DPC Tubonane warned about traffic to get rid of the rally in the town today for Dr. Besigye in Hapuyo in Kyegegwa district (and didn’t succeed!)

Kizza Besigye 14.12.15

I haven’t written much about the FDC rallies and People’s President Journey through the election even if he has gone from crowd to crowds in any district. He has come in by-passing because of the main events. Even if I am genuine admire of his politics and his swagger in public eye.  That’s because it been peaceful. Though the crowds and speeches deserves coverage, though my last piece was about his visit to Abim Hospital that also made the government look naked. A real power move by the Presidential Candidate; if not for that piece he has not been in main focus because Musveni and Mbabazi campaign trail has made more fuzz or more noise. Though it might not be as fruitful I still have felt the importance of it, even if it isn’t justified with the momentum that Dr. Kizza Besigye have for the moment.

DPC 14.12.15 FDC P1

Today I will talk about one report and what happen in Hapuyo Trading Center in Kyegegwa district where the District Police Commander Joel Tubonane claimed to the public and organizers that the venue and rally was disturbing the Trading Center and wanted the rally out of the road. He commanded them to stop the rally. The people answered him with chasing him away. So that Dr. Kizza Besigye holds his rally in Hapuyo. The ironic part of the statement of the DPC was that there were no visible cars in the road or traffic to interfere with the rally in the town.

The great issue about this is that FDC has given the Electoral Commission and Uganda Police Force its Campaign rallies plan and harmonized it after the laws that they have at their disposal, this has given way for the FDC to have rallies in the areas as they have accepted by the EC and UPF. Which should in effect give way for the FDC to do as they have already complied to the law to have these events, this is also into the famous Elections Roads Map that is the guideline that IGP Kale Kayihura spends time dreaming about when he crashes a event claiming it is not entitle in it It seems that the DPC Tubonane has the same ability, though not the same power or man-power in his district to do something about it. If he did he would violate the words of his boss and make him a hypocrite; that wouldn’t be surprising looking at the outcome of Amama Mbabazi rally in Ntungamo yesterday. That is in the same Election Road Map. I wrote about it yesterday, will not spend more on it, until the numbers and actual violence get more painted on the canvas I can’t describe it no more. Though I will say yesterday was unjustified actions from the NRM, period.

DPC 14.12.15 FDC P2

What happen today was a reaction to the reactionary DPC who thought by his mere presence would dissolve and abolish the planned rally of the FDC. Like on man and his words would do so. He would by that violate the higher powers that have for some reasons allowed them to do it. That’s the like Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu and IGP Kale Kayihura, the last one his boss. Instead of trying to force them away from the trading district he should have facilitated the planned rally. Not that he would do so, they doesn’t feed him like the loyal crony who hired him for the DPC position IGP Kayihura. Therefore his loyalty is to the NRM, even if the Police is supposed to be as the ARMY a units who are not participating in political activities, even if the latter has Parliamentary Members. That is just me commenting on the foolish reasoning of non-partisan army, which the UPDF is not, so why should the UPF not be loyal to their leader IGP Kayihura who gladly takes parts of great NRM events like recent ones on Kololo in November, and then we know that he will not judge against his own. That is why IGP Kayihura uses the Public Order Management Act to justify actions against opposition parties and activities in every turn that the Police throw tear-gas and tear up venues where the FDC and Go-Forward shows up.

This did not happen today, it is just to prove their viciousness. The actions of the normal police activity; it’s a reason why I am so blunt about it. That the DPC Tubonane in Hapuyo Trading Center was acting as the mouthpiece of his peers. And for those who have followed the UPF and their actions it’s like a déjà vu. We have heard it all before and it was expected.

DPC 14.12.15 FDC P3

What was unexpected was the reaction to the Police Commanders wishes of skirmishing the venue and street on his own; because the people reacted to his ways and got him away. That gave way for the FDC to have a rally in the town as planned. Though I wished he walked away freely instead of being chased away. They still proved some humility by not doing anything more. And the DPC Tubonane could have gotten his fellow comrades and retaliated and instead didn’t put up his equipment. That is something we also could have for-seen but that didn’t occur today and we can be happy about that since there been enough innocent people who has been hurt in rallies and consultant meeting in 2015 alone by the powers of UPF.

