Hoima By-Election: Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine Statement (27.09.2019)

Fellow Ugandans,

I have restrained myself from speaking about what has been going on in Hoima for the past two days. Now that a candidate was declared winner, I will say a few things.

First, let me congratulate comrade Nyakato Asinasi Kamanda, our candidate for Hoima District Woman MP. Thank you for putting up such a spirited fight. You did not have even 1% of the resources poured into this election by the NRM regime, but you did your best- waking up each day to move to the nearest and farthest points of Hoima district. You are a true fighter. The people of Bunyoro have a great asset in you. I congratulate the people of Hoima; the people of Bunyoro for making every effort to exercise your constitutional right to vote despite untold levels of intimidation by the regime. Thank you for embracing the message of change is such an incredible way. I can understand the level of disappointment you have today as you wake up to have another leader imposed on you; your will usurped. But courage my friends- ultimately, the battle shall be won!

Second, I congratulate and appreciate the forces of change for coming together in a rare display of unity in Hoima. I thank the many leaders in FDC, ANT, DP and other forces who have been positive to this cooperation.There were challenges of course. There are those who have decided at every point to put their personal or party interests above the interests of the people of Uganda. We condemn this behavior and moving forward, we must have discussions and decide what is more important.

As #PeoplePower, we came in to support an FDC candidate simply because we place the struggle for a better Uganda above anything else. It defeated all logic to see some leaders, apparently in the opposition, do everything to frustrate comrade Nyakato’s victory simply because she embraced and identified with #PeoplePower.

Third, I want to join my fellow leaders and other Ugandans in condemning the very high levels of election malpractices that were displayed in this election. As I did mention a few days ago, security forces have for these past days deployed in Hoima, not to keep law and order but to help Museveni and his regime rig this election. So many of our candidate’s supporters and agents were arrested. Many were brutalized. Some of them are held in detention centres outside Hoima. On the day of voting, many were brutally chased away from polling stations. The tally center was raided.

Our teams on the ground spent the day in running battles with vehicles which had pre-ticked ballots in favor of the NRM candidate. Available information shows that they took advantage of the vastness of the district to stuff ballots early morning in remote areas, and were caught later in the day. Several people recorded these things on video, which is why Museveni and his regime are moving to ban cameras from polling stations come 2021.
Her team has Declaration Forms which show different results from those which were declared. We shall support the candidate in every way if she seeks to challenge these violations. But let me also make it clear that these gross violations only make us stronger! They give us more reason to fight on. They prove to us that our cause is a right cause! Therefore we are not fazed- we are only challenged to work even harder.

Therefore, I want to encourage the people of Uganda not to lose sight of the cause and the urgency with which we must work. This whole night, I have been on phone with our foot soldiers and supporters who are understandably very angry and frustrated with the regime. Some are very disappointed and frustrated with the behavior of some elements within the forces of change. My message to these comrades has been that these are phases we must go through in a struggle as big and as serious as this. We are dealing with a desperate regime which is always on the look out for who to compromise. Therefore, the most important thing is to pick lessons. These lessons are indeed invaluable as we prepare for the final onslaught come 2021.

I have invited the #PeoplePower leadership for a meeting at which we shall assess this election and decide how to move forward. The good news is that dictators throughout history have done such things in an even smarter way than Museveni- but ultimately they fell and were dropped in the dustbin of history. The most important thing for us is to be smarter and more organized than the dictatorship. I am persuaded beyond doubt that we shall soon overcome.

Opinion: The Party formed in reactions to of a rigged election are now praising their own rigged by-elections!

We have had two more By-Elections in the Republic. This being in Hoima and in Kaabong, as the new Woman MPs was elected and the Declaration Form was delivered to the public today. After the darkness arrived and the uncertainty of what the real outcome would be. Since, the National Resistance Movement and the President had invested heavy into the both elections. Sent the army, bribing voters, pre-ticketing ballots and whatever else of techniques to “win”.

