Opinion: The FDC is in a free-fall

The speed and levels of betrayals of the party is astonishing. The approach of the leadership, the arrogance and the actions speaks louder than words. The Party President and Secretary General has to answer for it all eventually. This is a hostile takeover and will have prolonged ramifications.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) as we know seems to be lost. The party which was noble, fierce and directly opposing the regime isn’t all there. Especially, when the Headquarters are sealed off, a National Chairman not allowed to speak to the press and journalists are beaten around the gates. This sort of siege is only like the ones we are accustomed to when IGP Kale Kayihura entered the HQ and took seized goods belonging to the party. Now it was internally driven and hired people from the “kingmakers” of the party.

Alas, here is where the trouble remains. The Party President, Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Secretary General Nathan Nandala-Mafabi are inconsistent in their story telling and also in their defences. It doesn’t make sense. And when things doesn’t make sense, they are most likely not true. Their confidentiality excuse isn’t carrying them either. Especially when these two are tarnishing every name in the book and mocking the party they are a part of.

The FDC deserves better than this. To die in your movie is stupid, but that is what these gentlemen did. They didn’t even have to become Caesar and get betrayed by Brutus. No, they just did it on their own self like some kamikaze pilots. It’s hard to believe, but that’s what they are doing.

The grieving party who are on rescue mission is there for reason. Not that it seems to matter at this point. The ones in-charge who are not taking them into account. Is pushing for a forced election and hoping to get away with it. This is initially causing more internal strife and possibility of more damage to the party.

This time it will be even more dire than the campaign to oust Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu as the incumbent Party President. This Party President isn’t up to it and is even trying to distance himself from the people and the second power-house in the party, which is at the Katonga Road. Therefore, POA should be gracious with it, but instead acts like its a problem now. That’s because the same people that stood behind in 2017 is now asking or rhetorically questioning their actions. While they are not having it…

Today’s actions on radio, NBS Frontline and most sincerely at HQ are distressing. The gentlemen in power are jaded and disingenuous. This week has been detrimental to how people perceive FDC. The FDC I knew and saw from afar is lost. The moment the National Chairman after being held hostage for hours has to flee with a ladder and over the wall of the premise. That is a scene out of movie and we know who the villains are this time.

Today could have been better. However, things are just getting worse. The leadership of the FDC isn’t sound or a unison collective. No, it is two camps and one trying to sideline everyone else. Without considering the implications of doing so. Especially when the one camp doing came to power through it and got it’s blessing. However, all of these years down the line. That isn’t mattering and both of the gentlemen are trying to tarnish and distort the legacy of Besigye within the party. A man who they where lucky to be associated with at one point or another. Therefore, this is really infuriating.

It is a reason why plenty are writing R.I.P. FDC and calling today it’s death. That’s tragic really, but just like Reform Agenda ceased to operate. Maybe the FDC should too and they should either create other parties or deflect elsewhere. Since their home is burning and there is no sound mind to stop it or extinguish the fire. They are just letting the fire-sale go off and hope they don’t get burned.

As bad as today was and feels. There are always hope, though the glimmer of hope with FDC is getting faded. The party aren’t what it used to be and the leadership aren’t to be trusted. I admired this party and the leaders of it. They got me typing day in and day out. That’s why it feels sad to see this party play it out this way. FDC lost track of its role and ambition, and possibly sold out for a few shillings. That’s sad, but life too. Greed and power corrupts… and that can happen anywhere. Peace.

Opinion: Besigye was a voice of reason, while POA and Nandala-Mafabi went personal…

Let us interrogate why Museveni would want to fund his opponents. Museveni knows that there is no power in Parliament; in fact, he wants us to be in Parliament to legitimize Parliament provided we do not seek to remove him; provided we are a good Opposition, he wants us in Parliament. Museveni wants to fund an impotent opposition. He also doesn’t want the Opposition groups to link up. He wants opposition groups to fight each other and he is behind the feuds among opposition parties” – Dr. Kizza Besigye (18.07.2023).

We have received information about the funders of the Nsambya meeting from suspicious sources. All the people who contributed to that meeting have never contributed to the well-being of FDC” – Patrick Oboi Amuriat (19.07.2023).

Today there was two Press Conferences in regard to the wrangles in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). One Press Conference was held at Najjanankumbi and the other at PG Headquarters at Katonga Road. This means the two sides of the wrangle held their presser and told their sides without being together. It just shows how the FDC is drifting apart…

What was striking today was how Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Nathan Nandala-Mafabi went personal. They went directly to attack everyone on the other side. Instead of answering the grievances they went after the ones questioning the inner-circle of power within the FDC.

