A Minister died for a lack of paying his bills…

“A military bodyguard has run ‘amok’ and shot dead a boss, a State Minister at that, in Kyanja, Nakawa Division, Kampala this morning. The guard later fired several rounds of ammunition in the air and later shot himself (dead). All this happened this morning” (Red Pepper Uganda, 02.05.2023)

“Initial reports indicate that Charles Okello Engola was stepping out of his home, heading to work when one of his bodyguards shot him dead. The bodyguard then started roaming the neighbourhood while continuing to shoot in the air. He eventually retreated to a nearby salon, ordered the people cowering inside to leave before he turned the gun on himself. Witnesses claim that the soldier was yelling that he had not been paid for a long time despite working for a minister” (Kenneth Kazibwe – ‘Bodyguard shoots Minister Engola dead, turns gun on self’ 02.05.2023, Nile Post).

Today was the final day of State Minister Charles Engola. A man who has been a Member of Parliament since 2016 and been a Junior or State Minister ever since. The man who Represented Oyam North has been a loyal National Resistance Movement (NRM) MP and served the government over the years.

In his last term he was appointed as the State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial relations. Before that he was the State Minister of Defence in the 10th Parliament. Therefore, he was a well-versed person and had connections to the high above.

That’s why it’s tragic that a man who was an elected official for all these years. He has been elected to local government, all the way back to 2006 and only aimed for Parliament in 2016. This man had achieved a lot and gotten ahead over the years.

When you know all of this and see what is happening. You just know it’s tragic. A man who had the world and who ate from the finer things. A man who had connections and held a high office. He just got greedy and stopped paying the ones surrounding him.

The State Minister could most likely not phantom this or consider this to happen to him. He thought it would have no consequences, as a high ranking official and respected individual could get away with it. It was a decision he made and ensured the troubles of his body-guard. A man who had weapons and knew about his whereabouts. That was the man that he decided not to pay.

It is like the State Minister didn’t learn from history. The hired guns turn on you… when you don’t pay them. That what happened to Rome and now happened to Charles Engola.

Just read this statement from Uganda Police Force:

“The territorial police in Kampala Metropolitan, is actively investigating the tragic murder by shooting of the Hon. Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Hon. Rtd. Col. Charles Okello Engola, by his home bodyguard, identified as Pte. Wilson Sabiiti, which occurred at the Minister’s home in Kyanja, on the 2.05.2023 at around 9am. The bodyguard fired multiple shots at close range and killed the Hon. Minister as he was entering in his official vehicle. He died at the scene. The suspect also shot and wounded the ADC, Lt. Ronald Otim, before fleeing to Kyanja trading center on foot, where he entered into a salon and shot himself dead” (UPF, 02.05.2023).

Just imagine, as the State Minister was about to go about his day and do his duties. His guard came to him and shot him. That’s how brutal and how hopeless the situation is. As a man only see it fit to kill someone, because your in a dire situation. The guard has gone for a long time without pay and certainly needs to pay to live. While he see the lavishness and the riches of the State Minister. The man he guards who is living large cannot pay the shillings it costs to take care of his security. Than you know there is misgivings and trouble ahead. The man who carried arms and secured your whereabouts. That man you decided not to pay.

It is just tragic. An unfortunate incident and manslaughter. A death that could have been avoided. An unnecessary one, that could have been stopped and the State Minister could have ensured payments on time. However, that wasn’t a priority and it cost his life. Peace.

Uganda: Uganda Freedom Activists – Press Statement (01.05.2023)

Opinion: Museveni – “Get ideas, please”

A man who has run the nation since January 1986. A man who fought and took over power. That man is asking his civil servants and appointed leadership to “get ideas, please”. It is embarrassing and beneath his office, but it shows how he has failed as a leader, statesman and Head of State. When he has to resort to this.

The Executive Order No. 2 of 2023 dated the 9th April 2023 shouldn’t have been written. It should have been left in the drafts. A President shouldn’t be concerned about skips, garbage collection or the lack of garbage collecting in the cities or municipalities. No, he should be worried about grander things.

Get Ideas, Please” is what is sticking with me. His begging the civil servants and the appointed leadership to get a grip over the collection of old clothes and bottles. His begging them to figure out a way to recycle certain trash and collect it properly. This from the guy who has ruled supreme for over 3 decades.

