Opinion: Wadri’s gamble

Kassiano Wadri won the polls on the 15th August 2018 in by-election in Arua district, which by now has been a unique one, because of the aftermath for the opposition. Wadri has gone from the Forum for Democratic Change, which he represented between 2001 to 2016 in Terengo County, while he now represents Arua Muncipality as Independent with the help People Power Movement in the By-Election.

That is why his dismissal and arrogance of the organization of People Power and National Unity Platform (NUP). Can prove to be a lot eat for the ones who elected him in and especially depending on who the NUP and People Power field in his stead.

He has now revealed his next step is go to Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). Mugisha Muntu also campaigned for Wadri in Arua in 2018. Therefore, he had help from both Muntu and Bobi Wine. While the popularity of Bobi Wine is of another league in comparison to Muntu. To think otherwise is very foolish.

Wadri was the joint candidate in the area and in the by-election. He has now picked his man and his team. Even downplaying the People Power, which is interesting as his a coordinator. He acts like Tinkasmiire. Just think about that for minute, there is similarities in the statements of Wadri, as it was of Tinkasmiire. Both mocking and joking about the work and organization of People Power. That signals the arrogance of some leaders.

Yes, Wadri has won with the FDC the Terengo County seat since 2001 and is well-known. He has been a major player in Arua district and therefore, re-elected. However, this is really shady of him to act like this. We don’t know if Bobi Wine was a factor in the Arua By-Election.

Nevertheless, we know it amplified the elections and gave more firepower to the campaigning. In a manner, which Muntu never would have been able too. We can act like there wasn’t help that all parties stepped aside for Wadri. This time around the FDC, NRM and everyone else will field their flag-bearer. The challenge is bigger than Wadri versus Tiperu. Someone who has never won, but tried again and again.

Wadri can act like a big-man, as his used to get his way and also get elected. However, will he be able to stand People Power flag-bearer in a race with more candidates. It will not be a race with two candidates contesting. There will be from FDC, DP, PPM/NUP and so fourth.

Kassiano might think this power-play is wise. That he goes ring-side and such. Again, it shows that Bobi Wine loyalty is fickle and easily traded away. We know like Mwiru, Wadri have been a supporter of Muntu. Therefore, the move isn’t surprising, but its behaviour towards Bobi Wine and PPM, which is disrespectful.

He be ahead, as his the incumbent and have represented two counties in Arua district. Wadri might feel he has teflon and doesn’t need anyone. Still, its bad politicking doing this. I understand that he feels loyalty to Muntu. That is fine and dandy, but the way he undermines People Power is not what you should see from a seasoned politician like him. Especially, when they came for you aid and support in the recent Arua By-Election.

Wadri might think his the joker, the man of the hour and important where-ever he is. As his been part of FDC and had vital roles in the party. Even tried to swipe the role of Mafabi without luck. So, now his like Muntu in new fields, but we can wonder how this journey ends in 2021. Peace.

Opinion: Everything is rigged against the opposition [doesn’t matter if it’s “Scientific” or not]

The opposition in the Republic will not win at this point in time. It isn’t because of their lack of swagger and viable candidates. This is simply, because of the status quo and the whole state machinery is working against them. There is no chance that the President and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) will give way. That’s not happening anytime soon.

The Forum for Democratic Change and National Unity Platform (People Power) parties are the most high regarded opposition. The FDC has the history, while NUP and People Power are the new renegades. This is the Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine coming to full force as challengers to Museveni. They will gain attention and get popular. However, in the grand scheme things this will not matter. These two might win the election, might even be hugely admired by the population. However, the machinery will not let Museveni loose.

That is why the rigging will close the doors for the opposition. It is reason why I don’t mention Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Mugisha Muntu and Democratic Party Norbert Mao. Neither is Uganda People’s Congress, James Akena or Justice Forum Asuman Basalirwa. Or whoever is running the Uganda Federal Alliance, Farmers Party or People’s Progressive Party. These lastly mentioned have enough to get an MP elected into Parliament. Not even thinking of challenging the throne.

Muntu and Mao might want to be in the big-league, but we both know they don’t have it. Neither does Akena, he is cahoots with the regime with a deal. So, when your dealing directly with NRM. You cannot anticipate the brother will do anything about it.

This is why in reality it is a battle for the FDC and NUP. These two are the parties that has to challenge and show force towards the NRM. Not, that through the ballots will make a difference at this point. The Electoral Commission, the NRM is busy scheming and preparing the results. We know who will win and that is all in the cards. To think otherwise is either naive or foolish.

The NRM will conquer, they will use all means. There is a “scientific” elections going on. That is used on the opposition, which is stopped from campaigning. While the NRM candidates are doing so, either in secret or by using government programs as a shield to allow them to meet people. That they will use the state as tool to not only campaign, but also rig the elections. This is why the opposition has no chance.

NUP and FDC knows this. They will show flex, but will they dwell on the inevitable. The ones whose moderate and pragmatic, will only benefit a small group. While the big-men of the opposition got to stand up in the midst of oppression and hardships. Knowingly they will loose, but it is a matter of how much they willing to loose in the end. Not because of lack of popularity or having backing in the public.

However, because the NRM and the state uses all means. Every single piece of intimidation and scaring tactics. Also, the use of arbitrary arrests and other means to stop the public from gatherings and organizing. Except, if you have suction or a anointed by the Movement. Then you can set-up tents, set up rallies and meetings in churches. However, the opposition is not allowed to do the same. This is another proof of the whole charade, which is going on into the polls in 2021.

