Opinion: Revisiting the TDA [and where are they now?]

“5. The goal of The Democratic Alliance shall be achieved through the pursuance of the following objectives:

a) Building the necessary mobilization capabilities and organizational infrastructure of the Alliance and its members in order to win power;

b) Developing and presenting a common policy and governance agenda for elections;

c) Ensuring the attainment of an electoral majority by fielding candidates for all electoral positions across the country;

d) Fielding of joint candidates for electoral offices as set out in this Protocol;

e) Constituting a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) with the purpose of implementing appropriate political and economic reforms to build a strong and durable foundation for democracy, rule of law and economic justice” (Protocol of the Democratic Alliance, June 2015).

Because of the recent cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). This has started questions about the legitimacy of the coalition that was one part of the opposition ahead of the General Elections in 2016. It is striking that this is happening now and it’s worth to look into what has happened ever since.

The TDA was a coalition made by a various set of parties. The two parties that directly went out of the coalition early was Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and the Forum for Democratic of Change (FDC). However, the others stayed behind and they went ahead to stand behind the former Prime Minister and Secretary General of the NRM, Amama Mbabazi. He became the Joint Presidential Candidate of the TDA and the Pressure Group of “Go Forward”.

The TDA was much larger than Mbabazi alone. It was the Conservative Party (CP), Democratic Party (DP), Justice Forum (JEEMA), Pressure for National Unity (PNU), People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA). So, there were a handful of leaders in and around the TDA. There was also Olara Otunnu from the UPC and Dr. Kizza Besigye from the FDC. The UPC as a party left, but Otunnu stayed on, if I remember correctly.

The leaders who are vital part of TDA was Amama Mbabazi, Ken Lukyamuzi, Norbert Mao, Asuman Basalirwa, Beti Kamya, Gilbert Bukenya aka Mahogany and Dick Odur. There was also others associated and part of the proceedings like Mugisha Muntu and others. Therefore, it was a team of the opposition at the time who at certain points did their part here.

However, as time has shown us. Plenty of these people has sided with the NRM or returned to the NRM. The Presidential Flag-Bearer Mbabazi was a NRM Member and hadn’t revoked his membership as he was standing up against Museveni. So, that he returned and is in the good graces with the President is just natural. The stage of Go Forward was only a short sighted project and was over the moment the election was over.

Bukenya has also returned and is living the good life. His living large and having perks with titles and being part of the elite. The Former Vice President has no worries and was only for a minute or less an “opposition”. I doubt we will ever see anything of the PNU ever again.

Mao has just become the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. His working in cooperation with the government. Still part of the DP but he has a hectic period ahead of him. As insiders in the party wants him out and ousted. Since, this agreement wasn’t signed of from the party or the members. The DP Block has even dismissed him too.

Kamya has gone from being appointed Minister of Kampala. To lose her leadership of her party the UFA. Later becoming a NRM Member and changing Ministry. Now she’s the IGG but certainly not electable or viable candidate. She has become a typical crony of Museveni over the years.

Basalirwa has been close to the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform. He has ensured popularity and gotten elected into Parliament as the only JEEMA MP. Therefore, his the first man here who is actual opposition from the TDA still.

Lukyamuzi has on the other hand lost his constituency and not become a third time re-elected to Rubaga South MP. He instead focused on finishing his degree, which he did in 2017. The Party President and former MP has been a vocal critic of the government. Even made a case against the Age Limit in the courts, which was dismissed. So, he is an actual man in the opposition. “The Man” is true to his missions and his goals.

Otunnu has been resigned from politics. He also lost the Party Presidency. The UPC has since then signed a secret agreement with the NRM. That’s why the UPC haven’t fielded a Presidential Candidate for two elections in a row. Otunnu has kept himself in the background and you can wonder if he will resurface or do anything for that matter.

Muntu also lost the Party Presidency. He lost to another candidate within the FDC. This made him create a New Formation, which is now known as the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). That party was launched in time for the 2021 General Elections and he ran as President.

Besigye ran a the Presidential Flag-Bearer for the FDC and created the People’s Government after swearing himself in after the General Elections in 2016. Since then he has launched several of campaigns and the latest after the 2021 elections is the Red Card Front. A voice of the opposition still.