That’s just beyond comprehension. It is telling how the state has become rotten to the core. How the “high above” has destroyed all protocol and all means of communications between the various state institutions. When a President has to write an Executive Order the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the other agencies to clean up the streets. It just shows that the man has no vision and no clue on how to run things.

He came as the “only man with a vision”. However, it is obvious that he got none. His running in circles and doing the same old schemes. The old man is running out of time and he got nothing to show from it. Only utter disgrace and mediocrity. The grand corruption and looting in combination of a bloated state with lack of domestic revenue. That isn’t a case of achievement but a proof of a heavy patronage that is begging their knees to his every whim. It is a proof of prestige but a system of beggars. They are dressed neat and has fancy vehicles, but beyond that… they are just asking for their next meal like everyone else.

Get Ideas, Please”. Think that he wrote this and stood by these words. A man who has written about “What is Africa’s Problem” and where he had remedies for it. Nevertheless, the man who had all the answers couldn’t’ implement them himself. That’s because of his own greed and lust for endless power. A man who never wanted to go and never wanted succession. Museveni knew about the problems and bottlenecks, but has chosen to take another path.

That’s why his asking for ideas to solve benign problems. Small problems that should be concerned with by a Ministry and by civil servants in local government. The problem of skips and garbage collection shouldn’t be a national issue or a troublesome affair for an Executive Order. However, here we are and it shows the epic failure of a leader he is.

Maybe he should “get ideas, please”. I think Museveni need to get ideas and get a grip. He should look himself in the mirror and understand where he is at. The “yes-men” won’t say it and neither the patronage who is benefiting of his whims. The Presidential Advisors are awaiting their next pay-check and hoping to be promoted in the next cabinet re-shuffle. Therefore, they won’t dare to question him or doubt his brilliance.

However, he needs to get some wisdom and direct his leadership differently. This is just tragic and shows how man has to much control. A President shouldn’t worry about the trash on Nile Avenue. No, that is for someone else to concerned about. Peace.

Opinion: OO sounding like an opposition spokesperson…

Today, Ofwono Opondo, the Government Spokesperson published a piece called: “HARD TIMES AHEAD; DROP EXCESS POLITICAL BAGGAGE AND OPULENCE”. It is striking that he launches this triad now. This is an epic rant and would be fitting from any opposition Member of Parliament or a spokesperson of an opposition party.

OO has been a defender of the NRM and the Government of Uganda. That has been his day-job and he has done so for years now. OO is synonymous with the NRM and the Museveni era. He belongs with them and has earned his currency by doing so.

That’s why today’s text reveals something… but also show how the NRM tries to re-populist itself. Even when it goes against the grain and the current status quo. Because, this sort of opinion piece belongs in the Observer or the Daily Monitor. This doesn’t belong in the New Vision or Bukedde for that matter. Nedda ssevo, this is a piece that would fit the opposition very well. That’s why it bothers me…

First paragraph from the text says this:

“So, Uganda must reform its fiscal frameworks, exercise utmost discipline, provide more for areas that will grow the economy, expand jobs opportunities and debt management. In calling for “stepping up our domestic revenue” many think that Ggoobi, in light of the tax proposals sent to parliament is walking back his public statement of December 2022 that he will not introduce new taxes in 2023/24” (OO, 24.04.2023).

This is the sounds of an opposition spokesperson. It isn’t the voice reason of someone who is defending the track-record or the fiscal discipline of the NRM. No, this is the opposite and someone going after it’s own and begs you to question why? What reason is there and who will be the fall guy? Is that the game here?

As OO continues…

“Unfortunately Ggoobi came out a little shy on the rampant and well-spread out corruption, wastefulness, financial indiscipline and failure to adhere to set priorities. The profligacy in the face of the ongoing economic squeeze is shocking to say the least and we cannot convincingly explain the extravagant motorcades for ministers, judges, top technocrats and security officers as if Uganda was at war” (OO, 24.04.2023).

This is a system created by the NRM and the High Ranking Officials. It didn’t happen over night and neither is it by default. The NRM has found ways to eat and enjoy the perks in office. That’s why these sorts of things happen on the regular. They are all in on it and enjoys it too. It isn’t shocking anymore and that’s why “missing funds” is a proverb in the Republic.

