A look into Bobi Wine’s ***** End of the Year Message *****

I bring you warm greetings wherever you are and congratulate you upon coming to and end of this year, which has been a very difficult one for many Ugandans” (Bobi Wine, 31.12.2021).

As the year of 2021 closes and the political landscape continues to shift and manoeuvre it’s head. We can look back and reflect on what has happened and what to look forward too. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has gone through fire since entering the political field in Republic of Uganda. As a firebrand politician and an inspiration for the upcoming generations. As he stands on the barricades and fights together to topple a dictator. This is sort of a politician is rare to find and that’s why I am looking into his recent text published today.

As we all know, at the start of the year, we had a presidential election, which General Museveni chose to turn into a military operation. Ugandans were murdered, tortured, abducted and others detained. As I write this, we still have hundreds of our people in different prisons across the country including Members of Parliament Muhammad Ssegirinya and Allan Ssewanyana. Ordinary Ugandans such as Olivia Lutaaya, Kassim Mugadde, Machete Yasin, and many others are under illegal detention and there is no sign of getting a free and fair trial. Comrades Nubian Li, Eddie Mutwe, Dan Magic and many others spent more than half of this year in prison. There are several other comrades who have lost limbs in this cause, while many others have paid the ultimate price. I want to salute EVERYONE who has made any form of sacrifice in order to advance the struggle for a better country” (Bobi Wine, 31.12.2021).

Here we are seeing a reflection into how the election went down. As Bobi Wine knows and has with his team also created a report with evidence of the rigging, intimidation and use of security forces to ensure a victory for Museveni. Therefore, this isn’t just hearsay, but can be found proof of what his assessing here. We know there are many who has been injured, harmed and lost their lives as participants in the recent election. Which is tragic, but shows what sort of ends the current regime has to stay in power. Nothing is more value than stay in power, not even the lives of the ones you are supposed to govern. Just think about that for a second and then you see the brutality of the leadership of the current Kampala regime.

Our greatest achievement so far, has been stripping him naked. The whole world now knows that Uganda is ruled by a military tyrant who has no legitimate support of the people. This is an important achievement in any struggle to remove a dictatorship. Secondly, the people of Uganda are now more awakened than ever. I pride in seeing Ugandans, young and old much more interested in the affairs of our country” (Bobi Wine, 31.12.2021).

Yes, Bobi Wine and the National Unity Platform (NUP) has revealed more of the sinister acts of Museveni. However, Bobi Wine wasn’t the first doing that… if saying so you are dismissing the former dissidents and opposition to Museveni who stood on the frontlines and fought for the same, as Bobi Wine does today. So, Besigye have also enlighten and his party have been vital in the struggle. Therefore, Bobi Wine has ushered in a new era and new people into the struggle. He has proven the acts of current day regime. Just like Besigye did… Also, on the second part… yes People Power Movement and the NUP have reached new people. Yes, he has gotten more people in tune to the message and the needs of change, as far as I remember the most people galvanized for change in recent memory was during the ‘Walk to Work’ riots. Bobi Wine has reached plenty and ensured a new generation is ready to compete. However, this sound a bit to flamboyant to reality actually.

Away from that, I wish to remind all Ugandans that the People Power Movement/ National Unity Platform has championed the unity of the forces of change right from inception. After the 2017 by-election in Kyadondo East that brought me to Parliament, I set out to meet with all leaders of political parties, Civil Society Organisations, religious institutions, etc. When we formed the People Power Movement, we brought together Ugandans from all shades of opinion. This is because in principle we believe that all Ugandans (not just politicians) will need to come together and forge a way forward towards a #NewUganda” (Bobi Wine, 31.12.2021).

We know that the People Power was a unity based organization, as Bobi Wine did seek members from all parties and anyone who sought to end the dictatorship. That has been clear from the offset and no one can deny this fact. So, this passage is just reflecting the time he has had in politics and what PPM has become at this point.

For about two years before the election, we sat in more than fifty meetings with leaders and comrades within different formations in the ‘opposition’. Our view was that we needed to tackle Museveni with a single, strong candidate so that we would then scatter our energies across the country in trying to guard the vote. I was even willing not to be the joint candidate, if an honest analysis had been made and it was established that we front someone else. The discussions went on and on and on. Previously before we launched the National Unity Platform, some of the Party leaders kept telling us they needed to consult their party organs. Others told us they needed to first elect their party flag bearers, who would then sit with us to agree on a joint candidate. Others claimed that they could not work with us because we were just a mere pressure group and not a registered political party” (Bobi Wine, 31.12.2021).

