Opinion: Attorney General Byaruhanga’s Electoral Reforms are aimed at Bobi Wine!

There is no doubt in my mind, when I read the latest pieces of leaks on the tabled bills from the Attorney General William Byaruhanga. That his only intent is to stifle the opportunity to reveal electoral rigging and stop the independents like Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.

Why do I say that?

Well, his brilliant idea of banning all cameras and phones from the polling station for one. This is really an direct effort to stop leaks of videos of pre-ticked ballots and ballot-stuffing of ballot-boxes. To think otherwise is naive, if not the re-writing, Tipp-Ex editing of Return Forms would also be easier if no-one took a direct photocopy of the paperwork before releasing it to the Electoral Commission or getting it processed. This is just simple Math and easy to understand.

Another brilliant idea from the AG Byaruhanga is how his restricting Independent candidates of both MPs and Presidential Candidates.

First he want to block independent Presidential Candidates from forming alliances with any registered political party. Also, to stand as an Independent, you must have ceased being a member of a political party for at least one year. The political party must consent to your leaving the party. Continuing with the Candidates barred from becoming Independents after participating in a party primary. Following that an ex-party member can run as independent one year after quitting their parties. If your was thinking this was enough, no its not, as upon election as independent, a member is free to ally with a party of their choice and finally an Independent presidential candidates is barred from forming any alliance with any political party.

If you read into it. The Independent cannot turn independent before a year in advance and drop-out of own party to still be fielded as candidate at the General Election, as many did in 2016. However, this also stops many of President own men, if this is getting through. That one is not direct at Bobi Wine.

However, the connection with Political Parties and Independent President Candidate forming alliance with Political Parties. Is what happen yesterday with the People Power Movement. Just like the Pressure Group of The Democratic Alliance went in alliance and had an Independent President Candidate Amama Mbabazi. So, that was fine in 2016, when Museveni wasn’t afraid of his former ally, but today and now in 2019. The National Resistance Movement is frighten, pissing in their pants and ready to Electoral Reform to make People Power Movement (PPM) illegal by definition.

Also another suggestion in the bills, is that Political Parties are not allowed to any links with Pressure Groups and is even barred from doing so. Meaning that the Forum for Democratic Change and Democratic Party cannot be connected to the PPM by any means or through any deal. As the Electoral Law is banning that, as well, as the FDC cannot support or be joining the Independent Presidential Candidate of Bobi Wine. Just like the DP could support TDA/Go-Forward Independent Presidential Candidate Mbabazi in 2016.

You really see the deal, that the NRM and AG Byaruhanga is doing these days. His really working to undermine the Electoral Reforms to hit the PPM. This is not done to ensure the needed reforms. Because none of these are what the Election Observation Missions stated after the elections of 2016.

This is all targeted at Bobi Wine as an Independent Presidential Candidate and the alliances with various of Political Parties, as he has MPs whose aligned there. But funny how this is happening in 2019 and not in 2015. Maybe, the President and NRM didn’t fear Amama, but they are afraid of Bobi? Peace.

People Power Movement Structure Launch: Notable Mentions!

Today was the launch of the People Power Movement structure, the political formation, which is the true formation of the pressure group and not a direct political party, where all sorts of walk of life can be affiliated with it. The structure show some interesting characters, which has shown allegiance elsewhere in the past. Some of which, might even strike odd.

While the usual suspects of Kasiano Wadri Independent MP of the West Nile, Francis Zaake MP of the Youth Movement and so. Also, Asuman Basalirwa MP of Justice Forum of Busoga. These three MPs are leadership figures and was the usual suspects in the movement. However, there are few other ones that deserves a recognition today.

First its Kasese MP Winnie Kiiza, who just recently left the Forum for Democratic Change and went to Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) and is now also the leader of the Kasese structure of the People Power Movement. She has really taken steps to make herself viable post-FDC and post Minority Leader in the 10th Parliament.

Secondly in Acholi, the leader there is Lucy Akello of Forum for Democratic Change. She’s been conflicted before and had double support. This was before the previous election, when she had support of the The Democratic Alliance, but they withdraw their support right before. But, for a little while she had to backers. Now, she will have the People Power and the FDC behind her in Amuru.