As OO continues…

“The excessive spending on leaders is directly undermining delivery and sustenance of quality basic public services like education, health and water. Most of our leaders have continued to live opulently even when the economy has had a knock and unable to quickly recover, generate new jobs and revenue. The agricultural sector where 69 percent survive is struggling with high in-put costs yet returns remain low” (OO, 24.04.2023).

This is the nation and the vision of Museveni. He is letting the elites and the appointed officials eat. They are getting fat while the poor is starving. That’s the business model and the NRM way. Everyone has seen this for years and the donor community has shielded some of the issues. Alas, here is the bargain, that the NRM are feeling the pendulum is swinging and they are not favoured anymore. That’s why they need more domestic revenue and not donor funds to cover their expenses. This is why the hurt is more severe and the rot is spiralling out of control…

As OO continues:

“The apparent helplessness government exhibits in dealing with sloth and avarice within its ranks is regrettable and calls for a ruthless approach to stem wastefulness and abuse. These excessive security details, honking car horns and aggressively tormenting road users have become public nuisance, made Kampala look more like Afghanistan, and is counter-productive to tourism and investment attraction” (OO, 24.04.2023).

It is just funny that a NRM and Government Spokesperson wrote this. This quote and paragraph would be fitting for a FDC or a NRM MP to write. It is what the Spire Exhibitions are doing on social media. Just exposing the lack of service delivery and the lack of government oversight.

The idea that he published it and thought it was smart is beyond me. This just proves what many of us been saying over the years. Now they are trying internally to prove the faults and mistakes. It is the system that has been created in the vision of the President. He has promoted this behaviour and he given them awards for doing so.

So, please take your crocodile tears and drink some tears of the lion. Because, I am not buying it. This isn’t sincere or legit. It is making a few scapegoats and trying patch up the hurt. Maybe even drop some “deadwood” for more beloved characters surrounding Muhoozi…

So, please sound like yourself Mr. Ofwono Opondo. This isn’t you and I’m not the guy you have to convince. The message is fine, but I have trouble believing the messenger. Peace.

Uganda: Deputy Attorney General Jackson Karugaba Kafuuzi letter to Speaker Anita Among – “The Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023” (20.04.2023)

Opinion: Déjà vu of 2014

It has nearly been a decade ago since the last Anti-Homosexual Bill was tabled and put into law in the Republic of Uganda. My stance has been the same the whole time. A bill that targets one minority will do no good. If you target one minority, the minority you belongs too could be next.

While the oppression, the brutal state and the authorities are unforgiving in their ways. The manners of which has only continued without any stops. The law enforcement are using means of kidnapping, keeping people incommunicado, imprisoned for years without charges or trials and neither is the actions of the state justified. Just like the state continues to arraign and put civilians into Military Courts. That’s a deliberate act and all the security agencies are in on it.

That’s why the new law from Asuman Basalirwa MP is a useless enterprise. His going after the same issue and same moral obligation as his predecessors did in 2014. What is striking is that he didn’t consider the Constitutional implications and how that would need to be amended before writing such a law. It was bound to fail and not happen…

That’s why the latest NRM Resolution are so in order. The Parliament has already enacted it and waited for the President to assent it. However, the President knows he cannot defy the donors or the multi-national organizations who feeds him. He won’t bite the hand that feeds him. The President know perfectly well that the economy isn’t booming and the domestic revenue isn’t growing either. He needs cash and fiscal stimulus. That can only come from afar and they won’t accept the law striking hard against the LGBTQ.

The International Community might write a condemnation and a warning for breaching human rights laws. Heck, they might even show support and visit a fellow opposition leader who are seeing their comrades suffer on the regular. However, they will not stop the criminalization of the opposition or the oppression, thereof… and the President knows this. So, it is easier to take away this law and get a bargain. Than to actually follow the populist and popular narrative of the day.

Museveni knows he can dismiss and call homosexuality “disgusting”. He can speak ill of it and call it unnatural. However, he will not give away the chance of fresh dollar bills or euros over a “holier than thou” bill in Parliament. I would have estimated that it would be challenged in the Courts and they would call it “void”.

