A Perfect 10: More MPs in a limbo after recent Constitutional Court Judgement

As we are in a new state of mind, as the By-Election held since February 2016 is in a limbo, after the Constitutional Court judgement called out the recent 6 Direct Members of Parliament Elections in 2018 as unlawful and to get them nullified. There are more MPs in a limbo, not the ones where the seat of the constituency went vacate because of deceased or nullification of the polls during the General Election. If these were added, the amounts of MPs in question would be much bigger.

However, the ones in trouble now is most likely the Woman MP representatives for the new districts. As these are By-Elections created for ghosts and not official constituencies yet. This means the elections held in 2016 after the General Election and the ones held in 2017. Will be put in jeopardy by the Constitutional Court judgement of 27th December 2019. Which is clearly put several of MPs into trouble.

That the state should be in shock, that the Electoral Commission haven’t had the proper team, nor the Speaker of Parliament haven’t done her part either. All stakeholders and government have played up big-scale by-elections, while throwing away money and campaigning for nothing really. As these election can be nullified now, with reason and with justification. Therefore, by my count. Not only the six ones from 2018, but the ones done in 2016-17 should also count.

From here on, its the proclamation and the statement from the Electoral Commission before the elections, before the ones winning in these By-Elections. To show the ones involved and the ones chair or seat in Parliament hangs by a small thread.

The Press Release:

The Electoral Commission has approved the programme for Parliamentary and Local Government Councils election in the newly created districts of Kagadi, Kakumiro, Omoro, Rubanda and Kibaale” (Electoral Commission – ‘Electoral Programme for Parliamentary and Local Government Councils in Newly Created Districts, 2016’ 30.06.2016).

District:

MP:

Kibaale*

Basemera Noeline Kisembo (NRM)

Kagadi*

Janepher Kyomuhendo Mbabazi (NRM)

Kakumiro**

Robinah Nabbanja (NRM)

Omoro*

Catherine Lamwaka (NRM)

Rubanda*

Prossy Mbabazi Akampulira (NRM)

* Poll date on the 29th August 2016

** Wasn’t a direct poll, but the MP switched Constituency and was allowed by Electoral Commission.

The Press Release:

The Electoral Commission has approved the programme for the elections of District Woman Representative to Parliament, District Chairperson and Local Government Councilors (where applicable)for the five (5) newly-created districts that became effective on 1st July, 2017.The new districts are Bunyangabu, Kyotera, Namisindwa, Pakwach and Rukiga” (Electoral Commission – ‘Parliamentary and Local Government Councils Elections and By-elections, 2017’ 02.08.2017).

District:

MP:

Bunyangabu*

Peace Regis Mutuuzo (NRM)

Kyotera*

Robina Nakasiyre Ssentongo (DP)

Namisindwa*

Grace Watuwa Namukhula (NRM)

Pakwach*

Jane Pacuto Avur (NRM)

Rukiga*

Caroline Kamusiime (NRM)

* Poll date on the 21th September 2017.

We can clearly see the issues, as the government has spent fortunes on these elections. The Electoral Commission and the government should have stopped it. The legal team of the Electoral Commission wasn’t prepared for this. Surely, this is really a bad situation. As the constituencies are non-existent, but they have representation, both in Parliament and locally. There was local elections for representation in Local Government. Therefore, the costs of Woman MPs isn’t the only thing.

Not only has the state combined with its organization tricked the public, but they have held charade elections, which is deemed unlawful. While getting people to stand for elections, which wasn’t legit from the get-go. They are elected into ghost seats and shouldn’t do so before 2021. That is what the judgement said. Therefore, the 10 MPs here combined with the 6 MPs mentioned in the Constitutional Court this year.

We can also think of the issues coming out of this. As the state and Parliament have to recall all of these. They have to be dismissed and loose their salaries. They have invested into this and their livelihood goes away, until the 2021 elections. That is if they plan to stand for another term. Though, we shouldn’t feel to bad for them, they are earning much than average citizen. So, its not like they should worry for a few months. Expect also that the President will donate funds to them to keep them loyal to him, while they await a new polls.

The losers are the public, the ones actually using time and effort to actually believe in these elections. Because, this is years of by-elections, but they can by all questioned now. That is because of the reckless behaviour and not following the codes. This is why people should feel cheated and tricked. The curving of districts and sub-counties is now biting back.

You can fool people, once, maybe even twice, but not three times. Now, its up and the verdict is in. Peace.

20 Years and Counting: Besigye’s endless fight for a peaceful transition!

Museveni after 2001 elections: “”We must interact with people who have genuine positions,” Mr. Museveni said. ‘‘But Besigye’s position was treacherous. He was telling lies.” (Ian Fisher – ‘Final Count Has Uganda President Winning 69% of Vote’ 15.03.2001, New York Times).

