Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeje Odongo – Re: UK Sanctions on Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament and Two Former Minister (02.05.2024)

Opinion: My rebuttal to Magogo’s Third Force and Charter…

“Why we need the third force for the new Uganda

Coercion, propaganda, preaching hate of one against the other and sowing anger among the citizens will only make people more desperate and ungovernable. The new ensuing disorder will indiscriminately torment the actual and presumed aggressors and the aggressed. Instead, as a nation we should take the opportunity of the current calm and order to reflect on the new Uganda and the generations to come by creating a Post President Museveni Charter. This opportunity may never be available when disorder descends. If indeed we love our Motherland and we all want to live in a better Uganda now and for generations to come, then let us make this country peaceful, listen to each other, respect divergence in opinion and accept co-existence and this can only be achieved by honest dialogue” – Moses Hassim Magogo MP and FUFA President (08.05.2024).

The ideas of the FUFA President and Member of Parliament Moses Hassim Magogo isn’t new. Also remember that’s his in the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He is an asset of the government and serves it as an MP and a leader in Football. That’s why I take this with a grain of salt and wonders if these words are to inaugurate the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). Because that could be the “Third Force” because, he never mentions who they are and consist of.

Magogo MP is careful with his words here. Only speaking about a sincere problem. A bottleneck that the President and his inner circle has created. The prolonged agony of the tyrant and self-styled President for Life.

The “Post President Museveni Charter” is a way of saying there is a need for new laws and changes of the Constitution after Museveni leaves. That means every time there is a transition and a leadership change. There is a need for restructuring. That’s when you know the state and the lack of institutional procedures aren’t in affect. This is a signal that is sending alarm bells.

Museveni came with a Commission and created the 1995 Constitution, which he has amended in every hour of need. Now a MP from his own party says there is a need for a new Charter and change post-Museveni. That shows that the legislation and the laws currently aren’t made for the Republic, but to honour Museveni. This is really a statement of failure from the ones in office. They must clear up the mess and the dirt of the processor. That they have to re-institute and re-organize the government, as is…

Magogo MP might mean well by all of this… the Third Force, but for me its talk to safeguard and ensure longevity of the NRM. It is to have dialogue and give way to Gen. Muhoozi. That’s what this is… because this is calculated and planned efforts. They are speaking of propaganda and hating one and other. When the state is targeting dissidents, arbitrary arresting, court martialing civilians and using drones. That’s when the state is up too and will be remembered to do. Therefore, the talk of negotiations and dialogue needs to start with the end of impunity and injustice, which is rampant for the ones who really dares to challenge status quo.

“Honest dialogue” with the current regime is pointless. They are only there to find people eligible for a title and office. They are there to compromise and ensure their loyalty to the President. In the end… they are selling their integrity and future for a few silver coins. Therefore, that has to happen Post-Museveni. Museveni aren’t interested in a real dialogue or talks that undermine his power. He only wants to destroy and malign the ones who are in his way. This is why Magogo’s ideas aren’t for the time being worthy of discussion. Because we are talking about a timeline without Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni. We don’t know when that will happen… eventually as a mere mortal, but we cannot know the day or the hour.

Alas, the troubles remain, and Charter will not be written. It’s a fools hope and that’s all we have. Peace.

Uganda: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Statement on the Sanctioning of the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda by hte Government of the United Kingdom (02.05.2024)

Opinion: Resisting the resistance… [the NRM-IR]

“The Former Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Rubaga Division Anderson Burora has formed the National Resistance Movement in Resistance ( NRM-IR) a break way group from NRM to fight corruption. Speaking to the press in Kampala the founder of this group Burora noted that NRM doesn’t tolerate corruption and this group will resist corrupt leaders, impunity, abuse of office. He says people can’t continue to die because of lack of service delivery while leaders are sharing what should be saving people” (Uganda Broadcasting Company (UBC) – ‘Former Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Rubaga Division Anderson Burora Forms NRM-IR to Combat Corruption’ 02.05.2024).

Resistance is said to be an act fight against something that is attacking you or something you are refusing to accept. Which means the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in itself are fighting against something or refusing to accept someone. We know that the NRA did rebuke and reject the leadership that was elected in 1980. However, we have gone a long time from there and we are now in 2024.