It is clear that the ones in the offices of Najjanankumbi isn’t listening or even considering the implications of the allegations put toward them. While the other party was addressing things in another manner and even enlightening. That’s shows the difference between Besigye and Amuriat or Mafabi for that matter.

I am disappointed by what came from Najjanankumbi today. They are trying to tarnish Besigye now. Because, he questions funding and they even said his was at fault or left Amuriat behind in the 2021 elections. It just shows that the leadership aren’t accountable for their own actions. There are even allegations of how they act like big-men and get other honourables to bend their knees for a possibility to be a flag-bearer or be on the FDC ticket. If that is true, than the culture of FDC is eroding and people are lavishing in the internal power.

 

That’s why this power struggle is important. The ones blaming or looking sideways at Erias Lukwago now is foolish. That is making him a fall-guy because what happened in the Democratic Party (DP) when he was there. If you do this, then you are window-dressing and not seeing the context is different from Lukwago within the FDC. He has to answer accordingly in the FDC in comparison to the DP. It is a reason why he left the DP and later became a part of the FDC. That’s was on the merits of the party and the allegiance he has with Besigye.

In regard to all of this, as the Ssemujju, Mwijyke, Byamugisha and Besigye is all trying to do a rescue of the party. Nandala-Mafabi is dancing on the grave of the party. As he wrote and said this about the matter:

Let us also go back to the memory lane. During the 2006, 2011 and 2016 general elections, Dr. Kiiza Besigye as a presidential candidate was funded. We also went ahead and funded all the activism activities. All these were in billions of shillings but no one ever dared to inquire into the source of the money. We sourced for these funds legally and made these activities possible. In 2021 when Hon. Amuriat contested, we did the same sourcing of funds and made the campaigns possible. Why then is it a problem now when Hon. Amuriat is in the picture, but was never an issue then when we had Dr Kiiza Besigye as our presidential candidate?” (Nandala-Mafabi, 19.07.2023).

This is what the FDC Headquarters decided to do. It is the choice of the Secretary General and Party President to act like this. Instead of being transparent or accountable. They are instead trying to tarnish the founder and the former Presidential Candidate. The man who coined the People’s Government and People’s President. He who stood tall from the times of Reform Agenda and was a vital part of the creation of the FDC. That man is Nandala-Mafabi and Amuriat attacking. Like we don’t know Besigye or his story to this day?

Why can’t the current leadership show the funding and the paper-trail of finances in regard to the General Elections of 2021? What is so dangerous about doing so? Where did the money go and what was the plan?

Did POA go Barefoot to mock the struggle and use it as a trick to eat? Did the other FDC high ranking officials partake in it and endured everything while steadily attacking National Unity Platform (NUP) instead of going after National Resistance Movement (NRM). That’s what is bugging plenty of us and non of this was answered.

POA was just a static noise and disrespectful of others. He didn’t ooze charisma or anything. When he says the participants didn’t contribute to the FDC. Who is he to say that? Byamugisha, Nyanjura or a Ssemujju has done more than most. They haven’t been historicals or resting on their laurels. No, these are people who has stood tall and they are loyal to Besigye. That’s what hurts Amuriat or Mafabi, as they will never be regarded like him. These two speaks of sacrifices, but it is not like they built the party from scratch either. There was plenty of allies and former FDC high ranking officials who has done so. It just shows what happens and how things has eroded.

POA also said it was a trouble to have two headquarters, as if he would be in office without the PG Headquarters. He needed the support and wouldn’t have gotten into the Presidency of FDC without the hardliners surrounding Besigye. That’s why POA should reconsider how he was elected in 2017. The way he went into office will also be the way that possibly takes him out too. Because he has no subtle way or ideals to consider other ways of moving. That’s why the Besigye advice of changing ways or strategically reconfigure the party has been dismissed.

I’m sad for the FDC. This is a party that I was admiring and cherishing from afar. They where a promising unit and seemingly a difference from the NRM. Nevertheless, it seems to be all gone and on the deathbed. The leadership of FDC rather wants to tarnish and go after one of the key founders like Besigye. Than be accountable or transparent… and this party will always cry out loud for the government to be so…

POA and Nandala-Mafabi has to consider their next steps. This Press Conference was doing them no good. Neither was the publishing of their statement. It is just showing how they are not up for the leadership roles and to carry the greatness of the FDC. They are not proper custodians of this party, but instead enjoy the perks and privileges of being “opposition” in the Republic. That’s just sad… and the FDC deserves much better. Peace.