If your thinking this going to be free and fair. Forget about. The state is embedded. The Police is more into politics, than actually catching thieves.

This is all just a game and we all know who is going to win. Not because the public loves him, neither that its justified. However, that is how this is played out. We can act like its not, but then I would be disingenuous. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t be fooled and just play along, but call out the nonsense as it is. Peace.

Last Words of Mwenda: A Misguided and Misfortunate attempt to defend Museveni

Well, we are at it again. There isn’t election season in the Republic without the “insightful” and “degrading” articles or pieces from Andrew Mwenda. Today on Facebook he dropped another piece called ‘How Museveni and his opponents need each other’.

In steady fashion he will demean and desecrate the opposition. He will mock and take them for fools. Also, try to show reasons for the continuation of status quo. The man cannot stop himself. He wrote steady pieces dismissing Besigye ahead of 2016. Andrew is back on the hate train again, this time with additional flavour of Bobi Wine in the mix.

This is what he does now. In a short amount of time, this is his second edition in his bitter battle with opposition, which is his nemesis who haunts him at night. That is why he writes texts like this.

Anyone looking at opposition politics in Uganda would easily see why they do not represent a democratic alternative to the current government. Their ranks are filled with extremely angry and intolerant activists who, if they could command the power of the state, can only establish a totalitarian dictatorship albeit an incompetent one. Consequently, while Museveni’s NRM accommodates in its ranks many individuals critical of it, the opposition purges from its ranks anyone who holds even the most mild disagreement with their [always] radical extremist views“ (Mwenda, 27.07.2020).

When a man writes like this. He has dismissed people before giving them a chance. Who would have known, if Mwenda even could write and become the pseudo-intellectual back-in-the-day. The same way he dismiss the opposition. If people had done that to him. He would possibly only write manuscripts for schaiving radio-shows .

On a separate note, the opposition is angry and tired of a 34 years stalemate. Where one guy has ruled supreme. Tormented them and oppressed them. Made it nearly impossible for them to operate, arrested them and given them phony political charges. With that in mind, he expects them to not displeased with the current regime? They are just supposed to be all smiles and giddy? Everyone haven’t the same redemption after arrests and being ignant ever since.

He continues: “Thus, the mainstream opposition of Defiance led by Dr. Kizza Besigye and its bastard child, People Power, led by Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi (aka Bobi Wine) demand from their supporters absolute loyalty to the cause and ideological purity. This heavy demand for conformity among followers has led to mass desertions as people find life inside these cults suffocating. There is no evidence in history of such radical extremist cults promoting democracy once they capture power. Instead, all historic evidence shows that given time and certain economic, social, cultural and intellectual circumstances, hybrid systems of the Museveni/NRM type do sometimes (and often) slowly evolve into democracies” (Mwenda, 27.07.2020).

It is so funny him calling FDC and People Power cults, while professing only to Museveni to the end. Like not clinging on to one who has stayed in power for 34 years. That is fine and dandy, he also professes to the supposed transition of a party, which have had total power into a democratic machinery for change. If you believe that, then there is soon a Dumbo drop over Kampala.

He continues also to dismiss the FDC and PPM. In a manner, which he has done constantly. Which is ironic, the way he call them cults. While not seeing how his deep admiration and trust in the current leadership is of similar fashion.

He further saying: “This is not to stay there is no democratic alternative in Uganda’s opposition groups to Museveni and his NRM. Rather, the democratic impulse and social and economic infrastructure for it in the country is very weak, and needs to be cultivated. Hence democratic minded individuals and organizations such as the Alliance for National Transformation led by the noble Mugisha Muntu, the Democratic Party led by Nobert Mao and I think the Uganda People’s Congress led by Jimmy Akena have little political traction. These men and the organizations they lead preach compromise, accommodation and moderation, the qualities that sustain a stable liberal democracy. They seek to defeat but not to destroy opponents. They believe power must be pursued through legal means, and they abhor lies, fraud, violence and blackmail. On the other hand, radical cults (Defiance and People Power) see compromise as “selling out”, moderation as a weakness and accommodation as dilution. The fact that the moderate groups attract little enthusiasm from the masses of opposition supporters and activists and their intellectual justifiers only shows how weak the democratic impulse in our country is. And the fact that radical extremist cults attract mass support from the opponents of Museveni only demonstrates how strong the forces of intolerance, violence and fraud dominate our politics. Thus many Ugandans tired of Museveni’s long rule cannot find a home in the mainstream opposition and find it futile to join the moderate parties because they have little support” (Mwenda, 27.07.2020).

We know from the past that Mwenda has high regard for Muntu. This is shown again in manner to disregard FDC and People Power. That was inevitable from him. What is striking to is that he says there are no alternative. Which is only showing his dismissal of several people in opposition. Except for Akena, Mao and Muntu. Who he deems fit, but knows they are not popular.

It is weird that a man that professes democratic transitions is just throwing several of political leaders under the bus. While he really thinks people are so stupid to eat this satire of defence. He defends the guys that stands for the constitution and laws, but the ones defying them is the problem. That is really unique, when he knows how the state operates and uses force towards the ones who stands in their way.