Surely, the number and the statistics will be weird and inconsistent, just like the amount of invalid votes and the spoiled number combined with total amount of voters. Also in combination of the voter turnout in 2016 versus in 2019. That also shows something is up. The numbers seems strange and also the ways the state did operate in the by-elections. We have the right to question it.

The way the NRM and its spokespersons did proclaim the victory. The way the Electoral Commission debunked released numbers from polling stations, as the waiting game for the real numbers happen through the night. As in the morning the Declaration Form was released and the victory was verified.

As in the glory of this false victory… the forged and rigged election, the President has to act righteous and as a big-man. That is why he was writing this:

The people of Hoima, mwebale muno, thank you for voting the National Resistance Movement, and my daughter Harriet Mugenyi. You have chosen to consolidate the NRM achievements, by voting a pro-development MP. Our people of Kaabong, Alakara nooi, you have shown that even with the lies from the Opposition, you know where the light is. I congratulate My daughter Tubo Christine Nakwang for winning the woman MP by-election. I also congratulate the NRM structures in the two districts for doing a good job and delivering these victories. The NRM is stronger than ever and its vision is correct” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 27.09.2019).

I wonder when the NRM says it was does, if delivering victories by blocking, arresting, voter bribing and direct rigging of the counting the ballots. Then its not really a victory. It is a big-game and misuse of power, which isn’t new, but this administration should have known better. Because, this one exists because of previous administration; which was supposed to have rigged the election in 1980. If there is one post-1980 should do, is to avoid the same sins, but instead it revamps it at every junction.

In the same instance, if the government was honest and having a level playing-field. The People Power Movement coordinators would be arrested, they wouldn’t detained and harmed by security agents, either soldiers, Special Forces Command (SFC) and police officers. If the NRM believed in their vision and their party achievements. It wouldn’t need to arrest so many people, block opposition people from campaigning on the radio and so-on. However, this is what it does.

Not strange that they would edit the results and “secure” the victory. Like they really won. The NRM can’t win in a fair game. It cannot, its hard to believe, because By-Elections becomes like War-Zones and your affiliation deems you fit or unfit to be close to the polls. Even if the person is already registered or confirmed decent by the rules of the Electoral Commission. Still, the authorities are picking up and pursuing opposition coordinators and so-on.

This is why, with the questionable numbers, the ill-actions of the state and the proclaimed victory on TV hours before the EC released the official numbers. We can surely say, this was written in the stars and just like the past elections was done too.

The President who went to the Bush for justice, is now promoting injustice and rigged elections. Which is weird, but power corrupts and that is shown by this mere polls alone. Peace.

Kaabong By-Election: Return Form for Transmission of Results (27.09.2019)

Kaabong By-Election: FDC letter to Electoral Commission – Re: Objection to Withdrawal of Adyaka Judith Nalibe (15.09.2019)

Uganda Police Force: Police Statement on Arrests at Court Premises (13.09.2019)

Opinion: Tired of Muntu’s hypocrisy

Democracy is not just about the will of the majority being done. It is also about the voice of the minority being heard. The greatest lesson we need to learn as a country is to think of politics not as a means to win power, but an opportunity to serve our people.” – Gen. Mugisha Muntu

I have no grudges or anything personal against retired General Mugisha Muntu, the former Party President of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), which now is both apart of Democratic Party Block and its Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and has members in his leaders in the People Power Movement (PPM). Clearly his ways are spiralling for relevance into the upcoming General Elections in 2021.

Alas, there is the case, his not only playing two horses, with his pragmatic ways, while his always trying to shine with his words. Which he at some point does, but I find it bit dishonest. Knowing how the Alliance of National Transformation exists. ANT didn’t become a thing, because the Nation asked for it. ANT didn’t become a thing, because there was a need or an uprising like Action 4 Change (A4C) or anything.

