Opinion: The opposition have failed Ssemujju [and the NRM didn’t vote collectively for Oulanyah]

Not it’s shocking or anything, but the opposition have failed in a way. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) haven’t even been able to get their MPs behind their own party candidate for speaker in the 11th Parliament. Not that it should be automatic for the opposition to vote for an opposition candidate. Still, if they want something different and wants another type of leader at the helm. Than they shouldn’t vote for the ones who has already been puppets of the President.

It is official that Jacob Oulanyah is the next speaker. He got the majority with 310 MPs, which is a weak one in itself. The National Resistance Movement have 336 MPs alone and means someone wasn’t following the party line there as well and voting for the Independent candidate Rebecca Kadaga. If the UPDF MPs are voting directly for NRM causes, that means 300 NRM MPs voted for their own plus the UPDF. That means 36 NRM MPs voted for Rebecca Kadaga, instead of Oulanyah.

What is shocking is that Kadaga most likely got a huge support from the opposition and the independents of the Parliament. As she got 197 votes today. Not that it’s enough to retain her office. However, it shows that the opposition who is 98 MPs. This being the National Unity Platform (NUP) with 57 MPs, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) 32 MPs, Democratic Party (DP) 9 MPs, which is in total 98 MPs. The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has an additional 9 MPs, but with the agreement with NRM of the past. It’s hard to call them “opposition” at this point.

There 74 Independent MPs and with opposition MPs is a total of 174 MPs. That is very close to numbers Kadaga got. That means there are several of NRM who voted for her. Clearly, the non-partisan UPDF MPs would automatically vote for Oulanyah. That is securing 10 MPs his way. They follow the chain-in-command at any point of time. We know this and the public knows this too.

Still, the FDC has lost 17 MPs to Kadaga or Oulanyah. That is mediocre approach. That the NUP have shown a weird tactic too. They most likely voted Kadaga is just baffling. That they are doing this politicking. Supporting a former servant of the dictator and giving way to her. Just because she had a brief fallout and lost favours with him.

That the DP could go either way at this point. The UPC is shallow too, but with the numbers and secret ballots. There is just speculations who voted where. However, the ammo for questionable affairs is clear. The strength is within the ruling regime. They can win, even when they are not trying. That shows how the 11th Parliament will be.

I didn’t expect Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda should have more than 32 MPs on his side. Not only 15 MPs, which is only barely half of the FDC group of MPs in Parliament. He has been let down not by the opposition, but by his own party. They have not shown loyalty to their own. The NUP could play where-ever they saw fit. Naye, they clearly went for Kadaga just to spite Museveni. Instead of playing a long-game with FDC. This is not a good sign for the rest of this term.

The NUP and FDC have combined a big block of MPs with 89 MPs in the 11th Parliament. These MPs could made a difference and their votes could have sent a signal to the authorities. However, they instead voted for Kadaga. The FDC, NUP and DP have all backed the former speaker, one way or another. That is what these numbers and secret ballots says.

The opposition let Ssemujju down, but they first needs to look into their own before shelling assaults at NUP or elsewhere. When you cannot even muster support at home. You cannot go across party-lines. The NUP has disappointed me as well, but it’s not shocking. More of their first moves in Parliament. However, I hope they will really work in constructive opposition behaviour and not petty politicking like today. This is not furthering their cause, but only questioning their methods.

The NRM is also not as strong as they trying to portray. As they are lacking total support for their own. They are not collective behind Oulanyah. There are missing MPs who bailed on the NRM CEC decision. That says a lot too. That is something the President needs to think about and reflect upon at the State House. Peace.

Opinion: Nandala-Mafabi better question his own credibility before he questions others

We cannot work with people who are opposition in daytime but at night they are different. They sneak to state house and make deals with the junta”Nathan Nandala-Mafabi (20.05.2021)

The Secretary General of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Nathan Nandala-Mafabi better relax and gets his ducks in row before he goes after National Unity Platform (NUP). The former Leader of Opposition and trying to be front runner of FDC. Nandala-Mafabi who haven’t had the ability to become Party President. The man who nearly started his own farmers party, but saw no traction for it. So, he returned back to the FDC.

