Opinion: EU Envoy Schmidt are speaking like an NRM apologist similar to Ofwono Opondo over Besigye’s 2016 Election defiance!

I feel sorry for European Union Envoy Kristian Schmidt who are now sounding like a National Resistance Movement (NRM) apologist, instead of an independent spirit and understanding of the short-falls of the NRM Regime. He seems to been misunderstanding what happen during the General Election 2016. Surely, he wants the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Dr. Kizza Besigye, to say it just water under bridge and let it go. Since the Supreme Court followed the orders of the 31 Years and counting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. First introduce some of the beautiful words of Ofwono Opondo, before the Kristian Schmidt’s foolish interview with Daily Monitor, before enlightening fellow European of his ignorance or forgetting the blatant impunity towards Besigye and FDC in and around the General Election 2016. Since he has forgotten while drinking Nile Brew in the Embassy and going on Safaries with his dignitaries. Surely, Schmidt must feel good about himself!

““In this election, Besigye gained 1.5 million votes compared to two million votes he got in 2011 while Museveni’s gain was a paltry 500,000. To the NRM strategists, this is the most shocking, indeed worrying trend, and having located the cause as being our messaging, strategy, campaign style, internal laxity, occasioned fraud and widespread bickering. We shall not blame anybody else except ourselves. Actually, to be frank, we were almost swept away by our collective failure to robustly respond to the Opposition demagoguery on issues of youth unemployment, despair among the urban population, poor and yet expensive public service delivery and bad public relations, especially to distribution of soft campaign cash that often got stolen along the way among other issues. This, to the Besigye camp, should give hope that with better strategic organisation, not only falsehoods, they can in the future topple NRM through the ballot instead of being bad losers” (…) ““The claims of rigging, especially at the last minute through alleged intimidation of candidates’ agents, ballot stuffing, falsification or alteration of results on tally and declaration sheets and at announcements are perturbing and incredibly unbelievable. These could pass as truth if the peddlers could at least adduce some verifiable evidence from eyewitnesses and documents in their possession that differ from those of the EC, which ought to be available from the multiple sources, including the media that observed these elections” (Opondo, 2016).

So when a NRM spokesperson and Uganda Media Centre director had to come in defense of his master. In the aftermath and with the current illegitimate government. Who has no problems in misusing the government funds and had no problem rigging the election in their favor. As the FDC had massive scores of leaders behind bars, had people with Declarations Forms from Polling Stations at Gun-Point, had their Headquarter barricaded and sealed off, Besigye was under house-arrest and the story goes on. Not an adventure, but a true theft a nation. Still Schmidt says this to the FDC and former Presidential Candidate:

“He added: “That is of course an issue that is dividing but I think it would have been good to come together and discuss. It has not happened and election reforms seem to be not going forward.” (…) “The law of Uganda is what it is: the conditions of petitions are what they are, and for a petition to be successful you have to do a lot of homework. Under your Constitution I believe you have little time, 10 days. I know one of the recommendations of the Supreme Court is to extend that time which I believe makes sense.” (…) “ He said “I think if Dr Besigye was convinced before elections that he would not be happy with the outcomes and the process, he should have been the one to petition. He should have prepared for that but he decided before that he was not going to and under the rule of law.” (Musisi, 2017).

EU Envoy to Uganda Kristian Schmidt, I know you visited him while on undetermined house-arrest. Since the Police Force had been stationed in Kasangati, Wakiso for so long days before the election and until May 2016. When he was able to escape and have his own swearing-in ceremony, before air-lifted to Moroto, where the state charged him with Treason charges. Which he still carries today, he is an arch-criminal and seen as an enemy of the state. Than after all of this, you talk about rule of law, justice and courts. Like Dr. Kizza Besigye haven’t had his time in court, haven’t been detained on more occasions than ordinary thief, even more than average murderers in the Republic.

So, the FDC was unable to counter with a petition, Amama Mbabazi was the only one able to fill in a form or petition. Because FDC has done so after General Election 2011. So it is like the EU Envoy for Uganda Schmidt is not in concern anymore of all the breaches that happen to Besigye. Like the whole House-Arrest period, the whole part of the general assault on the rule of law considering the elections and polls. The self sufficient pre-ticket ballots and Badru Kiggundu’s own special math-class. The statistics and the vicious attempt of forging the whole election in favor of President Museveni.