Burora’s group the NRM-IR is a group of people who are fighting something against fighting something. He is resisting the resistance. That is how redundant this is and how pointless the name of the group is. If he thinks his winning brownie points or being smart. Well, it isn’t a lot of wisdom in this.

NRM-IR is a word-salad and the founder should know this too. Burora is speaking like Museveni does and we know the drill. He promises to fight the impunity, the inaction and the grand corruption that is systemic in the NRM. While he associates with the NRM, as he is the NRM-IR. A group that is still associated with the regime. If it had been totally independent or in opposition. The founder wouldn’t have renamed it after the ruling party. That’s what he has done and it’s message is clear.

The NRM-IR will be an idle organization. It will be as powerful and meaningful as the NRM Poor Youth or any other sort of organization in association with the party, but not a direct part of the NRM Organization. The NRM-O or the NRM won’t sing this tune and this is only done to make Burora relevant.

Burora wants to be seen and get an office. He wants to be seen and be taken seriously. Nevertheless, his wits and wisdom isn’t that clever. It is just hot-air and a wast of time.

He is resisting the resistance. A man who works against the machine and doesn’t sow the mustard seed. No, he screams and shouts, but no one who matters will listen. He will be crying out loud, but not result in any favours given.

The NRM-IR will end up in the dustbin and forgotten. That’s the nature of things, unless the Kitchen Cabinet or any one of the inner circle gives its blessing. Sooner or later… it will be gone and no one will miss the man who resisted the resistance. Peace.

Opinion: Speaker Among is apparently over the rainbow…

“I have always said that I have a permanent passport to Bukedea and Buyende district. I don’t need a visa. So, honorable members, you need to be very firm and fight for your position. Just imagine it is your kid who is being sodomized. I have interacted [with some officials] and we have gotten to know what the sanctions are about. At an appropriate time, the Head of State will also respond to it because it is an indictment on the Parliament of Uganda” (…) “These sanctions are politically-motivated. I am carrying a cross for the 48 million Ugandans because of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill we passed in this House. This may not be the only ban. Another one will come in the pretext of corruption and [many] others but we serve a living God. We will always not allow bum shafters in Uganda” – Speaker Anita Among (03.05.2024)

London is calling, London is calling and Kampala isn’t picking up. I don’t blame Kampala for not picking up the call. They are torn and getting a punitive actions against it. The Speaker and two former Ministers are sanctioned by the United Kingdom on the 30^th April 2024. That’s a sign and a signal from the leaders in Westminster and Whitehall. However, that will not make anything change around Nile Avenue or such.

Just read the statement from the UK Sanctions list of 30^th April 2024:

“Anita Annet AMONG is an involved person under the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021. Specifically, AMONG, whilst Speaker of Parliament of Uganda and Member of Parliament for Bukedea District, is or has been responsible for or engaged in serious corruption” (The UK Sanctions List, latest Update 30 April 2024).

It states about the Parliamentary Exhibition and direct involvement in serious corruption. That’s not her effort to enact a law targeting a minority in the Republic. No, it is her shielding and partaking in the theft of state coffers. That’s the case and it isn’t a bargain.

She and her fellow cadres are doing this. They are blaming the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act/Bill. That’s what she is saying and others, but the UK haven’t directed the pendulum there. Nevertheless, they are reading other scriptures than the rest of us.

It is just tiring to hear this hearsay and nonsense. She is misusing her office and never taking any accountability. That’s for a person living in a mansion and living large while the citizens are suffering. She’s part of an elite and getting wealth according to her station. Therefore, she is entitled and arrogant about her role.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. She has power, prestige and a fancy title. Nevertheless, she isn’t respected or dignified for her role. No, she is brash, rash and acting in stark contrast to her predecessors. She is residing over a den of thieves and bashing in glory. That’s why she won’t have any say or speak of grand corruption. Because, that is what she is residing over and that’s what gives her power.

It is so sad… but that’s the grim reality. The 11^th Parliament is a tragic site and it should be different… nevertheless, we will not see that in the near future. Speaker Among is thriving and eating. That’s all that matters… Peace.

A look into Bobi Wine’s Statement “on Sanctions as a tool against impunity”

Today, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the Party President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) addressed the United Kingdom’s sanctions against some Ugandan individuals or High Ranking Officials, which was published on the 30^th April 2024.