There are several of other leaders who are in the opposition that was a part of the TDA in 2015/2016. These could be Mathias Mpuuga (former DP now NUP), Betty Nambooze (former DP now NUP) and so fourth. There are more people that has been involved and could be mentioned, but that would make this piece to long.

However, a huge pattern are still there. Plenty of the TDA high ranking leadership went either back to NRM or has found a home in government. That is really happening on a larger scale. We shouldn’t be surprised that Mbabazi and Bukenya went back home. However, the others should really be questioned…

This was a short revising of the TDA. An alliance built quickly and seemingly destroyed. It wasn’t meant to be. We shouldn’t expect the Go Forward or the PNU to be returning either. The era of the TDA is gone and it’s for a reason. The TDA was built on sand and not on mountain. If it had been real and a sincere enterprise. So many of these leaders wouldn’t have sought shelter under the wings of the man who they were promised to create a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU).

Obviously… things didn’t pan out, but it is a picture, which shows how the times are changing. Peace.

The unfortunate tale of Sheebah and Mwenda

In the last few days there been a circulated a story about a sexual assault or rape of the Queen Karma or Sheebah Kalungi. This happened during or after she performed at former Vice President Gilbert Bukenya aka Mahogany’s Birthday party.

After the party, the musician and vocal singer released a video on social media not dropping any names, but telling her story of what went down. Where she told about the sexual assault and alleged rape. Some has called it the “forced fingering” of her, nevertheless, any sort of sexual action without consent is wrong. That is just a mere fact and shouldn’t be any shadow of a doubt.

What has spiralled out since then is a heck of a lot. The Independent Editor and Government Spin-Doctor has defended himself at a rapid rate. Where he has talked to the Director of CID and been interrogated by his buddy and ally, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. That’s why something is up, while attacking her the victim, which she didn’t name the one who assaulted her or anything.

Sheebah just stated in her video that it was a man who “appears on television” and presents himself as a “Role Model”. Those words has seriously hit a nerve. As well, as the detail, that the person had Special Forces Command (SFC) Guards surrounding him and guarding him. Therefore, we know it is someone who has suction and who is a part of the inner-circle. That’s why the outbursts and texts from Mwenda seems like damage control.

All we know… is that Sheebah was violated and was sexually assaulted that night. That is all we know. We knew nothing about who did and whatnot. There are rumours and speculation. Nevertheless, Mwenda seems to be on the defensive and that’s his personally attacked by this. While not being really concerned or minding the victim, Sheebah. That is really saying something and it’s striking too.

It is just weird… that the prominent person, who appears on television and acts as a role model could be Mwenda. That could be plenty of persons in the Republic. Maybe there is a limit of the people who shows up on UBC, NTV and NBS Television who acts like that. Maybe it’s only Mwenda who hits the description, because there is few who is prominent and who acts like they are a role model. We don’t know why he has come out and done this.

However, it is very serious. Both the allegations and the acts of sexual assault. Sheebah should get her justice and there shouldn’t be mob-justice without any proof. Nevertheless, Mwenda is stirring the pot, he is throwing gasoline on the fire and cannot escape the heat. That is very evident…

What is very obvious is that we don’t know who is the culprit and who did the deed. However, Mwenda is muddying the water and making it less clear or able to make sense of it all. As he accuses her of slander, alleged victimhood and whatnot. When she is the victim of it all and only dared to speak out. That’s what obnoxious about Mwenda… and he should reconsider his motives and arguments, as his only making things worse. His not making things better… even if he thinks so in his mind. Because, the perception is dark and grim.

Sheebah deserves justice. The possible perpetrator should answer in a court of law. However, I doubt that will happen and someone well-connected did it. This is why she didn’t say his name. That is very obvious and should speak volumes of her.

Whatever Mwenda is up too…. I don’t know, but it’s doing himself a disservice. He should know that as a spin-doctor, but it seems like a lost art-form for him now. This is to personal and that’s why he cannot handle it rationally. Peace.