It like he wants the one on Treason Charges since May 2016, since the coup d’etat in February 20^th 2016, when the Electoral Commission announced the result. That as the whole NRM and state organization was behind the whole ordeal. Even the European Election Observation Mission and the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission was explaining the massive flaws of the General Election. Still, the EU Envoy want Besigye just to let it go.

Let’s take his first reasoning, since it is shows his true passion, the Danish dignitary: “Now if this was in any other democracy, like in some European countries, it would be unacceptable that the Opposition party does not then recognise the winner of the elections” (Musisi, 2017). If this was an election in Europe, all of these ploys of the NRM wouldn’t have happen. Not normally, that the army is used to intimidate, that local leaders are paid-off with new cars, that ballot are pre-ticket ballots and all powers to be to silence the FDC. Together with the obvious rigging and mismatch of acts in favor of Museveni. If this would not have happen in a European elections and EU Envoy to Uganda knows this. That why it is remarkable that he says about Besigye.

Besigye knows better and the Ugandan people knows so. They are not fools, even if Schmidt is sounding like Ofwono Opondo and has taken lectures from Andrew Mwenda. He surely has hanged in the same bars in Kampala as these two. To sound so blatant ignorant and so forgetful. Peace.

Reference:

Opondo, Ofwono – ‘The media shouldn’t parrot Opposition false claims’ (28.03.2016) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Commentary/Media-parrot-Opposition-false-claims/-/689364/3135890/-/2m2g7v/-/index.html

Musisi, Fredric – ‘Besigye refusal to recognise government not helpful – EU envoy’ (09.07.2017) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Besigye-refusal-recognise-government-not-helpful-EU-envoy/688334-4006606-er8gyr/index.html

Dr. Kizza Besigye still under House-arrest at Kasangati; while Lukwago and EU EOM visits; the Calvary is kind and let a FDC supporter go in with some food to Besigye (26.02.2016)

Yet another day under house-arrest as the world follows the situation and the way the depressing; Uganda Police Force continues to hold Dr. Kizza Besigye house under siege and have no direct answer other than “preventive arrest”. They have not directly complied with it, while Kale Kayihura wrote in a statement on the 24th February:
“Rtd Col Kizza Besigye is not under house arrest. He is allowed unlimited access to his lawyers, family and party officials, among others, and is not in any way hindered from preparing to legally challenge the results of the Presidential Elections if he so chooses to do so”.

Well the DPC of Kasangati must be counting his boss or the direct orders of his master; if not it is a pure lie on the 24th February 2016 as the Uganda Police chief Inspector General of Police Kayihura. The DPC of Kasangati James Kawalya has the power to either let people in too Dr. Kizza Besigye or not. Therefore up to 15 people and supporters of Presidential Candidate has today been taken to custody by the police as not “everybody” can visit him; as they have to check if you fit the profile of the men that enter the home.

The ones that was allowed earlier in the morning today was one of his lawyers and also newly elected Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was allowed into the premises with foodstuffs and having a chat with Besigye.

Also later in the day the European Union Election Observers Monitoring (EOM) mission during the General Election in Uganda was courting together with the American embassy riding a big convoy through Wakiso into Kasangati. They could not drive to close and had to have a conversation with the the director human resource development for Police, Mr Andrew Felix Kaweesi. He had to allow them to enter! As the EU EOM was not able to meet him yesterday meet him then, as he was arrested and taken to Kira Road Police Stations and deployed in the evening back to Kasangati. The issue is that EU had to court the Police to enter the compound. This here shows that the words written in the hands of IGP Kayihura from 24th February is utter lies; if he was a free man, the police would not arrest FDC Supporters, would not siege his home and would not tell who could enter and who would be lucky to get to meet him. That is not freedom or liberty, which is a house-arrest where the Police decide for Dr. Kizza Besigye and tell him if he can leave or can visit! This here proves the arrogance of the Police and how the use some words of peace, and does unjust actions the second the public shows the blind eye or doesn’t watch carefully.

Take a look at this arrogance as the loyal supporter show trust and care for his candidate:
“FDC supporter seen escorted by a number of police officers as takes food into the private residence of Ugandan Opposition heavyweight Dr. Kizza Besigye, barricaded by both Ugandan military and Police force for a week since polling day”.

