Opinion: We can now see that the Movement has lost touch with Kampala as the Hon. Kamya decree gets into action!

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The proof is there now in the streets of Kampala, that the Police are following the decree of Honourable Beti Kamya from 19th October 2016 and taking down the street vendors around Old Kampala and areas around.

“It was an afternoon of bullets, injuries and arrests as law enforcement officers proceeded to implement orders by Kampala minister Beti Kamya to get the vendors off the streets  Amidst the show down, a number of arrests were made and many left in tears as they saw their means of livelihood taken away from them” (NBS TV Uganda, 25.10.2016).

That they are shooting at innocent civilians because of the words of a State Minister who hasn’t confined her actions through proper process in Kampala Capital City Authority or by any  other leadership. The rules of law are apparently not important because the Honourable can just write a decree and the whole ballad of Police Brutality comes stepping on the doors, citizens, people and ordinary vendors who have been trading in the districts for years on end.

“Police and KCCA officers in running battles with street vendors as they try to enforce gov’t directive to get vendors off the streets, in Kampala” (NTV Uganda, 25.10.2016).

So a Government Decree or Directive doesn’t need any more procedure or decision making in the Parliament, not in the City Council of anywhere else. So the Carte Blanche for Central Government is now that loyalists of the Regime can do as they please. Which is a dangerous sport; if Hon. Beti Kamya find’s it illegal to catch grasshoppers because she hates the taste. Then the electric fetchers are illegal to put-up and the ones that before traded on that can lose all their livelihoods. Just like the men and woman today who we’re torn-out of their trading area and have to from now-on if it persist get enough cash to facilitate inside some market-hall or shops that takes rent. That means the former vendors has to gain capital to rent or buy plots to set-up shop. Something the state doesn’t facilitate. Not even through the SACCO’s which delivers empty 30 years promises that are viable as many of the UPE schools in the northern districts of Uganda or even just up-country; barely walls and books, just a teacher or two who hasn’t gotten a pay-check in months. That is the lovable system and their respect of their citizens.

The Movement have lost all touch with the grassroots and the citizens… when they are even barring the streets for their own benefits as the major banks fails to pay off debts made by the Presidential Election Campaign. The fall of Crane Bank, who is now under management of Bank of Uganda, the Cairo Bank is also on the steps to become controlled by the Central Bank as well. That shows the fragile monetary policies and the weakness of the fiscal policies in general by the Movement, as the self-centred organization it is.

We can also question the financial situation in the Republic of Uganda as the World Bank has suspended their agreed loans for infrastructure projects of Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). So, the same Government who has issues with Multi-National Organization is now targeting street vendors for their trade. That Hon. Kamya has made ordinary citizens criminals for activity that has happen for decades and never been sanctioned.

The Issue I have is that this hawkers, street vendors as they have been there for so long. Not like the government and KCCA has ever done anything for them, but they at least has created to the economy. I am sure by my recon that many sells the Airtime that these big-tax paying cell-phone corporations and the communication industry like MTN, Airtel, Uganda Telecom and all of them needs to keep the citizens occupied with talking and texting each other.

So the needs of public aren’t necessary in the present time and the needy that do what it takes to survive aren’t good enough for the protection of the Police or the KCCA. The Government who has a fragile economy attacks those with the weakest economy and are the entrepreneurs that the Government have been bragging about. The Entrepreneurial Spirit as they we’re entitled to this in February and the Government men we’re all smiles.

This doesn’t matter now, the boda-boda’s, the newspaper sellers and the others who sell used clothes to live even. These people all of sudden doesn’t count by the Hon. Kamya decree they are useless and illegal. Not with an act or a new law, but a directive that set the standard. This behaviour is now the common grounds.

The Hawkers and Street Vendors might create noise and be hassle now and then. They might be distracting and even creating garbage, but nothing that the KCCA has been having issues with before. These sanctions are coming decades after the free market and liberty that came with the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) ushered in by the current President Museveni in the 1980s.

The President has eaten a long while on these sellers and their trade, but now it is not enough. He needs are now for the foreign investors and bigger investments that capitalize more cash-flow from the banks and donor-community that he needs.

So the acts from the KCCA shows the systematic issues that are in Uganda now, together with the wish of splitting Kasese District, because the Ugandan Government has forgotten why they are there. They are not there for the MPs or the Government Officials, but they are there for the people and the citizens. The shooting of the families and street vendors, scaring them of their corners and everything… because a non-voted and non-discussed decree from Hon. Kamya that put this into order.

