Opinion: Bwanika is ready to dip…

“Abed Bwanika threatens to quit NUP if constitutional reforms regulating elected leaders to two terms are not reconsidered. The Kimanya Kabonera MP spit fire on CBS over the weekend where he claimed the reforms will deny the party senior and experienced leaders like himself” (The Kampala Journal, 25.04.2023).

I am neither shocked nor surprised that this comes from Hon. Abed Bwanika. He has become a journeyman of sorts. Bwanika is the former three times Presidential Candidate. A man who has been on the ballot in 2006, 2011 and 2016. Also created a church and a political party. Before joining National Unity Platform (NUP).

Bwanika was the only independent candidate in 2006 but had already launched his People’s Development Party (PDP) by the 2011 elections. A party he ran on its platform until the 2016 elections. In the term after that he joined the DP Block and became a part of the new outfit. That happened in 2019 and he bolted from that and stood on the ballot for NUP in 2021 elections as an MP.

That just shows how swiftly everything changed and how he went from one outfit or party to another. He went from his own and became a part of the DP Block. However, when that didn’t go to plan. Bwanika left and found a safe haven in the NUP.

Now he is issuing grievances and coming with threats of leaving. Surely, if he leaves his just another journeyman and vagabond who flees the party. Another one of them who got hooked on the wave, but now see the reality of the party he entered. A man who couldn’t phantom that the party had principals and ideals to adhere too.

Bwanika has already tried to get into Presidency three times and finally entered office with the NUP. He has gotten the opportunity to be an MP and he got nothing to show from it. As an MP he hasn’t been vocal or caused a commotion. Neither is he causing a stir or even writing motions to get legislation done. Therefore, his just eating and enjoying the perks of the office without doing more work.

I’m not surprised that he was against the idea of two terms for elected officials within the NUP. He could just dip or ditch the party. Nevertheless, a man who was willing to stand three times for the Presidency and fails. He feels obligated to try more than ones in another office. That is just basic human behaviour. It would go against everything inside him to do otherwise.

Bwanika wants to represent and be a high ranking official. He finally has entered Parliament and with this party constitution. His only allowed to be the MP one more term. That means it is all ending soon and before he really gets to eat. When he has fought tooth and nail since 2006.

We know he can trade his ideals beliefs, because he has in the past sworn an affidavit in support of the elections in 2006 and in defence of Museveni. Therefore, he could easily be swayed again. It just shows how open policy the NUP has when they have allowed these characters to join and get to eat cake.

Bwanika should feel lucky and blessed to be where he is. Because, as a Presidential Candidate he was a joke. Now he finally has a voice and a party to reconcile with. A party that isn’t a briefcase one, but a legit one. That’s why he was able to be elected in the first place. Bwanika should pray to the Gods and be grateful.

Now he does the opposite and proves what sort of journeyman he is. Peace.

Opinion: Norbert Mao is a fallen soldier

The Democratic Party President Norbert Mao who has lead his party since 2010 and in 2022 is going on a war-path towards anyone in the opposition. Throwing tantrums and speaking of hypocrisy. While never taking into account his own actions and mischief, as his the superior and supposed great leader. Alas, there is the burden of proof and of thoughtfulness, as he has targeted the other opposition before… and he has never succeeded himself in his causes. Maybe that’s why his so bitter these days.

He should have a resounding legacy and merits to show for it. Mao has been leading a party for a decade and still has little results to show for. There has been little to none in concern to legislation, even less with the spark of flair or proof of validity of astonishing brinkmanship within the opposition on his behalf. If it had been so… he wouldn’t acted like he does these days.

It is a reason why he haven’t gained politically or become a bigger voice with time. As the Party President and DP seems to loose relevance. That his trying to spark it now is obvious. Just like tried to get anyone under his DP block, as a unified front and hoped Bobi Wine would tag along. Because, that would be like he ran around with Mbabazi in 2016.