Let’s me clear about this, I am not doubting his causes nor his pledges to go against the previous dictatorships before Museveni, but a brief look at his fighting for justice since he left the NRM. He was part of the Bush War in the 1980s and he joined on his own will from Nairobi as a doctor. Therefore, he did his piece there to overcome Obote II. However, this piece is about the time of 1999 to 2019.

Ever since Dr. Kizza Besigye left the National Resistance Movement (NRM) his been in trouble. Been in exile twice, several times served with treason. His been arrested 1023 times by December 2018, incarcerated 217 and indicted for 894 offences. However, never convicted for any of these. That is the man, the main opponent since the fall-out, as he was charged and put to Court Martial for treason.

Clearly, the state as aimed at him ever since he left and for reasons so. He really showed the world, the true NRM in the verbatim in 1999. That note is still viable and relevant today. Because, the assessment there is still colouring the perspective of what the NRM has become. What the power has done to the Movement and how the President acts. That is why the constant reformer, turned opposition shall not only be remembered for that, but also for his continues effort to try to reform and a peaceful transition. Even if he pounded a little bit to use force in the beginning. But that has long gone and disappeared.

From his verbatim:

The reality of the Movement today is that it is a political organization in much the same way as any political party is. Having no membership cards does not make it less so. In fact, in the letter referred to above, President Museveni further explains: “then some people may ask the question. If NRM could be already to compete for political office with opposing political forces in future, why not do it now? Do not support doing it now because it is not in the best [interest] of governance and fortunately now the people still agree with us. It is only when the majority of the people change that we have to adjust our position. It would be something imposed on us by circumstances.” So the NRM/Movement system is a convenient and, for the time, popular means to political power” (Dr. Kizza Besigye, Verbatim, 1999).

In an Interview in 2001: “I would not characterise it as friendship, but we worked together. I was his personal physician. I worked with him as Minister of State for Internal Affairs, minister in the president’s office, as National Political Commissar; then I returned to the army. It is because of this close association that I realised there were weaknesses, which I pointed out. This is the basis of our disagreement” (The New Humanitarian – ‘Uganda: IRIN Interview with opposition politician Kizza Besigye’ 24.08.2001).

He have continued like this ever since, not like he has looked silently by. This been done by running in further elections. Joining new pressure groups and initiating demonstrations against the regime. That has been done with persistent work and dedication to the cause of a peaceful transition. As Besigye, even with all odds stacked against him.

Besigye have gone from the Reform Agenda, from being in Exile and being a founding member of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), which now have lasted for 15 years. The anniversary was just this week. It was held without any interruptions nor violent behaviour from the state. Which a rare thing in consideration of the party itself. As it usually gets into trouble and gotten harsh treatment from the state. Alas, as I stated above with the evidence of the mass arrests, charges and jail-time given to Besigye, and his one out of plenty of FDC leaders whose gotten into legal jeopardy over the years.

That is why I look up to Besigye. Because his been resilient and been through the fire for his stance, his decisions and his actions. That is why his lost a lot, it has cost. Not only jail-time, court-dates and whatnot. He has lost family members, comrades has fallen because of the battle against the NRM. There are so many whose been hurt because of it. That is what should sombre your mind.

Even as Besigye deserve praise for his 20 years of resilient fight against the dictatorship and has taken the cost of doing so. It is not like it haven’t had a price. Yes, his built up a party and has a following. Besigye has a standing and fought to be there. Hopefully, it will amount to more than momentum at a few elections, but a foundation for a peaceful transition. That the FDC can be a viable party for the future. Since, it has structure and built in the midst of storms and lack of space to actually do it.

Besigye together with his team has done this. Even the ones that has come and left has participated with him. The struggle have been real and the man deserves credit for it. Not only celebrate 15 years of the FDC, but 20 years of Besigye on the warpath with the NRM. If he hadn’t challenged Museveni. Some things wouldn’t been spotted, someone hadn’t been touched and questioned the government.

Still, the relevancy of him is not yet over. I think as long as Museveni stays, Besigye will have a place. Since, Besigye is the nemesis of Museveni and they both know it. The Yin and the Yang. Not that they are that friendly. However, Besigye would have been different if he had gotten power. That is just common sense. Power changes people, if he got in the mechanisms and the structure he believes in. Than, he would be different than Museveni. Who is all into himself and his vision. Museveni is not trying to be the visionary nor the freedom fighter anymore. The President is only living for himself and for his mission to be self-styled ruler for life.

