Mzee is either in the darkness of the forest or walking in the banana-plantation; he surely have no plans to leave; that is the true #SteadyProgress

m7-1970

It’s hard for me to write this in all seriousness. Since I writing about an African President whom himself said this in 1986: “The problem of Africa in general and Uganda in particular is not the people but leaders who want to overstay in power” (Ross, 2011).  The President in particular is His Exellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda for 29 years and counting!

Mzee said this in 1980 while running as a presidential candidate:

“Using a government position to a mass wealth is high treason. If the UPM is not going to be supported because it denounces such methods of getting rich, let it be”.

This he said while campaigning in Bushenyi and Mbarara districts(Weekly Topic, August 27. 1980).

So Mzee have  had a few points back in the day and knew this was an issues. Now he deflects  them to the extreme, to a point where it nearly get’s boring. Still here is his recents comments on the matter of riches and staying in power.

This was what Mzee said in November 2015:

““I have my own job at home of keeping cattle. Why would I stay when I have been defeated in the elections? I am not power hungry but I have missions to accomplish. I can’t leave without finishing with them” (Kazibwe, 2015).

Well, he has promised to step-down before, doubt he means this for long or even if this utter words was sincere other than for a show. This was for show from Mzee because of the coming Papal visit in Uganda (all seriousness the visit happen around 2 weeks after this interview). Well, let me continue on what he has said over the new-years and his ordinary modus operandi. When the pope has left the country and he could do what he normally do!

e8807-votemuseveni

Mzee saisd this on 5th January 2016:

“I have been hearing people accusing me of sticking around; that I don’t want to leave government. Why would I want to stay in government?” (…)”First of all I am a very rich man. I have a lot of wealth and therefore it cannot be riches that I am seeking in government” (Waswa, 2016).

Well, you have in been in power since 1986. That is sticking around for a while in government and as executive power for nearly three decades. We know you are rich you have a giant farm in Ankole, you and your families own a dozen businesses, some hotels and even some transport businesses as well. You started earning big bucks on transport under the DRC war in the 90s, but that is a nearly forgotten chapter for you and your brother Salim Selah, right? Still you’re in government because you fear what will happen if you leave it. Especially when there is oil-money soon coming into the accounts of Uganda and you want that slice to. The minerals and wood from Kisangani will be small-fry a bogoya. Well, we know about that and as your businesses and family businesses can be lost if you leave government. Therefore you want to secure those, it is a valid argument to stick around in government for wealth as man men make their wealth that way, one of the reason why you went to the bush to eradicate corruption and embezzlement. Well, that chapter is also forgotten and loyal cronies is more and more important therefore we have NRM-Independent and NRM Flag-Bearers in the coming elections, this is new and the NRM-Independents are breach of inner-party law. We know it is okay as long as Mzee,says it’s okay; he even pays the fees for the NRM-Independents to the Electoral Commission. This is to gain their loyalty as well as the ones the members picked in the district and sub-county. That is beautiful right? So, that is the reason why people wonder why you stick around and what can you do now that you haven’t already done? Still, let’s continue to the 10th January 2016.

MuseveniQuote

Mzee said this on 10th January 2016:

“cannot leave power now because all he planted has started bearing fruits” (…)”Those who say, let him go, let him go, they need to know that this is not the right time. This old man who has saved the country, how do you want him to go? How can I go out of a banana plantation I have planted that has started bearing fruits?” (…)”We can’t be in the middle of a forest and want the old man to go. This is not right. We must concentrate on development, my time will come and I will go. I don’t fear going because I have where to go, but we must first see where we go” (…)”We can’t be in the middle of a forest and want the old man to go. This is not right. We must concentrate on development, my time will come and I will go. I don’t fear going because I have where to go, but we must first see where we go” (Rumanzi, 2016).

Now he is proclaiming that he has made a country into a banana-plantation, where it is finally bearing fruits. That means sweat bananas with good yields. That must be from the mustards seed he planted in 1986. Wait, this isn’t a mustard farm, but still the metaphor can be extended to the Banana farm. Yes, he has made the country into a Banana farm or should I say a banana republic. Now that all of that was daft, but the point is clear.

The economic state is getting dire in Uganda, the loans rate on the government budget is going up while the aid and donor funds goes down. While the oil-price lowers before the oil-monies are getting in. The sale of coffee is growing but it has not the yielded price on it neither is the sale of the tea. Like they are not producing enough sugar for consumption and have to import from Kenya.

Bank notes Uganda

IMF in July 2015 wrote in their report this: “Short-term benefits of the oil price decline have been less pronounced in Uganda than in other countries in the region. In the past nine months, petrol average pump prices have declined by 10 percent in domestic currency”.

He surely isn’t done by seeing all the campaign teams struggling with the villages roads his been building since 1986. Since FDC Campaign Convoy have been stuck in Rwenzori and in certain northern districts, while Mzee himself needed a military vehicle to be able to get to campaign rallies in Abletong. Well, the Banana-plantations don’t need a good road as long as the banana gets to market?

