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 30th 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 30th 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 11th 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 30th 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.

Opinion: Heavy is the head that wears the crown, Speaker Among…

““I am lucky that I am not on social media because I don’t like stress. There was something written on social media circulating that yesterday, I barked at Minister Bahati, as being one of the worst Ministers in capable of running the Ministry of Trade, that is why traders are striking. This is very false, very untrue and too malicious. I want UCC to investigate this and I want to get the sponsors of this,”” (…) “The Speaker also proposed that the people mounting negative messages against her on social media are in need of prayers saying, “There are people who are monopolizing the use of social media to destroy other people. Minister is one Minister who is permanently here. How can you attack such a Minister? I think there is a problem in this country? There is misuse of social media, I think you people need prayers. How can you start abusing social media to that extent?”” (Parliament Watch, 17.04.2024).

The 11th Parliament Speaker Anita Among is obviously not aware on how public discourse goes online. She expects total loyalty and propaganda to spread on her behalf. That she can stir the narrative and control what is being said. However, that is impossible, especially if people are having free speech.

The Speaker is showing her arrogance and intolerance towards dissent. We know that the Speaker wants anyone to apologize to her and not offend her. That’s why fellow Members of Parliament have to visit her office and beg for mercy. This is who the Speaker is and how she whips the Parliament in her order.

We know that the Speaker is distressed by the Parliament Exhibition and the open bazaar corruption that has been revealed. The Speaker prefer eating in darkness and not revealing the big plates to the public. The light is dangerous to the Speaker and she wants to continue her profitable enterprise.

Speaker Among wants to silence media and the people on social media. She wants to be looked favourable and powerful, which she is in the inner-circles. That’s why the President has vouched for her and her ways. This is common knowledge and she’s allowed to blame the scapegoats of the gay-plague.

The story about her argument between Among and Bahati might be untrue, but we have seen how she cannot contain her cool in the Plenary. The lines of “nonsense” and directing her fury towards fellow MPs are clear. There is no way back from acting like this. She knows it and we knows it.

If she had acted within reason and as an honourable. That would be how she was referred to in public. Nevertheless, her arrogance and entitlement is her self-destruction tool. This is why she is disliked and mocked online. Her sudden wealth and power comes with accountability and transparency. Something she doesn’t want to address or speak about.

The Speaker has created this bed and now have to sleep in it. If she was righteous, people would treat her righteous. If she is a crook, people will talk about her like a crook. Therefore, it is all up to herself and her own actions. She could change the narrative and act sincere, but we know that won’t happen.

Speaker Among… if you want another vision or words surrounding your character. Then you have to respond to the outcry and listen to the pleas of the public. Instead you act holier than thou and think you can get away with it. You are shielded by the President today, but God knows about tomorrow. So let us pray. Amen. Peace.

Henry Musaasizi MP & Amos Kankunda MP: Justificaation of the Motion for Retirement Benefits of the Auditor General (11.04.2024)

Opinion: A “Service Award” is given to their own…

Parliament has approved new retirement benefits for the Auditor General, including a one-time payment of Shs500 million to outgoing officer John Muwanga. Retired AGs will also receive a monthly salary matching the current officer, a furnished house, fuel and vehicle repair allowances of Shs2 million per month, and a state burial upon death” (91.2 Crooze FM, 10.04.2024).

The 11th Parliament isn’t subtle, neither is it Government of Uganda (GoU). The National Resistance Movement (NRM) knows how to take care of their own and the loyal cadres. This is a continuation of just that.

The current Auditor General John Muwanga is getting a “service award” and costly perks in retirement. He will lavish and be one of them even when his not serving anymore. This is what the NRM does to its own. While they will not attend or build the institutions of the nation. That’s because the individuals and the inner-circle is more important.

The NRM Regime has funds, missing funds and other sudden complementary expenses. Because, this is gifting away a fortune to a former cadre. He is entitled to a pension and whatever he has earned in the NSSF. However, this is beyond that and giving him new wealth as his ending his public service. That’s because he served in a manner of which the President approved.

It is really telling that the NRM does this and accepts this. We now see who they are and who they prioritize. They are not prioritizing the hospitals, schools or government entities. No, the NRM prioritize their own above all. That’s who they are and this is the NRA Way.

They can say they have tried to work and fix the economy. The NRM can say they changed society, but mostly done for themselves. That’s why the perks of the elite is just rising and the inner-circle is eating of the plate of the state. This is who they are and the expenses the people have to pay for. The money is printed so that the ones who are in good favours get wealth, while the rest struggles to get a thousands of shillings. Meanwhile the likes of Muwanga gets a giant envelope as his ending his time in office.

The NRM isn’t serving the public and neither is there any need to do so. They don’t fear the population or is afraid of an uprising. Because the guns and the army is behind the NRM. They have it all on look and they know the citizens won’t be shocked by this. The population is numb to these things and its a common thing. Though people are struggling and overtaxed, the elites gets a slice of the pie, because they used to serve in the past. That’s who they are and this is the NRM Way. Peace.

Opinion: Never annoy Museveni…

At least eight artists belonging to Ugandan group Crane Performers were on Saturday arrested for allegedly insulting President Yoweri Museveni while he was delivering a speech at a hotel in Kampala, where celebrations of Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi’s wedding anniversary were taking place. The eight performers who were attending the same event with Museveni are said to have been heard saying the Ugandan president was speaking too much and that he should end his speech. According to the Monitor, the eight had their microphones on when they made the utterances that were picked in the hotel’s sound system and heard by majority of those attending the event. The artists will be charged with insulting the person of the president“(Edward Chweya – ‘Eight Artists Arrested For Insulting Museveni At A Wedding Anniversary’ 08.04.2024, Citizen Digital).

The Freedom Fighter and liberator of the 1980s are known for using the Penal Code Act of 1950 in his favour. The colonial law which has several of articles, that has been substantial in his iron grip of the state.

People are laughing at the arrest of 8 musicians today and it shows how foolish his government is, but we have seen this before. Artists, activists and politicians have tasted the bitter fruits of the Penal Code Act. The Crane Performs follows several others who has been here.

You should never offend the “don” or the Leopards Anus. He is Untouchable, the Fountain of Honour and His Excellency can ensure the demise of others, if he feels annoyed or ridiculed. That what happened at the Wedding Anniversary this month.

Here is the Penal Code that matters…

24. Penalty for acts intended to alarm, annoy or ridicule the President

Any person who, with intent to alarm or annoy or ridicule the President—

(a)

wilfully throws any matter or substance at or upon the person of the President;

(b)

wilfully strikes the person of the President; or

(c)

assaults or wrongfully restrains the person of the President,

commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for life” (Penal Code Act, 1950).

If the President and his party believed in the utterance of the public. He could have amended this part of the Penal Code. The Penal Code has been amended several of times and this article could have been taken of the earth. It could have become a relic of history. However, it is still active in the year of 2024 and people will be charged because of it.

It takes nothing to offend the President. President Museveni is easily annoyed and offended, which is a reason for several of people detained, charged and taken into custody over their utterances in public. The musicians now are the latest ones… and there will be more than these. As this law is active and will be used whenever the President deem fit. He will order it and ensure the demise of others. They will learn a lesson and that the President is the “high above”. Peace.