Opinion: MPs Security Detail is prepared to be modern day Santana Scandal!

Shiish, there are just some news that doesn’t capture your eyes quick enough. I have read the letter, but didn’t capture all the details, neither the costs. However, there was several of gentleman at the Daily Monitor, that did. Therefore, I am writing here today, because of the possible cost of buying cars for MPs new security detail. This has been ordered by the President and his words is law. No matter how expensive or how insane it is.

Here is the case from today:

“On June 29, President Museveni ordered Finance minister Matia Kasaija to urgently procure bullet-proof cars with “sharp shooters” from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to protect lives of the MPs against what he termed “terrorists”. However, he did not give specifics on the cost of the vehicles and other related expenditures. Daily Monitor interviews with car manufacturers revealed that a 2017/18 model bullet-proof Land Cruiser pick-up costs about $520,000 (about Shs1.9b) while a 2017/18 model bullet-proof Hilux pick-up costs about $166,000 (Shs630m). Therefore to procure bullet-proof Land Cruisers for the 456 MPs at Shs1.9b each, the government would pay out Shs866b while to acquire 2017/18 bullet-proof Hilux model at Shs630m, it would cost government Shs287b” (Solomon Arinaitwe & Moses Kyeyune – ‘MPs security cars to cost Shs1 trillion’ 13.07.2018 link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/MPs-security-cars-cost-Shs1-trillion/688334-4660322-shcp27z/index.html).

This here deal is made for corruption and for ghost costs appearing out of nowhere. This here is just built for that. It is amazing if the government starts procuring, knowing with its history and misuse of state funds. This is the perfect blend, buying vehicles and add-ons on the spread-sheet, claim later added cost without explaining where the funds went. If not order things that never appear. That is also a beauty.

With this in mind, here is the old story that could be re-produced by buying the security detail:

“However, in mid-1988 when Balaki Kirya, minister of state in office of the President in charge of security went to Spain to sign an agreement, he found 260 Santana ‘Land-rovers’ valued at $6.1 million had already been shipped while the agents/lobbyists were negotiating for the importation of another 260 ‘Land-rovers’ now valued at $8 million. The saga leaked to the press. The Weekly Topic of May 3, 1989 had a lead story: ‘Old schemers at their game again, STOP MISUSING PRESIDENT OFFICE’. When contacted, officials from the National Treasury said the purchase was done without the knowledge of the Bank of Uganda (BoU). However, from the BoU archives, on April 8, 1988, a memorandum on the foreign exchange position, by the governor indicated among other payments to be made in the year was for the 260 Land-rovers from Spain for the President’s office and 600 Land-rovers for the ministry of Defence as well as the army uniform from Spain” (Eriasa Mukiibi Sserunjogi – ‘High-profile corruption scandals registered under NRM’ 24.02.2013 link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/High-profile-corruption-scandals-registered-under-NRM/688334-1702448-ndh6w6z/index.html).

I wouldn’t be amazed if the Ministry of Defence, the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister would make a scheme worth paying off for. They would secure kick-backs and additional funds, this is a too important project and the safety of the MPs is the highest priority. Everyone knows that. Not that this is misusing of funds and making sure the MPs are driving around like hostages in their Republic. Nah, that is not important at all.

That the 456 MPs who already are allocated money for cars and upkeep of them. Still, they need a second one, with specialized produced safety gear, seems more like they are traveling past war-zones, than friendly neighbourhoods, what about the actual people that live there, are they safe?

Well, that was bit of subject. However, the reality is that this is made for corruption. Someone in the regime will eat and use this as package to get loaded. We can just wonder who and who will be put in charge, who will fake needed equipment and who will give away knock-offs instead of the real deal.

This MPs security deal can be a gold-mine to the right individual. However, whoever that might be, he has to remember to give the king his cut. That meaning the President in the State House, if not your see quickly the other side of the barrel. He has no issues getting rid of people. That is proven in history too.

I wish I could be hopeful, but to me, they are cooking another Santana Scandal. This time it might be the Hilux Scandal or the Land Cruiser Scandal of 2018.

I just know we will get there, but how, that is up to the magicians within the Kings court. Peace.

The Presidential Handshake lives on!

You would think certain scandals and certain ways of thieving the public funds would be died down. The stories would end and the beneficiary of these scandals want it to go away, as it taints their legacy and remaining words about their time as Public Officials, as Clerics and Civil Servants within the State. However, in the matter of the Presidential Handshake, this whole thing just getting more legs and doesn’t die. It is like the President is proud of his bribing ways and proving a point today.

As the NBS TV reports:

“The High Court in Kampala has issued an interim order stopping the Inspector General of Government (IGG) from investigating and forcing beneficiaries of the 6 billion shillings presidential handshake to refund the money” (…) “The public officials had received the money as a token for their role in the 400-million-dollar Heritage Oil arbitration case which Uganda won” (NBS Television, 13.07.2018).