That he continues his rants about cults, without seeing his love-story with his own boss and kingpin, Museveni. Who nobody can beat or become alike. They never enough equipped or have the abilities needed to lead. That is just so fitting to everything. He says the FDC and PPM is intolerant, but the likes of Mwenda isn’t that welcoming or generous to make way. It is like he doesn’t understand the grievances and reasoning behind their will and defiance. However, at this point, that is water under the bridge and ironically another lost cause.

Last part of his piece that I will mention: “This is the dilemma of democratic progress in Uganda. The inability of moderate parties and politics to attract mass support and enthusiasm has led many liberal minded Ugandans to stay away from politics. This has left the political space to a tussle between Museveni and these radical extremist cults. This state of affairs is advantageous to Museveni: keeps many Ugandans away from the ballot box, therefore ensuring low voter turnout; which works in the president’s favor. And when he violently cracks down on these radical extremist cults, many people see it as justified” (Mwenda, 27.07.2020).

Well, if he thinks this is viable. He thinks that the moderates would ever have the success at this point. When your either behind bars for your stance or your paid loyalist. In that context, he thinks the people will back the ones who wants to dialogue with the President. A President that doesn’t listen to the pain and suffering, but hoping his force can undermine and silence people.

A man like Mwenda should know this, but he glosses over that part so easily. He expect the soft spoken individuals will gain traction in a Republic, where comedians are detained for a joke. That is seriously stupid, but still the argument of a government apologist. This just shows how little sense he can have when defending the indefensible at this point.

A crackhead needs his crack. It is evident, that Mwenda needs his Museveni and will shoot kisses to Entebbe and Nakasero Hill, even send the angel of love to shoot bows to Rwakitura farm. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine better prepare that umbrella [its going to rain]

It is soon campaign season, flag-bearers are being picked and the final pledges are being minted. The manifestos being prepared, the delegation conferences and primary elections are happening. Every little move to prepare the General Elections in 2021.

As fun as yesterday was with the launch of National Unity Platform (N.U.P) as the political party of the People Power Alliance and with the People Power Movement as the Pressure Group. Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine still have a long walk ahead.

It will not be easy. There is a storm brewing and it will rain. When it rains, it pours. It’s not going to be peaceful. However, I think the man knows this. His carrying a umbrella to whether the storm. Nevertheless, the man needs more than that. It will help, but not help when the wind gets strong and the rain-drops still hits his face.

There will be humiliation. He will suffer again. To go into an election like he does. Where all the odds are stacked against him. Will cost, just like it has done to other opposition candidates who has challenged the crown. Now, the biggest challenger is Bobi Wine. Therefore, the brute force will be turned against him.

That is why radio hosts who has him will meet the makers of this world. They will have trouble with Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) and possibly detained by the Police Force. Even in a “scientific” election, the same old issues will be used and methods are the same. Just another name and another reason. Still, the high above wants to contain the man.

The President will make rain, will create a storm and will cause damage to Bobi Wine. Expect ISO and SFC to follow him. CMI being after him and the LDUs too. RDCs blocking him entering a district and all possible charges between here and hell. That is what is ahead. Even months of house-arrest, if the Police Force gets their Besigye groove on. Playing “another rap” and singing tunes of other elections.

The rain will not stop now. The challenger will meet the brute force. It doesn’t matter what he does. At one point or another, he will be captured, charged and detained. It doesn’t matter if his innocent or haven’t a single crime. They got the state power and put some phony charges will buy the regime time. Just like it has always done. Not like riots, demonstrations or anything will go into anarchy or a total revolt. It will be a hot minute and die down.

That’s why the umbrella will shield Bobi Wine, but that is only for the soft rain. When the tropical storm hits or anything similar. He will be wet and drained. The state will secure that he freezes and doesn’t have ability to cover himself. He will suffer and will be in danger.

It is a dangerous mission. There is no soft ways for him. The associates and team around him can help, but they all are in the firing line. They all needs their umbrellas, as it will rain on them too. The rain doesn’t discriminate, it rains on everyone. They will meet the rain-drops and got to cover themselves.

Bobi Wine … good you have a tool now and not just an idea. However, you need a lot more, if you want to succeed. Especially, against as conning people as the ones you conspire to bring down. These people have no scruples and will use any means to stay on top.

They will sing the rain-dance, indefinetly to ensure you always have to use the umbrella, instead of being focused on the cause and mission ahead. Peace.

A look into Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform Launch Statement

Today, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine launched his political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), which will be an umbrella to the People Power Movement. The Political Party of the Pressure Group. That is why his statement is important for his next move ahead of the General Election in 2021.

Well, just like do others, I will do to Bobi Wine. I will look into what he says and drop my thoughts after it. It will be the most important pieces of the statement. Here will not be the whole statement, but some snippets of it and then discussing it. Because, that is the play of looking into it.

He started with this: “When we started the People Power Movement about three years ago, we had lengthy discussions about whether or not to register a political party. Our analysis led us to the conclusion that it was both untimely and impractical to form a political party. In any case, we were alive to the fact that the regime would foil any attempt to register People Power as a political party” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

I am sure the team and associates around Bobi Wine has discussed what to do and how to go forward. They had to find a way to be a legal entity and not just an idea. The Pressure Group would work for independents, but could be put into question over time. Also, the idea that the authorities wouldn’t accept People Power as a Party is most likely true. It would be shocking if they would nod to it and give it go. That would have been a healthy, but anticipating something else is naive.

