Opinion: Is Mzee making the Buganda clan leaders into his beggars?

The meeting between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Buganda Clan leaders over last weekend that was reported about mid-week. So, days after it was transpired and as the Budget Speech was announced and about to erupt. The news hit the papers and online sphere.

There was knowledge of pledges and promises. The President wanting to give land, cultural heritage site and an entertainment facility of some kind. That’s what the President has promised the Clan leaders of the Buganda.

The Kabaka and Katikkiro should feel dismayed. The Mengo is losing power and the Head of State is meddling directly in their affairs. His involving himself before the Lukiko and the leadership of Mengo gets a say. The President is offering his tokens and certainly wants something in return. He gets loyal clan leaders by giving mere shillings, which isn’t his anyway.

Museveni is getting these clan leaders for cheap. Just like he gets the loyalty of religious leaders by donating SUVs and charitable donations to church coffers. The same is being done here and the Prime Minister and King of the Kingdom has no say. They are just onlookers while their hierarchy is aligning itself with the government outside.

The President is getting it easy and only has to hold small functions at the State House. Only give them a little courtesy… and pledges. From there they have to be loyal and spread the message he wants from them. Because he knows they want this from him and he can fix it. Therefore, a simple ask to get the bargain.

The President undermines the authority of Mengo. The Kabaka and Katikkiro is underlings who are supposed to be heads of the clan leaders. The clan leaders are supposed to summoned and obey the King. Alas, the President has now jumped the line and towed it too. They are now awaiting the blessings of the President and not the King.

That’s why this meeting is a betrayal of the Mengo. The Clan Leaders are getting anointed and getting in good favours by acting in the manner of which President wants. However, they are undermining the leadership above them within the Kingdom. That’s a bad look…

The Mengo, Kabaka and Katikkiro should think about the implications of this, as they are weakened and their clan leaders are made into beggars of the state. Instead of honourable leaders within the Kingdom. They are coming for a handout to the Head of State, instead of awaiting their turn with the King and the Lukiko. Therefore, this is a political play where the President gets everything and Mengo is outplayed. Peace.

Opinion: Aya and the Pearl of Africa Hotel is a sign of everything wrong with the nation

“There were old government buildings for the Ministry of Information here but Uganda was not earning anything; instead, it was spending money to maintain them” (…) “Then these people said the spot was underutilised and that it could bring in more money. If a woman is barren, you don’t chase her away, but you devise ways to get one who produces” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (March 2013).

The Aya brothers, the Aya Investments Limited and their Pearl of Africa Hotel is only causing headaches. The supposed magnificent hotel at Nakasero hill on the old Uganda Broadcasting Company (UBC) building. Certainly, is a sign of the times and how the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have built up foreign investments in the Republic.

The President has vouched for the men behind the scheme. President Museveni has ordered and ensured the land, the funding and gave way to the Aya brothers to build a hotel on government land. While aiding the UBC to flee the premises on the prospects of a big hotel to fill in possible voids of luxury accommodation in Kampala.

The hotel is now only 11 years old and has been bankrupt since 2021. The hotel was supposed to be sold 3 years ago and again the President asks the South African investors who funded the building of the hotel to halt the sale. Since the Aya brothers or Aya Investment Limited doesn’t have the funds to cover their debt.

A state that paid off the UBC and moved the state-owned broadcaster. Gave land and ensured the funding of the hotel. Now, the state must ensure the hotel is still operational and buying time for them. A President has to interfere and defend the company. That’s a telling story of micro-management and how involved he is in minor matters of the Republic.

It is a telling story when it back dates to the needs of the state in 2006 and starts to build in 2007, but by some accounts the grand opening of the hotel was in 2017. While there are reports that they already opened for clients in 2013. Therefore, the whole enterprise is a long journey of failure and government support of the business.

We know the state has coughed up funds for the Aya brothers and for the consultants building the hotel. The state now has to re-assure the creditors and possibly pay them off as well. While the hotel isn’t a money-making machine, but another bottomless pit of misery.

The public has paid money for this hotel, and they will continue to do so. Especially, when the President is so involved and has a say in it. You know he has had a part of it and used his leverage in it. That’s why these matters to him and he had asked for the South African investors to hold on the sale. Meaning he wants his cut and wants to have his say.

The ones that believe it is out of his goodwill and good heart is foolish. Museveni wouldn’t touch this, if he didn’t get something out of it and more than the prestige of a new fancy hotel in Kampala. That’s not what Museveni needs, but surely, he needs the greatness and proof of wealth creation that comes with the building and operating a hotel of this scale. Peace.