From clear sources when they arrived in the convoy this was the message from the Police:
“A European Union (EU) delegation has been denied entry into Kizza Besigye’s Kasangati home. The delegation arrived this afternoon in a convoy of about six cars. Police which remains deployed outside the residence declined to let them in” (Forum for Democratic Change, (26.02.2016). Something that changed after a conversation with Andrew Felix Kaweesi before entering by foot, because the compound is closed for cars for the moment, as the Police has to secure the area! For some reasons they wouldn’t discuss or really tell, while we all kind of figured it out; as the subtle ways of the Ugandan Police doesn’t really exists... as seen through the pre-election period and continue every single day!

This here shows that there are no moral standards to the leadership of the police as they use the force to the people; as they are treated as subjects, not as citizens as many of the ones by the gates of Kasangati has been detained and driven away. As even the ambassador and the representative from U.S. and EU had to plea to Human Resources Kaweesi as he has the final say together with DPC Kawalya who orders and gives the opportunity to let them in or not. I am sure If they wasn’t international observers and ambassadors that could really sham and destroy the little integrity of the government, they would not have entered the premises and had the talk with Dr. Kizza Besigye. This here proves the mobility and the arrest that he has. If this does not give way and prove the determination of the Police to keep him monitored and also secured in their power instead of giving him an opportunity to talk to his FDC officials and also petition the elections. As the NRM-Regime fears that, because of the massive rigging; they would not go to this extent if he was somebody who doesn’t have the support or political capital to force a change. That is why the Police is not around Joseph Mabirizi’s house, only Professor Joel circles around it to get new jokes to his TV show.

So IGP Kayihura shut-up and talk’s sense, as you ask the public to talk sense and not sensationalize events and rhetoric from the opposition or media. This time it all makes sense, and it is common sense as the facts and the fiction from the Uganda Police Force is just foolish and they could you know; easily see that he manipulates the laws and use Public Order Management Bill as it was intended  the“Anti-Besigye Act” used to suppress his party and his affiliates, as the NRM can do as they want and nobody; especially the Police does not mind, but if the opposition, and especially Dr. Kizza Besigye and the FDC officials; than it is another story and even doing the same; is illegal while it’s okay for the NRM.

So now that Dr. Kizza Besigye continues to live under house-arrest, get detained without a warrant or reason other than pure fiction from the Police, as he supposed to generate chaos or violence; while the Police kills and throw tear-gas unto civilians, while he last time ask for people to walk to a destination, not grab arms and bring down the NRM-Regime as the rhetoric from the IGP Kayihura could sound like. That is the honest truth, though Gen. Kayihura would never say it, because his NRM-Police has loyalty toward President Museveni. That is why the Police secure peace from the President Museveni (that is main objective). The Police does not need to think to much about the government of Uganda or the citizens;  who apparently is the people, because none of them is President Museveni. The IGP Kayihura they are second fiddle and not that important, because he just follows orders directly from President Museveni. Peace.

Press Release No. 15/360: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2015 Article IV Consultation with Somalia (29.07.2015)

On July 27, 2015, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Somalia: 

Since 1991, Somalis have suffered greatly from civil war. The economy deteriorated as the physical infrastructure was destroyed. In addition to the loss of lives, the war worsened the population’s living conditions, now among the lowest in the world. Even though the political and security situations remain challenging, Somalia has made tremendous progress since resuming relations with the IMF on April 12, 2013. The IMF has been actively involved in providing technical assistance and policy advice in its key areas of expertise, which laid the groundwork for this Consultation. While Somalia has been welcomed back as an active member of the Fund, it remains ineligible for financial assistance pending the clearance of its longstanding arrears. Arrears clearance will be an important part of normalizing relations with the international community and establishing a roadmap to debt sustainability.

As a result of the civil war, all Somali state institutions are severely impaired. Improving governance in key state institutions is critical for progress on economic reconstruction and development. The federal government, working with the international community, has taken steps to improve governance based on the rule of law and the application of international good practices for fiscal and financial operations. IMF technical assistance is largely devoted to enhancing governance in the ministry of finance and the central bank. Rebuilding critical infrastructure and delivering basic social and economic services will be crucial for the new government to gain the trust of the Somali people, advance the process of national reconciliation, and to extend federal government authority over all parts of the country.

Economic activity is estimated to have expanded by 3.7 percent in 2014, driven by growth in agriculture, construction, and telecommunications. Consumer price inflation was 1.3 percent. For 2015, real growth is projected at 2.7 and inflation should remain subdued at about 4 percent. With modest progress on the security front and an absence of drought, medium-term annual growth should be about 5 percent. Nevertheless, growth will remain inadequate to redress poverty and gender disparities.

