Continued house-arrest of opposition leaders… [on the fourth day]

Since 18th January 2024 there been opposition leaders put under house-arrest in the Republic. These are Erias Lukwago, Dr. Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Even if Bobi Wine has on three occasions been able to slip out and enjoy the resistance.

The facts remains that in Kasangati and in Wakiso District where Besigye and Bobi Wine lives have been put up road-blocks and facilities to keep them under siege. In Magere though, the law enforcement struggles to contain Bobi Wine as he slips out and gets to see the ghettos of Kampala even.

While Besigye have been locked inside and the same has Lukwago. This is pre-emptive arrests and they have been kept for four days now. It is the double of the 48 hours rule before being arraigned in court. They are just continuing the norm of acting outside the laws and skirt them to justify detention of opposition leaders.

No one should be surprised by this in 2024. This is the democracy and the multi-party democracy that reflects the vision of Museveni. It is his mannerisms and his vision that is actively followed. The orders from the high above and the acts of impunity towards the ones who defies him. That’s why these leaders are in trouble and in legal jeopardy, yet again.

Certainly, the NRM and the Uganda Police Force will come with excuses. Surely, the safeguarding of the national security and endangering of society will be one of the reasons for arresting them on the spot. Keeping them detained in their own houses and taking away their liberties.

While Bobi Wine has to flee from his house like a common crook and hope he isn’t captured on his expeditions or adventures across the Greater Kampala region. As he visit Kampala and Wakiso through his journeys.

There is reasons for everything, but we have seen this game being played out before and nothing new under the sun. The reasons now was to contain them while Museveni had visitors and not humiliate him to much with resistance and defiance against the state. That’s why they did this and had to use the military and police to keep them at bay.

This is what we know, but we all see the quagmire too. As the Republic, the officers and the authorities has to make things up to make it “believable” and secondly there is no good “case” or justification for the continued arrest. It only shows what sort of state of freedom and liberty the state serves the nation. How it can easily take it away and don’t even bother to have proper reasons for doing so. Peace.

Besigye and Bobi Wine under house-arrest on the second day…

It is now official that Dr. Kizza Besigye home in Kasangati, Wakiso district is still under siege, as the authorities and the law enforcement are even putting up mobile toilets there to stay. This means the movement and the liberty of Besigye is yet again put on hold. He is blocked from moving outside his compound and for the time being house-arrested without charges or warrants. Therefore, it is a pre-emptive action, which the Police and Military cannot directly explain.

In the same fashion, in Magere the house of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is besieged by the Police and the Military. He was able earlier in the day to whisk himself out and be in the city. However, returning later and the same procedure is there. There is a limit to his freedom and liberty to move. The house-arrest is still on and he was luckily and able to move out earlier in the day.

We are seeing a familiar pattern as the opposition planned protests and peaceful demonstrations. The authorities answers those pleas with house-arresting the leaders to silence the protest. That stopped it to a point, but there was some defiant politicians and civilians who followed up on the call. They went to the potholes and planted matooki studs. That’s a sign of how bad the roads are and that the government have to act upon this.

We have seen the authorities and state answer to this. As the humiliation of seeing matooki studs in the roads and in the middle of urban areas. This is certainly the most peaceful means of doing, except for the potholes exhibition, which was done by activists online last year. This is a continuation of this and materializing in the neighbourhoods of the citizens. Therefore, a very influential way of showing dissent without harming anyone.

Still, with that in mind, the authorities and the state doesn’t see it this way. As it is happening in the middle of an international conference and this is defiant action, which isn’t showing the beautiful and perfect side of the republic. While that is far from true, it isn’t a propaganda goal to see opposition leaders house-arrested and roads filled with matooki studs. It is an action of desperation and lack of control. Therefore, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) must feel humbled by these acts of defiance.

While the leaders are stopped in their tracks and silenced, but only able to mostly address the public on social media. It is still signs that the public and citizens are listening to the opposition leaders. As pictures of streets filled with matooki studs has come up. Most likely will the engineers and others take these away in the coming days. However, it is a sign of tiredness and of rebellion. As the public is tired of the lacking works on the roads.

