Bobi Wine’s vehicle tear-gassed in Mbale

The National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential Candidate was scheduled to hold campaign rallies in Mbale today on the 15th November 2020. The Police Force thrown tear-gas cannister inside the vehicle of the candidate. This shows the impunity of the police regarding the opposition. Opposition candidates have been blocked from campaigning across the republic. However, this was the worst example just today.

That the car of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was smoking today. It was a bad Marlboro Ad or a looking like the car was about to catch fire. Alas, that was not the case. This was just the run of mill operation by police officers. Who has no issues with tear-gassing an Presidential Candidate. Just like they have no issues using it as a tool to get people dispersed too. This is what they do…

In the run-up to General Election in 2021 is no different from the past. This sort of thing has happen a few times with Dr. Kizza Besigye too. He was partly blind for a while because of the sprayed liquid on him in April 2011. Also, been happening to him in 2015 and in 2016. They have destroyed his vehicle and violently taken him into custody.

This is police brutality that Uganda Police Force delivers. Per orders from the “high above” this is the tactic of intimidation and humiliation. They are misusing power and doing it deliberately. A sort of Modus Operandi and its like they are proud of it too. Like a badge of honour. I also was able to cause havoc and pain on either citizens or the opposition.

What happened to Bobi Wine shouldn’t have happened. However, we shouldn’t be shocked. This is what they do. Also, if you don’t know. Bobi Wine is the main target this campaign season. After that comes Patrick Oboi Amuriat. After that comes the rest in random order. Peace.

Opinion: Campaigns will never be fair [in the republic of Museveni]

Don’t be shocked.

Don’t worry…

There will never be free and fair elections. Not as long as Museveni rules.

As long as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is in power. The authorities will have one law for the ruling regime and another for the opposition. That is why the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has one rule and National Resistance Movement (NRM) have another one. The same can be said about National Unity Platform who will have another rule, than what the NRM has. This is just the sad reality and will be like this as long as Museveni rules.

So, if you campaign against the President and his party. Expect no mercy and all things working against them. This is why the opposition will taste the tear-gas and get arrested. It is there where the police officers are using live-bullets and dispersing the crowds. While the NRM can drive through in similar fashion and only see law enforcement smiling as bystanders.

So, please don’t be shocked by this. What is happening in and around the main opposition candidates is all natural. This the election violence that the state is sponsoring on behalf of the President. They are making people and candidates into political prisoners. Because, they dare to challenge and be viable in comparison to the regime itself. If the state didn’t care about their candidacy. They would let them traverse and hold rallies, because the “high above” doesn’t fear them.

The polls will happen in 2021. The NUP and FDC is usual suspects here. This because of their ways of campaigning and challenging the state. Yes, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde is feeling this too, but we all know that his campaign is futile. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and Patrick Oboi Amuriat will face open oppression and hardships. These will be blocked from venues, radios and road-blocks. That will never happen to Museveni.

Museveni can campaign where-ever. The Presidency can travel across the nation and go into any media house. The NRM party is allowed to do anything. They can sing songs on the streets and use whatever means to campaign. While the opposition have to be careful about what they do.

What is happening now isn’t new. The actions made is following the Modus Operandi of the state. The ones who has seen campaigns and monitored them. Know that this is what happens and what the state does. They are targeting and intimidating the opposition. They are using all means and showing force. Because, the state is not willing to have a level playing-field.

So, when you see headlines and see POA and Bobi Wine into trouble these days. Know that it was bound to happen. These two are under fire. Because they dare to aim at the throne. There will be no other way out of this. This is just the way it is.

NRM got one rule,

the opposition got another one.

The NRM can do whatever they want,

but the opposition have to live by strict rules.

So, as we are going into 2021. This is the rules of the game. The game is rigged and we all should know it. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni will never run in a fair election [and it’s not happening now either]

Don’t shoot the messenger… this is the brutal reality that everyone has to wake up too. The General Election and Presidential Election in 2021 will not be different than anything else we have seen my lifetime. In the Republic, there has only been one President and that has Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The Presidential Election of 2021 will be no different then the previous ones. There will be same sort of ordeal and arranged results, which will benefit the President and his growing patronage. That is the reality of our time.

