Opinion: The NRM Rebel MPs bowed to their King

“I met our NRM Members of Parliament who have previously opposed certain party positions, hence being named “rebel MPs”. They called on me at State House Entebbe to seek the party’s forgiveness. Subsequently, I made their case before the party’s Central Executive Committee yesterday which resolved that for the party’s cohesion and discipline, we interact further and guide these MPs” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 17.07.2020).

Today, at the State House, there was a meeting of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament (MP) who have dared to challenge the President and his legislation. These are the ones who voted against the abolishment of the Age Limit and so fourth. These MPs actually dared to question the President and not following the correct line.

The MPs in question was today summoned to the State House to be informed on how to move forward. In an exercise to show loyalty and also settle supposed grievances. The President simmer it down really quick when he writes that they will guided further and follow Party discipline. That is why these fellows should not dare to undermine the President again. They should just vote as they are told and not think.

That is why rebellion in the NRM is so endearing. Such a assumption that these are rebels. They stood up for one cause and now they have to kiss the ring to get the goods again. As long as they show loyalty and blind discipline to the party, which means loyal to the President. Not question his actions, his legislation or his policies. Only follow the President and his steering committee the NRM CEC.

The President can act like this was a day filled with hardliners, questionable MPs who didn’t know better and needed more education. That these MPs are indecent and disingenuous. However, these are already yellow fellows. The only thing they have done is to vote against a President for Life. A person they had no trouble bowing their knees for and asking for forgive. They were asking for mercy. To ensure they could get another term in office and get the positive vibes ahead of elections.

This is all political games. The NRM Rebels wasn’t true revolutionaries. These people wasn’t defiant in the sense of person, just one simple cause. They stood up and said “nay”, when others said “yay”. Yes, they did the good thing at that vote, but they didn’t work to directly undermine the ruler or his associates. They were all along part of the party, following procedures and being their MPs.

They were maybe not invited to the State House for NRM Caucus Meeting, losing out of some envelopes. However, they are neither true opposition or someone who defiantly standing against the President. If they were and not willingly to work with the Self-Styled President for Life. They wouldn’t show up and bend over for the old man.

He also said:

“Our people are waking up. It explains why we have bumper production of milk, sugar, bananas, etc. Leaders must work for the prosperity of their people. That’s the most important thing” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 17.07.2020).

It is really special that he says leaders have to work for prosperity. When he has prospered, while his citizens haven’t done so. That they have to do that now that its really rich in way. Promise wealth, but not delivering it. That is the final message for the rebels. The ones who stood against him on one cause. A cause that was for selfish reasons for one old man with a hat. The one man with a hat, who they shall not rebel against again. That’s why his showing them mercy now. As long as they are following his orders. Peace.

Opinion: Norbert Mao is on a mission of self-destruction

“Those rebel party members are survival seekers who only intend to achieve re-election and maintain a fertile salary in the upcoming Parliament. DP was the first to give Bobi Wine the audience when the others were not sure of what to do. We gave him space starting with the reunion conference but they started saying that I am a sadist and I pity those masqueraders. That’s why I was saying that am sorry for the young man because the crippling plants want to use him. For us in DP we say that we have been pushing Museveni like a car for 35 years but it has refused to start and when a young man like Bobi Wine come we should give him some space” – Norbert Mao on the 17^h March 2020

It’s like the President of the Democratic Party (DP) Norbert Mao who has had two terms and preparing the party for the General Election of 2021. His supposed to get elected for his third term and also run for office himself. However, he has not run a smooth operation.

Mao is now playing this the wrong way. He tried to play Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine for clout himself. He tried to be associated and work with the People Power Movement (PPM) for extended popularity. Its not like Mao and the DP haven’t earned on it and trying to act like they have invested in it too.

With that regard, they didn’t create the PPM, they were a part of it, but it was Bobi Wine and his associates who started it. They initiated this, the DP would surely preferred that PPM and Bobi Wine participated in the Special Purpose Vehicle and the DP Block. That is because, even Bobi Wine can see a dead fish floating in the water.