I wouldn’t have thought or considered that Museveni would refer the bill back to Parliament for revision. No, that’s to much action and work for the old man. He could just await the game… and let the bygones be bygones. That’s what I anticipated, but the old man wants them to taste the bitter fruits. Because, his been here before… and we all have been here too.

This law was bound to fail, the way it was launched, manners of judgement and the whole ordeal was a tragic mess. Basalirwa MP should reconsider himself lucky. He has stained his name and reputation, as a “human rights” lawyer. His now just a pawn in a populist game and a man who has no issues digging the graves of a minority to get some political capital. That’s the sort of fella he is and the Parliament all went in on it.

The President just does this… to “win” and also prove a point. That you cannot twist the 1995 Constitution, only he can and he will when he needs it. Peace.

Opinion: Nandutu shouldn’t worry about the fire, but acknowledge her mabaati…

I have been baptized by fire but I am firm. What I am asking is, why should Agnes Nandutu be committed to the High Court when the lower court has the mandate to deal with this?” – Minister Agnes Nandutu (19.04.2023).

The State Minister of Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu, has been remanded to Luzira Prison until 3/05/2023 on charges of Dealing with Suspect Property following the diversion of Iron sheets meant for the Karachunas in Karamoja Subregion” (91.2 Crooze FM, 19.04.2023).

Some people think they can do a magical trick and make things vanish. If you cannot see or touch it. It has just disappeared…. The same fashion plenty of the Ministers and MPs involved in the Mabaati or Iron Sheets Scandal are thinking. They are hoping the scandal goes out of sight and out of mind.

There have now been three ministers who has been touched, charged and spent in detention. These have been followed up and one was arrested out of hubris. When you are investigated and looked into by fellow Parliamentarians, you should just show up. Instead the Minister ended up in prison and pleading for mercy.

Alas, they were participating in a scheme. They did steal government property and did so with firm hand. All of them knew what they did, but they never thought that it would amount to anything. Heck, they just thought it was another Tuesday…

However, the President and the Authorities had another plan. The way this is moving and how the selection of Ministers are happening. It begs to question, why these? When there is like 48 more people to pick? What is so special or unique about these?

Nandutu is the third one now. All of them has been humiliated and taken into custody. They have gotten touched by the law and are facing charges. Nevertheless, I expect the state to just rinse and repeat. They are the chosen and appointed elite. These politicians will be off the hook and not be kept incommunicado or in safe-houses for months on end. Neither will they be charged in Military Courts or have unfriendly judges on their case. No, they will be shielded of the worst and only made as an example. Just to make it look they are fighting corruption….

She is just a nice flashy person to apprehend and keep in custody. Just like they did with the two previous ones. There is another minister behind bars now and a third one just released on bail. So, it makes it look like they are doing something. However, there are far more prominent ministers and high ranking officials who is implicated in this scandal. They are walking free and without any sort of legal jeopardy around their way.

That’s why you know this a “Point Blank” joke and a mockery attempt of “rule of law”. It is a show piece and a “we did this” sort of statement. This is the “dope on the table” sort of vibe. Yes, the police got the dope and could show it off. However, they never stopped the illegal transactions, the importation of drugs or the connects from getting new loads of illegal substances across the borders. Therefore, the ideals of showing of the dope is pointless. When it is only theatre for bosses and the mayors, but not doing anything to stop the illegal trade from happening.

That’s what the arrest of Nandutu seems to be for me. A pointless exercise to look like the authorities are doing something. While we know it will be “much ado about nothing”…. That’s just the way it goes and the sun will rise tomorrow again. Peace.

Opinion: Kagabo MP will find it out the hard way…

Bukoto South Member of Parliament, Dr. Twaha Kagabo has reportedly ditched National Unity Platform (NUP) and joined MK Movement, a pressure group spearheaded by First Son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. On Friday, Kagabo, was spotted with Muhoozi and other MK Movement leaders in Kasambya constituency during a fundraising campaign for women and youth development groups, fuelling reports that he has joined the Muhoozi group” (Samuel Muhimba – ‘MP Kagabo ’dumps’ NUP for MK Movement’ 15.04.2023, Nile Post).