Opinion: Nobody got burned like Mbabazi [and that’s why nobody aims at the King from within]

Today the former speaker of the Parliament and now Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga came out with a statement denouncing any sort of ambition or want to stand as Presidential Flag-bearer in the National Resistance Movement (NRM). This after what she calls “fictitious reports” on social media about a possible candidacy for Presidency in 2026.

We know it was bad enough that she didn’t follow party-line and stood as a candidate for Speakership the third time in a row, because the NRM CEC did support her bid in the 11^th Parliament. Alas, she has already rebelled once and gotten off the hook. While getting a plum-job after losing her prestigious role to Jacob Oulanyah.

What we are seeing here is that Kadaga have learned from history. That is there is no value in blind ambition or even aiming at the throne. You will just get your wings clipped and become quickly a “stalwart” of the party. Nearly a useless historical without any office or paid leave. The party and the state will just throw out and forget all the time you spent making a career within. Unless, you humble yourself and degrade yourself, in such a manner, of which the King gets his praise and his honour.

If you do that, you can get back into good grace. Hold talks and even get considered by the state for positions. This being Gilbert Bukenya who has gotten a role within the party or Mbabazi who has held secret talks with His Excellency.

Amama Mbabazi is the one that went all flying high, as the Prime Minister and Secretary General of the party. He aimed from within and tried to cause an up-evil. Mbabazi sought for the throne and the title. While seeking to do it from within. He thought for some reason that he could conquer and takeover from his master. However, that never happened and the independent candidacy on a NRM ticket became a thing. As his pressure group “Go-Forward” was able to oversee and become the flag-bearer of a joint-opposition coalition with The Democratic Alliance (TDA/Go-Forward) in the 2016 General Election. Nevertheless, the results was bogus and hopeless, he didn’t stand a chance and was humiliated on a grand scale. While the other opposition was rigged out of the title and the whole game. Therefore, the game-plan of Mbabazi was flawed from the outset and he should have known this.

Mbabazi showed the world that the NRM is only for Museveni and his clientele. The Supreme Leader and Majesty is the one and only. Nobody can challenge or even consider replacing him. That is treason and defaults you from ever having any sort of serious role or honourable title. You will be humbled and put in place. That’s the NRM Way and Mbabazi should have known better, but clearly he didn’t.

Alas, that’s why we are here in 2021. As nobody wants to go through life like Mbabazi did in 2015 and 2016. Wait for years and be secluded like a virus and be under self-imposed lockdown in your own compound. Just because you challenged His Excellency. Nobody with a sound mind will do this, unless they are faking it and trying to act like opposition. Nevertheless, Mbabazi has shown the world something and the genie is out of the bottle.

Kadaga wouldn’t have a half chance and would be an afterthought. She would be the “afternoon delight” and become a skit before half-time. That’s why the Second Round K.O. would be brutal and her career wouldn’t be able to resurrect. Unless, Jesus would bless her coffers and the Catholic church would atonement her sins. Then she might have a shot and would be able to carry the cross. However, we know the son is the only one who is allowed to have this blind ambition. Peace

Opinion: The party of rebels cannot tolerate rebels

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) was born out a rebellion. That is at least their own tales and ethos, on how it went into existence. How they went to the bush and fought the government to topple it in the 1980s. That is the gist of it all…

That’s why it’s hypocritical and funny that it’s acting so swiftly and hard on rebels within its own rank. They are doing this constantly. Rebecca Kadaga is getting the same treatment as plenty before her. There is nothing new in this and the acts of vengeance coming her way. We have seen before and how the party dismantle and destroy its rebels.

That’s a mere fact in 2021. That nobody and no one should challenge Museveni. The vanguard and the principal sole custodian of the party. In his own spirit, the living being of the party, that everyone is supposed to adore and worship. He is the majesty and they are his court. The jester, the confidant and his servants. They are all there to follow and be inspired by him.

That’s why nobody should question him or even dare to be disregard to his every action. They shouldn’t dare or even think about it. It is ironic, but also the modus operandi of the party. That no one should even question or insult the high mighty. The ones who has aspirations or even dreams of succeeding him get a scorched earth tactic too. Everything that can be burned, will be burnt and there will be left no witnesses behind.

