Operation “Enzikiza eyitiridde” in Kampala

Today there is two clear evidence of keeping the world in the dark. First the internet blockade is in effect. The Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) have issued to the Telecoms that they have to stop all gateways to Internet in Republic. This after yesterday’s start of blocking Social Media like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. So, today’s first act is a sign of what to come.

The Second act is to jam and cancel opposition leaders phone-lines. The state is now blocking the phone-lines of National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential Candidate Robert Kygaulanyi aka Bobi Wine and his family members. Also, the Presidential Candidate of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Patrick Oboi Amuriat. Therefore, these folks are not able to communicate. As they have not mobile-phones and neither internet. This is an deliberate act of the state to silence them totally.

We should expect for the worst. There should be news on how they are handled. We should expect journalists getting brutalized and arrested for monitoring the opposition leaders tonight and tomorrow. There will be ramifications of this and this isn’t done without a plan ahead.

The President and National Resistance Movement (NRM) wants to keep it dark or like many has luganda is saying: “It’s Getting to Dark” or “Enzikiza eyitiridde”. We are not supposed to get reports, messages or credible information from the Republic. Just as there was reports of massive rounds of arrests of NUP Mobilisers and other opposition activists in the Republic. This is a violation and a plan to have total control of the votes. So, the NUP and FDC cannot access or have the opportunity to challenge the election. As their polling agents is behind bars. That is clear message here.

The state wants the acts be done in the dark. They want the opposition to be silent and give way to a total charade of an election. An election that has been marred with pre-emptive arrests, extra judicial killings and human rights violations. The state authorities have been all partisan and the army is arresting civilians during the night. This is why this election will be rigged in favour of one man and his not risking anything.

He is blocking social media. His stopping all gateways to internet and VPN is even out of question. The President and his party is even going after mobilizers and polling agents. They are willing to be so dark and extreme, as they are making all sort of affiliation and association with NUP and other opposition a crime against the state. This is the sinister reality in the Republic.

That is why tomorrows election is a unfair and rigged affair. There is no reason to believe the result. When there is no accountability, no transparency and no justice served. Only impunity and injustice. Tomorrow, Bobi Wine and Patrick Oboi Amuriat will be arrested, one way or another. Other MP candidates of the parties will be taken to prison too. There will be house-arrests and other measures too. Therefore, tomorrow will not be a good day.

This is election is just brutal. There is no love and is no passion. There will be very few observers and the ones whose there is from the East African Community (EAC). These folks will only be there to verify the events and go home. They will not challenge or question. This Election Observers Mission will not challenge or question anything. Therefore, the President is fine with their report. That is why there is none from the European Union or United States. Not that these EOMs has done anything useful in the previous two elections. However, they could have made a difference in the sense of having boots on the ground. Now, they won’t even do that and the state is more free. Because, they know the EAC will not humiliate one of their own.

Yoweri is getting his will. President Museveni is getting his will of polls in darkness. Operation “It’s too Dark” is in effect and all sponsored by His Excellency in State House Entebbe. Peace.

Opinion: Reckless driving, really? Jaywalking, next up?

KAKUMIRO – Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, Patrick Oboi Amuriat was on Thursday arrested and driven to Kakumiro Grade 1 Court, where he was charged for breaking traffic rules” (John Masaba – ‘Amuriat, driver charged for breaking traffic rules’ 07.01.2021, New Vision).

I don’t know if the Uganda Police Force (UPF) was really serious here. We have seen they arrest Opposition leaders and Presidential Candidates over nothing. They have arrested opposition activists for spreading COVID-19, but having them in giant groups into the courts. In a manner, which could easily spread the same virus. Therefore, my belief that the reckless driving charge isn’t legit, but a political ploy to stop the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Presidential Candidate from campaigning today.

Next time they will arrest him for spitting, sneezing and jaywalking. He will turn wrong and forget the tail-light or send a signal. He should maybe have pigeons to alert where his going and ensure the road safety. The man should drive from side to side on the roads, but straight path. Even his driver and himself is avoid the potholes, which is a lot of. Still, that is a tourism export and POA could show them off to the general public. Because, campaigning in 2020 and 2021 is a bumpy ride.

That is why he was arrested today. Not because I believe he was reckless driving, but the Police Officer and District Police Commander wanted to get a credit for good work. They were able to find a reason to stop POA from campaigning. That is why they did this.