The President and his Yes-Men needs to heed this call, but we shouldn’t expect anything. There is no reform or money coming this way. There is a massive need and overhaul of the roads, but that isn’t a priority. That is well known… but the opposition leaders are able to show by the dissent and the act to undermine the regime. They have by doing this shown character and finesse.

Bobi Wine and Besigye have proven skill and ability to navigate the hectic means of the state. As they have used one tactic to undermine and humiliate the state. They have lost their freedom and liberty by doing so. However, they have both been in this situation before and most likely won’t be the last. As the NRM and the regime of Museveni is unforgiving towards the ones who defies it. Peace.

Bobi Wine escapes house-arrest rabadaba style…

“Supporters enthusiastically chant for NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, upon his arrival in Katwe, Kampala, after escaping house arrest in Magere. He had been confined since yesterday for planning a protest against poor roads in the country” (The Kampala Voice, 18.01.2024).

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have been put in house-arrest since yesterday. There were reports in the morning that there were military and police officers besieging the gates in Magere, Wakiso district. However, Bobi Wine has been able escape and go out of his compound.

The authorities already have sent journalists away and harassed anyone who tried to access Bobi Wine in the early morning of the 19th of January 2024. While he was house arrested early on the 18th of January 2024.

So, the opposition leader has been able to navigate the blocked roads and gotten into the city. As Bobi Wine got to Rubaga and Katwe in Kampala city. While the security officers are surrounding his compound. The opposition leader is participating in the protest the bad roads like he called for on the 17th of January 2024.

Bobi Wine has been able to do this before and does it again. He makes a lot of noise doing this and it gives him an edge. While people question the guards and the ones at the gates. If they are in alliance or have some connections allowing him to leave. As the officers can be brutal and unforgiving to the citizens. That’s why journalists and others met with hostility and harassed earlier in the day.

We can be happy for Bobi Wine, and he got the spirit of defiance. Where he stands on the streets of the city and leads from the front. Even if it is just planting a matooki stud in a pothole. That’s what is needed to prove the wrongs of the system itself.

This must be annoying for the President and his speech. As that will be all overshadowed by the house-arrests, and the protest itself. It isn’t the smiles and perfect picture that the authorities wanted during the conference. The opposition is just showing what is wrong with the state and how it is operating.

Bobi Wine is just putting the government on alert and setting the agenda. Even if the National Resistance Movement (NRM) doesn’t want to say so. Him on a boda-boda across the city is a message that the President for Life doesn’t want to see, but it will be the picture that will reflect the short-comings of his government. Peace.

Opinion: People were supposed to smile and not plant matooki…

“”Everyone is pleased with the visitors. I feel sorry for the opposition leaders who attempted to tarnish the city. These issues, such as potholes, have existed for a long time and it has been work in progress. Why did they choose to protest now? It raises questions about their leadership and credibility.” – Robinah Nabbanja, PM” (NTV Uganda, 18.01.2024)

We know the drill. It is boring and the tales are endless. Today was just another day in the Republic. The Prime Minister is just showing it with her attitude and demeanour on NTV. There is nothing new under the sun and the authorities proved so earlier in the day. Regardless of the house-arrests and such. There was people who dared to follow the message and plants studs of matooki in the potholes of the roads. As non-violent protest against the lack of care or concern about the bad standard of roads.

We know there is never a good time to hold demonstrations or protests in the Republic. If the President blink once or twice, there is a no go. If the convoy of a Minister passes by. There is a no show. If the State House lacks coffee, tea or biscuits, you know there is a bad timing. It is just impossible to find the right time to protest or even when it feasible to do so. There is always an excuse and reason for not allowing it. There could be rain on the horizon or to much hot-air. We just know the authorities and the state will shut it down.

The Prime Minister knows this very well. It isn’t new her, as the people was told to be on the best behaviour and act like everything “good” or “awesome” in the Republic. Only smile and gin, be kind and pleasant as long as the Conference in Munyonyo is on. That’s what the patriotic citizen does and it doesn’t counteract this policy. Neither does a citizen drive into certain parts of Kampala or tries to hawk a boda-boda, because they are impounded and the livelihood is at stake for these civilians. Therefore, remember to smile and hope that feed your belly.