Kadaga will go through the same issues as other before her. Where the rants, the rouge actions will cost her. The party will sanction and take actions against her. She did the inevitable and stood up against their decision, which wasn’t her to make. Just like others who had ambition and wants to run against Museveni. These have been wing-clipped and humiliated too.

This being Mbabazi, Bukenya and other rebel MPs. Who has been kicked out screaming without any hesitation or worry? Since everyone knows where the power resides and where the final judgement is ordered. The same knew Kadaga perfectly well, since she’s been on top and smelled the roses. She has seen people come and go. Kadaga knows but thought she could be above it.

It is only one man who is above it and we know who that man is. It is not Jesus Christ or God Almighty, no it is Museveni. Mr. Sunday is never to be opposed or even consider a ill-thought about. You are never supposed to cross him or date to double-cross him. If you do… you are in deep water and could soon sleep with the fishes. Therefore, Kadaga should have known this.

She has seen how people fall off the cliff and never returns. However, she has offended the don and her time has come. She had her little rebellion and now is forced to face the consequences. There are only one General and one Chairmen, the rest are disposable. That is the initial gist of it all… Peace.

Opinion: Kadaga can blow up a lot of smoke

“Fellow Ugandans, I have come to inform the people of Uganda that my party has opted not to give me the party flag for Speaker of Parliament. I have therefore decided to run as an independent” – Rebecca Kadaga (23.05.2021).

Today and in the recent days it’s all natural that Rebecca Kadaga gets in her feelings. That she puts on Drake and sing along to sad tunes. That’s all natural at this point. She has had a long stint or a decade in the role as the Speaker in Parliament. In the 11^th Parliament her fate is sealed and there is no way for her to win.

The National Resistance Movement Central Executive Committee have decided to put someone else forward to be the speaker in this term. That means Kadaga’s fall is inevitable. She has lost her position and office over night. That was to be expected and a trade-off would happen behind the scenes. However, Kadaga seemed to think she was entitled to this.

That’s why she suddenly wants to run as an Independent in the Speakership race. However, the loyalty and the party cadres of the NRM is supposed to follow party line. Meaning, she will no way in hell be able to conquer or overcome the obstacle of the NRM party in the 11^th Parliament. There is no way they will vote in favour of her and her cause. That’s a no go and they will not defy the NRM CEC.

The Parliament is supposed to elect the speaker. That’s not supposed to happen in the State House or at a the highest party committee meeting either. However, we all know that this is a test of loyalty for the MPs. The NRM MPs who has had training at Kyankwanzi is supposed to show their character now and what they learned. That is to loyal to the cause and follow the NRM Way. This means the decisions put forward by the NRM CEC is final. Even if the stipulations of law and parliamentary procedure doesn’t have anything about minutes or meeting outside the chambers of the national assembly.

Still, here we are and we know the drill. Kadaga can cry rivers and run as independent. However, we know perfectly well that these MPs are subjects for their President and needs to follow his direction. If not they will suffer and be punished like no tomorrow. That’s why the game is set and it’s rigged in favour of the people who are anointed by the “high above”.

What is funny is that Kadaga knows this and have been breathing in this system for years. She’s not new to this and she seen it all. The fallouts, the break-up’s and the make-ups. She has seen how Mbabazi, Tumukunde and Bukenya have all had their turns. Kadaga knows this and accepted this.

Nevertheless, it is like its fine while your singing praises and eating. It is now evident that her meal-ticket is over and someone else’s turn. That hurts her pride and her stomach. She’s afraid of getting hungry and goes into battle mode. Even if that is a failure from the start.

Kadaga has battled the opposition. She has been a loyal soldier and one the bidding of the President. Severed him diligently and delivered what he asked. Nevertheless, it is never enough and he got priorities. The President have to trade-off political pieces to get the puzzle together. That’s why she is sacrificed for this.

Though we know and she knows there is silver-lining. At the end of the day. If she had taken it and swallowed her pride. The President and the NRM would have given her another office with perks and allowances. Kadaga wouldn’t have be the speaker, but be at service with a fancy title.