Mao will not say it, but he wants to be relevant and be vibrant. That is why his working with Mugisha Muntu, all the other briefcase parties and whatever it takes to look significant. This is why he needed and used Bobi Wine. Now, with time he see that it backfires. The swift of loyalty isn’t following him, but instead follows Bobi Wine. That is hurting Mao. Making him look foolish.

That he attack the ones who now aspire to follow Bobi Wine is now self-serving. However, wasn’t it the same when you invited him and trying to fish him into the fold in the first place? Wasn’t that your game drive not going well?

Your aim and goals wasn’t that Noble, neither was you doing charity. Neither, do I believe it would be sincere, if your acting its like that. Which your doing now by all means. Bobi Wine was building and also showing his true face to the republic. As you invited him. Now your taking credit, but also blaming your own for starting to follow him. As they see more in him, than they see in you.

Mao, that is surely hurting your pride and your ethos. It hurts your being and therefore, your now doing this and telling this. What is your problem is that you open the gate, but doesn’t want to participate now that the game is happening. You want people to still follow suit…

That is a mission … of self-destruct. Self destruction is clearly the memo and the message his sending. If he had these issues with People Power and Bobi Wine in the first place. Why inviting him and clearing him for your events? Why even entertain him?

However, you did and willingly. You let your people participate and be apart of the movement. Bobi Wine is just a grenade for you. He exploded in your face and you wasn’t prepared for the explosion. You should have seen that you took out the splint, but you forgot that, apparently. KA-BOOOM!. Peace.

Opinion: Mao’s chasing his own butterfly

“I’m on the pursuit of happiness

I know everything that shine ain’t always gold

I’ll be fine once I get it

I’ll be good” (Kid Cudi – ‘Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)’ 15.09.2009).

It sounds like fiction that Democratic Party President Norbert Mao, which is in an internal fracas. A man whose excluded part of his party and is entangled in an internal battle over whose being the Presidential Flag-bearer of the party.

This was the report by NBS Television yesterday:

“The antagonistic group against Norbert Mao’s decision to dismiss Sulaiman Kidandala as the National Organizing Secretary, has revealed that the party’s National Council resolved to support Kyagulanyi, a decision that has been rejected by Mao” (NBS Television, 15.02.2020).

Now, today the man writes this on Facebook:

“The only way to be happy is to be happy. That is a state of mind within your control whatever you are doing. It doesn’t require a new Ferrari or an extension to your dangly bits. Happiness is not a pursuing, it is a being. The harder you chase it, the further you push it away. It can be likened to chasing a butterfly. The more desperately you charge at it, the more it will elude you. But if you stop trying so hard, lay down on the grass and relax, there is a chance it will just come and land on your shoulder” (Norbert Mao – ‘On Happiness’ 16.02.2020).

It is like the intellectual Mao doesn’t understand the predicament his in. Like he doesn’t get the hardships of what his doing. Instead of acting sincere, his trying to rebuild the party around himself. As he anticipate to be Party President for another term.

Mao shouldn’t act this way within the Internal Party wrangle. Last round he lost hard and went after the butterfly called Amama Mbabazi and the Democratic Alliance (TDA). Before that he ran on his own ticket and didn’t actually succeed on that one either. However, that was first round and total failure in the second. Then thinking he will be a booming star in the third is a bit far-fetched isn’t it?

Mao should wonder why his where his at and why the party is so split. Not only has he let this happen with fractions working directly with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and even becoming cabinet members. While some DP has become part of the People’s Government and working directly with dr. Kizza Besigye. Thirdly, some has associated them with Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement. Which is now splitting the party.

We can really imagine that Mao could be happy about being second fiddle to Bobi Wine. That someone like him took his way. Even if by the Lords of Mercy would even grant Mao an MP slot in Gulu. He should praise the Gods for that alone. However, his always aimed at the stars and the moons, even if he never had space shuttle to get there.

