Uganda Medical Association: Industrial Action by the Medical Doctors of Uganda (21.11.2021)

Opinion: General Museveni thrives on death

I cannot claim that the President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni is vampire who gets longer life by sucking on others people’s blood. However, the General and Commander-in-Chief has all his career gotten strength by murder, deaths and killings. He wouldn’t be in office, if it wasn’t for people dying and sacrificing themselves for the cause.

General Museveni didn’t get directly elected in 1986. He used guerrilla tactics and never forgotten them. He continued to tarnish, assassinated leaders, killed civilians and prolonged the war in the Northern Uganda. The General continued warfare in Rwanda for his allies and did similar efforts at least twice in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He also supported efforts in South Sudan and has sent brigades to help other friends out as well, like in Equatorial Guinea. This man thrives on war and counts his blessing for participating in peacekeeping operations. Because, that makes a useful man to the West.

General Museveni has no trouble killing, assaulting or silencing his opposition. He can use the whole authority and get rid of the ones in his way. That’ how he got into office. November 2020 massacres in the streets of Kampala is no difference. They were “hoodlums” and “thugs” who deserved to die. That’s how he states it. Just like the terrorists who killed recently are “pigs”. He can always justify death. This is why he had justifications for Luweero Triangle and all the other massacres ever since. He could also pin the enemy and make his men look “disciplined”.

Without people dying and merciless fall from life. He wouldn’t have a office or have power in general. That is how he has succeeded to have a life presidency. The General have used all means from his inception and even before to get ahead. That’s why he used all means to be part of united front to bring Idi Amin done. Later he brought several more down to make it possible for his reign. It was all through the use of guns and not through dialogue or negotiations.

General Museveni have ensured his legacy to be the death of others. Stray-bullets, massacres and warfare on the regular. Using military means for his personal gains and he never stopped. That’s why the army is involved in everything and is vital for his reign. That’s why his willing to kill civilians and get rid of citizens who are in his way.

He has ruled with fear and warmongering. It not like he has silenced the guns. They have always come in handy, when he needed to get his way. That’s why sends the Police Force, the Army or any other security organizations he can. There is no peace and only brutal force, which ends up innocent lives taken. If it is Kasese, Arua or Kampala. If it is Muslim clerics, boxers or activists, heck even royal security guards. The state can always find a reason and cases are never solved. Drivers of politicians, high ranking officials or anyone else can become a target of his regime. Assassinations and murders are clear path of this man…

General Museveni will promote and ensure the ones who keeps him power. He doesn’t care if the Generals or army commanders kills people. As long as they do this on his orders and they follow his commands. At some point, the General will promote them and give them greater office.

The General is no good and his been so his whole career. The only difference is that at one point he was able to trick people, but we can see all through it now. It isn’t only the civilians killed in November 2020. It is the rest of them that has been silenced over the years. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine is getting the whole Besigye-Treatment [in Lira and Mbale]

These days we are seeing the former Presidential Candidate and Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader is getting similar treatment to what Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader Dr. Kizza Besigye gotten over the years.

What happened at the radio station at Mbale and Lira is common practice. That the regional appointed bureaucratic goons are doing to the opposition. The Residential District Commanders (RDCs) and District Police Commanders (DPCs) are following direct orders to block people like Bobi Wine and Besigye. That is just part of their protocol and what they do.

It is not fair or justified, but it is the mere reality. What is happening in these towns and places. We have all seen before… it is just a new generational leader, which the old man is blocking from moving and speaking. While the same party and President will say his nothing to fear. Which is really ironic, if you didn’t fear the man. Why don’t let him speak and operate like anyone else?

No, we know the Police Force is more busy scheming and finding ways of pinning crimes on opposition leaders and activists, instead of catching thieves, murders and blue-collar criminals. That’s just the mere reality and the Uganda Police Force (UPF) is embedded in partisan politics. They are so beholden to the throne and his decrees. These folks aren’t there to serve the general public or the needs of the people. No, they are there to uphold the reign of their king and that’s it.

This is why Bobi Wine will be in trouble. It doesn’t matter if his up-north, in the east or west. He can be in central (Buganda) but that doesn’t matter either. If he wants to be on a radio in Mukono or Busoga. Just forget about it. Bobi Wine won’t get access and the state will find all sorts of excuses. However, the President and his men can go on radio-tour anytime they want. This is because this is his kingdom and everyone is his servants. That’s why he prefers to sit in a high chair and dole away money to begging citizens. This is what he has become and his proud of it too.

