Bukimbiri County By-Election: Return Form for Transmission of Results (11.08.2022)

Updates from Gogonyo County and Bukimbiri County By-Elections

Today is the day of the polls in the by-elections that is running simultaneously. Gogonyo County in Pallisa district is sort of over before the polls. As there are no real opposition or candidates against the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Flag-Bearer. This is why the real score is on the Bukimbiri County By-Elections in Kisoro district.

The Gogonyo County has had low voter turnout and it’s really an uninteresting affair. The only bothersome thing is that the Electoral Commission didn’t change the ballots after the withdrawal of candidates. So, the Polling agents has to enlighten the voters about if they vote for any of the candidates who pulled out. Their ballots becomes invalided one and will be counted as a spoilt one. Instead of casting a vote that really matters…

In Bukimbiri County is a whole other ball-game. There is already reports of abductions and arrests of the polling agents of the independent candidate, Asigaro Turyagendya. They are now detained at various of police stations. In addition to that… A team led by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Minister Sarah Mateke and Moses Kamuntu is traversing the county arresting the polling agents and supporters of Asigaro Turyagendya. So, the acts of Soroti East has come to Kisoro for sure.

It is also reported: “Voters in Bukimbiri County By-election are being given between 2000 and 5000 Ugandan shillings to vote either Asigario Turyagenda (independent) or Eddie Kwizera (NRM). This has led to physical fights” (Voice of Muhabura FM, 11.08.2022).

The amount of voters in Bukimbiri is said to be moderate. While drones and heavy security detail in the district. As reported earlier there are alleged voting bribery in the district. However, it is also stated that there have been ballot stuffing going on in Nyanamo Town Council. The source for this was Julius Nkunda from the Voice of Muhabura FM.

We can assess the circumstances here and the outcome is most likely a resounding victory for the NRM. Not because they have the best candidates or the flag-bearers. No, because they have rigged the elections and ensured safe-landing for their anointed ones. They have invested, intimidated and bribed to make it happen. It is just formalities and awaiting the Return Form for Transmission of Results.

Derrick Orone (Gogonyo County) and Eddie Kwizera (Bukimbiri County) is scheduled to be sworn-in and be the next MPs of the 11^th Parliament. To think otherwise and naive. This is why the population isn’t eager to show up or participate. Because, everyone knows the drill and it’s close to pointless or derivative at this point. When everyone knows what will go down and who will be announced.

The rest is just publicity, smack-daddy posturing and open blindfolding of the population. Hoping they don’t understand the gimmicks and the games. These weren’t elected MPs, but selected ones. The NRM didn’t need to do much, but they did enough to secure the poll position. That’s very obvious. Yet, another few hallow “victories” for the Movement.

It can celebrate, but everyone knows what’s up and the reality will sooner or later hit them. They cannot do this forever and the public will not accept either. They are made fools off and everyone knows. Peace.

Opinion: Mutabazi only thinks about his own needs…

“Joshua Mutabazi whose candidature for Bukimbiri County (Kisoro) seat was withdrawn by his party, NUP in favor of FDC candidate James Owebeyi has crossed to NRM” (NTV Uganda, 10.08.2022).

It wasn’t long ago that the National Unity Platform (NUP) withdrew their candidate in the up-coming by-election in Bukimbiri county in Kisoro district. It is just mere days since the effects of the Unity Statement came into affect and made the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) the “sole” candidate of the opposition in the by-election. However, as things are turning, the words of the 19 year old student surely turned bitter.

The not so seasoned politician who showed finesse character. Has had a change of heart. We don’t know what swayed him or what the National Resistance Movement (NRM) offered the young man. Whatever it was… it wasn’t serving the nation or the struggle for liberation. No it was most likely for his own needs and not what the country needed.

Just read his statement as he withdrew his candidacy just the other day…

Joshua Mutabazi statement:

“But if, its for the people, but if it was for liberation, but had it been for us then why wait long. We cant keep claiming condemning and consoling. I choose to bridge the struggle but most importantly draw lines between what one needs and what the country needs. What the country needed a decade back was our leaders to be one, we are late. Its my turn, I wont delay therefore announce my withdrawal from the parliamentary seat by-election of the latter mentioned jurisdiction in favor and full support for united struggle. As the country’s need to have united forces of Change ages daily, I and my party decided to take it upon ourselves. If you have ever experienced injustice and by the ungodliness, then you are a candidate to stand against the same. “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. Matthew 23:11-12-11-12 MSG If you are unwilling to make an early sacrifice in life, you’ll be beggars and slaves to the men who did” (Joshua Mutabazi – STATEMENT ON MY WITHDRAWAL FROM THE BUKIMBIRI COUNTY PARLIAMENT SEAT BY-ELECTION, 06.08.2022).

