4th Time in 2020 at Nalufenya: Besigye preventative arrested today in Jinja

Police and Army officers have towed Dr Kizza Besigye’s car moments after blocking him from leaving Sunset Hotel International in Jinja where he spent a night. After towing Dr Kizza Besigye’s car from Sunset Hotel International in Jinja, Police have arrested him and is currently detained at Nalufenye Police Station” (91.2 Crooze FM, 26.02.2020).

On the 20th January 2020 Besigye was detained at Nalufenya Police Station. Also on the 22nd January he was detained again at Nalufenya Police Station. For the third time he was detained at Nalufenya Police Station on Monday 24th February 2020.

Today, it has happen again. After my calculation that Besigye have been detained only in 2020 4 times at Nalufenya. A place that was supposed to be history. A palace which was supposed to be closed in 2018 and late 2017. However, that has never happen.

That is why his been detained there four times there already this year (after my calculation). Now, he was detained before he even went to planned rally. This is what you deem as a preventative arrest of sorts. Which isn’t new for Besigye either.

This is just a continued impunity in concern with Besigye. He was able not to be arrested yesterday, but that happen today. Peace.

FDC 15 Years Anniversary rally in Buikwe: Blocked like always! [Kato and Besigye arrested]

Police today impounded Dr Kizza Besigye’s car REG NO. UAN 661V ahead of the opposition leader’s anticipated visit to Njeru Municipality in Buikwe District. Dr Besigye was expected in Buikwe to address an FDC rally as part of the party celebrations to mark 15 years” (91.2 Crooze FM, 24.02.2020).

Dr. Kizza Besigye wasn’t allowed to get to te Buikwe district today. The Police Force was waiting from orders from above or the “Emperor”. While in Njeru Municipality the police force used tear-gas to disperse the public from being a part of the 15 Year Anniversary celebration there. The LDUs was also used to get the public away from the area.

The car of Besigye was impounded. However, David Kato the driver was arrested and is detained as we speak at Kayunga Police Station. We know that the rally didn’t appear or happen, because of the blocking of it from the Police Force. NBS Television have later reported that Besigye was whisked away from the area around Jinja to Nalufenya Police Station. Therefore, his in a familiar place, as it is not like he hasn’t been detained there before. He has spent plenty of hours in that prison.

This is just like every other 15 Year Anniversary rallies, they are blocked and met with police violence. Today was nothing new. Just another location. This is a continuation. A never ending battle between the FDC and the authorities. Peace.

Opinion: Muntu’s Grand Illusion

We have no illusions that we or any other opposition actor can stop General Museveni from the abuse of national resources during the electoral process. He is already doing so. We also have no illusions that there will be a level playing ground in the 2021 electoral process. Our understanding is that no dictatorial regime ever creates a level playing field. Our participation in 2021 is therefore not going to be based on any expectation that the political playing ground is going to be level. That there will be a transparent, free and fair election. Our participation will be from the understanding that we can only overwhelm the regime from a position of superior organization. That is why we focus all our efforts on getting well organized. We know for sure that when you are well organized and disciplined you can overwhelm such a regime in spite of all the odds ranged against you” – Mugisha Muntu (Black Star News publisher Milton Allimadi’s Q-and-A with Mugisha Muntu – ‘Mugisha Muntu’s Beyond Regime-Change Vision: How ANT Wants to transform political culture in Uganda’ 31.01.2020).

By all means, there is a need for a change in the Republic. No one would deny that. Not a single soul would deny the need or hesitate to pursuit that mission. However, the National Coordinator and the founder of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Mugisha Muntu hollow point is coming across.

His been a political operative for so long. He knows this game, his been through his share of elections. Therefore, him speaking about it, he has the authority. However, the hollow points and the lacklustre ideals has to be addressed. Because, does he believe it himself? That he got the spirit, the drive and the vision to build this from the ground up?