That man better check his own credibility before he addresses NUP MPs. The NUP haven’t even had a second in the Parliament. Before he throws them shade. This being a man who has had two terms at least in office and he should be careful. He has enough questionable attributes and actions in the past. This man should know better. However, pride and ego is a dangerous field.

Just these things says a lot about him.

President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), yesterday received and welcomed Mr. Moses Kisolo, a Personal Assistant to the leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, who crossed from the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and joined the NRM Party” (Statehouse.go.ug – ‘Hon. Mafabi’s Aide crosses to NRM’ 10.04.2012).

Magurara in a series of email replies accuses Nandala Mafabi of liking to create ‘controversies’ to bring bad publicity to the party, which benefits the ruling NRM regime of President Museveni. The aging Mugarura also makes reference to the manner in which Maj. Rubaramira Ruranga who chaired Nandala’s anti-Muntu campaigns last time defected to NRM and implies there is a rumor Nandala may follow suit in case he loses to Muntu again. Mugarura warns Nandala to tread carefully “unless you want some of us to begin taking the rumor seriously.”” (Faridah Nassereka – ‘Nandala Mafabi ‘spying for Museveni’ FDC boss reveals’ 29.06.2017, thelocal.ug).

Members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) rapped their secretary general for attending Independence Day ceremonies in Sironko district. FDC say it passed a resolution barring its members from attending events presided over by President Museveni” (Independent.co.ug – ‘FDC blasts Nandala Mafabi over Museveni’ 20.10.2019).

This is just the little drip drops of things between NRM and the FDC Secretary General. Nandala-Mafabi should be more careful. Just like he should be careful getting into scandals over land, business-roles or even connections to Chinese Telecoms. This man has enough leverage and operating roles to become corrupt. He could easily be bought and lose his values over businesses-dealings.

The FDC man can throw shade and speak his peace, but a man of that stature should be more worried about his own standing. Than looking into the newcomer and the new opposition. Who happens to be the command party of the opposition in this term. The FDC has had their time to shine and make a difference on this. Now, there is a newcomer who has more power and seats in the 11th Parliament. That must hurt the pride of him. As well, as seeing former allies failing in Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). The ones he said he wouldn’t miss in the FDC.

Therefore, Nandala-Mafabi isn’t showing progress, but regress when he speaks ill of the ones he needs to work with. If he wants to be true opposition and not a possible tool of NRM within the opposition.

In August 2017, he said this about himself, which is what he directed at NUP today:

I have heard some people say that Nandala was bought by Museveni to kill FDC. Those saying that, even their mothers cannot vote FDC. They just play on our blood…. During day, they are FDC and at night they are NRM. Even the fuel they put in their cars is NRM. Even the money they eat is NRM. Some of them use others as conduits to get NRM money” (Nandala-Mafabi, 18.08.2017),

He uses the same narrative here. Therefore, what is his deal and what does he want to achieve? Why is he saying the same thing about others? When he has had the same issue for years? Shouldn’t he be supporting, instead of saying the same things about others?

Does he have the credibility to question the NUP before they are even getting through the door and getting into office. Shouldn’t he be more careful and more insightful. As he has been within reach of power and a MP for so long. Nandala-Mafabi should know better, but clearly he doesn’t. He could be a wise elder and be a man who enlighten the newcomers in opposition. Instead he goes into combat-mode and not trying to give them a olive branch.

Not that I expect Nandala-Mafabi to be expressive and friendly to the NUP. He could be cordial and try to talk. Not dismiss them before they even say a thing in the 11th Parliament. That is insincere and shows his discontent. That he cannot handle the changes of power and popularity. This shows the lack of character and trust in others. Because, they are not accountable to him or the FDC, but they are liable to NUP and their leadership. Therefore, the opposition leader should sit down and talk.

Especially, when he has all these issues of the past and throwing shade. Maybe his still sour that he never got appointed as the Chairman of Bank of Uganda (BoU). Who knows, but this isn’t it and he should know better. Peace.

Opinion: Mwijukye, why the love for Kadaga?

