Opinion: KaBobi was destined to be torn to pieces…

“In a recent interview with BBC, Kyagulanyi disclosed the immense pressure he is grappling with, revealing a shocking admission of his friendly relations with members of the gay community. Mr Wine asserted that; “the anti-gay law was strategically enacted to target me and my loved ones”. In a bold revelation, Kyagulanyi claimed that his party’s unanimous support for the controversial law in parliament was orchestrated by President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, accusing him of manipulating NUP MPs to serve his political agenda. “He [Museveni] didn’t bring it in the interests of the people of Uganda – but to target the opposition,” Kyagulanyi claimed” (The Whisper Eye, 07.12.2023).

A life of a politician isn’t easy and it’s even harder in a dictatorship. Especially, when the dictator and the cronies around him is using populistic means to get people on its side. That’s when the opposition have to handle things accordingly and stand on a moral high-ground. However, sooner or later, that bubble can burst and it did happen this week with Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill is a quagmire for the politicians. It is a draconian legislation and targets one specific minority. The legislation in itself is repulsive, but it has enough popularity in a majority of circles. As there been no public outcry or dismay of the enacting of the legislation. All pressure comes from the outside and really not from within. The pressure from within is withering and if not gone silent, because of the legislation itself.

That’s where Bobi Wine comes in as the former Presidential Candidate and Party President of the National Unity Platform (NUP). His the leader of the biggest opposition party and he knows it. He has to take a stance and be careful about it. As a man of rising popularity. The man knows how quickly things can change or even be lost. That has been shown time and time again.

This Anti-Homosexuality Bill are an eye-sore for Bobi Wine. That’s why he has been so cautious to address it. It’s like he didn’t want to touch the subject or even address it. Bobi Wine rather talk about the mismanagement, the impunity of the state and the horrific human rights violations done on the watch of the state. That’s what he wants to address and make a statement on. He doesn’t want to touch or be known for anything in particular in concern to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. No, he don’t and he intends not too.

That’s why he had no where to hide in the United Kingdom and the BBC Interviewer came knocking. He had to say something and speak out about it. Because, the UK and the West are in dismay over the law. They are rebuking it and wants the Republic to make amends. However, that is the interests of donor community and not the popular belief in Republic right now. If it was… there would have been another attitude and moral objection too it, which no one has seen.

This is why Bobi Wine is troubled. He knows this and so does his team. He can’t spin this one and become the victor. Either his a prick abroad or his a beloved character at home. In this instance, he cannot be both. Bobi Wine cannot be the revolutionary politician when he trades his moral compass to stay in good graces everywhere. He got to take a stance and abide by it. If it costs, well… then it costs. If not… he has to disregard it and downplay it abroad.

This BBC Interview didn’t do him any favours. Only shows him from another side and he has to make a vital decision here. He cannot spin the wheel and not think it doesn’t has consequences. Because, it does… and he knows that too.

He will be torn to pieces over this interview. Regardless of what he would say on the subject. It would be retorts and rebukes. Either in Kampala or from London. That was destined to happen and we could have seen it coming. Peace.

Opinion: It all either starts or ends in Kololo

No matter how things goes and where the mischief is happening. Sooner or later the green van comes to block the roads. The convoys are preprepared. The buses with the crowds and the dignitaries comes one after another to partake in the festivities. That’s how this life goes.

Under the current reign of Museveni. Everything seem to be beholden to the activities of Kololo. If it is happening there and with the right amount of people. You just know that it matters and supersedes anything else.

The National Resistance Movement and the whole Government of Uganda will all dance. They will show up and bash in the glory. This is what they live for and awaits. Another day and another time to enjoy the perks of office. Get free food and some spotlight with His Excellency.

It is just what awaits us. Kololo awaits the dead, the living and the coming generations. That’s what gives life and gives life a reason. The President officiate and lectures the crowds. He is telling if his displeased or happy about people’s performance. Museveni will scold, but also be brutally honest. While he will skim the truth too and try to forge a narrative that makes him the legendary person.

The VIPs and the dignitaries will all be resolute and await their turn. Maybe they are just to sit and some hope to be called upon. Nevertheless, there is usually a theme and the ones who are called knew months ahead. If not there was a letter or an invitation specifying the details of the day.

Alas, the start and the end of things are at Kololo. Regardless of event or what that goes down. Either a person is appointed, a new term is starting or they a celebrating a unique day in history. If not they are mourning a deceased or expecting someone to come. This is why Kololo matters.

The moment there is a monumental affair or event, it got to be at Kololo. You don’t have random gatherings there and it has to vital. That’s why you know why it is televised or played on radio. The President isn’t only there, but his whole royal court. The jesters, the musicians, the speakers and the members of the August House. There are judges and clerical workers, the unlucky civil servants who was ferried and citizens who got there to eat a free meal. They are all there to unveil or partake in the glorious day of the Presidency.

That’s why we know when things are big. They are big because they are done at Kololo.

Kololo is Kololo and you know the drill when the state mentions it. There will be no shortcomings or even half-stepping. That’s where the journey either begins or ends. Peace.

