A look into NRM SG Todwong’s pity party [a response to his ODM letter]

I write to draw your attention and those of your ilk to the individual and collective comments you made against the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party, the sovereign Government of the Republic of Uganda and above all, the personal disrespect and insults you accorded His Excellency General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda and the entire Country” (Todwong, 06.08.2021).

The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Richard Todwong has written a critical letter in response to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) press conference earlier this week. Which happened because the Deputy President William Ruto was blocked to leave Wilson Airport to Uganda. Therefore, the letter dated the 6th August 2021 is interesting, but also a lot of self-pity.

The SG of NRM has to write this way and be defensive. Because the ODM obliterated the NRM and that hurts the pride of the party naturally. Also, the remarks about Museveni must have been seen as damaging. Though all the words was in my opinion on point, but the ones living and breathing NRM will feel infuriated, because their gig is up.

It is just like magic like statement like these: “Dear Honourable Member, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party that you referred to in your hurriedly-released press conference started in the early 1960s as a student movement. This was when its founder-chairman H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whom you insulted, realized that the post-colonial administrative structures/systems we inherited could not solve the major social, economic and political questions of Uganda” (Todwong, 06.08.2021).

Because the National Resistance Army started in 1981 after the elections that year. Before that he had a short stint with the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM). Even before that Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) was emerging in 1971 but fully formed in 1973 and lasted until 1979. When he became the Vice Chairman in the Military Council until the 1980 election. The earliest group formed by Museveni was the University Students’ African Revolutionary Front (USARF) which was a political student group. Therefore, if Todwong is saying this… just like his master… than the origin of NRM traces back to University days and there is no trace of NRM there. Only that the personification of the state was the Chairman like he is today of the NRM. Since the university he has had several of outfits, but they are bursting in comparison to the NRM we know today. If it was early 1960s it must have been at Nkore school. Todwong, I would also say 67 is late 60s and not early by ordinary definition.

Todwong continues: “The State had virtually collapsed and there was nothing to talk or write about Uganda in economic terms. The NRM and President Museveni picked this country from zero and embarked on systematic rebuilding and restructuring it by restoring social order and discipline among the populations through promoting peace, stability, rule of law and democracy” (Todwong, 06.08.2021).

Just like his questionable facts or narrow fiction of the tale of NRM. He continues as he states certain things the NRM and the fellow Movement people are telling each other. However, it is with margins of error. Yes, the state was a wreck when Museveni took over in 1986. That’s because the previous leaders didn’t have stability or the core government had been in warfare for years. There was no way Museveni could do worse and he got help from donors to stabilize the economy for some time and also institutionalize things for a time being. However, with time these things has withered and the NRM cannot accept that the personification is corrupting and weakening the state.

Not like the current financial or economic status is to seek for. The underdeveloped, the lack of domestic revenue and evil cycle of recycling debt to pay for a over-bloated and expensive state organization. Which features more nepotism and lack or merits. While the state isn’t creating a sound investments or even generating policies that can be sustained or outgrow the potential of the state. Therefore, the core basics are wrong.

Last point, about the democracy in Uganda is hallow at best. There are “multi-party” democracy but only on paper in some regards. They are only there to show the world they have it. However, the NRM hold the control and the majority, by gerrymandering and controlling all the needed institutions to do so. It is not like Museveni or the NRM would make a peaceful transition to another party. No, they are rigging election, interfering and using the military to settle civilian scores. If not the military is fixing the problems, because that is what H.E. trusts and Todwong knows this.

Another very obvious lie is this one: “The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party does not and will never interfere with the internal affairs of any country” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). The SG must think people are blind and forgotten things quickly. The NRM and Museveni has entangled himself all across the East Africa and Central Africa. He has toppled the two Presidents in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There been questions if he was involved in the helicopter crashes of Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana and Dr. Joseph Garang of SPLM/A of South Sudan. The NRM was also supporting the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and helped them in the takeover as allies in Rwanda in 1994. Therefore, the NRM and Museveni has done lots of foreign interference and it cannot just shaded over this easily.