The young man knew perfectly well the deal and what sort of struggle it is out there. The path that his chosen is a road for himself. That is with whatever cherries or dealings the NRM has offered. This is short-term benefits, but in the long-run… his not useful or anything of value for the NRM. No, his just another bought cadre who they were able to corrupt ahead of a by-election. He will be useful as Ashburg Katto or anyone else taken from the NUP. The associates of Bobi Wine who turned the other way.

Mutabazi haven’t even carried himself in a whole campaign. He did the right thing and said the words that was wisely written in the statement. As the party in their efforts of solidarity and planned joint-ventures had to drop-out of certain races to show unified front against the NRM. That’s just a mere fact and Mutabazi isn’t the only one who had to withdraw and won’t be the last either. Especially, if the parties continues with this practice and belief of joint-campaigning to show a vast difference from the NRM.

Mutabazi is unwillingly to sacrifice and will become a beggar or a slave to the system. That’s the choice he made… when he decided not to follow the struggle, but took a choice for his own ends. The young man is in his rights to do so, but he abandoned the struggle and the life of sacrifices. He has chosen the life of cronyism and becoming corrupted by the regime itself. That’s why he gave up on trying to be part of change, but instead joining with the status quo. It is tragic, but that’s the path he has chosen.

When you have opened this door, there is no turning back. People know what you do and who you are. You weren’t the man you made to believe. Instead you sold out and that will forever be a stain on your name. That’s the choice he made and now he has to deal with it. Peace.

Bukimbiri County By-Election: The NRM is ready to repeat what they did in Soroti East…

“We’re very ready to gain that victory in all the remaining by-elections in Gogonyo, and Bukimbiri. Our teams are already on the ground and we hope to repeat what we did in Soroti,” NRM party EC boss, Dr. Tanga Odoi said” (The New Vision, 05.08.2022).

The ones that believes the two by-elections scheduled for 11^th August 2022 will be free and fair. Well, I hate to say it in advance: “It will not be”. Because, the National Resistance Movement are already prepared and Dr. Tanga Odoi know what went down in the Soroti East By-Election. So, the truth is in those words and the public shouldn’t be hoodwinked.

The Prime Minister Nabbanja flew in with a helicopter to campaign together with other high ranking officials who is in the area. They are clearly ensuring the path of victory and having the manpower to “ensure victory”. If that being Dombo or NRM operatives on the ground. These will do whatever it takes and that shows with how the NRM has invested in the PM to be there.

Here are some more important statements into the race, which we will be run like Soroti East…

The PM:

“PM Robinah Nabbanja, pitches camp in Kisoro to campaign for NRM flag bearer, Eddie Kwizera Wa-gahungu ahead of this week’s Bukimbiri by-election. Nabbanja rallied the locals to support Kwizera, if promises and pledges of gov’t are to be fulfilled” (91.2 Crooze FM, 08.08.2022).

Joint Candidacy of the Opposition:

“Kampala, Uganda: The National Unity Platform (NUP) party has withdrawn its candidate in the Bukimbiri county by-election, in order to jointly support James Owebeyi, a candidate for the Forum for Democratic Change-FDC party. Voting in Bukimbiri is scheduled to take place on August 11, 2022. The by-election stems from the court of Appeal’s decision to nullify the victory of Kwizera citing irregularities following a successful application by Owebeyi” (Flash TV Uganda, 07.08.2022).

Joshua Mutabazi statement:

“But if, its for the people, but if it was for liberation, but had it been for us then why wait long. We cant keep claiming condemning and consoling. I choose to bridge the struggle but most importantly draw lines between what one needs and what the country needs. What the country needed a decade back was our leaders to be one, we are late. Its my turn, I wont delay therefore announce my withdrawal from the parliamentary seat by-election of the latter mentioned jurisdiction in favor and full support for united struggle. As the country’s need to have united forces of Change ages daily, I and my party decided to take it upon ourselves. If you have ever experienced injustice and by the ungodliness, then you are a candidate to stand against the same. “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. Matthew 23:11-12-11-12 MSG If you are unwilling to make an early sacrifice in life, you’ll be beggars and slaves to the men who did” (Joshua Mutabazi – STATEMENT ON MY WITHDRAWAL FROM THE BUKIMBIRI COUNTY PARLIAMENT SEAT BY-ELECTION, 06.08.2022).