We could have seen more violence today if the DPC Tubonane had acted against the people who sent him away after threating to close the rally in the trading center. He could have gone and made hazard. Instead nothing happen and silent ordinary rally happen in town where Dr. Kizza Besigye held his speech and travelled on to the next district of the day. We can be happy about that, though sad that the DPC had to go to these ways to prove his power, though he lost it when the people of the town weren’t buying it. We can be grateful for their resilience and really living by the force of defiance against the governmental forces that are holding them in invisible chains, by the long-serving NRM-Regime. Surely not the reports Mzee want to hear in his ear in Saudi Arabia, well, he can’t always be pleased. Peace.

Electoral Commission letter: LEG 75/79/01 – “Re: Alleged Disruption of Candidate Amama Mbabazi rallies by candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Supporters (12.11.2015)

The Electoral Commission 17.11.15

Joint Security Statement: Securing the Future of Out Country Together (12.12.2015, Uganda)

Security Statement 2016 Election

Press Statement: Uganda Youth Platform on the rampant arbitirary arrests and torture of youth in Uganda by regime agents and rouge NRM Supporters (10.12.2015)

Jinja Police 10915

Uganda Youth Platform (UYP) and other youth organizations in the country wish to bring to the attention of the people of Uganda the prevailing abuse of our rights, arbitrary arrests, torture and other unbelievable acts of injustice the government is committing against us.

The regime in power abducts, arrests, threatens death, detains, tortures and imprisons innocent youth with an aim of forcing them to work for and support NRM and intimidate the youth so that they do not speak up. Many youth have even lost their lives and properties. Recently Salongo Mawejje’s head was severed and has not been found. Youth in Sebambule, Butaleja, Lira, Kumi, Masaka, Mbarara, Gulu, Wakiso, Mbale, Mubende, etc are being intimidated, languishing in jails and many have lost property and hope.

Of recent, Jude Nkoyoyo the General Secretary of Uganda Youth Platform was inhumanly arrested, detained in an illegal location, accused of tramped up charges. His home was raided, property confiscated and destroyed. He was denied a fair hearing in time. His life will never be the same again. The second case is of Waidhuba John, Coordinator Eastern Region. He survived a staged road accident. The tormentors ran away on a motorcycle. His home was raided. The third case is of Ewau Godfrey, the PRO of Uganda Youth Platform. He was abducted by elements from Flying Squad and detained at a facility operated by Special Forces Command. He was tortured, a hood tied over bis head, abused etc. Others are being threatened such as Brian Obiga, Chairperson of Uganda Youth Platform and Coordinator Northern Region. Mulani Rockefeller, the Assistant Coordinator UYP Mubende was also arrested, detained, tortured and forced to work for and support NRM, President Museveni.

Other youth who have been arrested from different parts of the country and tortured under hands of regime agents are: Payira Bonney, Okot Thomas, Otim Sparraw, Winnie Nakajjubi, Norman Tumuhibise, Okure Nathan, Okia Constant, Aguda Moses, Nsubuga, Nuwagaba Christopher Ojobile and hundreds of other youths. There is now an atmosphere of fear for their lives.

Thousands of youth are being rounded up daily and taken to jails and safe houses under the guise of being idle and disorderly. How can someone be disordely or idle at his home? That they are loitring in the city and towns. How can a government that is not creating jobs arrest people for nor working? If the youth dont come to towns to look for work, how are they expected to eat and pay rent and feed their families?
We understand that government fears the youth that they engage in civil disobedience so it prefers to keep rounding us up and throw us in unknown places. But there are 30 million youths! Where will they detain 30 million of us?

It’s therefore, upon us to either accept and surrender to these unjust acts forever, or join hands and say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Fellow youth of Uganda, our generation is now a lost generation because of the increasing and un-ending injustices committed against us.

