Defiant Independent candidates dismissed from the FDC

Opposition Forum for Democratic Change has expelled three of its prominent members including National Political Mobilizer Ingrid Turinawe, Darius Tweyambe and Winnie Babihuga after they stood as independents following their loss in the party primaries” (Voice of Kamwenge FM, 10.12.2020).

The Forum for Democratic of Change (FDC) has put their foot down towards three Independent candidates who lost in the internal party primaries earlier in the year. Ingrid Turinawe lost to Dr Warren Katoora Tumwine for the MP Rukingiri Municipality.

Another one of these three was Winne Babihuga who also lost in Rukungiri, as she was standing as the Woman MP. She lost to the incumbent Betty Muzanira.

While the final independent Darius Tweyambe lost his mayoral race in Rukungiri Municipality to the incumbent Charles Makuru.

What is unique is that two of them is close associates and been part of the People’s Government. Turinawe and Tweyambe have worked close to Besigye. These two are the ones who has worked for years together with him. Turinawe as a mobilizer and Tweyambe as the Chief Campaigner. Therefore, these two are “high ranking” though not in official capacity.

These have been in- and out of jail because of their consistent work for the party. Turinawe and Tweyambe knows how politics plays out. As they have been so involved. At one point Turinawe was house-arrested and had to barricade herself out of her own home. So, if someone knows the pain of association. These two knows it well.

This should affect them, but also the party. That other parties are throwing their arms around them wouldn’t be shocking either. As these are the stalwarts that is ready for the big-league. They have lingered close-by, but never gotten the titles. Yes, they are involved in the People’s Government. However, that doesn’t amount to much in the coming election.

These are the sort of hard-liners and opposition who are fierce and has ability to cause issues. I know I haven’t mentioned Babihuga, but there are not so much say there.

That these three would stand or other losing primaries as independents. Shouldn’t shock anyone. If these was NRM. They would seek refuge under the skirt of Museveni and find another shelter coming 2021. These candidates would have asked for an appointment and a plum-job. However, in the opposition its little to nothing to gain.

Turinawe and Tweyambe can now decide what they do. Most parties are already settled and the nomination period is over. Their allegiance after the elections is all up to them. That is if they want to return to the party or if they are over it. As they have gotten no favours, but lost their positions.

Yes, they are known characters and shown resilience. However, that isn’t enough and they could not spark popularity within their party in their own district. That is why they have lost. These are all from Rukungiri as well.

Defiance is apparently in them. The FDC have shown their hand. Though very late in concern with the campaigns and the polls. Also after the nominations and everything. It is a bit late, but it sends a signal. That the party doesn’t accept defiance within their own. Which is fine, as these folks didn’t honour the results of the primaries. However, choose go ahead and run against the same people again in the General Election. That says it all really. Peace.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC): Dissmissal of Independent Candidates (07.12.2020)

Plan C: POA gave the authorities a reason to arrest him

Amuriat arrested for knocking DPC. He was arrested by the Police at Nkombe, a few kilometres from Kyamuhunga on the Ishaka-Kasese highway. Amuriat was intercepted at about 9:00 am and ordered into a Police vehicle” (New Vision, 04.12.2020).

Presidential candidate from the FDC block, Patrick Oboi Amuriat has been arrested by the police at the border of Rubirizi and Bushenyi. He is, reportedly, being taken to Mbarara to answer for the boda knocking of the area DPC that occurred on Wednesday” (NTV Uganda, 04.12.2020).

What happened on Wednesday this week was unfortunate for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Presidential Candidate. That he was sitting on a boda boda that knocked Mbarara DPC John Rutaagira. As he was blocking the road, as the FDC was campaigning in the area.

Yes, the FDC shouldn’t get police interference in their campaigns and rallies. They shouldn’t be monitored or having law enforcement on their backs. As they are just crossing various of districts between venues and campaigns spots for the party. Which is totally natural for any candidate and especially for a Presidential Candidate.