It is not shocking that there is arrests, tear-gas and blocked radio-stations. This is what the National Resistance Movement (NRM) does to it’s enemies. Because, the NRM got nothing to prove or nothing to give. They have only monopoly on violence … and that’s what gives it additional life. The NRM surges on violence and secures the levels of fear is living within the population. That is what the NRM saying by doing over the years. It is not because the NRM values the 10 point programme or any promises made over the years. Nah, these are just empty pleas and to make some headlines. Since, the NRM and the President cannot keep up with them or even have the funding for any of it.

That’s why any serious challenger has to be silenced and stopped in their tracks. This is why Bobi Wine is getting the Besigye treatment. Bobi Wine haven’t been detained or arrested in such a way yet. However, Bobi Wine doesn’t have the years that Besigye have in the trenches. Bobi Wine needs years to be able to hit the numbers of charges, days behind bars and pending treason charges too. Therefore, Bobi Wine is only at the beginning of it. Even with the heartache of aftermath of Arua By-Election.

Bobi Wine now tasting the bitter fruits of popularity and being the voice of reason. Which is in the Republic, a voice of Treason. That’s the just the way things are… and it’s tragic. Freedom is limited and justice is only for the chosen few. The rest is prey waiting to taken by the predator. Peace.

A Supplementary Budget in 2021 is paying the State House salaries of 2018/19!

In the Budget Supplementary Appropriation Bill Number 3, which is dated 27th September 2021. This is now up for the Budget Committee to discuss, as this Supplementary Budget will be covered by added debt, as the state is adding another 2 trillion shillings in spending.

Part of that spending is going to the State House, which is 285 billion shillings, which is covering recurrent expenditure on salaries, wages and other expenses of the State House. If this was for this budget year or for last year. That would make some sense, but the Supplementary Budget is stating the billions of shillings is paying for Budget Year of 2018/2019.

Why haven’t this been covered in the salaries or recurrent expenses of 2018/19 or 2019/2020? The state had Supplementary Budget these years as well. This is usually scheduled moves and sometimes they have even more of them.

That this wasn’t covered before or even in the budgets before seems strange. This isn’t just some random excuse or such. The Financial Ministry should show the needs and reports of the lacking funds. Since this is three year old expenditure. There is a need for proof and lack of salary slips. I doubt the State House didn’t pay it’s staff or the Presidential Advisors. As the State House is close to the President and these are his high ranking official.

285 billions not paid out in 2018/2019 seems fishy to me. Not like these people didn’t get paid or had their benefits paid out. These are the men who would cry out in the press and be angry if so. These people are influential and important to the President. So, he wants their loyalty and they are his cronies. That’s why I have doubt that these got left behind and without pay. No, this is something else and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) should prove the validity of this, because I have a hard time believing the real need for this.

These billions will go to the wind and to cover some pet-pee of the President today. Not cover old expenditure or salaries. No, these are already covered or paid. Since, the State House always gets bountiful budgets and even confidential posts, which can used whatever the President see fit. Therefore, there is a lie here and I just don’t know what. Peace.

The UPF probes Besigye & Zaake again

“You have heard Besigye saying they are going to use all means to remove, ‘illegitimate’ government. Hon. Zaake also made the same remarks. We have opened case files in that respect to the inappropriate statements that can cause violence”Fred Enanga (NBS Television, 08.11.2021).

Uganda Police Force (UPF) is again targeting the opposition leaders. The Police Force is always scheming and finding reasons to charging Dr. Kizza Besigye and Francis Zaake MP. That is more important than finding real crooks and thieves.

We know that the Police Force would never probe any National Resistance Movement (NRM) leader for their utterings or wording in general. This is political prosecution and criminalizing their free speech. Taking away the liberty and their speeches isn’t anything new.

The state has targeted these gentlemen before, as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders have been through this before. The probe into them is just taking away their liberties and freedom. That the initial reaction to this, as they are just speaking of disobedience and defiance. This is not new and still striking that the government party middle-name is “resistance”.

It is really striking that it happens to these two. They have been under fire before…and this is nothing new. Both have been charged, detained and on trial… so this is repetition from the state in the concern to these two. Besigye and Zaake is not new to the criminal system for the political activism.