This is not news in some regards, but the reality is that the Movement has clearly forgotten why they exist and why they are there. Not for the sake of being there and earning monies of the budget or the tax-payers money. They are there for the common-man and to provide for them. Instead they are doing the same like they are doing to the Opposition, using live-bullets and arresting them for being there.

The Decree or Directive is only to show force and strength, the mentality is that sooner the Government has to live by the acts of aggression against civilians something that now will be with them. Not only against political opposition and supporters, but trading civilians who has done legitimate trade in Central Business District and now all of sudden been sanctioned by the regime. They been reasons for the giant companies and importers getting more units sold and the little tax-base that Uganda Revenue Authority has.

So this combined is a strange effort to consolidate the trading of Kampala and make sure the government earns their tax. That the Government and the Movement didn’t’ think about it… or question it boggles me, but the selfish principals of Hon. Kamya is evident as she wants to better than the ones before. An also show the Lord Mayor Lukwago that her words are law while his are worthless, like the acts today show. Peace.      

Footage: “Vendors at the old taxi park in Kampala went haywire as KCCA evicted them today. Police fired live bullets to disperse the angry rioters” (Daily Monitor reports)

Opinion: Hon. Beti Kamya clearly is ready to override the Democratically Elected Leadership of Kampala in her ways of clearing the streets!

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I know you’re a former opposition leader who now so loyal to Museveni that its disgust me. Not like Hon. Nsereko who we’re a rebel NRM and turned back to former allies. That is different. You we’re supposed to question the leadership of the Movement and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. You called him even at one point heartless and ignorant of other leaders in the land.

Therefore it’s ironic today that you’re now running wild on the Street Vendors of Kampala, abolishing them without procedure, because your words as a honourable and State Minister have the Authority to control the Capital without question. I am sure Dr. Jennifer Musisi going to question you, though she is loyal to the same master as you are. Than there the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago who is not just a shambolic or a symbolic figure to stand beside the Baganda Caucus and in the Kampala Capital City Authority. Though you wish so, because all of a sudden your words are platinum and are so unique that they can decide the fate of all people of Kampotholo. I am right ma’am?

Just because you make a decision on the 19th October to:

“As part of our effort to improve Kampala City, all illegal street vending activities will not be allowed to continue because they affect trade and cause a security threat, congestion of streets and walkways. They prevent normal operation of licensed business and also create unfair trade competition. They cause littering in the city and make it impossible to maintain and clean the roads and walkways. The KCCA has identified several vending facilities in markets in and around the city as an alternative to vending on the streets. A number of these markets are not fully occupied. The street vendors are advised to take advantage of these markets and work together with KCCA in case they need their conditions in such markets considered or reviewed for purposes of enhancing their business. The street vendors are advised to register at the available markets with the management of the said markets in order to be allocated space. Government therefore directs all street vendors to vacate the streets, road reserves, open spaces, road carriageways and sidewalks forthwith” (KCCA, 19.10.2016).

As you continued on ploughing your way on the 22nd October:

“Yesterday, I met with some leaders of many vendors’ groups and advised them to form SACCOs through which Government can channel financial support that can help their members settle in other places. The Minister of State for Microfinance has been informed of this need and has promised his readiness to visit and inspect existing SACCOs or to help compliant groups to form SACCOs.  As you all know, H.E. the President is very keen to support organised groups. Street vendors and hawkers operating in Kampala Business District are advised to get stalls in markets around Kampala, especially in USAFI & Wandegeya markets where space is currently available. I am aware that H.W. the Lord Mayor has invited the Authority for a meeting on Monday 24th October, 2016 to discuss matters of trade order in the city. I wish to recommend to them that among other measures they will discuss, to consider significantly reducing market rates for vendors in those markets in order to make them affordable to street vendors” (KCCA, Beti Kamya, 22.10.2016).

So I am sure some of Gen. Salim Selah’s ghost money and ghost companies can help out fellow street vendors who struggle to cigarettes, New Vision and napkins. They all can afford to pay to fees to stay into facilities that you now offers and that people will not pop-by other buyers in the meanwhile as you are taking the poors livelihood, because your words matter more than to those who are struggling day-to-day to make enough, but you’re now eating on Mzee’s plate so you have forgot how that was. Certainly the words of you shouldn’t need to be discussed as this is pleasing you and not the people, the street is their boulevard and their place as they cannot afford mansions and big houses in the suburbs like you do. The street and alleys might be their social place and where they naturally congregate because they doesn’t can afford big space, living room or a balcony where they can chill-out like you. That might seem noisy, but the poor-man’s balcony and living-room is the corners. I know your never thought of that did you State Minister Kamya? That didn’t even flinch in your mind?

