Opinion: Nabilah it isn’t the process, but its all on you

Nabilah Naggayi Sempala is most likely coming third in the Lord Mayoral Race of Kampala. Incumbent Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago seems to be supreme yet again. Even as Lukwago has gone all the way from the Democratic Party (DP) to become a Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate. However, that has been in the wood-works for so long, as his been a steady ally of Dr. Kizza Besigye. Therefore, the political change in the sense of Lukwago is a manner of integrity.

While Nabilah who has gone from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) where she had been the Kampala Woman MP and now went into the election with a bogus method. There is nothing that make it seem legit from the outside. Yes, the FDC wasn’t all good with process and the agreements made with Lukwago. Just like Nabilah didn’t want to challenge Dr. Stella Nyanzi. Who also came third in the race for Kampala Woman MP on the 14th January 2021.

Nevertheless, Nabilah is questioned for her actions and her meal-ticket ways. I was against her standing for the National Unity Platform (NUP) for Lord Mayor. That wasn’t because of Latif Ssebagala who was first vetted to be the Lord Mayoral Candidate for the NUP. He dropped out and instead decided to stand as an Independent. Nevertheless, that man lost his election as Independent too. As the NUP candidate won that election in that Constituency, where Latif was the incumbent MP.

The NUP did in their first round of vetting ensure Latif, but they did also drop Jose Chameleone who also wanted to be the Lord Mayoral Candidate. Who had gone from being the DP Mobilizer to become a NUP Member. Still, the NUP didn’t take him in or give him an opportunity. No, they ditched him.

Instead with all of this. The now outcast within the FDC, Nabilah suddenly went over to NUP and became the appointed Lord Mayoral Candidate. So, the whole process was hectic. Nabilah had already tried to get her way in the FDC. But, that didn’t work out and she tried to challenge the one who had secret agreement within the FDC.

That didn’t work out, apparently. The voters doesn’t trust Nabilah. That isn’t because of the NUP. It is because of how Nabilah is playing around at election time. Nabilah did the same in 2016. When she was jumping between stages with Mbabazi (Go Forward), President Museveni and returning to the nomination of Besigye (FDC).

So, if people looking for someone to believe in or think they are working for something bigger then themselves. Then the likes of Nabilah isn’t the character you think off. She is trying to finesse the game and get ahead. Trying to find her place to ensure a secure office. Not that the office or service matters. As long as she is part of a movement with momentum. That is why she double dipped and suddenly turned red from blue over night.

What is really striking is that Daniel Kazibwe, the NRM Lord Mayor came before Nabilah. The Salim Selah operative is more popular and supported then Nabilah. This is from the same city she has represented as Woman MP and they don’t see her as viable.

This is the third term of Lukwago and second party doing it. He shows strength and that the city believes in him. The way Kampala politics is… they need a veteran and someone who knows the hectic mess, President Museveni have made. That has been done to clear oversight and to many chefs in the kitchen.

Nabilah can cry foul, but she should know its all on her. A cynical meal-ticket politician who has been revealed and she doesn’t have the ability to change. The only thing she can do is to create headlines, but not be a loved character. It is actually tragic, but she should look into herself and maybe do some soul searching before she finds a new home. Peace.

Opinion: Kutesa aims at Besigye for election violence

Today the Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa made a statement and this one is aiming directly at ‘Plan B’. In late August 2020 Dr. Kizza Besigye launched the ‘Plan B’ to counter a rigged election and galvanize the opposition.

It is very ironic that in a 14th January 2021 election statement. The Foreign Minister is addressing a non-candidate. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine hada campaign: “We Are Removing a Dictator” and not ‘Plan B’. Neither did the villager, Patrick Oboi Amuriat who was the barefoot villager representing the public in general. So, the man has clearly been focused on Besigye, which haven’t directly campaigned or only been a supporting political operative in the opposition.

The Foreign Minister also missed the mark on what the ‘Plan B’ was about. Because, he associates it with violence and insurgency. ‘Plan B’ is a continuation of the liberation struggle, a non-violent measure for a peaceful transition of power. Maybe, the NRM feels that is violent. Since, this means the likes of Kutesa have to be removed. However, that is natural in every transition of power from to the next.

So, the man is clearly jaded and adding values, which isn’t represented in the ‘Plan B’. Maybe like Defiance campaign it hits the heart of lack of democratic values within the NRM. If they had a understanding of boycott and demonstrations against it. Because, everyone is supposed to automatically supporting the NRM.