Justice Forum (JEEMA) letter to President of National Unity Platfom (NUP) Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi (04.12.2023)

Opinion: Supplementary Budget No. 1 of 2023 is a masterpiece of epic failures…

I don’t know about you… but the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) isn’t of a sound mind and never has been under the administration of National Resistance Movement (NRM). The recent years has been heavy and hectic. The newest addition of supplementary budgets is no different.

There is a talk of adding 3,5 trillion shilling to various of projects, budget posts and help re occurrent shortfalls in revenue. Meaning the state is lacking the funds to begin with and have to add these fill to the void. This isn’t a wise move or a brilliant one. It is another cash-grab.

Just like the State House just needs another 100 billion shillings to “confidential funds”. Like it didn’t get enough in the original vote and budget for the Financial Year of 2023/24. They had to add more and give the President another slush-fund. Because, what else there to give and spend money on right?

Well… you have 2,7 billion shillings to be spent on “supervision of the Lubowa Hospital” which is just amazing wast of funds. As we know the monies here are misused and the progress of hospital is at a standstill. The contractors, the companies behind and the state themselves haven’t even allowed the Ministry of Health or Members of Parliament to watch the “building site” so who knows where these billions of shillings will go to.

In addition the Soroti Fruit Factory through the Uganda Development Company (UDC) get another bailout and a friendly push from the state with 9,4 billion shillings. That’s a real treat for a failing state corporation, which wasn’t long ago deemed to be sold. The whole Soroti Fruit Factory has been a tragedy from the paperwork to the implementation of it. It hasn’t added value to the produce, but been a steady budget post of the state.

These are just few of the budget posts in the supplementary budget and it shows how blatant it is. There is no middle ground or progress here. Only more of the same and wastage of public funds. They are spent on either mischief or status symbols for a chosen few. If not on secretive missions and miscellaneous, which we have no idea about.

This Supplementary Budget is just showing how the NRM isn’t having fiscal discipline or even bothers to try. They know there is “free” money and someone else who can cough up the dough. That’s why the nation is run like this and they have all sorts of excuses for additional expenditure. This isn’t new in 2023… and we have heard all sorts of reasons before.

I can promise you… this won’t be the last in this Financial Year. They tend to have like three or so. Just to add on enough funds… because they hope someone will loan, grant or be able to get funding outside of domestic revenue. Peace.

Uganda: State House – Press Statement (03.12.2023)

Opinion: Kasaija proves that the rot of corruption is everywhere…

I don’t sleep, I’ve been looking for money. I’m abused by my colleagues that I don’t give them money. When I give them money, they don’t use it for the purpose it has been given. The question of corruption is getting to the nerves of some of us. The corrupt should not be in our government. We work so hard. We worked so hard to bring this county to where it is now but people want to derail us and take the country into wars unnecessarily” – Finance Minister Matia Kasaija (02.12.2023).

No surprises. No sudden changes. The winds haven’t changed. Neither have the tidal waves or the tides of the sea. No, everything is like normal. The cows are being fed. The chickens are being slaughtered and the eggs are collected. Nothing out of the ordinary. Even the nsenene are being sold on the market of Kampala.

The sun is shining and the flow of currency is on overload. There is no rash decision or law that has been amended. No, there is no new Financial Policy or White Paper that has been put forward. Neither has the OAG, IGG or PPDA issued anything of substance. Neither has the FIA or UIA for that matter. There is even a special unit operating in the State House too. Therefore, the state has enough organizations and authorities to combat the corruption. However, they are all ending up with nothing.

This is why nothing changes… because it is a whole lot of nothing. Only small fries, small fishes and the ones who are duped who get caught. The ones who has no leverage or connections. The little guys in the up-country districts to dares to eat of other people’s plates. They are captured and taken into custody. While the authorities says they captured someone who defrauded the state and misused funds.

We have heard of ghosts, missing funds and other tales of late. We are so accustomed to it. That the mabaati and the ghosts SACCOs, NAADs, Emooya, OWC and whatnot just become staple food. The lack of oversight gives the high ranking officials a power to create ghosts and get a pay-off. They just claim to build a bridge or procure furniture for their offices. However, the bridge or the furnitures will never exists, except for on paper and during votes on the budget.

That the Finance Minister is saying these words. It is fine that his calling it out. The deceased Governor of Bank of Uganda must feel good in his afterlife. Seeing how a colleague is ranting out in public. We know that the IGG or OAG have no intentions of shielding or securing whistle-blowers. Therefore, it is a danger to call out mischief and illicit funds. Because, why do that when your career is on the line?

That’s why nothing of his words matters. The system is rotten to the core and it’s been celebrated with Presidential Handshakes, tax-holidays and pay-off’s for service rendered. That’s why nothing will change and the President is fine with that. The daily pay-days are here to stay and the Finance Minister just have to cough up the dough.

Kasaija have served this regime for decades now. He knows the drill and his been fine with it. Maybe now and then been ranting, but his one of them. The President has entrusted him with the office and knows he delivers. That’s why his retained, time and time again. The Minister wouldn’t be there if the President didn’t know he would serve him correctly.