Todwong continues: “The NRM party is strong and has led Uganda for the last 35 consecutive years because peace, security and human rights are our major pillars” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). We know that they have Safe-Houses, civilians in Military Courts, extra judicial-killings and keeping political prisoners. The army and authorities are allowed to kidnap and detain people without any court or warrants. The state can also suddenly block and silence critics. The state can issue warnings and suddenly use soldiers to quell demonstrations and protests without any hesitation. Therefore, the NRM and the government of Uganda doesn’t have a stellar human rights record and this is just skimming track-record that nobody should want to copy.

He further states: “Our President whom you insulted is massively elected by the population every time we go for general elections. Your statement is an insult to the sovereignty and integrity of Ugandans who always elect their leaders as mentioned above” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). Well, the rigged elections can make anyone a victor. There haven’t been parades and giant celebrations of the general public after his “victories” of late. The pre-ticked ballots and results of the Presidential Elections has been questioned, as the algorithms and stats is non-equated Math. Which only pre-fixed for the result of making Museveni the winner. If the NRM and Museveni is insulted by stating this. Maybe they should actually hold “free and fair” elections… and not just rig them like they are currently doing.

Another one of these comes here: “Uganda’s record on fighting graft is laudable, we have a well-functional institutional anti-corruption mechanism that has drastically reduced corruption at all levels of government” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). The SG must have forgotten the Presidential Handshake saga and all the other corruption scandals. All the tenders, Dott Services and whatnot who has appeared in-front of us over the years. Not to forget the Ugandan Proverb “Missing Funds” which is an implied corruption scandal. Where ghosts, demeans and inner-circle are eating of the plate with no results to show for it. Plus the additional road-costs which is vastly overpriced because of the set-up corruption schemes needed to procure, work and get the ability to construct the kilo-meters of gravel.

We know his just reckless and doesn’t care about the truth when one of his statements is: “I won’t dwell so much on poverty” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). It just shows how little they are bothered, because they know they cannot prove advancement or any justification after all these years. They have been helped, aided and had United Nations Organizations to cover their bases all along. Therefore, the NRM haven’t found proper measures or policies to create livelihoods or an economy where the majority can prosper. Because, that sort of work would not suffice or make it possible for the President and his elite to live lavish. This is why he will not dwell on it… and it shows the true character here.

In this regard… this is enough of this letter and SG Todwong should be able to be a truth-teller, but then would risk offending the Don and the ones who is blessing him on the regular. That is why he had to write like this and this doesn’t make it a fact. This is why someone had to debunk it and Todwong shouldn’t get of the hook. The NRM and Museveni cannot revise or edit history. Still, they try but people shouldn’t let them. Peace.

Opinion: Another Kaveera ban….

We have been here before and its a déjà vu. The polythene bag or kaveera ban have been a thing in the past. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Government of Uganda have proposed this before. They have enacted and said the ban was happening. It is nothing new …. and the 11th Parliament aren’t doing anything different than others.

The 9th Parliament did it too. It is most likely that the 10th Parliament did something too. The cabinet who did this recently is following up where the previous people left-off. The NRM and the Cabinet isn’t revolutionizing things. They are just re-issuing old policies, which the state and the authorities haven’t been able to implement.

That is the tragic here and not the final of these. During the next few months. Don’t be shocked if the Cabinet or the NRM is re-issuing other old pet-pees as well. We can soon see something we have heard before, because the government haven’t had the ability or the priority to the implement it.

It would be a possible step, but the government, the traders, importers and everyone needs a another alternative. There is a need for something else… and that’s not happening. The NRM and the ones who says it’s happening will not do anything about it.

It’s so easy to print a statement and come in bold letters. Have a cool title and be vibrant. The fresh words and be within the dogma of the climate change era. However, all of that has no value, when the logistics, the traders and everyone in the food-chain isn’t changing patterns. Nothing will ever happen and the consumer will need to pick up another kaveera at their local shop.

This is why this new edition of kaveera ban is without substance, unless they plan another alternative, which doesn’t seem plausible. Peace.