With that in mind, the struggle isn’t over. There will be house-arrests of him, there will be more pinned charges, be more destruction of his car and blocking of the venue where he is supposed to be at.

Just proving his resilient, as he wrote this after the General Election in 2016: “This is why my candidature adopted the strategy of a Defiance Campaign. Our clear understanding was that this was an election organised on the premise of injustice. A political defiance campaign entails informing the population about the injustice and enabling the people to organise and confront the injustice. It’s important to note that a political defiance campaign is completely NON-VIOLENT. It employs well-informed citizens to non-violently challenge the injustices in the electoral process; protect against various forms of rigging on polling day; and ensure that the peoples’ will is respected. This was the purpose of the “POWER 10” system that we organised during the campaign” (…) “This is the critical moment for our political defiance campaign. Let’s all remember that Government power comes from cooperation, submission and obedience of the population. If the population withholds it’s cooperation, submission and obedience, the government loses power. I ask all our people to remain strong and vigilant, especially, members of Power 10. We shall call for non-violent actions that disempower the regime seeking to impose itself on our country. We may have to make some sacrifices and should be prepared to do so. I am confident that our people’s resolve to have non-violent change of leadership for the first time will become a reality in 2016” (Dr. Kizza Besigye – ‘The 2016 Uganda General Elections and the way forward’ (04.03.2016).

As we are seeing, Besigye have had hope for the change and the tideway for his cause. However, they haven’t showed up in the time of need. They have been their on rallies and around the opposition leader. But, when the buck stops and the machinery of the state with violence comes. It shuts down and silence happens, the fear take the public and that’s why the hope of Besigye fades.

Besigye have had hope since 2001 election, he has continued ever since. His had the ability to gain popularity and explain what is needed. Still, that hasn’t materialized and the state has been able to shut it down.

Besigye deserve credit. His is a man to get inspired by, and someone who has chosen the hard-way, where nothing is made for you. The state and its machinery is for the President and not for anyone else. That’s why Besigye have had no shot, he has tried and proved his point; again and again.

That people are downplaying the FDC and Besigye is because they are playing for the team of state. They want the FDC and Besigye to fail. That is just the way it is, because everyone is supposed to bow down to the fountain of honour.

The 20 years and still not over. That is the reality of it all. I have written in the past, about Besigye as the President, the Republic never got. Which is true, he most likely never will be. Because at the point, when Museveni gives way. He will be to old and the next in-line have come. That because Museveni never gave way to natural succession, but overstayed his welcome. Which he has.

Since, Museveni has overstayed, that is why Besigye is still relevant. You cannot have the arch-nemesis, without having the main protagonist that is haunting him. Peace.

Opinion: The Constitutional Court Judgement towards Besigye was just weird…

Whatever the Constitutional Court, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and whoever who supporters the powers to be right now. They should be baffled and boggled by the rare Supreme Court order delivered or served on the 12 December 2019. Not that I think anyone of us, would ever reconsider or think that the Constitutional Court would vote in favour or find grounds to do so. That would be naïve with the knowledge of how the system works.

However, the Constitutional Court has made a fool out of themselves. They have made a judgement that shows the blatant disregard for rule of law and of justice. Without even trying. Claiming what it does, without dropping any hint of subtle reasoning for why the petitioner has done what he has done.

What is even more funny about this judgement is how it stipulates certain factors for why Dr. Kizza Besigye did have his own illegitimate government. Without any consideration into the election itself and the evidence of rigging there. Which should in concern to anyone being legitimate, should be easy to answer and prove in the first place. However, that was deemed unnecessary or not fit. That is why this judgement is purely stipulating the narrative that the regime needs.

They not even looking into or caring about the violations of assembly, freedom or liberty of the citizens, who choose to act in civil disobedience, as they are just following the codes and using one tiny fragment of the laws, which fits the state itself. So, that they can violate and arrest, detain and use preventative arrests, without any concerns for the likes of Besigye. That is what this judgement says.

Continuing on the fantastic argument of Besigye being in contempt with the Court(s), as he claims that the government is illegitimate and the ones appointed by it is so too. Well, that argument in itself makes sense, but then again his running against the machine. A machine working to work for the President. Therefore, his battle against this had to be a lost one, because it is not as if they will claim to be ill advised and be out of place.

Then, as they continue, the says he can seek other courts or his own court even. Just like that will make sense. Telling someone to go nowhere, because his case is futile. I am sure that Besigye knew the results before he petitioned the Courts, he knew he would loose, but being bullied and told to fish elsewhere. Is beneath the Constitutional Court and the statutes that it adhere too.