500px-Uganda_Regions_map

Or is it the growing amounts of districts, sub-counties and municipalities? Is that your proud work to make sure that that every corner of the country have a local council to control 1000 people and have loyal payment from you?  That seems like the final goal while going through your banana-plantation. In 1967 there was only 18 districts, by 1989 where already 34 districts and 150 counties. By my reckoning in late 2015 there are 111 districts and 167 counties. So the numbers has grown staggering amount of districts and steady rise of counties. Was this the big plan in 1986 make sure that there 3 times over district then when you came to power?

You might feel that you’re in the forest and not really in the mellow place of the banana-plantation since the situation economically, infrastructure, youth-employment, industrial-development, police-violence and so on. There are much darkness in the forest and not any sweat yields of the banana-plantation. The development that you have left is surely questionable; secondly the legacy you’re leaving behind is not the ones you wish you had. You could have been a man who led to real progress and stand for something new.  Instead you’re the same old tribe of African leaders who overstays in power and does let other people rule.

The economic state, together with the lower prices on coffee and oil should be worrying. Together with edged prices on imports as Uganda imports are higher than their exports. The weaker currency and higher inflation makes the trading barrier even higher. There are so many signs that the general election together with the laws that parliament passes gives more and more power to the Executive and his regime. Ever since Public Order Management Act there been more and more laws who gives the government more stronghold over the public instead of giving them freedoms and opportunity to evolve and think on their own. The laws that gives the government carte blanche to borrow money through the new Public Finance Management Act; one section of this law says this: “Amendment of Section 36: (5a) In addition to subsection (5), a loan raised by the Government as a temporary advance by the Bank of Uganda, which does not extend beyond a financial year shall not require to be approved by the Parliament” (P5, 2015, PFMA). That says how the government can initially use the Bank of Uganda as an ATM, was that the problem you had in the forest or the fruits your having yield on the banana-plantation?

NAADS Piggery Enterprise Ibanda

I know that you have no plan of stopping being in power, I am just wondering when you actual thought of leaving since you have been there as long as have lived. Something not many Presidents have done except your friend in Zimbabwe, and maybe aquatints like Paul Biya in Cameroon, and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatoral Guinea. But hey, they are from francafrique countries so I only expect you smile at them when you arrive at African Union meetings in Addis Ababa. Since they know and you know that all the fellows who meet with decades ago are no longer there.

We know that what you said before new years are utter rubbish since you have promised before to step down and haven’t. That has happened before 2001 and before 2006. Even before you got the multi-party system back into place; Gen. Benon Biraaro said this early part of his campaign in 2015: “When we captured power in 1986, Mr Museveni promised to rule for only five years and after he will go and look after his cows, I never knew his cows would be Ugandans”.

Old Taxi Park

Surely, if his still is in the forest or in the banana-plantation or even with his cows in Ankole, it is for certain he is still the executive power and will do what he can to keep that in 18th February 2016 or make sure the counting is fixed to measure the right way. Mzee will make sure that the counting of the ballots from the Electoral Commission declares him the President, AGAIN! If not he has prepared the police with a bucket full billions of shillings for post-election violence. So he must have looked in the darkness of the forest and worried for the outcome. In the sense that he smells the people are not his anymore. They do not follow him blindly and let him guide them freely. The banana-plantation is not as peaceful as it once was; This means that Mzee is not directly entitled anymore, to get the fruits of the plantation without any questions, from the people who are working on it. Peace.

Reference:

Kazibwe – ‘Museveni: I am Ready to Hand Over Power If Defeated’ (19.11.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/museveni-i-am-ready-to-hand-over-power-if-defeated/

Ross, Will – ‘Would Uganda’s Museveni recognise his former self?’ (07.05.2011) link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/9477930.stm

Rumanzi, Perez – ‘I can’t leave power now – Museveni’ (10.01.2016) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/I-can-t-leave-power-now—Museveni/-/688334/3027090/-/ldhhetz/-/index.html

Waswa, Sam – ‘It Is Never My Intention to Stick To Power – Museveni’ (05.01.2016) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/it-is-never-my-intention-to-stick-to-power-museveni/

FDC Campaigns in Kumi and Serere district today; also checking the state of governance in Serere District

Serere FDC 12.01.2016

Today the FDC Campaign convoy travelled through Serere and Kumi. From Apaipai to Serere Town Center to the Kumi Muncipality; I will take pieces from the campaign rallies that have been released and the rest is showing one of the districts to the world. As they are sometimes forgotten, because the big questions in Parliament and big men are in Kampala and Up-Country doesn’t get the spot-light it deserves. Therefore I have some extra and to show how the district of Serere has been and how the Serere governance really is. In the same way I did yesterday with Katakwi.