That Mutabazi (NUP) is withdrawing his candidature is in line with the united forces in the by-elections. This means the NUP and FDC will combine their efforts and be behind one candidate in the race. It shows that the statement released after the Soroti East By-Election is in effect. The parties are coordinating and ensuring the possible best outcome.

The FDC Owebeyi was able to pull off the petition in the courts after the General Elections of 2021. However, now in the By-Election it is a whole other breed. The state will use all means and tactics. The NRM EC Chairman is even saying it out loud. Expect it to become a military exercise. We should expect mass-arrests, pre-ticked ballots and other malpractices to ensure “victory” of the NRM flag-bearer. That’s how they are doing it and it’s so obvious.

That’s why I have little to no faith in the opposition in these races. Not because I want the NRM to win. I do want anyone else than the NRM to win. However, the way they operate and continues to take the elections. The will of the people isn’t the vital one. It is the total annihilation of the opposition. That’s the goal and the objective…

I don’t see a positive outcome. The FDC flag-bearer James Owebeyi could be a genuine man and an honest actor, the best sort of candidate, but that doesn’t matter. Because, the state is preparing their machine and rigging. The FDC polling agents and activists will soon feel the agony of facing the state. They are getting into the firing line and they tend to answer with brutality. To think otherwise is to be naive in 2022… Peace.

National Resistance Movement (NRM): The 4th Central Executive Commitee of the National Resistance Movement at its 10th Meeting (08.07.2022)

Opinion: The Movement Aspirants states a bitter fact [about the ‘Art of Peer Pressure’]

“Members of the ruling National Resistance Movement who contested and failed in the previous party primary elections have formed an association to stop future ‘sham elections. The association dubbed Action for Transformation and Sustainable Development also seeks to help members recover from the loss and strategize for the 2026 election” (Gerald Matembu – ‘NRM losers form Association to stop electoral malpractice’ 13.10.2021, Nile Post).

We are used too that National Resistant Movement aspirants or members who loses their primaries stands as “independents”. That is very common with this party and is common at the last elections. The NRM Electoral Commission haven’t been able to handle or had the manpower to secure it either. Neither does the party suspend or sends letter of expulsion to the former aspirants either. Therefore, today’s new association is really inspiring.

This must be insulting to the Chairman, the NRM Central Executive Committee and the NRM EC. All of the heads who vouch for the system and has created it this way. The President and every single Minister must feel insulted. They have all been elected through the system.

These are the new stock of NRM Rebels and that’s not the ‘Correct Line’. With that in mind, we can wonder what is the next step? What will they do? How will they plea or have their cases heard?

Not like Secretary General Richard Todwong will have a listen. He is a loyal cadre of the President and cannot handle this. This man will not accept the scrutiny or allegations. The former SG Justine Kasule-Lumumba was hostile towards to the NRM EC Chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi. The internal elections has been an issue, but not properly resolved.

What is striking is that this is happening after NRM Primaries was held with voting in line. They were standing behind the candidate they did prefer. Now the aspirants are saying this isn’t fair. Which is striking, since this was changed between the 2015 and 2020 after wishes of the President. They are saying his voting system isn’t fair. That must infuriate him when he gets the call or the memo.

We were plenty of outsiders saying this and called it the ‘Art of Peer Pressure’ as it was a clear signal of popularity and not a secret ballot. This was clear from the get-go, but the aspirants accept this school-yard way of challenging the polls. So, in their regards its a bit late. They can hope for a better way of running it next time. However, that is all up to the President and the NRM CEC. Peace.

NRM Primaries proves the deficiencies within the party… [and ministers are losing]

It is not shocking that Ministers are losing their seats in the National Resistance Movement Primaries. That has happen before, where NRA Historicals have lost favours after prolonged time in office and nothing to show for it. In 2020 that is no difference.

We are also seeing people who has moved from being Anti-Museveni and harsh opponents turned ministers failing to win. Beatrice Anywar and Beti Kamya being two of them. They have both lost their spots after moving to the Movement. They have to run as Independents. As they don’t have any favours where they fled from either.

That Elioda Tumwesigye lost for instance in Sheema, where he has run several of elections and one. Even a By-Election mid-term in this term. Therefore, it is a shocking enterprise to see him bow out in an inside party election.

In Bushenyi, Mary Karooro Okurut also lost out. In Nyabushozi, there is reports that Fred Mwesigye is loosing too. Evelyn Anite lost in Koboko as well.

