Opinion: Museveni goes bananas in his defense of the Bugiri By-Election loss!

“My Reflections on Age Limit and Election in new Municipalities” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the 30th July 2018

There are something striking about the defense of the loss in Bugiri Municipality, would think there was warfare and additional cult-like obsessions from the opposition who won. That they we’re tricking the Electoral Commission and that they had the economic capacity of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

When he claims the losses of the recent by-elections are on voter tourism, have he seen many buses hired by the Forum for Democratic Change? Have he seen or heard reports of dodgy caravans crossing one district to another on polling?

This is the whirlwind of nonsense, as a mad-man using all methods to capture the lack of finesse and use of message from him. President Museveni are using fear and intimidation towards the public, that is why everyone isn’t biting and he cannot manage that. He is now seeing that the opposition if they have the right amount of power behind them, they can actually galvanize popularity. However, he calls it sectarianism and pseudo-ideology, nevertheless, the first I don’t even care for answering, but second needs to be addressed.

By a man of recycled promises, an empty treasure chest, 32 years of rule, less and less results to prove of his ideology or even governance. He shouldn’t claim of others, he should keep his mouth shut and walk-on. Museveni is an empty headed buffoon, whose place is on the farm rearing cows and not being an executive. The defense of the loss in Bugiri proves it.

He call it these things, when they don’t follow the Correct Line, the “Follow My Guidelines”, that is how he is and he cannot help himself. That is part of the lost cause, the man with the old hat. Thinks everything should be focused around and his reign. The ones who doesn’t listen or being servants to his orders, are sectarian or following a pseudo-ideology, if you feel that sounds like hogwash? Your absolutely right.

President Museveni, you have overstayed your welcome, people are tired of you and your lies. You have promised the world, but not even given them a glimpse of honest leadership. That is why people become your enemies, when they are not listening to you or following your commands. Which is sort of a bugging narrative to repeat, but the reality, nevertheless.

You still have the majority, still sitting secure in the State House and controls the army, so right now, Mr. President, you have no need to fear. These elements will always be out there, because everyone will never follow your every command and every word. Because that wise your not and that level of expertise in every field, you have not.

You might have taxed the Over-The-Top Service, but your delivering Down-At-The-Bottom Services to your people. Time for you to relax and figure another way to rule. I know it is to late, but someone has to say it. Best would be to retire and hang-out with Mugabe. Peace.

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Mzee says “Follow My Guidelines” and expect everyone to tag-along!

Repeatedly, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni cannot help himself. He just have to throw someone else under the bus. He is riding the bus, put up all the protocols for the bus, he has made the legislation and even made the entire legal framework since 1986 and still he complains about the judiciary. It is as if the man forgets his place and that his own role as the sign-offs of laws, the ones that put them through Parliament is himself.

How stupid does Museveni think people are? That should be an important question at this point, because he always blame others for his short-comings, if it wasn’t him; it was the British, the Obote’s and the Amin’s, but never the high and mighty Museveni. No, that cannot happen, he is perfection and the greatest ever gracing the blue planet of ours.

“But in a statement issued on Monday, Museveni, who is in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, said the judges fell short of understanding the importance of a long term for the elected leaders but concentrated on theatrics. “Unfortunately, our judges in Uganda spend more time on form and not substance, on procedure and not substance,” said Museveni. “My freedom fighter’s sense of justice, in this matter (the age limit ruling) focuses more on the convenience of 7 years rather than 5 years. With the 5 years, a lot of time is spent on electioneering and less time on development; the first two years settling in, the third year some work in the constituency and, then, by the 4th year, electioneering again,” he emphasised. Museveni said, in the end, however, “the judges are not the ones in charge of the country.” He stressed that, “If the NRM MPs follow my guidelines and bond closely with the people, through wealth and job creation, we can, together with the people, make the necessary Constitutional reforms, judges or no judges.” The President said the Constitution should “facilitate the modernization of Uganda and the economic and political integration of Africa for the survival of the people of Africa as free people, not just the theatre of democracy of form without addressing substance.” (Kim Aine – ‘Museveni on Age Limit Ruling: Judges are not in Charge of Uganda’ 30.07.2018, link: https://chimpreports.com/museveni-on-age-limit-ruling-judges-are-not-in-charge-of-uganda/).