Now, we are seeing the sounds of happiness from him. Even if we know it is a nightmare. Because, it shows his double standard. Mbabazi was fine and dandy, but Bobi Wine is not. Maybe because he was barred from entering in 2016 and can now in 2021. Nevertheless, it seems strange, as it was not like Mao did magic in 2011. This from the man complaining that Besigye is a serial loser and Mao haven’t even won pop-tarts in his hey-day.

Mao become the DP President and he had been the Guild President at Makerere University, but that doesn’t deem him fit for the Presidency. Neither does he have the popularity to even get there. The party haven’t been built better under him, neither proved it value in the opposition. Unless, you count the amount of times Mao has been sitting on NBS Frontline. Than, you can say his winning. Also, the amount of times the papers publishes his writings.

With all of this in mind. Should Mao be happy? No. He should work like crazy, salvage whatever he can. Because its not like he got the golden goose. Not like he got the loyal standing or stature. Mao might have a few cronies around him and some central leadership backing him blindly. However, this will not save him. As the waves are turning and his importance isn’t all that.

Besigye and Bobi Wine has more going for them. Mao might not like that, but if his running against them. He will look like the knock-off Coca-Cola, looking like coke, but tasting like watered down coca-cola candy with fizz. He might like that, but the public prefer the real deal over the knock-off.

Mao will not be happy about that, but that is the reality. Maybe, he can quote someone else philosophical book and call it a night. Peace.

Opinion: A lot of flair, but very little substance in Mao

It is about that time. The Democratic Party internal elections ahead of delegations conference before the General Elections of 2021. Just like it was in 2010, 2015 and now in 2020. This happens every five years. Nobert Mao is on his second term and near the end of it. He was first elected to it in 2010. If elected again, it would be his third term as Party President. 

Over the years his stance and his significance has dwindled. Even other voices in the party matter more. Even more of his own cadres has been associated either with the NRM or with Besigye. The DP party is more split than ever before. This being MPs whose even have chosen to be by Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement. Meaning, the alliances is individually picked.

The DP Party isn’t a party of strength. Neither is it a party of loyalty. When DP MPs picks themselves to be Ministers and abandons the party along the way. Neither, is it that people choose sides between the Pressure Group and the People’s Government. That shows how the secretariat and the lack structure is there.

While the DP Party still have tried to be relevant with both the DP Block, which got two former cadres back in the fold to create the DP Block. Also, tried to tie in Bobi Wine and Mugisha Muntu in the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the 2021 elections. Neither has succeeded.

Now, as the internal primaries is scheduled and rows are surfacing. Mao speaks of loyalty and claims party members are acting ill-loyal. Well, he haven’t sanctioned that in the past. He didn’t ban or stop Mbidde from gathering in around Museveni. Neither, did he stop the other from becoming part of the cabinet. Thirdly, he was only mad that two vital leaders joined the People’s Government. While he was silent on the ones associating themselves with Bobi Wine. So, his not consistent. At least not in respects to where people should go and what they should do.

Not like Mao has made a path, except for showing up as regular on NBS Frontline. His staple and uses his flamboyant style, but his not coming across as a unique leader. No, his just another man whose happen to have a title.

Mao acts like his supreme, like his Devine and shouldn’t be challenged for the Presidency in his own party. That should be false, especially if the party should differ from the NRM. Which is the main challenger ahead of 2021. Unless, they are kidding themselves and wants to be a NRM-Light. Something it has looked like for years and only a given few has gone astray. These has gone to greener pastures to leaders who really tries to fight the Self-Styled President for Life.

Alas, here we are in 2020. Mao talking out of his ass. Acting aloof and unjustifiable so. We can act indifferent. However, we should know that he wants to reign the party. He earns on being in the President. Not like he will try again as an MP in Gulu. He should, because that he got a shot to succeed. While, he doesn’t have a change by any margin to uproar society and elect him President of all.

Mao couldn’t even run as a candidate in the previous election, and he was abysmal as a Presidential Candidate in 2011. Don’t expect magic from him in 2021. He was also one of the proud donkeys supporting Mbabazi. So, we know how compromised he can become. That is just the way it is.