The Member of Parliament, Dr. Twaha Kagabo has gotten of the hook before. He insinuated that he was bribed and had to return 40 million shillings. Later in the year and after the scandal was unleashed. The MP was pardoned by the Parliament and the case has since been forgotten. He was supposed to be disciplined by the party, National Unity Platform (NUP) but I don’t know what happened to that. This was all happening in 2022 and now we are already in April 2023.

Kagabo MP has now distanced himself from the Opposition. That’s isn’t really newsworthy. That’s something he has done already and proven himself to be one of “them”. He could just switch to National Resistance Movement (NRM). However, he does the “populist” move and joins the MK (Army) Movement instead.

It isn’t shocking or revealing. The character has already been proven. He could already be bought and his principals was for sale. If it wasn’t, he wouldn’t have grabbed the 40 million shillings in 2022 and later cried out loud to save face. He knew he was in the wrong and he still did the dance. Blamed the speaker and whoever who bought him. However, not taking to account that he accepted the bribe and was fine eating the easy money.

I am surprised that he waited this long. Maybe the MK Movement sweetened the deal or promised him something on the back-end. Since he was already turning to the other side a long time ago. He made the decision by himself and wanted to be greedy. The MP accepted the “kickbacks” and the envelopes to do a deed for the ruling regime. Therefore, there was no difference between him and the NRM.

Kagabo MP can act righteous and act like he has done the right thing. It is maybe the right thing for him. To be a representative and be a man who is an underling to the First Son. Maybe he prefers to be token soldier and a “yes-man”. Instead of a man on the barricades and fighting the brutal dictatorship. It is easier to side with the son of the dictator, than to stand-up and fight them. He gets off easy right now.

The burdens and the pressure is off him. His now “one of them” and it gives him privileges. That he will get in plenty. Nevertheless, his honour and pride is sold. There is no integrity or justification. Other than he wants to get a fat bank-account and be a subject of a new master. That’s all there is and it will be hard to sell his candidacy in the next election. As he left the fold and decided to be associated with the regime.

That’s who Kagabo MP is and who he wants be… he wants to be one of them and he has succeeded. The cost and the price to do so will be down the line. Because, why should the voters or the constituency trust him? They have seen how he behaves and how acts. His a man who is willing to be bought and be made a fool off. That’s who he is and he got live with it. Peace.

Opinion: Muhoozi aren’t even that special…

If you think the First Son, the Senior Presidential Advisor and the General, Muhoozi Kainerubaga is anything unique or special. I hate to shatter the glass and break the celling. But his about as average can be…

The General is far from ordinary in the sense of brutality and lack of good moral judgments. That’s entitlement and the usage of force, which he has gotten accustomed over the years. He has learned this from his father, and it shows. Instead of talking and being diplomatic, the first son rather takes up the guns and blaze region just to prove a point. Muhoozi has seen how effective that was in Kasese and in the Karamoja sub-region. That’s why his the avenger and the not a friendly neighbour.

His handlers, his peers and the ones appointed by MK might make him sound supreme. They will make him look a like a generational leader. These folks will make it seem like its his purpose. He is their vehicle to power and to more influence. That’s they need him, and he needs them. That’s a tandem and how the wheels of the organization are working. Not because Muhoozi has the swagger, the policies, or the charisma to pull it off. No, he got none of the above and is only a name well known because of lineage.

We could act a fool and be stupid. All of us are that from time to time. However, we all know the gist of things here. He got the state backing, got the authorities on a strangle-hold and got vast influence. Which is why he can be in the army and run as a candidate for Presidency. No other man in uniform could do that. Neither could civil servants or anyone else for that matter.

They had to resign and call it a night before the elections. He can early campaign, early galvanize his “troops” and move around unbothered. That’s because all powers are vested with his father. The ruling regime and elites are fine with his scandals, indiscipline, and lack of protocol. Everyone is on-board for one reason – securing their future and their part of the loot. They don’t mind his buffoonery when they can cash-in on his stupidity.

The MK [Army] Movement is a flawed and appointed organization. It isn’t built from the ground-up or with natural progression. Which will haunt the leader and head in the end. Because it is all about his ability to pay for influencers, mobilizers and hold big functions out of nowhere. That will in the end be billed on him and his accounts. MK has to carry the financial burden and his living of the government plate. There is no way as a Presidential Advisor he could afford organically to run this sort of operation. That’s why you know the gig is up and is a lie.