Because, we have seen plenty of candidates drive SUVs like this during campaigns. With their convoys and in a open car. Standing through the wind-shields and waving. So, what is the difference if he was sitting on top? Both things can be seen as dangerous, but the authorities have allowed it both as long as I can remember.

It seems like a ploy to me. The state can create more reckless driving and havoc with their skirmishes and brutal ways of dispersing people in towns across the republic. Where the live-bullets, the driving after political convoys and ambushes. That is can create an atmosphere of uncertainty and adrenaline rush. Which in the end can end up in some dangerous driving. That is as a response to actions made by the authorities and law enforcement.

Therefore, the Police should look if they are as lawful themselves. If they are acting with caution or careful in traffic. They are not that good at Fika Salama and Rood Safety themselves. Maybe time to set forward an example? Maybe, they should also work on making believable charges for ones. Not only target politicians and make them look like outlaws.

The Police has arrested POA so many times in this campaign. They have abducted him and taken him away. This is a continued measure and its ridiculous. This is not free and fair campaigning, but a combat just to spread the message. That is the reality of this. Peace.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) letter to the Electoral Commission: Camaras and Telephones at Polling Stations (06.01.2021)

Opinion Rwabihurwa flawed article [and his 3-M’s of Doom]

Ugandans take Presidential campaigns seriously and candidates should take note of this fact, most of them (Ugandans) take time to analyze and contemplate the message of different candidates and this informs their voting decisions” (Rukondo Paul Rwabihurwa, 05.01.2021).

I’m not shocked that the likes of Rukundo Paul Rwabihurwa is dismissing the opposition and calling them to give up. I myself believes the election is so rigged. That the only way out of this quagmire is a revolution or a total shutdown of the current regime. As they are not willing to give the public a peaceful transition from President Museveni and neither give way for other parties than the National Resistance Movement (NRM). That is whole another lane and for the loss, then the likes of Rwabihurwa.

Rwabihurwa is working for the Agency for Transformation or AfT. That is the organization run by Museveni associate Morrison Rwakakamba. Therefore, someone who is employed and working in an organization like that. Would easily be in favour of the status quo and who is earning fortunes on having agreements with ministries because of their association. When you know all of this. Then his piece in Nilepost today, a NBS TV Online News Site. It all goes together.

Today Rwabihurwa got the piece named “The opposition should focus on what next after defeat” published in the NilePost. Just as I stated in the beginning. The manner of which we see the default loss is different. As the likes of Rwabihurwa want to show the greatness of NRM. Which isn’t surprising, as he needs that support for his lifeline in the end. That the ends to his means.

What is the failure is the set focus on NRM. As this is supposed to be about the failing opposition. Who just should cry havoc and find measures for post-election. Still, the man is praising the organization and the structure of NRM. Which as he stated in the piece had 34 years to build. The man is focusing on three M’s. The Message, Money and Management.

While the opposition, which he easily has dismissed had less of time. Often at gun-point and not allowed to build within their means. Therefore, if the NRM and their M’s are so great. Then they should have the same possibilities. Alas, that is not the case.

So, when he says the management is so great in the NRM. How come there have never been any real successor after 3 decades in power? How come the NRM have ballooned the government and gerrymandered into the insane since 1986? How many districts and sub-counties has the NRM created and how has that helped the local government management? Ah?

It is like the NRM is misusing their management and prefers open cronyism at a large scale. They are proud of hiring mercenaries and goons to keep this on a leash.

And after the headless praise of the NRM and their “management” sills. The man has the nerve to write this: “Other presidential candidates like the renowned Musician (Bobi Wine) whom I personally miss in the music world seems to be clueless on issues of Economy. His message has been more on removing Museveni whom he calls a dictator but not on what he intends to do for the country” (Rukondo Paul Rwabihurwa, 05.01.2021).

If he should speak of economy and management, which his so proud of the NRM. Then he should explain why the nation is constantly lacking funds, needs donors and loans to cover the basics? Why is the Republic constantly using deficit financing to cover its upkeep?

