Opinion: Mzee says it colonialists fault for him torturing civilians today…

Asked to comment on Kakwenza’s, and other critics’ torture allegations, Museveni said that he has confirmed some incidents of torture although he had not yet followed up on the former’s case. “It is true that some people were tortured. I have not confirmed on that one (Kakwenza), but I have confirmed some other cases, and I took it up,” Museveni said. Adding, “You see, part of the problems of Africa is capacity building, we are building armies and security forces. These sometimes come with traditional ideas from the village or they get imported ideas from the former colonialists. For instance, the Police Force which was here during the colonial times; they were using those methods.”” (Jonah Kirabo – ‘Museveni blames Kakwenza’s torture on traditional ideas, colonialism’ 07.03.2022, Nile Post).

We are living in 2022 and the Republic was liberated in 1962. It has been 50 years since the United Kingdom held the Republic of Uganda as it’s protectorate. The “British enclave” which President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni usually refers it too. That’s why it’s astonishing that a man who has held power since 1986. Is blaming the relics of old, as if he couldn’t have changed it or the traditions of the security agencies in the Republic. If that was true… then his really powerless in office.

I have already proven in previous articles through human rights reports, that the National Resistance Army and National Resistance Movement has used torture as a method all through its’ reign. Yes, the NRM has enacted laws that makes it illegal. While the same government keeps institutions, safe-houses and organizations unaccountable for torturing civilians without due process or legal justification.

There is clear indication that the Security Agencies are using torture, keeping citizens incommunicado and kidnapping them. Just like the “Panda Gari’s” did and we in this day and age call them “drones”. While the citizens are kept in dungeons, safe-houses and whatnot where they are tortured with methods that is “Kandooya”, which is still prevalent to this day. Therefore, the President can claim “colonialists” inspired this, but he instead has kept the operation and the means of Amin. That’s the tragedy here… which he claims to have ushered in a new era post Amin and Obote II governments.

Museveni promised a “fundamental change” but only difference was a bus and a “heroic” tale of 27 guns of the NRA. The rest is just hogwash and sold out ideals on the alter of massive wealth for the inner-circle of the President. The rest is hanging and getting breadcrumbs of the initial promises of old. The pledges and promises haven’t been kept and the governing is more of the same. While dissidents, activists and political opponents are meeting the grave reality of harassment, torture and legal jeopardy, as they try to stand tall in a battle of the political space. Therefore, NRM and Museveni haven’t achieved or made it possible to be better.

The Museveni era and reign will be remembered for the amount of pain, suffering and hurt it has caused. The damaged lives, the loss of limbs and the suffering that certain parts of the Republic has. While others been living lavish in Kololo or elsewhere. Because, they was part of the elite and the clientele that served the President wisely.

The rest is getting the blunt and unforgiving force. They can all be taken away, swiftly and eruptly without any forewarning or warrants on their heads. No, the state can just take them and punish them for their political stance or their opinion online. It is enough justification to go after someone and take them down. Since they offended the Don or his avenging Son.

That’s why it’s hard to believe that this is the fault of others. When the system is built by the means of His Excellency and he has never disbanded these efforts. Peace.

Teso Affairs: The failure of Soroti Fruit Factory

Soroti Fruits Limited was incorporated to add value to fruits that were abundantly underutilised; to address the high post-harvest losses, provide market for the farmers produce, and create employment opportunities along the value chain, thus increased and diversified household incomes within the greater Teso Sub-region” (February, 2022).

This is not a shocker, as the Auditor General of December 2021 already have proven that the investment under Uganda Development Corruption (UDC) proved that the Government of Uganda huge investments into these State Owned Enterprises isn’t only unsuccessful, but blatant cash-grabs and “white-elephants”.

The “Report on the Alleged Mismanagement of Soroti Fruits Limited” only furthers this, as the produced report of February 2022 is no difference from the AG Report from December 2021. Therefore, it is only showing it more direct and one case, which happens to be the Soroti Fruit Factory.

Just read here:

The Committee made the following observations,’The only mango varieties not taken by the factory are the traditional mangoes which are said to have a lot of fiber which requires several systems to clean. Mangoes are mainly sourced from outside Teso sub-region because the available mango varieties in Teso contain fiber that cannot easily be processed by the current mango line. Whereas oranges are predominantly grown fruits in Teso sub-region, the factory found it economically viable to invest in a mango line as opposed to an orange line because the mango juice is a fast moving product that can sustain the market thus this could be one of the reasons orange growing farmers are frustrated” (February 2022).