We, as Uganda Youth Platform (UYP) wish to remind you that it’s our constitutional duty to be actively involved at all levels of our country’s governance. UYP as a legal civic network of all youth in Uganda calls upon Ugandans and international community to condemn such dictatorial acts. We aim to have a new government that will cater for our needs.

We want the Uganda Human Rights Commission to get interested in these cases of human rights abuse and also the Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Police to tell the country whether these actions are officially sanctioned actions since those carrying them out come from the institutions they lead.

We demand that all Presidential candidates address themselves to this issue of security for the youth and condemn these acts of thuggery by state agents.

We shall not surrender, we shall not waver, we shall struggle on.

For God and my Country

Yours in the Struggle,
Uganda Youth Platform
Obiga Brian – National Chairperson
Nkoyoyo Jude – General Secretary
Waidhuba John – General Treasurer
Ewau Godfrey – Public Relations Officer /PRO
All Coordinators and members of Uganda Youth Platform countrywide
Ugandan Youth the Future Lies in Our Hands

Press Release: U.S. Citizen Deported from Uganda to Face Counterfeiting Charges in Western Pennsylvania (07.12.2015)

Counterfeit-Money

PITTSBURGH—A United States citizen has been deported from the Republic of Uganda and brought to the Western District of Pennsylvania to face charges of leading an international counterfeit currency operation headquartered in that African nation. The announcement was made today by David Hickton, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Eric Zahren, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service—Pittsburgh Field Office.

Ryan Andrew Gustafson, aka Jack Farrel, aka Willy Clock, 28, is charged with conspiracy, conspiracy to launder money, and the passing and receiving of counterfeit money from December 2013 until December 2014. The indictment alleges more than $1.4 million in counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes have been seized and passed worldwide, both overseas and in the U.S. as part of this scheme.

Gustafson had been on trial in Uganda on a number of charges, including possessing counterfeit money. He was deported Dec. 3 and arrived in Pittsburgh on Friday evening. He will be presented before Chief U.S. District Magistrate Maureen Kelly today at 2:30 p.m. for an Initial Appearance. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

“Identifying, charging and returning Ryan Gustafson to the United States from Uganda required extensive cooperation among diverse international law enforcement partners and expert coordination among the Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” stated U.S. Attorney Hickton. “As a result, a multimillion dollar international cyber counterfeiting scheme has been disrupted and its principal will face justice on American soil. This investigation demonstrates our relentless resolve to identify cyber criminals overseas and bring them back to the United States to be tried for their crimes.”

“This international counterfeit currency investigation and subsequent arrests illustrate Secret Service expertise in safeguarding the Nation’s financial infrastructure since inception,” said Special Agent in Charge Zahren. “We will continue to work closely with our network of law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal enterprises seeking to victimize innocent victims, regardless of geographic distance or borders. Special thanks to Ugandan law enforcement officials and the United States Embassy Uganda for their assistance.”

“This investigation was an excellent example of a partnership between multiple federal law enforcement agencies across the country and overseas, working together to identify and bring down those responsible for a worldwide conspiracy. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains vigilant, pursuing criminals like Gustafson to ensure the public’s trust in a safe and secure mail system.” added Inspector in Charge, Tommy Coke, Pittsburgh Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Gustafson, a U.S. citizen residing in Kampala, Uganda, was originally charged by criminal complaint in December 2014. The April 1, 2015, indictment naming Gustafson also charged three additional defendants with conspiracy and conspiracy to launder money from December 2013 until December 2014. Those defendants are:

  • Zackary L. Ruiz, aka Mr. Mouse, 19, of Las Vegas, Nevada, who is pending trial;
  • Jeremy J. Miller, aka Sinner, 31, of Seattle, Washington, who is pending trial; and
  • Michael Q. Lin, aka Mlin, aka Mr. Casino, 21, of Bethlehem, Penn., who pleaded guilty on Nov. 9, and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16, 2016.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shardul S. Desai is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended numerous agencies and organizations for conducting the investigation leading to charges in this case, including the Directorate of Public Prosecution, the Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department, the Special Investigations and Intelligence Unit, and Stanbic Bank in Uganda; the U.S. Secret Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and the National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance.