What difference will his organizational skills be from Amama Mbabazi? Why will ANT matter more than Go-Forward. Not like he has had decades building a team, hold meetings and consult across the Republic. Not like ANT has an office space in every major town or has the ability to spread their message to every single individual. No, its like wishing for greatness, but not having the ability.

Muntu wants the change, he speaks of it, but only wants it his way. A mediocre and a lack of courage. He thinks building his own entity and his own brand will change the day. The “Country Before Self”. Even if he himself was himself before party. It’s a reason the whole operation is hallow just by that alone.

Mugisha Muntu might speak game, but if he really believed in this, why isn’t ANT everywhere and that his delegations on rotation to every single district of the Republic? Why are they not speaking loudly?

Why isn’t Muntu on Frontline or NTV Uganda more often? Showing his face and speaking his message of change through his operation and his party? Seemingly, he should be in people’s faces and on the radio. However, his a ghost and the machinery he has is like it too.

That is why its a grand illusion, that his ANTs will do it. It might be a clever to make Muntu relevant and has a new day job. But, for now he will not be the microphone that catch the attention nor spark fury for change. His more of the weak tea moderate, who would wait to trade favours for a pot of gold. Peace.

Kizza Besigye arrested for the second time in three days!

Former FDC party president Dr. Kizza Besigye has been arrested & detained at Nalufenya unit.This comes after police blocked Dr. Besigye at Nile bridge on his way to one of the radio stations he had been invited to for a political radio show” (Capital FM Uganda, 22.01.2020).

There is something that is right on schedule, just like taxes there comes the newsflash that Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader and former Presidential Candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye is intercepted, towed to another location, stopped from performing his role as political operative and detained somewhere.

Today he was only supposed to participate on a scheduled radio show at the Busoga Radio One. Even the presenter of the radio got arrested too by the Police Force. Therefore, the ones that associate with him is still in trouble. Who knows what charges they will pin on them both, but expect something out of the Public Order Management Act (POMA) and h the Penal Code.

This is just yet another day. Only two days ago he was detained and arrested. Than, also taken to Nalufenya Police Station. To be hidden away in the murky police station, which is known for torture and the like. It is interesting and shows their intent when they take him there, yet again.

Besigye is not allowed to be a active politician. His muffled, arrested and taken to prison at any given day. It is clockwork. You can promise that it will happen. The Police Force is ready to incept the White SUV and impound him. Tear-gas him and detain him. That is what they are doing and continues to do so.

It was when the party was trying to celebrate its 15 Years Anniversary of the FDC on the 20th January 2020, that Besigye was arrested last time. Then also taken away, impounding his car and detaining him at Nalufenya.

If your thinking the General Elections of 2021 will be fair. You should forget about that. Because, there are no shadow of a doubt of the rigging, the intimidation and the usage of force to tame the opposition. The likes of Besigye and Bobi Wine will be in legal jeopardy. They will be behind bars. Will face charges and be “criminals” because they face the “high above” and the one nobody supposed to dare. However, they do and therefore, they have to face the consequences.

If that maybe Nalufenya or Luzira. They will be there at any given time. If not the Police will preventative house-arrest them and make their homes a prison. Peace.

Opinion: Thanks for reminding us that Nalufenya is still active!

The Police Force and the authorities in Jinja could have been wise. Especially, since there been such a silence about the Nalufenya Police Station and the dungeons there. Which has been known for torture, arbitrary arrests and preventative methods used their.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) with their partisan police force has today reminded the word about Nalufenya. The one that was under scrutiny in 2017 and early 2018. However, that has gone in book of forgotten sins. Since then, the state has apparently continued to operate the place, but without issues in Parliament nor questions from the Police Force itself.

IGP Okoth-Ochola was supposed to close the Nalufenya in April 2018. However, if it had been so. Than, Dr. Kizza Besigye wouldn’t be detained there today on the 20th January 2020. That is close to two years, when it was supposed to be closed.