Since we all know well by now that Mao isn’t the leader, the prospect or the majestic future of the Republic. His a glorified party leader, which resemble the same arrogance as previous presidential candidate Venansius Baryamureeba. Both are academic in their approach to the world, but oblivious to how to communicate their differences to public. That’s why they are not popular or have the ability to sell their narratives. This is why it’s easier to throw stones at Bobi Wine or Besigye, than trying to find solutions or even speak rational that makes sense. Since it’s cooler to sound eloquent and speaks the Queens language with a tone.

However, I think Mao needs a redemption and need atone for whatever that sparked these grievances. He needs his pity party and stop the pissing contest. Which is only making him look like a fool and sound like a fool. While his topping up and hoping someone else will give him air-time.

Mao’s rants is taking him nowhere and his a lost cause. It is an erratic shit-show with no purpose. Only to show how his lacking respect and dignity for his fellow allies in the opposition. He says he wants to talk to all leaders, but at the same time his throwing more charcoal on the fire. How does that add up, Mister? Well, it doesn’t and you are only bringing more heat.

Secondly, you know you have messed up as an opposition leader when the National Resistance Movement Youth League (NRMYL) is calling you a cadre, comrade or even a senior cadre in their tweet today. That’s not a sign of victory, unless you are in opposition to make a mess and create hostility. Because, that NRMYL loves that and the NRM itself will bash in glory over that.

Mao has done a better job undermining the opposition than government spokesperson, chief whip of Parliament or any NRM MPs in the recent days. The DP President has aired out all the dirty laundry without any good receipts. Still, his efforts are been recognized, but not by the people his supposed to get the “love” from. Therefore, if this was his project and the deliver was to be evaluated. It surely doesn’t look a successful one.

In this battle of words, the soldier chairman Mao is very lost and Saving Private Mao will not able to be found. He is behind the front-lines and cannot be accessed. God knows when he will return to sanity, but he will surely continue these antics. Because, it gets people talking. Even if it is only in a negative light about his own self. Which is tragic really. At one point… I saw him as a fellow opposition and a man of the future, actually. He looked bright in the light of “Walk to Work” together with other rising opposition leaders. However, the mighty has fallen and his disgraced his own name. All by himself and he got no one to blame but his own mouth. Peace.

Opinion: After Mao’s recent rants – I understand why the DP Block went nowhere

Yesterday on Twitter, Democratic Party (DP) Party President Norbert Mao went on a rampage in defence of Jacob Oulanyah and his own treatment abroad at some point. While also throwing all sorts of shade against the National Unity Platform (NUP). That was the key thing in what he was doing. He was trying to undermine and mock the NUP, as it has party funding and medical tourism themselves. However, he rather want them to look bad than take accountability himself.

Mao really showed his hiding in plain sight. His not a trustworthy actor or an opposition for that matter. We can all see why Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga loves this man. His one of them and he could easily wine-and-dine on a regular basis. Surely, he could go to the movies or participate at a venue with them. As they are clearly his friends…

What happened yesterday makes all sorts of sense why the DP Block or Special Purpose Vehicle didn’t work ahead of 2021 General Election. Where he tried to get Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine as the Presidential Candidate under his umbrella and his wings. However, that didn’t work and wasn’t a legit outfit in such manner. That’s why he is still feeling butt hurt that this project didn’t work like the Democratic Alliance (TDA) did in 2016.

In 2016 he was able to nearly get all opposition under the same organization and working together ahead of the polls. However, in 2020 and 2021 that wasn’t happening. Heck, Mao couldn’t even get the Third Force or the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) under his banner. There was never any sights on Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and only trying to hoodwink the NUP to be part of it.

That’s maybe why his on rampage in 2022. The 2021 elections proved how he lacks resources or ability to be viable leader. There is only briefcase parties and former DP leaders who joined in the DP Block. Well, even Abed Bwanika joined NUP instead of the DP together with a band of brothers who left Mao ahead of the polls to join Bobi Wine. That shows the blow and the lack of character he has.

At this point Museveni has the next generation of Ofwono Opondo in Mao. He can become the Government Spokesperson and just get his meal-ticket. So, he can defend the government and their policies. Now his defending party funding and taking a stand against the NUP this way. His defending Oulanyah just like the NRM MPs. The only difference is that Mao is a supposed opposition and outside government.