Press Release: UPF has been withdrawn from all landing sites, following complaints to H.E. the President about misconduct and even criminality (03.12.15)

IGP 03.12.15

The President Musveni Letter on the matter last month in case you forgot! 

Musevenis-letter-on-illegal-fishing1

 

Norbert Mao the DP chief not Nominated as MP for Gulu Municipality

Norbert Mao NTV

Today is a special day, a former presidential candidate Norbert Mao who happen to be the Democratic Party in 2011, is after today not allowed to compete to become a MP from the Gulu Municipality, and we’re today told by Gulu Electoral Commission registrar Benson Obete for the reason of missing his National ID card. To top it all off now he cannot run as a MP, because he doesn’t have that National ID card(Had to say that twice!).

He had issues last time with photos and got a few hours to fix it(by the same Electoral Commission before the 2011 Nominations. This time it wasn’t that easy; because when the issuing of the National ID Cards he was sick (Reports are saying so). On that matter hen wrote to the Ministry of late General Aronda to get a reissue of the card. In so return nothing ever happen and Eng. Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu; has now said today; that he cannot give special treatment to any candidate.

Just a friendly reminder: Well, he did that with Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the NRM, who didn’t need to be nominated by his party before he verified his nomination form like the other candidates did (I’m just saying). But that is another issue (Indeed it’s Mzee we’re speaking about).

Norbert Mao has been under fire since last election and the reckless fall of one of the oldest parties in the Ugandan country. He has been hectic activity since 2010. He was also parts of the ‘Walk to Work’ protest and a presidential candidate before that. He has had issues with the Police a dozen of times, seen rallies destroyed by police and been jailed. As so many opposition leaders and MPs has been now and then. Even totally pinked by tear-gas in Kampala (that picture is legendary); also rumored dead for a while during 2015, which we all know is not true. So let me give you some more quotes and issues in his political life!

Norbert-Mao 2011

Backdrops on today:

Mao we’re born on 12. March 1967. In 1991 he had been able to get bachelor degree in Law at Makerere University where he was Guild President school year of 1990/91. In 1992 he got the Post Graduate Diploma from Law Development Center in Legal Practice. From 1992 to 1996 he worked in two companies as a lawyer. From 1996 till now he has been an MP. And in General Election in 2011 he tried to be the DP Presidential Candidate.

DP Mao

Some of his love-life:

“Naomi Odong Achieng was seen leaving UK 16/10/98 in the company of Nobert Mao MP with whom she is reported to be deeply in love. Nobert Mao is a regular visitor to London and the relationship between the two has been going on for some time to the annoyance of Nobert Mao’s family” (…)”Last night I called Prof Ogenga Otunnu at his Offices at the York University Toronto Canada where he is a lecturer. I asked him if there was any rumour in the story that his wife had been snatched. He was reluctant to speak to me. He however confirmed that it was indeed true Mao had stolen his wife. He said that it was not news the relationship has been going on for some time now” (Masaba, 1998).

23rd October 2009:

He said: “In Gulu Municipality we had to exercise serious vigilance to beat electoral fraud. In 1996, my toughest election yet, even dead soldiers ‘voted’!! But I know only one way to meet a cchallenge – HEAD ON!! when you stand up to bullies you get beaten down. But at least you can get up…unlike those who lie down voluntarily…they will be down for good…So let us stand up for our right to make our votes count…”

18th November 2010:

He cited: “We are in Moroto! Last night 4 UPDF soldiers were busy tearing down my posters while putting up President Museveni’s. When challenged by my team, one cocked a gun. His colleague ordered him to shoot. Our police escorts disarmed him. If UPDF soldiers can do this then we are in a circus not a campaign. We are not campaigning against a party but the state itself. It is a mockery of democracy!”.opposition-leaders-sam-lubega-2l-upcs-olara-otunnu-and-others-were-weted-by-tear-gas-yesterday-picture-by-michael-kakumirizi1

In 2010 the year before General Elections in 2011:

He said this: “hose holding guns are entirely dependent on the gun. Those who are spending tax payers’ money on campaigns are dependent on money but we are relying on the ordinary Ugandan and everybody should know that DP has resurrected” (…)”We welcome whoever had temporarily taken refuge elsewhere to return home. Whoever fears rain can even seek shelter in a night dancer’s home but the rain is no more” (…)”I told them I am a Ugandan and I never filled any form to be a Mucholi (sic). I told them those who attacked the Lubiri did so before I was born” (DP, 2010).  If you forgot the troubling paperwork on the 2010 nomination: ““I declare Nobert Mao of DP, who has complied with all the regulations,” Dr Kiggundu said, amidst ululations and shouts of joy from the 20 man team.

However, Dr Kiggundu also said because of natural justice, Mao would be allowed some few hours to present another set of postcard photographs to the EC “because the ones submitted have one ear.”The team comprised of MPs, John Kawanga, Joseph Balikudembe, Mathias Nsubuga, and Jinja Mayor Kezaala among others” (DP, 2010).

April 18 2011 Statement:

We are now detained at Kiira Road Police Station. Seven of us are here facing ridiculous charges of being part of an unlawful society. They claim to have reinstated the old charges of inciting violence and holding an unlawful procession. We shall not be cowed. We remain resolute about the cause we have embraced”.

walk-work-@3double8

Reports from 2012:

Norbert Mao has already been a disappointment to the party, including all the neutral potential supporters who would have joined DP.  It is two years since Mao was elected, and there’s nothing that one can show” (…)”I have not seen or heard Mao and his executive in villages consulting and building the party, or empowering supporters, except during the elections. Yet DP would probably find it a lot easier to mobilise people since its values are very close to people’s hearts, and it has no history of engaging in killings” (…)”he has failed to reconcile the DP young leaders who connect very well with the voters. These are Ms Betty Nambooze, Mathius Mpuuga, Medard Ssegona and Erias Lukwago, among others” (…)”The DP that Mao leads has not even got an official website.  Ironically, Mao has a personal website where he regularly communicates to his followers, but not to the entire DP membership” (…)”Surely the DP party leadership can afford to build four rooms somewhere in outer Kampala to house our offices in a clean and respected area. I am not expecting Mao to use his personal wealth, and that’s why I am talking about fundraising not bankrolling the party” (Mwaka, 2012).

30th March 2012:

He cited saying: “My heart wept to see that displaced people who had returned to their homes in Apa, Amuru District have been beaten, killed and their houses burnt by the army and police on orders of the government. 25 people are in detention for saying no to this injustice. 9 people are unaccounted for. Police claims they shot dead two people but only produced one body. This is going to be a long struggle against a so called foreign investor who wants to turn our home into a game ranch! On Tuesday we shall see how to get the detainees out on bail…Truth will ultimately triumph…”.

norbert-mao-quote-museveni-has-not-kept-his-promises-to-west-nile-i

6th August 2012:

He said this: “We have just had a serious clash with NRM officials at Messiah FM when the radio talk-show host wanted to stop our program because Crispus Kiyonga and the NRM entourage were pressurizing him to close our program. We are filing an official complaint with the Media Council and the Broadcasting Council. Our program was cut to only 30 mins! Not just bad politics but also bad manners….”

30th July 2013:

He stated: “Police today surrounded the DP headquarters. Six pick up trucks downstairs, a police bus and our balcony swarming with armed riot police. My Press Officer Fred Mwesigwa bravely faced them off when they claimed that they had heard that DP was planning to deliver foodstuffs to families of police officers and so they had come to search DP offices. Mwesigwa told them that unless they produce a search warrant from court the party would exercise its right to self defence and protect its right to privacy. Eventually they cops went to the street level when it became apparent that no one was afraid of them”.

In August 2013:

He said: “The Public Order Management Act is the last nail in the coffin of civil liberties in Uganda. It is a monument to arbitrariness. It has amended the constitution by the back door concluding the formality of turning Uganda into a police state”.