Ocapa Town Serere District FDC 12.01.2016

Dr. Kizza Besigye said today this:

“We are going to need all our energy and determination to run the least stretch” (…)”When they bring these t-shirts take them, it is your money, you can use them in your gardens” (…)”Teso will become again, we have a lot to do when we take over power, we will not betray you”.  

Serere FDC 12.01.2016 P2

I know that part is short, but the reports from the district are massive today. Therefore I have focused on that. So that people get some meat on the barbeque when it comes to Serere District since my focus have been there. Take a look at it!

Kasiro Market Sserere FDC 12.01.2015

Police in Kumi District:

“Kumi District Police Commander Mark Ajuna is arrested following reports linking him to the recent theft of exhibit money. Ajuna was arrested alongside the Officer in Charge of Kumi Police Post, James Lokiru Lorika and three civilians with whom they allegedly connived to share and conceal information on the theft of exhibit money amounting to 150 million Shillings” (Radio Buddu 98.8 and 95.5, 11.01.2016).

On Party Politics in the district:

NRM in Serere:

“NRM leaders in Serere district are divided over the Kyankwanzi resolution. While some have endorsed the resolution, others want the party to give opportunity to who-ever wishes to contest against President Museveni in 2016. These were some of the outcomes of a meeting that was held in Serere by NRM supporters, to discuss the Kyankwanzi resolution. The meeting was chaired by Teso affairs Minister, Christine Apor” (NTV Uganda, 15.05.2014).

NRM deflections:

“Over 80 NRM mobilizers in Serere District have crossed too FDC 04/01/2016 and were received by Hon. Stephen Ochola who is MP for Serere County”.

Serere District Office

On the Good Governance in Serere District:

In October 23rd 2013 this happen:

“The chairman Francis Odeke of Serere district wants government to come out and explain to civil servants in the district, why it has failed to confirm them as permanent public servants for the last four years. Odeke Opit says out of about 200 civil servants, only two have been confirmed, which he blames for the poor service delivery in Serere” (WBS TV, 2013).

On the 9th January 2015 this was said:

“The councilor representing Kateta Sub County in Serere district council John Robert Eudu is unhappy with the community for claiming that their leaders are corrupt yet the voters themselves are also not clean” (EtopRadio Alca Na Ateker, 09.01.2015).

serere district local government

There we’re allocated Ush 400m to Urban Roads for Serere Town Council for FY 2014/2015. The comment on the non-delivery of the money in the financial year is this one:

“The funds were meant for FY 2014/2015, but the town council received funds in July the following FY (2015/16). The funds are to be expended in procurement of assorted road materials which by the PPDA law, a firm does that. Also by the time of need, MoW&T prequalified firms to do the supply had expired contracts, same to the District. We have just updated & renewed the supplier list and hopeful to get a supplier. NOTE: Out of the indicated 400M, we have only received 343M without any explanations from the relevant authorities”. Proves that still some money is missing, up to about Ush 57M never delivered to the Serere Town Council. Somebody else needed that without any explanation I suppose.

On the 9th December 2015:

“Farmers in Serere District have accused the implementers of the Operation Wealth Creation program of supplying them with fake sorghum seeds. The farmers expressed their disappointment on Tuesday during the commissioning of the Community Grain Warehouse built with support from World Food Program in Labor sub-county” (Uganda Radio Network, 9th December 2015).

21st December 2015:

“LCV chairperson Serere district was today thrown out of council after he refused to be inspected on suspicion of being in possession of a gun”. That is governmental of him, surely learned all his tricks from Mzee.

On the 5th January 2016 this happened:

“Serere county member of parliament, Mr Ochola Stephen and the local council v chairman Serere District Mr Opiit Okojo almost exchanged blows. Today 5/1/16 around noon the two got into an argument over the poor state of graded roads in the constituency. This happened at the district headquarters where Mr Agum the ACAO rushed to separate the two” (Serere Times, 05.01.2016).

I think the numbers and stories tell the story on their own. This shows the levels of troubles in the Serere District, that there needed change and also have to rebuild the governance of the government institutions and Local District Government there. As we also so malfunctions in Katakwi District; so it is a pattern. Here wasn’t NAADS that we’re missing, more Road Money and missing civil servants to serve the public in the district something that is worrying if it is still so. Peace.

The People’s president campaigns in Katakwi and Ngora; with no interference of the Calvary; also a quick read-up on the governance level of Katakwi District

Katakwi FDC 11.01.2016. P2jpg

Today the People’s President had successful campaigns in Katakwi and Ngora. There we’re happy rallies and he walked on the made up carpet to one of the rallies. To another one he travelled on a made-up donkey wagon into the venue of campaign rally. This here is telling the story and what messages seems important from today. I will also show the governance level of the Katakwi Local District Government that I looked into since the People’s President passes by. This is the district where students were suspended for writing FDC on a schools chalk-bord in 2012 or 2013.  So the government and police here is NRM friendly. Still, there we’re nothing the police did today that was violent or foul.