Two days later Bobi Wine has responded on this one. This would be a hot potato. As the regime apologists are busy spinning the sanctions as an attack on the “sovereign” and a trick to do this instead of addressing the “gay plague” which are really unique. When the United Kingdom and the FDCO says it is because of grand corruption. Therefore, the opposition spoke his peace and it was necessary.

Bobi Wine started with: “The reason we call for sanctions on Gen. Museveni and his officials, and why we celebrate when they are imposed, can be summarized in one word: IMPUNITY” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2024).

Here Bobi Wine is speaking and using rhetoric that we have heard before from Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye have spoken of the junta’s usage of impunity and ruling by impunity. So, in 2024 his reflecting the ideas and the visions of Besigye here. The whole statement is addressing this and showing the impunity of state. That the state is shielding the thieves, but arresting the protesters who demonstrated against the theft of the mabaati. Therefore, the impunity is as clear as day.

Bobi Wine’s important statement: “Citizens are then left with two choices – firstly, to rise up and put an end to this nonsense. Secondly, to appeal to the international community to take measures – including sanctions – which the regime refuses to take against its corrupt and criminal officials” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2025).

Here Bobi Wine is asking for a revolution and a uprising against the state. That has been asked before by others and by the likes of Besigye. This just shows that he follows the program and the ideals of his predecessor. The other is ask that costs the citizens less and can be accessible. The international community can sanction high ranking officials, but that won’t stop their impunity. We have seen sanctions and targeted leaders of the republic, but it haven’t changed the actions from within. Therefore, the first option is the ones that cost and is dire, but that won’t happen unless there is a real will to do it.

He ends with: “These regime officials have destroyed and underdeveloped and looted Uganda just because they think they can enjoy life with their families in developed countries, using the money stolen from Uganda’s tax payers. Now it is time for them to lay in the bed that they have made. They will have to stay in Uganda, go to Ugandan hospitals, use Ugandan roads — and even start using Ugandan cosmetics. While appreciating the international community for the sanctions so far imposed on corrupt and brutal officials, we can only request that they do more and more” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2024).

This is common knowledge what Bobi Wine said here. The regime has misused their power and taken the republic for granted. They are spending the monies of the state to create their own wealth. That is evident and how they are using their resources. What Bobi Wine is saying here is a low-blow, but we cannot imagine that the high ranking officials only using “Buy Uganda Build Uganda” as they can still import products. Especially, since they have the shillings to do so. Because, that haven’t to be done in their own name or businesses connected to them. Therefore, Among and the other Ministers would get their priority things regardless. The citizens are the ones who are touched and feeling the hardships of the neglect of the state. However, Bobi Wine and others have to reflect on it all.

The sanctions are only a start. This has been done before… and the FIRST option is the REVOLUTION or the UPRISING. While that is an ideal and a need. At the current moment there isn’t a level breeding ground for that or the mobilization for it. Not enough will to make it happen. It is already over a decade since the “Walk to Work” demonstrations, which was cracking the system. However, they were able to contain it…

Bobi Wine is right that the regime is acting with impunity and lives large on it. That is all fine and dandy, but he needs to polish the message and be more clear about the FIRST Option. As that is where the key is laying. Because, more sanctions from the West won’t save him or his Opposition. It will only cause a little eye sore for the high ranking officials and leave others off the hook. Peace.

Opinion: It’s the Mabaati and not the “gay plague”…

“Deputy Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, has announced sanctions on high profile Ugandan politicians charged with corruption, and the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, today (30 April). It is the first time the UK government has used the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime on individuals involved in corruption in Uganda. The three individuals, two of whom were previously ministers responsible for Uganda’s poorest region, Karamoja, and have been charged with corruption at Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court, will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes. The two former ministers sanctioned – Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu – stole thousands of iron sheets used for roofing and infrastructure from a Ugandan government-funded project aimed at housing some of the most vulnerable communities in the region, providing them to prominent politicians and their families instead” (Gov.uk – ‘UK sanctions corrupt politicians in Uganda who stole from vulnerable communities’ 30.04.2024).

Whatever Chris Obore or Speaker Among is trying to create a narrative of their own. They are trying to make their own game plan. It is a grander and bigger scheme behind the sanctions on the Speaker and the two former Ministers in the Cabinet.