Comrade Kadaga, the mother of the Nation, we feel the embarrassment you are about to find yourself in; it wont be brought by A4C but the foolish leaders in this country. we cant pretend that uganda is secure and peaceful, our guests must be welcomed with mambas, fed on teargas and entertained with gun shots so that they confirm that we have a ssebalwanyi in charge of uganda” Francis Mwijukye (12.03.2012).

Something’s doesn’t make direct sense to me. Especially when someone who has been resilient and a hard-liner like Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Francis Mwijukye MP is supporting the Speakership of Rebecca Kadaga. He has been elected as MP twice and in both terms he has supported Kadaga. Which to me is showing loyalty to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Why are you in opposition? When you are acting and directly promoting NRM Cadres to the throne? Why are you even blue, when you could easily turn yellow?

I am just asking. Because, this man was supposed to know better and be better. I was shocked when Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine supported Kadaga and other NRM candidates during the campaign. I called him out for that, because it’s nonsensical to me. It is bad politicking and your only showing that you can be a sell-out and the motivation to run against the regime seems futile. When you are trading posts and benefits from wheeler-dealing. Then you initially corruptible and can be in their pockets.

That is also my worry here. Has Francis made arrangement behind closed doors for beneficial treatment in Parliament and therefore is settling for Kadaga? Was the gig at Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that enriching for you? Is the juicy pay-off of the Parliamentary Commission, which you have held since March 2019 so dear for you?

Well, I don’t have the answers for this, but it is weird to see a man like this suck-up to Kadaga and doing it twice. This after fighting tooth and nail to get into Parliament. Been running campaigns and activisms for years to sell-out this quick. That the possible perks in office and additional pay could sway his opinion. That’s his not even loyal to the party line. His going yellow because he see shillings in the end.

It is all about those ends… and getting more money. That is more important than morals, loyalty and even the cause, which got him elected in the first place. He was a man of not only words, but actions. The messages he sent and the rhetoric has turned.

He called Kadaga an “Angle” and that doesn’t make sense. Because in her time… the Parliament haven’t acted on abductions, political prisoners or extra judicial killings. The Parliament in her time haven’t acted on the political activated prosecution of dissidents and opposition activists. The Parliament have allowed a take-over of the Special Forces Command and push through a “Life-Presidency” Project for Museveni. She is the carrier of the all the policies and acts, which is the will of the “High Above”. So, it’s weird that he supports and are behind her now.

It seems to be all about the money and its deliberate. It is sad to see a man like this trade his history, time and all the efforts on the alter of greed. That he could get corrupted and be less genuine. However, it is not shocking, because that is what Museveni wants of the commercialization of politics. That he can buy the ones on the other side and get them hell-bent his way. Get them from being vocal supporters into lovely cadres like Beti Kamya and Beatrice Anywar. They also went this route.

Seemingly in the 11th Parliament Mwijukye is following suit. It is tragic and a loss. Nevertheless, nothing new here. He just want to enjoy the spoils and feel the shillings rolling. That’s why the party-line and the opposition stances doesn’t matter. His just another corrupted individual enjoying the riches on behalf of his community. Peace.

A look into the “Rigged” Report [the 11th May 2021 Edition]

Today was the day of the 7th Swearing-In Ceremony of President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni. The 6th Ceremony held at Kololo Independence Ground and the 6th Ceremony of this kind held on the 12th May in the election year. Well, the President has now concluded this election.

Though I will dig into the important material in the Report released called “Rigged” which was published with a new edition yesterday. Dr. Nico Schoonderwoerd with acknowledgements to Bruce I. Afran and Robert Kyagulanyi and the National Unity Platform (NUP) for certain aspects of the report, which was in the original published on the 17th March 2021.

I will look through and drop my notes on the matter in between the pieces of information. Which say a lot about the conducted elections of January 2021. I will not look into the voter intimidation and bribery. Neither address the senseless violence, impunity and misuse of the authorities in favour of the regime. That I have discussed in length in other articles. Here I feel the “head-shot” or the “winning ticket” is the ballot box stuffing and Post DoR Fraud.

I will begin with this quote:

In the various regions we see the different types of rigging being applied in a different way.