A glaze at Mzee’s 2024 State of Nation Address…

“If we punish all the corrupt, whom shall we work with?” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (06.06.2024).

Here we go again…

Another year, another shilling. Aye?

President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni coming with lectures of historical matters. Where he speaks of his generational leaders, which he happened to meet at a long forgotten age. At a speech and ceremony that is more pompous and more procedural than anything. With the withering years. The gravitas and the worthy of it falls apart too. Because, nothing is legit or sincere about it.

The President comes with statistics, records and numbers, which makes everything sounds supreme. While the citizen doesn’t feel that way. Neither is there anywhere near any sort of flimsy hope that he will deliver anything substantial. The mood is grim and the tiredness of the regime is overshadowing it. The lies are in the open and the truth isn’t what the President is saying. His speaking poetically about the past and about pan-africanism, but his actions speaks otherwise; and we know it…

The main thing about the speech this year is the Parliament Exhibition and the open Grand Corruption of his government. The President comes with no substantial answer or response to it. Just more empty words and word-salads that isn’t worthy of a articulate response. Just more of the same hogwash and empty threats, which is worthless in the grand scheme of things. We know the corrupt in his proximity gets of the hook anyway and lives to see another day. So, who is he kidding here?

I have been hearing stories that there is a racket from the Ministry of Finance to Parliament. I have been hearing but now I have proof. They work with accounting officers from different ministries to come to parliament to ask for certain funds and then they share the money. For sure the corrupt don’t know how strong we are, we are patient but if you make a mistake, you will see”(Museveni, 06.06.2024)

Public servants and political leaders that steal Government money are corrupt and will be crushed. There are, however, other actors, that get bribes from foreigners to work for foreign interests. These are both corrupt and traitors and we are monitoring their activities. If they do not stop; and with evidence, we shall deal with them. As part of fighting corruption, it is crucial to save the amateurish political actors who come into politics without knowing that leading people does not mean carrying them on your head. It means that you show them the way. The situation of the inexperienced, careerist minded leaders who do not listen to the advice of the NRM, is further complicated by the blood thirsty parasites in the form of the unregulated money lenders who charge extortionate interest rates from these desperate political actors when they come to borrow money for unuseful expenditures” (Museveni, 06.06.2024).

He can act like we don’t know. The President acts like the public don’t know or see how he operates from the State House. This is his government and the manners of how he runs his organization. It is his appointees and people he has entrusted with offices. They are all surrounding him and he accepts this sort of behaviour. He thrives in it and the misuse of office is common practice. Therefore, we know the gist and the deal.

President Museveni cannot combat something that gives him leverage and the upper-hand on his cronies. He uses their greed and nepotism for his advantage, as he prolongs his stay in office. While he has corrupt officials that he can grease the wheels for and get loyalty from. They are willing to serve him because he ensures that they can eat. Regardless of the method or way they did it. As long as everyone is happy and gets their cut.

That’s why the State of the Nation in 2024 was useless. He didn’t really address anything sincere. We have heard some parts of this speech before and its tiring. Peace.

Opinion: Basalirwa is the Grandmaster of Useless Noise…

Three months after the birth of the Holy Alliance, the chairperson of the new establishment and president of JEEMA, Asuman Basaalirwa says they are working behind the scenes and soon, their activities will be made known” (NBS Television, 05.06.2024).

The Bugiri Municipality, the Justice Forum (JEEMA) and the People Power Movement must wonder if they were tricked or used, because the Human Rights Lawyer and MP Flagbearer at the time, Asuman Basalirwa sounded like a reasonable guy. At one point he seemed like a decent fella and someone who deserved a shot. However, in June of 2024 we can say everyone was wrong…

Basalirwa MP was a wasted vote and seems like a useless MP. Yes, he got the Anti-Homosexuality Act enacted. That’s his achievement in the 11th Parliament. The rest of the time he has betrayed the opposition and the People Power Movement. He could have resigned from the Opposition and just turned into a puppet for the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

If Basalirwa MP is running as a NRM flag-bearer in 2026. No one would bat an eye and be shocked. He has worked for more the causes and policies of the state. The idea of him being in opposition is foolish at this point. His only opposition in the name, but not in spirit or in action.

He is openly engaging in disputes and taking part for others in the Parliament. Saying he is offered being the lawyer of two other MPs and will sue the ones who petitioning the August House to censure the Parliament Commissioners. That’s what his doing of late and it shows how little tact or even humility he has.