Opinion: The FDC wrangles will only devalue the party even further…

I cannot be party to a process that is going to install a ‘Mao-like’ leadership whose main objective is to carry the party to Museveni” – Ibrahim Ssemujju MP (NBS Television, 17.07.2023).

FDC party leaders have ordered Kira Municipality MP and FDC party Spokesperson to apologize for holding an illegal assembly. The leaders want Ssemujju to step down as party Spokesperson for what has been deemed indiscipline” (NBS Television, 17.07.2023).

I have been betrayed by my leader, and since I’m a fighter, you cannot betray me, and I keep quiet otherwise, the money that is being talked about, the treasurer should know, but the treasurer does not know where the money came from. The money did not reach Najjanankumbi?” (Francis Mwijuke, 17.07.2023).

Am happy to have been present during the consultative meeting by FDC members.

We love the FDC party more than we love our dia leaders.

We can therefore afford to sacrifice a member or a leader in office for the sake of keeping the party on course” (Moses Byamugisha, 17.07.2023).

Today is a sad day for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). No matter where you stand politically. The former opposition powerhouse is in self-destruction mode. I felt the party got hit badly enough by the “New Formation” and the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). That split between Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu and the Dr. Kizza Besigye fraction was hitting the FDC too. As the moderates left and the ones who stood by Muntu went to ANT.

Now, it seems to be a brewing battle between a bunch of high ranking officials within the party. One part is the Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Nathan Nandala -Mafabi. These to have allegedly accepted funds from directly from Museveni, which cannot be traced.

That is being said a group lead by Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju. Togetehre with Erias Lukwago, Doreen Nyanjura, Francis Mwijuke and Moses Byamugisha to name a few. It is obvious there is a big split now. As the FDC Electoral Road Map has been altered and questioned, yet again.

There is certain thing at play here. It is succession and possible people seeking to retain their offices. While others have bargained in the past for a better role. Therefore, there are a lot of possible allies and intrigue to be created. Several of people who has forged alliances and positioned themselves accordingly.

That’s why this could possibly damage the party more than when Muntu left the fold. If the ones having a National Consultative Meeting today starts a fresh or deflects to other parties. The FDC is losing valuable characters and people who has stood tall for the party for years. Except Lukwago who came from the DP recently. Though he has been a Besigye ally for years.

Some just seeing it as Mafabi’s time to run for Presidency. It’s his time after Amuriat and others wants to jump the queue. However, that isn’t far fetched, but speaking of moles and possible bribes from Museveni says there is more underneath all of this. The same was done with Muntu and his choices as a leader. Therefore, we should hope for better, but that’s too much to ask.

If certain high ranking officials leaves the party. It is all up to them to do so. However, they will have to find a new home and security, which they have today. They are established people within the party and would need time to be as respected or as influential outside. That’s what Muntu and his peers have found out.

Time will tell, but this is only beginning. This is a battle of power, prestige and possible future gravitas. That’s why they are doing this and they are trying to see who can end up supreme. Peace.

Opinion: ANT is a place of stagnation…

We can all appreciate the wits, the wisdom and the experience of the Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu. He is a seasoned politician and has character. Muntu is a man you can respect and acknowledge. There is a certain aura about him, but that doesn’t save him from criticism or questions about his demeanour.

When he didn’t become the incumbent Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party President he started his own consultation and with the reach of a “New Formation”. That in turn became the political party of Alliance for National Transformation. Several of allies from within the FDC joined him. Not only Paul Mwiru, but Alicia Aloso and Winnie Kiiza for that matter. These are well established former MPs and people who has a standing in the political sphere.

Muntu went ahead and created this party. He did so with under two years to the next general election. Leaving the FDC and getting fellow allies from the FDC on board. Which should have created a bigger buzz and more of prominence in the 2021 elections. However, that fell flat and the party is seemingly a brief-case party with lack of nationwide exposure.

Maj. Gen. Muntu might be a pragmatic fella. His fellow allies might be seasoned and diplomatic in their way of response and political outreach. It is fine that a political party wants to do civic education and build. Alas, they need high-ranking officials and needs people in offices across the Republic. If not its a party with a headquarters and a few paid staff.