To believe that this President who used a bush-war to get power will suddenly drop the mantle and give the nation a peaceful transition is naive. It is mind-boggling and also the aftermath of doing so would worry the old man. After everything said and done, he knows his sins and acts in office. The President knows what sort of behaviour he has used and what sort of regime he has run.

It doesn’t matter who runs against him… the intention isn’t to have a fair election or a level playing field. Neither is the election there to ensure the will of the people. No, the election is to buy “legitimacy” and “international recognition” for another term. So, that the President can gain loans and development grants to spoil himself and his relatives. We know the drill…

That people like Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is gaining momentum and popularity is a sign of hope. However, that is all it is. There been others who has fought this battle before and never become a victor.

There been Dr. Paul Ssemogerere and Dr. Kizza Besigye have fought this one and been popular at rallies, elections and even seemed like successors at the polls. They have used their campaigns and their message to gain massive popularity. Still, that haven’t been enough as it has fizzled out and the revolution is unfinished.

Just like they never finished it.

It doesn’t matter if

Bobi Wine is able to rise to the stars,

If … Patrick Amuriat Oboi is able to travel to the black hole…

Even if Mugisha Muntu can speak in tongues and defy gravity.

Still, none of this men will succeed through the ballot. The ballot is only a game, which Museveni does for a purpose. These men will all fail. Not because there is anything wrong with their campaigns or with their will to get a peaceful transition from Museveni. They will not do it this way.

If the General Election goes through the motions, the normal campaigns and sloganeering across the Republic. There will very little achieved. The Presidential Candidates of the past done the same. The big crowds, the momentum and the sudden rise of an opposition candidate, but Museveni ends on top after waiting a few days after the polls. In days of media and social media blackouts. Opposition arrests and raids, also house-arrests of the key opposition leaders as well. Therefore, this game is ready and set.

Museveni will not play soft, this is his rule and reign. The President will not lose it all and his not gambling it.

This piece is not to downplay Bobi Wine and his allies. No, it is just to say. We have been here before.. I have seen similar before and therefore, unless there is a revolution and a popular uprising. The President and his allies cannot contain. Then there is no reason for him to flee his State House and give up his estates. He owns it all and unless his pressured in a manner, which he cannot control. I doubt he will give it up.

He fought and he has no plans to give it up. There is no plan to do so. If he has continued like this for this long. I doubt he suddenly will have an epiphany and come to his senses. However, there is no will and way for him act democratically and ensure a peaceful transition. That ship has sailed. Therefore, the futile thinking this election will be decided by the polls is totally bonkers.

That is already secured long time ago.

Not like he planned to have a free and fair election, because if he did… he would risk losing and that would never happen. The man cannot lose … that is not in the cards. Peace.

Opinion: Barefooted or not, POA needs to run a marathon…

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is in a unusual space. The FDC isn’t the one causing the most havoc or being the apparent target of the authorities. Yes, the FDC still has issues with the Police Force. The authorities are still monitoring all their moves and acts with impunity. However, not to the extent,which they have done before and not in the manner we are accustomed too.

The FDC has a new Presidential Candidate, this being Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat. A Besigye hard-liner and staunch supporter. POA has the drive and the resilience of the party. He has seen what the authorities and the state has done to the party. However, his able to build support within and collect added support outside.

I still don’t see how POA is going to galvanise and extort big-man-ship ahead of 2021. The man doesn’t extend the hand or the words to address the concerns. His the sort of technical politician. The man knows his game and is a perfect technocrat, but he hasn’t the charisma or the edge to gain major popularity.

POA can build on Besigye’s Plan B with his Barefoot campaign, but he will always be in his shadow. That is an impossible task and a race he cannot win. POA can be genuine and show mercy towards people. However, he will not bring the masses to the streets.

POA and the FDC is weaker with him running. They shown maturity as a party to not have a sole candidate. The FDC has shown character and shown to have a machinery. The same organization that brought fear and got intimidated on a daily basis, because of the defiance campaign. However, this barefoot strategy will spearhead the supporters who are there. Nevertheless not bring so many new people to the fold.