Well for some, his just turning into a glorified Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi. We can just await him to get Karamjoa Affairs or be a State House appointee. As he rather defend the state who doesn’t deliver proper service delivery and therefore… sending its VIPs into hospitals abroad. Alas, he rather defend the party funding and be a vocal voice like OO.

If he wants to be in opposition… he better act like one. Because, in 2022 it’s hard to see a difference between him or any of the NRM stooges in Parliament. He could just have Chief Whipped by NRM and told what to do. Since, there is no great knowledge or prosperous victory in his argument. It is just as flawed and only discredits himself. If that was his plan?

Well done Sir, I am sure the professors and intellectuals you look up gives you credit. Since, you are only looking like a fool. NUP is a part of the system and isn’t on an island. Still, it is at least trying to be an opposition who tries to keep the NRM accountable. The same does the FDC… but you?

Well… your a magnificent cheerleader who should just wear yellow and start professing your love for Museveni. That would sincere and not this astute disgust, which you delivered yesterday. Peace.

Opinion: Mao has given up…

“We must clarify our historical fundamentals. Our credibility must be beyond reproach on issues like human rights and good governance, on private enterprise and economic prosperity for all citizens, old messages do not work anymore. We must not churn out party messages as if we were addressing a 1960s electorate. We must seek to get elected because the best government is the best politics. Those who when given the chance to lead, lead well will continue to be re-elected again and again” – Norbert Mao (Muhamadi Matovu – ‘Mao: “DP should avoid mantra of regime change”’ 07.02.2022, Nile Post Uganda).

It’s official … Democratic Party President Norbert Mao isn’t even shielding it or trying to hide his discomfort. No, his just open about his intentions and his just one-of-them. That’s why he appreciated by Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga recently. It makes so much sense, as his compromised and doesn’t even want to challenge status quo.

When you want to avoid regime change and spread new messages… then your clearly not active or seeking the electorate. It is a reason why Dr. Kizza Besigye run on ‘Defiance’ and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine ‘We are Removing a Dictator’. As the DP President don’t want to do this or follow any of their patterns.

It’s like Mao wants to follow Joseph Kabuleta or others before him. This sort of message is useless, when you don’t want to takeover or have a peaceful transition. The NRM is never delivering that to a man of Mao’s stature.

Mao haven’t proven a track-record, neither has party proven anything the recent election. Neither with MPs or even his Presidential Elections. No, they have been abysmal. So, him speaking of the old ways not working. It is right… is ways of ushering in Amama Mbabazi and other tricks to spoil the electorate.

Therefore, Mao seem stale and without an anchor. Because, he don’t know how to move forward or even be really relevant. That’s why his speaking up against the ones who fighting the dictatorship and the ruling regime. The ones who wants to get rid of it and the root problems of the state.

In this instance it is like Mao cut of his brain and only saw envelopes. Because, if he has seen the popularity and the rise of the National Unity Platform or Forum for Democratic Change for that matter. It wasn’t because they spoke about direct governance or taxes, but about a peaceful transition away from the NRM and Museveni. Which is what Mao is speaking up against now. Calling it old-school…

You have to address human rights and the basics, when the state is not fulfilling it. Neither when the basic rights or constitutional freedoms are there for the electorate. Indirectly what Mao is saying that theories and models matters more than that.

This is defeatism in the middle of a dictatorship. Mao cannot be taken serious as a choice or as an opposition leader. When he doesn’t seek to end the regime or challenge it. That is the message I’m getting. It’s pathetic … and the DP should just become a part of the NRM if that’s the case. Peace.

Opinion: Mao is clearly not an alternative

“It is important that they do that because it looks like these days the football game is played in our half only of the opposition; instead of the half of the National Resistance Movement. It is a big weakness that we have got to deal with! What is the role of an opposition? An opposition should present itself as an alternative government, not just as hecklers” – Norbert Mao (Jeff Andrew Lule – ‘Mao to opposition: Stop just being hecklers’ 12.01.2022, New Vision).

The Democratic Party President Norbert Mao is yet again speaking his peace in 2022. He has been the Party President for ages and has little to nothing to show from it. There haven’t been any progression or movement of which proves his relevancy. His only viable because of NBS Frontline appearances and feeding of the plate of IPOD. Therefore, Mao can call things out… but his voice isn’t that viable at this point.