What is very ironic too. Is that the NRM and the Government is really into democracy, but demonstrations or riots is disturbing the peace. If it is a democratic nation and has value of free speech. Then the public should be allowed to demonstrate and riot.

It is not really a unique take and understanding of democracy. When you don’t dare people to speak up against the oppression and regime itself. That is apparently the proud democratic values of the NRM. We shouldn’t be shocked, but it shows their true sentiment at this point.

This only proves what extent the government does to defend its actions. They are willing to defend the killing of civilians and blaming it on them. That is what the Minister indirectly did. As the people didn’t listen to the warning and therefore, their fatal acts was justified. The public should have known better and not gone out on those streets. So, if they does it again. Expect it to happen again, as long as they are in power. They don’t care or value the life of the citizens. If they did, they wouldn’t take their lives for demonstrating. That is the bleak reality here.

Still, its amazing that ‘Plan B’ was such a big issue. When Besigye wasn’t even running. That shows how powerful and dangerous Besigye is in 2021. The NRM and Kutesa is still worried about his moves and ideas. They know he can spread a powerful message and give people hope. That says a lot. Peace.

Opinion: The FDC didn’t loose, but they got viable competition now

There are some ripple effects of the 2021 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections of 2021. Not only that they we’re rigged and questionable at best. That is common knowledge for most of us and the state haven’t even tried to hide it that well. Even with the social media, internet blockade and media censorship. Still, with all of that… the are some other factors at play too.

Which is more interesting than President Museveni thieving another election. Something he has done with a steady pace since 1996. So, that 2021 would be any different would be naive. The President can only win by forgery. That is why he used all of the campaigns to spread fear and say he would use violence if anybody stood in his way.

That is why the maturity of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is more interesting topic. The first election since the start of the party with someone else than Dr. Kizza Besigye as Presidential Candidate. Nevertheless, the resolve of the party haven’t stopped and it’s still reaching the masses. The party is still feared and their new Presidential Candidate and Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat. He has been arrested, charged and harmed on his travels as the main contender of FDC.

Still, the results shows that the party is at a rate of status quo. In that I mean the amount of MPs is abruptly the same. The new party National Unity Platform have done a grand-slam and gotten to be the biggest opposition party. While the FDC got 28 MPs in the 11th Parliament. This seems like a small movement. While the new party got 61 MPs. That is why people are claiming the FDC is losing steam and relevance.

However, they are a mature party and the opposition for so long. It was a matter of time before someone else would catch up where the FDC left off and continue the struggle. It is not like the FDC is done and over with. The ones saying it will be as relevant as Uganda People’s Congress or Democratic Party. Well, I think that burial is a bit early yet.

The FDC has shown fierce force and resolve. They have dared to challenge and use their platform for change. The lessons of Besigye should be legendary and be used to inspire the next generation of freedom fighters. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine seems to follow that paradigm shift and follow where Besigye left off.

That is why I will not say FDC is falling, but they have a new road ahead. They are suddenly not the majority or leaders of the opposition. That means they can forge a new road ahead and decide their path even more. They have less to risk and can use the momentum of NUP to address why they didn’t grab the masses or change in such a way.

The FDC is far from falling off. They have shown again and again to be a viable party. Still to this day there is very few who has dared as much and stood in the middle of the political warfare as the FDC. That is why it’s easy to say it was a downer to become second in opposition and third in the presidential race. A Presidential Race rigged out of proportions to make the numbers legit. That is why the true spirit of the public is hard to know.

What we do know is that the FDC will continue to inspire and spread the message for change. That is inevitable. Their mission is not over and at this point. They need to persist to be viable. The FDC has no serious competition. That means they have to proof their existence and their value as an opposition. Not just another ticket and another four years in limbo.

No, the FDC have to show it and prove it more. The NUP has shown they are worth their weight. The messaging and the political savvy new-comber will be a contrast to FDC. Even if part of their program and their means is to an end the same. Still, it is a generational change and a significant one. Where one has been doing it and the other is arriving where they left off.

That is why the FDC needs to show it and be more in the face. Not expect people to just eat out of their hands. They got to be there and be resilient. It is an unforgiving mission. That is something the FDC knows more then most. It is not like they have gotten many favours or flowers for their hard earned place. No, they have gotten arrests, tear-gas and harassment.