The committee was concerned that Government has so far invested in Teso Fruits Limited a total of UGX 44.1 billion, in addition to the KOICA grant of USD.8million, however, this has not yet yielded any profits and this projects towards the fact that the factory may take a longer period to sustain itself” (February 2022).

What is really striking is that a Fruit Factory for the Teso region, has to “import” or get outside sourced Mangoes, which can work for the production line. As the type, which is mainly produced in the Teso region doesn’t work there. That shouldn’t be the case and shows that the Fruit Processing Plant isn’t scaled or made for the local fruit producers. This is just infuriating and insulting. Because, that is the purpose to value-add on the cash-crops, but in this case. It is instead for outside farmers who has a longer way to the factory, which isn’t the reason for the company to begin with.

On a second note, the Teso region is also producing more oranges, which isn’t even in the works. So, you can wonder what sort of planning that went into it and what sort of analysis of the region was to begin with. This is the Teso Region’s Fruit Factory, but it doesn’t serve the majority of the mango producers or the orange producers in the region. Meaning, they are outsourcing the fruit supply, because it isn’t produced in Teso. That is really impressive and foolish too. Who is this dumb?

Not only the spending, building and wastage of funds only, as it has been a money-pit and total loss from the on-set. This report isn’t painting a perfect picture. Yes, it was a report made because of an expensive road, but uncovers another bitter truth, which I find more interesting. As it is built a fruit factory, which isn’t made for the surrounding farmers of the region. That’s it. Peace.

Opinion: The Apex Platform is the epitome of what is wrong with the NRM

NOTE: The Apex Platform is an Executive Decision-Making body whose decision shall be communicated accordingly by the Secretariat as directed by H.E. the President. The Apex Platform shall address the issues referred to it by Cabinet and report back by way of a Cabinet Information Paper” (APEX Manual).

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhurwa Museveni has been in-charge and in-power since 1986. The Cabinet is huge, the Presidential Advisors are countless and Parliament is to big for its chambers. Therefore, the President has many hands, ministries, parastatals or state owned enterprises (SOEs). Heck he has created so many government bodies, oversight commissions and whatnot. However, with every withering year they are not creating anything.

Now, the officiating the APEX Platform, which he is set to be at the inaugural meeting, which will be convened soon, I suppose. As all the stakeholders and participants will ensure they are part of the new body.

That shall be chaired by the President, the Vice President, Office of the President, Office of Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and National Planning Authority.

In addition other permanent members of APEX is:

– Ministry of Public Service (MoPS)

– Ministry of Local Government (MoLG)

– Office of Auditor General (OAG)

– The Attorney Generals Office (AG)

– Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS)

– A Representative of the Private Sector and Think Tank Organization coordinated by the OWC (Operation Wealth Creation)

When you a see a list like this… and all the government entities in it and the OP & OPM. The clear indication is that the APEX will be a decree or a presidential directive organization. As the chair and head is him. This isn’t governing better, but making the government more hectic. As the President isn’t trusting the entities and needs another oversight body to look into the government entities.

This is made to ensure the implementation of Vision 2040, but we know the APEX Platform won’t make much different. It is just a fancy meeting place, which sounds good, but isn’t it. Apex will not make a difference in the long run. Since it is the same government bodies and following the direction of the President. This is just using the Ministries and Government Bodies to have a semi-annual gathering and meetings. It is just a glorified caucus and a new Executive Body.

What is striking is that it’s created because of the struggle of lack of implementation of goals, visions and planned programs of the state. However, this is only creating more hurdles and mechanisms, which is adding bureaucracy that will not add any value. Except for having another secretariat and possible busy-bodies working for Apex. Even if the already mandated government bodies has follow up, which is mentioned in the manual. It is still proving … that the lack of good structure or personalized issues of the state is going all back to the President.

This is following up the Presidential Decrees and Orders. They are following the Executive and his will. This is just making it a magnificent body to do it. Peace.

Opinion: Muhoozi’s prominence is no good

The Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga and Commander of Land Forces (CLF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has again thrown his opinion to the public domain. As the third ranking official of the army, presidential advisor and the first son of the President. His the epitome of what is both wrong and proving how erratic things are in Entebbe/Kampala these days.