He can act like his all of that. Be blatant and disregard the general public. The General might think free t-shirts, voter tourism and sloganeering are all it takes. Nevertheless, it will take more, and it will cost him. Especially, when he got to appoint and pencil push everyone around him. Since he got nothing to show for and no sort of attributes that sells.

That’s why there is nothing special, unique or inspiring about Muhoozi. Muhoozi is only in the headlines and in the wind because of his father. Just imagine to be a big-man and the only reason your are there… is because that you just happen to be born and live in privilege. That’s all Muhoozi is. Not skills, intelligence or experience that brought him here. No, just the boring tale of following the co-tails of his father. Must be tragic to be reminded of that nearly every day…

That’s why we cannot anticipate wisdom, genius, or capabilities. That is proven by the people he surrounds himself with and how his rampant cronyism continues. Where everyone appointed by him is kissing his ass. That’s what they do, and they are bowing their knees out of loyalty too. It is all fair game and don’t mind seeing people humiliate themselves in his presence. Muhoozi has seen how big men has humbled themselves for his father. Now he wants the same push and glory. He wants to takeover and be the next in line.

Muhoozi might consider himself great, but we all know his average. He can torture, kill and destroy a brother, but that doesn’t mean he has heart or the spirit to rule. His just another brutal Caligula and Kampala don’t need that. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee says “colonial mentality” is one of the reasons for corruption…

This is not a failing system, but a growing system that could be faster if it was not for the corruption and the colonial mentality of some of the civil servants and some members of the political class. In otherwords, the progress could have been much faster and will be faster once we deal with the obstacles. Who has been responsible for the growth? Three players: the UPDF; the wealth creators (the farmers, the manufacturers, the service providers); and the infrastructure builders” (…) “That is why the whole issue goes back to the question of evidence and the need for the Public (the citizens, the farmers, the manufacturers, the artisans, the service providers), who, most of the time, are the victims of these corrupt officials and politicians, to be involved” (…) “The President is the head of the Executive and all Executive Authority is given to him or her by Article 99 (1) of the 1995 Constitution. However, he/she must exercise that power according to the Constitution and the laws of Uganda. Otherwise, that wonderful President, will become a problem himself or herself” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (11.04.2023).

The President of the Republic is a mastermind in pinning blame on others. His using all the tricks of the book. Just piling down the blame on others. It is like his Jedi Mind Trick. The force is strong with this one. He has had the years and experience in doing so. Ever since the beginning of time. Museveni has blamed others and that’s what he does now too.

His further explaining his role as the Executive and Head of State, while pointing at all other parts of government, which is ironically appointed by him and following his direct orders. The letters of the President is often mingled in and is changing the narrative. Just like the President Ordered the IGG not to look into Military Commanders and slow down the “lifestyle audit”. That just show the true power of the President and what his capable of doing.

President Museveni acts like we don’t know… we know he micro-manages and does it to his bidding. His acting like his just a “token” figurehead and not the Commander-in-Chief. We know perfectly well how he runs the Nation from the State House. It is his “enterprise” and his will is done.

The High Above” is directing and deciding matters. He can just send a “word” or a letter and things are moving. The President decides contractors and companies involved in development projects. The President orders the Office of the Prime Minister and everyone else to do his bidding. So, he can act like it is others who are too blame. However, we know the drill… and seen the actions over the years.

He can act like he cares or are concerned about “corruption”. We know he couldn’t care less and only does so to look pristine. The President knows what sorts of fruits, vegetables and other plants that grows in his garden. The President knows what sort of animals his breeding and taking care of on his farms. This man knows what is going on and cannot fool us now.

We know his pinning blame on others… when he in 2023 uses “colonial mentality” as an excuse for corruption. That is blaming the “British” and going back to the “enclave”. It just shows that his finding every way possible to pin someone else for his misgivings. This shows what his willing to do and say.

Only a fool would believe this fiction in 2023. Especially, when President Museveni is richer than God and has vast wealth. While the Republic is poor and debt-ridden. You just know the game is rigged and Museveni always comes on top. Peace.