He is a heckler himself and isn’t a figure who inspires, neither is his party a vehicle or a place of vision. No, the DP seems to be a platform for easy access and hopefuls who doesn’t have to challenge anyone. That is how it seems, as Mao is to friendly and to mellow to compete with full force ahead. That’s why the DP and Mao isn’t feared or under scrutiny like other opposition parties. This is maybe why others have left and reorganized elsewhere, where the futures and the possibilities to be viable was more clear.

Mao might not say that, as his blamed Besigye in the past and called him a serial looser. Though, Mao has a worse results and lacking of deliver in comparison. Even Bobi Wine with lesser time and ability to build up a party has achieved more than he has done for over a decade. That should be a warning of his withering role in national politics.

Instead of building a strong and a viable party. It looks more like a paid goofy role of Mao to be in the spotlight. It is not like he has close associates or party leaders who can gain the trust of which the ones who left recently. He might say the party is healthy and dandy, but for who? Him? Is it his domain now and what will leave behind?

The DP haven’t proven itself as a possible answer in the 2011, 2016 or in 2021. No, the DP couldn’t even make the DP Block as a unified visionary group within the opposition. It wasn’t even good enough for newcomers of Muntu and Bobi Wine to be part of. Heck, Mao was last time sidelined by NRM member Amama Mbabazi for the Presidency with the Go Forward Pressure Group within the Opposition Alliance The Democratic Alliance (TDA). Therefore, he cannot even pass as a man of the nation and should settle for MP for Gulu Municipality. That’s where his base is and where he has any hopes of high ranking official position in the Republic.

Mao calling others hecklers, because they don’t follow his guise and the way he purposely moves around with no end in sight. He speaks of being an alternative, but his not even an alternative to himself. Mao cannot even stomach to regain any sort of stature or position, which the NRM would fear or look after. His too peaceful and never does say or bother the state. If he did, he wouldn’t be soda at the police station and be left of the hook so easily. That’s why his just a mediocre leader with lack of enthusiasm. He doesn’t have the charisma or the message to spellbound anyone.

That’s why the academic Mao is a failure, but has to throw shade elsewhere. Just so his securing himself and looks wise. However, this is only backfiring since he has nothing to deliver himself. His a shell of a politician and with time the promise, which he had has withered. There is nothing left, but empty promises and a party of which the promising characters has left as well.

That’s why Mao couldn’t keep Mpuuga, Nambooze or Lukwago. There was nothing left for them to stay or be associated with. The DP Party and DP President couldn’t give them or serve them a purpose. That’s why they fled and sought out other pastures, which they have resolved their needs. Therefore, Mao is proven not to able to sustain the leaders of the opposition within his own organization.

So, at this very point… he is becoming the heckler and the noise-maker without any justification. As he has nothing to prove for his time and work. He only has a name and opportunity to show up on National TV, now and then. Peace.

Opinion: Greetings Mwenda

It’s been a while since the Independent Editor and Magazine owner Andrew Mwenda has written a “Last Word” and on the 5^th September 2021 he released another edition in this series called “To Whom It May Concern”. Fittingly I feel the need to respond to this.

In the starting paragraph, he really sets the tone for the article: “section of the Ugandan talking heads have made a fetish of “credibility”, particularly the sort of “credibility” purchased by denouncing President Yoweri Museveni as a murderous tyrant who has destroyed Uganda. To preserve such “credibility”, opposition leaders like Dr. Kizza Besigye and now Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), take very extreme positions that make it difficult for them to grow their political appeal beyond a significant and loud but, numerically, a minority of opposition activists” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

Well, where do I begin. It is just like Mwenda doesn’t want to go to the heart or the cause of the problem. Only reflect on the opposition and deflect from the creator of the current affairs. That’s because his carrying the water of his master and wants to salvage his legacy. Therefore, he demeans and distort the pleas and the causes of the opposition. Calling it a minority and saying it has lack of appeal. While there is no dancing in the streets or jubilation for the lifelong Presidency of Museveni.