Muhoozi’s tweet is causing a stir and it’s not the first time. It is even published articles in foreign press like BBC and elsewhere. As he takes a stand on foreign affairs. Just like he stand behind Tigray in Ethiopia or now defends Russia in the invasion of Ukraine. That is the sort of fella and brother he is…

Lt. Gen. who is an avenger and a war-lord. That’s why his proud of the warfare in the Democratic Republic of Congo. That’s the sort of man he is. Just like he was trying to have a beauty contest between Ugandan and Rwandan woman after the short talks in Kigali with President Paul Kagame. That’s the sort of man he is…

We surely know the rumours of him chewing woman and not being loyal to his wife. Even as he praises her looks and person on social media. We know about that and he is the male Sheila Gashumba, who has her dirty laundry leaked by her ex recently. Clearly, the same sort of affair is associated with Muhoozi too.

So, maybe he should continue living the life of a socialite in Kampala. Instead of behaving like a mad man on Twitter. As his a prominent guy and his father made him that too. Next up is trying to learn some tricks from “Bad Black” since just defending Muhwezi and calls torture a small thing. Surely, if he gets a painful experience in the future, we can just downplay it. Like he downplays the harm, the damage and the pain, which his government applies to it’s dissidents.

Muhoozi is no good. Muhoozi is everything that is wrong with the current regime in Kampala. He is the image and resembles what is totally despicable about it. Muhoozi doesn’t value the unjust behaviour of the state, neither does he care about the prospects of more human rights violations. Yes, he bashes in it and wants glory for amplifying destruction with his forces. He don’t mind the deaths, the pain or the suffering on others. That’s why he defends and stand behind Moscow in the battle to annex the whole of Ukraine.

If the Republic is supposed to be great or move forward. You will not move forward the likes of Muhoozi. He will only go backwards and use ill willed means to defend his prestige. He wants to manifest and be the grandeur of Kampala. That’s who Muhoozi is and he has lived the elite life. Not like Muhoozi would ever understand the plights of the random civilian on the street. No, he has eaten with the rich and been a spoiled brat in the corridors of power, all of his life. Not like he has any worries of the world. Since, his father has bailed him out and given him a life-line. He wouldn’t be a Lt. Gen. or have run Special Forces Command (SFC) if it wasn’t for his father.

That’s why he doesn’t understand the ramifications or the possibilities of outcry after tweeting like a mad man. Defending the imperial troops of Russia. That’s just who he is and he has no issues about it. He thinks people will stand behind him and be proud of President Putin. That’s because Putin is a dictator like his father.

He just proves what wrong with both him and his father. His tweets are just undressing the bashing glory of oppression in the Republic.

Muhoozi is just a symbol of everything that is wrong in Kampala. That is the reality here and he cannot run away from it. Peace.

Opinion: Muhwezi thanksgiving party of command loyalty

“I will reward all the MPs [who] refused to sign the censure motion by attending public functions in their constituencies in a big way whenever I am invited.” Minister for Security, Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi said during a thanksgiving ceremony in Kisoro District on Saturday” (NTV Uganda, 01.03.2022).

If the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or the NRM MPs of the 11th Parliament see it as a victory that Minister for Security, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi didn’t get a majority vote or enough signatures to be censured. However, at this point of time it was a fools errand. Because, there was no way possible to achieve it. Unless, the NRM Caucus suddenly wanted to sack a cabinet member.

The only way the NRM would get rid of a Minister or a high-ranking official is if Museveni says so. If he deems someone unfit or doesn’t fit his plans he will axe them. The other way is to find another outpost, lead a government parastatal or make them a Presidential Advisor. Therefore, we know it has to be decided in the State House.

The censure of Muhwezi is a righteous one, as it is an reaction to the growing number of torture cases and prominent ones of those. While the state takes no accountability or acts transparent of the modus operandi of the state agencies, which happens to be under Muhwezi. He knows this and the NRM knows that as well. They are just “condoning” it and sending their “prayers” while hoping the people forget about it quickly.

In a place of accountability and transparency, a minister of Muhwezi would see an another day in office. He wouldn’t get accepted to the office either. The Maj. Gen. would be unfit and deemed as a corrupt zealot not fit for office. However, as a crony and loyal cadre of the President he is perfect. Jimmy Jim would never offend or act unrighteous towards the President. He would carry the water and take the blunt scrutiny, but in the end… that would all blow over and call it a day.