It is like the whole charade was mocked by the legendary report calling it an ‘error’ but not a crime. To give away public funds to civil servants and public officials, as a handshake after winning a court case. It is like the state doesn’t care about their lack of transparency, as long as the cronies are funded.

My favourite quotes from the report published in May 2017 says:

“This “handshake” expenditure was not budgeted URA activity and therefore, a diversion of the UGX 6 Billion without lawful authority was contrary to the PFMA” (…) “H.E. The President’s approval of this “handshake” was bonafide. However, it was an error of judgement” (…) “That all funds paid out of URA account to the beneficiaries of the “handshake” should be refunded” (…) “The Executive should come up with a Bill within 90 days to regulate and streamline the Presidential Donations Budget” (COSASE, P: 45, 2017).

After my calculation were all well beyong 90 days and nothing fruitful has happen, except now the High Court are saying the non-budgeted and the error of judgement by the President is “okay”. They don’t even have to refund, while there is no bill to regulate or streamline any Presidential Donations Budget, because who would dare to cross the authority of the State House and President at this point of time. No one with a clear mind, who will not end up in prison or lose his or her livelihood.

This is a proof of how little power the Parliament have in the current state, as they cannot even look into or question the Presidential Handshake. They cannot even check into the sudden gifts and donations made by the President. Which is a substantial part of the State House yearly budget.

This isn’t funny, this is a mockery of all the ones paying added taxes and paying for state services, as they are being hold in contempt, where a certain amount of big-men and cronies within the state can eat directly of it, without any consequence. Who knows what else the President misuse funds on, right now? Peace.

Reference:

The Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and the State Enterprises (Cosase) – ‘Report of the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and the State Enterprises (COSASE) on the Investigations into the Circumstances under which the reward of UGX 6 BN was given to 42 Public Officers who participated in the Heritage Oil and Gas Arbitration Case’ (May, 2017)

Statement by Uganda Law Society Concerning Continued Illegal Acts by the Security Organization (ISO) – (12.07.2018)

President Museveni letter to Finance Minister Kasaija: Additional Personal Security for Members of Parliament (26.06.2018)

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija letter to UIA ED Jolly Kaguhangire to “Hand-Over Office” (09.07.2018)

Local Councilor 1 Elections: The Art of Peer Pressure!

a feeling that one must do the same things as other people of one’s age and social group in order to be liked or respected by them. ‘She started drinking in high school because of peer pressure’” (Merriam-Webster – Definition: Peer Pressure)

It is special, that an election that haven’t been held in 17 years. That hasn’t been held since 2001. This election is held in such contempt of the voters. Where there are ghost districts, where the opposition and independent parties are not involved or even able to field candidates. The Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) are now allowed to participate or monitor the events. You just know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Electoral Commission are not that professional considering these local elections.

Why I say that? Well, the candidates are placed on the polling stations in the villages. Where the candidates are staying one by one. Where people are lining themselves up and where the voter are going behind the candidate they prefer. However, with this sort of election, there are no secret what you vote for and who you pass as a better local councilor or a LC1.

No matter who they vote for, the whole village or neighborhood would know. If you voted NRM, Independent or the looney-bin who should never run in the first place. These elections haven’t been much about the candidates, more the lack of resources, the postponement that has lasted for close to two decades.

The Electoral Commission should have especially after the last postponement, been able to find the ghost-villages and the ghost-voters, made sure the local polling agents could verify the voters and the voter-rolls. Even as the voters even wasn’t there or they just counted heads. In some districts even talks of ferrying voters to the polling stations.

There where 60,800 villages to hold elections in and field candidates, and in that sense, the NRM would conquer most. Precisely, because they have the advantage, the misuse of government funds and the massive spending from the ruling regime. They have spent billions on these elections to make way for these Local Councilors. In over 600 villages there was no elections, in some regions the voters defied the authorities as they had voters slips for the election made in 2017 and not gotten new for 2018. There we’re people sent away, even with National ID Cards. So the EC have a long walk to justice and to secure these sorts of polls.

All of what happen today can be seen as peer pressure, village wise, because nothing was hidden. If they just had a tick or ink on their finger for voting. It would be fine, because no one could talk or discuss what you really voted for. It could be anyone, the looney-bin or the actual good councilor of the village. However, when everyone walks behind a person and says this is the man/woman I want. Than, your telling the whole village and putting yourself on display.

This was a mockery of an election, if this would be picking the school-yard captain or even the captain of the local football team; it would have been fine and dandy, but this was seriously contested elections, where the Electoral Commission decided who could stand in the village.