First: “It should therefore be obvious that if any politician wants to command a political majority, they need to build a supra partisan base who appeal is trans-group.  I think this has been Museveni’s greatest strength. He appreciates that you cannot seek any form of purity in a diverse country in Uganda and succeed. He has, therefore, made himself flexible and adaptable. He does not demand purity – whether of ethnic, religious, ideological or policy nature. Instead, he is willing to work with anyone even when they don’t agree on many things” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

It is just like we don’t know the man he speaks of or what he has done in office. Yes, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is across the Republic and has members from everywhere. However, the base and the ones in-charge are from one tribe and one ethnic group. That’s why the President has his family all close-knit and a kitchen cabinet, which rules beyond the powers of the offices in government. We are just supposed to forget that and think, because the NRM has a representative from Karamoja. That it is a national party and for everyone. This is just a place and a façade… not the mere reality as the NRM CEC and anyone with power comes from one area. If they differ with him or his ideals, which is changing after what is profitable can easily be expelled or lose their offices. That has happened to, everyone is supposed to follow the “correct line”.

Second: “For someone interested in influencing public policy, whether through mass media or private meetings, there is more to be achieved engaging Museveni than in denouncing him. In my engagements with him I have been impressed by how open-minded Museveni is; he is always willing to listen and to take advice; especially when backed by facts and based on sound research” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

When the personification of the state is supreme it all has to go through one man. In this instance, it just happens to be Museveni. That is the only truth Mwenda spills here. However, for the only man with a vision and self-serving individual like Museveni will not change his mind. It is only changed when he sees no benefit or profit out of the policy or order. Therefore, believing in sitting with him and discussing will bear fruits are naïve. It is like thinking you can sway a stubborn and self-righteous man. Well, that won’t happen and it’s a delusion. If you work with Museveni, you are willing to compromise and play into his games. Then there is no difference between you and the other foes his connected too. That is where Mwenda is wrong.

Third: “I believe that Museveni, like many of his contemporaries in Africa, is genuinely committed to transforming Uganda, just like Besigye and Bobi Wine are genuinely committed to liberating it. For Museveni to achieve his goal, he needs power – he cannot transform Uganda when he has been overthrown (and therefore in jail or exile) or been defeated in an election (and therefore in Rwakitura grazing cows). However, retaining power involves navigating a treacherous terrain of coup plots, internal intrigues, making compromises and giving concessions; especially in an ethnically diverse society, that often undermine the pace at which leaders can realise their goals” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

If Museveni would “transform” Uganda that would have happened ages ago. There is no reason to believe that now. He is not interested and not serving even the ideals of his 10-point programme. Yet along any of the other fancy development programmes he has unleashed on the general public over the years. These are just cannon-fodders to the UN organizations and multi-national development organizations to find ways to get grants and donations.

Yes, nobody can “transform” anything when they are overthrown. That is a bargain that Museveni has asked for, since he doesn’t believe anyone else can run the Republic. He has retained power, but not built structures or institutions worthy of their names. It is all a reflection of his hackwork and lack of statesmanship. Museveni rather spoil and grind every dime out of a project, than build something sustainable. If he wasn’t the personification of the state… he wouldn’t worry about treason or compromise. Because, all politics and politicking are to one extent compromise between two parties seeking their objective goals. Alas, Museveni rather destroy the other party, than working with them, unless he has corrupted them.

Fourth: “Neither Besigye nor Bobi Wine is a radical extremist by character. But to keep their base happy they have to act as radical extremists; using language uncharacteristic of them. They are strategic radical extremists” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

He has called both People Power/National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) all sorts of name. Andrew has called the supporters extremists, hoodlums and other derogatory names. That’s why this is no shocker at this point. Just a mere reflection of Mwenda is. Because, he cannot understand the activists, members and whatnot who wants to end the Museveni era. They are “militant” and maybe willing to use defiance as a means to an end. Since, Museveni and his regime gives no way to other ways of a peaceful transition. Not, like the NRM or Museveni has offered any other way out or bargained to secure the future. No, his just lingering in power by the gun, using the authorities and even killing the opposition, if he has the opportunity too. And Mwenda wonder why people get “radical” or get organized in various of ways. Museveni is lucky that his opposition haven’t started their own bush-wars, because they have had the same reasons to retort, in the same fashion as Museveni did in the early 1980s. Not that I want that, but Mwenda is surely not selling his point. With the knowledge of the system, the militarization of politics and the usage of arms to bend the will for one man.