Region

Voter intimidation

Bribery

Ballot box stuffing

Post-Dor Fraud

Central

Heavily

Limited

Limited districts

Average

Eastern

Heavily

Heavily

Average

Average

Western

Heavily

Heavily

Massively, in all districts

Average

Northern

Enormously

Heavily

Average

Average

In most cities it was difficult to stuff the ballot-boxes, so the effect of voter intimidation becomes more clear. Gulu City shows how enormous the intimidation was up north, as is supported by the statements in our Chapter on the North. Ballot box stuffing is indicated by high turnout & high percentage of Museveni votes. In the top right of the diagram (courtesy Melina Platas) we do not only see Western districts, but also Northern districts such as Amudat” (Schoonderwoed, P: 9, 2021).

There are now saying that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President lost Baganda (Central Region) in this election. However, by the state of things. The evidence coming forward proves only that the results there are more close the reality. As the rigging was as extensive as in the other regions. This means, they deliberately gave up a part and knew the rigging elsewhere would secure the victory anyway.

A very interesting finding of the rigging was the finding on page 57, which says:

Since the ‘election fingerprint’ of these 3 elections is similar to the fingerprints identified as fraudulent by Peter Klimek et al we can apply their conclusion that the Ugandan elections results of 2011, 2016 and 2021 do not represent the will of the people. When the authors designed these fingerprints they assumed that the numbers would always be between 0 and 100. However, in fraud every number is possible. Although the tally sheets do not show any turnouts of over 100% (it’s prevented by the software), an inspection of the Declaration of Results (DoR) forms show that in many cases of ballot box stuffing ‘overstuffing’ took place and the DoR form shows more ballots casted than registered voters” (Schoonderwoed, P: 57-58, 2021).

This here just shows the algorithm and the difference numbers through the process of counting the ballots doesn’t add up. There are more casted ballots than registered voters. That is just the proof of the misgivings of this election and how it was predetermined. When this sort of malpractice is securing one man to “win”.

The main contributor to the rigging of these elections was ballot box stuffing. 409 polling stations across Uganda saw a 100% voter turnout, which is impossible give that the voter register is fixed 10 months before the elections. A total of 1333 polling stations had a voter turnout of 90% and according to election experts that is not possible under free & fair elections. Scientific research is presented in the form of election fingerprints that show that the correlation of high voter turnout and high Museveni scores is typical for rigged elections such as in Uganda and Russia” (Schoonderwoed, P: 76, 2021).

This here shows the proof and the systematic rigging. This is just the technical aspect of it. Not all the other techniques used, which is important, but the end-game of any election is the numbers-game. Where the winner takes all and the majority matters. An rigged election just needs the numbers, but not the true will of the general public or the voters. That is the gist of it.

A nation wide comparison of DoRs collected by UVote and official tally results show over 120 polling stations where the DoRs were illegally changed or fraudulent. One such DoR for the Nebbi Anyang polling station received international attention after the Electoral Commission denied that 84 Kyagulanyi votes were changed into 8 Kyagulanyi vote” (Schoonderwoed, P: 77, 2021).

This here is just a final one and shows the acts being made by the state to ensure another term for the incumbent. There was not other way to see this. The “Rigged” Report is very clear and addresses the significant actions made and what it resulted in.

We know today that it went into as usual, that every five years Museveni swears himself in at Kololo Independence Grounds on the 12th May of the election year. That happened today because of the “legitimacy” the recent election gave him. Though the Report shows that he stole and bashes himself in glory of rigging an election. That is really tragic, but the Report also states facts many of us has said. That this regime rigged the 2011 and 2016 as well and the ‘election fingerprint’ evidence shows that.

So, if people are saying “Museveni is not my President”. I understand them. This election is yet another one he rigged to rule supreme. He doesn’t have the love of the people, but is elected by the algorithm, ghosts and goats, not voters as he should have been. However, that is not important when you value guns, arms and heavy weaponry over the public. That is why the Report is important to show the way the regime did it and prove it to the whole world to see. Peace.

Scheduled Programming ahead of 12th May: Bobi Wine and Besigye is house arrested

Today, as its only two days to the Swearing-in on Kololo Independence Grounds. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni is swearing-in himself in for the Seventh Time and for his 8th Unofficial Term.