Third, also in Acholi is the FDC juggernaut Gilbert Olanya MP whose worked hard and gotten arrested for working against the land-grabbing in Apaa village. This has cost him dearly, plus the shattering touch of womans fake leg.

Fourth, is unique character, his a National Resistance Movement MP for Jie County in Kotido district, him humbly being Moses Adome Bildard. His one of the adorable NRM Rebels against the age limit and has now totally blind-sided many by joining Bobi Wine and People Power. Surely, he should soon go independent or join an opposition party. Because what good does it do to go against the sole candidate in your own party, which is the goal of People Power?

Fifth is another one, who is part of the NRM, this being Woman MP for Amuria district, Susan Amero. Whose on her first term as MP and is also one of the NRM Rebels against the abolishment of the Age Limit. Surely, she should also with time leave the fold and seek greener pastures elsewhere, as she has decided to work against the sole candidate of her party.

Sixth is another one of the NRM MPs in the fold of People Power, this time its the Ankole leader, the Kasambye County MP Gaffa Mbwatekamwa, whose become a harsh critic against the NRM and the President. But still is a member of the party and now also a vital part of the People Power. Which is a rare breed still, Yellow on the outside, but red at heart.

Seventh, also odd out and yet another critical NRM MP Barnabas Tinkasimire, the Buyaga County MP and now the Bunyoro leader of the People Power. Surely, these rebels must be an eyesore for the President.

Eight, is yet another character, this time a Democratic Party lawyer and ally of Bobi Wine. This being the MP of Busiiro County East, Medard Sseggona Lubega, whose one striking out of the DP Block and joining the People Power. Surely, this must be painful for Mao, but well he lost Florence to the NRM earlier in the week. Surely, he can handle this too. By the way, he will lead the team of Kampala Metropolitan an important opposition stronghold.

Nine, another DP Latif Ssebagala, the renegade MP of Kwempe North Constituency has also joined the People Power Movement. Not shocking, but still a character to follow, indeed. Yet, another one moving away from Mao.

Tenth, is another of the NRM rebels whose have joined the People Power, this being Patrick Nsamba of the Kasanda County North and leader of the PPM in Greater Mubende. Surely, he and the other NRM MPs will be thrown out by the morning in the party. If not sanctioned and questioned, as they are not only rebelling, but joining forces to work for the end of Museveni.

Eleventh is another DP, the Greater Mpigi PPM leader is now Kivumbi Muwanga MP of Butabala County. His been a critic of Mao and even fought in Court over his victory in the constituency, where Mao has called the MP stupid. Therefore, surely this is broadening his wings and have a safe-heaven on the outside of DP.

Twelve is yet another DP, the Greater Masaka PPM Leader is now Mathias Mpuuga, a well respected, strong in force and opposition of the NRM and Museveni. Someone who has worked tirelessly since the Walk-to-Work demonstrations, whose been behind the DP and the TDA too. Surely, someone I respect for his will and resilience against the regime. PPM is lucky to have him.

These are the ones I noticed briefly over the presser and press release. Who all deserves to mentioned. What is striking is the amount of NRM rebels, DP MPs and also some FDC MPs. This shows the broad spectrum of affiliates in the People Power Movement.

Let me not forget a non-MP, but strong activist Moses Bigirwa, whose been arrested plenty of times for his work in the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), his been the spotlight of the authorities since at least 2016 and been a DP, but also an PPM. Not it is official and he has a role in the Busoga region.

Well, enough for now. The PPM has now structures and plenty of people behind them. Also, leaders of various affiliations and parties, but also across the Republic. This shows what sort of groundwork been done by the PPM. Not just talk. Robert Kyagulanyi is showing finesse with this. Peace.

Nebbi By-Election: Return Form for Declaration of Results (12.07.2019)

Another day, another bail hearing for Besigye’s Treason Charges: By the next trial date lasting a total of 1208 Days!

On the 13th May 2016 at Moroto Magistrate’s Court the judge charged Dr. Kizza Besigye with treason for declaring himself President after the General Election of 2016. Which have now been prolonged for the longest. The National Resistance Movement, the Police Force and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) have insisted to continue the case.

