Opinion: Supplementary Budget No. 1 of 2023 is a masterpiece of epic failures…

I don’t know about you… but the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) isn’t of a sound mind and never has been under the administration of National Resistance Movement (NRM). The recent years has been heavy and hectic. The newest addition of supplementary budgets is no different.

There is a talk of adding 3,5 trillion shilling to various of projects, budget posts and help re occurrent shortfalls in revenue. Meaning the state is lacking the funds to begin with and have to add these fill to the void. This isn’t a wise move or a brilliant one. It is another cash-grab.

Just like the State House just needs another 100 billion shillings to “confidential funds”. Like it didn’t get enough in the original vote and budget for the Financial Year of 2023/24. They had to add more and give the President another slush-fund. Because, what else there to give and spend money on right?

Well… you have 2,7 billion shillings to be spent on “supervision of the Lubowa Hospital” which is just amazing wast of funds. As we know the monies here are misused and the progress of hospital is at a standstill. The contractors, the companies behind and the state themselves haven’t even allowed the Ministry of Health or Members of Parliament to watch the “building site” so who knows where these billions of shillings will go to.

In addition the Soroti Fruit Factory through the Uganda Development Company (UDC) get another bailout and a friendly push from the state with 9,4 billion shillings. That’s a real treat for a failing state corporation, which wasn’t long ago deemed to be sold. The whole Soroti Fruit Factory has been a tragedy from the paperwork to the implementation of it. It hasn’t added value to the produce, but been a steady budget post of the state.

These are just few of the budget posts in the supplementary budget and it shows how blatant it is. There is no middle ground or progress here. Only more of the same and wastage of public funds. They are spent on either mischief or status symbols for a chosen few. If not on secretive missions and miscellaneous, which we have no idea about.

This Supplementary Budget is just showing how the NRM isn’t having fiscal discipline or even bothers to try. They know there is “free” money and someone else who can cough up the dough. That’s why the nation is run like this and they have all sorts of excuses for additional expenditure. This isn’t new in 2023… and we have heard all sorts of reasons before.

I can promise you… this won’t be the last in this Financial Year. They tend to have like three or so. Just to add on enough funds… because they hope someone will loan, grant or be able to get funding outside of domestic revenue. Peace.

Uganda: State House – Press Statement (03.12.2023)

Opinion: Kasaija proves that the rot of corruption is everywhere…

I don’t sleep, I’ve been looking for money. I’m abused by my colleagues that I don’t give them money. When I give them money, they don’t use it for the purpose it has been given. The question of corruption is getting to the nerves of some of us. The corrupt should not be in our government. We work so hard. We worked so hard to bring this county to where it is now but people want to derail us and take the country into wars unnecessarily” – Finance Minister Matia Kasaija (02.12.2023).

No surprises. No sudden changes. The winds haven’t changed. Neither have the tidal waves or the tides of the sea. No, everything is like normal. The cows are being fed. The chickens are being slaughtered and the eggs are collected. Nothing out of the ordinary. Even the nsenene are being sold on the market of Kampala.

The sun is shining and the flow of currency is on overload. There is no rash decision or law that has been amended. No, there is no new Financial Policy or White Paper that has been put forward. Neither has the OAG, IGG or PPDA issued anything of substance. Neither has the FIA or UIA for that matter. There is even a special unit operating in the State House too. Therefore, the state has enough organizations and authorities to combat the corruption. However, they are all ending up with nothing.

This is why nothing changes… because it is a whole lot of nothing. Only small fries, small fishes and the ones who are duped who get caught. The ones who has no leverage or connections. The little guys in the up-country districts to dares to eat of other people’s plates. They are captured and taken into custody. While the authorities says they captured someone who defrauded the state and misused funds.

We have heard of ghosts, missing funds and other tales of late. We are so accustomed to it. That the mabaati and the ghosts SACCOs, NAADs, Emooya, OWC and whatnot just become staple food. The lack of oversight gives the high ranking officials a power to create ghosts and get a pay-off. They just claim to build a bridge or procure furniture for their offices. However, the bridge or the furnitures will never exists, except for on paper and during votes on the budget.