Budget preparation and implementation is fraught with difficulty due to deficiencies in revenue mobilization and expenditure pressures that exceed available resources. The budget consists largely of salary and security expenditures contained by strict cash rationing. Deficits have been financed mostly through arrears accumulation. Similarly, the 2015 budget was prepared on a zero cash balance basis with optimistic revenue forecasts and weak commitment control, leading the federal government to ration cash and incur arrears to the defense forces, civil servants, and suppliers. On July 19, an extraordinary session of the Cabinet, chaired by the President, approved and sent to Parliament a revised budget for 2015.

The formal financial sector consists of the central bank, six banks with provisional licenses, and nine licensed money transfer firms. The sector is small and nascent while there is reportedly a large informal sector. The central bank of Somalia (CBS) faces challenges in building financial sector supervision due to technical and human resource constraints. The economy is predominantly dollarized and cash is scarce, particularly in lower denominations. Somali banknotes are not readily available, creating problems for the poorest.

The 2014 current account deficit is estimated at US$644 million (11.3 percent of GDP). Trade consists mostly of exports of livestock to Gulf Cooperation Council countries and imports of foodstuffs from neighboring countries and the Indian subcontinent. The trade and income deficits were US$2,663 million and US$450 million, respectively, partially covered by remittances of US$1,333 million and other transfers of US$1,137 million. The deficit was financed by foreign direct investment of US$434 million, especially in telecommunications, electricity, and hotels, and donor capital transfers of US$150 million.

External debt was estimated at US$5.3 billion (93 percent of GDP) at end-2014, preponderantly arrears. Debt data covers most creditors, excludes commercial debt, and shows obligations to: (i) multilaterals (US$1.5 billion); (ii) Paris Club creditors (US$2.3 billion); and, (iii) Non-Paris Club creditors (US$1.5 billion). Based on a preliminary assessment, Somalia lacks the ability to service its debt in the medium term.

Executive Board Assessment²

Executive Directors welcomed Somalia’s reengagement with the Fund, setting the stage for its first Article IV consultation since 1989. Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They noted that, following the protracted civil war, the country is facing daunting challenges. The first priority is to continue building institutions and administrative capacity, while undertaking key structural reforms to spur inclusive growth and reduce poverty. Directors underscored the importance of continued assistance from the international community to support the authorities’ efforts. They welcomed the launch of the Trust Fund for Capacity Development, and highlighted the important role of Fund policy advice and technical assistance.

Directors stressed the need for decisive steps to build fiscal discipline, underpinned by realistic budgeting and effective implementation systems. They welcomed cabinet approval of a revised budget for 2015 that will avoid new arrears by raising revenues and rationalizing wages and services and other recurrent spending. Going forward, Directors stressed the importance of budgeting within a medium-term fiscal framework, based on sound fiscal principles and transparent reporting, and a public expenditure review to promote the allocation of resources towards investment in human capital and infrastructure.

Directors encouraged the adoption of sound mechanisms to ensure effective and transparent management of prospective natural resource wealth. They recommended building institutions consistent with international best practices to ensure that natural resource exploitation maximizes benefits for Somalis. They also stressed the need for clarity regarding the delineation of authority between the federal government and sub-national entities.

Directors supported ongoing efforts to strengthen the Central Bank of Somalia’s capacity and governance structure, with support from the Fund and development partners. They cautioned that currency reform should not be implemented until all prerequisites are in place, in order to safeguard policy credibility.

Directors stressed that elaboration of a financial sector roadmap will be a critical first step to build credibility in licensing and supervising money transfer firms, in order to help channel remittances through the international banking system. They also recommended bringing the AML/CFT framework in line with international standards. Other priorities include preparing and approving additional prudential regulations, and strengthening compliance.

Directors encouraged the authorities to improve statistical capacity, in order to enhance the scope, quality and timeliness of economic data compilation, with technical assistance from the Fund and development partners.

Directors noted Somalia’s longstanding arrears to the Fund and other creditors, and encouraged the authorities to continue to work towards a pathway for arrears clearance and eventual debt relief. They noted that, in due course, the establishment of a track record of cooperation with the Fund on policies and payments in the context of a well-designed staff-monitored program (SMP) would be a key step in the process of arrears clearance and normalization of relations with the international community as a whole. Directors stressed the need for sustained international support and cooperation, and welcomed the formation of the Technical Working Group on Somalia’s Debt.