Patrick Amuriat Oboi (POA) wasn’t riding the boda-boda. He was a passenger on the boda-boda that knocked the DPC. So, if the Police was caring about the ones that did it. They would look into the driver and investigate his movements. If he was driving directly or if the DPC was driving illegally on the road. Because, the impact happened because of how two drivers of two boda-boda’s. Either the blame is the DPC who didn’t conduct himself properly or the driver of POA’s boda-boda, which drove reckless. So, with this argument, it’s not POA’s fault as he is a bystander and a third party to the events. Unless, he ordered the driver to aim directly at the DPC. Which we cannot know as that has been stated anywhere. This is just mere speculations at this point.

What is clear is that POA and his team gave the authorities a reason to arrest him. Someone like POA and his team shouldn’t give that to the Uganda Police Force. They take everything and even a small figment of hope to destroy the dissidents. These are from the same folks that blames the victims of their brutality and call the victims out as “criminals”. When knowing this, the FDC and POA shouldn’t play into it.

Yes, it could be the DPC’s fault, but he will never take the blame. He is following orders and acting as a vigilante like most of the Police Officers who uses live-bullets at civilians does. They are throwing tear-gas like maniacs at rallies and gatherings. Therefore, they will always find reasons to disperse and disrupt the opposition. POA gave a valid reason to be arrested. Even if his not to blame…

POA didn’t drive, but did he order the driver? That is easy question to ask. POA participating in that and getting it on video or photographs is evidence somehow. This will be used and thwart his campaign for now.

When you have vicious and malicious authorities like the Uganda Police Force. You should not take the bait. They will deliberately use it against you. They don’t even have to pin something on you or forge a narrative. That was created all on his own or by the ones around him.

This is where they gave way or got caught up in a moment. This wasn’t defiance or civil disobedience. It was either unlucky for POA or it was the DPC who was reckless. We do not know and trust me. The DPC will nto take the blame. He will use this as means to an end. Which is to criminate POA. Clearly that is working. Peace.

Inter-Religious Council of Uganda: Urgent Announcement – Indefinite Postponement of the Presidential Debate 2020/21 (30.11.2020)

Opinion: Did AIGP Kasingye have a Freudian slip?

The police is in charge of elections. All other agencies are just assisting. I don’t like the sight of non-uniformed men and women shooting on the streets, but these are still officers if something is spontaneous” – AIGP Asan Kasingye on NBS Television (24.11.2020)

We should not be surprised. The Uganda Police Force has at the Central Investigation Division (CID) has the Electoral and Political Offences Department. They are clearly involved in monitoring the Political players of the Republic. That has been known for years and was perfected under the previous IGP Kale Kayihura.

The UPF isn’t slowing down this campaign season. No, they are turning up the volume and striking even harder ahead of the polls. So, when AIGP Kasingye says on TV that they are in-charge. It is either a moment of flexing or a Freudian slip. Meaning he either tries to boost the role the UPF has or he told the truth.

However, the Police is interfering in political activity to an extent that they monitor and ensure all gatherings. In such a manner, that they deem what is righteous or not. They allow or crack-down whatever they deem fit. They can charge someone with the Penal Codes without any legal proof and do it on the spot. As the investigation happens after the fact and the cases last forever.

AIGP Kasingye knows all this. What is weird is that the Electoral Commission should be in-charge of the election and set the guidelines. It shouldn’t the police, which is there to ensure safety for the citizens and safeguard them. The Police is not a party or a stakeholder in the elections. They are supposed to be non-partisan and not directly involved. Even though in the case here. They are indirectly setting a standard of blocking candidates, arresting activists and creating hardships for opposition candidates. That they do to such a degree that its obnoxious.

As well, as the usage of vile force on civilians, not only tear-gas, but live-bullets, which has taken over 50 people’s lives and over a 100 injured during the “Free Bobi Wine riots”. Therefore, the Police should answer to the extra-judicial killings. As they are only looking for civilians to arrest and not handle anyone of their own. Who became not only the officer, but also the judge and hangman on the spot on the streets of Kampala recently.