If he continues like this its soon a micro-NRM. A small lookalike and a front of an opposition party. Where the beholden leader by nature is Mao. Instead of elections, it is selections of the ones loyal to him. Instead of people picking the most viable candidates. Is that what Mao wants? Seems so, right? 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.

Opinion: The ‘NRM Rebel MPs’ proves the democratic deficiencies within the party

When Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Justine Kasule Lumumba barred 30 Members of Parliament for the Party to be delegates at the NRM Delegates Conference on the 25^th January 2020 at Mandala Stadium (Namboole). Because, these 30 MPs voted against the abolishment of the Age Limit in defiance of the President, the Party Chairman and Supreme Leader. Therefore, SG Lumumba and the President have directed them not to come.

It is funny that a party made out a rebellion is sanctions its own rebels. I always find that endearing of the NRM. That the ones who should understand and support this behaviour. Since that is how the party got made to begin with.

What we are seeing is a President, his party and his secretariat not accepting other things than the party line. Everyone is supposed to follow the guidance and the beliefs of the President. Everything else is out of question. In addition, if you dare to go against it, there will be sanctions, ramifications and consequences.

So today this news broke out: “Oscar John Kihika, the Director Legal Services NRM Party has said the 30 Party MPs who opposed the lifting of the Presidential age limit have a right to attend the Party’s Conference as per Article 11(2) (i) of the NRM Party Constitution” (91.2 Crooze FM, 15.01.2020).

That is why, the NRM own constitution doesn’t ban them, but the President and SG wants to do it. They might show up then, but don’t expect celebrations or huge relief. These MPs might get into trouble by defying that too. These people might just end up like Muhammed Nsereko, NRM leaning Independent, which will vote in accordance with the party, but as “independents”.

What we are seeing is singling out the ones who doesn’t following the program and the regime of Museveni. The ones inside his own camp whose daring to oppose him and his self-styled President for Life. Which is his memo and life work. They are defying that and because of that. The President are initially saying they have “no say” and “nothing to offer” in his party.

If they did, they would come with open arms, discuss why did what they did and talked it out. Instead his banning them and closing the door shut. No way to return, no mercy, no justification. Just, you didn’t do as your told. Therefore, now you got to suffer, outside alone and not allowed to play us friends inside. Real kindergarten stuff, not a grown up party with proper measures and protocol.

It is so endearing, the NRM Rebels, but the party doesn’t think so, apparently. For them, they are nuances and a reminder, that not everyone follows one man blindly, but that they can on their own. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s endearing view on “NRM Rebels”

The rebel without an cause, has an issue with comrades or the fellow Yellow MPs in Parliament, who suddenly rebel against him. That is so endearing. It is so sweet, that he struggles and beats on the NRM Rebel MPs. It is like a beautiful fan-fiction. That he even remind that the Constitutional Court got the case changed by the Supreme Court on the interpreted article of 83 out of the Constitution.

The President is really rich in this manner. Museveni thinks his smart, but he isn’t that clever. Since, there are no place where the law says a NRM MP has to vote with the party. Only a certain quorum and rules for how the MPs can vote. If it is by voice or secret voting. There are stipulations for that, but not statutes nor articles, saying that you have to follow party line and be loyal to whatever cause or law the NRM see fit. That is not put in any law nor code, as such is foolish at best.

That is why yesterdays defence for getting people registered to vote is a weird text at best. I am only discussing the NRM rebellion and why he has a hissy-fit. Because, the President is only fool and nothing else in this matter.

President statement yesterday:

“In our own Parliament we have had that problem of the “Rebel MPs”, elected as NRM but conduct themselves like they are not NRM. The Constitutional Court made a mistake because when we asked them to interprete Article 83 that we deliberately put in the Constitution to solve the problem of the 1960s, they interpreted it in such a manner that the MP can do what they want. That the MPs do not have to get permission from those who elected them to do what they are supposed to do. It is a very dangerous disconnection, that of non-accountability” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – ‘PRESIDENT URGES UGANDANS TO REGISTER FOR 2020/21 GENERAL ELECTIONS’ 19.12.2019).