That the Finance Minister is saying these words. It is fine that his calling it out. The deceased Governor of Bank of Uganda must feel good in his afterlife. Seeing how a colleague is ranting out in public. We know that the IGG or OAG have no intentions of shielding or securing whistle-blowers. Therefore, it is a danger to call out mischief and illicit funds. Because, why do that when your career is on the line?

That’s why nothing of his words matters. The system is rotten to the core and it’s been celebrated with Presidential Handshakes, tax-holidays and pay-off’s for service rendered. That’s why nothing will change and the President is fine with that. The daily pay-days are here to stay and the Finance Minister just have to cough up the dough.

Kasaija have served this regime for decades now. He knows the drill and his been fine with it. Maybe now and then been ranting, but his one of them. The President has entrusted him with the office and knows he delivers. That’s why his retained, time and time again. The Minister wouldn’t be there if the President didn’t know he would serve him correctly.

The message is fine in itself, but it is pointless. When you know the authorities, the organizations and the state itself in indifferent. The fellow peers and the ones above him don’t mind. They are jubilant and gets off easy. These are people who are used to eating of others people’s plates. The ones doing so have no intention or plans to stop. It is free food and a feast. The bounty is on the table and why call it out. When you get the meat, the beans and the matooki. It is just time to enjoy it and have some tea after the meal. Peace.

Opinion: The Presidential Guards (SFC) has launched the “Operation Potholes”

There is a joke here, but I know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or the Muhoozi Kainerubaga Movement “The Bridge” won’t take that kindly. The Presidential Guards or the Special Forces Command (SFC) have gotten a two billion shilling deal to fix potholes in Kampala.

That the SFC is getting two billions shillings in itself is questionable… because where there a tendering process and was all stakeholders partaking in the process? I doubt that ever happened and it was the “high above” that decided this.

The Mission of the SFC is this: “To develop and operate a powerful and versatile special operations force that is situated within the unique Ugandan way of war and is responsive to the requirements of the UPDF and the nation.”

I wonder how they can play this one out, because this is a versatile operation, but not in clever warfare. If this is to show the leadership of Muhoozi and his brand of standby generator vibes. Well, he will loose and not win this one. First off, the government have given him a budget, which practically won’t fix much. It is hackwork and patchwork that we all can say won’t last long. There are too many players getting paid and getting a cut before the bitumen is procured. Therefore, the SFC is bound to fail like KCCA and UNRA already is doing.

They are all pinning the Lord Mayor, but the General won’t fair any better. Even if he has the ears of his father and all the powers within his midst. Muhoozi is a making a mockery of the state and how things operate. When a specialized unit like the SFC is suddenly building or maintaining roads. That’s not a military operation, but a case of mismanagement.

It is just a sign of militarized the economy is, but no one is surprised as the UPDF has been used in plenty of private sectors in the recent years. Now they are signing of for the unit of Muhoozi. That’s why he shows up, even as his only Senior Presidential Advisor and an Army Commander. He shouldn’t be partaking in this, but because of the prestige. That’s why his there and wants to look like his doing something.

This is the launch of “Operation Potholes” and we can wonder why the golden boy, the golden child and the Prince of the City gets the bid. They are trying to forge a narrative and make it believe that Muhoozi and his army strategies works in civilian terms. Surely, he should do this fast and efficiently. Since his capable of invading Nairobi within 3 days. Therefore, he should be the guy to salvage the plights and stop the suffering of potholes in a heartbeat.

However, we know that won’t be the case and this is a money-grab. It is guaranteed to not be sufficient or be enough. This is put up in haste and to make the General look good. In a manner that continues his process to the Presidency. Even if he has no idea what his doing and the SFC isn’t burning down a Royal Palace in Kasese, but suddenly fixing roads in Kampala.

It is just amazing how this is done. Some people are saying whatever that works, they don’t mind. However, this is undermining the KCCA and UNRA. The MoWT should also feel disregarded, as the General are taking their spot. Just like the UPDF Engineering Brigade started to fix the Stadium in the City too. The army is becoming a unique brand of builders and engineers. They are not soldiers or army commanders fighting terrorism or insurgency. No, they are becoming honest men digging in the dirt.