As he continues: “As you all know, our message has been Mission 2021. Right from 2018, we have been telling all of you to ready yourselves for the 2021 election, because we believe that together, we can and must use that election to overwhelm and remove the dictatorship” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

It’s right for him to have this ideal and hope that he can conquer the NRM and the President with an election. However, that has been impossible since 1996. I have hard time believing anyone would unsettle and send Museveni packing over the polls in 2021. There is a need of a revolution and of defiance/civil disobedience at levels that has been unheard of. If the PPM and NUP uses that, then they can have hope for change in 2021. If they act like all the others before them. Then they will be beaten down and it will amount to nothing.

He continues: “And so, a few months back, when we predicted that we would find ourselves in this situation, we embarked on finding a solution. We set out to silently identify a Platform which we would use to answer this question. Although many political parties and organisations had reached out to us, our first and most important criteria was to look out for a formation which shares our values, aims and objectives. And there are many which do, but there was a political organisation whose message and objectives rhymed well with those very close to us. In order to make the message even stronger, in July 2019, we went ahead and successfully changed the name of this political organisation from National Unity, Reconciliation and Development Party to the National Unity Platform” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

I have a feeling that since its inception and seeing how hard he had to battle the authorities in his Kyadondo East By-Election. He knew this would be hard. So, I am sure the situation was that from get-go in a way. However, it sounds better just thinking a few months back. Not thinking from the start and knowing what happen early in the journey as a political active person.

I know the whole Republic is grateful that it landed on NUP and not NURDP. The last one sounds like a bad government program with foreign funding. So, they have had this in the making for a while. By this statement they have worked on this since last July and reveals the new party a year later.

He continues: “Therefore, today I stand here to announce to the nation that we are unveiling the National Unity Platform as the political wing of the People Power Movement. The National Unity Platform is a political organisation duly registered with the Electoral Commission and our symbol is an umbrella” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

I still find it funny that his calling it the political wing. It is the political party and the other is the pressure group. Both have their political agenda and foundation. They are registered different, but has the same goals. Just like other CSOs can campaign for a political party, even Unions can support a party and a candidate, but that is political, but they are not a party. The same is the difference between the PPM and NUP. The umbrella is just a fine feature, as so many other parties have already picked their symbol. The NUP had to pick something. Umbrella is fine, it stops the sunlight, rain and tear-gas. It is a nice thing to have and is a useful thing.

He continues: “Finally, I know there are those who may ask themselves where this leaves comrades and fellow leaders who belong to other registered political organisations. Friends, we are People Power. In the coming days, we shall embark on the process of formalising the People Power Alliance. The People Power Alliance shall be comprised of different political formations which we have been working with and those that will be willing to join us. Formal engagements with many of these brothers and sisters have already been ongoing and they will continue” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

Here is another swift change of events. Not only launching the NUP, but the People Power Alliance. I don’t know if that is consideration of the United Forces for Change (UFC) with People’s Government (FDC based) or the other party members associated with the People Power Movement. The PPM is already established and has its significant place. As a home from all parties and people who want change. To make it into an alliance. Is just, if I may, making the umbrella bigger with PPM, NUP and PPA. It is consortium of organization under the same banner, but you need soon a own lingo dictionary to be sure how to address it correctly.

The NUP and PPM would have been sufficient, unless he wants some more mechanisms to keep everything in order. However, with the addition, he might scare away some who is not into the cause and only used it for a political bargain along the line to elections.

The final quote: “In our case, we have consistently said that we are a non-violent movement and we have no plans of establishing a military wing. What we are doing today is to launch a political wing of our Movement so as to ensure that our mission to use the election as a strategy within the liberation struggle succeeds” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

We are seeing that the PPM and NUP are not planning to pick up guns and try a coup d’etat. Which is a healthy stance, not repeating the sins of old and trying it on a new generation of people. Using the same means the dictatorship came in and hoping not end up as the new one.

His hampering on the political wing, which for me seems weird. That is his prerogative. Because, at what point does the PPM loose value, since its only NUP whose political? When all policies, all people attracted to the PPM and not to the NUP. Many might turn into NUP as their haven and destined party. However, the PPM is the shuttle, the place where everything started and the Movement who gave way to NUP.

I still don’t see how the NUP and PPM will use this up-coming election to overcome the junta. The current day regime, by using the same tools its predecessors have done. The only thing different is its Bobi Wine and his cadres. It is fine and dandy, the flex and the ability to gain popularity. However, it is not like Besigye didn’t get popular too and was driving on a coach through Kampala before the last election.

So, I have hope for Bobi Wine, the whole People Power, but through an election. I doubt for change, for positive difference and actual getting rid of the ones besieging the state. No, they will not be beaten over the ballot. It needs something more powerful, something got to give and by playing the same rules as previous opposition. You will just turn into the same ills of the past.

Bobi Wine deserves better, everyone following him, deserves better, alas the state and the NRM is unforgiving. There will be costs, harm and pain. I don’t see anything else ahead. He needs proper tools, support and a machinery that has to blast the NRM to smithereens and I don’t see that yet. Peace.