Here we see the political gambit and how everyone see their pockets first. This revelation is not shocking, but shows the true fashion of things. As things moves and is revealed… this just show how fellow parties are working. What is also striking is that the negotiations and talks just went on-on-on. That is what stalling and keeping the newcomer busy with useless meetings. That’s how it sounds to me… and Bobi Wine maybe felt used or even wasted time in plenty of forum’s where they only had him to gain more politically themselves…

It later became apparent that some of the actors were in fact not interested in our unity at all, but were using those meetings and engagements to derail and delay us. In fact, one of the last and most important meetings we had to discuss the question of unity took place at the home of Owek. Joyce Ssebugwaawo, now Museveni’s minister. It was later on that we established that all along she had been in touch with the regime, although she was a Deputy President of a major opposition party.

When we formed NUP and were taken to court, some of the people who worked very hard to see NUP de-registered were not NRM operatives, but some of our perceived comrades in other opposition formations. Some went as far as approaching the Electoral Commission and Court staff to beg that they influence our de-registration” (Bobi Wine, 31.12.2021).

Here he continues and he proves that they were not in-fact using it for unity, but stalling and actually de-railing the PPM. That is a very vicious and clear attempt to distort the PPM from moving forward, as their influence could stifle and put up roadblocks to move ahead. The plans to make it harder with the court-case and de-registration was also set-off. It backfired, but also proves how far political actors and the state is willing to go. We have seen anything Bobi Wine touches becomes illegal or get into trouble. Therefore, the use of moles and others seems right, as they want to inflict damage on the new party and their chances.

By the time we went through the election and emerged out of it, we got credible information, (which is well within the knowledge of senior leaders), that Museveni sponsored several candidates at different levels in order to cut our speed. As everyone can see, this is information that we normally get and decide to keep with ourselves, but I thought it is important to share it so that the people of Uganda understand the dynamics at play, and place the most trust in themselves. No one else will fight for them except themselves” (Bobi Wine, 31.12.2021).

We would never be shocked by paid opposition or candidates sponsored by Museveni. That seems about right at this point. There is too many who has gotten a shot and become up-starts in the recent election. To do so to destroy NUP and PPM chances seems about right. As well, as using all means to get majority and control is the end-game of the NRM anyway. Therefore, this story is all based on merits and the achievements of the state at this current time.

Immediately after the election, every Ugandan remembers that I personally wrote to all heads of political parties, in order for us to forge unity and take the struggle forward. Yet again, some actors responded positively, others responded negatively and others did not respond at all” (Bobi Wine, 31.12.2021).

You can be sure that the paid opposition would not answer or show up to the call. We know the NUP sent out letter and asked for consultation meetings with the opposition. There is knowledge that parties like the FDC didn’t respond or care to answer. As they were to preoccupied with dismissing the NUP. While other parties did talk and greet Bobi Wine himself. So, we know this is true… and this is how life moves things forward.

He ends with:

Of course we continue to engage with all Ugandans, be it political leaders or not, on the urgent need to deliver our nation from the crisis which we face. This coming year, we must make a conscious decision to work together as comrades because the alternative would be to resign ourselves to a terrible fate. In the coming year, each one of us should simply double his or her effort while trusting in God. Freedom is in sight. Happy New Year to you all. God bless you” (Bobi Wine, 31.12.2021).

These words are fine and dandy… it is true that the leaders and the ones in power needs to fix the crisis. The NUP and their affiliates has to find a way forward. Also, to ensure they aren’t lost into the space of offices and titles. That the party continues to be on the barricades and fights the junta. However, the NUP and Bobi Wine hasn’t rattled the cage of Museveni yet. They have given him a headache and a little heart-ache, but the end isn’t in sight. The NUP Party President and former Presidential Candidate has to further his party and his movement. He has gotten far in these years. Bobi Wine deserves credit for what he has achieved in such a short time.

However, saying… freedom is in sight. I cannot see that… as the state and the security organizations isn’t buckling up or giving way. No, the state isn’t suffering or breaking apart. The centre is holding and Bobi Wine haven’t made the President walk on burning coals to reach a point. No, he has had his convoy and continued all of his perks while being in office. The dissidents and opposition has still gotten into trouble and prolonged suffering. The President isn’t stopping and that’s clear. This is why the NUP MPs, leaders and activists are behind bars as we speak. It’s hard to see the freedom and liberty for all in the coming year.