There is no gravitas or even courtesy in regards to this MP. Basalirwa is unadulterated and lack of quorum. His just a brute and it isn’t cute. He can use religion as a shield, but that doesn’t save him from his sins. Neither does his greed or his naked ambition. A man who cannot be loyal or even stand by the people who helped him back to Parliament. Basalirwa MP has ditched and works against the people who entrusted him. That’s the favour he gives them and he does it deliberately too.

Basalirwa MP has become useless. I don’t know where the value for his seat or office. As a person, individual or even representative his just wasted airtime. He shouldn’t be there and isn’t worthy of representing others. Especially, when it becomes personal and becomes a cash-grab. The MP should just give way and let other represent the constituency. There must be a more credible, honourable or even honest character than him. His a career politician and seemingly a man who seeks validation and possible new revenue streams. Therefore, he isn’t great or deliver any grandeur.

That’s why it’s time to call out the jokes, the mockery and the insincerity of him. Basalirwa MP needs to booted out and Bugiri Muncipality has a short of doing so in 2026. That’s when they should vote for someone else and hope he/she serves them better. Not that they need to do much, because Basalirwa has set the standard so low. Peace.

Opinion: Nanyonga, the ignorant MP…

The last 24 hours has been hectic for National Unity Platform (NUP), Member of Parliament, Veronica Nanyonga, the Woman MP of Bukomansimbi District. The former Democratic Party candidate for the same district and now NUP representative.

She has gotten into hot weather over the acts of signing the censure motion of the Parliament Commissioners. The MP claims she didn’t know what she signed off on and that’s a particular way to put it.

As an MP she should study, check and be able to read the documents in front of her. She should have the mental capacity to check and see if it is a genuine or righteous thing to do. It shows that she’s just following the crowd and dancing to whatever that fits the tune. Just thinking it was the attendance list and not the censure motion. Alas, she could have read the header of the page to know what it was. Certainly, one of the minutes of the shadow cabinet would have been designated to this.

That’s why the MP should know better and now only showing ignorance. Pure unadulterated ignorance of it’s purest form. If she thinks its wise to remove her signature or trying to disassociate herself with the motion. Well, she’s at a loss.

The MP should know better and the motion is created out of a need to sanction and hold people accountable at the August House. The Service Award that is haunting the Parliament Commissioners. As she signed the motion, she partake in the proceedings and the gesture of supporting the cause of action against the greedy Commissioners. However, with revoking or disassociating herself. She is being lax about the thing and it’s not a good look.

She is either ignorant about the paperwork around her or about the pending case against the Parliament Commissioners. As an MP she should represent and act on behalf of her constituents. I wonder if they would be happy that she acts in this way and isn’t concerned about the aftermath.

Nanyonga has the right to not participate in the proceedings. Nevertheless, she has taken a step and made amends. She should reconsider her stances and especially if she is concerned about corruption and misuse of office in the future. Because the MP is either behind graft or blind to it. As an MP she can either act against it or being ignorant about it. I go for the latter, because I don’t think she really wants to work against it. If she wanted to campaign or be a voice against corruption. She wouldn’t have revoked or withdrawn her signature. Therefore, this doesn’t add up and we can beg to question her actions.

It would have been better if she had remained silent or done nothing. That would have been better. We wouldn’t have discussed her or her role for that matter. Peace.

Enviroment Governance Institute (EGI): Abduction of Human Rights Defender from the Kingfisher project area by UPDF (04.06.2024)

Opinion: The NRM MPs needs guidance of the President before signing off on anything…

I earlier guided members that they should wait for the guidance of my boss, who is the Government Chief Whip (Hamson Obua), he also went ahead and guided that no member of the NRM caucus should sign on the censure forms until we get the guidance of the national Chairman, who is also President Museveni. However, there are those who have signed, still when we sit as caucus, we shall have to ask them to withdraw their signatures because as a Party, we always come up with a position and we always stand by our position” (…) “I am not saying that the President is happy with whatever is happening, but I am saying we wait for his guidance on the approach on how we should get that issue. We aren’t saying we support whatever move or what is happening, but the issue is, what does the Chairman say about it? The guidance is key. The baganda say with age comes wisdom, so we must wait for the guidance of the elder. I don’t think he is happy, but his guidance will clear all those anomalies” – Herbert Kinobere (Kibuku County) MP, Vice Spokesperson of the NRM Caucus (04.06.2024).

We have told you, but now the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is confirming what we already knew. The NRM has told this isn’t the case and that their MPs are independent. They are working on their own, but in reality we knew they were puppets who bark and make noise when their master allow it.