That Among, Kitutu and Nandutu is all targeted is righteous in the case of the Mabaati scandal. There could be plenty more in this theft. As there was reported more high ranking officials who was caught with iron-sheets destined to the Karamoja sub-region. However, these have been off the hook.

The Deputy Foreign Secretary and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have done this in accordance to one instance. They have done so because of the iron-sheets. Instead the ones aligned and in cahoots with the Speaker is all making this about the Anti-Homosexuality Act. However, that isn’t mentioned or necessary.

Andrew Mitchell said: “Today the UK is sending a clear message to those who think benefiting at the expense of others is acceptable. Corruption has consequences and you will be held responsible” (30.04.2024).

I cannot glean anything about the attack on the sexual minorities or the gays. No, this is about corruption and misuse of office. That is another ball-game… and it is evident in the press release from the United Kingdom Government.

The Parliament of Uganda’s Director of Communications retorted with this: “The iron sheets have been used as a ruse to conceal the real, unstated but clear obvious reason for sanctions- which is Rt Hon Speaker’s stance on the recently enacted Anti-Homosexuality Act” (Obore, 30.04.2024).

When the invisible bogey-man comes to play again. We know the Speaker uses this every instance she can. If there is any sort implication or disregard of a foreign entity, it is their “gay agenda”. Not their reasons for stopping loans, grants or donations in general. That’s because of the policies and the actions of the state against the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) or the forced closure of OHCR in the Republic. Therefore, there is reasons for why there is less friendly foreigners and will to fund government entities or programs in the Republic. Not only because of the “gay agenda” or anything else for that matter. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) should understand that, but maybe that’s too much to ask…

Among and her peers should listen, but I wouldn’t think they would hear anything. No, they will make up conspiracies and go back to their mansions. Peace.

Parliament of Uganda: On the Sanctions of the Rt. Hon Speaker by the UK Government (30.04.2024)

Opinion: Museveni has sold these stories as long as I can remember…

“I am tired of all these stories…these neo-colonial civil servants who have been holding us back, i have put my foot down, i don’t want to hear those stories… and Uganda is developing and it will develop because i don’t entertain that nonsense anymore” (…) “Borrowing for what? capacity building. Imagine! Seminars, they call you in a hotel, you eat chapati, mandazi, they say that is capacity building…it should be on the ground not just seminars. So if you are serious, i need to hear about the low cost funding for manufacturing, not for stories…for manufacturing” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (29.04.2024)

Knock, knock, whose there?

I don’t know… but certainly not the one that was supposed to appear.

Well, enough jibberish, right? I know, I know, but when a person like President Museveni. The Fountain of Honour, His Excellency and the guy who has run a nation since January 1986. It is just obnoxious and outrageous that he acts this way in 2024.

We know the game and how he has played it. This is all to be in a spectrum of lecturing and insightful. He wants to be a living legend and a statesman. Regardless of his of inaction, lack of development and misuse of power. The old man with the hat wants to be acknowledged and be feared. That’s all there is so…

So, this man has tried to make stories. Forged narratives and fictitiously made his former enemies into villains. That’s what Museveni has done and he has taken their actions to heart. He has incorporated them and found ways to mask them for personal gains. Therefore, he isn’t the guy to lecture others on the failure of stories. When his own story and what he has done is altering with reality. He is a benefactor and a tyrant who hasn’t built a powerhouse, but a house of cronies and a kakistocracy of epic proportions. Therefore, he isn’t the fella to others…

“The main reason there is no growth in Africa is that the growth factors are neither funded nor understood; those who want to help Africa should fund our transport systems, electricity, raw material processing, and import substitution” (…) “Our populations are increasing, but our economies are stunted. The IDA should tell us why they are funding the modern slavery of Africans, and we should address issues like why Africa is producing what it does not consume and consuming what it does not produce” (Museveni, 29.04.2024).