That Kasingye says this. It reflects what they are thinking and how they operate. This has been their modus operandi for years. Even if the Public Order Management Act (POMA) was wing-clipped in court. The UPF still uses this and these techniques to stop gatherings and assembly of political operatives. They are involved and doing this to shut down the operations of dissidents and opposition of the regime. It is so clear as day and it’s not a joke. It is so deliberate and conning. That their badge and their supposed service is mockery.

This isn’t policing… it is oppression and impunity. The law isn’t a guideline or the ones biding the Police. It is their orders and the command from “high above”. They are allowed to act like mob serving judgement to the ones who isn’t made. That is how it seems these days. There is no honour among these men in uniform. They have license to kill and can serve these orders with no condemnation or retribution. While the rioters and civilians on the streets got no one defending them. Since, the ones supposed to defend are the ones who actually carry arms and aims at them.

So, the ones who thought it would get better without Kayihura. Well, the next man is more of the same and less subtle about it too. IGP Okoth-Ochola doesn’t care and isn’t concerned. He operates and makes the Police Force work likes this. Because that serves the purpose from “on high”.

Now, we just have to wait and see when the Police Officers will count the ballots and announce the results in 2021. Since they are in-charge and the EC Commissioner can just cool his head and drink a brew. Because, the police will serve the verdict anyway. Peace.

One Republic for Museveni and another for his opponents…

It is evident for every single day. That the Republic isn’t the same for the opposition in comparison to the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It is two separate entities, as the rules are not the same for one party versus the others. That is really proven by the actions made by the state in recent days.

A few times now, a Presidential Candidate, I don’t take seriously, but the state does. Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde has been blocked from campaigning several of places. The local authorities have blocked him.

Also, a lot of tear-gas and blocking of rallies towards Patrick Oboi Amuriat. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Presidential Candidate is also seeing the blunt force of the authorities. They are coming with weapons, tear-gas and using all tools to stop the campaign of the FDC front-runner.

They you have Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the National Unity Platform (NUP). The Presidential Candidate who are always under fire. Bobi Wine cannot do anything without being followed by both Police and army. The police has already arrested him and he spent two days in jail for trying to campaign. His Presidential Advance Team was arrested yesterday. Several of the Aspirants for MP has been behind bars in the recent days too. Therefore, know that the NUP and Bobi Wine is challenged at every single move.

So, today’s tear-gas and blocking Bobi Wine from accessing a town isn’t new. However, it shows how the state operates. Because, the state and the ones aligned with the President can breach the COVID-19 regulations, they hold processions and have giant rallies in their campaigns. As long as your Yellow. The sickness and COVID-19 doesn’t affect the politics. Nevertheless, it is easily spreading when the Opposition candidates shows up. Then its a danger and read-all-about-it.

Not like the President and his candidates isn’t breaching it. They will claim they have smaller rallies for the photo-ops of the H.E. Nevertheless we are seeing the pictures of Bebe Cool and others waving on the roadside with several of people. Far reaching the levels of appreciated crowds for the opposition.

That is why there is one Republic for the NRM and the President. Where certain rules and regulations doesn’t matter. It hasn’t any consequences…

Still, the same laws and regulations are applied totally differently for Bobi Wine and the rest of the Opposition. These are living in a different Republic…

It cannot be the same place or with the same rules. As it isn’t applied in the same manner. It got to be the same place. If it was, why do they at all crazy and violent when the opposition shows up? But is all at ease on the crowds with the NRM?