There are reports of deaths in three districts. Where family members of the President is for instance fighting over a position like in Mawongola North, where the daughter of Kuteesa is battling the son of Museveni Sado. Clearly it turned violent and the elections was suspended. Similar things happen in Tororo and in Sheema as well.

In Rakai, five boda-boda’s have been burned. One candidates supporter beaten into a comma.

From the NRM Youth League, the leader Gadaffi Nassur for Katikamu North has won and Lillian Arber won in Kitgum.

Even with the voting in line, as in the 1980s elections. The NRM Electoral Commission cannot be proud of the hectic mess. They are not able to keep all the ducks in a row and has to manoeuvre things by the State House to solve the chaos committed. The stakes are so high and therefore, the fall is so massive.

There are reports of 33 or 43 MPs going in unopposed. Alas, there are sole-candidates in the party. That is why these districts and counties are not creating issues.

In 2015 someone called the NRM Primaries a circus. The same could maybe be said this year as well. There are always internal conflict, death, destruction and problems created by the polls. Nothing was different this time.

The NRM are creating havoc over seats in Parliament and the other positions as well. Peace.

Ahead of 2021: The NRM repeats itself in true NRM fashion

We are soon in 2021 and the General Elections is upon us again. The new word “Scientific” is the new idea or subject of controversy. However, there are plenty of staples.

Just like President since 1986 picked up nomination forms and paid a few millions to his party. This is so steady and random. We knew this was happening since abolishing term limits in 2005. We all knew this was happening after he abolished age limit in 2017. It was written in stone. This was written in the stars and there was no way a meteor would hit Okello House in Entebbe and stop this from happening.

We are now seeing battles for the National Vice Chairman, which happens every time. This being in the North being the incumbent versus the deputy speaker. In Western someone whose either a relative of the President or the possible elevation of his Muhoozi. In the East being Mukula, Tanna or someone else whose loyal to the cause no matter what. Then in the Central its a free for all and former Lord Mayors or Presidential Advisors wanting this.

We are now also seeing the NRM Electoral Commission doing the ordinary warning to both members and candidates. That they need to run a free and fair election, where they will be victors, as this is the mass party. The party for the ones aiming at the stars, but hitting the moons. The pop-stars of the Republic.

We are also seeing old heads returning to campaign for the party. Even after they lost in the previous election in 2016. This being Kahinda Otafiire or Jim Muhwezi. These are the sort of NRA historicals who cannot step back and lead the youth from behind. They have to be in the front-line act like big-men. Be generals who has to be in the spotlight and be giants. Instead of giving and educating the next generation. No, they are just in it to eat in yet another term. However, these gentlemen who does that follows the sole candidate on top.

The race for 2021 is following a normal pattern. The NRM tries to show off amount of members. It is trying to make headlines with new deflections and MPs going from the Opposition. They want to have positive publicity, even if doesn’t make sense.

We can expect nice SUVs for RDCs and Chiefs, Pastors getting sudden funds and NRM Village Fund will resurface. The NRM will drop the shillings around like beers in and around alcoholics. That’s what the ruling regime will do. As soon as they can campaign now. They will drop facemasks, sanitizers and whatnot. Soap and smaller things to get the voters greased for the polls.

This is what we know. This has been played out for us so many times. The internal “drama” and knifing over smaller positions from the NRM Central Executive Committee to the rest of the Party. To even be flag-bearer in a newly minted district. That just happens every time. There will be former MPs who was disqualified in the Courts return to the polls claiming to have the academic credentials and needs to stand as a candidate in 2021. This will all appear in front of our eyes.

The NRM will repeat itself. It is doing it. Following standards, protocol and the whole thing. The structure is moving and they have the same story. Even the same actors acting up and wanting your attention. They want to suddenly sound democratic and sincere. When the rest of the time they are muffling the opposition and uses the police to policing them.

While they are free campaigning and using the state as a tool for their benefit. That is what they do and the continuation of the Movement continues. It is not cool, but a repetition of the same old thing. Peace.

Opinion: NRM queuing in the line of 1989

It was reported that in February 2019, that the National Resistance Movement – Central Executive Council (NRM -CEC) was proposing to have the NRM Primary Elections of 2020. Where all the members and the general public who would participate in these elections would go behind their lines. By that way decide whose the candidate in the up-coming election in 2021.

That was just a mere report from NRM CEC was reported in the New Vision this: “The Central Executive Committee (CEC) sitting in Entebbe on Thursday discussed the proposed amendments to the NRM Constitution and adopted lining up as a mode of voting during party elections” (New Vision, 24.01.2020). That’s a mere year later and they are really sticking to it.