Muhwezi would have been fired for hiring a “ghost” company for a security deal with the ministry, which was done early in his term. A usual minister elsewhere … would have been sacked and destroyed over such a wasteful enterprise. However, in the Republic his walking around like his Teflon. He can get away with murder and sell the misfortunes of others like it’s a sweet treat.

That his giving away money as it is his thanksgiving … a party of envelopes and yellow cadres lining up to get their shillings. The silver coins of oppression and salvage of the suffering of others. The blood money of which is payment to overlook and forget about the plights of the citizens. That money will wither and should be seen as a condemnation of their souls. As they are selling their hearts over a few shillings. They are trading their integrity … and it’s evident that these MPs can be bought.

It is a den filled of thieves who accept the merciless prosecution and brutal treatment without due process of fellow civilians. That’s who these people are and they should be remembered for that. The acceptance of the coins is proof that they are willingly accepting the cause and the use of torture. Since they are eating of the hands of the people who are ordering it on the daily. Peace.

Francis Zaake MP: Statement on the Ongoing Inquiry into Allegations of Misconduct (28.02.2022)

Transformer Cadres Association Uganda: Notice of Intention to Collect Signatures for a Referendum under Article 255, 259 and 260 of the Uganda Constitution (21.02.2022)

Opinion: The Movement’s endless Money-Making Schemes

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have endlessly created money-making schemes over the years. The Parish Development Model (PDM) is nothing new, but a configuration of previous efforts. This being the Emyooga, SACCOs, NAADs, Youth Livelihood Programme, Micro-Loan Programmes, Rural Micro Finance Project, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) or anything else you can spell out. Heck, we should not forget the Entandikwa either.

There been so many of these and ways of which the citizen should become prosperous, but that never happens and the results are there after. It is like recycling of a bad trickle-down economics and weak mechanisms, which isn’t the benefiting the citizens or participants. They are buying into a dream, but doesn’t have the resources or market to get the execution. It is always in the reports lack of implementation and education on the matter. However, that is the system, which was never prepared or had the framework to actually work. It is like it was more important of the government to spend the funds, but not actually see any real progress or development. Since, the donors and the providers of funds just needed them to spent on any given Sunday.

The NRM has promised a middle-income country, but never seems to get there. These sorts of monetary deals is a reflection of that. Since they are going back to basics and using the same means to lift people out of poverty. There is no game-changer or progression. It is easy transactional bids to small-investors to either borrow or get short-term relief, which will not be substantial or subpar. Which in the end has to be repaid and restructured, either as a group or a profession to cash-generating income to start.

That’s why these things doesn’t sufficiently work. As there are no steady income or ability to get revenue. It is a short-term patching up the damage and the possible costs of early operation of any sort of business, but nothing to actually run these businesses and cover the expenses of actually operating. The same lack of investment is in the projects and the ones who is supposed to have oversight. It is patchwork with ministries, office of the Prime Minister or Gen. Salim Selah. Who knows really, but it isn’t with proper protocol or direction. Neither a long-term game-plan.

That’s why the Operation Wealth Creation went to Emooyga and now the PDM is the new kid on the block. While NAADs and SACCOs are still vital enterprises and means of money lending practices to the public at large. As they have to comply with the regulations of these, but vehicles in addition is the OWC, Emyooga and the PDM. However, these are all launched without any sort of proper check of accountability or even results, which could give insights to what worked and what failed. That is only in small sentences in the Auditor General reports and partly investigations into a few districts. The whole operation and spending spree has never been assessed. Therefore, God knows how things went or if it was a wasteland of government expenses on a shallow project.

This is why I don’t have faith in the PDM. There has been no real proof that OWC was working and none has really looked into Emyooga. The SACCOs and NAADs haven’t improved the Republic substantially either. It is like the state is going in-circles and hopes that nobody notices. While the high ranking officials has means to an end. Where they can trick the accounts and transfers for own gains or for campaigns of any sorts. Since there will be no oversight or accountability on the matter. It will only be partial and not a whole picture. As the realities would be to dire to describe.

It must be a reason why the state doesn’t look into or even tries to study the previous programmes. As it is busy launching new programmes to succeed the next. The only difference is the name and who is in-charge. The rest is repeating the sins of the past and hoping someone will forgive them. Peace.

The Former Kawempe South MP Munyagwa was kidnapped by an unknown security agency today

Former Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa has been kidnapped & whisked off in a drone. His aide says the kidnappers waylaid him around Masanafu as he drove to NBS Television for NBS Eagle” (Simon Kaggwa Njala, 20.02.2022).