The NRM and Museveni have kept this going since 1986. The centre has to fold, the military and the police has to buckle. That is what has to happen at this point, if not a sort of demonstrations and continuing prolonged civil disobedience of epic revolutionary proportions, which the Republic have never seen. That is what the NUP has to be able to do. If they do that and gets the public backing. Than things are possible to happen… and freedom would be in sight. As of today… it is as bleak and dark, as the recent decade. Peace.

Will CJ Owiny Dollo circumvent the Constitutional rights of Bail by using his Constitutional Powers?

Today, there have been leaks of a Court Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo has written a guidance, which will circumvent and guide judges to block “bail” for certain offences in the Republic. This is happening, as President Museveni and his allies have worked overtime trying to find ways of doing this. CJ Owiny Dollo would give way and make things easy by doing this. 

133. Administrative functions of the Chief Justice

  1. The Chief Justice—
  1. shall be the head of the judiciary and shall be responsible for the administration and supervision of all courts in Uganda; and
  2. (b)may issue orders and directions to the courts necessary for the proper and efficient administration of justice

(2) Where the office of the Chief Justice is vacant or where the Chief Justice is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his or her office, then until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office or until the Chief Justice has resumed the performance of those functions, those functions shall be performed by the Deputy Chief Justice” (Constitution, 1995). 

We are seeing here that the CJ has the constitutional power to guide and issue orders for proper and efficient administration of justice. Alas, if CJ Owiny Dollo does this he needs the legal arguments and ramifications for his guidance. Since, he needs to prove if it is proper or within the current laws and efficient administration of justice. That is what CJ Owiny Dollo needs to do. As his the man who vouch for and supports this idea by signing his name into the guidance of the courts. 

Yes, this is giving way to the President who wants this change. As he wants the state to be more strict and use the leverage of law to punish his enemies even harder. This isn’t used to fight crime or criminals, no this change of laws will go after the political prisoners and activists who fight for justice and liberty. Which is ironic, as the ones who will be targeted by this change and guidance, are the prisoners of conscience and not career criminals with manslaughter, murder or being a serial killers. No, this will hit opposition MPs and the ones who have offended “the Don”. 

CJ Owiny Dollo will be this term Raphael Magyezi, as he intends to revise the Constitution in favour of the President. Owiny Dollo is willing to risk his name and everything his worked for. Just to serve the President and his whims. This isn’t to better the republic or make things more just. No, this is just the recent revision which fits the current state of affairs for the President. 

It is really foolish to do this, the President and his people are really shortsighted. As this will get applied to the opposition and dissidents right now. However, if the pendulum suddenly changes and the current elite is losing power. They could be the end of this stick and be punished with the same manner. This means the high ranking officials and their associates could be taken in and not be released in a timely fashion. Because, the President and National Resistance Movement (NRM) did this in 2021. So in 2026 or any other year the stakes might be different and the ones in power deserve to feel the pain they put on others. 

CJ Owiny Dollo should fear for the future if he is allowed to use his office to make this happen. It is just like former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi who ensured the Public Order Management Act (POMA) becoming a law, which was used against him when he stood as a Presidential Candidate. The law that he pushed got used against him. If someone finds something serious in the past of the CJ Owiny Dollo he could be detained without question. No only the men or leaders around Bobi Wine, but someone who used to be a token ally of Museveni. 

The end of bail will haunt this government. This tool will not only go against the current enemies of the state. No, this can be used against others too and give credence to keeping people behind bars without proper justice. As the state doesn’t have to produce or ensure proper proceedings, as the state can use without court orders or sentencing making people guilty. That the state does this to its citizens shows how far the dictator and the President are willing to go. As the law isn’t only battered on innocent civilians and dissidents, no the state is rigged against them, in such a manner that the Constitution doesn’t matter. Since, the latest CJ has given guidance, which is countering it. 

The ones sharing this on will possibly be backfired on. CJ Owiny Dollo can carry the water for His Excellency, but this will not clench his thirst. At some point of time, the President wants more than water and more than a cup of tea. He wants the bar and the side-dish. CJ Owiny Dollo is serving a purpose now, but if he doesn’t comply later. He will be stationed elsewhere or be retired… Peace.