He ends with: “I am not willing to purchase “credibility” by mutilating myself. Besigye and/or Bobi Wine can afford to because the price of self-mutilation is the presidency. So, to the many people that write to me or about me almost demanding that I become a spokesperson of their grievances, with the hidden blackmail that I have changed, and therefore not what they knew, here is my message: I do not want to be anyone else’s version of Andrew Mwenda. I want to be Andrew Mwenda’s version of Andrew Mwenda” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

It is funny and tragicomically way of ending this article. As he speaks of selling itself for the Presidency. While Mwenda is trading his own name and reputation to safeguard the current status quo. He rather defends the tyrant and the tyranny, than oppose the oppression. Mwenda calling them “sell-outs” for the Presidency. Because, they dare challenge the man who charges, kidnaps, detains, attacks with weapons and even kill their supporters.

We know Mwenda changed, alas he will not resemble the man who was a speaking fire at the KFM Radio days. Maybe, that was just a front and he was faking it. If that is true, then a sorry excuse of a man. More than just trading off his career to be a spokesperson for this presidency. His just a “finessed” OO and that’s not a good look by the way. Well, we can never know, but what we do know. Is what he has said and done over the years. That is already been published and therefore recorded too. Therefore, he can never save or return to the promise, which his career looked like in the past.

That’s why he must undermine and mock the opposition. These folks still have some resemble of hope, which he doesn’t have. They can speak the truth and be blunt about it. While Mwenda got to trade carefully and mind his manners. Because, he can never challenge the Throne again. Peace.

Bobi Wine put on House Arrest Again since 15th March

The National Unity Platform (NUP) did an unannounced demonstration in the Central Business District or around Constitutional Square in Kampala on the 15^th March 2021. There the Party President and leader of NUP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was arrested together with the other leaders participating in the protest.

Now we are on the 17^th March 2021 and since then the politician and opposition leaders is house-arrested. He was arrested and dropped off in his home on the 15^th March 2021. There is still no charges or warrants on Bobi Wine. The state haven’t come with a official reason for this.

Bobi Wine haven’t been sentenced or even gotten any official reason for this. Still, the army and police is enforced around his compound in Magere, Wakiso district. This is happening just like it was to Besigye in the past.

This is not shocking and is how the government operates towards its leaders of opposition. The state targets them, use surveillance and monitor their movements. Therefore, this here is not new. Neither is it a new level of oppression. Bobi Wine is just getting the Besigye treatment. Where everything he does is illegal and “inciting violence” by just showing up outside his home.

If things are like the last election in 2016. Then Bobi Wine will struggle and be behind bars, get charged with treason and taken by a chopper to Northern Region to be detained. Later get flown down after being Court Martial and being kept for months in Luzira Maximum Prison.

Bobi Wine will be in trouble and that’s because his the symbol of everything Museveni is not. This is why they will go after him and vilify him. That is what they do… and they will continue to do so. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi letter to CDF Gen. David Muhoozi – Demand for the Release of Our Missing Supporters who are in the Unlawful Custody of Differnt Units of UPDF (16.03.2021)

Opinion: Mwenda’s distorted adventure in the land of dissidents

The editor and founder of the Independent Magazine Andrew Mwenda wrote an article or a piece called ‘The Besigyezisation of Bobi Wine’ published today on the 16^th March 2021. I will take his piece apart and be as frank as possible. Also, show the missteps and the sort of misguided thinking he has. Not that that’s anything new, but someone got to do it. It just happens to be me.

This will be a long piece. Let me warn you. This is not a short read.

However now he states things like this:

“Like Kizza Besigye before him, Bobi Wine seems to have lost faith in the electoral and judicial process. His new call suggests he wants to change government by ultra constitutional means. It is a strategy that will lead him on Besigye’s long trodden path of failure and frustration” (Mwenda, 2021).