The opposition is divided. There are already to moderate candidates, Muntu and Mao. POA is fighting in the same space as Bobi Wine. They are two different breeds and it shows. POA doesn’t have the same reach or scope as Bobi Wine. Even if they are fighting for the same cause and wanting the same change. These two are still not at the same levels.

POA is the poor-mans Bobi Wine. That is sad to say. Besigye would the one that resembles Bobi Wine the most. POA is like knock-off version who aspire to be there, but falls flat. The man means well and shows his character again and again. He proves that he can stand under storms, but he will not be able to sort everything out to get to port. Not by his own self and not by his leadership as a captain. The man always needs to bend on the previous leader.

The Barefoot campaign can be a wise move, but compared to Bobi Wine whose spearheading a revolution. Those two are two different animals. The revolution of Bobi Wine is more like the Defiance. Therefore, POA should use the Plan B and make it his. Do it even together with Besigye and be a duo to the public.

We knows this man wants to do well and make a difference. However, his means and the way he moves doesn’t scare the government as much as it used too. Even if the FDC is blocked and has issues to campaign. Still, it isn’t on the same levels and it is visible.

POA cannot just walk barefooted, he needs to run a marathon. He needs to run circles around the authorities and the state itself to even have a chance. However, by the way his conducting himself. I cannot see it. This is why he needs the old brigade to bring him a structure and a edge. Peace.

A look into Bobi Wine’s Manifesto Launch Speech

Our assurance is that when we take over government, which we shall soon do, the people of Uganda will for the first time in history become the bosses and the leaders will be servants!”Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine on the 7th November 2020

Today was the day the National Unity Platform finally launched its manifesto. This after being blocked from doing so yesterday and moved to stadium outside of Mbarara. The NUP shifted place,e but goals stay the same. I will look into key points from this speech. As this sets the tone of it all. He continues on the 5 point programme to revitalize the government, which I have already analysed before in comparison to Museveni’s 10 Point Programme. So, it is natural that the Manifesto has focus on this.

However, what is key is some other statements during the speech. Which shows his sentiment and his belief that he can make a difference. Where the NUP and People Power can come into play. That is what I am looking for here and will discuss.

Fellow citizens, before I go into any policy alternatives, allow me to mention that the greatness of any nation does not lie in having a beautiful manifesto or even in having many well written policy documents. The greatness of any nation lies in the commitment of leaders who say what they mean and mean what they say. It lies in having patriotic leaders who relate with the challenges of ordinary citizens. Brothers and sisters, the greatness of any nation lies in having leaders who are focused on the next generation and not on the next general election” (Bobi Wine, 07.11.2020).

Here he state a mere fact. This is something the National Resistance Movement has done for ages. The NRM have come with beautiful plans and policies. However, they haven’t implemented it. They have come with pledges and promises, but never delivered on it. Here it seems like Bobi Wine has the right focus. To think further than an election cycle, but a generation ahead.

It speaks to a government which does not care whatsoever about the plight of the people! The election year is yet again upon us, and yet again, Gen. Museveni has come again with the same promises, which he has no intention of fulfilling- not now, not in the future. This is the tragedy of Uganda” (Bobi Wine, 07.11.2020).

The recycling and repeating promises of the regime is tiring. The state and the President have come at every election cycle with huge promises, which he will never keep. Costly and needed pledges, which he has no tab to cover. Just what the public wants to hear, but not deliver. That is what he has done and still has no plan doing. Therefore, Bobi Wine is speaking the truth here. A truth the NRM and the President will hurry to dismiss…

In a nutshell ladies and gentlemen, A vote for NUP is a vote for a renewed commitment to the dignity of all citizens of Uganda. For the respect of fundamental human rights. For the recognition that all citizens are equal before and under the law. That will be a new Uganda for us. A Uganda In which citizens are free to enjoy their God given rights and freedoms” (Bobi Wine, 07.11.2020).

This statement from Bobi Wine came after he listed several of pledges, as he promised to nearly all parts of the citizens to see changes. Where the limitations of state, changes of governance and direct government. Like less cabinet members and other technical changes to save the state so it could prioritize funds for civil service and public service in general, which in the end would deliver better government services to its citizens. Not only be a government filled with patronage and corruption.