“I have already made a directive, the council doesn’t discuss the minister’s directive, they simply have to comply” – Beti Kamya on NBS TV on the 24th October 2016.

She proves that she doesn’t care about other than her orders, she is the new Queen of Kampala, she will even order around Dr. Jennifer Musisi as she put the directive and the Lord Mayor, Mayor’s of Kawempe, Nakawa Makindye and so on just has to comply with the will of Kamya; her words is partly law. So the discussion today we’re not needed, the elected leadership of Kampala is totally useless if she can just do as she likes without any consideration of other voices or elected leaders. Is that what she is saying that she is a midlevel-leader who put out decrees on the streets, on the trees and on the markets… when done so the citizens has to comply that her word is the LAW!

If so than the KCCA machinery is a fraud, is a fake and is worthless system of procedure that only complies with the implicated fractions that has no voice and not worth the house they are meeting in. They could just be home and take the pay-check from the KCCA and spend it on Mango’s and Nile brew while waiting for next election in 2021. That is what Hon. Beti Kamya initially saying without saying. Because she doesn’t have the heart to say it, because of her ego and her merciless loyalty to Museveni, now!

We all could see this coming, Hon. Frank Tumbewaze might be spiteful and be conning as can be, but he impeached the Lord Mayor for his sake and for saving grace of the Executive Director Musisi. Now Kamya want to jump that score this time and decree her way away from City Hall, City Authority and all the elected leadership. Since she believes as Minister she is the Queen, the Jean d’Arc of Kampala for showing her diligence to her splendid well-paying Master Museveni. Peace!

Statement on Trade and Law Enforcement in Kampala Capital City (19.10.2016)

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The Ministry of Kampala Capital City is aware of the grave status of trade disorder in Kampala Capital City which has culminated in traffic congestion, noise pollution, indiscriminate parking, unfair trade practices and competition. This has led to insecurity and violence on the streets of Kampala, particularly between the shop traders and street vendors.

Kampala Capital City is governed by the Constitution, Kampala Capital City Act, 2010 and the KCCA administers and enforces several Ordinances and bylaws including, the Kampala City (Maintenance of Law and Order) Ordinance, 2006, the Local Governments (Kampala City) (Street Traders) Bylaws, the Local Governments (Kampala City Council) (Licensing of Trade Persons) Ordinance, 2006 and these laws govern trade order.

We have received and discussed several petitions, views and concerns of various stakeholders and met with the political and technical leaders of Kampala to address the issues of trade order in the city. The Ministry has conducted a tour of the city, particularly the Central Business District and witnessed directly what the absence of trade order has reduced Kampala City to. We have received and considered various suggestions on how to resolve the street vending question and the Ministry has directed the Kampala Capital City Authority to provide medium and long term strategies on the improvement of trade order in the city.

Kampala Capital City Authority shall embark on an exercise to restore trade order, traffic order and development control in the city. (Page One)

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On Hon. Nsereko: he is an Imposter of the Yellow, not so “independent” apparently!

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The former National Resistance Movement Member of Parliament in the Buganda Caucus cannot be seen as anything else than a skeleton of political figure after the reason actions by the man. He has been in the 9th Parliament into squabble with his mother-party NRM as he fought against it and even won as NRM Rebel MPs like Hon. Muhammed Nsereko tried to find a new “home”. That ended up sort-of being affiliated with the Forum for Democratic Change as he was running as an “Independent”. Nsereko had to take his rebel case all the way to Uganda’s Supreme Court and won over the State of Uganda there in midst of October 2015. Something that is just a year ago, now!

So after winning a seat in Parliament again, he ran wild on trying to upset the NRM rule of the August House of Parliament with ousting Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, he tried to do what the wifes of Hon. Oulanyah does, without making it apparently because Oulanyah came this time. Hon. Nsereko wanted to be the Deputy Speaker and be the underling of Hon. Rebecca Kadaga.