Opinion: Under Bobi Wine’s umbrella

“Now that it’s raining more than ever

 Know that we’ll still have each other

 You can stand under my umbrella

 You can stand under my umbrella

(Ella ella, eh eh eh)

 Under my umbrella

 (Ella ella, eh eh eh)

 Under my umbrella

 (Ella ella, eh eh eh)

 Under my umbrella

 (Ella ella, eh eh eh, eh eh eh)”Rihanna on ‘Umbrella’ (2007)

Today in a move to outsmart the Electoral Commission and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) he launched the official party – National Unity Platform (NUP). This is clearly in a move, if the regime plans to stifle or stop the People Power Movment (PPM) as a pressure group. There been speculation of this and even TVO has hinted about that lately.

So, this was a move to outsmart that. However, saying the NUP is the political wing of the PPM seems a bit ridiculous. Let me address this briefly, the PPM is a political movement and not just an empty vessel. It is where many has registered and is associated as a vehicle for change. However, the NUP will be a political party that some of the ones associating with PPM will aligned itself with. Just like the DP candidates will be part of that party, but also associated with PPM.

Now, the PPM can have both independent candidates, but also own party candidates that stands for both the pressure group and the party itself. Just like in the previous election in 2016, when some DP stood for the party and was aligned with TDA. It is the same thing.

That is why both things are political, just one registered as a party and the other a pressure group. To entities, which is branching off its other and still aligned. It is very simple. It is under the same umbrella.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine shows again how savvy he is. Just like he went into dialogue and talks with Besigye. Again, he shows that he can think ahead and plan. To branch out and create his own is just the right move. It is maybe late in the cycle, but the PPM has already more relevance then other parties. More candidates and more nominations than ever. Therefore, some can be fielded by just the party and others can be associated with the pressure group.

This gives Bobi Wine and his associates two swords in one battle. Both the ability to have partners across the political landscape, but also create his unique party. That is really conning and also maybe the tools you need to address the public. Now, they cannot say his just a political club, a not serious politician. His maybe launching this late and just in time for the elections. However, the party is official and his not 100% independent anymore. His under the umbrella of People Power and NUP.

That’s the game of Bobi Wine. The PPM and NUP will challenge for real. The name is generic. National Unity Platform is as standard as can be. Bobi Wine didn’t go all out revolutionary or extra-ordinary on the name sake. However, that is not important. The cause is and the game plan too.

Now, he has to show his flex, even when it rains, when its sunshine and the in-coming tear-gas. It is coming, but he can always bring an “umbrella ella ella eh eh eh”. Peace.

Proposed 27 new counties: Which incumbent MPs will be hit by this?

This is nothing new. This is so ordinary that it’s a hectic mess to be up to date with the amounts of sub-counties, counties and districts. In such a manner, that the Electoral Commission are holding By-Election to early in districts and such before they are legally binding. Because the state in the Republic is so preoccupied with making new ones.

It is now revealed that they will elevate certain areas for new counties. One of them is Kapir Sub-county in Ngora district, where there is 16 parishes and 47 villages. The MP getting touched by this is the incumbent Ngora County MP David Malaba (NRM).

Another one is Butiru County, which is elevating anther sub-county in Manafwa district. Where there is 5 parishes and 71 villages. The MP getting touched by this is the incumbent Rose Mutonyi (NRM) of Bubola West County to be re-elected.

Then you have Kioga County in Amolatar distict, which will be carved into two. Where it will have Kioga County and Kioga North County. It has 10 towns and 11 subdivision. The MP that getting touched by this is the incumbent MP Anthony Okello (NRM).

The newly minted district of 2019, Karenga district out of Kaabong district. Karenga district have 6 parishes and 50 villages. Where they plant to carve out Dodoth West County into Napore West County. This is carving out the district of Reverend Simon Lokodo (NRM).  He must surely see the positives in doing this.

In Napak district in Bokora County, there is a plant to change Bokora County into Bokora East County. The MP that getting touched by this is the incumbent MP Terrence Nacho Achia (NRM).

In Ssembabula district in Mawangola county, there is plan to change that to Mawangola West County. The MP that getting touched by this is incumbent MP Joseph Ssekabiito (NRM). Mawangola is already carved into two northern counties, one in Mpigi and one Ssembabula. The third, the Mawangola South is in Mpigi district as well. So, the ones carving out the counties here. Has made a real hectic mess between the districts and counties.

In Otuke district and in Otuke County, there is plans to change the latter and create Otuke East County. Otuke have already 4 sub-counties, 23 parishes and 340 villages.  The MP that is touched is incumbent MP Julius Acon Bua (NRM).

In Ntungamo district, it is a plan to carve up Ruhaama County into Ruhaama East County. Ruhaama County has 6 parishes and 48 villages. The incumbent MP Moses Kahima Mugabe (NRM).

In Isingiro district, there is a plan to carve out Isingiro county, however, there is a Isingiro County North and Isingiro County South, but no direct Isingiro County. Therefore, the legislators who is making these changes are surely missing a memo. Because, the changes to a Isingiro County West might hit the Southern or the Northern County. As there are no direct county here. This either hit home for MP Alex Bakunda Byarugaba (NRM) or Bright Kanyontore Rwamirama (NRM). Who knows where they meant with this one?

In Bukwo district in Kongasis County, there is a plan to make a T’oo County. Bukwo has 4 sub-counties, 14 parishes and 121 villages. The MP that is touched by this is the Incumbent MP Reuben Paul Chelimo (NRM).