He really speaks with velocity of change, in a manner, which only resembles Besigye. That is what he did with the speech today. As he launches a manifesto. A manifesto that only reflects all the things the NRM have failed over the years. Because, if the NRM had delivered and done their duty. The NUP and Bobi Wine wouldn’t need to deliver these pledges and promises of change.

The final key to let it happen is this:

This is a liberation struggle. It will take all of us citizens to complete this mission” (Bobi Wine, 07.11.2020).

He cannot do this alone. To become the servant with an office. Bobi Wine needs to the citizens to join the struggle and the challenge to defeat the regime. That will not be easy. This has been proven before and will be the truth again. If the public wants someone else than Museveni. They have to fight and be resilient. It isn’t a one-man job, but a mission for everyone. Hopefully the public is listening. Peace.

Uganda Law Society Statement on the Police Brutality during the recently concluded 2021 Presidential Nominations (04.11.2020)

A look into Bobi Wine’s Nomination Speech

I take this opportunity to announce that what we are witnessing right now is the launch of a very critical phase in our struggle to liberate ourselves from a dictatorship which has crippled our country for more than three decades!”Bobi Wine (03.11.2020)

Today on the 3rd November, the National Unity Party President and now nominated Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine held his speech at Kyambogo University Cricket Grounds. This I have overlooked today, because of the actions made by the authorities. They showed their fierce manner and didn’t do honour to the Presidential Candidates. Not only Bobi Wine, but also Patrick Oboi Amuriat.

However, this story will be looking into the speech made by Bobi Wine. Where I will take passages and discuss these briefly. Just to bring some reflection into his speech. There is also a vast difference on the manner, which it was made. In comparison to the President announcement of Manifesto and launching his campaign with a warning. That is why it needs a little dive into it.

A really touching start to his speech with these lines:

Countrymen and women, I come before you not as the most experienced person, but as the most committed person, ready to lead the mission of turning a new page in the history of our country. For the last 58 years, our nation has suffered so many problems, key amongst which have been dictatorships, each trying so hard to outdo its predecessors in violence, looting and plunder. We have not witnessed a peaceful transfer of power from one government to another” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

Here is following the parallels to what Dr. Kizza Besigye have been saying for ages. This isn’t new, but his way of inserting himself into the same struggle. This show maturity of him. As his acknowledging the same issues as previous freedom fighters has fought for.

And three years ago, this greed caused him to act in the most shameful manner, and the last safeguard in form of age limit was removed. Museveni, like Idi Amin declared himself president for life for our country. Little did he anticipate that this generation would stop at nothing to put an end to his regime! And so today I have news for Gen. Museveni- since you have failed to control your greed and lust for power, our generation is determined to save you from yourself and stop your life presidency project” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

Here he aims directly at the heart of the regime and the self-styled President for Life. Where he shown his character and fierce tone. Where he goes for his title and also the way he runs things. In a way undress the truths that everyone knows. It is not like this isn’t common knowledge, but he says it directly.

I present myself not as a boss, but as a servant of you, the people! While our detailed plan of action towards a new Uganda will be presented to you in our manifesto, allow me to state that we will run a people centered government which will focus on these areas” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

Here is was contrasting himself to the President. The President is usually bashing himself in glory and is doing this all for himself. That is something he has stated in interviews as well. That he doesn’t work for the public, but works for himself. This is something the President said on several occasions. Therefore, here Bobi Wine played a smart card to prove how his different to the President.

Fellow Ugandans, there are many other things we plan to do for our nation, some of which are entailed in our manifesto. Gen. Museveni has destroyed so many dreams of Ugandans. But today we say to you, dare to dream again. We can and shall transform our nation. A nation that has been reduced into a laughing stock shall once again rise to the top and be the true pearl of Africa” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

This here is the words of a statesman wishing people to dream and wanting to make a vast difference. Where he wants to be the opposite of the President. That is very clear and he got to be different to matter. This is why the words like this is so powerful and touching. Because his heart is in a good place.