The PM continues…

How can one claim leadership while contributing to the destruction of infrastructure, including damaging roads in Kampala? If the Lord Mayor is weary, he has the option to resign” – Robinah Nabbanja (NTV Uganda, 18.01.2024).

The Prime Minister takes people for fools… and is only mocking herself here. As she knows perfectly well that the road isn’t get damaged by these studs. She acts like it is destruction or damaging it. However, the damage is already done by the non-existing plans of keeping the roads intact and keeping the roads to a certain standard. Therefore, the demonstrations are needed, because the PM wouldn’t talk about it; if it didn’t happen.

The state and the authorities wouldn’t care about potholes or address it. No, it would remain silent and act like there is nothing to see. That is the current state of affairs, the opposition only amplified the problem and got the people to move. This is needed to change discourse and show the state where it is lacking. When it comes to servicing the roads and making sure they are safe. The state haven’t done its duty.

The matooki studs is only showing how dire and the shoddy road-works of the Republic. The PM and her allies would prefer it happening on another date. Regardless of that, the opposition wouldn’t have that many eyes or ears to the ground if they did it on an ordinary Thursday. The PM knows and can act oblivious to the fact, but the truth is for everyone to see.

The PM is just doing her job, but she’s not good at it. To many fault-lines and she should know better, but we all know that’s just too much to ask. Peace.

Uganda: Opposition leaders house-arrested for planned demos to plant matooki in potholes…

“Police and military have sealed off homes of opposition figures Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, H.E Bobi Wine, Erias Lukwago, and others. Fred Enanga justifies the operation saying it is a restraint move to bar the opposition from causing mayhem in the city” (The Kampala Journal, 18.01.2024).

“Barricaded at home by the COWARDS! No turning back; we deserve better. Please do what you can, wherever you’re, with whatever you have, to show the terrible roads affecting you today” (Dr. Kizza Besigye, 18.01.2024).

“The cowardly military & police  have surrounded our home and put us under house arrest, but the protest is on. Fix our roads! Free Political Prisoners! Free Uganda!” (Bobi Wine, 18.01.2024).

“My home has been besieged by security operatives, it’s a demonstration of impunity and flagrant violation of the Constitution and other laws. Agitation against the abhorrable state of affairs of our infrastructure is not only a right but a command under Art.3 of our Constitution” (Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, 18.01.2024).

The authorities are on point like always when it comes to opposition activities. The Uganda Police Force and other agencies have now besieged the houses of the opposition leaders. They are arbitrary arrested as a precaution. Because the opposition announced the plans days earlier.

The United Forces for Change had planned to demonstrate against the state of the roads. That would be done by planting matooki studs in the potholes. It is a peaceful way of showing the lacking care and show how badly the roads are kept. The leaders aren’t allowed out and besieged by the authorities. However, the general public should take part of this and do it in their neighborhood.

The regime is just showing its true face as they are having visitors. They have already blocked several roads and sealed of certain parts of the city to ensure their safety. That is done to make life seem more pleasant and not show the gritty side of the nation.

This demonstration would be done in the middle of a big conference that the state has invested a lot of in. They don’t want to lose face. However, the speeches and the narrators from the conference will be lost in the wind of the arrests.

The actions against the opposition will create headlines. That the state acted this swiftly, which is common in the republic. The authorities act like this and it’s their modus operandi. We have seen it so often, so it’s not shocking at all.

People will hear about what happened to Bobi Wine, Besigye and Lukwago. They will not care about the pleasantries of Munyonyo. The public will care and react it to the display of impunity, which is served the opposition. Peace.

Opinion: The FDC needs a miracle…

Hello?

Hi?

Is it me your looking for?

Nah… I beg to move.

This year has been horrific in regards to the political party of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). The FDC as we know it died during this year. The leadership of Nathan Nandala-Mafabi and Patrick Oboi Amuriat hit the final nail in the coffin. There is little to nothing left of it.

The one time aspiring party and the ones who fought against the dictatorship in Uganda. Was lost and the leadership is rudderless. It is just tragic to see such a powerhouse fail so miserably. The FDC deserved better, but internally it killed itself. A mission that was suicidal and there been points of no return. The leadership even turned against the biggest inspiration and the leader of old, Besigye.