Who knew? But let’s see how “Operation Potholes” will unfold. Peace.

Opinion: Kicking out an MP from a Committee – shows how the Speaker whips her will

The Speaker guided Parliament and all its Committee that our colleagues who are currently boycotting plenary shouldn’t participate in the meetings of committees and field visits by the committees and I know that Hon Ssekitoleko is in that category. I am constrained to request him to take leave of the meeting until such time that they officially report to the plenary. The guidance of the Speaker is biding on Parliament and its Committees, unfortunately, I will not contravene the guidance of the Speaker. So kindly take leave and let us transact the business of the Committee in your absence” – Fox Odoi MP (27.11.2023)

Today, Robert Ssekitoleko (Bamunanika County MP), a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) was kicked out of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee sitting. This isn’t shocking or surprising.

What we are seeing today is how the Speaker Anita Among orders are fulfilled by fellow Members of Parliament. Fox Odoi MP wants to be in the good graces of the speaker, which is why Ssekitoleko MP isn’t allowed to participate or be an active member of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. That’s because his boycotting plenary sessions in the August House until the Government and the Executive addresses the missing people, the abducted ones, the long-detained political prisoners and the ones tortured, even the ones who has been extra judicially killed. All of these are not answered for, which is the point of the boycott.

Speaker Among is just getting people more unto the activism and the modus operandi of the security organizations of the state. Their ills and the injustice is amplified. Because, every time someone adheres to her orders. These people are by default getting more eyes on the impunity of the state. Meanwhile, the Parliament or the Speaker aren’t getting any better. They are still not addressing the matter and the ones who is in custody of the state.

Fox Odoi MP just followed orders and doesn’t want to defy his master. That’s why he kicked the NUP MP out of the Committee. This is just a show and prove their actions has consequences. Though we are discussing the people who are missing or behind bars without proper charges or trials, which the Ministers and the Executive could address the House. Though, we know the will of the state to do so, is close to none and it’s shows.

If the Speaker thinks her strategy is wise. Well, her actions are only amplifying the voices for the ones in need. It isn’t showing her strength or resilience. Neither is it a policy of strengthening her office or codes of conduct within the House. All of that is a failure… and further just shows that she wants to prove point, but it will end up pointless.

The Speaker can direct and make a mockery of committees by kicking out opposition members. Just like the one happening today. However, that only gives us more reasons to speak about the political prisoners and prisoners of conscience… they will be spoken about even more and tarnish the name of the Parliament. As the House isn’t addressing it or even trying to have an oversight of security organizations who does this to civilians. Peace.

Opinion: Mpuuga’s masterclass response to Speaker Among

Our absence from the House is official because it was officially communicated. It’s the duty of Parliament’s presiding officers to consider how to treat official communication. I earlier communicated of a meeting we had in the Speaker’s chambers during which the regime’s Ministers of Defence, Security and Inter Affairs undertook to make a comprehensive response to each of the issues we raised. They had a time frame 30 days which elapsed last Sunday on 19th November 2023. At no one time are we going to return to #PlenaryUg without our demands being responded to. All we are waiting for is the date and time the regime will be ready to respond. We received communication last week that they were unable to come with the statement because they had travelled out of the country for a security meeting. Do they want to tell us that when they travelled, did they flee into exile? Are they dead or were disappeared like #TheMissing18? Our demand of the Speaker is for to follow up on Parliament’s instructions to the Executive. We expect her to be neutral; an arbitor or referee whose duty is to demand that the Executive comes and answer. Other matters short of an answer are peripheral and we are not willing to be diverted into that” – Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga (23.11.2023)

Yesterday it was a launch of threats in the Plenary Session against the Opposition Members of Parliament who is boycotting the August House at the moment. These MPs are not partaking or being within the chambers for Plenary Sessions. Neither of them has notified or asked for “leave of absence” which is why the Speaker is trying to use a power move and show strength for her cause.