So on the 10th May 2021 the authorities have sealed off the area around Magere, Wakiso District and entrenched National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine house. They have also stopped the trial of the Campaign Team arrested on the 30th December 2021. Who was supposed to be arraigned at the Court Martial again today. However, that never happened, but they are still lingering in jail without any sentencing or verdict.

Therefore, the President who was so proud of “winning” the last election in January 2021. Clearly, cannot be a proper victor when his opponent is house arrested with no charges, warrants or even any sort of trial. While his campaign team and closest associates are still behind bars. If you think that man is a winner of an election. You are a fool.

There is also reports that Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) former Presidential Candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye is under house arrest too in Kasangati, Wakiso district.

So, the state is doing what it does best. Not create a multi-party democracy, but besiege its enemies. The Museveni era is ending a blast of fanfare and bracelets. The NRM Way is this and that’s what they does. While sprinkling a little a bit of fear and delusion. That is why they will be banging on achievements of the old man and vilify these men on all platforms.

They will come with any excuses to keep their home guarded. Because, they want these men to able to spoil the grandeur of Museveni partying himself into his eight term. While the authorities are saying the idea of s parallel swearing-in is treasonous. Which is very ironic, when the current President has stolen an election and is practically doing what the authorities is saying is illegal.

Well… we knew this day was coming and the authorities is unforgiving. As they are not serving the Republic, but one old man. Peace.

Opinion: NUP is now following FDC’s Post-Election Programming

The National Unity Platform (NUP) after the January 2021 elections have the majority of the opposition in the 11th Parliament. Just the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) had in recent elections. Both the FDC and NUP have claimed the elections been rigged and righteously so. Still, they are playing the political games and taking positions in Parliament after. Therefore, their stance of the rigged elections falls flat when you buy into “positions” within the same political sphere.

If the NUP wants to be different then the FDC. Why are you playing into the same fold as them? There is only a name-change and the leader of the Party. The rest is more of the same. The same with Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine planning a tour across the Republic. That is no differences to all the different campaigns Dr. Kizza Besigye have launched over the years. That is all fine, but this isn’t creating something new. This is continuing the same charade and politicking that is lacking.

A glass is either half-full or half-empty. The glass either is soon running empty or have the ability to fill it with more water. That depends on how you look at it. For me, I want to be consistent. If I was against Winnie Kiiza standing as the Leader of Opposition in 2016. There will be wrong of the NUP to have Mathias Mpuuga or anyone else in the 11th Parliament as the ‘LoP’.

That is because both parties have flagged the same case and similar actions after the elections. They have stand the same ground and with similar principals. Therefore, the NUP is going into the same trap as the FDC. They are getting compromised by the ideals of a shadow government and perks of office in the 11th Parliament.

The NUP is supposed to challenge the NRM and General Museveni. However, if they go into the Parliament with this and take those titles. They are getting a cash-grab and getting compromised by becoming “high ranking” officials, instead of fighting the good fight. These are getting incorporated in the political sphere of the dictator. The man they are supposed to fight and get rid of in the first place.

They are going down the same rabbit hole and will caught in the same election cycle without any sort of proper avenue as a shelter for dissidents. To play second fiddle with the dictator and be within his rule will eat you alive. The Parliament will not shelter or ensure the safeguard of these values, but instead be a place for a quick pay-check and instant prospects of becoming a crony.

The NUP should have learned from the past, but now they are doing the same thing. There is no difference between the compromises of Muntu and the NUP selling out here. The radical NUP is becoming as mediocre as the Muntu faction of FDC, which became the ANT. Therefore, if you don’t like it. Check the track-record and see how it went.

Bobi Wine should know better and this gambit will trade-off his resilience. The NUP will become a “red” FDC instead of being its own entity. They will become the new established opposition, instead of being a possible successor to the NRM. The gamble and offering of the January 2021 polls for a cheap bargain of positions within the 11th Parliament. That is no different than what the “blue” did after the 2016 elections.

And I had no kind words for the Kiiza/Muntu actions post-2016 elections and I have no favours for Bobi Wine too. If he uses the same methods and moving post-2021 elections. Then the sacrifices and the costs to run was sold for a few silver coins. That is selling your political capital for cheap and short-sighted titles. The NUP deserves better, just like the FDC deserved as well. They are better than this, but greed can always overcome a ideological pathway. That has happened to others and now its the NUP’s turn to eat of the public plate. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Statement (19.04.2021)

Opinion: Where is Muntu?