He is blaming the judges for stopping the extension of the time of MPs, even if the legal framework doesn’t abide to it. Meaning, that if the President really cared about this and about the laws. He would ensure they were passed properly, even if I have a hard time believing his blast of them. Since, the same laws that ensured the passing of the abolishment of age limit, didn’t need to be fulfilled when concerning him. However, the laws was applied when concerning MPs, that was the need for a referendum and also more public consultations, not just rubberstamping the law and call-it a day.

The judiciary have their place, as they are following the rules of law put in front of them and abide by the set of framework the politicians put together in Parliament. As the pass the laws, it is not like the judges makes these laws and orders. Not in theory, therefore, the whole blasting of them is just weird. When the one law applied to MPs and their extension, but not to the President. He should be more careful with his wording, because why didn’t the same laws apply to him and with the consultation of the extension of his time in office?

Why?

Because the judges are appointed by him and they are working for him, they don’ won’t to bite the hand that feeds them. The key thing out of this was: “follow my Guidelines”, meaning, his words is law and the way forward. There are nothing else to state on the matter. Museveni have the guidelines and the rest have to be in submission and follow, there are no but, if’s or what. It is just follow me and than you can rest assure. That is it. Peace.

Age Limit: Erias Lukwago statement after Age Limit Judgement on the 26th July 2018

The frustration and disillusionment many of you and I feel this evening cannot be gainsaid. But I believe it has not been an exercise in futility, for the luganda adage that “nkuwaabidde takuvirako awo” has come to pass.

I am glad that the the Constitutional Court has embraced and incorporated in our constitutional jurisprudence the novel doctrine of “Basic Structure”; a very instrumental tool that informed judicial activism in a number of commonwealth jurisdictions like India, South Africa, Belize etc. I’m only disappointed that they shied away from applying it to all the provisions of the impugned age limit Act and strike it down. Nonetheless, it provides a firm foundation for the next course of action.

We shouldn’t loose sight of the fact that even leopards sweat. We should not despair. Step by step, brick by brick we shall build the Uganda we want. Remember that dictatorships world over do not fall by gravitational force like ripe mangoes, but through sustained struggles and concerted actions of right thinking people.

We must harness and seize every available lawful means to push on with the struggle for rule of law and Constitutional governance. My sincere gratitude to all Ugandans who have walked with us in this strenuous journey. Aluta continua.

For God and My Country.

Opinion: Not shocked that Museveni get another day!

The Age Limit Saga seemed like it would never finish in Mbale today. The Constitutional Court today has given a postponed verdict. This was the finalization of the petition to withdraw or to get the Age Limit “null and void”. However, that didn’t happen and isn’t surprising, that out of the five judges, four judges voted in favor of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. So the life presidency is established by the Constitutional Court today.

This was expected. This wasn’t breaking news. This is just what to anticipate by the National Resistance Movement and the regime of Museveni. Nothing was shocking about it. That one man was against it, seems like a clever way of masking difference of legal opinion, but not making the charade more real. This result was to be expected, just like the lawmakers was supposed to deliver this law and ensure that Museveni got another day as the almighty ruler.

It became 4 to 1 in favor of Museveni becoming the life president, while the judges was agreeing, that the MPs are not allowed without a referendum to go from 5 years to 7 years referendum. Clearly, showing the lack of balance and also a back-slap from the Court to make it sting. This is sending the message, that the State House is deciding matters and not the Parliament. They are only loyal followers of the President. That is why the President is allowed to rule beyond his Age Limit, but the MPs are not allowed to give themselves more time in power.

This here should be seen as another day in the regime of Museveni. Where he has secured himself, used the institution in favor of himself, the MPs are just tools of his reign. If the MPs doesn’t understand that by now, then they are blind fools who has succumbed to the greed and opportunities of the office. They have been self-serving and shown that with their actions and voted for the President in hour of greed.

That is why Museveni knows even as he punish them and stings them, he takes the crown and secure himself. He doesn’t care, he got what he need and has validated himself, by his appointed judges, who delivered what he needs. That is not surprising. That is just to expect.

The ones saying this is a victory for anyone but Museveni. Is lying directly in your face. They are doling out a big fat lie. The winner took it all, took the bride and the kingdom, left only breadcrumbs for the guests. That is what happen today. Peace.

Age Limit: Justices Deemed it legal for the Special Force Command to assault MPs inside the Chambers!