A source familiar with the matter reveals that Joseph Sabiiti on Saturday morning rang ex Kawempe South MP Munyagwa Mubarak and gave him an offer of UGX 15m to stop defending Zaake on TV shows but the FDC strongman declined to trade his integrity for peanuts” (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘Among flees country, deploys UGX 100m for bloggers, NBS journalists’ 20.02.2022, Ekyooto.co.uk).

First and foremost we don’t know why Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Stalwart Mubarak Munyagwa was kidnapped earlier today. He has been kidnapped and arrested before, he has fought cases and been in legal jeopardy before. This is nothing new to the former MP. He has been under fire and in trouble during his career. However, that doesn’t justify the recent kidnap and keeping hum incommunicado without any knowledge for why.

We don’t know why the former MP was taken away and kept in an undisclosed location. We don’t know the charges or the reason. If it was a bribe or he “offended the Don”. We don’t know if he has uttered some “offensive communication” or anything,

The former MP is taken without any clear reason or indication for doing so. This is lightening striking in broad daylight and for no apparent reason. That’s what’s going on. The former MP was kidnapped back in 2010 and this is a re-issue of that. Nevertheless, we don’t know the reason or why it happened. Which is showing how “rule of law” is only in the words, but not in the action of the current time. Peace.

Opinion: If you got no political currency? Do yourself a favour an attack either NUP or Bobi Wine!

If you want to know how to gain political mileage and political capital in the Republic these days. There is one thing to do. It is to find a way to go after National Unity Platform (NUP) or Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. That is the shortest way from poverty and obscurity into grand opulence and becoming a worthy asset of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

It can be blatant hypocrisy or disregard all facts of the matter. As long as the target is an associate of the NUP or Bobi Wine. It is all fair game and deservingly so. The main objective is to target the loud opposition and default their value in the Parliament and elsewhere as a new Political Party. Just to weaken their base, office or even ability to move as a political formation. Therefore, its a real struggle to contain and control the narratives.

This is very clear this days, as the media houses, social media and everyone who has a little yellow blood is out for the job. They are loudmouth, head-scratching and obviously schooled to do this. Because, that’s all they do and they have all the same reasoning. It’s like the NRM Caucus talking points produced and made by 86 Generation of lost causes.

What is striking is that its a no-sum game. It is not a winning strike and neither is it showing the majority strength of the NRM. Instead, it undercuts their supposed majestic efforts and achievements over 30 years in power. The NRM should focus on actually following up pledges and manifestos. Heck, they should consider to implement and finish the 10 point programme, but we know that is another lost cause by now.

That’s why the new enemy and arch-enemy is Bobi Wine. The newest breed of politician who isn’t working like the old guard. Neither is he strategically acting like the previous heads. That’s why the NRM is trying to vilify and make them more dangerous. This is why the Parliament is more swift and butt-hurt than ever before. That’s because the NRM got nothing to show for it. Unless, it is giving away cars to appointed district leadership or officiate the opening of toilets at a government facility.

Therefore, the NRM needs to shift the conversation from the human rights violations and the torture cases. It needs to go after the NUP and it’s causes. That’s because it has nothing to offer anyway. Except for grand corruption, nepotism and butchering the rule of law, which it does on a daily basis. That’s why people don’t get to court or get justice served.

The NRM can say they brought “peace” but peace for who? His Majesty and his bloated court of jesters, which appears on the muddy roads for viral conferences? Well, good look fishing for experienced gentlemen to serve and do it diligently. When mediocrity is accepted and praised by the inner-circle.

Alas, we know the state favours it’s own, as red berets has been justification to arrest activists, but Independent owner and editor Mwenda could parade around with military fatigue. It is one law for them and another for the dissidents. That just show the sinister approach of the state, just like the Deputy Speaker can insult a MP, but the MP is not allowed to retort on Social Media. That just shows the disregard for fair play and freedom of speech. As the Deputy Speaker is allowed to speak her mind, but Zaake is muffled. That’s the price of the Republic and shows how blatant it is. It’s done in front of all of us and there is only the Yellow who can do what it pleases.

So, if you lack currency, mileage or even some sort of favours within the inner-circle of NRM. Do yourself a favour and attack either Bobi Wine or the NUP. That will give you the good graces and take you home. In such a way, that you can eat, be treated kindly and even have a buzz. Peace.