Now that the election is over and soon the 11th Parliament is soon in full effect. The opposition is in a new state and got to work out the hurdles. As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) will stream-roll ahead with no question or stop. They are continuing like status quo and will not accept anything from the opposition. That is how things are looking.

What is striking to me. Is that the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) is sort of gone from the map. Paul Mwiru is fighting for his MP position in Jinja, but other than that. There is no news or any sort of flair.

Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu who went out to be on his own and create his Third Force or ‘New Formation’ with the launch of ANT. With his stature and his pivotal role in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). You would have thought he would have gained so much more popularity and support in general.

Muntu should be bigger or have the ability to be in the headlines like Norbert Mao. I knew he would fall in between Tumukunde and Mao in the Presidential Elections. What was even more striking was the lack of results of the party. The National Unity Platform and Bobi Wine won the opposition and FDC retained its strength at the same time. DP and UPC didn’t do much, but is more of the same.

While ANT and Muntu is like non-existent. The ANT party had the time from 2018 to January 2021. While NUP only had like a half-year and still overcome it. Muntu has been in the political space for ages and should be more beloved, but for some reason his falling flat.

Muntu is maybe the pick of the elite. Muntu’s pragmatism isn’t selling as much as he made it seems. Muntu who never professed to civil disobedience or defiance. Now, his pragmatic view is showing lacking results. Because, his slow working and way of progress will take forever to get there.

It is still shocking that ANT gets so little results. They are not getting MPs and not even having someone in the 11th Parliament. Would think ANT would retain the MPs who crossed over expect for Winnie Kiiza who had decided to step down as a candidate.

I just don’t get why Muntu is on the sideline and silent. It is just like his trying to phantom the defeat or even trying to seal his next option. The New Formation of ANT was surely not the thing. Not like he could muster or gain enough popularity to become the viable candidate. Neither … any of his MPs either.

That really says it all. Muntu should have maybe just stayed in the FDC. Even after the loss of the Party Presidency. He could have still amassed a huge following and been a character of more importance. Now, he is on the flank himself and fights in the same space as Asuman Basalirwa. The difference with Basalirwa is in Parliament and re-elected there. The only MP for his party. While Muntu got no one there.

Muntu is only talked about because of his history and because he used have influence. Now, Andrew Mwenda didn’t even support him properly. Which he promised ahead of the elections. Therefore, we know Muntu is hurting. That is maybe why his silent. Though ANT isn’t seen as relevant or place to go. This is really tragic… and a loss of potential.

Muntu could have done so much better, but when you are pragmatic in a field of oppression. The ones who goes head on will be listened too. While the ones who thinks they can negotiate and resolve things with the ones whose armed to their teeth’s. Like the ones using the army and rigging elections will discuss things and act accordingly. That is why his mission was a fool’s errand. He is smart and a clever man, but his actions wasn’t matching his opponent. A former army man should know that. He didn’t plan how to work against the oppressive regime, but what could have worked in a fairer society.

Muntu can achieve big things. Though at this current stage. His invisible … and not seen anywhere. The ANT party is also gone missing. They are become as relevant as a Ugandan VP. That says it all. Muntu should be aware and maybe rethink his stances. Because, his not winning hearts this way. Peace.

Opinion: The battle for speaker is a futile enterprise

This happened in 2016..

Been reading comments by opposition supporters and others who is suddenly addressing the National Unity Platform plan to field a speaker in the race for the 11th Parliament. They are the biggest opposition party and have a loyal following. So, I don’t see a problem with them doing so.

While Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) supporters are calling foul and saying the opposition should support their candidate Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the Opposition Whip in the 10th Parliament.

Because the FDC supporters are now calling the NUP meal-ticket and only thinking about their stomachs for not supporting Ssemujju Nganda. Don’t they see their twisted tongues with this?

They are the ones that is always talking about multi-party elections and having more challengers to have a real choice. Why not have it in the Speakership race this time around?