Now, the FDC can be a joint party for change and be there as an older brother to NUP. That shows their strength and humility. Something that is a sign of progress. FDC isn’t over, but is just participating and evolving as a mature party in a new era. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Press Release to the World from Hon. Kyagulanyi Ssentumu Robert (17.01.2021)

Day 6: No dignity in the House Arrest of Bobi Wine

Day Six under house arrest and we’re still stuck with an 18 months old baby who had paid a visit to her auntie (my wife ) be4 we were raided & besieged. The Dad has been denied access to her. We have run out of food and milk. No one is allowed to leave or come into our compound” (Bobi Wine, 19.01.2021)

There are laws for the Republic of Uganda to adhere too. However, the justification of the prolonged house-arrest will always be “inciting to violence” or “fear of riots”. This has been done before and is the simplification of a loser directly arresting the victor of the polls on the 14th January 2021. If President Museveni won. He wouldn’t need to arrest and detain his opposition. Alas, that is the case and it shows his targeted injustice and impunity against his own civilians.

The state action and prolonged pre-emptive house-arrests was to be anticipated, as the state has done the same to Besigye in both 2011 and 2016 after the General Elections. Therefore, the National Unity Platform Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi would get into legal trouble. The state and the NRM is following the same formula.

As they are keeping him as a prisoner in his own home. They are breaching own laws. Not only the laws of Human Rights Violations and possible International Laws in association with the detention of Bobi Wine. No, they are actually breaching their own created law for their own dominion.

In the Prisons Act of 2006 Article 57(a): “a prisoner shall be treated with the respect due to his/her inherent dignity and value as a human being” (Prisons Act, 2006).

This here is very easy to assess. When someone cannot eat and not given food. The state is no dignifying and showing Bobi Wine the value as a human being. When his house is blocked from having lawyers visiting him. They are not allowed to collect food stuffs in their gardens to be able to eat. That is breaching the article 57(a).

In the same law the article 57 (1) it states: “No person shall be received or admitted into prison custody without a valid commitment or a remand warrant, order of detention, warrant of conviction or committal signed with a court seal or authenticated by a person authorised to sign or authenticate such warrant or order under the provision of any law” (Prisons Act, 2006).

We know that Kyagulanyi isn’t directly charged with anything. After 48 hours he didn’t get noted or taken to a court. No, his just been house-arrested on the grounds that he challenged the President and that is a cardinal sin in the Republic. Bobi Wine have no official warrant or charges on him. Only been house-arrested and blocked from the world by the army, law enforcement and everyone else supposed to keep law and order. However, here its neither law or order. Only injustice.

The state should ensure the prisoner is getting fed. The prisoner in this case and his fellow cell-mates in his home should get water and food by the authorities. As they are keeping him captive and behind closed doors. It is a familiar place and not a detention room in a torture chamber or bare prison-cell. Still, it is being a prisoner without the direct mandate of Prison Services.

That is why its the duty of the state to keep them alive and secure their rations. This is just common sense. However, that hasn’t been taken care off or they don’t care. Still, that should be the first priority. Secure the prisoners food and water. So, that they can sustain living and be healthy. Especially, since its by state orders he is closed off from the world.

The ones bitching about him sending his kids abroad earlier in the campaign. Should understand why he did it. Because, this injustice and torment on them would be damaging. To see the pain and suffer with the parents. Since, Bobi Wine made a decision to take a stand and challenge Museveni. This is the price of doing so. However, the state is no dignifying his imprisonment. They should man up and tool-up. Peace.

Africa Elections Watch (AEW) – Massive Electoral Malpractices and Gross Human Rights Violations in Uganda: The World Must Speak Out (19.01.2021)

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF): EFF Statement on the Uganda Elections Outcome (18.01.2021)

Movement for Democratic Change – Alliance (MDC-Alliance): Statement on the just Ended Uganda Election (18.01.2021)

Opinion: Bobi Wine has two choices ahead [either to follow Besigye’s advice or become compromised in Parliament]

Now that the Electoral Commission and the authorities are moving ahead. The state is steam-rolling ahead… and they are awaiting to be legitimized again. That is just the bleak reality of the rigged election and the aftermath of the 14th January 2021 polls. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni is just forging this ahead. Just like nothing happened and washing their hands of dirt. In a manner, which all the blood, deprivations and atrocities within the Elections Road Map doesn’t matter anymore. The objective is fixed and they can now bash glory again.