So, if the ones praising this judgement think they are wise. Pardon me, but your not. Even if Besigye would be totally wrong, his point still remains and this one is only an deflection from the higher courts. That the system is rigged and no one else can win. He cannot even get relief or get any sort of function that gives him way. Especially, since the acts against him was deemed unconstitutional, still they wouldn’t salvage or give him anything. That shows that they are just giving the results the regime needs and nothing else.

The Constitutional Court takes the public and the Constitution for fools. That is why they are calling the 2011 and 2016 elections for legitimate. That is why they are upholding the current state of affairs, without even question it. Because, that means they would go against Museveni and they cannot do that.

The funny ending of the judgement too, the same rights enjoyed by the ruling party, should be enjoyed by the minority opinions must be allowed? Why is that not happening? Why every time the opposition does something, does the law-enforcement come to block it?

Well, enough foolish things in a day. Kizza Besigye proved his point, even by losing. Because, this judgement is both judicial and political voodoo of the first class. Peace.

Besigye was not allowed to walk…

Well, the Police Force who besieged his home in Kasangati, Wakiso District. He was able to surpass it and get into his car, as he drove towards his office at Katonga Road. Dr. Kizza Besigye were intercepted and towed his car first to Naggalama Police Station, before returning him to his home. It was a few hours of stress, ruckus and lot of nonsense.

As elsewhere, there was all festivities, as the President and his convoy walked across the CBD to Kololo. Surely, the walk from the offices of Besigye to Constitutional Square would have gone well, but the authorities doesn’t want to have two conflicting marches nor have anyone stealing the spotlight from the Head of State.

The Police Force claims they wasn’t informed, but the Peoples’ Government had put out an statement about it and their planned route on the 29th November 2019. Much earlier, than the State House and Police Force itself informed the public about their route through the CBD.

Therefore, this was a hit, a planned hit and to think otherwise is naïve at this point.

Some simple reports on the matters:

“Police has surrounded the home of Rtd Col Kiiza Besigye after he announced to lead a parallel Anti-Corruption Walk from Katonga Road to the Constitutional Square. This will be after President Museveni leads the public in the anti-corruption walk today” (Capital FM Uganda, 04.12.2019).

“Police have stopped a planned parallel anti-corruption walk by former Forum for Democratic Change President Dr Kizza Besigye today. Besigye’s team were planning a walk similar to that of State House Anti-Corruption Unit where the chief walker is President Museveni” (97.8 Kazo FM Omushomesa, 04.12.2019).

That’s why Besigye wasn’t allowed to walk. The authorities shut it down. They stopped this from happening and did it willingly. There was no efforts spared from stopping it from happening. The man who had no other alternative motives, than actually battle the corruption. Not do another PR Stunt, like the Chief Walker.

Let’s be serious for a little moment. This is the proof of the charade. There is no interest combatting the corruption in the Republic, neither the impunity and lack of rule of law. When, a man like Besigye without forewarning is arrested in his home and besieged by Anti-Riot Police… That is just the mere reality and that doesn’t do any good. Still, this is the proof of what the authorities to its citizens.

This is not new and not the last time Besigye will be arrested, nor house-arrested or anything else. Every time he tries to cause a stir, he gets violated by the state. There is nothing else that will happen. This is common thread in the Republic and his the first victim of this. Peace.

Opinion: Parasites and lies, a walk against himself…

“I have never stolen anything from anybody. And I am also not a poor man”Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the Walk Against Corruption on the 4th December 2019

Today, was the official walk against Corruption in Kampala, as the President, the Anti-Corruption Unit at the State House and all other governing parties involved muster up a decent crowd of paid participants, staff and whatnot, security guards and whoever they could find. To walk a distance in the midst of Kampala.

At one point, the guards and security told pieces of the march to slow down, because it couldn’t walk faster than the President. Even as he went to Kololo, he still went at a rate, that was to slow too many. This walk will not change anything. It is a PR Stunt, which will not gain anything fruitful. It is more public wastage in order of looking sincere, which it is not and will never, be.

“It is a moral problem because you make yourself a parasite. Corrupt people are parasites because they get wealth which they did not earn, because they think that God does not see the bad things they do. In the last 60 years, I have been watching and I have not seen these corrupt people being successful sustainably”Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the Walk Against Corruption on the 4th December 2019

With this in mind, the President is truthfully telling the world that his rich. His vastly rich, Ritchie Rich, rich actually. However, the President doesn’t tell how he got there. It was not like he had wealth and assets going into the role of the Presidency. Not like he had estates, businesses and ranches going in. No, he was an impoverished former Minister, who had gotten grants by mercy of Nyerere and who was hired by Obote II. That is who he was until 1986. Therefore, his wealth has come with power and with incentives given to him over time, also boosting his accounts and also his cronies.