Now, we cannot expect the Police Force, neither IGP nor any of the authorities will stop using Nalufenya. As it is a prepared torture chamber and prison cells for silencing critics. The state will keep this place alive, because it needs it as a scare-crow and also a useful tool.

Therefore, we are seeing a repetition and the state repeating old sins again. They are using all their tools to stop Besigye. They will keep him there for while, maybe transfer him to Nagalama Police Station or somewhere else fitting. Before even sentencing him to Luzira Prison. Who knows?

But we are now seeing, that the Police Force are keeping one their most infamous places. One who is known for torture and illegal detention. They have kept Nalufenya alive. That is a warning sign.

A sign of trouble ahead for General Elections 2021, as the state are using this to scare the ones who oppose and dare to challenge it. Peace.

FDC 15 Year Anniversary Celebrations: The Police causing havoc most places

What is ironic about today, the 20th January 2020 was that Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga was walking for democracy. While the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) would struggle to hold meetings, celebrate 15 years as a party across the Republic. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) could just recently walk in memory lane, but again hypocrisy at its finest. As the opposition parties cannot do the same.

The news all across the Republic today is burning. Tear-gas, arrests and depressing activities from the Police Force. Instead of shielding the citizens and dissidents of the state, they are arresting and trying to silence them. This is the M.O. of the state, but still boring that it continues. What was even more striking. Is the knowledge that Nalufenya is still active, because that was promised closure in early 2018.

FDC has gotten in trouble in Mubende yesterday. While today, they have gotten a real problems in Jinja, Busia, Bukiwe, Mbale and in Soroti. While it was successful in Kumi and Namutumba. Therefore, today has been a hassle, but a few small positive things. But they are overshadowed by the depressing attacks on the party. Not only that Dr. Kizza Besigye is detained in Nalufenya and Patrick Oboi Amuriat at Soroti Police Station. That is bad enough.

Here’s the information.

Mubende:

Police commanded by ASP Ssekalema Shaban, the OC Station has blocked and dispersed an FDC Leaders meeting that was organised at Gwaniika Village, Nabingola Sub County, Kasambya constituency at Home Land Organic Gardens. Deputy President Owek Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo had led a delegation of leaders from Buganda Region including Vice Chairman Kibuka Mukalazi, Mrs. Ssebuwufu Harriet Nakiyemba the Ethics and Culture Secretary, Muzei Kalule Samuel Kiseyeye the Secretary for Elders, Mr. Kizito Livingston of the Security Committee among others to meet the local Party branch in Mubende in abid to reorganize the lower level structures” (FDC, 19.01.2020).

Jinja:

Police in Jinja have arrested Dr Kizza Besigye and whisked him to Nalufenya Police station following running battles between police and FDC supporters” (NBS Television, 20.01.2020).

Busia:

Security forces blocked and dispersed an FDC Anniversary celebrations today in Busia district. The Party had sent Hon. Mwijukye Francis as the Chief Guest” (FDC, 20.01.2020).

Bukiwe:

FDC 15th anniversary cerebration in Lugazi Buikwe district have been disrupted by police and the district chairman Mr. Kanaabi Jimmy has been arrested and taken to Lugazi CPS” (FDC, 20.01.2020)

Mbale:

Mbale district FDC boss Wokuri Madanda arrested as police blocks FDC 15 celebrations. FDC was scheduled to hold its 15th anniversary celebrations in the district on Monday(today) but was blocked by Police on grounds that the party did not seek permission from the district authorities and that aspects of the public order management law were not fulfilled” (Emmah M. Bwayo, 20.01.2020).

Soroti:

Amateur video as Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat was being towed to Soroti CPS by a fire brigade vehicle. Meanwhile in the second photo, UPDF soldiers now patrolling Soroti streets, all shops, Kafunda Hotels closed” (FDC, 20.01.2020). It is later reported that the Patrick Oboi Amuriat is arrested and detained at the Soroti Police Station.