Justice Forum (JEEMA): JEEMA End of Year Press Briefing on Affairs of the Country (30.12.2021)

Opinion: Is the NUP having their “defiance” moment?

Mufumbiro made the statements amidst cheers from the crowd in the presence of the party secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya, the deputy president for Central Region and Leader of Opposition in Parliament Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, and several party’s top notches including MPs. But Mpuuga hastily hit back in disapproval of Mufumbiro’s confrontational approach of removing Museveni from power, saying they have preferred a more strategic approach of capturing other than creating false hope to the highly enthusiastic support base that is yearning for change. Mpuuga indicated the current leadership is so committed to offering proper guidance and leadership of substance in the turbulent times when they are faced with a stubborn, ruthless, and a tough competitor capable of unleashing violence against his opponents” (URN – ‘NUP split over approach to dislodge Museveni’ 29.12.2021, The Observer). 

In today’s The Observer there is reported that the leaders within National Unity Platform (NUP) have different ideas on how to move forward, as the final end-game and goal of the party is to remove a dictator. However, the objectives are agreed upon, the way of which is to work and succeed seems to differ. That is very clear. 

Mufubiro and Mpuuga clearly disagree, in such a way of which the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) had two separate camps or fractions at one point. The FDC was split between the “defiance” and the “pragmatic” approach. The same seems to happen within the NUP as well. That is just reasonable, as the growing pains and the amount of politicians associating with the NUP. Everyone wouldn’t agree upon everything and neither have the same perspective. If a party is real and people have ideals or dogma behind their actions. Then you will have heated arguments and discussions to achieve the same objective goal or achievement for that matter. Therefore, no one should cry havoc and say the party is over. 

What is happening here is all natural and it makes sense. That’s why the FDC in some ways split between the ones following “Defiance” and the ones who were pragmatic, joining the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). So, what we are seeing here has happened before… 

What we also should know is that the Mpuuga has been on the front-line since the time’s of Action4Change and Walk to Work. So, it is not like he has tasted rebellion and been on the barricades fighting. He knows the costs and paid the price of being arrested for his political activism. Therefore, when others would feel the same within his party. The Leader of Opposition should understand and want to resolve with actions. That the LoP speaks of strategic ways seems to be a sophisticated way of saying there are other means than what Mufubiro promotes right now. 

When I was reading the article and the arguments between the party leaders of NUP. I felt a moment of nostalgia, as the NUP is now going into the same issues of which the FDC did. Instead, of having one unified way forward. There are internal squabbles and talks about how to move and operate. The NUP has decide and show resilience, unless they prefer being part of this system and be a token opposition to the dictatorship. Sooner or later they might be washed-up as Mao and the Democratic Party (DP). Because, if they are just supposed to negotiate and strategically move. Then they are just using time and spending time in office, unless he means more industrial strikes, civil disobedience and coordinated riots. Alas, there is nothing of that in the talks of Mpuuga. Which could mean that they are supposed to revolutionize the system from within. 

If Mpuuga really believes that works… then he has not followed the FDC and the pragmatic members of that party. Since, they didn’t get rid of or had a peaceful transition because they joined IPOD or was part of the multi-party elections. No, it has just been more of the same and the FDC haven’t toppled the President. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is in full cruise control and has nothing to fear. Especially, if Mpuuga is becoming a knock-off Muntu. If that happens… then the NRM and Museveni will linger on with no trouble and only some ceremonial disobedience, which is as powerful as mosquitoes sucking for blood. Yes, they can do it and bite. However, they will never suck enough or do damage to hurt the system they are sucking from. Peace.  

Opinion: The dangers of breasts’ and buttocks’

Well, these are the troubling times we are living in. In the past, Dr. Stella Nyanzi was arrested for offending the President calling him  a “pair of buttocks” which landed her time behind bars. Now in the end of 2021 is no different as activist and writer Kakwenza Rukira wrote about Muhoozi Kainerubaga supposed “breasts”. It is now clear that he is feeling legal pressure and is arrested for calling the Commander for the Land Forces out and the son of the President. 

This is not shocking, but says it all. We knew this would happen to someone inevitably. As the state arrests comedians and people for offences all the time. That is what has happened to the law enforcement and going after high ranking officials is a dangerous sport. 