Katakwi FDC 11.01.2016

Dr. Kizza Besigye said this at Katakwi Town Council earlier today:

“You all know that the last time i was here i was escorted away by tear gas. I came ready for tear gas. And that is one of the reasons i am in this elections”.

Nandala Mafabi in Katakwi 11.01.16

Nandala Mafabi spoke today on NBS TV in Katakwi distric:

“People want change badly. Museveni has been saying he holds rallies in villages where he has strongest support. We’re here in those villages” (…)”In a number of places where we have been, voters were unhappy that NRM has reduced them to yellow t-shirts” (…)”This time, voters will protect their votes. They are the number one protectors of their votes”.

FDC Katakwi 11.01.2016

He also said this: “President Museveni has promised to work on Katakwi -Moroto road from 2001 to date, but he has failed to realise it, let’s for Kizza Besigye who has been consistent, he has been arrested over 50 times, tear gassed many many time, but he has been consistent”.

Community House Katakwi Town 28.10.2015

This is a district who has a collapsed Community Building in in Katakwi Town that cost Shs 89M and the picture of it proves the state of the building for the moment.

Ongongonja road 28.10.2015

You have also the poorly developed road project costed Shs 108M the Ongongonja road.  Looks beautiful and well spent monies right?

Well, after looking through one of the two districts there fearful numbers from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). I  will take the numbers that are most interesting from Katakwi District and didn’t look at the numbers for Ngora . This here will tell the story how a well-used money in the Local District Government, as their budget for July 2014 to July 2015 or FY 2014/2015. A tiny “Value for Money”: I do this because FDC visit this district.

Ngora 11.01.2016

(this last picture is FDC Campaign Convoy in Ngora)

For instance Katakwi Agricultural Advisory Service (KAAS) we’re allocated Shs 4.3M, while the reports from the money where none officially spend during the financial year. NAADS towards education had allocated Ush 7.2M, they spent Ush 4.2M. They spent around Ush 1M every fiscal quarter except for the second one, what happen at that time? What happened to the funds that are missing for the two projects, like the 4M allocated for KAAS and the missing 3M that we’re not official used by the NAADS?

More education there we’re allocated Ush 133M for Katakwi Secondary School in the fiscal year 2014/2015. None of these funds was used. There was allocated Ush 84.1M for Katakwi Primary School and had the same fate as the other school funds, so in total over Ush 210M who is un-used.

Uganda Shillings

 

When this is the show of progress here alone, you can wonder how hard they are trying and when you can’t find the use of money allocated to schools in the district, I wonder how the situation on the educations institutions in Katakwi. And that the agricultural programs are not well spent. So wonder where the unused monies go? Is it Consolidation fund or into somebodies pocket?

Thanks that enough from me. Peace.

Press Release: Intimidation of FDC and opposition supporters, generally (11.01.2016)

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FDC condemns the unexplained arresting as in some cases disappearance of some opposition supporters. This was billed as an election that would be devoid of intimidation and violence, but it’s far from that. Add to that the unfortunate remarks attributed to candidate Museveni over the weekend that he would not leave power are of concern.

In December, while campaigning in Namutumba he said he cannot leave the oil money to other people and that he will go to the bush. That in itself is an intimidating remark, and a well calculated one at that, aimed at causing despondency among the population. But we, as FDC, urge our supporters all over the country to disregard Museveni’s remarks. We urge our supporters to continue the mobilization exercise. Recruit more people and let’s overwhelm Museveni when the elections come. If we all turn up and vote, he will have no choice but to go.

The police have been quick to condemn Dr Besigye’s defiance campaign but when Museveni makes remarks that could be criminal in nature, they look the other way. We believe that the police, together with the army are being complicit in abetting this crime.

Kiruhura District Logo

This young man here, Senate Karoota Kakwebe, a coordinator of FDC in Nyakashashara, in Kirihura district has been in hiding for his life because UPDF soldiers, who under the law are prohibited from participating in partisan politics, have made it their preoccupation to harass and intimidate him. As he will tell you, a certain Major Alice Kukundakwe vandalized our offices carrying away our files and plucked down Dr Besigye’s posters. This case was reported to the police (Kaguta Rd police detach) for criminal trespass and threatening violence (DDB Ref 05/06/01/2016). Instead of the police carrying out inquiries, the guns were literally turned on Senate Karoota Kakwebe. He has had to flee his home because he is a wanted man for reporting a case. There are hundreds of such stories countrywide.

But as FDC we despise the methods of intimidation, violence that NRM with the help of the army and police are meting out to our supporters. We shall not look on with folded arms. That is why we shall use our Power 10 structures as well as other volunteers to protect our interests.