Secondly, if it is a moral problem, then its engraved into this administration. If corrupt people are insects and parasites, there is surely a lot of them in his cabinet, in his offices and around his closest associates. Himself is a parasite then. Because, he haven’t gained wealth on innovation, marketing or basic business models, but by being in-office and getting bargain by kickbacks and inside deals.

Last, but not last. We can say you Mr. President has been successful, gaining more and more power, more and more money and depleting the state, little by little. To a point, where nothing isn’t up for grabs, where secret deals inside the State House decides, if they are staying or going. The Presidential Handshakes and whatnot is the ones crediting to you. That is why walking today is obnoxious and outrageous. Only naïve and dumbfounded people believes this PR Stunt.

The man cannot fight himself. He will not tarnish his own creation and destroy what he keeps him there. Therefore, this is charade, packed as a rally and a march against something. But in the end, it will only further show the rot, the plight and the suffering the actions made by this cause. Peace.

Follow the Code: A secret walk against corruption

On 4th December, 2019, H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda will lead the walk code named Anti- corruption walk. The walk is aimed at intensifying the fight against corruption. The walk will start from Constitutional Square to Kololo and a number of people are expected to participate in this walk” (Uganda Police Force – ‘TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR ANTI-CORRUPTION WALK ON 4/12/2019’ 03.12.2019).

Merriam Webster states that a code name means: “a designation having a coded and usually secret meaning” (“Code name.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/code%20name). With this in mind, I never believed that His Excellency or the President is serious about this.

This is the President whose have had issues with demonstrations, protests and rebellion. Therefore, his not the man whose walking against anything. He was a rebel at one point, but that was for his own cause. That is why his stayed in power since 1986 and never left.

With that in mind, the man whose known for having someone close to his office or cabinet connected in some corruption every single year. It is seemingly happening, there are like those proverbs in the papers saying: “Missing Funds”, “Unaccounted Donor Grants”, “Fake Corporations/Products”, “Ghost Employees” and so-on. Even knowledge of kickbacks, secret agreements between the President and Foreign Investors. That is just happens on the regular.

That’s why the President has created dozens of agencies supposed to have the ability to monitor the state organizations, businesses and tenders. This being the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Office of the Auditor General (OAG), Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority(PPDA), Anti-Corruption Unit – State House or even the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA). All of these are supposed to combat the ill called corruption. Still, these are not able to do so, neither are the Judiciary nor the Law Enforcement they are working in tandem with.

That is why the walk is even more ridiculous, as if it’s not the man whose the V.I.P or the Fountain of Honour, whose often involved or accepts the corruption. That being some road-scandal, illegal tender nor the Presidential Handshake. Neither some procurement for some government agency played around with to ensure someone got greased.

So, this walk against corruption. The man whose behind the grand-corruption and his party is usually connected directly in these operations. That is why tomorrows walk is walking against itself. This is like the man who makes everyone sick, suddenly will drop the cure. The man who drops bombs over a nation, suddenly calls and walks for peace. It doesn’t work. That isn’t real!

Unless, the old man with the hat starts to shadow boxing himself, knock himself out and suddenly understand that his the problem. Not that it will happen. This is a PR stunt and nothing else. The NRM MPs, the ones who wants to show loyalty will show up. But everyone knows the state who does this on the regular. Will not stop doing it. That is why Total had secret talks in the State House with the President just this week.

We cannot expect anyone than the small-fry gets charged and taken into custody. The ones who are the big-fish will not touched, unless they have fallen out with Jajja. Peace.

Opinion: The NRM proves again that the IPOD is worthless…

“The NRM has boycotted the meeting of IPOD scheduled for the handover of IPOD seat from Democratic Party to FDC. This as FDC insists the discussion should focus more on the meaningful dialogue and smooth transfer of power in Uganda” (NBS Television 27.11.2019).

Not to long ago, actually for two IPOD Summits the FDC boycotted these, as they did boycott the first IPOD Summit, as an reaction to the police brutality and harassment from the authorities. The second one was because they didn’t want just a photo-op and a friendly greeting with the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The IPOD Summits haven’t resolved anything or made any amends with the electoral reform or dialogue between the NRM and the opposition. The IPOD is just a paid journey from the Dutch, to preoccupy the parties on the way to yet another General Election in 20201.

Just a friendly reminder of what NRM said when the FDC boycotted it:

Kasule Lumumba: NRM is the minority in IPOD. FDC is the leading opposition party. FDC shouldn’t run away from responsibility. NRM remains committed. Come and offer leadership and we work together, Come and show Ugandans that you can lead” (NBS Television, 17.10.2019).