The way he says this is really paternalistic. As his saying Besigye have failed, but never understood what he was all about. Now, Bobi Wine is the next generation following in the footsteps of Besigye. They are going into the same grounds, as they are battling the same system and the same overlord. Not like they are working against a vastly different totalitarian government. Therefore, they have to use the same means and the similar fashion to able to fight it.

So, when he says Bobi Wine will follow the failures of Besigye. It is very rich and a poor argument in one way. As his trying to make the peaceful transition of power, which Besigye didn’t succeed in doing. However, Besigye was feared and fought in a manner, which made the State House shake. So, its not like both of them aren’t respected and their popularity is an insult to the Presidency. That is why the state uses its machinery to take away their freedom and liberty to assemble and even use their constitutional rights. Which isn’t ultra, but righteous….

Mwenda continues:

“Bobi Wine’s actions, like those of Besigye, reflect the dilemma Uganda’s opposition has faced since 1996 when the government of President Yoweri Museveni allowed electoral competition. Museveni came to power through a military victory. But rather than rule militarily, he chose to rule politically recognizing that overt military rule would be counterproductive. Thus he put in place a constitution-making process that ushered in electoral competition. Yet the aim of these elections was not to ensure genuine competition for power but to legitimize Museveni’s power” (Mwenda, 2021).

It is really not a dilemma, because participating in the elections are a way to prove the discrepancies and systematic wrongs. If the opposition doesn’t participate in the elections. There will only be pawns and paid “moles” to act as a opposition. Which the authorities and the state doesn’t fear or have to intimidate. The government is as military as it was when they took over power. The importance of the army and security agencies haven’t been weakening, but strengthen over time.

Mwenda also slipped the truth out and brought the true perspective. What is semi-wrong is the allowed electoral competition. As the 1996 elections was a “one-party” elections and the multi-party elections was the real deal before 2006. Someone as smart and TED Talk like Mwenda should have these facts straight. Especially, when he wants to undermine the opposition with his tales. When you cannot even set-the-record straight. What else are you not sincere about in your text too?

Mwenda then says: “Yet the opposition, especially the most effective one led by Besigye, seems to have lost this insight. They began to see elections purely as a means of winning power immediately not of building an alternative policy platform. Power became an end in itself, not a means to an end. When they could not gain it, and knowing the electoral process was flawed, they concluded that elections are meaningless. Besigye convinced himself that the only road to power is through protest” (Mwenda, 2021).

Here is a real fallacy in his argument. As he states earlier in the text that the elections are just a cheap bargain for the President and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to legitimize the Presidency through civil elections. It is not done to have free and fair elections. Still, the man expects the ones going through the rigged proceedings not to protest or react to the efforts done by the state. How foolish are you? Shouldn’t the person being robbed report the theft or punish the thief? Is it okay for the state to steal the election and not get any punitive actions for it?

That is what is striking here. The opposition is supposed to accept the gambit of legitimizing Museveni, but not act when they are wrongly announced losers of the elections. Mwenda expects the losers to go on and continue to build political parties like nothing… while Museveni gets everything. How dumb is that? That is just dense…

However, he says this which is a lie:

“Opposition leaders denounce the judiciary in spite of the fact that Uganda’s judges have continually ruled against Museveni and the state in the vast majority of cases they have taken to court. Our judges have protected the rights of opposition politicians, journalists and activists. I am a beneficiary of this, our judicial independence. And so are Besigye, Bobi Wine and so many others. The blindness of the opposition to this reality only shows that they only see judicial independence in how it can help them get power. In other words, power has become the only thing they seek” (Mwenda, 2021).

It is really rich that he says that. When the judiciary is weaponized as a tool to keep the opposition oppressed and keep cases running for years. Where it is no evidence or any proof of the wrong-doings, but the opposition leaders are still called for cases stemming near a decade ago. That is why its really beneath his station that Mwenda says this.

Also, when has there been any court orders in favour of the opposition on matters, which is hurting the President or his allies? It wasn’t on the Presidential Age Limit. There was nothing on the Academic Papers on the President and neither other. His allies have been able to run away from corruption scandals and others without any proceedings. Heck, Kale Kayihura case got dropped the other day without any fanfare. Who does Mwenda think he his? Does he think the followers of the opposition is that blind and cannot see?