ANT can have the best paperwork and policies. Heck, it can be answer to all the ills of the Republic. However, if it only stays within reach of a few chosen few and not spread far and wide. Well, it looses its value and is less attractive.

Muntu and his fellow inner-circle has chosen this path. They are careful and calculated. These folks don’t risk anything or push the boundaries of the party. No, they are just attentive and trying to catch straws when it can.

We cannot fault Muntu, everyone knew he was this way as he disregarded the way Besigye wanted to run the Presidential Campaigns. We know Muntu didn’t want no “defiance” and “boycotts”. No, he wanted to work and change from within. Like it was possible to negotiate and possibly parley for a better position over time. However, we have seen that it haven’t resolved anything and is a fruitless enterprise.

ANT from a far seems stagnate and on the losing end of a stick. In a more friendly and equal playing-field of multiparty democracy…. The ANT would have better position and be more viable. People are reluctant to side with them when they are not pushing against the oppression. When ANT are meagre and mediocre response to the mischief and the misgivings of the state. ANT could be poignant and sincere about it, but it rather be soft and clever.

Muntu and his inner-circle has to see what happened when an ally like Mwiru left the party. Mwiru was a part of his party-wing in the FDC. He now sees that there is no future and choice of viability in ANT. That’s why his becoming a journeyman to the NUP. Muntu should take this too heart. Because, sooner or later the voters, the members and whatnot might follow too. They are not seeing anything hopeful or substantial.

The only see the wise and the well thought through approaches that leads to nowhere. It seems so futile and slow. Muntu might have the best of intentions, but it seems so far-fetched and like his forcing his hand by not taking a proper stand or even pushing the party to prove its worth. If it wanted too, ANT could be more viable and be more visible. It could show heart and where it stands. However, that seems like too much to ask. It is a reason why the Serere By-Election didn’t go ANTs way. There is no reason to vote for it and hard to believe the pragmatism will be defining the opposition or the manner of which will be end of the dictatorship. Peace.

Opinion: Mwiru is becoming a journeyman…

“If you fail to solve your problems in the bedroom as a man and a woman, you have a problem. Paul Mwiru, you will keep running until you die. Even twins don’t think alike. We must deal with internal and external struggles. Does this mean that if they get problems in ANT, he will run away? You must remain in the struggle” – Nathan Nandala Mafabi (Muhamadi Matovu – ‘Nandala Mafabi: “People want to see FDC dead, but it won’t happen”’, Nile Post, 10.07.2020).

Today we are seeing a deflection of someone who has moved parties a lot of late. He was an Member of Parliament, on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket at Jinja East. Alas, right now his without office and lacks the support he needs to return to the August House.

That’s why his shifting the parties. Even if he has been a loyal man to Gen. Mugisha Muntu. He was a part of the “New Formation” and later the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). As the ANT went ahead for the 2021 elections, it wasn’t ready or had the popular narrative to get MPs elected. Mwiru went from a being to a former MP.

Mwiru wants a new dawn now and crosses to the biggest opposition party. It means his living his former ally and friend Muntu. He has spoken of relying on Muntu, but that is currently out of the picture.

Now Mwiru needs a new leader and new party to have a chance to return. He doesn’t want to be former MP but be an actual MP. That’s why his deflecting from ANT to NUP. ANT should feel the pain of this. His one of the big leaders that was part of the party from the onset. That’s why Mwiru was a part of the “New Formation”.

It seems like Mafabi will be right in the end that Mwiru will continue to deflect and change parties until his death. After leaving the FDC he will struggle to find a permanent home. He will be one of these politicians that seeks the best way to get back in office. The man won’t mind the party or the ideologies behind it. As long as he gets something in return. That’s why his joining the NUP now.

Mwiru isn’t joining NUP as a direct response to the way it wants to stop the dictatorship. Neither is it for his admiration of Bobi Wine or any of the leaders of the NUP party. No, his joining to get a safer journey ahead of the 2026 elections.

It is like Mwiru see the troublesome times ahead and knows the ANT party isn’t well established. His friend Muntu won’t give him enough edge or ability to return to Parliament. That’s why his ditching Muntu and ANT. He just seeking a soft return and leaving without much of a trace.

Mwiru did more in the FDC and has been less vocal as an ANT. That is what happens I suppose and you don’t get the spotlight as easy when your outside of office.