Opinion: Obote described Museveni perfectly in 1990

The late President Dr. Milton Obote wrote a pamphlet in April 1990 called ‘NOTES ON CONCEALMENT OF GENOCIDE IN UGANDA’ and it’s viable on the website of Uganda Peoples Congress to this day. It is real gem and people should read the whole thing. What is striking there is how the former President is describing the current day President and we can all still relate to it.

We are in 2021 and a text from 1990 is very relevant. Obote was able to write an explanation and description of a person, which was timeless. Obote and Museveni was enemies, Obote was overthrown and grudges. Still, with that being said. His insights are valuable and he dared to write to his peace in exile in 1990.

Just as his first description of him is so fitting:

Museveni has a thirst for power in its most naked form. He believes intensely in violence as a means of governance and for holding power. He is an accomplished liar and a total stranger to truth. His method of conducting public affairs or his political Party, the UPM, and now his NRM/NRA is a combination of violence and lies. Museveni is an extremely poor, indeed inept, civil administrator. He seeks nor accepts advice from anybody on any matter and detests the conduct of public affairs through discussion, debate or competing ideas; his own ideas must be accepted as the only valid ones and all others are “bankrupt ideas”. Yet he is not averse to steal ideas from others and claim to have been the originator, but often without clear understanding of how to implement the stolen ideas” (Obote, 1990).

What is said here isn’t a lie. Museveni had a thirst for power and used all means to get it. He has always used violence to have power. While his lying about everything and everyone. Obote is also right about his governance and governing in general. Because, we cannot see any of his schemes, 10 point programme or anything succeeding. So, Obote is vindicated and shows that he saw the true Museveni even 31 years ago.

He continues: Museveni prefers militarist (violent) approach in the resolution of problems and issues but would also, at times, put forward a dissembling scheme,while preparing a military solution” (Obote, 1990). We know that the President is using the UPDF to solve everything. He is issuing orders where the army is now doing construction work, targeting illegal fishing, micro-finance and whatnot in the Republic. Museveni is also toying with the army to settle civilian issues as the elections and stopping the opposition from assembling. Therefore, Museveni continues is old school ways of violence and using military to resolve civilian issues.

Not shocking, but very relevant is this: “Museveni is very corrupt and presides over a regime which is equally very corrupt. In fact the nature of Museveni’s corruption is some kind of mania. As already stated, he is acutely uncomfortable with his lowly background, a matter which to a normal person would be of pride. But the mania which he exemplified in 1979 by living at the Palaces of former rulers, has now led him to build with public funds, his own Palace in Mbarara District. The Palace was built and completed within three years. Some of the materials for building it were imported as were the furniture, fittings, carpets, etc. The Palace stands on a huge farm with hundreds of exotic cattle imported from abroad. The cattle, farm implements and tractors and vehicles were all bought with public funds. Workers at the farm are paid by the Office of the President and Museveni is, of course, the President” (Obote, 1990).

He just shows his heart here. The violent and militarism in combination of the corruption. That is what we are seeing and that is eroding the state. As the President is the personification of the state at this point. That’s just shows what his willing to do and how he can live lavish on the public’s dime. We all know this, but Obote exposed that even in 1990 when he was a donor darling and a friend of the West. When the West allowed the prolonged conflict in Northern Uganda and didn’t take issues with the additional extra judicial killings, which his government did to consolidate power. That has been allowed and therefore, he has continued all of it. Since he has gotten of the hook for all of these years, but Obote knew already back then.

This is just small pieces of the pamphlet in question and there is more information, but this is just a about the personality of Museveni. Not all of his mischief way of getting into power, which he wants to be kept a secret and not blasted in public. As he wants a legendary tale of prominence and greatness in January 1986 and beyond. Peace.

Opinion: Muhwezi just needed a hot minute to create a scandal

UPDATE; Minister of Security Jim Muhwezi says, all vehicles and motorcycles will be fitted with a digital monitoring system to curb crime” (91.2 Crooze FM, 22.07.2021).

Government has signed a 10 year deal with Joint Stock Company Global Security, a Russian firm that will see the latter install tracking devices in all public and private vehicles and motorcycles in the country” (Nile Post, 23.07.2021).