This is really showing the enforcement and how the state is monitoring the opposition leader. They are using this case to monitor the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader and always have an excuse to know where he is.

Just take a look:

Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court has again issued criminal summons for former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president, Dr Kiiza Besigye, to face charges of treason” (…) “The magistrate issued criminal summons against Besigye and adjourned the case to September 2, 2019, for mention. The prosecution alleges that Besigye between February 18 and May 11, planned to forcefully ascend to the Office of the President when he declared himself the elected president of Uganda” (Michael Odeng – ‘Court issues criminal summons against Besigye again’ 10.07.2019, New Vision).

Why is this amazing, because of the 13th May 2016 is far, far away. The case will be by that time over 3 years old, 3 months and 21 days or about 1208 days in total. Some would say this case has been lasting 39 months and 21 days. If this continues like this, the treason charge and case will last into 2020 like a sore thumb.

This just shows the mediocre ways of the NRM and their authorities. They just have to prolong this, because they got to. They still fear Besigye and what he represents. This is why they will make it clock into 2020 and even 2021. They have already surpassed 3 years and 3 months by September 2019, which is a feat in itself. Peace.

The Charge document:

Uganda: Judiciary – We welcome partners in the corruption fight – Chief Justice (09.07.2019)

Opinion: No level playing field in the Republic, Jajja’s calvary blocks the Opposition!

Well, over the recent days, there been ordinary news, but if you combine it all. You see a pattern. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) tried to access a radio station to a paid appearance with Dr. Kizza Besigye and Partick Oboi Amuriat in Adjumani district. This got cancelled and ended with tear-gas as they was barred to enter.

In a few days ago, the former FDC President and new leader of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Gen. Mugisha Muntu tried to hold a meeting in Mbarara, but to no use. As the Anti-Riot Police blocked him and ensured that he couldn’t access the place of the meeting.

As the newly minted Democratic Party Lord Mayoral Candidate for Kampala Jose Chameleone starts campaigning for the 2021 race. His concerts has dried out and blocked by the authorities, just like it has happen to Bobi Wine.

While all of this happening, the National Resistance Movement are holding rallies in several of locations, the President are gracing the local radios and giving gifts to local dignitaries. His even receiving honourable titles in Busoga for Gods sake. The President and his team can be at any venue, with any crowd without any interference, while the opposition will be in hot water and tasting tear-gas before even thinking about entering a crowded street. There will even be machine guns and LDUs gracing the streets to welcome the opposition. That is the current affairs of the Republic.

We can really see a pattern, where the big-man, the President of 33 years can do whatever he wants and campaign as much he pleases. While the rest has to meet the Police, Anti-Riot Police, LDUs and state agents armed to their teeth. That is what striking difference it is there. The closer we get to the elections, the more violent the state agents will be too. Also, expect more of the opposition leaders to be detained and temporary be out of the game. Because of they inciting violence or annoyed the President.

There is nothing new under the sun. However, this is a known tactic will be more fierce. Don’t be surprised. This is who Museveni and the NRM is, even as the PPU and other PR outlets tries to make he look like saint, his act is of a villain. A villain who cannot handle dissidents. Peace.

The man behind the Arua Stone is charged, but why not drop charges against “Arua 33” and MPs?

The 13th August 2018 are haunting the people who was part of the Arua By-Election. The Members of Parliament, the Arua 33 and the ones who was part of the opposition team beating the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate there.

There been plenty of charges, gathering of evidence, even arms and bullets discharged. Still, there been no case, no profile and no verdict on the People Power MPs nor their supporters. An almighty and powerful Arua Stone attacked the Presidential Convoy, which have never surfaced, while no one has to answer for the driver of Bobi Wine death. Until today, someone has to answer for the stones hitting the convoy, but the others are still in legal jeopardy.

This is 311 days, 10 months and 7 days. NBS Television reports: “A 70-year-old man has been arrested in Arua for allegedly stoning President Museveni’s car and smashing its rear door glass on 13th August 2018. Omar Risasi was summoned on Tuesday to make a statement and later detained” (NBS Television, 20.06.2019).

This should mean that the charges against the Kyadondo MP Robert Kyagulanyi, Francis Zaake MP and others should be dropped, since the authorities have found an culprit. Which isn’t any of the high profile or any of the Arua 33.