Now she sings the songs of defiance. That’s a game she is bound to fail. Especially, when the stacks are all against her. This is only a play for pity and there is little to nothing to gain. Only more misery. It is like she’s forgetful and thinks she’s above it all.

Sorry madam, but your not. You are just another pawn and a useful idiot for his highness. He had the use of you and if you played your cards right. He would have offered you another role later on. However, now that you get into combat mode. He will make you suffer and you’ll regret ever participating in his games. Because now for the first time, you’ll get to see the dark-side of his reign. Peace.

Opinion: Mr. Mahogany is back-at-it again

The former Vice-President of the Republic. The former the Democratic Alliance (TDA) Presidential Candidate Contender and one of the heads of the CHOGM Corruption Scandal is back at it again. This time running for MP in Busiro County North.

Gilbert Bukenya, The National Resistance Movement Central Executive Committee (NRM CEC) Member is clearly eyeing the price in 2021. Not that its shocking. The NRM are pulling all the grandeur old class to ensure they have enough representatives with advanced age. Bukenya is one of them, who wants to represent the elderly so badly this time around.

Bukenya aka Mr. Mahogany is known for being corrupt. His known for having very little morals. Even as a married man. He has cheated on his wife with singers, sugarbabies and students on the low. It has been leaked in Scoop and The Local. Where they have even called it “orgies”. Clearly, all of this has not stopped him returning to the NRM.

Nothing ever stops him. Mr. Mahogany is getting away with whatever really and still ending on top. It is one of them gifts the likes of him has. It is just like the High Above have pity with the man and wants him to succeed. If not, he must have something damaging on the President and therefore, is left off the hook.

Just like the man is owning taxis and they are impounded this year. As the man cannot handle time without the spotlight at him. He just have to create a scandal. Just like the public split with his wife. It is not strange, as the man like to connect with strangers.

Mr. Mahogany can seem like a man of wealth, but it is more of the new-money, but no class. That is why his racing to the bottom. You can wonder what objective or reason he has to run. Other than his awaiting his next pay-check and wanting to indulge more on the public’s expense.

It is not like he some secret formula or has anything to offer. Except, if he plans to fill the headlines of the Observer, Daily Monitor and New Vision. Maybe even take a few pages of the Red Pepper to juice up the publication for a while.

We know this man is something else too. He has toyed around Social Democratic Party (SDP) mocking Michael Mabikke. Who knows, if he bought the party or not. In 2015 he had his briefcase party the Pressure for National Unity (PNU). Who has not been revived since then or had significant activity. As he returned to the fold after the General Elections in 2016. Even if he has claimed like two years ago to have no political ambition or will to run again.

Today, that is proven to be false or just a short-sighted statement fitting the days of no elections. He was just waiting for the Election Road Map and Nominations papers to run again. This is what he does and his principals are non-existing. As long as he can eat and have a chair near His Excellency his moment is golden.

Mr. Mahogany isn’t here to play fair. His not there to win the hearts of the people. No his there to eat. Either by the hook or by the crook. He will pay non-existing companies money, overprice cars and do whatever it takes to get illegal tenders thrown his way. This man is there to get-rich.

Bukenya might act differently, but we all know his game. If you didn’t? Now you know. Peace.

Another Opposition Coalition (UFC) to beat Mzee: Will it work this time?

There was once upon a time the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) for the 2011. This was a coalition of six parties, while three parties later had a fall out with it and its choices. Therefore, the Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) both went out and ran on their own. DP and UPC wanted to run their own Presidential Candidates, while SDP was furious that the mayoral choice for Kampala. We know that this didn’t work at this General Election. The coalition in the end was a mix of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Conservative Party and Justice Forum (JEEMA).