I have always said FDC is a radical extremist party behaving like a millenarian cult & hostile to dialogue. This was on display yesterday when they boycotted the first IPOD meet. They used to say they would only attend IPOD MEETINGS if Museveni attends. What is their excuse now?” (Andrew Mwenda, 18.12.2018).

I don’t know why anybody [FDC] who says they are democrats would not like dialogue. I always welcome opportunities for dialogue because when you don’t dialogue, you miss an opportunity to be understood clearly” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the 12th December 2018 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo

Therefore, I wonder what will be the excuses of the NRM in the upcoming days. One that has already come out, which is unbelievable is that they wasn’t invited. That one is just a lie, I don’t believe that Norbert Mao forgot to send the invitation to the NRM Secretariat. The DP head wouldn’t miss that one out.

It is weird that FDC comes now after boycotting for so long. It seemingly a play for them. It is insincere to take the helm. That it is, after calling out the other parties for being involved in the months ahead of this. The FDC knows this. Yes, this is politics, but the perception of this isn’t brilliant. It is insincere at best.

The FDC should have pulled out, unless it seems they are just in it for the party-funding and possible billions promised after the second summit in May 2019. The environment for the FDC isn’t better. Their party offices has been raided both in Kampala and in the up-country. Not like the FDC leadership is secure and safe for police brutality. Neither is their ability to conduct party activity in general.

What is weird is the NRM who has harassed and diminished the FDC for boycotting from before Christmas last year until the present IPOD takeover. That is very rich of them to not sit in the yellow chairs. Because, its not like the NRM will end up behind bars or get detained for participating. Neither house-arrested nor awaiting court-cases because of their loyalty elsewhere, than the President himself. Since all of them are loyal to him.

I never have believed in IPOD. Just like the Apple IPOD, I believe the relevance is gone and not vital for the changes in the Republic. It is just a tool for the NRM to keep the others in check. The NRM will only use this to settle the score and use the platform to ensure they are following guidelines and supposed protocol. The IPOD will not challenge or have any significant power, as the NRM and the government haven’t given it that.

The IPOD and IPOD Summits are PR stunts and play for the facade. It is weird that the FDC wants to play now. They should have dropped out and been righteous. Instead, they wanted a little spotlight and look decent now. That’s a bit late, but the NRM are totally in the wrong. When they have called the FDC out, but bails out themselves. That proves again the real value of it.

The real value of the IPOD is none, except for the Dutch donors who pays for the “dialogue”. Peace.

The Calvary have besieged and house-arrested Betty Nambooze MP!

Five patrol vans and dozens of Police and army men sorround my home…..Am told that the number is five times bigger at my other home where I had organised a Press conference for today. At both my homes, police has set up heavy barricades disallowing any movement in or out. UGANDANS are getting used to tyranny…grave actions of human rights abuse and persecution are mented out on individual activists but because they have been happening for long…it has more or less become a way of life and its normal….other people even have the audicity to mock the victims!” (Betty Nambooze, 22.11.2019).

The Democratic Party Member of Parliament for Mukono Muncipality, Betty Nambooze was from early morning under house-arrest. This happens as the MP wanted to have a signature drive in the district for the People’s Government ICC Petition.

Therefore, the state is using their police and their resources to stop the opposition from doing their work. By illegally arresting her and keeping her home in Mukono under siege. The government are so afraid of the popularity of the ICC petition among the public. That they have to stop her from doing this in Mukono and the Greater Kampala area.

If the NRM and the government doesn’t fear the ICC petition, maybe it should ridicule the assessment and the things it alleges. Instead, they are amplifying the evidence and the case itself. By using state law-enforcement to illegal detain an MP in her own home. This without any warrant nor court orders. She is proven guilty, before she was proven innocent.

That is the Police Force ways in the Republic. Where opposition leaders and MPs are more criminal, than violent gangs and killers itself. They are monitored and detained at will. This house-arrest of Nambooze is another proof of that.

Nambooze didn’t even need to do more, than announce the signature drive in Mukono district to get this into trouble. The authorities really doesn’t care or has no issues taking the liberty, to away the liberty and freedoms of its citizens at any given time.

Today it was Nambooze, tomorrow it might be someone else. Peace.

A look into the battle of the MPs in the new districts in 2021

In September 2015, the 9th Parliament approved 23 new districts. I have looked through most of them. We can see whose are having new constituencies and new borderlines for ballots in the General Election of 2021. There are other districts also pushed, which are not mentioned. Because, the list would be insane. But it shows some people who are having another route to their incumbency than previously done.