M7 21.11.15

Presidential debate
For a man who spent five years in the bush, Museveni is such a scared. Although it comes as no surprise that Mueveni ducked out of the planned presidential debate, it is disappointing. It is a clear signal that he has nothing to offer. Museveni feared to be exposed for the spent force he is. The claims by his handlers that he would rather spend the time talking to his voters in the villages, is weak. To claim that his support is in the countryside is a fallacy that he has perpetuated over the years. The fact is Museveni cannot debate. He fears to be challenged. It is also a slap in the face to the prominent members of society who put in their time and resources to ensure that the debate happens. Like Dr Besigye said over the weekend, he is available to debate with Museveni whenever he finds the time.
The Independent Coalition, whose Presidential Candidate is Mr. Mabirizi Elton Joseph have agreed to on a Vote Protection arrangement to ensure Free and Fair Elections. We are thrashing out the details which we shall share at a later date.

Chairman
Ambassador Wasswa Birigwa

Ugandan Presidential Candidates debate; serious attitude comes forward; two kings leaves the race while the servants stay put

NTV Uganda Presidential Debate 2016

We are at strange place when it comes the 15th January and the general debate for presidential candidates in Uganda. People are throwing blame and I stand by calling Mzee a chicken-out from the debate. We all know why! He can’t spin it to his benefit and worried that he will look weak compared to the other men. His quotes will forever stay there and will be remembered, like Mzee has skipped before in 2011, 2006 and 1996. Well, let see what else been said on the issue during the day, this is starting to farce. Let me elaborate on that.

First the Presidential Candidate Hon. Amama Mbabazi said this: “There are 8 people in the race, if 2 have pulled out of the debate, then that doesn’t mean we can’t debate “.

Bary for President

Other that has verified that they will show-up for the debate is Prof. Venansius Bayramureeba and Abed Bwanika.

Besigye Amama

Also today Dr. Kizza Besigye commented: ““So this time when I challenged Mr. Museveni to a debate, I knew that he is averse to having a direct debate- which is unfortunate because in a situation like ours where there are deep contradictions, it is important to have a direct debate so that people are able to determine the candidates’ positions and policies.” (…)”The debate should be between two opposing sides its madness of me to take a day or two off my tight schedule to meet my colleagues for a debate”.

While we yesterday got the reports from two of his men and one of his men Ofwono Opondo clarified clearly to the people that President Museveni wouldn’t show up; because he has a busy schedule and would be missed because the trouble with the travel for 6 hours to be at the Serena Hotel and wants to rather be with the people!

Richard Todwong

So Mzee has decided to alter the debate and add a new figure to represent him. Today we have the new reports the change too southpaw; so he added of the mysterious Minister without Portfolio Richard Todwong. Hon. Todwong will be his mouthpiece when necessary it’s seems in a way to cash his paycheck. In that way we have the fourth candidate which happens to be a representative for the presidency and not himself.

While the James Ogola the spokesperson for The Elders’ Forum of Uganda (TEFU), the organizer of the public debate on live TV which is to be broadcasted through all channels in Uganda from NTV cameras, he said this yesterday: “If the candidate cannot come, we shall not accept representation. That chair will remain empty”.

The TEFU statement said this on the 7th January: “During a meeting held with all the eight presidential candidates’ campaign managers and agents on January 6, at Protea Hotel Kampala, all the participants unanimously agreed that candidates have a lot to gain by personal appearance in the debates and much more to lose by non-appearance,” noted a statement that IRCU released on January 7th 2016.

With this being said and written by the TEFU then the Minister without Portfolio Todwong will not be allowed to be in the chair instead of Mzee. So Dr. Kizza Besigye can’t send Nandala Mafabi or Mugisha Muntu in his stead, though I think they rather stay on the campaign trail as well. FDC have the honor to really shun the event because the President can’t take the time all of sudden.

That Hon. Amama Mbabazi want to be there is understandable he want to gain political capital by being the one left of the giant three to actually show up. He is one of the main candidates. We all know that the Professor Barya and Bwanika would be secondary or third wheels with Amama, Kizza and Yoweri, and they all know it. Ofwono Opondo went a bit far though on Friday on radio the Capital Gang when he said: “I don’t know who you are”. This Opondo utter out the mouth while Abed Bwanika where in the studio. Even I know who he is and that he have campaigned and been a presidential candidate at-least two times before and his party hasn’t the reach yet. Still are more popular than Professor Barya. Since some of his crowds are as big as lines for airtime in the morning Mondays after a busy weekend. Not enough yet!

I wish the People’s President also just showed up even if Mzee didn’t have the guts to. Even if I understand the motive of Besigye; that Mbabazi is trying to get political capital is smart, but he still doesn’t the machine as FDC has, that is why he has tried more than twice to settle the difference between them and get him to step-down for him. That hasn’t actually worked.