Kumi Successful:

The Celebrations in Kumi district were uninterrupted and the Cheif guests were Ms. Plan Virginia Mugengyi, the Deputy Secretary for Education, Sports and Arts at the National Executive Committee, and Dr. Okello Ekwaro, our Party Chairman for Apac District. This successful event was coordinated by Kumi district Chairman Ebokorait Abdallah and Ms. Suzan Norma Otai, the Deputy Secretary for Conflict and reconstruction at FDC National Executive Committee” (FDC, 20.01.2020).

Namutumba Successful:

Namutumba district under the full Command of Chairman Wante Jamal held their meeting/ Celebrations successfully” (FDC, 20.01.2020).

I don’t think this can be stated enough. There isn’t a real democracy, when a party cannot organize or even be able to hold meetings and gatherings. The Police Force is singling out and directly stopping what the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is doing. No one can deny that. Because its so blatant and direct.

This is just proving what the state will do and continue to do until the general election in 2021. To think otherwise is naive. This is just the reality. Impunity in action. Maybe, Kadaga should walk for the FDC too. Peace.

Opinion: Moses Byamugisha don’t become a punchline like Mabirizi

The ones that remember the independent Presidential Candidate Elton Joseph Mabirizi. He was a punchline and a joke during the Presidential Campaigns during the General Elections of 2016. Now, the previously trying to be a Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Moses Byamugisha. He has walked in the shadows of other leaders within the FDC, but still has a positive standing there. Worked tirelessly for the activists and youth organizations of the FDC.

Byamugisha has criss-crossed the Republic doing this. He has gone to places where people been detained for the FDC campaigning and fought to get the youths released. Therefore, he has earned his place and hasn’t come out of nowhere.

Still, he should be careful as he now ushers his Presidential Aspirations for 2021. Not because his young and such. He is already mature in the game of politics. His seen and been in the line of fire. As an FDC Official, he knows this and therefore, its daring for him to go out now. Especially, if he plans to challenge Dr. Kizza Besigye and Bobi Wine. Since, he hasn’t the flair they got. But, he got to start somewhere

We know he doesn’t have a big enough political standing in his own party, as both him and Mugisha Muntu both lost to Partick Amuriat Oboi in that election. Even though that starts to be a while ago.

I am wondering if he plans to start his own political pressure group or going independent. Since this is a daring move of him. I admire his aspiration and his will power. But this will cost him. If he makes weak statements and speeches like Mabirizi, he will be youthful punchline this election. He will be the minion fighting kings.

The ideal and will is good in itself. He has aged in politics and been an operative for long. Not like his walking into this naively or blind. Moses knows this and knows parts of this. As his seen what happens and how things are. Therefore, shouldn’t he try to associate himself with others for a while longer. Instead of throwing everything at something that is initially impossible.

It is impossible, because its not like Museveni will loose in 2021. Its not happening, because of popularity or ability to get public engaged. It is because the system is all his and all men are loyal to him. If they doesn’t praise the ground he walks on, they will not get an envelope at the end of the month. Therefore, the costs of standing is not only foolish for anyone.

If your not doing it prove the system is rigged, that you hadn’t a shot in the first place and the ones standing wants to get validated for the public. Because, the race is already closed and we knows whose winning.

That is why I wonder why a man with this potential wants to put his chips in now. He plays with likes of Besigye, Bobi Wine and Museveni. It is not like he has that standing. His more known than Mabirizi was before the campaigns. However, he still not a big-man, but one that has the potential to be there in the future.

Byamugisha, don’t become a punchline. Don’t use this platform for useless spins on social media and in the media. Your hard work and dedication to the youth over the years. Deserves much more. You could even easily run for MP and be respected without any issues in a heartbeat. Like several of the coordinators of the Activists 4 Change (A4C) did in their heyday.