This has been an issue in previous elections too. As the state has operated and changed district lines for years. This is a clever way to create new polls and statistics, also ensure there are no strongholds. As the districts and sub-counties become fluid. That is because there was 112 districts in the 2016 Elections, but by 2021 there will be 135 districts. As well as there was 1,403 sub-counties in 2016, while in 2021 there will be 2057 sub-counties. All of this has effects for the elections and the supervision of it. As there are new candidacies, there are new elected officials and ensuring the tallies are right with the right forms, ballots and counting according to the eligible to vote and whose registered to do so. Therefore, these sort of changes are brining a lot headache, not only to the representatives to date, but also for the ones following it.

Therefore, with this in mind. I made a similar list of interesting names, districts and whose MPs, who could have issues when the primary polls in 2020 and the initial polls in 2021. This will be interesting, as there was incumbent MPs and NRM MPs who came into trouble and lost in new districts last time. That is likely to happen again, as there are other parishes, towns and such where they have to get voters compared to last go-around.

District:

MPs:

Rwampara County into a district

(Curved out of Mbarara District)

Charles Ngabirano (NRM)

Former: Mujuni Vincent Kyamadidi (NRM turned FDC)

Karenga County into a district

(Curved out of Kaabong District or Dodoth West)

Rose Akello Lilly (former Kaabong MP)

Taking away constituencies from:

Simon Lokodo (NRM)

Kapelebyong County into a district

(Curved out of Amuria District)

Julius Peter Ochen (Independent)

Obongi County into a districts

(Curved out of Moyo District)

Hassan Kaps Fungaroo (FDC)

Kazo County into a district

(Curved out of Kiruhura District)

Gordon Bafaki (NRM)

Kitagwenda County into a district

(Curved out of Kamwenge District)

Agaba Abbas Mugisha (NRM)

Madi-Okollo County into district

(Curved out of Arua district)

This is taking away constituencies from Upper and Lower Madi.

This hits NRM MPs: Isaac Etuuka & Ismail Ogama

Terendo East & West County into Terengo District (Operative 2020)

(Curved out of Amuru District)

Mario Kania Obiga (NRM) – Terengo East

Moses Angundru (NRM) – Terengo West

Kalaki County into a districts

(Curved out of Kaberamaido district)

Clement Kenneth Ongalo-Obote (NRM)

Kagadi district of out Buyaya county

(Curved out of Kibaale district)

Eric Musana (Buyaya East) – (NRM)

Barnabas Tinkasmiire (Buyaya West) – (NRM)

Kakumiro district

(Curved out of Kibaale district)

Barnabas Tinkasmiire (Buyaya West)

Robinah Nabbanja – (NRM) Woman MP

Omoro County turned district

(Curved out of Gulu District)

Jacob Oulanyah (NRM)

Catherine Lamwaka (Woman MP) – (NRM)

Rubanda County turned district

(Curved out of Kabale District)

Henry A. Musasizi (Rubanda County East)

Denis Sabiiti (Rubanda County West)

Rukiga County turned district

(Curved out of Kable District)

Herbert Kabafunzaki (NRM) – Rukiga County

Namisindwa district

(Curved out of “East Bubulo County” in Manafwa District)

Apollo Masika (NRM) – Bubulo County East

Pakwach district

(Curved out of Nebbi District)

Emmanuel Ongiertho (FDC) – Jonam County

Butebo County turned into district

(Curved out of Pallisa district)

Fred Oduchu Mudukoi (Independent) – Butebo County

Bunyangabu County into district

(Curved out of Kabarole district)

Adolf Mwesige (NRM) – Bunyangabu County

Nabilatuk district out of Pian County

(Curved out of Nakapiripirit district)

Achia Remegio (NRM) – Pian County

Bugweri county into districts

(Curved out of Iganga distict)

Abdu Katuntu (FDC) – Bugweri County

Kasanda counties into one district

(Curved out of Mubende District)

Micheal I. Bukenya (NRM) – Bukuya County

Patrick O Nsamba (NRM) – Kassanda County North

Simeo Nsubuga (NRM) – Kassanda County South

Kwania county turned district

(Curved out of Apac District)

Tonny Ayoo (NRM) – Kwania County

Kikuube turned district from Buhaguzi County

(Curved out of Hoima District

Daniel M. Muheirwe (NRM) – Buhaguzi County

Tophase Kaahwa Byagira (Woman MP)

I think this list is interesting, as it says something about whose has a new challenge. Who has new constituencies and where the might reside some lost hope. As there have been lacking funds to operate these districts. There been trouble to find financial stimulus to actually operate them. The NRM has made big changes with the districts, but haven’t considered the economic implications in doing so. Also the obligations of civil service, hospitals, health care centres and so-on. As well, as halls for the appointed leadership, the elected officials offices and so-on. Which is all on the back-burner and lack of funds too do.