However, Speaker Among forgets certain things too and that she has leverage yes, but not a good moral grandstander. She don’t have ground to walk on or be justified to retaliate. The Opposition MPs are the ones awaiting answers for the abducted, kidnapped, kept incommunicado, tortured and political prisoners or prisoners of conscience. These people needs to be addressed and their whereabouts, their charges and their bodies for that matter. Since no one has heard or seen them for ages. Therefore, there are unresolved matters, which is of no concern for the Speaker apparently.

The Speaker is just into power and wants to prove it. She wants to whip the MPs into Order and be the Leader of the House. Nevertheless, she forgets her role too and what she’s supposed to do. Alas, she might not have access or allow to pursuit the misgivings of the state, which is why they are making excuses instead of delivering what the Opposition is asking for.

It is easier to order a drone and the authorities on a person. Than to actually acknowledge the person or give the person its rights under the rule of law. That’s how it looks like in the Republic at the moment. The Speaker isn’t making things better either.

Issuing threats and taking away privileges. If that’s the answer… then she’s a sorry individual who doesn’t mind the plights and suffering of others. She is blind to the fact and the sorrow other people have. This is the gist of it.

LoP Mpuuga actually showed masterclass here. He is following procedure and being frank. Not just begging for room and a microphone to speak. The ones expect him to back-down and be compromised. Certainly didn’t get their day and we can wonder how the Speaker will react to this. Because this doesn’t fit her narrative and her shallow perception of things.

The Speaker is advised to listen now, but I doubt she ever will. That is water under the bridge. She isn’t that kind. The only one she would listen too, is the one that appointed her and gave the opportunity to become Speaker. Peace.

Opinion: The people of Karamoja have understood the value of PDM…

In some sections of the community, there is negative attitude towards PDM money as it is compared to other similar government poverty eradication programs which are generally perceived by some people as failures. Some people perceive the PDM as a thank you token from the President for voting him in power and others view it as Personal Pocket Money like I said in (Karenga) Karamoja, some people were reported to be referring to the money as Personal Drinking Money” – Ojara Mapenduzi, Chairperson Parliament’s Public Service Committee (22.11.2023)

We know the drill and we have been here before. Now the Karamoja sub-region and the population, which have been starving and been in conflict. The ones who are used and getting taken for granted. The population of Karamoja isn’t thriving and that’s a result of years of neglect or lack government services. They have been kept this way and for a purpose.

The Parish Development Model (PDM) like any micro-finance scheme the government has created are flawed from the onset and with lacking due diligence. The PDM was launched just in time for elections and making a continuation of the endless programs like these. The SACCOs, NAADs, Emyooga, OWC and whatnot. It is just an endless money-pit and programs destined to fail. The PDM is no difference. Another name of the same scheme, which happens to be re-branded and tweaked just a little bit to look different from the others. However, the core business is the same and in the end… it will amount to little to nothing.

Well, with that in mind. Here we are… and the Karamoja sub-region is speaking fact. They have seen it coming and they spell the rain on the horizon. The people know what the PDM means and why it exists. That it is a cash-grab made around elections and to ensure the regime votes. That’s why they make new ones and with additional “incentives” to sweeten the deal.

It is just amazing to know the PDM is seen as a pocket money and drinking money. That wasn’t the intention, but there been so much shady going on with the PDM money. So, who cares about a little fun around “happy hour” aye?

The PDM was destined to fail and just like the predecessors did too. The NRM did make amends or ensure it’s longevity. That doesn’t matter either, because they just launch another one before the next General Elections anyway. Before their been any serious reporting or oversight into the PDM as a whole.

There been reports that shows how the PDM has failed. These have been very direct and shown how the government have failed this one. There are just to much drive and very little protocol. Neither are there safety-nets or anything ensuring the usage either. This means the money will be spent on frivolous activities and who doesn’t mind a free beer.