That was flawed from the get-go as the NRM Machine was working overtime and giving money for new suits and such to bribe the MPs into submission and get the MPs that Mzee trusted to follow the guidelines of his MPs. So Hon. Nsereko who tried with his posing as the Opposition candidate and the man to stand for FDC, DP and UPC to be the man for them to have, as the August House of Parliament deserved his service and his work ethic to keep the Parliament in order. That was something that wasn’t working as the service rendered from the bribed MPs came into order and his candidacy as flawed it could be.

After this and just being an MP and working as normal, even as the wealthy business man, who even these days have proven his wealth. He even showed up on the Independence Celebration of Mzee at Luuka District all smiling with the First Lady Janet Museveni and all of his noble clan of dignitaries. Where they we’re celebrating the independence in the name of greed and glory of the Movement.

So when he did so and when this week started as the man under Buganda Caucus was expecting money the Caucus to silence the Opposition and even trying to persuade the MPs there to go for working for the Ruling Regime. This was happening as an event we’re given directly from the State House 500m shillings. That we’re partly directed by the “Independent” man Hon. Nsereko who had been smiling in Luuka. The proof is right there…

Nsereko 19.05.2016

If you cannot believe it now, it is right there and visible like a the sun is shining. The former NRM Rebel, isn’t really a NRM Rebel as his cash-cow and money hungry soul who owns a parts of Football Club and even apartments’ in Zambia doesn’t’ want to divorce himself from NRM, that is just a play of guards and to look good in public. In reality with all of connections and with the knowledge that you need to know people and grease people to do business; the Hon. Nsereko must use the entire extended network for his personal gain. As he did in the Opposition, something he really wasn’t when you look into it.

So the pictures of his acts, his words against the Defiance and the Jobless Brotherhood another way of seeing that he isn’t really a opposition or wishing to be so. He we’re just there because he rebelled and now he tries to get back into the mother-party and good graces. Therefore smiling with Janet on the Independence Day and acting all sort of giddy while the affiliated with the FDC during the campaigns who he supposed to represented we’re detained, house-arrested and silenced at that moment. Though Nsereko we’re initially running as an “independent” because of his past aggression and misbehaving in Parliament: so this independent candidate isn’t that independent as he now could just become Yellow again if he was honest with himself and his stature; though that is in the mercy of Mzee and his NRM Electoral Commission.

We can now see his true Yellow colours, they are waving as flags in the wind. There are no questions that the rebel isn’t as rebellious as his greed and guts are more important that standards and development. His own personal interests and wealth is more important, just like the monies for cars, expenses and extra engorgements through the Parliament as MP is vastly more peculiar to him than delivering any policy or change that matters for his Buganda Constiuency. Trust me, he will only be a puppet for the NRM machine in this 10th Parliament, that is why he is there, though in fake pretence as a “Independent” because nothing about this man is “independent”. He is currently a stooge under the portfolio of Mzee. Peace!

Uganda: Is Orient Bank abetting Peter Walubiri Mukidi? (21.09.2016)

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My letter to Hon. Nsereko on recent outburst on NBS towards the Jobless Brotherhood!

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Dear Muhammad Nsereko, whoever you are affiliated with and assemble with; I write to you today. Because of your words that you uttered on NBS TV Uganda yesterday and needs to be put some reflection on. Your wealth and continued terms in the Parliament makes you blind the reality. First your own words, than my take on you Honoarable!

Hon. Muhammad Nsereko on NBS TV Yesterday:

“This is not new in Parliament. These are young men being given ‘something’. My immediate reaction was, ‘ohh, I saw this coming’. Pigs were thrown in front of Prophet Muhammad’s house several times. All this is happening because I didn’t support defiance. Most bloggers writing about me are Besigye apologists. They are just being used by Besigye,” (…) “These people’s next move is ‘occupy Parliament’, I know everything. If the demonstration was about greedy Parliamentarians, wouldn’t it be us? I think not, because we don’t represent that category.”

Yep, you’re a brutal speaker and direct as always. That you are connecting Norman Tumuhimbise and his Jobless Brotherhood with the Forum for Democratic Change former Presidential Candidate Besigye; Mr. Tumuhimbise has been arrested, attacked and gotten abducted for his campaign against the NRM. This is the same as Besigye, which is what they have in common Hon. Nsereko. The reason why you are not in the NRM anymore is both of your own implications and also because you know Kampala is hostile to NRM. Therefore to win your seat your alliance with others to get your place in the National Assembly; so you should be a bit more soft-spoken about the people who has opened their arms to you! Looks like to me that you don’t represent Kampala but only yourself and selfish rich interests.