Since, the charges against the ones are still viable, the pending trail is still on-going and the evidence collected against them are still in Arua. Therefore, the UPF and the authorities are still acting as the Opposition are the ones behind it. Even if they have now a new suspect and even detained a whole different person for the crimes against the President. We are now also seeing that the destruction of a luggage car of the President is more valuable, than the life of an citizen, the driver who got killed during the same day. Which still isn’t investigated or even cared for, his life is without value in the sense of the authorities.

Even with all of this, we are learning the values of this government. AS they are persisting to assault the freedoms of people, take people for granted and not dropping charges, even as the discovery and finding evidence doesn’t pull way against the ones the state wants to indict. The NRM and the government are looking foolish, just like the stories about that window.

Seems like they just found a character they could depose and suspect after ten months, instead of actually trying to find the ones breaking the glass. Because, the windows of that Presidential Car was broken perfectly without any damage of the paint, nor any significant damage on the rest of the car. Like the tinted metal could manage everything, while the window could just give way.

This seems like a fishy move, but if it was believable, the state would have dropped charges against the Arua 33 and the MPs in question. Alas, they are not doing that, so the political motivated investigation and charges are still alive and living colour. Peace.

The Second Summit of Leaders of the Inter Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) – Monday 20th May 2019 – Joint Communique (20.05.2019)

Opinion: Muntu’s launch of ANT(s) is questionable at best!

If a leader loves you, he makes sure you build your house on rockUgandan Proverb

The official launch of the Alliance of National Transformation (ANT) happen today at Serena Hotel in Kampala. A massive launch with several of former prominent Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Members of Parliament. The ones who hasn’t been in the good grace of the current leadership of FDC. Therefore, it comes as no shocker who left the FDC and become ANTs representatives.

They call it an Interim leadership while awaiting time to conduct time to make a Party Constitution and so fourth. As anticipated the National Coordinator or the Chief is Mugisha Muntu. The man who has left FDC awhile back and tried to find his way, ever since. It would have been a sincere move if he believes in the principals he speaks of, if Winnie Kiiza or Alicia Alaso, even Yokas Biandi. We all know these people from FDC. It is like he salvaged the ones whose wasn’t in favour Patrick Oboi Amuriat and left the scene.

Not that I wish Muntu any trouble. No one deserves trouble, but the whole party is started on the premise that Muntu didn’t win the Party Presidency in the FDC. It is built on the same shaky ground as Amama Mbabazi’s lack of respect for the Sole Candidate in National Resistance Movement (NRM) and started his Political Pressure Group Go Forward before the General Election in 2016. Which failed and was a flustering attempt without party organization to be able to show strength at the polls. That even with a famous and well established political figure.

Clearly, the politician and former General Muntu knows this, ANT is just the newest launching pad of the man. It is really what it is and the others ones following in hope for a resurrection in their career. The words used today is something that is done before, the bravado and the whole play. It has been seen before, even Beti Kamya have tried it and lost her own party with time. She came out of FDC and made a Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA). Something that is in the wind now.

That is why its really special that he said this: “If we continue claiming that politics is dirty, who on earth do you think will clean it up; as Alliance for National Transformation, we intend to do so”. I will claim the ANT isn’t cleaning the politics, as the way it has gone out from the FDC. Even with the Consultation Meetings done in the shadows and without direct talk with the new leadership after losing the Presidency in the FDC. Then, trying to play the Republic for a fool, until he postponed the launch and the allowed for the registration of the “New Formation” or the now ANT.

We can play a fool, we can act like it doesn’t matter, but it does. Surely, others will celebrate like it means nothing and all well-wishes on the new journey for Muntu. However, if you don’t know the main reason for this escape. Than you are forgetting the one vital thing. He is only doing this, because he cannot be second in command. He couldn’t manage to be under POA. It wasn’t in him.

Therefore, anyone joining him. Know that he will not accept anyone under him. That will only be a pretext for his rise and his redemption. ANT is a launching pad, it is at the take-off stage, but who knows how this bird will fly. Peace.

Uganda Peoples Congress: Press Statement (22.05.2019)