The UPF is a weapon of the state and used as a tool to oppress the opposition. This is the message I am getting here, and the words of civil disobedience is getting connected with “treason” yet again. However, there will be no proof of this and vilification of the leaders of the opposition. That is the mere reality of this. Peace.

Opinion: Lt. Gen. Muhoozi is indisciplined

The Commander of the Land Forces, the son of the President and the most entitled man in the Republic, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga have again cause issues on social media. This isn’t the first time or the last. The supposed future and the “Project Muhoozi” is clearly not the brilliant mind people are trying to sell. Since, this man isn’t that clever or has the ability to read the room.

A man of his office and his role in government should be careful what he states online and especially in concern with foreign diplomacy. That’s because his a high ranking official in the military and secondly his the son of the President. This is context that shouldn’t be necessary to expose or reiterate. However, that seems to needed to explain the issues at hand.

He rather act with arrogance and ignorance. This man is left off the hook and doesn’t have to pay the price or any consequences. The government, the authorities and everyone clear the table. The tab is paid for and nothing is ever a real issue. This because someone else is handling his dirt and that’s why his “clean”.

The Lt. Gen. haven’t handled the battle of words or had any sort of sincere dialogue with anyone. He has just gotten steadily and risen through the ranks at lightening speed. That’s because of his birth and not because his so unique. Maybe, he thinks so, but that isn’t the case.

This high ranking official of the army … should be careful addressing conflicts elsewhere. This can implicate diplomatic missions and others associated with the Republic. However, he doesn’t consider this, because it has never touched him. He could burn a royal palace, order troops on unarmed civilians and do vicious things. Nevertheless, he has just gotten promoted after the fact.

Muhoozi should be careful and take another approach to this. Just because he had a diplomatic trip to Somalia and Kenya recently doesn’t mean his a seasoned traveller or diplomat. No, his just a warrior with an entitled mind. This man knows only how to smoke a man and not how to talk to one. They only respect him because of his father and not because he got any sort of reasonable skills.

Lt. Gen. might feel boosted and brilliant, as he has teams of ass-kissers and “yes-men” all around him. As they are preparing him for greatness, though he will be abysmal and mediocre at best. This man will not be genuine. If you feel the First Lady sucks as a minister. Just await Muhoozi in any sort of government role. He will be a walking zombie from day-to-day and some permanent secretary has to cover-up his misgivings.

Muhoozi should know this and not wage war on social media. This man should rear goats and annihilate cows or whatnot. He doesn’t have it in him. That’s why he cannot eat the words of Winnie or anyone else online. The Lt. Gen. is just supposed to be praised and the earth that he touches just goes greener. However, there is no proof of that now or back-then.

This Lt. Gen. is indisciplined and should have a few lessons learned. Nevertheless, that is asking to much of this man… he isn’t half the man to do that. No, he cannot even stomach a small carefully worded words of someone who is renowned and respected. Instead he has to go harder to prove his point.

When is that diplomatic or responsible as a high ranking official? Well, this man is sleeping on the laurels of his father and as him, his as arrogant and bratty without any concern for others. Muhoozi has to be right, just like his father. They are the only men with a vision and “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”. Peace.

Arbitrary arrest of 5 NUP Leaders in Kasese yesterday

Police in Kasese yesterday arrested 5 leaders of the National Unity Platform in Western Uganda and accused them of plotting to overthrow a legitimate government. The arrested leaders have been identified as Bryan Basisa the NUP Chairperson of Kasese, Geoffrey Bwambale from Bundibugyo, Atanazia Isanat from Ntoroko, Isaac Mumbere and Oniz from Hima” (SEE TV, 04.11.2021).

Again and again, the authorities and the Police Force is targeting the opposition. This is a continuation and there is nothing stopping them. If you believe the words of the President and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). You are a fool… as the National Unity Platform (NUP) is targeted and punished without any proof. This is yet another step from the authorities.

That it happens in Kasese and Rwenzori isn’t shocking either. As the opposition have had a stronghold over the region for over a decade now. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have reigned supreme and the NUP could become more popular here too.

The NRM shows their “multi-party” democracy in action here. As the NUP was doing internal party works. The NUP was just doing their duty as a political party. They where just gathering as a active leaders and members. This is being politically prosecuted for their association. That is the indirect act of the state. This would never happen to the NRM party affiliate or anyone in association with them. They would greet the mayor and meet the residential district commander. That’s what they do and this is what they do to the opponent.