This is why it cannot be the same place, the same Republic and with the same government. It cannot be and it shouldn’t be. One is Uganda and the Wakanda. The NRM cannot defend this and it is impunity. It is injustice and unfair. However, that is what the NRM does and we know it is the same place. Even if it shouldn’t be. These two actions under the same regime shouldn’t be possible, but it is. Since, the army and police is only honouring the President and not the general public. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni “owns” the airwaves

The ones who believes the campaigns or the rallies or anything associated with the 2021 General Elections will be free and fair? Who are we kidding here. The National Association of Broadcasters sent a letter to the Uganda Communication Commission on the 20th November 2020 because of the announcement of a National Address every Sunday by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Therefore, announcing that he would have the whole broadcast and all channels with his speeches.

The letter from NAB is fine by itself. However, it will not amount to anything. The ideals behind is fine. Nevertheless, the system is for Museveni and Museveni alone. To think otherwise in 2020 is naive. The UCC and Radio Stations have been cut mid-broadcast because an opposition candidate is speaking. Radios have blocked and not been allowed to air opposition candidates. Secondly, the UCC have sent out Memo’s warning people for having Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine on air. Therefore, this enterprise futile.

NAB means well and the ideal is good. Still, we know it won’t amount to anything. The UCC and the other authorities will digress and configure, mellow the reason and find a short-cut to make sound reasonable. When we all know that this is only to batter his message. No matter if it is profound, sincere or real at all.

Museveni and the National Resistance Movement aren’t even trying to play fair. They are not even faking fairness in campaigns. They are upper blocking, rigging and ensuring the opposition doesn’t have the abilities or the option to campaign like they do. The President can smile and grin. He can be all hospitable. While his law enforcement and soldiers are killing people in the streets. Therefore, the man that doesn’t bat an eye over the deaths.

Do you think he will care about fairness in the media and in publications?

This man will use all tools. No matter what. The man will use force, take the opportunity and have long speeches. He had the COVID-19 speeches. Several of them. Actually, he had around 20 of them. It was a running series. The old man miss it so much. That he has to reinvent it.

The lectures of old. The fear and intimidation, every single Sunday. The old man will be on the screens, on the radios and online. Speaking his ruthless and reckless behaviour. Expecting to be honoured like a Statesman, but acting like mobster. He easily get hostile and grabs the guns. So, don’t expect positive messaging.

The man need to show that he has the guns, the authorities and the total power. Yes, he does “own” the airwaves. However, he doesn’t own people’s mind. This is why we don’t have to listen. Don’t even have to turn it on. Just let it all go. He has said everything before… it is recycling and repetition. The boring lecturer that makes you fall asleep in class. That is the sort of affair and the spectacle his serving. Only his minions will sprinkle some additional spices and call it feast. Even when know its not worthy the price.

The old man would be better just being on the campaign trail and being amongst his own. Instead, of spewing garbage every Sunday. However, the broadcasters has no choice. Because, if they defy the man. He will revoke their license and their doors will be bolted shut. That is the game he plays and he doesn’t care. Peace.

Opinion: How much bitterness does Museveni want to achieve?

Today, there are riots, demonstrations and measures by civilians all across the Republic as two main Presidential Candidates Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and Patrick Oboi Amuriat is both arrested and detained. This is happening with the usage of COVID-19 regulations, while not ensuring the safety of the candidates or their convoys, but instead violently and brutally arresting in their respective parts of the Republic.

The results are staggering and shattering. The youths, the unemployed and the ones who seeks hope in these gentlemen are in the streets. They are throwing stones, burning tires and acting out their frustrations. As the state, the ruling regime and the President himself never has given them any sort of way out.

The President has ruled supreme since 1986. He has run the nation with an brutality, arbitrary arrests and extra judicial killings. This is well-known. The man is using safe-houses and various of para-military and intelligence outfits to control the Republic too. So, it’s not he isn’t using all means to stop and silence the opposition. Plus having the army and the police on his side at any given day. Like today and yesterday… he had them when in need.

Today is just the proof of the bitterness. As the public and a generation is bitter. The Republic haven’t progressed or delivered for them. The Republic isn’t in a better place now. The President haven’t secured their future. It haven’t even helped them to feed their kids tomorrow.