Article 83 of the 1995 Constitution:

“83. Tenure of office of members of Parliament.

(1) A member of Parliament shall vacate his or her seat in Parliament—

(g) if that person leaves the political party for which he or she stood as a candidate for election to Parliament to join another party or to remain in Parliament as an independent member;

(Constitution, 1995).

Supreme Court judgement of 2015:

“The continued stay in Parliament of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents as Members of Parliament after their expulsion from the NRM Party on whose ticket they were elected is contrary to and inconsistent with Articles 1(1), 2(1), 2(4), 29(1)(e), 69(1), 72(4), 78(1)(a), and 79(3) of the Constitution” (…) “To conclude on this ground, we are of the view that the majority of Justices in the Constitutional Court erred when they interpreted Article 83(1)(g) to mean that members of Parliament who are expelled from their political parties have to vacate their seats in Parliament by virtue of that Article. It was, therefore, wrong for the Constitutional Court to order the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th appellants to vacate their seats in Parliament on that ground. Accordingly ground 4 must succeed” (Supreme Court – Constitutional Appeal No. 01 of 2015, October 2015).

So we have seen the train of thought. That the President has set and fixed a narrative. He has to speak in third person, even as they are supposed to follow him and he uses the NRM as a prefix for that. That is why if a NRM MP vote with the opposition, they are wrong, even if it might be in the interest of the constituents.

He has a problem, that the Constitutional Court interpreted the article wrong. That he cannot expel an MP and get a by-election. This would be a proper tool to ensure the right loyal cadres would be harness and he wouldn’t have to pay them to vote his way. That is why his mad at the Courts, though if he remembered correctly, the Constitutional Court was in-favour of the President, but the Supreme Court validated the rebels.

The expelled MPs didn’t leave, but was forced to go by no action of their own. Except doing something to get expelled. If that was acting like a punk at Kyankwanzi or voting against the interest of the State House. The President wants the magical wand to either have pro-NRM, super-loyalists, who follow him blindly and who doesn’t think.

The rebels are maybe wrong in the eyes of the President. But they are allowed and free to vote, write statements or acting accordingly to their own conscience. They are not children, who need parental advice and guidance to act rightfully within the August House. That is why Museveni has a problem, as the paternal godfather of the Republic.

This is really endearing of the President. As he thinks this is wise to say, as he cannot even pick the right court to blast. The Constitutional Court did a wrong, but rebels are not aliens, which the Court Judgement of the Supreme Court states.

If Museveni really believes his still a freedom fighter, how come he has an issue, that his own MPs has the liberty to accordingly to their own conscience?

Enough bullshit. Peace.

Opinion: Muntu is so pragmatic, that’s why the NRM doesn’t fear him

“There are so many approaches in the struggle to liberate Uganda however; this that requires signing a petition to ICC will not have my signature on it. I, however, do not stop any other Ugandan from signing it because it is their right” – Gen. Mugisha Muntu

Mugisha Muntu, the former Party President of the Forum of Democratic Change (FDC) and now the Co-Ordinator of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). His had this third force for over a year now. His consulted with the Special Vehicle of the Democratic Party Block. While some of his allies and fellow leadership is also involved in the People Power Movement.

With this regard, the pragmatic man has a foothold everywhere else, than the People’s Government and the FDC. Muntu is still possessing some star power and swagger, as his still proclaimed a big-man by the likes of Andrew Mwenda.

But, I am hesitant about him. Since he continues to say Museveni isn’t the problem of the Republic. That he is reluctant to say and speak up with force against the National Resistance Movement. He wants to build a party, he wants to build grassroot organization, but what will it do? Other than being the organization that feeds him?

Because, he seems not to fear Museveni nor his dictatorship. His pragmatic ideals, whatever they are. Not to go head-on or challenge it directly. He wants to focus on his own and his structure. His third force, his sort of ANT. That is all. He has said that Museveni isn’t the problem all back to 2010. That is nine years and he did the same this year.