When the FDC leadership turned against Dr. Kizza Besigye. That’s when you know the party was over. It was dusted and left to rot. The party wasn’t what it was and who it seemed to be. No, it had become something else and we couldn’t recognize it.

Time might heal all wounds… but in regards to FDC. The ones leading it now… they should just have the wake and seal its fate. Because, there aren’t much to save.

I cannot see a revival of the party, unless they make real amends with the FDC Katonga branch. The ones part of that is the ones that inspires, the ones that fights and the ones who defies the government. POA knows this, because he came from there and was moulded there. However, he has disconnected from it and disassociated it with the party. That’s why you know there are no bridges to be built.

Unless, there is a will and the FDC leadership gets to its sense. If the FDC leadership see what we all see and accepts its faults. However, POA and Mafabi doesn’t seem like that and they disregard the ones they have called out. Even put several of the members of the other branch into disciplinary hearings and possibly revoke their membership. Meaning throwing them out of the party and render their roles useless.

That’s why we know the current state of the FDC is a quagmire. There is little hope of salvation or redemption. This party is in the grave and needs a biblical miracle to get a second life. It is soon a relic of the past. The ones that built the party and stood by it… should be ashamed of the ones leading it today. Because, they took a party of strength and resilience, and sold it out for a little bit of silver.

It is just insane that we are here. 2023 was a devastating blow to the FDC. 2024 won’t fare much better. Unless, one of the leaders gets a moment of clarity. If doing so… they might have to humble themselves and even step down from their role. However, we know that won’t happen and they won’t face the music. The others have to dance, but they are the DJs deciding the tunes.

This won’t end well. It is already a party that is over and at one point it never seemed to end. Peace.

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago letter to Managing Director of Next Media Group: Protest Against Unprofessional Conduct of the NBS TV Management (12.12.2023)

Opinion: Are the leaders of FDC working on overtime to become irrelevant?

It’s been a long

A long time comin’, but I know

A change gon’ come

Oh, yes it will” – Sam Cooke ‘A Change Gonna Come’ (December 1964).

The Party of Defiance is Dead. Let us all joy in awe and celebration. Eat the Nsene and get some sodas. If not go to the hot-spots and buy some Rollex. We need to celebrate, because the Party of Defiance has become the Party of Compliance. Let’s celebrate on this joyous occasion.

It is time to marvel in the fact of a loss. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) isn’t what it was or what it intended to be. That’s why we are here and we predicted it’s death. The demise and fatal choice of ceasing relations with FDC Katonga was the nail in the coffin. As the flag-bearers and the ones in high ranking officials disembarked from the struggle, which defined the Party for decades. They even dismissed and disregarded Besigye and his allies at any point of time.

Therefore the recent week of revealing why the FDC MPs shows up the plenary sessions in Parliament comes to no surprise… just read this brief stories and you see…

FDC party president Patrick Amuriat Oboi has defended the decision of party legislators to attend plenary despite an ongoing boycott by other parties. According to POA, NUP didn’t consult him prior to announcing a walk out” (The Kampala Journal, 21.11.2023).

“We are not populist like NUP. We were voted to legislate for our people. We are not under any pressure to remain in the office of Leader of Opposition,” Nandala Mafabi on why FDC Najjanankumbi shunned Opposition plenary boycott” (The Kampala Journal, 15.11.2023).

The barefoot messiah and his comrades will walk without the courage or the boldness of others. They have signed off on that and showing the signs of being the “Good FDC”. Just like it was “Good DP” and “Bad DP” in the eyes of the President. Surely, this FDC is compromised and feels obligated to show up. They have made a deal and now they have to comply. That’s why they disregard the NUP and such too.

The FDC we are seeing today isn’t the ones that got supporters, created a storm and was a troublemaker for the regime. This one can easily be accessed and ascertained. There is nothing to retain here and nothing of value. Their currency and their actions speaks for themselves.

The FDC of Amuriat and Mafabi is a shell of what it was. These one cannot be genuine or sincere. They have lost that and now they have to act it all out. The FDC with them will loose and become irrelevant. That’s sad to say, but with time this will all wither. We will have the stories and the former glory of the powerhouse, which used to be the FDC. However, in 2023 and beyond… it will be a relic and lost for time.