This time they have made excuses for this lax elections too: “The party leaders extensively discussed the advantages that come along with this proposed amendment some of which include reduction in logistical and financial such as procurement of ballot papers, buckets, indelible ink, pens and basins among other electoral materials, provide a desirable party cohesion because it will be open and transparent and elimination of ghost polling stations” (New Vision, 24.01.2020).

Its like they are initially saying, we are so bad at holding these elections and we don’t trust the NRM Electoral Commission. Especially not that rascal Dr. Tanga Odoi. His a useless tool, but our useless tool. So, we have to abolish ordinary elections. The candidates has to put forward like school-kids in the yard and the ones with the most people behind them. Becomes not only captain, but the class-president. This is how it seems.

Just like in 1989, it was the personal merit, which counted in the National Resistance Council Elections. Now, the same will happen. On the grounds on Election Day. Where the polls will all be open. Where the members and the public in general participating will stand in line behind the person they see most fit or feels the pressure to vote for. This is not secret voting, but a public gathering of people and pressuring them.

The NRM CEC and Delegates Conference should maybe give it a three week notice for the elections. Let the President decide the majority of the Candidates and call it a rewind of the RC Election of 1989. They are queuing like the RC1 did back then. So, the NRM CEC and the President wants a Personality Contest.

What is special is that the liberator is going back to his old tricks to get his cronies behind the wheels. His using the same tools he did in the 1980s. Instead of developing, the NRM and its Secretariat is digressing. This isn’t developing the party, but time travelling back-in-time.

So, the NRM want the public to ‘Walk a fine line’. It’s 34 years in power, 31 years since the first election was held and now they want to repeat that. It is internally, but shows their lack of respect for their members and voters. When they want to continue the “art of peer-pressure”.

We are living in 2020, but the NRM CEC is still in 1989. Maybe, the NRM CEC should buy a Nintendo Gameboy or even watch Lethal Weapon again. So, they can reminisce about that long forgotten time. Instead of pushing old tricks on the public now. The Party of a ruling regime, which is getting closer to 4 decades. Should be able to run a proper election. Not do the same as it did in their inception.

That’s what’s you do when your lost and you got no where else to go. Peace.

Opinion: The ‘NRM Rebel MPs’ proves the democratic deficiencies within the party

When Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Justine Kasule Lumumba barred 30 Members of Parliament for the Party to be delegates at the NRM Delegates Conference on the 25^th January 2020 at Mandala Stadium (Namboole). Because, these 30 MPs voted against the abolishment of the Age Limit in defiance of the President, the Party Chairman and Supreme Leader. Therefore, SG Lumumba and the President have directed them not to come.

It is funny that a party made out a rebellion is sanctions its own rebels. I always find that endearing of the NRM. That the ones who should understand and support this behaviour. Since that is how the party got made to begin with.

What we are seeing is a President, his party and his secretariat not accepting other things than the party line. Everyone is supposed to follow the guidance and the beliefs of the President. Everything else is out of question. In addition, if you dare to go against it, there will be sanctions, ramifications and consequences.

So today this news broke out: “Oscar John Kihika, the Director Legal Services NRM Party has said the 30 Party MPs who opposed the lifting of the Presidential age limit have a right to attend the Party’s Conference as per Article 11(2) (i) of the NRM Party Constitution” (91.2 Crooze FM, 15.01.2020).

That is why, the NRM own constitution doesn’t ban them, but the President and SG wants to do it. They might show up then, but don’t expect celebrations or huge relief. These MPs might get into trouble by defying that too. These people might just end up like Muhammed Nsereko, NRM leaning Independent, which will vote in accordance with the party, but as “independents”.

What we are seeing is singling out the ones who doesn’t following the program and the regime of Museveni. The ones inside his own camp whose daring to oppose him and his self-styled President for Life. Which is his memo and life work. They are defying that and because of that. The President are initially saying they have “no say” and “nothing to offer” in his party.

If they did, they would come with open arms, discuss why did what they did and talked it out. Instead his banning them and closing the door shut. No way to return, no mercy, no justification. Just, you didn’t do as your told. Therefore, now you got to suffer, outside alone and not allowed to play us friends inside. Real kindergarten stuff, not a grown up party with proper measures and protocol.

It is so endearing, the NRM Rebels, but the party doesn’t think so, apparently. For them, they are nuances and a reminder, that not everyone follows one man blindly, but that they can on their own. Peace.