So, we know, that his soft, mellow and not really all that. His against the defiance, against resisting the system. He wants to build within it and hope to dismantle it by working with everyone. Thinking people will flee and go after him. Because, his speaking softly and tactful.

I don’t see how Muntu will liberate or even struggle to topple the dictatorship. When his so friendly and cosying up to everyone. His just busy body building his own ANT and not trying to show any force or way to distort the leadership of today. His continues about bad leadership, corruption and non-working system. But he has no solution to uproot it. Only, that he has to viable party and structure to compete with the NRM.

What does it help to have a party if it doesn’t stand for anything?

It is not like his come out with a platform, ideals or anything that is substantial within the year ANT has been there. Not like ANT has shown any significant objective. It says it want to battle NRM and have a peaceful transition, but nothing about how. It is a mystery. It is myth. A living legend.

That is why Muntu doesn’t say Museveni is the problem. Museveni and NRM isn’t the real issue. It is because its all about him. A one man party, a one man cause, the cause of finding relevance for Muntu. That is why he has to discredit FDC and also say there are other ways. But not say which?

That is why he fits the paradigm of syncopates and apologists of the regime. Since, Muntu is not even targeting them. His just doing himself. That’s why its “country before self”, because in his instance, its self before country.

Since, I don’t see any reason for Museveni or any of his allies to fear this man. His just so justifiable weak and spineless. He doesn’t have the ability or the will to push it hard. Even if that is the only way out. That was for others in the FDC and with ANT he will not do it. He will not risk his possible positive outcome and way out. That’s why he was against defiance and wanted a more suitable way. Where he would consult and negotiate, because that is how the big-men fall… not really, they fall with disgrace and with force of the people. With the strength of mobilization and show the opportunity, that the government is weak and lack support. In such a manner, that the armed forces and everyone gives way to the popular uprising. Which is not working with Muntu.

Muntu wouldn’t work a revolution nor a uprising. He would have talked with the right councils of NRM. He would have talked with the armed commanders and he would have tried to speak pleasantly to His Excellency. Muntu wouldn’t have condemned nor retaliated to the lack of protocol from the government. Only, if it makes him look wise, than he might strike. But he prefers fake peace, than real peace. He prefers soft conversation, than to tackle problems heads-on. Because if he does, he has to handle the solutions and actually show some opinion.

Muntu will not sign the ICC and says there are other ways out of liberation. The same he said about Defiance too. But he hasn’t come out with any other way, than joining other movements and other organizations, as he runs his own show. Where he is not bound by the FDC protocol or NRM for that matter. His been both places, but now has his own.

This man doesn’t a problem, but at the same time. Doesn’t come with any sort of action or solution either. Just, that he will not participate and such. Only build his nest and ensure his livelihood. Peace.

Opinion: Muntu’s mellow approach to end Musevenism…

Once upon a time, there was a bush-war NRA who became an opposition. Who went from having aspirations of being an journalists to become a full-time engaging opposition. However, in his quest to uproot the master he helped putting into power. He has never significantly been able to address to how to change this.

Even to this day, Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, the former Party President of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and now Coordinator of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) seems like a lost puppy on quest to nowhere. Before I continue. Let me take a snippet of yesterday’s speech from the man.

“Ugandans could take to the streets one day and eventually drive Gen. Yoweri Museveni from power or he could fail to rig the next election and be gone. Unfortunately all of the problems that Uganda is enduring today will remain with us the day after Museveni is out of office. The most intractable problem is the lack of political engagement at the grassroots. That is why dictatorships have flourished, leading to political violence, deaths, corruption and economic destruction. There has never been a peaceful handover of power from one president to the next one in Uganda in our 57 years of independence. Yet the right of citizens to determine who governs them is a fundamental and universal human right. Those who govern must obtain the consent of those on whose behalf they exercise political power” (Mugisha Muntu 11.10.2019).

I don’t know about you, but this sort of address fails the parameter of a real change. This is the soft approach and the reason why NRM has said they are open for a return of this man. Because, his manner and ways are so smooth, that you cannot fix it all.

