Freedom of Expression

Opinion: The NRM proves again that the IPOD is worthless…

“The NRM has boycotted the meeting of IPOD scheduled for the handover of IPOD seat from Democratic Party to FDC. This as FDC insists the discussion should focus more on the meaningful dialogue and smooth transfer of power in Uganda” (NBS Television 27.11.2019).

Not to long ago, actually for two IPOD Summits the FDC boycotted these, as they did boycott the first IPOD Summit, as an reaction to the police brutality and harassment from the authorities. The second one was because they didn’t want just a photo-op and a friendly greeting with the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The IPOD Summits haven’t resolved anything or made any amends with the electoral reform or dialogue between the NRM and the opposition. The IPOD is just a paid journey from the Dutch, to preoccupy the parties on the way to yet another General Election in 20201.

Just a friendly reminder of what NRM said when the FDC boycotted it:

“Kasule Lumumba: NRM is the minority in IPOD. FDC is the leading opposition party. FDC shouldn’t run away from responsibility. NRM remains committed. Come and offer leadership and we work together, Come and show Ugandans that you can lead” (NBS Television, 17.10.2019).

“I have always said FDC is a radical extremist party behaving like a millenarian cult & hostile to dialogue. This was on display yesterday when they boycotted the first IPOD meet. They used to say they would only attend IPOD MEETINGS if Museveni attends. What is their excuse now?” (Andrew Mwenda, 18.12.2018).

“I don’t know why anybody [FDC] who says they are democrats would not like dialogue. I always welcome opportunities for dialogue because when you don’t dialogue, you miss an opportunity to be understood clearly” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the 12^th December 2018 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo

Therefore, I wonder what will be the excuses of the NRM in the upcoming days. One that has already come out, which is unbelievable is that they wasn’t invited. That one is just a lie, I don’t believe that Norbert Mao forgot to send the invitation to the NRM Secretariat. The DP head wouldn’t miss that one out.

It is weird that FDC comes now after boycotting for so long. It seemingly a play for them. It is insincere to take the helm. That it is, after calling out the other parties for being involved in the months ahead of this. The FDC knows this. Yes, this is politics, but the perception of this isn’t brilliant. It is insincere at best.

The FDC should have pulled out, unless it seems they are just in it for the party-funding and possible billions promised after the second summit in May 2019. The environment for the FDC isn’t better. Their party offices has been raided both in Kampala and in the up-country. Not like the FDC leadership is secure and safe for police brutality. Neither is their ability to conduct party activity in general.

What is weird is the NRM who has harassed and diminished the FDC for boycotting from before Christmas last year until the present IPOD takeover. That is very rich of them to not sit in the yellow chairs. Because, its not like the NRM will end up behind bars or get detained for participating. Neither house-arrested nor awaiting court-cases because of their loyalty elsewhere, than the President himself. Since all of them are loyal to him.

I never have believed in IPOD. Just like the Apple IPOD, I believe the relevance is gone and not vital for the changes in the Republic. It is just a tool for the NRM to keep the others in check. The NRM will only use this to settle the score and use the platform to ensure they are following guidelines and supposed protocol. The IPOD will not challenge or have any significant power, as the NRM and the government haven’t given it that.

The IPOD and IPOD Summits are PR stunts and play for the facade. It is weird that the FDC wants to play now. They should have dropped out and been righteous. Instead, they wanted a little spotlight and look decent now. That’s a bit late, but the NRM are totally in the wrong. When they have called the FDC out, but bails out themselves. That proves again the real value of it.

The real value of the IPOD is none, except for the Dutch donors who pays for the “dialogue”. Peace.

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

FDU-INKINGI – Rwanda Latest Scandal: The shepherd who raised alarm over the dumped body of murdered Anselme Mutuyimana arrested by the Rwandan Investigation Bureau (03.05.2019)

Rwanda: Statement on Decision of the Supreme Court (25.04.2019)

Opinion: Apparently, Kagame is demigod, we just didn’t know!

Well, the almighty, His Excellency and the superior human being, named Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda. The man that is illegal to insult. His superiority is getting obnoxious levels. While other are steady on overdrive on Super Mario or whatever else. The President of Rwanda is busy scheming other things.

It is now validated at the Supreme Court, that it is a crime to insult, Mr. President and it can be punished up to 7 years in the Republic. That is the very crime for insulting and dismay the honour of the executive and the highest office. Surely, the President can be proud of himself, as no-one is allowed to put ill words against him and if they do, they will pay. That is just the way it is now, actually by law.

I am sure, as people say that this President is so intelligent and wise, that his so brilliant and smooth. That he is so thin-skinned and lack of moral code, that even just saying some disregarding words can put you behind bars. This is the sort of words that actually get said at bars.

You know you could take a shot or two, even the whole bottle. Make a grin and flinch a joke, but that is also illegal, just as satire and cartoons made about His Excellency. All of it is illegal, it is so superficial and fake. The amount of praise someone who is getting close to a 100% of all votes, has to by law tell them how to talk about him, paint him and even write.

This doesn’t seem like a confident man, like a man of statute, a man of grace and mercy. No, this is a narrow-minded individual, who misuses power and thinks fear is the only thing valued by men. That is the sort of leader, Kagame is, if not, his a misunderstood demigod, who thinks he reign supreme and we others are just supposed to be in blind submission of his glory.

Alas, it will not be like that, that is why he makes laws like this. This is to strike down the ones who disregard him, the ones who doesn’t follow him and the ones who rebels. They are all outlawed, just because their smirking and jokingly saying something about the godly, Devine, the spirit of eternity, the messenger of all sacred things. The ones who in his mercy is blessing the world with his spirit and judgement, the man whose mind and embodiment of the eternal flames, the eternal life and the godly perfection. Cannot be put into question or assessed by mere mortals, we all just have to bow our heads and kiss the ground. Because, we are just lucky to be breathing in the same realm and planet as this demigod.

Surely, a man who cannot be insulted without consequences means by default, that he has to be above the rest of us. He has to be such a presence and grandeur, which even the alphabet, the languages of the world or even the holiest of scriptures can comprehend his majesty. We just have to bow our knees to his grace and hope he doesn’t chop our heads off. Peace.