However, there are opposition parties that now has to choose how they move ahead. The Opposition parties and the ones who has stakes in the Republic. They got to make a stance. The People Power Movement and National Unity Platform (NUP) have the biggest stakes aside from the NRM in the 11th Parliament. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) comes in at second. The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) got a better verdict now than last time and Democratic Party (DP) is weakened.

The NUP and FDC have to decide how they want to play now. If they wanted to be United Forces for Change (UFC). If they want to challenge the government heads-on. The dilemma will be… do they take the easy coins in government or do they challenge the whole election?

If this is a revolution. Will the NUP and Bobi Wine take a stand and not accept being the Leaders of the Opposition. Will the newly minted opposition dare to challenge and also walk-out on the political elite after a big victory for such a new party?

That is the risks of Bobi Wine. He can be compromised and be tainted by the 11th Parliament. As his strides and bargains there will not be a sign of defiance or #WeAreRemovingaDictator, but more compromise. Compromise is a usual tool of politics and a way for to parties to get to a middle ground. However, doing that here… then Museveni is getting a lot of leverage with very little cost him. The price of being honourable and getting titles. The NUP has more to loose and also risks questioning their movement.

That is just the grand scheme of things. Just like the FDC did betray their defiance by accepting titles and positions within the 10th Parliament. The NUP is now under the same scrutiny. They can trade-off their hard-liner stance and be just another political party.

Bobi Wine and his party has sold a dream. That dream could easily turn to nightmare. Nobody expected to be fulfilled in one go. There is to many enablers and systems created to ensure longevity for Museveni. That is why Bobi Wine was doomed to loose. Nevertheless, he still shows progress and popularity with the amount of MPs. Still, that’s where the question now lays.

What sort of plan ahead does Bobi Wine has? What will Bobi Wine do? He got to prove that not only the election is rigged, but that they are prolonging the efforts to get a peaceful transition from Museveni. This is where he needs to go back to the drawing board. Even look at history and what Besigye have done. To reflect and also get enlighten on how to manoeuvrer on the burning rocks around him.

Bobi Wine have followed the ideal of Besigye and created his “Awakening Movement”. Bobi Wine has also created a network of activists that works together and is coordinated. That is the two first steps of creating a transition.

What Bobi Wine needs to next is to work together to “disempower and break down the junta”. That’s done with actions of defiance and not following the rules, which the NRM is making. That is risky, but done together can weak the system and halt the possible government from governing. This is done with demonstrations, riots and just stop to support companies associated with or owned by the government.

The fourth of Besigye is getting the public servants, soldiers and law enforcement involved in struggle. Get them involved and becoming supporters of the cause. In such a manner, that they cannot act upon orders and silence the opposition who is working to weakening the state. That is risky one, as this might end up with more jail-time and pre-emptive arrests. However, there is a need to enlighten and ensure the civil servants are loyal to the idea of a state and not just the party.

The fifth and last point of Besigye is to work with CSOs, NGOs and other civil society formations to join in the activities. That they are working together in activities to weaken the state. They will participate in the defiance and disempower of the junta. That is what he says and could be guidelines for Bobi Wine to continue.

Because at this point. Bobi Wine has choices to make. So, does all part of the NUP. This party can choose which way it wants to go. The state will use force. It will continue to be violent and detain people on political grounds. The state could easily kill civilians associated with the NUP. So, these folks needs to reparations and answers. The dead need to accounted for and these lives should matter. That is why just a few seats in a bloated Parliament shouldn’t be enough.

Not when the machinery and the functions of the state is still prepared to destroy and assault everything Bobi Wine stands for. That is why he can either follow the advice of Besigye. Advice he talked about on the 11th July 2017 and should be relevant today.

As a leader he can follow the steps of Besigye, but he can elevate where he left off. As there is proof of support and tiredness of this regime. Bobi Wine can push ahead. It will continue to cost, but the political gambit will be heroic. The risks he has already taken and the price he has already paid, says a lot. Therefore, the man knows the stakes. Bobi Wine is following the steps of Besigye. As he is house-arrested, party besieged by law enforcement and no middle ground for him to walk.