No, it happened because the General lost to Patrick Amuriat Oboi and since then held consultation with the FDC and externally. Withheld and postpones the operative dates and rescheduled the start of party. The New Formation turned ANT.

I wish I didn’t feel this way, I know its politics. But when this man speaks of “country before self” and such. Plus speak of opportunity to serve, why couldn’t he serve on the sidelines of the FDC? What was the need, if he believed in change to be the king on top? Wasn’t it possible if he humiliated himself and swallowed his pride.

Instead, he jumped ship and creates his own, by also putting the stakes in every other avenue possible. Which seems to be finessing the whole situation. To find the bargain and get the best out of the DP Block and PPM. By any means, consolidate his position and strategically find relevance as new alternative.

In addition, speaking with the tongue of a poet, like a magician, as he has done so many times before. Muntu knows this and therefore his quotes are golden. They can demystify a person. However, his actions are speaking loud too. Since, his insincerity about serving, as long as his the top coordinator, the man in charge and head. Than its fine, but don’t ask him to play second fiddle. That is not acceptable.

Muntu doesn’t accept to be second place, even if it means country before self, or serving the country. He will only serve if he gets the first place. Not a narrow second. That is why he should trade waters more carefully. He might thinks his outsmarting people by his pragmatic ways. But his falling short on his service, on his record and on his own astute beliefs. Because if he really believed it. He wouldn’t have created ANT, but worked for it inside his old party.

Alas, he didn’t because he doesn’t want to serve, he wants to number one. Peace.

The Judiciary: Re-arrest of Kaweesi murder suspects was high-handed (12.09.2019)

Opinion: Patron Andrew is a lost sheep!

In this here piece, I will digress the words of Andrew Mwenda, as he has published these earlier in the day on the 4th September 2019 on Facebook called ‘The corruption of People Power’. These sort of pieces get written by this man, now and then. Especially more often when its campaign season and when he can show token of loyalty to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and National Resistance Movement.

Today, its yet another day of this. I will take some small fragments of it. Because, it is not needed to read the whole thing. Since, these small pieces says what is vital from it. The rest is more of the same hogwash and stone-age mentality is known for the political voodoo that Mwenda is now known for.

People Power is the most trending political cult in Uganda. They are angry at the corruption of President Yoweri Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (NRM) government. While its followers carry a deep sense of victimhood, they are not resigned but energized. They want to get Museveni out of power – but what for? To that later!” (…) “Museveni has ruled with the same corruption and patronage as Mobutu of former Zaire. However, he has done this while sustaining an impressing rate of economic and therefore revenue growth. This has allowed him to continually build the institutional capacity of the state and meet the demands for more patronage and a bit of welfare. By not sustaining economic growth, Mobutu ate the goose that was supposed to lay the golden egg of state consolidation. Museveni has demonstrated that patronage and clientelism (corruption) are not necessarily injurious to state building but are an important accompaniment to it.” (…) “Thus control of state power became a means of controlling economic resources and in turn control of economic resources became a means of reproducing power through neo-patrimonial networks. African elites did not fight for independence to dismantle the colonial state but to inherit its privileges. Listening to them, it becomes clear that People Power is the embodiment of this popular expectation. Given power, it would reproduce exactly what Museveni has presided over – massive corruption and patronage – but most likely (and sadly) without his finesse” (Andrew Mwenda, 04.09.2019).

Fist and foremost, a cult is a organization with internal secrets, who comes with a mission and trying to catch people to it. Where they will keep them, with the mystique and personality driven, as the organization is playing a rouse and keeping them captured. That is why people are trying to leave cults, unless they are brainwashed.

Secondly, this is not how People Power Movement is operating and neither very secretive. It has a smashing personality driving it. But his not trying to cover his stances nor brainwashing his people. That is more the works of Mwenda and the NRM. Who uses propaganda and government outlets to unleash unverified “truths” and deceptive methods to silence opposition.