I’m sure the Waragin O’Clock is hitting smoothly in Kotido or Moroto for that matter. They are just enjoying the buzz of the PDM. These people deserved the brew and the tingly feeling after all their hardships. When they can get functioning roads, schools or hospitals. At least a free drink and a nice evening is a small bargain. It doesn’t the patch the hurt, but it give momentary relief.

Alas, the mabaati thieves is discussing it, but not seeing the grander the picture. Just like the MPs and Ministers took from the state. The PDM was taken for granted too and they cannot be blamed for that. They are not seeing a concerning government or a service delivery. Instead they are pawns and now they used their peasant power for their own legendary night(s). Peace.

Opinion: Speaker Among can invoke rule 112 but it doesn’t make it more honest…

Whereas we are cognizant that some MPs are absent from the House, I am yet to receive individual letters, asking for permission to be out of the house. It is strict liability not to be courteous. We take personal liability, we were voted individually not as a team, so I am yet to receive from persons who are absent from the House” – Speaker Anita Among (22.11.2023).

The truth of the matter is this… the request and the ideals of Speaker Among isn’t sincere. These Parliamentary Rules and Rule Book for the 11th Parliament have been strictly used against the Opposition and certain Members of Parliament, because of their stature within the Opposition. The same rules seems to be forgotten and not exist or be honoured if an MP from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) was doing it.

Yes, in theory and practice, the boycotting Members of Parliament should seek the approval of the Speaker for “Leave of Absence”. However, we all know how that will go and how useless that is. She will use the book as a brick and throw it in their faces. The Speaker will humiliate them and bow to her honour. That’s what she does and how she rules the House.

This is why the Opposition MPs who are defying and boycotting the plenary sessions are doing so out of spite, but also out of a necessary evil. There is no other way out. We have seen how the games are played. The government isn’t being held accountable and the pleas for getting information or reports on the matters are disregarded. They are even mocked and being downplayed like it isn’t concerning even.

Speaker Among and Minister’s has played along to this. The NRM MPs and the 11th Parliament don’t mind the Human Rights Violations, the Prisoners of Conscience or ones abducted to unknown locations by the state. The August House doesn’t take this into consideration or even shows them a little a bit hope. No, there is nothing and no tears lost. Only more braggadocios behaviour and acts of mischief. As the opposition is whacked on their heads and have to bow down to rules of house.

This is why the boycott in itself won’t do much either. The NRM won’t change. The government and the authorities have been doing this for years now. They intend to extend its reign and will not cease the activities of the security organizations. The drones will continue and the agony will be felt on more civilians. The citizens who dares to become a part and be vocal supporters of the opposition. Those are the ones that could face the law, if not face the authorities and the shady side of politics. They could lose their freedom, their liberty and their rights to live normal life. As they await a long journey in dungeons, in awaiting prolonged periods before trial and even being court martialed as civilians. That’s what this government does and it doesn’t want the whole truth exposed.

That’s why the Speaker retaliates and makes threats. She has the rules of parliament to her disposal and can whip it. The usage of perks and others things can stifle some. Regardless of that, the cause they are fighting is for people who are suffering. The ones who stood up and is paying the price. They dared to challenge this regime and now they are living in an uncertain future. That’s why they boycotting the proceedings.

The Speaker should understand those sentiments. She should see and her the stories, but it’s hard to believe that. When you have a mansion and live a “glamorous life”. The MPs fights a just cause, but don’t expect any sympathy from the Speaker. She don’t care and only values her own power. Right now she’s at the top and she wants to prove it to her master that she was the right choice. Peace.

Uganda: MK Movement “The Bridge” – Press Release (21.11.2023)

Opinion: Mr. President, it’s your policies from the 1990s that made Busoga poor…

I have been peeping through my car window as I travelled here for this function and I have kept wondering to myself how do these people (in Busoga sub region) live through this sort of poverty? I have screened through all these villages where I have passed but the houses and all the other things I have seen have left me wondering how it’s possible for our people [in Busoga] to survive through these hard economic conditions”– President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (18.11.2023).

We are living in 2023 and the generations that saw the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) are old, bitter or forgotten about. They saw the implications and the costs of doing so. The privatization and liberalization of the economy, which was the stipulations of the Bretton Woods Organizations and getting loans in the 1990s. This was at a time when President Museveni himself was a “new breed” of leadership and even a President that Bill Clinton spoke kindly of.