That is why he can decide to concede or accept the verdict. Take the seats and continue to use his influence or continue on the revolutionary path. This isn’t an easy decision. So many risks, so many variables and possible losses. However, he can either run out of options and see his folk get compromised in Parliament or continue a rocky road.

That is what Bobi Wine has to decide. It is not easy. Bobi Wine has inspired and will continue to do so regardless. Nevertheless, he can either persist to push the boundaries or take it slow. Taking it slow is risky as well. Since then he will see what the envelopes and titles does to his comrades. Bobi Wine will see what the NUP becomes when it get established and part of the process.

This is why he needs to decide where to go now. That choice is his and his only. However, the man needs to decide. His advisors and team needs to be objective and think ahead. Not only think for the short-con, but for the long-con. Because, that is what the state does and follow the program to make Museveni President for Life. Peace.

My Honest Letter to President Museveni: Congratulation, you have created your own 1980 Election in 2021!

18th January 2021.

Dear Sir, His Excellency (H.E.) President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni!

Congratulations on repeating the sins of our forefathers. Congratulations on repeating the ills of former rulers and ensuring the world a repetition of the pains of the past in our current time. You should be proud that you are repeating the violations of the ones you toppled to get in office. That must surely be a sweet feeling at your estate or farm.

Mr. President, you must be proud of the soldiers and law enforcement who has killed on your orders. That police officers and armed officers has unwarranted abducted, detained and murdered civilians who dared to associate themselves with others than you.

Mr. President, you must be proud of having ghost voters, blocking citizens from voting and having rigged this election. You must be so proud of the achievement of disfranchising and making the process of election into a farce. That must make you so giddy. Knowing that polling stations isn’t counted. Polling stations not open on time or having enough equipment. Ensuring the public not ready or not caring if they voted at all. As the pre-ticked ballots in your favour was the key aspect of it all.

Mr. President, you must be so proud that the authorities has gone after and is hunting down opposition polling agents and mobilizers. Since they have DR Forms from Polling Stations, which will reveal the trick of the trade and why you are a “victor”. The way you are ordering and securing your own future. That must the aspiration of these days. Keeping alive the throne and the powers all in your hands.

Mr. President, you must be so proud of keeping people in the dark. Only having a mass media spreading your words and your propaganda. That you have all ears and all eyes on the game. You have the people spreading the news you want and the reports of your wish.

Mr. President, you must be so proud of the willingness of the public to succumb to your tactics. To fear you and your army. That the public is fearing you and your intimidation tactics. That must make you so proud. That you act like a mob-boss and collect taxes for their safety. If someone turns on you or your made men you get rid of them. The same you do Mr. President in this election. It must make you so proud.

You must be so happy and refreshed. That you have the whole thing in your hand. You are targeting the opposition. Getting the fixed results from your appointed people within the Electoral Commission. If there will be en Electoral Petition or Constitutional Court Petition. The ones you have appointed there will answer you pleas and ensure nothing real happens. It will be another way of legitimize this election. Which you know perfectly well is a fraud and a fake.

That is why you should be so proud. Your giving the world and Uganda a taste of 1980 election. You are serving the public the same reasons for why you went to the bush. Mr. President, you have giving the world a lesson in how to rig an election to perfection. Nobody has done it as bold and brazen like you. The man who went to war over a rigged election. You must be so proud and I’m sure your mocking Tito Okello, Milton Obote and Idi Amin right now. Because, you beat them and now you have tricked Bobi Wine too.

Mr. President you must be so proud of your work. You have done it again. What you should ask yourself, Mr. President. How long do you think the soldiers and law enforcement accept living in poverty fighting for you? How long do think the public accept being taken for fools? How long do you think the donors and military suppliers will support your missions? How long do you think the elites and politicians will accept these sort of games?

At one point or another, Mr. President, the centre will not hold. At one point, there will be things giving and hurting you, Mr. President. That is just a natural fact and you cannot bribe and pay everyone off. There is people who is not corruptible and who is your adversaries. These will stand in your way and those folks will not go away. No matter what you do. Their ideas is bigger than you and your cause.

Mr. President in your moment of “victory” knows that the truth is out. You have made your own 1980 election. Given people all the reasons to call you out and say that your a thief. Mr. President, you might have a office, but there is no difference between you and a chicken thief. The only difference is that the chicken thief stole a chicken, Mr. President, you stole a nation.

Best Regards

Writer of MinBane