Paul Mwiru has to prove himself now. I hope the NUP think things through too. Not just accept anyone. As we are seeing how MPs are fleeing and joining MK Movement. That should be a sign that there are others who only uses the party and ditches it easily when the buck stops.

Time will tell… but I doubt this is the last party Mwiru will be a part of… Peace.

Uganda: Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) – Bukedea By-Election: Democratic Fraud and Withdrawal from sham “Election” (14.06.2023)

28th April 2011: Police Brutality isn’t anything new in the republic…

“Yeah, because when the Minister gave his account, I was civilised enough and I tried to listen. I hope these ministers will at least pretend that they are civilised and listen.  Dr Besigye was brutally hurled into a pick-up, beaten, slapped, tear-gassed under captivity and kicked by Arinaitwe the assassin, the commandos and the mambas, under the command of Grace Turyagumanawe.  The journey from Mulago roundabout to Kasangati took about ten minutes or slightly more. Six people were knocked by the van between Kasangati and Mulago roundabout. The police need to account since the van that was following picked up all the people who were knocked on the way. We want to know whether they died or they are still alive. The van on which suspects were transported was a torture chamber. In that police van were six men in civilian clothes, putting on dark glasses and with their driver, each one of them had two pistols and they had SMGs in the car. They brutalised the suspects all the way to Kasangati, cracking the skull of one of Dr Besigye’s assistants. The torture men in the police van also smoked “bhangi”. We demand that the police disclose who these people are. Dr Besigye was dropped off the police pick-up, as you may all have seen in the documentary. He lay in Kasangati Police Station. For 50 minutes, Dr Besigye was unconscious and nobody was allowed to see him. The Members of Parliament who rushed to Kasangati were not allowed in. One hour later, panicking and thinking that Dr Besigye was dead, they called in his assistant, Sam Mugumya, who was also locked up in a police cell, to check on him. They told him, can you check if he is still alive. And Mugumya checked and told them he was breathing. That is when they called in Dr Olive Kobusingye. Over an hour later! Yesterday, the Minister said I was allowed to go in. I went in two hours later. Since the Minister in his statement has decided to keep quiet about the people who were involved in this operation, it is my cardinal duty to tell you that the one who commanded this operation, Mr Grace Turyagumanawe, joined the police of Uganda in 1981. He was dropped from his position on 2 May 2001 by the then IGP. Barely a month later, he was reinstated” – Alice Alaso (Hansard of 04.05.2011)

Time is a wasting. The ones that are shocked by how Members of Parliament is treated. No one should be. The Uganda Police Force and the Authorities has manhandled and used vicious force against dissidents for years. They have had several of different units used to torment, torture and apprehend civilians who stands up against the dictatorship.

Therefore, the brutality and the state sponsored violence of April 2023 isn’t new. I’m just publishing the Hansard statement of Hon. Alice Alaso, who spoke out against the attack on Besigye and others on the 28th April 2011. The ordeal was on tape and has been online ever since. The man who tormented Besigye have been well known for long, but is still part of the UPF. Just last year he was promoted again and gotten a title, which is either making him a department commander or a police officer who runs a police post. Therefore, he has gone through the ranks in the decade after the violent incident he partook in.

Just to prove how badly the state handled this. Beatrice Anywar asked this question in the same plenary session:

“Another thing that I want the Minister to explain is, when Dr Kiiza Besigye was supposed to be flown out for medication, there was a problem at the airport. They blocked him from being flown out of this country to seek medical attention. I personally made all efforts to even ring my good brother, the Minister of Security, hon. Amama Mbabazi. I made efforts to ring my brother, the state minister himself, desperately looking to somebody to come up and give reason as to why he should be blocked when he is in that sorry state. I would like the Minister to help us explain the reason why somebody who was in the state of Dr Kiiza Besigye, who needed emergency medical attention, should be blocked from accessing his doctors in Nairobi. I also want the Minister to explain the circumstances under which one can access the assistance offered by the Government. I saw and read when His Excellency, the President, was now saying his Government is going to assist the victims of the riots. In what form is this? Are Dr Kiiza Besigye’s bills and his damaged vehicle among those you have arranged for because he is also a victim of the riots? I want this clarification” (Beatrice Anywar, 04.05.2011).

So, it wasn’t enough to treat him violence on the streets. Later when he needed help and sought to get it in Nairobi. The Police and the authorities blocked him access to leave the Republic. They just show their sinister side when it comes to Dr. Kizza Besigye.