Norbert Mao Quote

In November 2014:

“Mao said that he declined the Prime Minister’s position because he knew it was going to yield nothing for him and the people of Uganda whose interests he fights for” (…)”He says that the only way he was ready to work with Museveni was to restore peace in northern Uganda and take Internally Displaced people back to the homes” (ThemBokaHunga, 2014).

In September 2015:

He said: “The opposition is not as weak and unkempt as it seems. If the opposition was so weak and utterly in disarray as some people seem to think, Museveni would not be running around scared of losing elections” (…)”He (Museveni) would not be seeking to be guest of honour at every little ceremony in the country. Museveni is running around scared because for once he can smell defeat and he knows that the army will not defend him and keep him in power when he is defeated at the polls. He is desperate for a semblance of legitimacy” (Musinguzi, 2015).

And in a statement: “The Bank of Uganda will still be used like Museveni’s private ATM, the military and police will serve the role of appendages to the regime and the Electoral Commission will be but a figurehead as state operatives run the elections behind the scenes” (…)”Museveni was a Minister at the time when I was a primary school pupil. I am now 48. Museveni is combatting the onset of senility. He struggles to present an image of youthfulness. He does press ups to dupe the unsuspecting public that he still has stamina. He dabs in rap music to project the image of a man in tune with modern musical trends. But all that cannot beguile Ugandans. As Bob Marley sang, you can fool some people all of the time and you can fool all the people some of the time but you can’t fool all the people all of the time” (Musinguzi, 2015).

Mao Masaka Mbabazi 091115

Afterthought:

If he doesn’t get it fixed to become really nominated to be MP for Gulu Municipality which gives a free for all for the other candidates in that constituency and the candidates that are nominated there either UPC or NRM. This gives other parties than DP who has made head-weight by the voters in that area. Since one of their big men and main candidates since 1996 is not on the ballot in February 2016. I am sure this has something to do with his affiliation at the current moment. He has been on the trail with Amama Mbabazi and supported him as a TDA Joint Presidential Candidate that is one of the reasons why DP doesn’t have a Presidential candidate, the same with Justice Forum Uganda (JEEMA) and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) so on. DP is not alone, even the UPC who now has a deal with NRM has the same conundrum. They solved it differently and directly having a deal with Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

For some time it seemed that DP was lingering towards NRM. That train has now left station. This proves the situation and how rigged the elections are. Certain bunch of losers from NRM Primaries can still be a part of the elections in 2016. They are running as Independents and have now worries. A number of them have been in talks with statehouse and they are already reassured from the Mzee.

The Gulu Municipality MP election results will be mind boggling and be weird. Since Norbert Mao will not be on the ticket. And he was going in for the President in 2011! Only – Made in Uganda! Peace.

Reference:

DP – ‘DP HAS RESURRECTED, SAYS MAO’ (26.10.2010)

DP – ‘I AM UGANDA’S OBAMA SAYS MAO’ (28.10.2010)

Masaba, Tony – ‘MP MAO STEALS EXILE’S WIFE; UK ACHOLI COMMUNITY OUTRAGED’ (17.10.1998)

Musinguzi, Bianshe – ‘Museveni Is Scared—Norbert Mao’ (08.09.2015) link: http://www.redpepper.co.ug/museveni-is-scared-norbert-mao/

Mwaka, Timothy – ‘Norbert Mao is a very weak DP leader’ (28.05.2012) link: http://www.ugandacorrespondent.com/articles/2012/05/norbert-mao-is-a-very-weak-dp-leader/

ThemBokaHungu – ‘NORBERT MAO REFUSED MUSEVENI’S OFFER FOR PREMIER’ (01.11.2014) link: http://thembokahungu.blogspot.no/2014/11/norbert-mao-refused-musevenis-offer-for.html

Erias Lukwago Statement and his campaign is Prematurely Suspended (Youtube-Clip)

Lukwago 30.11.15

In pursuit of a just cause, we shall not be deterred by the apparently skewed and hostile political terrain. Obviously, we shall encounter numerous hurdles along the way but they are not insurmountable. A new program for the launch of our campaign platform will be rolled out in the course of next week. In the meantime, all my campaign programmes will remain suspended in protest against the illegal and nefarious conduct of the police. I will always be grateful for your unwavering support.#Omuloodi Waali.