“One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.” – George Orwell in 1984

On the 27^th September 2017, the Special Force Command or the Presidential Guards came into the chambers of the Parliament, evicted 25 Members of Parliament, these were opposition MPs. Who was against the Constitutional Amendment nicknamed the Age Limit. Whereas it give the President, a Life Presidency and also more terms, as well as the MPs gotten longer terms.

I will focus on what has been the outcome of some of the Court Justices at the Constitutional Court in Mbale. Where the Justices have defended that strangers has attended and been part of the Plenary Sessions, the first and second reading of the law. Especially, since in the days of the amendment being part of the order sheet, the army and police was making sure no one else entered and had militarized the street in and around the Parliament. That should not be natural around the Parliament, they enact the laws and make sure the standing of the state is secure. Not be a war-zone over a bill being read, the army should secure the borders and the wars they are in. They should not be entering the chambers and intimidate the MPs or the lawmakers of the Republic.

All of that should be natural reaction to what happen with the Age Limit proceedings, however, parts of the judiciary are on the defensive mode, in a way that is a disgrace. Will prove that with the law that is still active and in use. That being the Power and Privileges Act of 1955. First the statements from the justices, before the law itself and final comments.

“Military intervention arose from Members’ conduct and is demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society” – Justice Elizabeth Musoke

“I do not agree with the petitioners that the involvement of the army in parliament was unjustified. There were life-threatening incidents in Parliament and therefore it was justified for the army to be called in to support the police” – Justice Cheborion Barishaki

“I have no evidence that the Army and Police would have come to Parliament if the MPs did not behave like that. They called it upon themselves, however, Police and Army must be kept out of Politics” – Justice Kenneth Kakuru

“The conduct of MPs summoned the ‘beating’ they got from police/army. A number of MPs conducted themselves without the necessary expected restraint they are to blame for the scuffle at parliament” – Justice Remmy Kasule

After seeing those obnoxious statements from the judges. I will first show the law texts, that are my basis for understanding of the rules and why it is wrong to get strangers within the chambers. That speaker are allowed to ban MPs and send them away for disorder. That is fine and usual ordeal everywhere with a Parliament, however, the military intervention is just wrong and made the situation much worse.

Point 5:

“No stranger shall be entitled as of right to enter or to remain within the precincts of Parliament” (The Parliament – The Power and Privileges Act of 1955).

Point 18:

“Any person who—

assaults, obstructs, molests or insults any member coming to, being within, or going from the precincts of Parliament, or endeavours to compel any member by force, insult or menace to declare himself or herself in favour of or against any proposition or matter pending or expected to be brought before Parliament or a committee; assaults, interferes with, molests, resists or obstructs any officer of Parliament while in the execution of his or her duty or while proceeding to or from Parliament; creates or joins in any disturbance which interrupts or is likely to interrupt the proceedings of Parliament or a committee while Parliament or the committee is sitting” (The Parliament – The Power and Privileges Act of 1955).

So for me it is hard to listen to these judges saying it was fine and dandy for the Special Force Command could enter the chambers, create havoc and evict the MPs. That should be deemed illegal, as they interrupted proceedings, they entered it assaulted MPs and also forcefully evicted them. If it had been the ordinary officers, it would have made sense. But it wasn’t.

It is like these justices didn’t know about this law or didn’t care. Yes, Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, got right to suspend and throw members out, but not send strangers in and let them assault people in the chambers. That is no justification for not in the chambers and neither in public.

This to me is insane and breaking boundaries with common sense. If these people did the same on the street, they would have violated the person and would gotten assault with a battery charge, but since it is inside the Parliament. The Constitutional Court are accepting it. That is just weird, especially from the judges, who are supposed to safeguard the people and give them justice. Instead, they are serving the master and not the public. They are not there for justice, not for something just, but for selfish reasons, I suppose. Peace.

NRA/M gone full circle: Demoting 27 rebel MPs!

“The power stays in the hands of the people. . . . I don’t see what opponents are so panicky about.” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2005

There are sometimes some ironies, some reflective notes and historical facts, that is just to big to overshadow. That yesterday for instance many of the rebel Members of Parliament, who happen to National Resistance Movement. Was demoted for their non-vote against the life presidency, the age limit amendment to the 1995 Constitution. Clearly, that hurt the feelings and the honour of his excellency at the State House. Since months after, the NRM are now punishing the NRM Rebels MPs.