For the 2016 General Election there was another Opposition Coalition in play. This was the Democratic Alliance (TDA), which consisted of various of opposition parties too. However, here the parties that pulled out of it was the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to field their own Presidential Candidate. The ones remaining was the pressure group Go Forward (Amama Mbabazi), Pressure for National Unity (PNU) Gilbert Bukenya, Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Justice Forum (JEEMA). We see here that DP and UPC didn’t ditch it, as Norbert Mao couldn’t run and James Akena didn’t run for the Presidency this time. Because these parties challenged with Mao (DP) in 2011 and Olara Otunnu (UPC), but this round they couldn’t or wasn’t fit. That is why they supported the candidacy of Amama Mbabazi (Go Forward). We know that Amama and the TDA flame fizzled out quickly.

So, when I heard today that the Pressure Group People’s Power Movement (PPM), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Justice Forum (JEEMA), Truth and Justice (TJ), Conservative Party (CP), Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) are all involved in the United Forces for Change (UFC) for the 2021 General Elections.

The main leaders this time is Dr. Kizza Besigye (FDC) and Robert Kyagulanyi (PPM). Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Mugisha Muntu has opted out and at this time his right not to join. His reasons are clear, but it’s a bit funny. Because he had no issues with joining the Special Utility Vehicle (SUV) of the Democratic Party (DP) and the union of similar parties. So, in this regard it might be spite, because he would still be in the shadow of former leader and party president of the FDC. That is just how it looks from the outside looking in. When leaders from all the other opposition parties are joining. Not that its shocking, but don’t expect everyone to join the ride.

Expect the DP to fall out, as Mao has grudges with Besigye. JEEMA, TJ and CP will be on the ride the whole time. They only gain positives by it and have a bigger platform during the election cycle. However, with the past history. The grinding questions of how close the UPC is to the NRM. There will only be fringes of the party to join the UFC. Akena will not ditch the money train of the NRM Alliance to be part of UFC. Also with all the things Mao has done behind the scenes, I don’t expect him to run behind Besigye and Bobi Wine. His already a bit mad at Besigye for some unfortunate reason. So, we can only imagine that he will ditch out here for the DP Block and whatever he calls it. So, I anticipate the UPC and DP to tell its members to come home. If they don’t than they are betraying their parties. That is why Lukwago is a TJ and not a DP anymore.

Let me clear after all that said: Yes, I want change, but if you cannot see a pattern here. These platforms, these coalitions aren’t making it. There is a reason there is a need for many challengers. The strength, their vision and their manifestos comes out and can change things up. To beat the NRM by the polls, by an election is futile. That has been proven since 1986. Not because of lack of trying. Not because there haven’t candidates suitable or popular to beat Museveni. No, because there haven’t been the will to give way for a peaceful transition. Museveni will not loose now either. He will rig the election into oblivion. No matter what the opposition throws at it, the results will be about the same. Just different faces, unless they want to show civil disobedience and actually attack the heart of the government. Break it down to its knees and ensure its downfall. That will cost, but through the polls. I can assure you, nothing will happen. The status quo continues and the same party reign supreme. They got the guns and the authorities to send the others packing.

The UFC will have the same fate as IPC and TDA. Maybe more finesse behind Bobi Wine than a insider and friendly NRMer in Amama. Still, the UFC will only have a fools hope. Just like Frodo in the Lord of the Rings. As Gandalf said in ‘The Return of the King’:

“‘Tell me,’ he said, ‘is there any hope? For Frodo, I mean; or at least mostly for Frodo.’ Gandalf put his hand on Pippin’s head. ‘There never was much hope,’ he answered. ‘Just a fool’s hope, as I have been told. And when I heard of Cirith Ungol–‘ He broke off and strode to the window, as if his eyes could pierce the night in the East. ‘Cirith Ungol!’ he muttered. ‘Why that way, I wonder?’ He turned. ‘Just now, Pippin, my heart almost failed me, hearing that name. And yet in truth I believe that the news that Faramir brings has some hope in it. For it seems clear that the Enemy has opened his war at last and made the first move when Frodo was still free. So now for many days he will have his eye turned this way and that, away from his own land. And yet, Pippin, I feel from afar his haste and fear. He has begun sooner than he would. Something has happened to stir him.”- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King

In the same way I look at this UFC. Not because I don’t want the junta, the militarized government and the oppressors out the Republic and into a proper civilian government. I want all of that to happen. The injustice has been going on for far too long. However, using similar tricks to beat the same dragon. I doubt it will have affect. Even if it has a new potential leader and could be the Frodo who gets the ring to Mount Doom to change history of Middle Earth to break the power of Sauron and Mordor. Still, that is a fools errand to believe that, even if the hope is there. Just like it was plenty of times with Besigye.