We know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and their Special Groups MPs will vote in unison for the NRM candidate and the ones decided to be picked by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC). That wouldn’t be shocking at all and would be mandatory at this point.

There is nothing wrong with Ssemujju Nganda. He has experience and is a bright fella. I would not deny him that. However, the other opposition parties should field their candidates the way they see fit. It is not like the FDC is not running candidates everywhere they can at any given time. The FDC have run in every by-election they can and rarely run joint-candidates with the opposition. Therefore, it is a bit hypocritical to blame the NUP at this point for fielding their if they do.

This race is already won by the NRM. No matter who the opposition is fielding…. It will end nowhere. Just like the “independent” MP Muhammed Nsereko after the previous election tried to become speaker as well. Ssemujju Nganda will end up with the same results. The NRM will not let the Opposition have this privilege and this high office. I doubt that and it would be a shock if that would ever happen.

Therefore, when I read FDC supporters calling the idea of seeking office of other automatically “meal-ticket” and only feeding their own tummy. Maybe they should do some soul searching and look at their own. They are the ones who field candidates at any By-Election possible and rarely seek for joint candidates. The FDC have usually, if possible fielded their own. So, that there are one from them and from others. Which the FDC should, but then they shouldn’t attack the NUP for doing thing.

The FDC have been vital and been the biggest opposition party. They have been on the frontline an fought for a good cause for so long. That is undeniable. They have been a party, that can still inspire and be important in the times ahead. However, they should also show some humility and grace towards the newcomer.

Bobi Wine and NUP should show their strength and use their place in parliament. Not only be friendly cousin and await what the FDC does. The NUP runs on their own agenda, just like the FDC does. They are maybe in some respects working for the same ends, but they trying different approaches to it.

This is why. When I am reading dismissing and arrogant stances towards the NUP possibly fielding someone in this race. I am in sorrow and disbelief. The same party never really gave way to anyone or only did so… when they candidate was the top notch. The Besigye was in the IPC Alliance (2011). FDC was wise enough not to joint the TDA (2016) and neither did they have joint candidates in 2021. So, why should NUP just bow down to the FDC? Who are they kidding here?

Ssemujju Nganda might be the best speaker in the whole wide world. He might be a great narrator and have a beautiful mind. Still, his the FDC candidate and rightfully so. The NUP can decide either their own or not. Just like the FDC could choose another path as well, if they pleases to do so.

There got to be some sense to these proceedings and some justification. I am just disgusted by reading the disregard for NUP’s own way here. They should choose their path, just like the FDC does. That is only fair. Unless, the FDC has now a new plan of more joint work and actually forge alliance for the betterment with others. I am looking forward to be seeing that. Since it’s a decade ago since the IPC was a thing and the United Forces of Change (UFC) ahead of 2021 haven’t done anything useful. Peace.

Bobi Wine put on House Arrest Again since 15th March

The National Unity Platform (NUP) did an unannounced demonstration in the Central Business District or around Constitutional Square in Kampala on the 15th March 2021. There the Party President and leader of NUP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was arrested together with the other leaders participating in the protest.

Now we are on the 17th March 2021 and since then the politician and opposition leaders is house-arrested. He was arrested and dropped off in his home on the 15th March 2021. There is still no charges or warrants on Bobi Wine. The state haven’t come with a official reason for this.

Bobi Wine haven’t been sentenced or even gotten any official reason for this. Still, the army and police is enforced around his compound in Magere, Wakiso district. This is happening just like it was to Besigye in the past.

This is not shocking and is how the government operates towards its leaders of opposition. The state targets them, use surveillance and monitor their movements. Therefore, this here is not new. Neither is it a new level of oppression. Bobi Wine is just getting the Besigye treatment. Where everything he does is illegal and “inciting violence” by just showing up outside his home.

If things are like the last election in 2016. Then Bobi Wine will struggle and be behind bars, get charged with treason and taken by a chopper to Northern Region to be detained. Later get flown down after being Court Martial and being kept for months in Luzira Maximum Prison.

Bobi Wine will be in trouble and that’s because his the symbol of everything Museveni is not. This is why they will go after him and vilify him. That is what they do… and they will continue to do so. Peace.