Therefore, this list shows what is at stake and what the NRM does to ensure continued power in Parliament. As they assess these changes will give them popularity, as they are giving local government close look in the previously bigger districts. Even as they are all former sub-counties turned into a bigger and have more of a mandate as a district. Peace.

Opinion: Muntu is so pragmatic, that’s why the NRM doesn’t fear him

There are so many approaches in the struggle to liberate Uganda however; this that requires signing a petition to ICC will not have my signature on it. I, however, do not stop any other Ugandan from signing it because it is their right” – Gen. Mugisha Muntu

Mugisha Muntu, the former Party President of the Forum of Democratic Change (FDC) and now the Co-Ordinator of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). His had this third force for over a year now. His consulted with the Special Vehicle of the Democratic Party Block. While some of his allies and fellow leadership is also involved in the People Power Movement.

With this regard, the pragmatic man has a foothold everywhere else, than the People’s Government and the FDC. Muntu is still possessing some star power and swagger, as his still proclaimed a big-man by the likes of Andrew Mwenda.

But, I am hesitant about him. Since he continues to say Museveni isn’t the problem of the Republic. That he is reluctant to say and speak up with force against the National Resistance Movement. He wants to build a party, he wants to build grassroot organization, but what will it do? Other than being the organization that feeds him?

Because, he seems not to fear Museveni nor his dictatorship. His pragmatic ideals, whatever they are. Not to go head-on or challenge it directly. He wants to focus on his own and his structure. His third force, his sort of ANT. That is all. He has said that Museveni isn’t the problem all back to 2010. That is nine years and he did the same this year.

So, we know, that his soft, mellow and not really all that. His against the defiance, against resisting the system. He wants to build within it and hope to dismantle it by working with everyone. Thinking people will flee and go after him. Because, his speaking softly and tactful.

I don’t see how Muntu will liberate or even struggle to topple the dictatorship. When his so friendly and cosying up to everyone. His just busy body building his own ANT and not trying to show any force or way to distort the leadership of today. His continues about bad leadership, corruption and non-working system. But he has no solution to uproot it. Only, that he has to viable party and structure to compete with the NRM.

What does it help to have a party if it doesn’t stand for anything?

It is not like his come out with a platform, ideals or anything that is substantial within the year ANT has been there. Not like ANT has shown any significant objective. It says it want to battle NRM and have a peaceful transition, but nothing about how. It is a mystery. It is myth. A living legend.

That is why Muntu doesn’t say Museveni is the problem. Museveni and NRM isn’t the real issue. It is because its all about him. A one man party, a one man cause, the cause of finding relevance for Muntu. That is why he has to discredit FDC and also say there are other ways. But not say which?

That is why he fits the paradigm of syncopates and apologists of the regime. Since, Muntu is not even targeting them. His just doing himself. That’s why its “country before self”, because in his instance, its self before country.

Since, I don’t see any reason for Museveni or any of his allies to fear this man. His just so justifiable weak and spineless. He doesn’t have the ability or the will to push it hard. Even if that is the only way out. That was for others in the FDC and with ANT he will not do it. He will not risk his possible positive outcome and way out. That’s why he was against defiance and wanted a more suitable way. Where he would consult and negotiate, because that is how the big-men fall… not really, they fall with disgrace and with force of the people. With the strength of mobilization and show the opportunity, that the government is weak and lack support. In such a manner, that the armed forces and everyone gives way to the popular uprising. Which is not working with Muntu.

Muntu wouldn’t work a revolution nor a uprising. He would have talked with the right councils of NRM. He would have talked with the armed commanders and he would have tried to speak pleasantly to His Excellency. Muntu wouldn’t have condemned nor retaliated to the lack of protocol from the government. Only, if it makes him look wise, than he might strike. But he prefers fake peace, than real peace. He prefers soft conversation, than to tackle problems heads-on. Because if he does, he has to handle the solutions and actually show some opinion.

Muntu will not sign the ICC and says there are other ways out of liberation. The same he said about Defiance too. But he hasn’t come out with any other way, than joining other movements and other organizations, as he runs his own show. Where he is not bound by the FDC protocol or NRM for that matter. His been both places, but now has his own.

This man doesn’t a problem, but at the same time. Doesn’t come with any sort of action or solution either. Just, that he will not participate and such. Only build his nest and ensure his livelihood. Peace.