That’s because of the choices of the leadership. Their greed and short-sighted politics. They are destined to see it all fall apart and they danced on the grave of the party. That’s what they did and this is the result. Peace.

Opinion: Odonga Otto wants to be crowned king…

My decision to contest was triggered by unending corruption, tribalism, sectarianism, and nepotism in the country. We also have poor facilities in the health and transport sectors, and a poor political space with no real democracy” – Samuel Odonga Otto, former Aruu County MP

It is now official that Samuel Odonga Otto is standing for the Presidency in the 2026 under the banner of the newly formed party – Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP). As a former MP he was a part of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) for years until 2021. When the FDC fielded another candidate against him. He had been elected as an MP since 2001 and fell out with the party after 20 years.

Now his been “independent” and wasn’t re-elected for the fifth time. He stood at the time in 2021 for the Uganda Economic Party, but didn’t succeed to get elected. The last time he tried was in Aruu South County and tried to fight it in the courts, but they uphold the victory of another candidate. Meaning he was without an office and without the opportunity to serve in the 11th Parliament.

This will all be done to serve the interests of Odongo Otto. He is now making himself a leader of his own created party. If there is a place or people will gather around it. That’s another matter. His an alternative, but he couldn’t get popular enough to regain his seat. After he has been representing there for 20 years.

That means people was tired of games and lack of commitment. Yes, he has been controversial and stood tall in some of his principals. But there is a reason why he lost by 5,000 votes. People didn’t accept his mediocrity and lack of delivery. They had trusted him, time and time again. He had allied himself Besigye and the FDC. However, in 2021 he was defiant against the FDC and the National Unity Platform (NUP). Which was another reason for his downfall.

Odonga Otto can be voice and can be a loudmouth. His been savvy enough politically to win races four times. However, that has been in one district and one county. That hasn’t been nationwide and neither is he a beloved character of any kind. His just a man who has fought and been loud about critical questions when they arise. However, as a legislator… I cannot remember him doing anything substantial or partake in any amendment that made a difference. And he was there since 2001 up to 2021.

This man should have done something and should have made more of himself than a name. However, that was clearly enough. The former MP wants the title, but he won’t get it. He will be a briefcase party with a cool logo. However, we can wonder if he will have a platform, manifesto or a program worth listening too.

This is a vanity project and it’s bound to fail. Peace.

Opinion: Kasumba is putting the cart before the horse in regards to Lord Mayor Lukwago…

I am yet to see what the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has done to improve Kampala given all the time he has had. I am not saying it is not there. It may be, but someone needs to educate me on what that is, whatever it is. I have even held this conversation with him asking him to dedicate some of his time to the finding and doing of something in Kampala from which it shall be recalled in 200 years later that that was the handiwork of Erias Lukwago as Lord Major” (Samson Kasumba – ‘OPINION: But what has Erias Lukwago really done for Kampala?’ 10.11.2023).

A politicians should be scrutinied and questioned. It is nice to see a text like this NilePost, but they are most about the opposition or opposition leaders. There isn’t the same due diligence or concern about the Ministers or the high ranking officials of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). You could wonder why, right?

However, we already know why, but let me digress. The article’s premiss is flawed, because it gives the apparent idea that the Lord Mayor has power and ability in his office. As if the Lord Mayor of Kampala can make a difference and change. The article acts like Lukwago is a powerful governor or Prince of the City, but his just a figure-head and publicist for the city at this point. That’s by default, by law and by design. It is as if the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) wasn’t made for a purpose and the appointment of a Minister of Kampala didn’t have an effect. An effect that has shielded and made it nearly impossible for the Lord Mayor to succeed or even get wiggle-room in his office. Secondly, speaking of time. In the last term he was impeached unjustifiably so and later had to return. Thirdly, the Lord Mayor has been arrested and house-arrested plenty of times too. That also take away the ability to achieve anything.