The returning Member of Parliament and Minister Jim Muhwezi have just entered the offices and started his new term. As the 11th Parliament swearing-in days are over and the term has started. Just as he does his first deals and programmes as a Minister. He has already entangled himself in a scandal of epic proportions.

The Minister who has a history of wasting public funds in various of schemes. Has started where he has left of in the past. He has bought junk helicopters, robbed resources from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the well-known GAVI Funds as well. All of this while he was in office in the past.

I wrote a piece on his in 2020 named “If you want Jim Muhwezi back as an MP [then don’t cry if his involved in a grand corruption scandal]” published on the 17th August 2020, which was on this subject.

Therefore, the additional information today that he has signed a ten year deal with a defunct Russian company. That says it all and it was a new supposed wind-fall. Where he also had the blessing of the President. The Minister even stated that on one of his tweets while signing the deal. That says it all and he has the blessing of the State House to do this.

He has gotten away with theatrics before and he will most likely get away with it now too. Because, he is in good favours with the President. The in-law and minister surely will walk this one off and continue like nothing happens. The IGG, PPDA, FIA and nobody was in this to vet it the agreement either. That’s why you knows this institutions are idle, as things as foolish like this shouldn’t exist in the first place.

Who is as bold and brazen to write and sign a ten year deal with a one-year old defunct or bankrupted company from Russia? As a minister … do you have no scruples or morals? I am asking Jim and shouldn’t have asked in the first place. He let people rot in prison to die as the Director General of the Intelligence Services in 1980s. So it is not like he has a heart, but has an appetite for money and power.

Muhwezi was a scandal in the making. However, would have never thought it would have happened this fast. This was Formula One speed and Lewis Hamilton couldn’t even sprinted past Muhwezi on the racing track. That how fast and furious the minister was to seal this deal and ensure a quick pay-off in office.

Because, who would get the money and what sort of arrangements really matters with a company that ceased operations one year ago? That seems like a windfall and the biggest pay-off of the year. That’s how Muhwezi operates, I suppose. He doesn’t fear no man or any accountability. Well, he has done this before and gotten away with it. Why should it have any consequences now?

Peace.

National Unity Platform: Statement on the 200m Grant to MPs for Motor Vehicles (23.07.2021)

Opinion: MPs 200 million pay-off [and who cares about the pandemic?]

This week it has been revealed that the 529 Members of Parliament is receiving Shs. 200 million shillings as a one time “envelope” to purchase a new vehicle. Because, it is such an important prospect and bargain to pay the elected officials with cars. They have already hefty salaries, allowances and perks in office. This is just one of these one-time offers that they can eat quickly off.

Every single MP gets 200 million shillings in July 2021, months after the elections in January 2021. That’s become a custom in the Republic. After an election and swearing-in, the new MPs and the old ones gets a huge pay-off in the millions of shillings to purchase a vehicle. This isn’t new, but its still insane.

Especially, considering the state have taken up huge loans to cover deficits and loans to cover the recovery from after the pandemic. The state isn’t using these vast funds buying vaccines, PPE or investing in the Ministry of Health. No, they are using more money on a car-fleet. A fleet given and paid for by the state.

This is 105.8 billion shillings spent on cars or vehicles by the state. That is how to misuse government and wasted spending. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President does this to buy loyalty. Because, for some strange reason… no MP is complaining or returning these funds.

It is not like the MPs are having an outcry or asking to refund the pay-out. The MPs should ask why they are getting this and why now?

We know the MPs are scheduled to get funds for the vehicles, which it does … in the beginning of the term. The 11th Parliament isn’t doing anything new… and nobody is shocked by this. The MPs are just following tradition at this point.

However, now as the state cannot afford to buy vaccines or has the ability to invest in the Ministry of Health. Nevertheless, the MPs are the priority and their wealth needs to be taken care off. That’s why this is happening. Just to ensure the MPs will be loyal to the President and his causes. They have already accepted the 200 millions shilling envelope.