In Kaberamaido district in Kaberamaido county, there is a plan to carve out Ochero County. Ochero sub-county has 3 parishes and 48 villages. The incumbent MP who will be hit by this is Veronica Eragu Bichetero Isala (NRM).

In Kween district and Kween county, there is a plan to carve out Soi County. Kween has 5 sub-counties, 19 parishes and 189 villages. The current MP, the incumbent here is Lawernce Cherop Mangusho (NRM).

In Namisindwa district (carved out of Manafwa district) in Bubulo County East plan to make Namisindwa county. This will hit home for MP Apollo Masika (NRM).

In Soroti district in Soroti County, there is a plan to make Gweri County. This change will hit incumbent MP Kenneth Esiangu Eitunganane (independent). Gweri Sub-county have already 4 parishes and 49 villages.

In Serere district in Kasilo county, they plan to make a Pingire county. This will hit incumbent MP Elijah Okupa (FDC). Pingire Sub-county have 6 parishes and 26 villages.

In Mbale district in Bunghoko County, they plan to make a Bunghoko Central County. In Bunghoko they have 4 parishes and 61 villages. I’m not sure if this will either Bunghoko County South or North, which means it will either make changes for incumbents Gershom Rabbi Wambede Sizomo (FDC) or Michael Kafabusa Werikhe (NRM).

In Yumbe district and Aringa county, they plan to make an Aringa East County. Aringa is already carved into South, North and County. So, to make an East would have make it 4 counties out of one. This will hit incumbent MP Noah Ashraf Olega (NRM).

In Kyegegwa district in Kyaka North County, they plan to make a Kyaka Central County. The MP who will be hit by this is MP Paul Nsabimana Asaba (NRM).

In Mitooma district in Ruhinda County, they plan to make a Ruhinda South County. This will hit incumbent MP Dononzio Kahonda Mugabe (MP). Is this the way to get loyalist Kahinda Otafiire a pass into the Parliament again?

In Bududa district in Manjiya County, they plan to make a Bushigai County. This will hit home for incumbent MP John Baptist Nambeshe (NRM). If this is a mix of two sub-counties, the Bukigai with 7 parishes and 71 villages, and in Bushika with 6 parishes and 53 villages. With that name, that is the one that makes sense here.

In Pallisa district in Agule County, they plan to make a Gogonyo County. Agule sub-county has 6 parishes and 35 villages. Gogonyo sub-county have 3 parishes and 39 villages. This will hit the incumbent MP Francis Mukula (Independent).

In Namutumba district in Busiki County, they plan to make a Busiki North County. This will hit the incumbent MP Paul Akamba (Independent).

In Tororo district in West Buduma County, they plan to make a West Buduma North East County. West Buduma is already carved into two pieces, into a South and North. So, who knows if this will hurt incumbent MPs Jacob Marksons Oboth (Independent) or Richard Okoth Othieno (NRM)? Because, I am not sure to, which they meant as there are two already, but none that was on the list in question.

In Apac district in Maruzi county, they plan to make a Maruzi North County. If they changes this, it will hit incumbent MP Patrick Maxwell Ebong Akora (UPC).

In Kaboong district and Dodoth East County, they plan to make a Dodoth North County. This hits incumbent MP Samson Lokoris (NRM).

In Rwampara district in Rwampara County, they plan to make a Rwampara East County. The districted carved out of Mbarara District. This will change things for incumbent MP Charles Ngabirano (NRM).

In Kikuube district in Buhaguzi County, they plan to make a Buhaguzi County East. This will have effects on the incumbent MP Daniel Mpamizo Muheirwe (NRM).

As we see there plenty of old timers, long time incumbents and names that has come up before. Some of these MPs have wanted to elevate counties into districts to ensure more representation of their areas. This here come now in full effect. I have just pushed a few needles and found this information today. I think it is telling and show a lot.

As this is yet another step of making people confused about their voting history and ensure more NRM MPs. It doesn’t seem to equate another way. This is gerrymandering to another level. What is even more confusing about it at times. Is that I cannot be sure, which county they mean and who is touched by this move. That says a lot. Peace.

Opinion: The NRM hopes to contain Bobi Wine [like they did with Besigye]

We are repeating things. We are going in circles and some people wonders why we are going nowhere. The pragmatic, the ones who doesn’t want to stir the boat follows Mugisha Muntu, but that is why the army or the NRM doesn’t fear him. They let him go on his merry, as the disciples of Muntu will not cause a revolution. They will just sit, have some tea and leave it alone.

That is why Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is a whole other breed. When he steps out of his home to be at any radio station or TV show. The police will be in the surrounding area. The roads will be blocked, and they will push for him to be escorted home. Because, he will cause a stir just by showing up. That’s why the guns, the soldiers and the anti-riot police are their in full effect, when he shows up.

We have seen this before; this movie has been in the name of defiance and walk to work. This movie has been shot plenty of times across the Republic. The actors from the authorities are the same. The names might be switched, but they are practically doing the same thing. Instead of targeting Besigye and Lukwago, they are going after Bobi Wine and his associates.

What we can see right now is that the authorities and the ruling party is campaigning, they are using churches, yards and tents to hold rallies. They are giving away gear in connection to COVID-19 and using government schemes as a reason for holding rallies. While Bobi Wine is barely allowed to be in Media Houses. That is with intent, because the Ministers, the associates of the NRM are all out there gathering crowds in their spaces. While the FDC and Bobi Wine can forget trying to do the same without arrests, live-bullets and tear-gas. That is just the way this is played.