President Museveni and the NRM CEC directs what the NRM Caucus is doing. The NRM Caucus has to await direction or guidance to where it goes. The President has to have a word and a say before anything happens. Because, if they act without his word or wisdom, they will interfere or act in spite of his vision. They have to disciplined and be orderly following the NRM Way. That means blind and dumb until the President has enlighten them.

This shows how the machinery is working. The NRM is a clockwork for the President and his every whim. These people cannot act upon their own will or do what is right for the nation. No, they have to serve and be loyal cadres of His Excellency. This is why they cannot do what is righteous or sincere, because they got to get a thumbs up from the high above. That’s really a sad sight, but where the NRM is at the moment.

President Museveni must be happy in Kibobere and Obua who are serving him so diligently and without any hesitation be his aide. That’s who they are and this is why he trust them. They are working directly for him and not for the constituents. Neither is the other NRM MPs who are awaiting for the order and the will of their dear leader. The Supreme Leader and Patriotic Saint has to say his word and bless whatever move he deems fit. That’s what the servants and the lackeys have to await for.

It is really compelling reading this. That the NRM MPs should sign of on a petition or motion, unless the President haven’t had a say. This is telling about their “independence” and their own mandate as representatives. As they are just there to rubber-stamp and be custodians for his mighty hand.

President Museveni must be giddy that he has been able to take this far. As the President has this ultimate power and can get his way regardless of who is elected. He got them in his hand and now we have to see what he says. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee can talk, but he won’t act…

“Several speakers have mentioned the issue of corruption. I concur that it is becoming a significant problem in the country, and I will discuss it in detail during my State of the Nation address.” – President Museveni (Uganda Broadcasting Company, 03.06.2024).

The battle against corruption, graft, state capture and grand corruption is a fake one in the Republic. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni isn’t really interested in ending corruption in the Republic. If that was the case… the NRM and Museveni has had decades to make amends and change the pattern.

The Government of Uganda could have made a difference and clearly envisioned things differently. The NRM and the President has made this system and modus operandi for a reason. This is his government and how he runs the state. Museveni can act like he don’t know, but he knows how things are juiced or ensured people are loyal surrounding him. Therefore, the State House and the regime knows what make people tick and keep them compromised by him.

President Museveni has created so many agencies and state organizations fighting corruption. Nevertheless, it never helps when he supports “Presidential Handshakes” or fraudulent tenders with kickbacks. A President who micro-manages and partake in government business. A head of state that interferes in the running of minor transactions and has a say in benign affairs. That’s why we know he knows everything and directs people.

That’s why another discussion or a launch of an anti-corruption drive is pointless. He has the FIA, OAG, IGG, PPDA, State House Unit and whatnot that’s supposed to do their job. All of these are supposed to find and ensure the government is “clean”. However, there is only small figures who are captured, but the big-men are off the hook. They are only letting people fall in the headlines, but isn’t punished or having any punitive actions against them. Therefore, it is hard to believe the President wants a change or do something about it.

The corruption and the misuse of office is a key component of this government. It is what gives the President leverage and compromise the ones around him. That’s how he will keep people close and know how he can capture them. They need the financial incentive and this gives him power over them. That’s how they will be in his mercy and be his cadres. That’s why he has built the system around this ethos and his proud of it too.

The day corruption dies and is impossible. That is the day Museveni and the NRM are on its deathbed. To many people are feeding of the same hand and they cannot bite it off. Peace.

Opinion: The authorities will use any excuse to block the NUP

As the government Agency mandated to protect life and property, keep law and order, the police management has decided to halt any further consultative activities of NUP as a party with immediate effect until this matter is conclusively investigated and resolved. We appeal to the public to remain vigilant, observe law and order. Whoever acts contrary to public order and safety shall be held accountable under the laws of Uganda. The safety of Ugandans will always remain our priority” (Uganda Police Force – ‘POLICE HALTS NUP CONSULTATIVE ACTIVITIES AFTER DEADLY TRAFFIC INCIDENT’ 31.05.2024).

The National Unity Platform (NUP) are a target and can do no wrong. There is no place they can move or have ability to mobilize their party. The authority and law enforcement will be used against them. There will be any sort excuse to block them or do it for their own “benefit”. Even if they cannot get into their own headquarters or new party offices. Therefore, we know the gig…

It isn’t long ago that the second round of the national mobilization tour started. That was postponed and stopped, because the authorities didn’t allow the NUP to get to Palisa district. This is why this is nothing new.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and the NUP is aimed at. They are popular and are able energize the population. That’s why the state and the authorities are doing what they can to silence them. The NUP is just stopped in their tracks and not able to assemble. That’s the gist here and what the state tries to do.