We need the hope and have fate that someone will bring the ring to Mount Doom. However, is this the team and the pacifier to stop the NRM? I don’t have the answer… I really don’t, but I just want them to challenge the authorities head-on and not play games that has been fought before. The names changes, but the end game stays the same.

Bobi Wine is maybe Frodo here, but that is only a lucky guess. Then Besigye is his Samwise Gamgee. But we don’t know that and Sauron continues to deploy his troops and ensure that no one gets unscratched by his army of Orcs. Right? You get the drill?

I don’t have the answers, but I just feel we are repeating history without crossing the authorities with enough power and finesse. We are doing the same old thing and getting nowhere. Stalling awaiting for the lucky brother to find the Ring in the river and get turned into Gollum. Instead of being a Frodo going into a journey, which will change everything, but will also cost. Peace.

Lt. Gen. Tumukunde: Another NRM big-man aiming at the throne

Today, Lieutenant General Henry Tumukunde has unleashed his will and determination to stand as a Presidential aspirant in the upcoming election of 2021. This is not new that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have some big-men falling out. However, they have usually gotten back into the fold and gotten new chairs to fill.. 

Lt. Gen. Tumukunde is a long-term NRA/M, who has served in various of positions and held a high regard in the circles around the President. He has failed, gotten sacked and gotten into trouble. However, always had the ability to return and get in the good graces. In May 2018 with his latest role was being the Minister of Security. Also, we know something is up, when the aide to Tumukunde is releasing the information of him loosing military guards at his house in Kololo. That happened about a week ahead of the letter to the Electoral Commission on the 28^th February 2020.

With regards to this, I’m not fooled. There been plenty of decoys in the past too. Even NRA historical of John Nagenda have been critical of the President, but still in good graces in the end. Surely, Tumukunde following a long line of Presidential candidates, who in the end looking for a new avenue for work after the elections. We are even seeing Amama Mbabazi returning to Museveni and getting closer like kin. Surely, Tumukunde wants those perks too.

In 2011, the former Local Government Minister Jaberi Bidandi Ssali was a Presidential Candidate as an opposition candidate. His the father of Bebe Cool, so we know that the NRM loyalties aren’t far from each other. Even as Ssali was known for talking against Museveni for never retiring, still he wasn’t anything the President feared in the polls. He was a former Minister who wouldn’t dare to insult his former master.

In 2015, there was two former high ranking NRM leaders who suddenly stood as Independents. This being Gilbert Bukenya and Amama Mbabazi. Both of these we’re high ranking officials. Bukenya went straight independent and even tried to swing the The Democratic Alliance (TDA) his way. Mbabazi tried to get a position in the Primaries in 2015. However, that is not how the game in the NRM works. That is why Mbabazi was clipped of his wings, both as the Secretary General of the NRM and also of his powerful role as the Prime Minister.

Now, Tumukunde is doing the same, as Ssali, Bukenya and Mbabazi has done. Some says its daring and inspiring. Some says its special for these men to aim at the king. Well, there is no succession and no parts to play internally. So, they got to be loose canons to ever try. However, these gentlemen knows that the President rigs and they will never achieve the goal. It is a battle they are bound to loose.

So, why do it? Is it to get the attention and possible be a part of the NRM NEC or something? Do they want a perky position and get back in the good graces? Is that it all?

Does Tumukunde want the cool headlines, that he visited the President at his farm? Is that all he wants out of life?

We all know, he has no shot to win. There is no winning in this, unless he wants to become the next Beti Kamya or something. If he wants a minor role in a mushrooming cabinet after 2021 elections. To be paid-off handsomely…

Well, this is not a drill, but is a curiosity. It will be bloody, it will be tested and he will be in trouble. However, in the end, he will kiss the ring and go back to his master. That is what they do.