The Presidential Directives, the national guidelines and the electoral commission is clearly not independent. Just as the authorities and the regime itself is doing what it can to destroy a vibrant opposition. While they are busy scheming and holding rallies, while the rules and regulations says otherwise. The police say they are investigating, but will they arrest 10% of the cabinet and its ministers for flaunting these rules? Heck no, they will not even touch them. Only condemn and move-on.

The state will use all means to silence and stop Bobi Wine. Just like for no reason, no warrant and justification, the state put Besigye under house-arrest for months on end. Where he was not allowed to leave his home. Practically making his homestead a makeshift prison with guards and vans, ready for the inevitable escape.

Bobi Wine will again feel the blunt force, he will be charged with more criminal intent and inciting violence. There will be the charge of annoying the President and so on. There will be more blocked radio stations and venues for participating in the “Scientific” elections, which the NRM doesn’t give a rat’s ass about. They are just out and about meeting people. While the Bobi Wine and FDC cannot do the same. Yes, FDC open an office last week without the fuzz, but that is more a miracle, then an ordinary day in Northern Uganda. Usually, an MP from the FDC would be legal trouble doing so.

Bobi Wine will be in trouble, not because he causes it, but for the simple reason of his existence. That he challenge and stands up against injustice. That is why he will be contained by all means; the state will use force and be rough. They will leave no stone untouched and he could face again treason charges. That wouldn’t be shocking but expected at this point.

Just wait, all things done to him is to contain him and stop him. Ensure he has such a hectic life, with impossible movement and stepping outside his home. That they will hope that he becomes a prisoner of it. This is their goal. To silence and stop him. By using legal means, using impunity and hoping to get away with it. As his just one man and they got an army behind them. Peace.

Opinion: Byamugisha will be more lonely than Muntu…

Today, Moses Byamugisha have announced that his running for the presidency, but not through the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) as previously announced. He has other plans, certainly in regards, that ithere is talk of Dr. Kizza Besigye running again as the Presidential Candidate in the FDC. Nothing of this is shocking, but inevitable. Byamugisha had to see that one coming. As he knows the party and their movements better than anyone. He has been working there for ages and therfore, this move was awaited for his part. Especially, for a person wanting to aim at the Presidency. 

Byamugisha knows the FDC very well. He has been a mobilizer and helped the youths. Activists across the Republic knows him. Moses is well-known because of this. He has sought people arrested for their political activism and the former aide to Besigye.

Moses knows what happens when you loose out and seen others fall-out of love too. Byamugisha will be lonely out there. He will not have the machinery and support system of the FDC. Moses will be like Elton Joseph Mabirizi. Another independent candidate, but with some fellow supporters from the FDC.

That is why his a like a underling of Mugisha Muntu, the former Party President, but now Flag-Bearer of the Alliance of National Transformation (ANT). The New Formation and the new outfit for one man who never became the Flag-Bearer in the FDC.

Byamugisha will feel the blunt loneliness out there. After all the years in the FDC. When he stands as an Independent. He will not have the party behind him. FDC will uses their machinery on their candidates and flag-bearers. This is something Moses knows well, his been in the party for years. Not like they will give him energy or a time of day. Neither does they have a agreement with him like they have with Erias Lukwago. No, his on the whim on this one.

Muntu has had time to prepare for his departure and started to build his party in his image. ANTs are working and they are following whatever ideas Muntu has. Byamugisha have just launched the idea and today told he wouldn’t run for the FDC.

Byamugisha is saying what most of us knows. That there is limitations to ambition in the two biggest parties of the Republic. In both NRM and FDC there are two kings. They are the natural flag-bearers. Moses cannot stand, but he can be an aide.

However, Byamugisha will struggle. A sudden lone soldier without the generals or the majors. Moses will really feel lonely. He might act brave. Be a Spartan and wanting to beat the Greek. Nevertheless, Moses will not feel it like that. He goes both against the President and the authorities. A man who knows what Besigye has gone through over the years. A man who has seen what happens to activists and their battle against the oppression.

Therefore, Moses knows all of this. The difference between him and Muntu is that Muntu has a party. Not a giant party, but a starting organization, but Moses has only himself. Like I said, he might get someone with him, but nothing that will be working like when he was in the FDC.

Byamugisha have left the nest to early here. He went for the highest office to quick and without a machinery. This will be bloody. Muntu have some buddies and a sort of party at this point. Byamugisha has himself and his attempt to victory.

Moses will severe a loss. The loss just depends self inflicted injury. Not to forget how much damage he will make to the cause. His diplomatic about the severing of ties with the FDC and not running there.

However, not like Moses can make his own party now before 2021. Muntu has had some time, something Byamugisha doesn’t have. We have to wait and see. The only thing we do know is that this journey will be lonely for the man and he will have little to no support. Peace.

Opinion: Mwenda is prefixed for Mzee [and dissmissing Bobi Wine along the way]

Today on Facebook, the pseudo-intellectual and journalist Andrew Mwenda dropped another hit-piece on the opposition, titled: My Problem with Bobi Wine and his supporters. This is not shocking and this is to be expected. He has written countless of similar texts in concern to Dr. Kizza Besigye. So, his just reformulating it to fit People Power Movement and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine at this point.