That’s why this story needs to be retold. Because the state is repeating these sins. They are not doing to Besigye right now. However, they are doing similar acts to other high-ranking officials or opposition leaders. They are targeting others with similar means. The state has gotten accustomed and gotten used to doing so.

Besigye deserved better. No one should have gotten this treatment. Just like the MPs, Activists or other opposition members should fear for the authorities. However, we know the drones, the arbitrary arrests and the kidnappings are happening to this day. The “safe-houses” are used, and civilians are captured because of their political affiliation. Therefore, we know the acts are happening as we speak. That’s what the Police and Security Organizations are up too. Peace.

Opinion: Kagabo MP will find it out the hard way…

Bukoto South Member of Parliament, Dr. Twaha Kagabo has reportedly ditched National Unity Platform (NUP) and joined MK Movement, a pressure group spearheaded by First Son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. On Friday, Kagabo, was spotted with Muhoozi and other MK Movement leaders in Kasambya constituency during a fundraising campaign for women and youth development groups, fuelling reports that he has joined the Muhoozi group” (Samuel Muhimba – ‘MP Kagabo ’dumps’ NUP for MK Movement’ 15.04.2023, Nile Post).

The Member of Parliament, Dr. Twaha Kagabo has gotten of the hook before. He insinuated that he was bribed and had to return 40 million shillings. Later in the year and after the scandal was unleashed. The MP was pardoned by the Parliament and the case has since been forgotten. He was supposed to be disciplined by the party, National Unity Platform (NUP) but I don’t know what happened to that. This was all happening in 2022 and now we are already in April 2023.

Kagabo MP has now distanced himself from the Opposition. That’s isn’t really newsworthy. That’s something he has done already and proven himself to be one of “them”. He could just switch to National Resistance Movement (NRM). However, he does the “populist” move and joins the MK (Army) Movement instead.

It isn’t shocking or revealing. The character has already been proven. He could already be bought and his principals was for sale. If it wasn’t, he wouldn’t have grabbed the 40 million shillings in 2022 and later cried out loud to save face. He knew he was in the wrong and he still did the dance. Blamed the speaker and whoever who bought him. However, not taking to account that he accepted the bribe and was fine eating the easy money.

I am surprised that he waited this long. Maybe the MK Movement sweetened the deal or promised him something on the back-end. Since he was already turning to the other side a long time ago. He made the decision by himself and wanted to be greedy. The MP accepted the “kickbacks” and the envelopes to do a deed for the ruling regime. Therefore, there was no difference between him and the NRM.

Kagabo MP can act righteous and act like he has done the right thing. It is maybe the right thing for him. To be a representative and be a man who is an underling to the First Son. Maybe he prefers to be token soldier and a “yes-man”. Instead of a man on the barricades and fighting the brutal dictatorship. It is easier to side with the son of the dictator, than to stand-up and fight them. He gets off easy right now.

The burdens and the pressure is off him. His now “one of them” and it gives him privileges. That he will get in plenty. Nevertheless, his honour and pride is sold. There is no integrity or justification. Other than he wants to get a fat bank-account and be a subject of a new master. That’s all there is and it will be hard to sell his candidacy in the next election. As he left the fold and decided to be associated with the regime.

That’s who Kagabo MP is and who he wants be… he wants to be one of them and he has succeeded. The cost and the price to do so will be down the line. Because, why should the voters or the constituency trust him? They have seen how he behaves and how acts. His a man who is willing to be bought and be made a fool off. That’s who he is and he got live with it. Peace.

Opinion: The UPF is ill-advised here…

“As the Joint Security Agencies, we have obtained credible about plans by NUP to reactivate their structures, through various mobilisation drives, in cities and major towns, to cause acts of disorder and lawlessness in the country. This development comes at a time when the county has been very peaceful. We therefore, call upon the NUP leadership to avoid such clandestine methods of work and instead use legitimate means to achieve their objectives. We also encourage them to emulate the other political parties like the FDC, NRM and DP, that have continued to work within the provisions of the POMA and in harmony with the police” (Uganda Police Force – ‘POLITICIANS WARNED AGAINST HOLDING KUNGA MOBILISATIONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS’ 12.04.2023).

In the grand scheme of events, I never thought the UPF or the Uganda Police Force would say the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is righteous in their actions. That I cannot phantom or believe in 2023. Not after all the years with Dr. Kizza Besigye and how the UPF has monitored, targeted and the regime enacted the Public Order Management Act (POMA) just because of the FDC!