Near the end he wrote this:

“Bobi Wine is under immense pressure from his supporters, most especially the radical ones, to do something, to find a shortcut to power, to express their deep sense of grievance and to nurse their wounds. I suspect he feels duty bound to honor their unrealistic expectations and demands upon him. But while doing so endears him to them, it does not advance his cause of gaining power, or foster democracy leave alone enable the stability of Uganda. Instead, it will lead him, like Besigye, to becoming their supplicant instead of being their leader thereby turning him into a permanent protester” (Mwenda, 2021).

It is like Mwenda is living in a vacuum and above the system that oppresses people. The people are just supposed to suck-it-up and “move-on”. It is just like its cool to live under the suppressive and oppressive self-styled President for Life. That is just a good catch and something anyone wants too. They don’t want to protest or get active to get someone who can truly represent you and be your leader. No, they should just be silent and “hail” the unelected monarch and “patriarch” of the Republic.

It is not about the protests or the activists, neither is it about the role of Besigye or Bobi Wine. They wouldn’t be in their position, if it wasn’t for the prolonged and agonizing reign of Museveni. These folks wouldn’t have grievances and have causes to fight. If the system was free and fair. Alas, the system is built around one man. A man who happens to be the personification of the state.

That is why Mwenda is afraid of the stability of Uganda. Because, the government of Uganda is addicted and only bloodline is pumping through the veins of Kaguta. It is like his the editor for the “I Choose Peace” crowd. Because, there is no reason to demonstrate, riot or civil disobedience. Those sort of effforts are only wasted space in the minds of Mwenda. Since, the building party like Mugisha Muntu is so fruitful… which has less results or proof of changes. Not like Alliance for National Transformation have made any changes. Maybe that’s why you neither voted for him or boosted his cause in the election. Even if Mwenda has said he would do that when Muntu would become a Presidential Candidate. He instead did a political stunt at the National Unity Platform and became a member there. We know what sort of game he plays. It is all to benefit the current regime.

That is the thing about this text too. Mwenda is maybe slipping some truths in there and shows the bitter truths. However, he will do it to undermine the efforts of the opposition he despises. That is why they are “forever” protesters now. Since they don’t do anything good in his eyes. They are just supposed to accept their fate and take the L. That is just the way his master did in 1980 and awaited the next election in 1985. No, he didn’t… he went to the bush and the rest is history.

So, please Mr. Mwenda try a better a argument next time. This is not holding water. It is legit to protest and its constitutional too. A Constitution everyone has praised, even you dear leader has sought legitimacy through it. Peace.

Opinion: New accreditation scheme from the Media Council made to silence media ahead of the polls

Today on the 31^st December 2020 is the final day of reckoning in the sense that Uganda Media Council is giving out accreditations to journalists who are supposed to follow the final stretch of the polls. These are people who are already hired and working as journalists. Still, some will be blocked by this technicality.

Like Devosh Matovu of Track UG Channel on Youtube, Rock TV Uganda and Devosh Olwokya Youtube have been denied accreditation this time around.

Also Solomon Kaweesa a journalist working at NTV Uganda has also gotten denied.

These are just two who has gone out publicly with the news that they have lost it. For one reason or another. However, expect more. This might happen to all the outlets the Uganda Communication Commission wrote to Google and Youtube about as well. Ghetto TV and other outlets who are favourable of the opposition will lose their accreditation ahead of the polls. Don’t be shocked if that happens…

That is why the state does it two weeks ahead of the polls. It is a pure bitch move of the state. To take down the ones reporting in favour of the opposition. The Media Council and UCC are working in tandem. These government entities are all favourable for the President and his reign. That is why the ones opposing the state is directly targeted.

It will happen to more and these two is only the beginning. The journalists have to stop following the President and his state in the coming days. They have to defy the pressers and whatnot. If they want to be taken serious. As they are direct targets for updating on what’s happening. Something the state clearly don’t want to happen at this time. As they know their vicious ways. Peace.