There been reports before you we’re detained in 2012 that you we’re flashing a FDC sign as you reacted to your stances in Parliament and becoming parts of rebellious MPs of the 9th Parliament. Still, that doesn’t sound real. If you don’t believe my sayings, it is something you can look at when there is a report about you in 2013; that says this:

“Politically, Nsereko has been representing NRM in a constituency of Kampala central which has always been very hostile to NRM.  His support base has been made of frustrated Kampala dwellers that are fed up of NRM due to numerous reasons ranging from the challenging economic situations, the high taxes, rent, Jennifer Musisi’s hostile activities of the KCCA’ constant evictions” (…) “Economically speaking; while his accomplices who have been surviving on proceeds from parliament are definitely going to find the economic aspect to find life difficult to cope with, Nsereko is instead likely to enjoy himself. This is because he is known to be very wealthy with financial connections at home and abroad” (…) “Those close to him claim that he is one man who can seal a deal of a million dollar in just two hours. But the NRM might counter this economic advantage by using the money laundering law to stop the foreign dime from flowing to him. And indeed at the height of his disagreement with his party leadership, Nsereko was arrested and detained in crane bank for obtaining huge unexplainable amounts of money” (News.ugo.co.ug, 2013).

So you are one of the men with massive amounts of monies in Crane Bank, maybe you can become their investor? Your connections can really change guards as you have gone from being NRM to become who you are now. That you are hostile to KCCA and Dr. Musisi is not alone, maybe she is stifling your millions and secret agreements that secure your funding and wealth as the connections are used establish yourself.

You had to be kicked out of NRM, still yesterday you are an apologist for the Movement still. Honourable you have just used your place after the ceased trial to cater to opposition while still being loyal to NRM. As I am sure all your rich connections are and still are. Your wealth has to come from the ruling regime and not from dust. With this in mind what you did in 2015 we’re not a surprise:

“Serbian Simo Dubajic has brought his colourful 4-year association with SC Victoria University to an end after sanctioning the sale of the Uganda Premier League club to the Kampala Central Member of Parliament (MP) Muhammad Nsereko in a major takeover (70%)” (…) “MP Nsereko is one of the richest MPs in the country with sources close to youthful legislator intimating to us that Nsereko has got huge investments in the Zambian capital Lusaka and St. Livingstone a suburb in Zambia” (Muneza, 2015).

Now that the foreign wealth in Zambia, owning a Football Club and other unknown wealth as you have already lately showed of your court while going to Parliament; shows how far away from the average man you have become. You’re the NRM Elite, the man who represents the ones who has earned on your allegiance towards the Movement. Therefore your defense of yourself and the acts of greed in Parliament is not shocking.

It would be shocking if you stood by the principals of honesty and accountability. Than you have had to show your wealth in public and not just flaunt it like you do now. Hon. Nsereko you’re a wealthy man in gold and silver, also ambition, but not in respect. You’re tactless and dishonest. You play games for your own gain and not caring about the ones you represent in Kampala.

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Clearly your wealth is your pride, but Hon. Nsereko you might have your wealth and cash-flow more than I can ever dream of. But with that you have to kiss the ring of NRM even when you outside of the Party. You’re a loyal dog to the ‘Old Man with the Hat’ as you know this is the only way to survive the businesses and valuable estates. You can think your Teflon and has the power with your riches. But Hon. Nsereko it is borrowed and when the time is it, it might go into the wind as quickly as your raised it.

That you now trying to connect innocent Norman Tumuhimbise of Jobless Brotherhood with the FDC and Besigye; they are both opposition and work for the same cause getting rid of the draconian regime of Museveni. Still, the reality is that they are only working for the same, but are not run by either or. Hon. Nsereko tries to connect all kind of demonstrations on Besigye and blame him for the difficult political climate. Instead of seeing that people doesn’t’ always work on the same cause together. Even if the NRM has to connect the MPs in USA to a seminar to get them benefitted and bribed in line, as much as the “training” at Kyankwanzi after the election is supposed to do the same. There is supposed to be the same between Tumuhimbise and Besigye. If you can find the missing MoU between FDC and Jobless Brotherhood I wish you the best in your duck-hunt hon. Nsereko!

In 2015 in an interview Mr. Tumuhimbise said this:

“None: One [Mbabazi] whose wife is currently admitted has been part of the past regime and I do not think he can change what was there. The other [Besigye] said he will not come back provided Kiggundu is the Chairman Electoral Commission, he is now back. Surprisingly, If Muntu had gone through, I would be with him running around the whole country, it’s a personal opinion though” (Tukel, 2015).