The NUP is a target and it’s very evident. That the authorities are doing this just shows the total misuse of power and the arrogance of the state. As this isn’t terrorism or a threat to the nation. No, this is political activism. Just like the President used to do in the University in Dar Es Salaam. Surely, the old man and all of his cronies have clearly not gotten the memo about that. This is how stupid and shows their ignorance.

These sort of cases shouldn’t exist, but it shows the brutality with the state and what sort of political prosecution, which the state is doing here. This is the definition of injustice and impunity. Peace.

Opinion: Onek and the bloated cabinet

That a minister is disgruntled and fell left behind is natural at some points of time. Governments and the Head of State has their missions, objectives and their pet-pees, which gets the blunt priority and usage of government resources. That’s why certain ministries, parastatals, government entities, commissions and such can all get lost in the whirlwind.

Now that Minister Hilary Onek is blaming Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. That was inevitable. There are so many cooks and so few posts to do things. It is not like the President have made proper mandates or ministries. That’s why their so many who is Prime Minister’s and under the Office of the Prime Minister there are even more appointed ministers too. One of them just happens to be Onek who is a junior to the senior Nabbanja.

This squabble was about time. We could expect similar happening in the agricultural sector or educational sector for that matter. There are plenty of ministers in the same field. In combination of appointed permanent secretaries as well. The President have made this bed and only the ones eating of the plate and not complaining can be happy. This is the bridge to patronage and paying people for loyalty. Not because the state or the republic can afford to pay over 80 ministers, but it does…

Onek versus Nabbanja is just what that has to go down. Not because any of these are good bureaucrats or leaders of prestige. No, these are just sycophants who are hoping to get into the good graces with His Excellency. Just so they can have plum-jobs and get paid for the bare minimum. Not like they have to try or succeed. Unless, things falls apart and the President looks like a fool. Than you will be send packing and be made an example of. However, if you keep cool and eat the bread. The President will have you in his favours and that what most of them does.

Now we are at a place where Onek is disgruntled. He wants to be favourable and be respected. As he has a role and Nabbanja is playing within his field. While Nabbanja is also his boss in some manners. This is why this will be a loud fight. They will look stupid and possibly foolish. Some of their reasons might have validity, but this is the game that Museveni have given them.

There too many cooks in the kitchen and it just has to end up in disaster. The dish will taste like bland and lack of seasoning. There will be no clear direction and everyone will just encircle each other. This is why the state and the ministers are headless chickens running around trying to find their coop.

Onek might have something on Nabbanja, but in the grand scheme of things this doesn’t matter. They are both just running stooges of the President and not having the all powers invested in them. The President can just direct them on a whim and also decree their commission beneath them. So, it is not like their voices has power or massive ability. They should be happy to get paid and sleep in peace at night.

Nabbanja will be arrogant and not show any sort integrity. The current Prime Minister doesn’t have that in her. No, she’s the vocal voice of the government and she’s exposing her a lot. Because, she cannot govern and neither can she operate as an effective state official. It is not like she has the experience or skills of Mbabazi or Rugunda for that matter. No, she is just a figure-head and the majestic figurine on a sail-boat. That’s just her role and she can act like the governator.

Onek should just chill. Unless, he wants to be moved to another useless post or get appointed to become Special Envoy for Bolivia. We just know he has nothing to offer and should be grateful to even have a office to go to. Peace.

Minister Hilary Onek letter to Prime Minister Nabbanja (29.10.2021)

Opinion: 7 years down the line and the China Exim Bank loan to upgrade Entebbe Airport can become a liability

The State Minister of Finance, David Bahati assured the legislators that the implementation of the project will be monitored to ensure the funds are properly utilised” (The Observer – ‘Parliament endorses Shs 680bn Entebbe Airport expansion loan’ 30.10.2015).

It is now evident that the Government of Uganda and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) might struggle with a loan it took out in March 2015 from the China EximBank to fund upgrades of the Entebbe International Airport. We are now in October 2021. There was forewarnings about taking expensive and extensive loans to build and development infrastructure projects. The ones who was steadfast and worried about the rate of loans the state took out was silenced. The state had a plan and initiated with thresholds of loans the state could borrow.

Alas, the state is starting to struggle to cope with all of these loans. It is not shocking as the NRM and the state have been busy with deficit financing it’s budgets to balance it. They are operating with a higher expenses than it has domestic revenue. So to go from red to black the state borrows vast sums from various entities, both locally and internationally. These are taken out with interests and with that… the debt burden is ballooned and at one point… the creditor will either ask for the collateral or make an agreement to cover the funds to cover the defaulted debt. This is what that could happen to Entebbe International Airport…..