Therefore, this is just me thinking, but not being negative. Just paying my respect to your actions. As you have to answer for these. Just use it wisely, we don’t want remembered like Mabirizi. Feel me? Peace.

Opinion: The ones on the bus always dismiss Besigye

Besigye was relevant then because he came from the NRM with some people and indeed it happened. On the percentage of opposition then, Besigye came with an addition, but is he still able to add more support, NO, he does not have the capacity”Charles Rwomushana

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its shadow backers will always dismiss Dr. Kizza Besigye and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). If this is the “independent” MP Mohammed Nsereko or political analyst Charles Rwomushana. Even the ilk of Andrew Mwenda, Bebe Cool and all the others will all throw shade at Besigye, like its their meal ticket.

Now, that the 2021 elections are up on the horizon. The People Power Movement is growing and the anxious, passengers on the bus are awaiting their destination. The NRM are trying not only to deflect harm at Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, but also the relentless and never ending story of fight against dictatorship Besigye.

It is like people are complaining that Besigye is not stopping. But, has his battles been won? Has his struggle finished? No, Museveni is still there and bus is still knocking everyone else on the way. One of them is Besigye. That is why the enriched and the ones closely associated with the bus is bitching about Besigye. Like they cannot see, that their should focus on Museveni and how he plays the game of chess. They are his pawns and they accept that fate.

It wouldn’t be shocking if former Presidential Press Secretary Tamale Mirundi was still getting pay-checks from the State House, as his day-in and day-out in NBS Television talking non-stop ill of the opposition. As his wearing yellow. We see you, we have seen you and its obvious.

That Charles is aiming Besigye isn’t shocking, his done this for years. The same with Nsereko who wants to be relevant too and in that regard. Doing the bidding of the bus, while acting like a renegade, which his really not. If he was, he wouldn’t be in the good graces and be able to rotate like he does.

Therefore, this is the first of plenty of shots ahead of 2021. The aim is to weaken the opposition. Is to put sour taste between Bobi Wine and Besigye. To make the enemies, so that they are fighting each other, instead of finding avenues for a peaceful transition of power. Not, that Museveni will let them or give way. Nowhere is there any visible signs.

So, the ones driving the bus is telling the direction and guiding the ones there. They are passengers, whose grateful to participate and be there. Since it is like that, they have to show tokens of loyalty and say these things about Besigye. Because that cleans the hands of the driver and his ills get forgotten. As everyone is discussing why Besigye is still around and his motivations. While everyone is forgetting, the same machinery, the same state of affairs and control over everything is still there.

Not Besigye have won yet, not like the FDC has fulfilled its mission nor its reason for being founded. The issues are still there. It has just moved for over 2 decades and still have to ignite a flame. Not that its easier now, as there are new faces, there are new platforms, but the aim should still be same.

That is why people are blaming and aiming at Besigye. His the easy target. Not like these people are afraid of Nobert Mao or Mugisha Muntu. Both of them are to pragmatic to even spark any fire. That is why they either aim at Besigye or at Bobi Wine. Because, they can awake the people and get them woke. Peace.

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

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

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

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

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

The Press Release:

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

District:

MP:

Kibaale*

Basemera Noeline Kisembo (NRM)

Kagadi*

Janepher Kyomuhendo Mbabazi (NRM)

Kakumiro**

Robinah Nabbanja (NRM)

Omoro*

Catherine Lamwaka (NRM)

Rubanda*

Prossy Mbabazi Akampulira (NRM)

* Poll date on the 29th August 2016

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

The Press Release:

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

District:

MP:

Bunyangabu*

Peace Regis Mutuuzo (NRM)

Kyotera*

Robina Nakasiyre Ssentongo (DP)

Namisindwa*

Grace Watuwa Namukhula (NRM)

Pakwach*

Jane Pacuto Avur (NRM)

Rukiga*

Caroline Kamusiime (NRM)

* Poll date on the 21th September 2017.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From his verbatim:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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