So Hon. Nsereko before you pick your words knows about the ones you describe, but the wealth has blinded you. The leader of Jobless Brotherhood would have campaigned for Gen. Mugisha Muntu and not even Besigye, the man who apparently using him for his cause. Not like you are being used by the Movement for their cause to look like Opposition. While you in reality are NRM in clothes of opposition just like Hon. Beti Kamya and so many others. Can’t you just talk to Dr. Tanga Odoi and others trade with them like Gen. Otafiire and then you might get a place back again where you rich soul belongs.

Do you know something else that I agrees with Mr. Tumuhimbise said in 2015:

“(Journalist questions him) Rate the current government in one word?

Norman answers: It is taken up by greed!” (Tukel, 2015).

Hon. Nsereko he is speaking about you and your kind who buys football clubs instead of good governance. He describes your disrespectful behaviour and your trading graces to gain popularity. You don’t care about your constituency Hon. Nsereko as you are addressing the Jobless Brotherhood this way. Like Action Aid said in their stats that 62% of all Youth between 20-31 years in Uganda that year in 2015. I am sure honourable that the numbers are most likely the same today. Surely some of the unemployed youth that Tumuhimbise is parts of his demonstrations, as much as there are even more in of them in the Central Kampala.

You are the greedy man that Tumuhimbise is acting upon and that Besigye wants accountability in Parliament and in Government. Something that might look into your portfolio and your connections Honourable Nsereko; that is why you are connected to men you don’t want to disclose and at the same time you want to attack the men who are not like you!

That should you think about if you ever read these humble words I have written to you. Peace.

Reference:

News.ugo.co.ug – ‘LIKELY NOT TO SHOUT MORE: MP’s Ssekikubo and Nsereko’ (18.04.2013) link: http://news.ugo.co.ug/likely-not-to-shout-more-mps-ssekikubo-and-nsereko/

Muneza, Stephen – ‘MP Muhammad Nsereko Buys SC Victoria University’ (29.01.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/mp-muhammad-nsereko-buys-sc-victoria-university/

Tukel, Lyn – ‘One on One with IUIU’s Norman Tumuhimbise, the Jobless Brotherhood Founder’ (21.11.2016) link: https://campusbee.ug/lifestyle/commentary/one-on-one-with-iuius-norman-tumuhimbise-the-jobless-brotherhood-founder/

 

Orient Bank’s action suggests that the President of Uganda Parliament, the Electoral Commission and the Voters of Uganda are Idiots! (14.09.2016)

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NRM claim victory in recent elections in the new districts; it was expected, but how long can they rule on borrowed time?

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It is just one of these days, where the result of the recent election; to be frank another one of days after the ballot is casted and things are just back to normal. It is just one of these days. Where the news of the National Resistance Movement picking up most of mandates and representatives from the newly created districts in Kibaale, Kagadi, Rubanda Omoro and Kakumiro.

The ones that are surprised that there do exist a voting apathy and low turnouts has lost the plot since the rigging generation under the current administration. As there are clear reports of Pre-Ticked Ballots even in this minor election. Where the good news we are that the Electoral Commission was actually prepared and had some sense of delivering Electoral Material. Though late at some polling stations as 10:40 but still closing the Polling Station at ordinary time, which is an insult to injury.

It was not strange that the Movement got most of the candidate in a race where the locals anticipated bribes to decide their votes. Something the CCEDU clearly saw and reported in the districts. Where the Police and Crime Preventers was guards at the Polling Stations, but the good news was no clear violence during the election. The only one where the certain individuals where caught planning to put fire on one radio-station. While it were reports that other Radio Stations had focus on spreading the news of the Movement and let the others, just run astray. This is a proof of malpractice and maladministration as the ruling regime does not care about the freedoms of assembly of the fellow citizens.

Together with FDC Mobilisers who tailgated NRM initiators who we’re bribing locals to vote for them and in the end ended up serving time in jail for questioning the behaviour of the Movement. This proves that the fate is already sealed and that the election is not a necessary arrangement for picking leaders since the Movement have already done it for you. The FDC did not get any mandate, but still had more campaigns that the other parties who really put their soul into the campaign of Omoro, where the NRM captured the representative. In all the new districts all but one person outside the Movement got a position and that was an Independent Candidate. The system obviously made ready for this kind of outcome. As the registered leaders of other parties where in Omoro and the contests as the newly formed districts where the function was clearly a horserace to bribe the men and woman to give them vote and let them be for the rest of the term.