Here is how the story went…

How the loan was made:

On October 8, 2014, Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) entered into a contract for the up grading and expansion of Entebbe International Airport (Phase 1). To access funding for the project, the Government of Uganda (GoU), represented by the finance ministry, signed a concessional agreement with EXIM Bank of China dated March 31, 2015 for the principal amount not exceeding Renminbi 1.26 billion (about $200m) and interest to be charged at a rate of 2% per annum” (Africa Tembelea – ‘AG Muwanga raises queries on Entebbe Airport Expansion’ 12.01.2019).

How CAA looked at the agreement in 2019:

Current overall progress for the upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport is at 52 per cent as opposed to the planned progress of 55 per cent. This is commendable progress. At one point in time, there was a delay in release of money from the Exim Bank of China to the contractor (CCCC), which led to a slight delay that has since been resolved. There was a difference of opinion between Exim Bank and the Government of Uganda on the loan agreement clauses. This necessitated the Government of Uganda and Exim bank of China to renegotiate the terms. This was done and the matter resolved amicably. The contractor has since increased resources committed to the project including manpower and equipment. The rainy season also affected works” ( Dorothy Nakaweesi – ‘Renegotiating loan terms slows Entebbe Airport expansion’ 03.06.2019, Daily Monitor).

Xinhua reports:

Under the Belt and Road Initiative, construction works started in May 2016 after Uganda acquired a 200-million-U.S. dollar loan from the Export-Import Bank of China (China EximBank). The project is scheduled to be implemented in two phases, said China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), which was contracted to design, construct and manage the project. The first phase, with three-quarters finished, involves construction of a new passenger terminal, a new cargo complex, and upgrade of two runways and their associated taxiways, rehabilitation and overlay of three aprons. “For the new cargo building, it is about 10,000 square-meters and when it is finished, it can handle 100,000 tons of cargo per year; for the new passenger terminal building, it is about 20,000 square-meters (and) can handle 3 million passengers per year,” Li Qinpu, CCCC project manager told Xinhua in a recent interview” (Ronald Ssekandi – ‘Feature: China revitalizes Uganda’s aging airport to carry more int’l traffic’ 15.10.2021, Xinhua).

Brian Luwanga tweeted today:

EXIM Bank of China can take over Entebbe Airport in case Uganda fails to pay back a loan of 740 billion shillings ,this has been unearthed by COSASE while meeting Finance Minister Matia Kasaija. The loan was advanced to Uganda for upgrade of Entebbe Airport(Brian Luwanga, 28.10.2021).

It is now a shot that the state promised was safe and would be able to liable for. The state said it would be able to repay the Chine EximBank and service the debt. However, it now seems likely the state is failing to pay back the loans. This means the state is defaulting in it and depending on the agreement. The creditor will have power to cover the debt from the debtor. In this instance, the state has to give collateral or any other sort of value, which will practically cover the lost debt and get returns on the loans issued.

This here is a sad story, but they could have done things differently. Even MPs and some said the state should use other sources to raise the funds for the upgrades of Entebbe International Airport. There was one MP who said the state should borrow this from the NSSF to cover it. Alas, that wasn’t the case and now we are here.

We shouldn’t be shocked at this current rate and with the trillions of shillings of debt. The debt isn’t only the amount you get directly from the lender, but you will also pay additional fees and interests. Meaning the loan isn’t just the fixed funds, which the debtor is receiving, but also the costs of servicing it too. That is what the state has do to when it takes these sort of loans and financial instruments.

The general public should worry about this. Because the state has taken out so many loans and these could it easily default on. The state needs domestic revenue, but is running on huge burden of running costs. While it doesn’t have a growing economy or financial structure to cover the deficits. That’s why the state has taken out loans to cover these expenses and this is why they are defaulting on it.

This was inevitable and the state has to restructure itself. Also, ensure it only has expenses that it can cover and just continue to add debt until the sky. Now the rainy days are coming and the loans taken out in recent years will come to haunt the state. This will hurt the state even more and the spiral of depreciative loans will eat up the budgets, which it is already doing. The rate of paying down on it will be destructive, unless there is a sudden miraculous change of financial fortunes. Alas, await more tragedies like these, as the Entebbe International Airport is the top of the ice-berg. Peace.