Why are you calling him a musician? Is it cool that the General and President is a farmer, but cannot grab the mic? The man who has used gig-song to be popular all his career? When you use that as a arrogant slap in the face of Bobi Wine. You better bring the goods and glory for your salvation. Especially, when the NRM government is debt-ridding and crisis speculating government. Which will need a resurrection or debt relief looking like the ones who was giving in the early 1990s. As the President and his cronies has gambled on Petro-dollars to save their greener pastures in the future. Which isn’t that fiscal smart or a sort of message that is securing anyone’s future.

The biggest blunder of his writing is here: “And by the way, let’s say we are removing Museveni then what? These are the questions people are asking and the NUP campaign heads should on providing answers to these emerging concerns. Our problems are not individual-based, we want a Government that will create employment for the young people, a Government that will ensure the safety of its citizens, this is the Government that will win our hearts” (Rukondo Paul Rwabihurwa, 05.01.2021).

His continuing the propaganda. Speaking of merits, when the Presidential Advisors are only hired by the graces of the President and not on their skills. The cabinet is all cronies and appointments to government institutions are all part of the patronage. Even creations of embassies are happening because someone needs a plum-job and not because of diplomatic measures or means. So, the man is clearly jaded in his mind here. Like we cannot see the lack of merit in the appointments of the President. What sort of skill-set has Butchaman over any bloke working selling fruits in Kalerwe? Please tell me?

Removing Museveni is a sign to remove a brutal and ruthless regime, which is keeping the general public is shackles. A government, which is limiting freedom, liberty and justice. Where the rule of law is only based on political affiliation and not on crimes committed. As the NRM High Ranking Officials can do injustice and later be acquitted. While opposition leaders are battling cases pending back a decade ago. That is how injustice is under Museveni and his the emperor of this system.

How can this government win people’s heart when the youth is killed in the streets and being blamed as hoodlums and hooligans? How can this government win the hearts of the public, when the next generation of leaders is fooled around with and mocked on a daily? How can it win hearts with all of that?

He says his a lecturer and tried a trick. Tried to sound smart, but when you can this easily counter argument. The arguments are generally flawed. The three M’s isn’t all of that. Maybe, the lecturer and comrade of Rwakakamba should try better. He claims other is ignorance and doesn’t have the answers himself either. This sort of article can only be seen as an template of ignorance. Peace.

Opinion: OO’s Oh Oh defence of Museveni

The demagogues must be stopped” (OO, 05.01.2021).

It is that time to clean the legacy and prove the value of all the years of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. That is the job of the Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC Uganda) and Uganda Media Centre. Where Government Spokesperson and Executive Director of Uganda Media Centre Ofwono Opondo (OO) works. So, this man has all the reasons to defend Museveni. His pay-check depends on it and his whole career is a defence of the man.

OO has always done this and that he also publish an opinion piece in the New Vision isn’t surprising. Where he has gotten the publication to publish the puff piece: “Why Museveni and NRM deserve your vote on January 14”. Just the title itself is vomiting and shows that a man who has earned your ballot after 35 years in power. The man “deserves it” and that says everything about what to come from OO.

OO even have the nerve to say this: “That said, however, it is crucial that while we keep the momentum to the finishing line, we should all maintain the dignity that democracy deserves. We extend appreciation to all who have supported the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during these campaigns amidst the Covid-19, and fake news by mendacious groups” (OO, 05.01.2021).

It is very rich speaking of democracy and dignity. When the same government are able to arrest, detain and abduct citizens for their political association during the Election Road Map. The OO also doesn’t prove the value of it, when your supposed to appreciate Musveni for his means. When the authorities are targeting the opposition and charging them without doing the same with the members of ruling regime doing the same. Maybe, that is the dignified way the NRM and the President values “democracy”?

OO continues: “NRM implores its members and the general public to turn up on polling day to cast their votes without any fears, and to remain peaceful afterward. NRM government with broad support from majority of Ugandans has over the years built a strong foundation and formidable pillars of state to guarantee freedom, peace, and stability to all who live in Uganda” (OO, 05.01.2021).

This is the same NRM that pre-emptive arrests, detains opposition and kills demonstrators. The same government that is making the opposition campaigns looking like war-zones. Also, outright blocking them from campaigns in plenty of districts. However, we are supposed to celebrate the fake peace and liberty, which is very selective. The ones supporting or eating on the plate of the state is free and got coins. Nevertheless, the ones who is associated with opposition will not be liberated.