That’s why reading this today infuriating me. Not only because the Constitutional right to assemble and demonstrate is gone from the opposition. To protest or demonstrate in the Republic is long gone. That is in the wind and the authorities will not allow it. They not allowing opposition candidates at Guild elections to hold Press Conferences either. Neither is the Opposition allowed to hold friend football matches to fundraise for good causes either.

So, it isn’t like the UPF or the authorities are allowing the opposition to move or operate. The UPF who is blocking radio stations, venues, conferences, and whatnot for years. The UPF who isn’t allowing the opposition to pray or even participate at events. The same UPF is now saying they are the good ones. They must be kidding me and think we are stupid.

It is amazing that the UPF is lecturing the National Unity Platform (NUP) this way. When nothing they are doing is allowed. Nothing that they think of or even considers doing. They are only allowed within the premises of the Headquarters and after that it’s a free-for-all. Therefore, putting them in the same line as the ruling party NRM is exhausting. The NRM can hold rallies, galivanting across the republic and not consider even to petition the UPF. They just show up and can even hold demonstrations for “favourable” causes. Therefore, who is the UPF trying to fool?

We know the tear-gas, the arrests, and the well-known police brutality. We know how the UPF operates and how it will raid the offices of the NUP or FDC. The way and manner of pre-emptive house-arrests of leaders, if not take them away and keep them incommunicado for a while too. That’s what the UPF does, and I wouldn’t be shocked if it happens now too. It is just the way the authorities and the UPF acts. Peace.

Serere County By-Election: The son of the late MP pulled the last straw

Just like his father in the 2021 elections, the son won the constituency and will represent the Serere County as the MP. The father won the seat as a National Resistance Movement MP in 2016 and returned winning as an independent in 2021. Patrick Okabe who is late after losing his life in traffic accident in December 2022. His son will now takeover from him and take his office, this being Emmanuel Omoding.

Omoding MP beat the other competition and even when he had a lot stacked against him. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) was pushing through their candidate for the second time in three years, Phillip Ocour, who has now lost both to the father and the son in two successive elections. The FDC fielded a former Independent candidate, Emmanuel Eratu who also a bad record. He only gained a hundred more votes or so between these elections. While ANT tried with their big-name and former MP Alice Aloso without doing much better than the FDC. So, the big win was for the independent and the biggest loser was in some regards the NRM.

The NRM was offered to give the son the candidacy. He would have stood on their ticket and represented the NRM. That was on record and the family tried to push it. Just like the NRM pushed the son of late Jacob Oulanyah. This would have been the same, alas the NRM Electoral Commission and other high ranking officials wanted to prove a point. While not taking into consideration the sentiments on the ground and force one of their cadres through the ranks. That’s why Serere didn’t pick Oucour, but elected Omoding instead.

ANT and NUP needs also to evaluate their presence, their campaigns and the plans for this By-Election. Even with the voter intimidation, the arrests and the misuse of power by the authorities. The ANT and NUP needs to look into why it went so bad and with such a prominent candidate. She has already a name and should have faired better than this.

That the FDC failed wasn’t shocking or surprising. Especially when you look into the 2021 election and the one from yesterday. There haven’t been much change, if any. The FDC had a better candidate in Stephen Ochola in 2016. However, I will not speculate why FDC chose Eratu over Eyaru who was their candidate in 2021. Though, they both had about the same standing in the polls. So, something must have happened behind the scenes ahead of the polls and within the party with the nominations.

This By-Election is a common tale in the Republic. Even if the NRM sort of lost this one. They are however getting an ally and NRM leaning MP. So, the High Above and the NRM CEC isn’t too worried. They are hoping his as loyal to the causes as his father. That’s why it won’t be much fuzz or create issues in the 11th Parliament.

What is striking is that it all went down this way and the NRM could have had a landslide or a victory even without pulling all the strings. If they had followed the values of nepotism and family affairs, which has become their modus operandi of late. They would have succeeded and the army wouldn’t have to come with pre-ticked ballots or hold polling agents at some of the polling stations at gun-point. The NRM would have won and called it a night.

Nevertheless, hubris and greed in combination with arrogance can be the downfall of anyone. That is just proven last night. Even the high and mighty cannot sustain true electoral performance. This is why the son won and it’s partly glorious. Peace.