What is striking is that it took 27 guns to start the Bush-War of the NRA, the now NRM. There were 27 Rebel MPs in 2017 against the Age Limit bill, which give life President to Museveni. That should be a warning, and that is maybe why Museveni is striking so hard against them. Because he knows how many he needed to topple Obote and Okello back-in-the-day.

In 1984:

“Museveni says he took to the bush and began armed resistance in l980, after Obote’s followers allegedly rigged elections. He suggests that the proposed elections in 1985 will be a sham. My estimate is that there are about 6,000 well-armed and well-disciplined rebels, up from 27 at the NRA’s inception. Other exile sources say there are 7, 000 or 8,000 rebels. In most of its confrontations in this area, the NRA seems to come out on top in battles with the Army” (Pike, 1984).

So, a man of a rebellion, should understand others who rebel, even or especially against himself. However, he is so short sighted and thinking he is overpowerful, that even his allies within his own party. Who just differed on the life-presidency, are now people who deserve to be sanctioned and lose privileges. That is just weird, and what is weirder is the amount of MPs, which co-incidentally the same amount he claims he started his rebellion with.

These days:

“The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has reshuffled its leadership of sectorial committees and dropped all MPs who last year opposed the passing of the controversial Constitutional Amendment Act that removed age limit from the Constitution. On the other hand, NRM lawmakers who supported the removal of age limit have been rewarded with appointments to committee leadership positions. Government Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa tabled the new names in Parliament for approval, a formality that was done without much trouble” (Arinaitwe, 2018).

“Among the 27 NRM MPs that opposed last year’s Constitutional Amendment that scrapped presidential age limits and extended the tenure of Parliament and Local governments to seven years, were MPs who held leadership positions as committee chairpersons and vice chairpersons” (Kabuubi, 2018).

The message of the 1980s have clearly died down, the party of born out of rebellion are now supposed to be into submission and nothing else. The Saga Continues. Peace.

Reference:

Arinaitwe, Solomon – ‘NRM fires, rewards MPs over age limit’ 26.07.2018, link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/NRM-fires-rewards-MPs-over-age-limit/688334-4679926-lfa46g/index.html

Kabuubi, Gyagenda – ‘NRM cracks the whip, drops ‘rebel’ MPs from leadership positions’ 24.07.2018 link: https://intelpostug.com/2018/07/24/nrm-cracks-the-whip-drops-rebel-mps-from-leadership-positions/

 

Pike, William – ‘Uganda can’t seem to crush guerrilla leader Museveni’ 20.09.1984 link: https://www.csmonitor.com/1984/0920/092044.html

Age Limit Petition: Asking for a Court Judgement (20.06.2018)

Opinion: You know your Constitutional Amendment Sucks, when the Presidential Guards need to be your safety afterwards!

You know that the repercussions of the activity from last year is now in full affect. When the Members of Parliament, the staunch supporters and ones who was the mega-phones for the will of the President. Needs the added security because they are afraid of their lives. They know that the people are not in favour of a President for life. That is why they are now encircled with the Presidential Guards.

“According to sources, the MPs and government officials’ security was enhanced last Friday. They each got additional soldiers from the Special Forces Command, an elite presidential protection unit. The beneficiaries include; Government Chief Whip Ruth Nankabirwa, State minister for Privatization Evelyn Anite, MPs; Raphael Magyezi (Igara West), Jacob Oboth-Oboth (West Budama South), Grace Balyeku (Jinja West), Simeo Nsubuga (Kassanda South), Peter Ogwang (Usuk) and Doreen Amule (Amolator)” (Namuloki, 2018).

Clearly, the Movement MPs are feeling the hatred and the local dismay over the decision to make the President for Life. They have tarnished the Constitution in favour of one man and his lifestyle. They have given the NRM regime the life-line by a thread and is now afraid of meeting the people. That is what this is all about. All of them knew what they we’re up to in the end of 2017, when they we’re ushering this and their legacy will be remembered for this. They cannot run away from the status quo they have created.

The Movement are fixated and doing the bidding of the President, the most loyal now needs the Presidential Guards to shield them from the people. A real sign of the state of affairs, how they are not the people’s candidates and their flag-bearers, but instead the King’s Men. They are the loyal servants of the President and is part of his court. That is the reality and they cannot run away from that.