NRM-P

The President has already lost the battle of supremacy and it’s viable with the way this have gone, his spokesmen Opondo and the other guy the campaign manager can’t chant a tune to save this charade. Besigye get to look lost in the battle for defiance instead of being the true giant in the matter, he could be golden and righteous in a two-hour battle as well; Even if the commander in chief chickens out instead of proving that his mouth and brain moves.

So that Mbabazi and the other guys might have a ball. The debate will be powerful in its way, but without Besigye and Museveni it misses all of the top three presidential candidates. That is weak and foolish. We all know the TEFU behind it and this will make it look like they don’t have the touch to get them speaking live on TV that day. But it’s their choice and not the parties involved. TEFU is just a tool to Museveni as everything else, and Besigye don’t want to look foolish compared to his nemesis M7.

The other candidates will have the say The Independent Coalition Maureen Kyala Wamuumbe and Joseph Mabirizi will get bigger stage then normal. Just like the other rest of them. They will gladly show up to it instead of being campaigning they will capitalize on it. Besigye and Museveni thinks they earn on not showing up. Where is Gen. Benon Biraaro at this point? Or I am missing the channels where he is occupied all the space? Because nowhere spoken his mind on the matter!

The reason for why Mzee doesn’t show up doesn’t add up to his own fear for the platform and lose of creative control and editing power. Since he can shut-up and will utter some nonsense with the bush-war mentality that he thinks all Ugandans will eat up like matooki. Instead they listen and wonder why that argument where used for building roads between Masindi and Kampala. While the other candidate actually speaks proper policy or regulations on the question; the same is the actions of Mzee. Besigye would have answered properly though anti-NRM rhetoric. The same with Mbabazi who will add with the new fresh spin and also say that he wasn’t an executive power like his former chief. Well, we will not see the whole picture and live broadcast; the first time in history with all presidential candidates unless Mzee wishes to show balls and be a real presidential candidate for once. Presidential Candidates should be able to debate in public with other candidates instead of only singing their own tune on the campaign trail and rallies. Surely Mzee have checked the questions asked from media the press conference to secure him what message that comes out and have control of what is in the press, if the press doesn’t follow then he shuts them down. Like he have done with the Daily Monitor, KFM Radio and other media stations when they have gone too far with the wrong message.

Mzee can’t handle a person like me or the press who questions his authority and rule. So if he would be on a debate he would not have the ability to save his face. Besigye follows suit because he doesn’t see the other candidates as viable opposition and feels that if the incumbent president doesn’t show-up it’s the B-Team on Live-TV instead of the whole group of people. So Mbabazi is the golden kid in this because people will even blame Besigye for backing out and questions remain what it would have been with him in the mix. There is a loss that two of magnificent trio is out. You have the six candidates and one happen to be a major one that makes the tally weak. So Mzee proves yet again that he can’t or doesn’t have it in him to debate or argue for his longevity and perseverance, Besigye will not come with fighting spirit in it, we will have the usual suspect and meager attendance that doesn’t cover the spectrum from PRO-Yellow to the mellow and to the ordinary fellow. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye Statement on the Presidential Debate

Mbabazi M7 Besigye

The attempt to have a presidential debate in Uganda is not new. There has been an attempt at every of the previous elections to have a debate.

At every election that I have participated, I have been ready to engage in a debate. But at each of those attempts, it was the failure of Mr. Museveni to accept to have a debate that led to the failure of having a debate.

So this time when I challenged Mr. Museveni to a debate, I knew that he is averse to having a direct debate- which is unfortunate because in a situation like ours where there are deep contradictions, it is important to have a direct debate so that people are able to determine the candidates’ positions and policies.

But even then, when I challenged Museveni to a debate, I really knew that Museveni was not up to it because he has untenable positions; the positions he has taken over the last 30 years and the consequences of those positions are indefensible.

So I really knew he would do everything to avoid the debate. In fact, I was surprised by his initial response when he appeared to have agreed to the debate. I was surprised because I thought he would avoid it right away.

But as I have now heard, it is clear that he is not going to engage in the debate for 15th, Jan, 2016. This does not come as a surprise.

Secondly, it ought to be understood that we don’t have a multiparty democracy in Uganda; we have a military dictatorship. It is that military dictatorship that we intended to examine and interrogate in the debate.

The military dictatorship has been in power for 30 years and it has espoused certain policies that have had serious consequences on the country. So we cannot have a utopian debate about what is good for the Uganda without questioning and interrogating the 30yr incumbency of Mr. Museveni regime.

In fact the contestation in Uganda, to my mind, is between the dictatorship and the organizations challenging it. So if the dictatorship in the debate is absent, then is it a primary election of those who are challenging the dictatorship? Is it a primary contest of only those who are challenging the dictatorship?

Therefore, my view is very clear: that if Mr. Museveni declines to have a debate, then we cannot have a debate alone; the debate simply collapses.

I think it is disingenuous for people to suggest that the opponents of the dictatorship debate amongst us to demonstrate that it is only Museveni that declined to engage in the debate.