The Forum for Democratic Change lost this one, but the contest of bribing; the Movement won it. Certainly, the Uganda People’s Congress and Democratic Party must feel hurt by losing Omoro District to the Movement, but their way of bamboozling opposition continues and it is a reason why Hon. Jacob Oulanyah still is an MP and Deputy Speaker in the 10th Parliament. Not because of his ethics, but because of the Movements acts to stay in Power.

The initial outcome was set from the get-go. The reality is the same as yesterday. The Movement the shallow creature it is ask Selah. Sorry, ask Sevo. Not ask Dr. Ruhakana Ruganda and not Hon. Edward Ssekandi. Remember ask Selah, he can answer why the Movement in shallow in the chambers of the hotel he is lodged in eating on government salaries.

It is reasons why the elections in the newly created districts ended this way; the signs in the stars and moons was smiling about it. At least what the cow farmer is concerned. The Movement continues to linger on and cheat their way to happiness and further acts that are more corrupt and behaviour into oblivion. Still, they wonder why there are voter apathy and uncertainty of value of their ballot unless they get some shillings to buy soap or millet.

The Movement can celebrate these wins like a victory of their glorious movement who is a people’s movement, as they did with the double celebration at Kololo after both the ballots, the rigging and the Supreme Court validate the Movement and its leadership yet again. But the reality is that is on borrowed time as the apathy proves the dissolution of the current leadership. The tiredness and current instability of the ones above. The silence and contempt will surface, but when it boil over is not something you can say.

The only way for this to end well is if the apathy turns into pleasure of the current status quo and that the people, the citizens are contempt with keeping the militarized Movement there. If not, then there are something else brewing; that is something Sevo and Selah doesn’t want hear. They might swallowed and paid through the hurdles for this one. Made it peaceful and organized it to an extent well, but the tarnished reputation, the violent Police Force and the abuses cannot last forever. You cannot keep your opposition in prison and still legitimize your rule. Just like the wise men of Nakawa in Kampala these days tries to defend.

The Movement and their supporters might believe they won this one and got it. But they didn’t. They bribed it and took it. They didn’t win it. They didn’t because it wasn’t rhetoric or policies that won, but who pays who for their vote. If the locals expect always to be paid for their vote, then the coffers won’t sore but be tore. As proven with the recent expensive campaign trail of Mzee and the empty bank accounts of the State House right before the opening of the 10th Parliament.

So enjoy your victories and pleasures of emptiness as the borrowed time and for every minute counting the expected payback will come. How and when is not up to me to say, but the grave danger of missteps and loosen control will widen the spectrum and the disfranchised citizens might want their justice back. Peace.

Final Election Observation Statement in Kakumiro, Kibaale, Kagadi, Rubanda and Omoro Districts (30.08.2016)

Kagadi 29.08.2016

The Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) was launched on 19th August 2009. CCEDU is a broad coalition that brings together over 850 like-minded civil society organizations and over 25,000 individuals to advocate for electoral democracy in Uganda. The CCEDU secretariat is hosted by the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI). CCEDU’s vision is to realize a Uganda where the principles and practices of electoral democracy are upheld. Its mission is to advance integrity and citizen participation in Uganda’s electoral process. CCEDU carries out its work in all districts and regions of Uganda. Since its establishment, CCEDU has been a leading player in advocacy for electoral reforms, observation of general and by-elections and civic/voter education campaigns.

CCEDU has a special mandate to observe Elections in conformity with the relevant international instruments governing election observation and the Constitution and National Laws of the Republic of Uganda.[1]

This statement presents the overall observations of the conduct of Election Day process of the CCEDU Election Observation Mission in the five districts.

 Summary

CCEDU finds that the Election Day processes were relatively peaceful and better organized from an administration perspective. Polling officials knew polling day procedures and generally followed the legal provisions on opening of the polling station, set up, voting, closing and counting. However, there were some challenges during the polling process notably some voters who were not permitted to vote. Additionally, although the election procedures allow for assisted voting, CCEDU noted cases of voters who were assisted to vote in many of the polling stations observed.

Set Up and opening

 Although many polling stations opened after 7am, the polling officials generally followed the laid out procedures for opening and set up. Additionally, the few incidents of missing materials mainly indelible ink were also resolved.