So, after the NUP continued the Nationwide Mobilization Tour, they were able to visit Mukono and Masaka. Nevertheless, that’s where it stopped and now they are blocked again. This time because of an accident on the roads to Masaka. There was so many people showing up and being a part of mobilization tour. The NUP party couldn’t have a control of them or knowing what they were up too. So, now the authorities is using their actions and what they possibly did as a reason to block them from working as a national party.

This sort of act and reasons wouldn’t be used against the National Resistance Movement or anyone in close association of the NRM. If the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) had such acts in near proximity… it would have no consequence and be hoodlum with no connection who did it. Therefore, we know the double-standard and the usage of any sort of ill-will to stop the NUP from trying to be relevant.

The NRM and the authorities wants the NUP to be a party of the HQ and not a nationwide party. They are trying to silence and stop it from mobilizing the public. That’s what they are doing and it isn’t brilliant either. They are just continuing the same technique and misuse of power. As they are using the law enforcement to interfere in the political sphere. The UPF is now deciding and telling when a party can engage and work as a nationwide party. That’s not up to the police. The Police should shield and safeguard the party. They shouldn’t be there as a stumbling block and a power of interfering in their work. However, we know what the UPF does and what the rest of the authorities does.

The NUP and Bobi Wine has guns surrounding them. The state are aiming at them and never looking sideways. They are anticipating and trying to make them illegal. That’s what they are doing and it isn’t even done that clever. The NUP has legal rights to operate and be a political party. However, the state… is doing what it can block, silence and … won’t do them any favours.

It shouldn’t be like this… but this isn’t anything new. There is nothing new under sun and the NUP is getting the treatment that FDC and Besigye used to get back in the day. Peace.

Opinion: Nandutu has become a tale of self-destruction…

The well-known journalist and cum-politician, Agnes Nandutu isn’t someone that we would think become the centrepiece of stories, but that’s where we are. Her actions since 2020 has been spectacular and the fall been massive.

She went into the Primaries of the National Resistance Movement as a new flag-bearer and up-coming MP. Nevertheless, inside the NRM they wanted another person to represent the constituency. Alas, she defied the orders of the State House and the President and ran as an Independent candidate for Womans MP for the same Bududa district. In the General Election of 2021 she won the seat and was elected into the 11th Parliament on her first try.

That’s sound like a journey of failure and victory. She was resilient and NRM leaning. That’s why it was natural that the President could appoint her to Higher Offices. So after the elections and with a new cabinet in 2021, she was appointed to the role of Minister of State, Office of Karamoja. By this time it seemed like the sky was the limit.

The former journalist had within a short amount of time became both MP and a Minister. That’s a jump and created a prominent space in the Republic. This is what could have been a trip from the sarcastic remarks of “Point Blank” unto the role of a Minister. Everyone isn’t built for that and it’s proven she wasn’t prepared for what was coming.

Nandutu went into hot-water. The state was already using weapons and having operations of the army in Karamoja. There was questionable activity and lack of service delivery in the Karamoja sub-region. She couldn’t take that and the hunger of the region was also hurting her pride. As she was supposed to be glorified and celebrated for her rise to power.

Now in 2024, she has gotten sanctions from both the United Kingdom and United States of America. That’s all for participating in the thievery of iron-sheets destined for the Karamoja sub-region, which she was a minister over. She destroyed her reputation, career and her name over petty thieving.

Nandutu has lost her Ministry and lost her name. She is forever implicated in the graft and the corruption, which resided in her ministry. That’s why she cannot travel or be capable of residing in these nations. It must cost to see herself and her name in big letters in notifications of foreign government entities. That they are mentioning you and your actions. This got to sting your pride and lose your cool.

I’m sure she is okay with the earnings as an MP. That must be better than what she earned as a journalist. The “Point Blank” era will forever linger and the choices after is just abysmal. Nandutu cannot save herself or her grace.

The former Minister and journalist cannot revive her name. The iron-sheets and the misuse of office will follow her for life. She is known for this now. Just like others are known for Santana’s and GAVI-funds. Nandutu will be known for participating in taking mabaati without proper justification.

This is who Nandutu is and it won’t be forgotten. The U.S. and UK is even agreeing in their actions. They are designating the same sort of actions and it shows that they are going after the culprits. It is telling that it is happening from afar and not from the Courts of Kampala. No, it has to be foreign entities who keeps the high ranking officials accountable. Because, the President and his allies won’t… Peace.