Third, what is weird with this text. Is how openly Mwenda defends the excessive patronage and corrupt behaviour of President Museveni. But because its him and his ways its fine. It is dandy, because his taxing it right and making the elite dance after him. That is really a message, which someone who supposed to speak sense shouldn’t do. This sounds like a brainwashing operation done to Mwenda, because, when is thieving acceptable? When Museveni steals for his Patronage. That is really a mental breakdown.

Fourth and final address, how can you know the outcome of the possible PPM driven government? When your considering them to continue what NRM did? How do you know? What is the evidence of anyone becoming Museveni 2.0? Just because Museveni became a Modern-Day Mobutu. Well, that is just a prophecy from a man that says thieving is fine for Yoweri. I don’t know what sort of charlatan, who would believe a man who says theft is fine for some, but believe me… this other dude will wreck the Republic.

Mwenda is a lost sheep. His a lost man. Surely, the defiance of Besigye broke his mental stimulus or something. Lost his marbles. Because there is a while since I respected the perspective of Mwenda.

Andrew where did you go? I don’t know, but certainly not somewhere, where you get enlightened. Peace.

Opinion: ANT’s fragile start ends up with a partnership with the DP Block

Well, the Alliance of National Transformation (ANT), the newly minted party from former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) rt. Gen. Mugisha Muntu has today shown sign of weakness. As his party is nearly launched and having consultation meetings across the Republic.

Still ANT is in the beginning face and now seeking alliance with Democratic Party Block or DP Block. Which is already filled one-man band parties of Social Democratic Party (SDP) of Michael Mabikke and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Abed Bwanika. These was the key patrons behind the DP Block. Now its revealed, that the party registered in January of 2019. Are now a part of the DP Block too.

That is sign of strength and broaden perspective for Norbert Mao, whose not has had many friends since he was a part of The Democratic Alliance (TDA). Surely, this makes him look important and that he got good opposition backers behind him. Even as the FDC and People Power Movement are moving on their own.

The DP Block doesn’t get more viable, even if it has Muntu. As his speaks of “country before self”, but his own agenda seems to be finding a space for him to shine. There isn’t anything that resembles strength or uniqueness in the ways Muntu has manoeuvred. Neither in anything Mao has been doing, except for his power-play some-days on NBS TV.

Let’s be clear, ANT is showing not their capabilities or their message by being part of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), the one that was supposed to reign in Robert Kyagulanyi and his brigades. Alas, that didn’t happen. It has only brought Mabbike, Bwanika and now Muntu. Is he awaiting someone else to so they can actually drive somewhere?

Because, at this point, this is still a TDA-Lite, even without the head honco of a Amama Mbabazi, a score and sore point to address the struggles and the big-man to have any appeal. With the cadres around the table, the measure of scope isn’t strong. Unless, they suddenly are able to show finesse and be political savvy to actually be relevant. This is not something you should anticipate from Mao, neither Bwanika nor Muntu. If so, why would they be there?

Unity isn’t bad, but this is like the losers club. Where the ones who couldn’t be a big-man, want to act like big-men, but is all dancing midgets. Well, its cruel, but a fact. They all want to be viable and express the concern of the public like Besigye, want the outreach and popularity like Bobi Wine. If not be unpopular, but still have the army like Anite. But, they have neither and acts like they can get it all by the half-baked measures they are doing.

As shown by the Democratic Party statement on the meeting today: “Next steps include the urgent declaration of our position on minimum reforms before the next elections. This doesn’t require the SPV as a precondition” (DP, 23.08.2019).

Because, if they wanted people to really join and follow the SPV, it should be able to function for the purposes of not only reforms, but basic governing. It is clearly lacking that, as it seems only to function as basis for the men to seem important. Which is by all means, a lot work to waste time. Peace.

PS: Bwanika hasn’t been so vocal lately, maybe he had a pay-off since last time we saw him.

Chief Justice Inaugurates Taskforce on Corruption (19.08.2019)