We all know he has a “secret love-affair” with the President. That deep down in his heart he has passionate feelings and endearing opinions about him. Mwenda would wish he could join bonds and become a Spokesperson at the State House or get appointed to run the Uganda Media Centre. We all know that, because the Ad revenue of the Independent Magazine isn’t really all that. This is why he writes pieces like this in hope that somewhere along the lines that Museveni notice and gives him a heads-up.

Like for instance this part of his piece, which is such barren of his intellect:

If Bobi Wine became president, he has to reward his riffraff supporters with jobs. But they lack basic skills or experience for professional jobs. He cannot force the private sector to hire them. Neither can he recruit them into the state’s professional jobs. The only place he can hire them is in security services – army, police and intelligence organisations – which are always the dumping grounds of the lumpen supporters in poor countries” (Mwenda, 2020).

What is funny and tragic about this is that the President has hired and feeding the same folks that Mwenda addresses as Riffraff. The same people that Mwenda calls uneducated and lumpen. These are the citizens, who the President has represented for 34 years and not given opportunities too. It shows by all margins wher ethe state has failed and they are pinching the blame on Bobi Wine for elevating the same citizens. It is really a unique trait to undermine the same fellows that has grown up under the regime your defending. Like the President just last year gave a job and title to Jennifer Full Figure and Butchaman, both uneducated ghetto personalities. However, that is not an issue for Mwenda, right? They are skilled for that work, since he brushes that off?

He continues later in the piece:

Now under HE Bobi Wine, these lumpens will be the men and women in charge of Internal Security Organisation, police and army. They will be the ones collecting and analysing intelligence. President Bobi Wine himself will be intellectually handicapped to distinguish fiction from fact, slogans from policy. This is the raw material from which destructive tyrannies have historically been nurtured” (Mwenda, 2020).

It is just like the great mind of Mwenda forgets, that Museveni wasn’t all the well versed in politics. Yes, he gotten a position in Obote’s second cabinet and was a force to be reckoned with as he had a private army. However, Mwenda doesn’t think Bobi Wine can get experts to help him out and willingly want to serve him with advice? Not like the President today has all the brightest mind leading the various ministries and government agencies? They are all loyal subjects and underlings awaiting their pay-checks. The fiction he talks about is the one that only one man can rule and Bobi Wine cannot pick people. Not like the President haven’t picked foolish and ignorant leaders to lead these agencies and utterly failed, right? It is like this man forgetting the ills he wrote against Kayihura and Tumukunde, who both are now gone. They were not magicians, but loyal subjects to their king.

Then it’s the predestined journey Bobi Wine will apparently have:

So I find it difficult to embrace any and every opposition politician simply because they oppose Museveni. Africa has seen so many critics of government coming to power through a wave of populism. Except for a few exceptions, they have turned out to be worse than the ones they removed. Our nations have seen very many changes of government without much change in the quality of governance” (Mwenda, 2020).

Here we see the ever returning Orwellian belief that anyone taking over after a tyrant, have to become a tyrant himself to succeed. The nightmare turning into a genocide. The hero turning into a villain, when the person get into office. Because, there is no way Bobi Wine can turn good, listen to people and try to figure out the game from the office. It is not like Bobi Wine can negotiate or hold talks to secure safer passage of people. He just have to copy the President, burn royal palaces and send kings into exile. That is just what big-men do. Bobi Wine has to comply to that distorted narrative.

Yes, power corrupts, but his associates and his allies has to keep him in check. As well, as legal boundaries and measures to safeguard the public. Which all Presidents should have and not be ruled on the whim like the current affairs. The ones you have no trouble with and the governance that comes out from “high above”. It is just amazing.

Just like the ending of his piece:

It is therefore saddening that Ugandan elites clamouring for Bobi Wine are silent on the lack of values among the forces propelling this upstart in politics. Even worse is the lack of any policy alternative for Uganda. Surely, if opposition to Museveni blinds anyone to the thuggish character of Bobi Wine’s supporters, then this country is headed for disaster” (Mwenda, 2020).

Mwenda surely has the magical eightball, the psychic visions that he sees. That he has the out of body experience, as a village healer and the crystal ball to foresee the future ahead. We don’t need Nostradamus or anyone else. When we have Mwenda! He has seen everything already! He understand everything and everyone.

However, let me get serious again. I’m sure several of people was dismissing Museveni as an upstart too. He wasn’t always the old man, but a young minister and a visionary. Just like Bobi Wine is seen by some today. He became MP quickly and beat the odds. Proven his stamina and his placement in the world. Not someone to easily dismiss and throw under the bus. That is why Mwenda drops this piece today. Just to prove himself to the public, yet again.

It is nevertheless, not a well taken piece, neither is it smart nor have valid points. Only underscore the deep love he have for the current status quo. That he wants it to go as it does, because that suits him and his associates. This is why he speaks ill of Bobi Wine. Mwenda don’t know where he will be, if Museveni is gone. That might end some of those important envelopes and business deals he has in shadows.

Therefore, it is what it is. Neither provoking nor greatness. Just pure nonsense in the ordinary format of Mwenda. Another love story for the President and disgruntled claims, which can be debunked easily. Unless, he shows up at NBS Television with a crystal ball and says he saw the future. Then explained the madness in-front of his eyes. Peace.