Voting

During the voting process, polling officials at most polling stations followed procedures and the Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS) relatively functioned well.
In 84 of 100 polling stations observed, voters were checked for ink before receiving a ballot.

  • All polling stations observed had the BVVS. In 84 of 100 polling stations observed the BVVS functioned properly. Among the 16 that malfunctioned, 10 were fixed and 3 were replaced.
  • Polling officials instructed voters on voting procedures in 89 of the 100 polling stations observed
  • In 86 of the 100 polling stations observed, voters were able to vote in secret.
  • In 66 of the 100 polling stations observed, there were no unauthorized personnel present inside the polling station. However, police and crime preventers were present in 19 of polling stations.
  • High numbers of voters were assisted to vote. In 78 of the 100 polling stations observed some (1 – 14) voters were assisted to vote. In 6 of the polling stations observed more than 15 voters were assisted to vote. Unidentified people assisted voters in 67 of the 100 polling stations observed, while election officials and party agents assisted voters in 16 and 14 of the polling stations respectively contrary to the law.

Chart 1 representing number of voters assisted to vote based on data from 100 polling stations observed by CCEDU

District Polling Stations with CCEDU Observers Polling stations with between 1-14 voters assisted to Vote
Kagadi 33 28
Kakumiro 22 16
Kibaale 12 9
Omoro 14 11
Rubanda 19 14

NRM party agents were present in all the 5 districts (in 99 of the 100 polling stations observed), Independent candidates agents present in Kagadi, Kakumiro, Omoro and Rubanda (in 85 of the 100 polling stations observed) and FDC party agents present in Kagadi, Kibaale, Omoro and Rubanda (in 78 polling stations observed.) However UPC, DP and PP party agents presence is limited to Omoro district.

  • In 84 of the 100 polling stations observed, all voters in queue by 4pm were able to vote.

Omoro Election 2016

Counting and Declaration of Results

  •     In 99 of the 100 polling stations, polling officials opened the ballot box and sorted ballots in full view of the candidates’ agents.
  • 62 of polling stations did not have unauthorized personnel present during counting. However, 23 of polling stations observed had police present and 22 of polling stations had crime preventers present.
  • Party agents are useful in an election because they can deter fraud especially if they are vigilant and loyal to their candidate/party. During counting NRM party agents were present in all the 5 districts (in 98 of the 100 polling stations observed), Independent candidates agents present in Kagadi, Kakumiro, Omoro and Rubanda (in 82 of the 100 polling stations observed) and FDC party agents present in Kagadi, Kibaale, Omoro and Rubanda (in 74 polling stations observed.) However UPC and DP presence is limited to Omoro district. PPP party agents were not present during counting in any district.
  • Where party agents of NRM were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 94 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 5 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where agents of FDC were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 72 of 100 polling stations. Where FDC agents were present, they refused to sign in 4 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where party agents of UPC were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 15 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 0 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where party agents of DP were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 15 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 2 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where party agents of PPP were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 6 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 0 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where party agents of independent candidates were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 79 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 8 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Election results were posted publicly at 86 of the 100 polling stations observed and in all the polling station observed the presiding officer sealed a copy of the DR form in the tamper evident envelope for transmission to the Returning officer.

Critical Incident Reports

CCEDU received 22 critical incidents and verified 17. The highest number of incidents reported from Rubanda (7) and Kakumiro (6) Kagadi (2) and Omoro (1) had the least number of incidents reported.

  • Vote buying/voter bribery was the most reported incidents in Rubanda, Omoro and Kakumiro
  • Incidents of violence including disruption of voting were the second most reported in Kakumiro, Omoro and Kagadi
  • Incidents of unauthorized persons assisting others to vote were the third most reported critical incidents reported in Kakumiro.
  • In Rubanda there was also a case of impersonation of voters reported.
  • In Omoro voting ended at 5:00pm but voting materials from the polling stations arrived at the tally centre at 10:40pm.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that there were a few incidents of violence reported, CCEDU applauds voters in Kagadi, Kakumiro, Kibaale, Omoro and Rubanda for maintaining peace and calm during the elections. However, CCEDU is concerned that voters are increasingly demanding for bribes from candidates which is a point of concern in our electoral processes. CCEDU urges voters to desist from demanding for bribes and urges candidates to desist from buying voters.

CCEDU remains committed to improving the integrity of electoral processes in Uganda.

For God and my country.