The state will also use the soldiers, crime preventers and LDUs on election day. There will be fear and intimidation, which the NRM has issued through the whole campaign. If the NRM trusted the public and their rights. Why are they arresting and killing civilians who are supposed to be free? Or is that freedom only for the ones wearing yellow?

OO states: “Some of these failures have indeed been systemic, while others are results of negligence and deliberate calculation by the shenanigans in the government bureaucracy. It is only NRM and Museveni that have had the courage and honesty to publicly admit failure, and deserve acknowledgment” (OO, 05.01.2021).

What is striking here … is that the government spokesperson is blaming bureaucracy and the bureaucrats, which have been employed and is working for the state. Bureaucrats are usually following procedures, policies and doing the bidding of the state. These folks aren’t working in vacuum and they are only following the leadership of the ones governing. So, to blame them is blatantly not taking credit for the lack of governance, which the NRM haven’t delivered. Therefore, blaming them is futile, as it only shows how lacking the NRM is.

Museveni isn’t naming failure, but blaming others. Just like you did OO. Never taking real credit for the system, which has been made in the image of Museveni himself. That is the reality… and doesn’t deserve to acknowledge, as that is just verifying the suddenly professed failure of the state that is supposed to “secure the future” after 35 years in office.

OO also says: “While one or two presidential candidates have been boastful that they can win, it’s unlikely because they have not been able to table visible viable policy alternatives against that of NRM nor do they have the necessary political infrastructure to generate an election victory” (OO, 05.01.2021).

We know the two his subjecting here is Bobi Wine and Patrick Oboi Amuriat. These are now blamed for not having a political machinery behind them. Something that is nearly impossible to build, as the NRM and authorities are blocking their inner-working operations and party organizations in itself. It is not like they have had a free and fair election. That is the dignity they deserve I suppose. Also, when he says they don’t have political infrastructure. That is done deliberately by the state and the NRM is using the state to win. It is impossible to compete when you have state institutions, authorities and state organizations behind you. While the others are trying to build a party and campaigns at gun-point. I am sure, the NRM wouldn’t do so great if they had the same obstacles as NUP and FDC. Just like UPM didn’t do great compared to UPC and DP in the 1980 Elections.

In his continued rant: “Only the NRM has fielded candidates in every MP and District Chairperson elective seat and already has twelve MPs and four district chairpersons respectively un-opposed. FDC, the main opposition party has 281 and 55 candidates for parliament and district chairpersons which are below the majority mark. Apart from being loud mostly with calculated lies in the media, FDC and Amuriat victory isn’t possible” (OO, 05.01.2021).

This again is systemic default. As the Electoral Commission and the spells the state have put on the opposition parties. If there was a fair field and was allowed to really organize their parties. These numbers would have differed. It is only proves how the NRM is using the state advantage and that they are running the institutions. They are the ones who are preparing it to be this way by default. It is part of the “democracy” and the “dignity” of the same state.

Well, enough nonsense for one day. Peace.

Opinion: New accreditation scheme from the Media Council made to silence media ahead of the polls

Today on the 31st December 2020 is the final day of reckoning in the sense that Uganda Media Council is giving out accreditations to journalists who are supposed to follow the final stretch of the polls. These are people who are already hired and working as journalists. Still, some will be blocked by this technicality.

Like Devosh Matovu of Track UG Channel on Youtube, Rock TV Uganda and Devosh Olwokya Youtube have been denied accreditation this time around.

Also Solomon Kaweesa a journalist working at NTV Uganda has also gotten denied.

These are just two who has gone out publicly with the news that they have lost it. For one reason or another. However, expect more. This might happen to all the outlets the Uganda Communication Commission wrote to Google and Youtube about as well. Ghetto TV and other outlets who are favourable of the opposition will lose their accreditation ahead of the polls. Don’t be shocked if that happens…

That is why the state does it two weeks ahead of the polls. It is a pure bitch move of the state. To take down the ones reporting in favour of the opposition. The Media Council and UCC are working in tandem. These government entities are all favourable for the President and his reign. That is why the ones opposing the state is directly targeted.

It will happen to more and these two is only the beginning. The journalists have to stop following the President and his state in the coming days. They have to defy the pressers and whatnot. If they want to be taken serious. As they are direct targets for updating on what’s happening. Something the state clearly don’t want to happen at this time. As they know their vicious ways. Peace.