It is true, the dynamics and the state apparatus will need time to be rebuilt and institutionalized in a manner, where the orders from above doesn’t control it all. However, the approach of Muntu is weak, bitterly so. Like he wants to await the final destination and said his education of the grassroots is the way to solve it all. Which is really an insincere approach, considering how the other parties has tried to educate and operate within the limited space the state has given them.

If there is a election with Museveni on the ballot, he will not fail in rigging it. That is what his been doing ever since 1996. Not kid ourselves, no one can conquer him on a ballot. As long as Yoweri breathes, no win will win in a contest. Even if the tides are turning and the state has no support other than the army. Still, he will not loose. Because of the fear of opposing Mr. Incumbent President.

“Once people are truly empowered at the grassroots they will be the guarantors against future dictatorships. We do not believe in replacing guns with guns” (Muntu, 11.10.2019).

Therefore, if Muntu was sincere, he would promise more than civic education to over win the dictatorship. Because, he wants a soft teachings and lessons for the public. So, that they can deep into their mind know what is just and what is their right. However, they most likely know this already, as it is basic and understandably so. Nevertheless, when risking life or arrests for questioning the actions of the state, they rather stay silent; which I don’t blame them. Everyone is not built for getting in trouble.

Just like, Muntu knows he cannot preach defiance or resistance against the state. He cannot, because than he sounds like the ones he lost in the FDC. He needs to preach another gospel. Though, it falls short. Because, we all know that educating isn’t enough. Action is needed too, even though it costs.

I’ll end with wise words of Dr. Kizza Besigye: “I am very alive to the fact that: no freedom, no political changes, comes without a cost” (June 2011). Peace.

Opinion: Gazetted injustice with the ban of red berets!

On the gazetted Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) dress code of 18^th September 2019, the red berets, which has been associated with the People Power Movement and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. It is now banned from wearing them, except if your part of the UPDF. The same with the rest of the attires, which is gazetted.

This is limiting clothing, but also banning a sort of cloth, a headwear, which has been directly the image of the opposition movement. The UPDF again being used politically to ban. Not only is the army used to intimidate and to control the public. They are not only defending the territory of the Republic, but also used as a tool of oppression. That is why, special units of the UPDF have been used to arrest and detain civilian leaders, like even taking the Arua 26 and the Kizza Besigye to Military Court.

Therefore, this is not shocking. This is following a pattern, like when the Interim Order of 5^th May 2016 banned all demonstrations and the defiance campaign. In addition, this means that the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) was officially by the state not allowed to demonstrate nor use defiance. That is why we have been here before.

The UPDF is used as a tool this time. To stop people from wearing a certain head-gear. They want to monopolize this headwear. Apparently, they can do that, even after the state known the public and the opposition has used this. This is a direct ban of wearing something of the opposition.

If the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the ones running the government wants a multi-party democracy or act like its there. Maybe not ban their gear in general. Because, it proves again, that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his minions in acts won’t a one-party state. That is why he was so reluctant to let go of the movement system in the past. This is a history we cannot forget.

In this instance, it is repetition of the past. The NRM and Museveni uses the state as a oppressive machine. Finds some significant faults with the opposition bans it. That is not new.

This is the red berets, which is now a cardinal sin, unless your part of the UPDF. Together with the other hand-picked attire, which they see fit. We can await the radios to ban Bobi Wine songs, we can await to see more of these issues. Just like the bans of concerts of Bobi Wine too. Therefore, this is following a common pattern.

This is not happening to the DP Block or the UPC for that matter. No, its happens to the Opposition that the President fears. That is why he can use the military, which the militarised politics of the NRM has personalized over the years.

This will be controversial, there will be arrests, the police force will enforce this and we will see an outcry. However, will this show the public how far the NRM does to control them? Is this enough or will laws of draconian acts continue without any actions against it. Will the public accept this and move-on, as the state again tell them how to think, act and how to be?

This is what the NRM does, just another proof. Peace.