If the MPs had a trouble with this. They would do like with the Age-Limit Consultation Money. The MPs would cry havoc and made a fuzz. That’s something that’s not happening at this point. This is just ordinary programming and no-one want stop it, apparently.

The MPs are just to accept this and clap along. They are dancing to the tune and hoping to have a party. Because, the feast is already covered by the state and they have huge payouts in the making. This is just the beginning. Peace.

Opinion: The choice between Odrek or Muhoozi [is a monarchy ticket either way]

This week Odrek Rwabwogo have been appointed by the President to a Senior Presidential Advisor of Special Duties. Odrek is the son-in-law, as he married President’s daughter, Patience Museveni. So, he is as connected as can be by marriage.

While the first son Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga, the Commander of Land Forces, the third rank in command of the Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF). While his also a Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations.

I have now seen online that for some strange reasons… there is discussion who of these is taking over after the Self-Styled President for Life. They are discussing if one of the family members are taking over after the ruler for life and his tyranny. That people are willing to be controlled and only have one family to rule the nation.

However, to public knowledge… the Republic of Uganda isn’t a kingdom or a monarchy. Even if Museveni wants to be the King of Kings. He wants to be the absolute ruler by definition of law and constitution that’s not happening. Part of his rule is by decree or directives. Still, his not a King and a Monarch.

For all sense and purposes, until this is legally changed or by a referendum. Museveni is still a Head of State and a Commander-in-Chief. He is His Excellency (H.E) and the Fountain of Honour. He is the President and been so since January 26th 1986. Doesn’t give him the rights or ability to decide who is his successor.

Yes, a President can point at somebody and say: “I want him or her to be my successor”. However, that is not legal binding argument and it is not statute that make the a legit transfer of power. So, the ones who is preparing for Muhoozi or Odrek. Isn’t doing that on their merits or their capacity to be Presidents. Since, it is not a family affair. They have ot be standing for respective parties and be challenged at elections. That’s how these sort of things goes.

The general public who is tired of the old man. Why do they want to have his son-in-law or his first son? Who thinks that is a viable option? Unless, your paid promoter and part of the “Project Muhoozi”. It is not his a articulate or a genuine leader. Neither is proven… he has been promoted and gotten a bigger role because of who he happens to be. Not because merit or what he has achieved in the field.

This is a family matter or a dynasty ticket. There should be nothing automatic about either of these gentlemen. They are not even part of the central leadership of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Neither have they a history or been leaders in the political sphere even. These haven’t been tested in elections for other roles either. So, it is not like they have a huge following or a rising to power this way.

Unless, they want to rise to power like the old man and use arms to get there. That would follow family history and use private armies in combination of a popular uprising to a coup d’etat. Nevertheless, I don’t think they will do that to topple their head of the family. Who just happens to be the President at this current time.

This is the choice for the ones who still wants one family to rule the Republic. It is for the ones that is accepting the personification of the state and only his family can govern. That isn’t written anywhere or have become law. Even if it is in the mind of the President or his close associates. Who will do what they can to salvage the loot, the companies and all other projects it has entangled with the state. They are afraid of losing this in combination of answering to the sins of their father and his years in power. That’s why they need a second generation President to ensure nobody gets to account for it and also shield the father as well. It is that simple…

They want to secure the tyrant legacy and his spoils. To ensure that he be remembered better than he should. So, that the family can keep it all and not have to pay a price for how it got it all. That’s the worry and that’s why there is people even fielding these gentlemen.

Why would the people be duped for a second generation Museveni? Why do you want more of the same and have a crippling state, which haven’t gotten better. Museveni have had 35 years and still has plenty of the same issues as when he entered into office. He could have changed things, but he hasn’t because that haven’t been the priority.

So, the dynasty ticket will only deliver more of this and undoubtedly not make things better. Unless, your naive or believe that a fellow family member will suddenly radically change things. That person will most likely prolong the agony and secure the fortunes of the same elites as before. Don’t shocked if that would happen.

The ones that support either of these two. Doesn’t value a democratic choice or a proper succession even. They just want one junta to control and not lose the grip. Peace.

Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF): Press Statement (16.07.2021)

A very brief look into the recent appointments of Permanent Secretaries

Yesterday, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has had his little reshuffle of Permanent Secretaries to the Ministries and Offices of the State. There wasn’t much juice to see. It wasn’t like he offered yet another Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader or stalwart to a position. No, Museveni just did more of the same.

Plenty of the secretaries retained their roles and continues to be “permanent”. This being Lucky Nakoybe and Dr. Kenneth Omona who is kept in the same office. Someone who is lucky and in good favours of the state is Keith Muhakanizi who went from the Minister of Finance to the Office of the Prime Minister.

The appointment of Dr. Ramathan Ngobi, the aide of Salim Selah, the brother of the President has been appointed to be the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). A clear indication of how family affairs mattes and this is why Muhakanizi was moved to another office.

The one that sent a begging letter recently to the President after losing in the election and not being appointed to a Ministry. The forever in the public eye, Adolf Mwesige was appointed as a Permanent Secretary as a Clerk in Parliament. So, the President has him still in his good favours, as he knows he will be loyal for yet another appointment.

All of the President’s appointments are more of the same. These are just the few I see worth mentioning. Museveni is recycling most of the same people. Just a few new faces, but these are known for the general public.

The NRM doesn’t change and neither does the President. This is just more of the same. It is just some changing chairs, but not appointing more qualified or better equipped people. No, these are hired after loyalty and not after merit. That’s why these folks continues to get retained and work like they do. Peace.

Opinion: Is Beti Kamya a fitting IGG?

Yesterday, Beti Kamya was appointed by the President to become the next Inspectorate General of Government (IGG). The IGG is supposed to be an “independent institution charged with the responsibility of eliminating corruption, abuse of authority and of public office”. That’s what Kamya is appointed to do now. One out of plenty of state organizations working towards these goals.

What is striking is that the IGG is supposed to be a person of high moral character and proven integrity. I will claim that Kamya falls flat on this. Since, she has sold her soul and her political life to become a meal-ticket politician for the President. That’s why she has gotten this position.

Kamya is said to have differences with the leadership in both Reform Agenda and in Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Since then she started her own party and was supposed to fight for the ‘Federo’. Beti even left that for an appointment by the President and become a member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

It was even reported that during the NRM Primaries before the current elections in January 2021. She paid off some of the other candidates to be winner of it. That’s sort of corruption in action and shows her morals too.

That’s why it’s funny and intriguing at the same time. Someone who has such a moral compass and ability to be so flexible about her beliefs. At one point she wrote an article asking “Where is Museveni’s heart?”. Now she has no issues praising him and pledging allegiance to the same man. That’s not integrity or standing behind own beliefs.

Kamya as a IGG will be a compromised character and lack moral ambiguity for this position. Even if you had the perfect fit for the IGG. The IGG is in a space where its not free and has the liberty to fulfil its mandate. Just like the Auditor General, Financial Intelligence Authority, Anti-Corruption Unit at State House and others are combating the same thing. However, these are not allowed or directed to mediocre things. Because these are not supposed to expose the big-men or the ones in association with the President who does the ‘Grand Corruption’.

It’s been ages since the IGG had any relevancy or ability to see the Republic getting edges closer to “Zero Tolerance to Corruption”. The IGG with Kamya will just be another stooge and another loyal crony. She will not do the mandate, but be allowed to catch some smaller fish. Never the ones that steals the bank, but the ones that pickpockets are allowed.

So, I don’t expect much, but there should be some questions about her high moral character and integrity. Because, at this current time. I don’t see that and have a hard time believing that she has any values or integrity to even carry. I don’t believe she has a moral compass or cares about anything else than her own personal career. She will jump from a bridge if Museveni says so. Why do I say that?

Well, she has been willing to trade away all the years in opposition and her own agenda of the ‘Federo’ to become a Minister. That’s why she is not fitted for this role. That is if the laws and statutes of the IGG still matters. However, I doubt that… and I cannot see it changes.

Kamya will have slow days and relaxing times compared to being a Minister. She can now chill and await directives to do something. Peace.