Thirdly, it also ought to be understood that the anti dictatorship organisations are engaged in this political contestation from a point of severe disadvantage.

Mr. Museveni has been campaigning for the last five years using state resources while we were restricted. Even in this campaign, we have severe obstacles from the poor roads to partisan security organizations that try to interfere and obstruct our campaign.

We also have severe challenges of financial resources to fund our campaigns- we have to raise funds from our very poor supporters while Mr. Museveni has unlimited access and supply of state resources, funds and even uses a state helicopter to facilitate his campaign.

So it is us that treasure every minute of this campaign more than Mr. Museveni. If Museveni is not going to be available, it would be madness to take off a day or two to go and talk to my colleagues with whom we are fighting the dictatorship.

It is most unfortunate that Mr. Museveni has more or less at the last minute opted out the debate. It is sad.
I was actually informed by chance of the date of debate by someone from Inter Religious Council of Uganda whom I had a meeting with on Monday.

The gentleman informed me that the date was set by Mr. Museveni in July last year before he became a candidate. That in itself is very curious that a none candidate sets a date for a debate presuming that he will be a candidate; that he fixes the date of the debate which six months later, he is not able to honour.

I was informed of the date in one week and immediately agreed to the debate but the one who set the date unable to honour his commitment. I had even promised to cancel my program in Tororo to attend the debate.

So surely, this is very unfair but it is not unaccepted that Mr. Museveni would turn down the opportunity for a debate.

The People’s President campaigning in Moroto; while the RDC shows his anger against journalists; and other reports

FDC Moroto 10.01.2016 P2

Today in Moroto there have been issues with the Police who wanted to block the FDC Campaign Trail Convoy. The Northern Uganda Police have made it hard for the main candidates in this part of the Road Map; they even made it hard for Go-Forward Presidential Candidate Hon. Amama Mbabazi! He had big issues with them; so that the FDC should also feel the wrath of NRM Police Force, though today that was the journalists filming and taking photos of it.

The Team Leader for the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF III) Endashaw Tadesse Gossa car has been driving around as reported from the 8th January 2016. He has been driving around in Karamoja in the car that I have a picture of. While he was driving around to pay people to not show-up to opposition rallies in the district. Especially get them to not show at the rallies in Moroto. Mr. Gossa have also bought locals brew to the people in Singila, Acholi Inn, Katanga and Chiambiswahili. With this actions the funds bought by World Bank to NUSAF and Governmental funding is being used to stifle the opposition; so proud the NRM can be of Mr. Gossa!

Moroto NRM 08.01.2016 Buying to Shun voters

On the 7th January the Government of Uganda wants all of sudden to address the Cholera outbreak in the region. Here is the letter:

Cholera Outbreak - Uganda 07.01.2016

Strange that it happens now and in the campaign season. Not after because they want to show that they actually does something and maybe even care about the people in Karamoja.

FDC Moroto 10.01.2016 P1

Today in Moroto at Boma Grounds Dr. Kizza Besigye proclaimed this:

“’You have the minister in charge of Karamoja who is also tje first lady. She leaves Karamajong children languishing in the streets of Kampala and comes here to pretending to be caring about you. People here are dying of hunger”.

This here proves the power of the Opposition and why the Police go so hard on of them and the ones that cover them. That is because Mzee wants all the attention, still he goes after journalists who doesn’t cover him, something he has done during campaigns in 2015. The use of Mr. Gossa proves it to the fullest. While the Police officers and commanders stifle and block as much as possible the opposition parties campaign rallies. That shows how they all are tools for the NRM and the Government right now, instead of being civil servants for all people of Uganda. Sad sight, but they know who butter their bread. As on the 7th November 2015 Frank Tumwebaze handed over new Isuzu double cabin pick-ups at the value of UGX 145m. So with a new car recently the RDC of Moroto have to show that loyalty worthy and therefore acted as he has done today. Hope the car was worth you’re self-respect and honor of serving the people and not the loyal men of Mzee.

We can see that people even when paid to shun the campaigns shows up, to Amama Mbabazi and the Dr. Kizza Besigye in the area. Therefore the paying and showing off money isn’t helping the NRM. It’s more like draining money from the campaign budget, but hey that is just embezzled money of 29 years so they can afford it. That is why the people want’s change. Peace.

Pictures taken before the scoffle between the journalists and the Calvary in Moroto today

Moroto Road Block 10.01.2016 P1

Here is the preview to scuffle and melee on the road of Kitara to Moroto where the journalist took shoots and filmed the road-block that the Police Officers had put-up at the spot. This here is the photos of police before it all. Just look at it. Peace.

Moroto Road Block 10.01.2016 P2

The Calvary attacks in Moroto: On the field-Journalists on the FDC campaign trail

Kitura - Moroto Road - 10.01.2016

Journalists who were travelling to cover FDC campaign in Moroto today we’re stopped by the Police in on the road along from Kitora to Moroto. The District Police Commander of Moroto George Obia is the one who commissioned the stop of them. Then this unfollowed! 