Therefore, the EC and the NRM should have gotten the buckets out and the ballots, made it a secret vote for the people. Especially when the Councilor will be the local representative for God knows who long. Because it is not like these elections been steady, that is because they really doesn’t matter that much. That is why the EC haven’t spent funds on slips, ballots or voting material in general for these election.

That is why the art of Peer Pressure was used. It isn’t a soft or silky way of electing people. It is schoolyard or even teenage way of doing it. That an election made by 32 year old regime done as pupil, says how far from progress there is. Well, well, the NRM haven’t really cared since they moved from the Movement System to the Multi-Party Democratic Elections. They still want to act as the kings and the One-Party rules all. Therefore, the reality on the ground becomes a lot like that.

This election was mocking the intelligence of the people, but also name of an “election”. When your standing in line behind the one you choose. You just know that it will be talk if you go to the other one next time you meet or greet. The neighbor will wonder: “Why did you go behind Abe and not vote for Ben?”.

You just know that will happen, why did you go independent and not voted NRM? Do you want this village ill?

The Art of Peer Pressure is what this was. Nothing else. Nothing different. Nothing brilliant, nothing genius. Just child-games done the public, hoping it sticks. Peace.

[Insert Malicious Charge] Put on Besigye: Because why not?

Again, and again, there are charges and possible legal trouble towards the opposition leader and founder of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Dr. Kizza Besigye. Yesterday, was yet another day for him to be put on the spot. Not that anyone of the charges that he has gotten in the past has been verified and the regime haven’t followed up on them.

He has more than once been charged of treason, he has been taken into custody without warrant and been detained more times than it is possible to count. Especially in and around General Elections, he is pending jail, while campaigning. Therefore, this is really just he way the National Resistance Movement (NRM) are acting towards him. So yesterday is nothing new, but still needs to be addressed.

Now, they are pinning random murders on him. Besigye get the blame for even more stuff. Even if he was gardening in Wakiso or on a Campaign Trail, they would blame him. The NRM and the Police Force are monitoring him. It is insane and that is why this is suddenly news.

Four suspects arrested by Security gurus from Busia have linked the FDC Party and some of its top leaders including the Party Chief Mobiliser Ingrid Turinawe and four time Presidential Candidate Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye to various crimes in the country” (91.2 Crooze FM, 10.07.2018).

This is just as reading charge sheets and making up crimes. To fill the time of the FDC leadership behind bars, instead of continuing to build the party. Not like the Police are actually solving crimes, but manufacturing charges on him and the FDC. Besigye is used as a pawn by the authorities.

It is really insulting, that he again is under fire. That is because the NRM and the Police Force needs to divert attention. They need him to be martyr, but this time is not to serious. Since he still walks freely, while they are continuing blaming him for everything.

Besigye is being used and abused. He has been played and tortured, been detained and kidnapped before. Therefore, nothing they are doing is new, they have sprayed him and destroyed his SUV just for the hell of it.

That is why I don’t believe this charges or anyone else. It is a political farce and mockery of intelligence. If any of the charges had sticked, if any of the previous arrests or time of detaining behind any bars in- and around Uganda. Than, it would be believable, however, this is just yet another mad cow put into the public.

The mad-cow decease from Rwakitura farm that is killing wisdom and common sense at a rapid rate. That is why the Police Force as political force as it was under previous leadership. The new IGP is doing as a favor to the President. While making no sense charging Besigye again for nothing.

That is why the previous charges pinned on Besigye haven’t gone anywhere. They are just used to stifle is support and his political activism. However, the trick has gone out and fuse has run out. This has grown old, just like the President.

Time revamp and change, because this is just a mockery of rule of law. It is not funny, but just tragic. Besigye is being used and this has happen more times than worth counting. Peace.

CCEDU: Suspension of Accreditation for Election Related Activities (09.07.2018)

Opinion: A Pointless Exercise called the Local Councilor Elections!

Why? Simple reason, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and their prepared victory of most councils. They are not even given the opposition the chance to field candidates in every village. Not strange as the ruling regime is banning political rallies and without connection to the Election Road Maps, the Police will track them down and arrest them. The level playing-field is non existing. Therefore, I am not looking forward to the 10th July 2018.

It is the first time since 2001, that the Local Councilor Elections are appearing, but it is mere facade of local elections. Where the big-men passing through villages in SUVs and the state will later deliver bicycles. Also, where the NRM are doling out 900 million shillings to the candidates, as they are preparing to rig and pay the villagers for their votes. Some reports that the NRM are spending 11.8 Billion Shillings on this election. While the number of 900m has come up, some more reasonable number is the 100k shillings for each flag-bearer. That is more,mere shillings for the opportunity to have the local cronies on their side. So that there will be no shock, that the NRM are the winner and no one else can topple them. That is because no else has the opportunity or the time to field candidates.