Bavicha – Chadema Youth Council: Statement on Uganda Election Campaign (31.12.2020)

Opinion: This election is just depressing…

There is no hope.

There is no shadow of a doubt.

There is no signs of free and fair elections in sight. Not even free and fair abilities to campaign or even try to operate during the “Elections Road Map”.

The authorities, the state and all its weaponry is forcing the opposition to cease operations. People are dying by association. People are arrested for being participants in the campaigns and citizens are injured for passing by convoys. There is no good news and only depressing news.

The President can walk around and have campaign ceremonies everywhere. Opening up ghost-projects, re-issuing old projects and looking grand at actually doing his supposed job of 35 years. While not spelling out the funding or who is actually paying the prices for the infrastructure or basic investments. His awaiting glory for posing at factories, road-projects and planned government buildings. Like that is big-whoop.

While his opposition is tear-gassed, injured and detained. While the Police Force is blocking and shedding no tears ambushing and destroying the activities of the opposition. Nothing is fair here. As the airwaves are filled with new speeches and promised of the President nearly every single night. Where his also forcefully saying he will destroy or deploy enough law enforcement to crush anyone in his path.

That is why everything is depressing. It is disappointing. If the Commonwealth, IGAD or EAC signs this one off in the Election Monitoring Mission (EOM) or any other sort of organization. We know it is a lie.

This isn’t an election with promise. It is only an election with the prospects of pre-ticked ballots and rigged affairs to ensure the longevity of the NRM. The rest is just playing for keeps and securing their relevance. These are toys for the authorities to play around with. To fatigue and possibly weaken as much as possible. No care in the world for justice, freedom or liberty for the people opposing the current regime. No these folks got to suffer, one way or another.

That is is why January 14th 2021 is already written in stones. The sign of the sky and position of the stars is already aligned with the coming results. The dawn of a new day is yet to be determined, but the destination is for the incumbent and forever Mr. Sunday.

There is no signs of change, hope or even daring possibility of sudden twist. Unless, there is a certain spark and flair that the state cannot control. Until now, the army, law enforcement and anyone in power will feel safe. They are not fearing the opposition or their supporters. They think they can contain it. They think they are gullible and able to silence them like in the past.

Time will tell, but I am less hopeful. There been to many deaths, to many abducted and to many detained for this election. It is no middle-ground or possible good return on the investment. Only more suffering and hardships. While the same man lives to hold office.

2021 elections is only days away, but it will feel like forever. The ambitions of others will be dismissed and destroyed. That is just the mere reality. The armed forces and state will secure that by any means. Treason charges or whatnot will all appear and the state will arrest anyone who dares to oppose. This is how it seems these days.

That is why its depressing. There is no hope or possible outcome, which seems redeeming for the Republic. The state is not showing any signs of positive actions. Only more pain and suffering. Peace.

GLCSMS Statement on Police brutality against Journalists (29.12.2020)

FDC Presidential Candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat sprayed with an unknown chemical substance

FDC Presidential Candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat admitted at Fastline medical center Bugiri after police reportedly sprayed unknown chemicals in his eyes” (91.2 Crooze FM, 28.12.2020).

In April 2011 the then FDC Presidential Candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye was temporary blinded by the authorities. As they sprayed him with unknown substances as he was planning more demonstrations against the state.

Now in December 28th 2020 the same happens to the now Presidential Candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat as he was holding campaigns and traversing the republic between venues to hold rallies. Therefore, today is yet another attempt to thwart the opposition and one of the main opponents of Museveni.

Today is already a bleak day. As the authorities are not take any accountability for the brutality and fatalities that happen on their watch. They are blaming journalists for covering and participating as monitors over the campaigns.

Again, more blunt violence is happening. God knows what sort of chemical substance the police officer used on POA. That man should answer for the damages and suffering of POA. POA was deemed as a dangerous criminal, apparently before he was even tried in the courts. This is an act of vengeance.

It is tragic that the authorities have to repeat the sins of the past. That even more people have to go through the pain that Besigye had. This just shows that nothing changes, only the targets of the state. It used to be him, but now its them. That will not change unless there is a peaceful transition, which is something that is not in the interests of ruling regime.

They are willing to bury its children so that a old ruler can rule indefinitely. Peace.