That is why Dr. Nyanzi was in trouble and this is why Kakwenza is feeling the blunt force too. They both did not only offend, but they aimed at the character of the first family. We know that Janet Museveni is thin-skinned and that the handlers of Kaguta go hard in the paint for him. That is well known… but now the state is defending Muhoozi and handling his affairs too. 

All three of these characters in the first family should be able to handle criticism and redicule, as they are public figures and on government salaries. These are government officials and their role is public servants with fancy titles. Their work, their speeches and everything they do should be natural to question.  

However, we know that these folks don’t have the character or the heart to stomach that. If it is their buttocks or breasts, which are malfunctioning. I cannot assess or say, but they are clearly not having the day or the ability to grasp their roles. Since, they are arresting vocal critics who would never hurt their life or be violent towards them. These are writers and academics who wouldn’t hurt anyone, except write insults and post outrageous texts. Therefore, the President and the son would have been wister to address this in writing. 

Nevertheless, breasts and buttocks are sensitive parts of the body. That a man doesn’t like to hear about his breasts, just shows that he lacks self-esteem and needs another way to boost his ego. Unless, he has man-boobs, which comes with lack of exercise and too much six-packs of beer. Secondly, if the buttocks are a problem. You either have diarrhea or you unconfortable where you are sitting. The gentlemen need to revise their issues and heartaches. There are so many bigger questions to throw a hissy fit and cry havoc. 

What is striking is that both men are army commanders and high ranking officials. People who are supposed to be Generals and leaders of the pack. Still, they are soft and metro-sexual to critics. I am sure David Beckham has been joking about his looks or Hugh Grant for that matter. Heck, other officials have been mocked for things too. I would think Otafiire and Tumwine could easily be mocked at a gathering or two. 

So, the buttocks and breasts shouldn’t be an issue. However, here we are and we are not talking chicken or what we are seeing in a magazine of pin-up ladies. No, we are discussing two army commanders who are getting people arrested over the smallest thing. That is how fragile their egos are and it is evident for the whole world to see. Peace. 

National Association of Broadcasters: Our Response on the Media Campaigns for Mass Covid 19 Vaccinations (27.12.2021)

Federation for Uganda Medical Interns (FUMI): Suspension of Medical Interns’ Sit-Down Strike (22.12.2021)

Uganda: Press Release by Uganda Nurses and Midwives’ Union – Medical Interns Allowances for Nurses and Midwives (21.12.2021)

DRC: Joint Press Release from UPDF & FARDC on the Operation Shujaa (20.12.2021)

His Excellency is advising his own advisors [and sadly this is not satire]

Earlier in the year of 2021 after the General Election I calculated that the President has about 130 Presidential Advisors. This means the National Resistance Movement Chairman and Commander-in-Chief Yoweri Tiburhwa Kaguta Museveni has close to 140 of them.

We know this office and position in government is to keep them on his payroll and be loyal to him. They are not there to enhance the government or policies in general. If that is said, it is a lie, because no Presidential Advisor have ever made a legislation or something to vote over at the Parliament. Unless, a Presidential Decree or Directive have been written by them and suddenly the President has signed off from.

President Yoweri Museveni last week lectured his advisors on their role in national development and transformation, tasking them to have patriotism for the country while executing their duties. The President was speaking during a workshop for his advisors at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi” (Chrispus Mugisha – ‘President Museveni advises his advisors on the need for patriotism’ 20.12.2021, Nile Post).

We should be worry about the state and the State House when they are wasting government funds on this. Having lectures or a work-shop for his Presidential Advisors. They are just there to listen to him to become patriotic. Their patriotic spirit is to be loyal to be President.

That is the lesson here. They were gathered to listen and follow his guidance. That’s all there is to it and it’s tragic. Just imagine these are on his payroll … gets allowances and vehicles. The state are even covering offices, which they are renting to them. Therefore, it is just a bit too much…

We haven’t seen any sort of help with these Presidential Advisors. They are just cronies and a large part of patronage, which is helpful for the President. However, it is not helpful for the costs or the expenditure of the state. Therefore, this is just wastage to keep people in line and loyal to him.

Just think about it… these folks are not doing anything, but still on the State House payroll. They are not delivering anything and their duties is just to prop-up the Presidency. We have seen this all before and it’s not changing today.

The President cannot act like this any different. It just another day for the NRM and the President. His trying to make seem like it is a game-changer. When everyone knows the deal and why they are there. Peace.