Just to top this off, just as the madness is like this, there are 3,800 villages without elections for some reason. Maybe the Electoral Commission couldn’t calculate them. Maybe the NRM couldn’t handpick the candidates there. Who knows why, but that says something about the importance of this election. When your nearly losing 4,000 villages. You know it is kind of pointless exercise.

There are reasons for why it isn’t hold for 17 years, it has always been economy, even as the NRM has gone broke for any Presidential and Parliamentary Elections since the start of the millennium.

If this was real sincere from the regime, they would have opened it more up and not just suddenly said: “there are elections”. It is just last week: “10th July 2018” become a public holiday, so that people can go to vote and not work. However, if they are even interested as there are so many uncontested constituencies.

These Local Councilor Elections are already managed, people doesn’t really need to care. Why should they? Not like the NRM really wanted this to happen or have been concerned about this. This is really not important at this stage, when it has taken 17 years to happen. Not like the Movement System matters or even the modernization of that.

That is why I haven’t addressed this before, they are pointless and the NRM has proven that themselves. It is a play for facade, a mere mirage in the desert. There are nothing else, the NRM knows that, the people knows that.

When 10th July hits the clock, sleep longer, drink a cup of tea and take it easy. No need to go to vote. There are no need, the NRM are winning anyway. Stay home, even just visit friends and relatives.

This is pointless exercise. Take it easy and forget about it. When the residents around ask you, why your not going to the polling station, just answer: “the NRM doesn’t really care about this, why should I? Why should you? The NRM are winning anyway. Let’s take another cup of tea and enjoy the day”.

Peace.

Opinion: MP Magyezi you reap, what you sow!

You have plowed evil; you have reaped unrighteousness; you have eaten the fruit of hypocrisy; because you trusted in your own direction, and in the number of your mighty forces” – Hosea 10:13 (International Standard Version).

It is weird that Raphael Magyezi now months after the launch of Constitutional Amendment has been passed and the months of tension is sort-of-over. Now the MP comes with blazing guns to the public. Like he didn’t know what he did, when he unleashed this law, as a Private MP. Didn’t he think he would get reactions? When he was the most loyal of MP of the President. It is weird the way he defends himself. Because that counter everything he did while defending the bill in 2017.

Igara West member of parliament Raphael Magyezi has revealed that his life has been turned upside down since the debate on the removal of age limits and he now receives constant death threats. Magyezi is among the MPs whose security has been boosted by the UPDF after their police guards ran away for fear of their lives. Magyezi has told NTV that he is among the five MPs who have been singled out has targets after the killing of Arua Municipality MP, Ibrahim Abiriga” (Daily Monitor – ‘MP Raphael Magyezi decries intolerance in politics’ 01.07.2018).

It is wrong to get death threats, even killing someone because of differing opinions. Me and the MP agree upon that. But there is natural reactions to his actions last year. That has ushered in a President for Life, by legal means and now the President will rule indefinitely. Therefore, people are going to be angry, because people are tired Mr. 1986 already, he has served his time and there is need for fresh hands in the place of the Presidency. However, that is something Magyezi and I differ on.

What I do not get, is that he pledges intolerance, when he wanted to abolish the Legal Committee over the Opposition questioning his law, that he wanted to threaten the ones rebelling to the law and had no issues with the Special Forces Command (SFC) clearing the chambers, as the law was read and tabled. That all of that isn’t political intolerance, than nothing is.

The political intolerance is created by the NRM and the head-honchos Magyezi serves. It is not the opposition, who already despise the attitude and the ways things are done in the dictatorship. There isn’t much other to say about that. The military and the control done by the State House is the issue. The whole rule of Museveni and the fatigue is evident. Magyezi has been supporter of the whole arrangement, but is defending it in a way that is absurd. Especially, when he has used all methods to defend his law and his Constitutional Amendment.

He should have seen this coming, no one, except the elite and the NRM Cronies liked the Age Limit law. They are still fed by the kingpin and accept his controlling ways, because they are getting paid. However, the rest is tired of the charade and the occupying bush-war and warlord residing in Entebbe. They are ready for someone else.

Magyezi are trying to say that the opposition is intolerant. That the people are too, but his whole defense of the age limit was based on the hostile removal of provisions made to safeguard the people from a power-hungry cunt. However, that was not important for Magyezi and his kind. He needs to safeguarded, his views are perfection and the NRM can do no wrong.

Nevertheless, his views are distorted, as he during the time of tabling the law, reading it and getting it passed. He acted as a brat and proud cock, not having no quarrels using force to get rid of opposition and even banning them from the chambers for resisting/defying the codes of conduct at the Parliament.

Still, he now give the public another rap, but not a fun one. Just intolerant rant of nothing. Peace.