He ended with a real salvo:

To all Ugandans out there, we rally you to treat this not as a usual election but as a revolutionary election. The stakes are so high. The transition stares us in the face. We have entered the ring and we shall not come out. This is it. It is a battle between the past and the future. The old and the new. Power is now in the hands of the people of Uganda and they can choose who to trust it with. For all those who have been waiting for the time, it is now. Tusimbudde paka Entebe mu ntebe. This is a mission to Freedom. We are removing a dictator” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

These words are the ones that triggered Lt. Gen. Kainerubaga Muhoozi earlier today. Where he said he would destroy Bobi Wine. We have seen what the state does and how they are targeting him. Arresting him and re-arresting him. Therefore, the words of a revolutionary elections is needed. Because, the polls is only a tool or a weapon. As the system is working directly against Bobi Wine. The NUP will not win by the ballot, but will win by a popular uprising. This is what his saying here indirectly, which is true. That is something the National Resistance Movement (NRM) fears, as they have seen other dictators fall for the same reason.

Bobi Wine held a great speech. One for the books. This here should have been a watershed moment. A speech that would be discussed. However, the brutality of the arrest and re-arrest have been the talking-points. That is for a reason. Naye, we should not forget a speech like this. Peace.

Two Days of Nominations: As different as night and day…

On the 2nd November and 3rd November 2020 we noticed two very different Presidential Nominations. This was an deliberate act of the state. They are showing who is the accepted ones an the ones who are targets. At least that is the signal the state is giving these days.

Yesterday, everything was peaceful. The town was Yellow. The Presidential Convoy could pass and he could have as many people as he wanted to his nomination. He could be joyful and warn other candidates. The President could use all the time in the world and the supporters could gather everywhere.

The President bashed in glory with his friends and associates. The Media Houses was all there in peace. Looking at the events and following the party to launch the Manifesto. The same happened to all the other candidates. There was no real fuzz or issues. They could all pass in their convoys and go for their nominations without any big whoop.

However, the Police Force besieged Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Headquarters already on the Second November. They were there and guarding the offices there. As they anticipated the FDC and their activists to prepare for the next day.

On the 3rd November. The Police Force arrested several of people in and around the FDC Headquarters. This being the arrest of the FDC Spokesperson Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju. Also other activists was taken away and whisked into police cars.

In the same morning the police officers and such had put on road-blocks from Wakiso to Kyambogo University Cricket Grounds. They used tear-gas on the public. The authorities used violence and pre-emptive strike against the citizens supporting Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. That was evident all across, as the police officers and soldiers was on the streets using all means to disrupt and scare people away. This also slowed the convoy down towards Kyambogo.

On the other hand. Patrick Oboi Amuriat wasn’t followed to Kyambogo by the authorities. He was brutally taken into the police van. The Presidential Contender for FDC was taken even without his shoes and nomination documents to Kyambogo. He was blatantly taken without his entourage and his papers. They just arrested him and dropped him off.

While Bobi Wine came late to Kyabogo and went through the Nomination. However, he was brutally arrested right after. Taken first to unknown location, before he was dropped at his home in Magere. He planned to leave and launch his Manifesto in Kyamwokya. What happened was that he was re-arrested and the general public stood their grounds for hours. The Police Van where he was arrested in and sitting in. While awaiting move away from his home. Instead, the police was blocked from taking him from his compound. As he was for hours arrested in a car on his own compound.

Today was as dark as night and yesterday was as sunny as the morning. Yesterday the sun was shining, but when today happened the sun was blocked from appearing. That was an deliberate act by the state to cover the sun. They enjoyed to bash in glory themselves, but just bring pain and suffering to the ones that oppose it.

Today the authorities, the state and the law enforcement are partisan groups working directly for the President. If they were there to shield the general public and be there for all citizens. It would not look this and they would not come out with statement’s like they did. Because, nothing like this happened yesterday. Today could have been as peaceful and been a celebration of the ones aspiring to be Presidents today. However, that wasn’t a case.

Today could have been a good day, but instead it was a dark day. A grim day. A day where the state again showed its true face. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: The Joint Task Force Strongly Condemns Acts of Violence during Nominations (03.11.2020)

Renewed Uganda: Press Release (03.11.2020)