I would say one of the main reasons why there is no development and lack of proper future planning is because of the likes of Museveni. The old cadres who has built systems and ensure total loyalty to him. They are blindly suffocating society on behalf of the population and later begging to be saved. Instead of building institutions and government programs that reflects the needs of the population. That’s where the likes of Museveni has fallen…

Museveni has promised salvation, but only brought false hope. The liberation and the society he promised in the bush. That one was only nice on paper. Just like most of the development plans and schemes created after going into office. Nicely written pieces, posh wordplay and significant push from donors, but no plan on how to sustain or even implement it further. That’s why the Ministries and the Government at large still needs foreign backing to be running. Because, Museveni haven’t created a broader tax-base or enlarged the public’s coffers to an extent to finance his bloated government of cronies. Therefore, he can blame neocolonial entities and polices, but he has benefited from those over the years.

He calls this modern slavery, but his the modern day slave trader. Who accepts that the youths and brain-drain from the Republic. Since he isn’t building for the future and neither are his closest allies. They are just looking for the next get rich scheme and heist of government funds. The misused funds or ghosts will appear across the republic. Therefore, he should know what his other hand is doing.

Yes, the continent and such have been given a bad start. It has been an deliberate act, as everyone is looking out for their own. The continent shouldn’t live on handouts, but on own earned capital. They should be able to use the resources, the wealth and the capabilities of the population to thrive. However, with the leadership of the likes of Museveni. The continent will go nowhere, he has no interest of seeing it going anywhere. That’s why his complaining about the same stuff as he was doing in the bush. There is no difference here.

He has told this story before and his repeating it. It isn’t insightful. As a President since the 1980s… he should have more to show from it and not just acting pragmatic at the world stage. Because when he comes home. He will open up a water-tap. Re-open and rejuvenate the same sort of failed value-addition factory somewhere outside of central region. That’s what he will be doing. So, it isn’t like he brought the industrial revolution or the laissez faire business to Uganda.

No, he only brought more of the same and the only thing left behind will be the massive loans that he ate. He will leave behind debts that will scorn the next generation without anything substantial or any sort of collateral to safeguard these loans. Sooner or later the nation will default. Unless, he has a magical source of income out of nowhere to be his saving grace. That’s yet to be seen, as the mountains of debt will be a plight.

That plight won’t be the stories of Museveni, but of the sorry brother who takes over power after him. Peace.

Opinion: More people to assist in the districts…

 

Districts map from 2016

The Republic is dived into 146 districts, 322 counties and 10 cities. These are all administrative units which has appointed leadership and elected leaders. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has ballooned this over the years. Just like they have gerrymandering the districts and counties since they took power.

The rise of districts is also straining the economy, as each district needs set of standards and possible government service, which are expensive to uphold. That in regard to the need of administrative personnel and people who can accommodate just that. However, it seems more like a game for the “boys” than to give the people anything significant service delivery.

The districts has a Chief Administrative Officer (COA) and often a Deputy and Assistant COA too. They have already a Residential District Commissioner (RDC)/ Residential City Commissioner (RCC) and Deputy RDC. Now the newest creation is an addition Assistant RDC, which means the district can have 6 people in office for the delegation and to work on supposed government pledges for the district. They can have three people who are directly COA (COA, Deputy and Assistant) and now get three RDCs (RDC, Deputy and Assistant).

So, the local government have all these people surrounding them, as well as the other chiefs and elected representatives. This is the duplications of offices, which isn’t serving the citizens. Instead its a way of hiring stalwarts and loyal cadres of the NRM/PLU at the moment. Just so they can be “idle” and “get busy” until the 2026 elections.

It is really telling that the NRM issues this out, as the state cannot afford to honestly keep the upkeep of schools, hospitals or roads. Nevertheless, manpower for the RDCs and COAs is fine and dandy. There is no report that these are doing anything useful or even contributing to any sort of positive development. They are just filling up positions and ensuring loyalty to the state. That’s all we can see…

The billions spent on the Assistant RDCs will not amount to anything, but loyalty to the President. They are indebted to the NRM and the President, but they will not make a difference. That’s we have already seen with the CAOs/RDCs/RCCs, which already had deputies. Now they have a secondary deputy in the assistant. It is really infuriating to see the wastage of public funds on this. When you know how dire the state of affairs is…

This is what the NRM prioritize and uses funds on. Work and titles for fellow cadres instead of service delivery. This is what 38 years in power does to you…. Misuse of Power and Misuse of Funds. That’s what the NRM and the President does…

Nothing honest about this and only ballooning the state even further. While ensuring the public coffers get depleted quick. Peace.