However, those days are gone, decades later and the grim realities of the effects of those policies are now coming to haunt the government. Industries and the industrial hub of Jinja city died as a cause of this. State owned and operated Cooperatives ceased to exist, sold or just dissolved. The ones thriving industries was sold for scraps and are now a jaded memory. While it was decades one of the points and cities that pumped foreign currency and created wealth.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni earned fortunes on the loans, grants and the SAPs. They got favours and favourable terms for the central government, but the businesses, state owned enterprises or cooperatives had to adjust to new terms. Which inflicted harm and damage, which have never been able to heal.

That why this was reported earlier in the year:

According to the Busoga Development Agenda (BDA), Busoga’s economic collapse is partly a result of the collapse of Jinja’s industrial prowess due to the 1994 privatization policy and weakening of the cooperative movement in Busoga, a disunited political leadership and cultural leadership differences that destabilized the role of the Kyabazingahood as a rallying point for the unity of Busoga after the demise of the late His Royal Highness Henry Wako Muloki” (Busoga Today – ‘Development and Economic Empowerment’, 22.07.2023).

If you ever wonder how the process and the sales was done by the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Well, it is done like it has always been done. It has been done with favours and within own ranks, the NRM Way. The way of the President and his inner-circle. They are getting bargains and good deals or a trade for loyalty. That’s what Museveni does and he can sell of anything, if it benefits him and his time in office. He don’t care if a hotel goes bust or gets sold for scraps. Museveni don’t mind if a factory or a cooperative gets locked in and gets worse ownership. No, he sold something and return he got a loyal crony. That’s the business model and that how you destroy industries and production.

Just read this one here from an Academic Paper in 2011:

During the privatization process at least seven (9%) out of 74 SOEs were undervalued and sold to government employees costing government Shs. 4.3 billion (US$2.2) (over US$2,152,000 at US$=Shs.2, 000).xxxvi Undervaluation (AV>SP) was calculated as the excess of asset value (AV) over the sales price (SP). The undervaluation was explained by politics and weak private sector. First, the ruling party supporters included cabinet ministers, presidential advisers, National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters and Members of Parliament (MPs). In order to marshal political support, the ruling NRM either undervalued or condoned default” (…) “Second, undervaluation was expected even before sale if the locals were to buy SOEs. What was not expected, however, was the preferred sale of the SOEs to NRM cadres and family members of President Museveni. Before sale, it was realized that the locals would not be able to buy all assets offered for privatization. Total SOE assets exceeded all the amount of money in the Ugandan Banks. While total SOEs assets were valued at Shs. US$ 1 m (Shs. 200 billion), the entire money supply was just shs. 50 billion and bank deposits stood at shs. 46 billion end of January 1989” (David Kibikyo – ‘Fiscal impact of privatization in Uganda 1992-2007’ July 2011, African Journal of Political Science and International Relations Vol. 5(7), pp. 371-387).

So, when the NRM comes to town and Busoga and says “vote for NRM we bring development”. Well, in regards to the Busoga sub-region. The NRM has brought the opposite. The President and his policies from the 1990s and early 1980s are the destructive means, which destroyed the industries of Jinja. That’s a fact and the sale of SOEs didn’t benefit the sub-region either. It was a drive to keep the inner-circle happy and the enrich his family. That’s what the gist of the privatization, which hurt Busoga and other owned state owned enterprises across the Republic.

The President can act like a visitor and as a stranger to Busoga in 2023. However, it is his will and his choices that put them there. He decided to take the International Monetary Funds (IMF) and World Bank (WB) funds that entailed the SAPs. The President didn’t mind the implications and complied, as he saw positive outcomes… profits internally and externally become beloved. Because, he followed “Washington Consensus” and traded the future of the nation for a few silver coins. That’s what he did and now his blaming the Busoga in part for their poverty. When he can be blamed and should carry a heavy burden for doing so. Peace.