IGP Kayihura orders arrest of Mukono officer (Youtube-Clip)

NRM cries foul over media coverage

M7 NRM

There is some fun in this that the NRM cries foul over coverage. Especially when some of remember when certain loyal cronies was crying over how the NBS and NTV was following and imbedded into the convoys to their consultation meeting. Let me remind you on that before going over the comment recently coming from the NRM.

Kale Kayihura

On the 14th October 2015 IGP Kale Kayihura spoke at his press conference that day on the media:

“The thing, you as Journalists, especially NTV, NTV and NBS. Who normally are embedded with, in these convoys, I don’t know for what reason, whether you are really Journalist, at the edge of consents, or your been inducted into parties politics. That goes against by the way the professional ethics of journalism! That got a mandate to go after this, because it’s the broadcast act, the media and journalist act”.

So having the head of the Police commenting on how the journalist follows the FDC and Go-Forward consultation meetings was expected for everybody, though ironic talking about ethics, because they did in the same time period create havoc in Rukungiri and in the Greater Masaka area where the FDC was planning to have events. The Police also was violent in Soroti and Jinja where the Go-Forward camp had planned meetings. So that the media was following was to address the interests and how the Police was going against their own citizens. They are doing their duty as journalist to address the matters and also the unnecessary violence and detaining opposition party members and leaders; that is a common good that, that get addressed by the media in those instances.

Justine Kasule Lumumba

But let’s take a look at what the NRM said this week:

The Secretary General of NRM Justine Kasule Lumumba said this: “You should take note that our candidate has so far addressed 70 rallies and some haven’t even covered 20 of them(…)”I have observed that some media houses are biased and do not cover all the candidates equall” (FakeBeast, 2015).

What we have seen in October this year had the IGP Kale Kayihura saying that Media should not be in the convoys of a political parties, especially considering their ethical and codes of conduct of a journalist. That is in stark contrast to what the Secretary General Cries fowl about this week.

Though she does that, I am sure that NRM forgetting their own actions while they we’re in Lango Sub-County on the 13th November 2015 on the trail to 2016. This happen that day:

Museveni expels NTV from his media team after what he called unbalanced reporting on him. As per now, NTV journalists are being escorted back to Kampala by soldiers of the Special Forces Command. Daily monitor was also warned of a possible closure should their reporting continue to ‘favor’ the opposition ‘against’ Mr. Museveni.

Mbabazi M7 Besigye

That is just two weeks ago. So when you see how the NRM and their Presidential Candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni wasn’t happy with the pictures and “unbalanced” reports given at the time and at the rallies. That the Secretary General now in all respects says the same thing. It is not surprising, since they want all coverage! They don’t want people to follow the FDC, Go-Forward, Farmers Party or PDP, even the Independents who also have rallies.

The trouble NRM and the Police has with the coverage is that it isn’t just in favor with the view and perspective that NRM wish to perceive. That is because they will cover as they feel is right and question it all. I am sure the NRM is not happy with the covering reports of how they have used Crime Preventers to fill up crowds and deliverance of T-Shirts, foods and paying gas to Boda-Boda drivers around the venues of the NRM rallies. That is something that is not happening around the Go-Forward or FDC venues in the same time frame.

The pain that NRM have right now is that they don’t know how to handle that their losing grip. Everybody isn’t eating out their hands and taking their words for granted. That the media doesn’t follow you as they used to, because they are trying to cover the other parties rallies as well. Since there 8 candidates, there is a trio on the top that has the most coverage no matter how you look upon it. That Museveni, Mbabazi and Besigye has the most is natural, not only by looking at the size of their campaigns, but also the suctions of the candidates. That is why deflections is mostly happening to these candidates and their parties.