The Movement MPs have to responsible for their actions, they have to able to go to the Constituents and answer for what they did. They are in charge and threw behind their names in the name of abolishing age limit for the Presidency, and that is why they have to answer for that as well. Therefore, they should man-up and set it straight.

This is the aftermath and this MPs are afraid of their own community, that says more about their behaviour, than the community itself. The Community are just addressing their disbelief that the so-called representatives are opposing what the people want. That is why they are angry and displeased when they meet. Clearly, this is now addressed.

That is why they are hiding behind the Presidential Guards, since he sends them that as a token of their loyalty to him. Peace.

Reference:

Namuloki, Josephine – ‘Age-Limit MPs get more SFC guards’ 20.06.2018 link: http://www.observer.ug/news/headlines/57990-age-limit-mps-get-more-sfc-guards.html

The NRM Celebration in Kiboga only affirm one thing: They are all loyal minions to Museveni and his agenda!

If you believed the Age Limit fight and votes of 2017 was for the betterment of the Republic. Sorry brother, your so wrong, the celebration in Kigoba today is made for the 317 Members of Parliament, who voted for the Raphael Magyezi Bill. They are celebrating the life president of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. This happens the same week the ruling party sacked dozens of staff. They can afford a grand party and start a second referendum for the President. They are now planning to change the constitution again, this time to add the Presidential Terms from 5 years to 7 years.

Therefore, the party is in the constituency of the Deputy Cheif Whip Ruth Nankabirwa, who led the removal of the article 102(b). Now she will led the change of the article 105(1). The National Resistance Movement, should just be honest, that all of them just serve one purpose. Working for the master and the President by all means. Not for democracy or for principals. Because Museveni has broken all his promises and pledges. This party proves that the NRM are broke this week, but can afford to slaughter 25 cows and pay buses for the MPs there.

They are now wishing Museveni Non-Stop and preparing for a new referendum, that fits the paradigm of the President again. Instead of age of the President, it is now the length of his term. They cannot put this on the age or the decisions, they are now countering it because they gave themselves longer terms. The 317 Members of Parliament has now a term lasting 7 years, instead of 5 years. Which should be long enough to be able to make a difference. However, they need longer time to be corrupted and work under Museveni.

So this party, is “Align and Arrive” campaign are yet another way of extending Museveni, just like they did themselves. It follows protocol that they work for him and not for the Republic. You know there is local problems in Kiboga Sub County NRM Chairman Stephen Matovu has asked for the president to buy a motorcycle for him. While the LC 3 Chairman of Kiboga Hajji Sulaiman Ssekiwunga has asked for a new house and car, after that has been torched. Therefore, the NRM and the State House maybe has to cover for their poltical affiliations has cost in the region.

Hope the bribes, the congratulations and the praise of themselves, to make sure Museveni can be for life. President Museveni are bashing and letting them praise it, because this is all making it seem like the party celebrates itself and accomplishment. Instead, it makes them look like they are catering even more to him. Because the NRM wouldn’t be there and have this event if it wasn’t for Museveni. The whole thing is that they won a “victory” for Museveni and used all means to do so.

The Victory Bash, is really just showing how the minions are working all for Museveni and his agenda. Not for making the republic better or give it better governance. That comes second or third. What comes first is Museveni and his needs. To say otherwise, is the second reason for this bash. It is to make sure he get 4 more years, not the change they did in 2017 to the Constitution. So they plan to alter it again, so he can become president for even longer. There no other reason for the event.

So just as these NRM MPs was getting bribes for their votes, get praise for the changes, they are now expected to move further the agenda for Museveni. To extend it even more, they are aligned to show allegiance and ready to arrive another step further for the life presidency. Because that is the goal, that the president will take his last breath as President. They want the same results as with Mugabe, that he clocked out, when he was over 90 years old. Because that is the values of the NRM, which want to be like ZANU-PF.

So do yourself a favor, stop talking about democracy and building a better Uganda. Your only serving Museveni and his agenda. Which is himself and no-one else. They are just useful props for his purpose. They are needed votes and cronies, which he can pay when needed be. The Constitution has to be altered for his narrative and not for the betterment of the republic. Therefore, the ones celebrating today, is complicit in the theft, in the taking and the total control in favor of Museveni. They are all tools who are getting used by him. So he can rule with impunity and with disgrace. Peace.

ULS Statement on Constitutional Petition No. 3 of 2018 (15.01.2018)