So many has never seen another man in power. They have never had the opportunity to see another style of leadership. The young nation run by a bunch of old bush-war historicals. Who has a story and reason to rule, which to the youth doesn’t appeal to them. The results and the achievements seems futile now. As they haven’t benefited from the “liberation”. A liberation which only liberated a few chosen ones. The rest are still struggling and if they find leaders elsewhere. They will struggle to assemble or be legally associated with them. This is why days like today happens.

The National Resistance Movement and President Museveni came with a promise they never kept. They promised democracy and peasants representation. However, they never truly did. They have “representatives” but that is their selected ones and not the ones who is there as the will of the people. The institution are all appointed and selected men from the President. The judiciary and every other government office is filled with cronies. Therefore, they are all in the game to keep this system alive. Even if it doesn’t benefit or really represent the public at large.

Museveni can speak game. He has spoken so many times. The President have been a public for so long. That at one point or another he spoke or wrote the truth. However, he doesn’t abide by it. Neither does his cabinet or the ones inside his patronage. They are indulged and enjoying the perks. The spoils of fortune and entitlement. That is why the apologists cry foul over some small destruction, properties damaged and car windows, but they don’t cry over the citizens killed or injured. They are not speaking out of the police brutality or the hurt it does.

That why it is a bitterness. There so many who is tired of being taken for granted. Being used as pawns for World Bank and International Monetary Fund grants and loans, but not to get anything out of the funds given to the government. The state was supposed to develop and make opportunities for the public. The state was supposed to shelter and make sure the citizens are safe. Instead they sheltering and harbouring one small elite and the President’s Men.

That’s why people are acting out. They have had it and seen enough. Where there is smoke, there is fire. The village is on fire, but the firemen is not to be seen. The ones who is supposed to make it stop. Is using their time arresting their enemies, than doing their actual job. That is why people are tired.

Museveni have let things burn and hoped no one would smell it. However, at one point the smoke and flames will overshadow anything else. Then, the President and his men got no where to hide. While no matter what forces he sends to stop it. Everything in its way will burn and the next man taking the reigns has to rebuild. All, because one man could never let go and became the same oppressor as the oppressors he was supposed to liberate the public from. Peace.

FDC’s Presidential Candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat arrested and detained in Gulu

Patrick Oboi Amuriat arrested in Gulu where he was expected to address his supporters this evening at Awere Sports Ground teargas and live bullets continue rocking the city.” (Kungu Al-mahadi Adam, 18.11.2020).

The authorities have decided that today was enough of peaceful campaigns and go rouge towards the opposition candidates. This is the second opposition Presidential arrested today. They arrested him as he was heading to a rally in Gulu.

Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Presidential Flag-Bearer and Party President is currently detained in Gulu Central Police Station. We don’t know what charges yet, but expect to billed to the Penal Code 171 or in same fashion as Bobi Wine. As these are both main competitors to the Presidency.

Also, there has been reports of supporters and activists of the party arrested at the same time as the Presidential candidates. This shows to what extent the state goes to silence the opposition. POA is just another one who is supposed ask for the blessing of the anointed one. Clearly, he didn’t get the memo and that he was to be punished.

POA is just a man who honestly tried to carry the campaign and his “barefoot” message to the public. Still, that is so dangerous to the authorities that they had to arrest him. We shouldn’t be shocked, as he was violently taken and lost his shoes on the day of nomination. Therefore, this follows their steady program.

POA has also been blocked and had trouble holding rallies since nomination. So, it is just taking it up a notch. This is the steady impunity of the state towards opposition. POA is just another target, which the state has their aim upon.

The state have followed, monitored and always gone after the FDC. Therefore, this isn’t new. They easily find reasons to besiege the FDC headquarters in Kampala. That’s why this is a sign of what is ahead. When POA get arrested and detained like this in Gulu. Peace.

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.