The reason why Go-Forward Camp or FDC camp is claiming the same as NRM about biased and unbalanced coverage is because of the massive coverage in general these days. NRM has their own media-house, which has been proven with 5 pages special from the NewVision during the start of the campaign trail. Something that the same paper would never do on FDC or Go-Forward because of its loyalty to the NRM. That is something other media-houses doesn’t have, even when they have shut down the Daily Monitor, reports of even paying of editors to scribble something else then negative and true coverage of the Government of Uganda and that means the NRM.

So if the Secretary General Kasule Lumumba and President Museveni complain; it’s kind of expected at this point. That IGP Kayihura was directing the media was also expected since he will detain anybody who doesn’t follow his reasoning. But that the internal parts of the Party of NRM now reacts with three months to go to General Elections in 2016. This shows that their struggling with convincing the media on how to cover the rallies and pledges given by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

IGP Kayihura get his wish in a way if that the media is not imbedded with convoys of the NRM party, since that is what he said was against the ethics of journalists. Something that Museveni and Kasule Lumumba we can assume isn’t happy about at this present time. Since they want to have the NRM in the spotlight, get the GREEN positive GO light. That they don’t get. The coverage is followed by their actions and when you constantly attack and address journalist as problems and make their relationship problematic, it will be easier to address the Go-Forward and FDC where you are welcome. That is proven with the actions done by the NRM in Lango Sub-County.

And by looking at their actions and wishes is not something you can combine. It doesn’t match. If they want more coverage then they also have accept it for what it is. Instead of telling what and trying to spin it the way they want it. I am sure Dr. Kizza Besigye didn’t want the photos with the chicken to the public, as much as Amama Mbabazi didn’t want to have the “Share-A-Coke with” moment earlier in the campaign. But that happen and the media and online world has captured it.

Share A Coke W Amama 101115

That the NRM feels that the coverage is biased or not covered enough is telling more about the NRM, then the media. The Media can make their decision to where to cover and how they explain and express what happens around the NRM. The NRM can’t do like they do internally to explain and argue, the media should be different. That they feel less covering then Dr. Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi proves how much they fear the opposition and their candidates since the NRM can’t handle how big crowds surround their trails and none of them is payed Crime Preventers or hired men to show up. Some of the crowds at the NRM venues has been so and when that has been pointed out in media, the media has been criticized for saying so. Well, the retort should be – there shouldn’t be hired crowds at the campaign trail, and doesn’t matter which party. NRM they have a history for this kind of action, therefore when the media and journalist address it, it’s the NRM who should change, not the Journalist addressing it.

That is in general what the NRM, Museveni and Kasule Lumumba implies that the Media and Journalists should change to their tune and not think for themselves and just cover what they want to show. Like they wanted all to see Bebe Cool speaking about roads to Moroto after the recent rally, but not about the rest of the state of Sub-County where he was campaigning, I am sure not all parts of those areas was that great built and functioning, right?

NRM can cry foul and can be suspicious of how the coverage is being carried out. But we all know that they just want the whole spotlight and leave everybody else into darkness. That would be wish of President Museveni, he want to be leading star and the guardian of the galaxy!

Still, it seems that they still get massive coverage, maybe not the one they want… or wished in the first place. And that hurts them because they want be the beautiful ruling government instead they are showing the NRM-Regime as they really are. The actions and rhetoric hurts them and doesn’t help their cause, if they really have another one then ruling, and one man ruling them all. If so, please enlighten me on that, since I only see a one-man ruling party who is a skeleton when he needs it. And loyal subjects to him like Secretary General Kasule Lumumba and others who comply with his every need. Something the media does not do and question their behavior and words. To see and discuss it! That will hopefully also happen under a new regime and hopefully be more tolerant of the journalist and their opposition then the one that currently ruling Uganda. Peace.

Reference:

Fakebeast – ‘Media ignores Museveni, Kasule cries out’ (26.11.2015) link: http://www.fakebeast.com/media-ignores-museveni-kasule-cries-out/

Kabuzire, Linda – ‘NRM: Mbabazi Must Stop Provoking Us’ (26.11.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/nrm-mbabazi-must-stop-provoking-us/