Lt. Gen. will need to eat after 2021. He will return, it is just a matter of time and what he is on the menu. Peace.

Opinion: Is the 64th CPC another car scandal in the making?

When Ofwono Opondo today said the Parliament bought 80 cars for the upcoming 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC). I could help to recall the previous similar event at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2007. As with that time the sudden need for buying car for a short time period comes up.

Not only the reckless spending on visitors coming for a conference, but also the lack of tenders and procurement protocol. Just like last time, when the CHOGM taskforce just enforced a bid through a company owned by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Kuteesa. Who knows what happen this time around. Who owns the company that was procured from and by what protocol was it made?

Because, now the amount of cars is much more. We can wonder if they will be is idle and left behind, as the 30 BMWs left at the Ministry of Works and Transport post 2007. As the CHOGM cars was already not the newest model, but a two year old. Whose tender was questionable at best. Even the President questioned it in a letter back-in-the-day.

Therefore, when the Press Conference today, says the “Parliament” aka the state bought 80 cars or vans for the event. So, let it be clear, the Value for Money is peanuts and the usage minimal. The state would have been better off, renting all rentals and not buying. Which means they have to find ways of using them. Unless, they plan to store them of site at MoTW.

Surely, the VIPs could have used the old ones and leased cars. They don’t newly minted cars fresh from the factory or unused even. They surely just want to arrive and on-time to the conference itself. But, the government want to splash out money like no tomorrow.

We remember the procurement scandal surrounding the CHOGM. The state should be more careful with their ways of buying these cars. There is no proof of value of money, neither the way the tenders nor the budget was for it. Lastly, not plan for usage or whose need for these post-CPC.

That seems like a mismatch of work and also questionable spending at best. When the same government has done the same stunt a decade ago. It should be obvious, that they could have the capacity to do this again.

So, be warned… it is a scandal in the making, unless Ofwono knows something we doesn’t as it is not like the documents, the proof and purchase methods are proven at this point. Unless, a Parliamentary PAC is looking into it or the Auditor General looks through the paperwork. Which we only will know in the next budget year or something. Peace.

Opinion: Will the 64th CPC have a similar aftermath as the CHOGM in 2007?

Now that there is a month or so away from the 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Kampala. When the 500 delegates from all the Commonwealth member states are coming to the Republic of Uganda. To be part of conference and work for a week.

By all means, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its handlers see this a opportunity to spread the good news, to show the grand side of the Republic and its nation. However, why I am writing is that I fear this will be another Commonwealth scandal.

Last time was the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Kampala a few days in November 2007. Which in retrospect was a graft-party for the Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi and Vice-President Gilbert Bukenya, also Foreign Minister Sam Kuteesa. Who all were implicated in millions of dollars gone missing on tenders and spending on the CHOGM conference that year.

As we know that the same people and organizers were around. The same people running the ministries and having vital roles. We know, that the NRM and its high ranking officials might see a new opportunity to eat. Don’t be shocked if the CPC becomes a modern day CHOGM. It is 12 years apart, but the same President and his party at the helm.

I would not be shocked if the Office of the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Foreign Minister Sam Kuteesa, Gen. Salim Selah and someone implicated in the State House would suddenly misuse allocated funds, which Keith Muhakanizi can explain nor anyone else. They will vanish in a tender, fake tent or even some VIP cars whose never gotten imported through a shell-company owned by high ranking officials. The IGG, Auditor General or Attorney General can implicate any of them, as they cannot find the paperwork, which also happen to go missing. As the state prosecutors doesn’t have enough evidence to produce a case against them. Don’t be shocked, it is just business as usual.

This is just me thinking loud. I wouldn’t be shocked or surprised if the CHOGM scandal in a new version for the CPC would happen. If it appear for us in late 2019 or in 2020 as the revision of budgets, the value of money reports and whatnot. They will reveal that some company, which happens to be in connection with high ranking officials, suddenly have vanished government funds.

Let’s wait and see. I hope I am wrong, but don’t be surprised if suddenly we have modern day version of CHOGM scandal. Don’t be amazed if the 46^th CPC suddenly turned into a goldmine for the big-men at the NRM. Peace.