Nevertheless, let us go to the basics for a minute…

11. Functions of Lord Mayor.

(1) The functions of the Lord Mayor are to—

(a) be the political head of the Capital City;

(b) preside over all meetings of the Authority;

(c) perform ceremonial functions and civic functions;

(d) host foreign and local dignitaries;

(e) head the Authority in developing strategies and programmes for the development of the Capital City;

(f) monitor the administration of the Capital City;

(g) provide guidance to the division administrations; and

(h) represent the Capital City on the Metropolitan Authority.

(2) The Lord Mayor shall in the performance of his or her functions, be answerable to the Authority and the Minister.

(3) The Deputy Lord Mayor shall assist the Lord Mayor in the performance of his or her functions and shall otherwise deputise for the Lord Mayor in his or her absence” (KCCA Act, 2010).

When you read these things. It doesn’t make the Lord Mayor powerful or prestigious does it? Well, in my regards, it make him a glorified councillor, but not a man with a mandate to make a difference. That is more for the appointed leadership within the KCCA and especially the KCCA Executive Director,

Just read this one here:

19. Functions of executive director.

The functions of the executive director shall include the following—

(a) to be the head of the public service in the Authority and to head the administration of the Authority, including divisions and wards;

(b) to be the accounting officer of the Authority;

(c) to be responsible for the management of all public funds of the Authority and accountable to Parliament;

(d) be responsible for coordination and implementation of national and council policies, laws, regulations, byelaws, programmes and projects;

(e) advise the mayor and Authority on Government policy;

(f) present the annual budget to the Authority;

(g) advise the Authority on technical, administrative and legal matters pertaining to the management of the Authority;

(h) implement lawful decisions taken by the Authority;

(i) oversee the delivery of quality services to the population within the Capital City and take remedial action where service delivery standards are below the expected minimum standards;

(j) ensure proper physical planning and development control in the urban councils;

(k) monitor and coordinate the activities of the directorates of the Authority and of the lower Authority;

(l) be the custodian of all the assets and records of the Authority;

(m) attend meetings of the metropolitan Authority;

(n) supervise and evaluate staff performance;

(o) liaise with the central Government and other institutions on behalf of the Authority;

(p) conduct the public relations of the Authority;

(q) promote trade order;

(r) mobilise the urban community for development and sustainability of infrastructure and services;

(s) be responsible for the enforcement of ordinances and byelaws made by the Authority and its lower council units;

(t) be responsible to the Authority, subject to the general directions of the Minister;

(u) on day-to-day operations, be responsible to the Authority; and

(v) make reports to the council and the Minister on the state of affairs of the Capital City at least once a year or as the Minister or the Authority may determine;

(w) to perform any other duties assigned by the Authority or the Minister” (KCCA Act, 2010).

This here sounds like the person should address and the ones with real power. That’s the intension of the creation of the KCCA to clip the wings of the Lord Mayor and it has done so too. That’s why the most prominent leader in the hierarchy of Kampala is sort of the Executive Director of the KCCA. Just read the functions of the Executive versus the Mayor and you get the gist.

That’s why it’s rich to read a paragraph like this in the article…

Erias Lukwago run for that office to serve us residents of the capital. If you knew that it is near impossible to deliver services under this NRM government, why did you run for an office from which we expect services? There seems to be a line of dishonesty here. I am not sure that the primary task of a Lord Major is to effect change of Government. His job is to deliver services to the city dwellers. Has he done that? If he has not, must we not bring him to task? If and when we don’t bring him to task. then have we taken our citizen responsibility seriously?” (Kasumba, 10.11. 2023).

The KCCA Act didn’t eradicate or take away the role or office of Lord Mayor, but it did take away it’s mandate and partly its reason for existing. It is a duplication and done so because the NRM cannot get their flag-bearers to win an election. They know this and the President too. That’s why they have made this law and amended it too. Just to ensure that the NRM get to have oversight and have some sort of control of the city. Even if the City elects the opposition and leaders in defiance of the NRM.

Yes, Lukwago should be able to bring services to the people, but in this case. The calls should be at the Executive Director and her “council” or “authority”, as they are bearing the blunt of the mandate and the Lord Mayor is there for the festivities.

So please, get a grip and until laws are either amended or removed. Until that happens and the law is still active. That sets the boundaries, the mandate and options, which the Lord Mayor has in his office. Therefore, let us adjourn and get some chai, aye? Peace.