “person non-grata” in the party and the whole Katonga road.

So the rant today isn’t anything new, but shows how fierce POA has become…

There is a very big fundamental problem with the “made in 1986” political group (model) who have over time proven to be the same, everything Ugandans know about Mr. Museveni, Col. Besigye seems to be three or two folds of it. Upto now as we all know that Mr. Museveni has never dreamt of life outside Presidency with more ambiguities on a succession plan. It’s worse with our brother Col. Besigye for as long as he is not the leader of this Party or any anti Government organization, the country, and the entire world has no person that can serve better than him. According to him, Gen. Muntu was bad for the Party and therefore branded a mole and had to be hounded out of the Party. Now even me who succeeded Gen. Muntu together with the Secretary General Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi when we refused to be his stooges, we were branded all sorts of names like sale outs, engata, ebikooko and all other tribes of names that one can ever think of. I can assure you that even his current political peg boys will fall out with him should they attempt to be independent minded. The World can now see for themselves that the allegations advanced by Dr.Kizza Besigye against the leadership of FDC were intended to tarnish the Secretary General and myself out of selfish personal considerations We saw how the team was busy discrediting the leadership of the Party yet this group is more questionable than those they blackmail. Clearly Dr.Kizza Besigye has surrounded himself with characters of questionable reputations knowingly but has kept silent for his own political expedience” – Patrick Amuriat Oboi (21.08.2024).

It is really amazing that he wants to use Gen. Mugisha Muntu as a shield now. Reflecting on it and how the FDC handled the loss of the Party President, which happened to go to POA. That was the ordeal that broke the camel’s back. POA can act indified, When he has called Muntu for “selfish” and sort of other thing to undermine him too. While he called Besigye his “political mentor”.

That is really compelling here and the betrayal to say the least. That the case of “money” and possible “illicit funds” could alter the equation so much. These was supposed brothers and now they are sworn “enemies”. Because, POA is speaking only ill of Besigye and his allies now. The ones that helped him to the position and office to begin with. If it wasn’t their support and endorsement. He would be a former MP and an unknown stalwart in the party. This is just being real about POA and what he has to offer.

That’s why seeing how he has mellowed on Muntu, but brutally goes after the people of Katonga is compelling. It is hurting his pride and his ego. This is damaging his calm, because he knows the heart of the party is there. Besigye and his comrades are the ones that brought the vision, the drive and the purpose of the party. Not the like of Nandala-Mafabi or himself. Not even Sabiiti or anyone else left. They followed head over tail for whatever campaign or sort of mission that Besigye had. Therefore, POA should ask himself.

Why are you betraying your mentor, the one who given you training and ones who works with everyone. That’s the one that is apparently “surrounding himself with questionable characters”. Once upon a time that would have been you, but you have disassociated yourself with him. Its POA who has dismissed and discarded the Katonga road. The Katonga road wanted a proper investigation and go into the roots of the matter. While the FDC HQ just made a mockery and pre-emptively ensured a “cleaned hands” report. Therefore, we know who is shady and untrustworthy out of the lot.

POA you cannot win against the one that trained you and mentored you. He knows what he taught you and what you learned. The past will haunt you and you will never be anywhere close to Besigye.

Besigye will be your boogeyman and you know. He will haunt you and be your nightmare. That’s what you have become and it was your own making. Peace.