The Police stopped the journalist from the NTV Ronald Galiwango, the New Vision photographer Kenedy Oriyem and Kyaaze Anyast of Bukkede TV. Their cameras we’re either destroyed or confiscated by the police at the road.

The Journalist has later been in discussion with the Regional District Commander Aruk Maruk. Since they should get an explanation for the matter and settle it. This here is a violation of freedom of the press and their movement to cover the national matter. In this sense the campaign coverage of FDC, the same Police Commanders would not do the same if there was a NRM campaign convoy in the area. Then they would have stand on guard and grinned because the Mzee would be around! Peace.

Ugandan Presidential Live TV Debate was actually on; but Mzee chickens out and is off!

Mbabazi M7 Besigye

Well, I have written a piece on this before where I started like this: “There is a dream of TV-Debate between the three main candidates in Uganda: the NRM with Museveni, the Go-Forward Amama Mbabazi and the FDC Dr. Kizza Besigye! So what will that be, it should be sent on NBS, NTV and WBS at the same time. So that nobody can watch dubbed South American TV-shows for those who don’t care about the politics or elections” (Minbane, 23.11.2015).

Well, the spokesmen of both the campaign team of Mzee and Governmental one says he want show up to the planned one on the 15th January. Here is what been verified today:

Ofwono Opondo the NRM or Government spokeperson says: “Museveni will have no time for the presidential debate”. He continues with this reasoning: “President Museveni has no time to engage in a presidential debate for 6 hours. He will use the time in more meaningful engagements with the Population”. Michael Sebalu said this today: “We respect and value even lowest our supporters… we cannot abandon them to go to Serena and waste time!”

Obiang - M7 

Mzee could stop campaigning for governmental matters earlier and the papal visit which made him look a bit genuine. Now it’s just a mockery and makes no sense. This is weak tea not even a strong masala mix take away the bad after taste.

If you want to read a made up Ugandan TV-Debate read my former post from November 2015:

The Dream of a Public TV-Debate between top three Presidential Candidates in Uganda

So there is yet again Mzee looks like he is chickens out; just a week away from the TV cameras to be broadcasted live on TV. This is something he could fake or spin is his way. His NRM Team and Campaign crew could have set some standards, but he couldn’t rehearse the answers. Like the international interviews that hunts him and the answers showing his true passions. The same will happen on the Live TV-Debate where the spotlight will eat him.

FDC TV Show

Though he said this earlier in the year:

““President Yoweri Museveni, also NRM flag bearer, says “he is ready to take on any of his fellow 2016 presidential candidates in a public debate” (…)”While addressing a press conference early Monday in Gulu at the State Lodge, Museveni said: “If Besigye or any other candidate wants to debate with me, I am ready. I don’t move without my mouth or brain…” (…)”The president’s comments today come days after Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye challenged him to a debate ‘to discuss issues affecting Ugandans’” (…)”Besigye became the second candidate to dare the president to a live televised debate after Venansius Baryamureeba (NBS TV, 23.11.2015).

Museveni - Road building

 

So here we are where the NRM and its President who happens to be Presidential Candidate; that can’t be able to show up to a Presidential Candidate Debate on live TV. That is because he can’t all of sudden stop campaigning or schedule with the Electoral Commission or have his screws loose in his pocket; have fear for the outcome of the whole shin-ding and knows he might look like old buffoon instead of the wise old-statesmen he thinks he is. We won’t hear any bible-quotes from him or any imaginary tales of old when the Live debate on TV happens, because he can’t his team, or himself in general to address the public proper. Unless he controls the venue and have all creative control; he and his loyal staff or his loyal subjects who are YES MEN. Because the giant of 29 years can’t trust himself to not blunder or speak some kind of hurtful. Mzee might come with some stupid comment when the TV channel has it directly sent for the world to see. Even if the Government usually turns of transmitters when some unwished spiteful or opposition leader goes too far, than they will take the whole radio or TV station down for necessary time.

Well, we all know by knew by now that this would not happen, that why I wrote it would be a dream in November 2015. Mzee doesn’t have the balls or integrity to show his face together with the pack of candidates, especially not his arch-nemesis Hon. Amama Mbabazi or former arch-nemesis Dr. Kizza Besigye. Because he will not be discussed in the ways of villain or buffoon, but he looks like whiny old man who doesn’t have the ability to carry his own words. Because he said in November 2015 that he would join and be a part of the Live TV debate.

Like Mzee said on the 23rd November 2015:

“If Besigye or any other candidate wants to debate with me, I am ready. I don’t move without my mouth or brain”. There seems like Mzee’s body doesn’t move with his mouth or his brain. Since his body will not have the balls to move his mouth or brain on live TV.  But that is just me. Peace.