The message is fine in itself, but it is pointless. When you know the authorities, the organizations and the state itself in indifferent. The fellow peers and the ones above him don’t mind. They are jubilant and gets off easy. These are people who are used to eating of others people’s plates. The ones doing so have no intention or plans to stop. It is free food and a feast. The bounty is on the table and why call it out. When you get the meat, the beans and the matooki. It is just time to enjoy it and have some tea after the meal. Peace.

Opinion: The Presidential Guards (SFC) has launched the “Operation Potholes”

There is a joke here, but I know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or the Muhoozi Kainerubaga Movement “The Bridge” won’t take that kindly. The Presidential Guards or the Special Forces Command (SFC) have gotten a two billion shilling deal to fix potholes in Kampala.

That the SFC is getting two billions shillings in itself is questionable… because where there a tendering process and was all stakeholders partaking in the process? I doubt that ever happened and it was the “high above” that decided this.

The Mission of the SFC is this: “To develop and operate a powerful and versatile special operations force that is situated within the unique Ugandan way of war and is responsive to the requirements of the UPDF and the nation.”

I wonder how they can play this one out, because this is a versatile operation, but not in clever warfare. If this is to show the leadership of Muhoozi and his brand of standby generator vibes. Well, he will loose and not win this one. First off, the government have given him a budget, which practically won’t fix much. It is hackwork and patchwork that we all can say won’t last long. There are too many players getting paid and getting a cut before the bitumen is procured. Therefore, the SFC is bound to fail like KCCA and UNRA already is doing.

They are all pinning the Lord Mayor, but the General won’t fair any better. Even if he has the ears of his father and all the powers within his midst. Muhoozi is a making a mockery of the state and how things operate. When a specialized unit like the SFC is suddenly building or maintaining roads. That’s not a military operation, but a case of mismanagement.

It is just a sign of militarized the economy is, but no one is surprised as the UPDF has been used in plenty of private sectors in the recent years. Now they are signing of for the unit of Muhoozi. That’s why he shows up, even as his only Senior Presidential Advisor and an Army Commander. He shouldn’t be partaking in this, but because of the prestige. That’s why his there and wants to look like his doing something.

This is the launch of “Operation Potholes” and we can wonder why the golden boy, the golden child and the Prince of the City gets the bid. They are trying to forge a narrative and make it believe that Muhoozi and his army strategies works in civilian terms. Surely, he should do this fast and efficiently. Since his capable of invading Nairobi within 3 days. Therefore, he should be the guy to salvage the plights and stop the suffering of potholes in a heartbeat.

However, we know that won’t be the case and this is a money-grab. It is guaranteed to not be sufficient or be enough. This is put up in haste and to make the General look good. In a manner that continues his process to the Presidency. Even if he has no idea what his doing and the SFC isn’t burning down a Royal Palace in Kasese, but suddenly fixing roads in Kampala.

It is just amazing how this is done. Some people are saying whatever that works, they don’t mind. However, this is undermining the KCCA and UNRA. The MoWT should also feel disregarded, as the General are taking their spot. Just like the UPDF Engineering Brigade started to fix the Stadium in the City too. The army is becoming a unique brand of builders and engineers. They are not soldiers or army commanders fighting terrorism or insurgency. No, they are becoming honest men digging in the dirt.

Who knew? But let’s see how “Operation Potholes” will unfold. Peace.

Opinion: Kicking out an MP from a Committee – shows how the Speaker whips her will

The Speaker guided Parliament and all its Committee that our colleagues who are currently boycotting plenary shouldn’t participate in the meetings of committees and field visits by the committees and I know that Hon Ssekitoleko is in that category. I am constrained to request him to take leave of the meeting until such time that they officially report to the plenary. The guidance of the Speaker is biding on Parliament and its Committees, unfortunately, I will not contravene the guidance of the Speaker. So kindly take leave and let us transact the business of the Committee in your absence” – Fox Odoi MP (27.11.2023)

Today, Robert Ssekitoleko (Bamunanika County MP), a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) was kicked out of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee sitting. This isn’t shocking or surprising.

What we are seeing today is how the Speaker Anita Among orders are fulfilled by fellow Members of Parliament. Fox Odoi MP wants to be in the good graces of the speaker, which is why Ssekitoleko MP isn’t allowed to participate or be an active member of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. That’s because his boycotting plenary sessions in the August House until the Government and the Executive addresses the missing people, the abducted ones, the long-detained political prisoners and the ones tortured, even the ones who has been extra judicially killed. All of these are not answered for, which is the point of the boycott.

Speaker Among is just getting people more unto the activism and the modus operandi of the security organizations of the state. Their ills and the injustice is amplified. Because, every time someone adheres to her orders. These people are by default getting more eyes on the impunity of the state. Meanwhile, the Parliament or the Speaker aren’t getting any better. They are still not addressing the matter and the ones who is in custody of the state.

Fox Odoi MP just followed orders and doesn’t want to defy his master. That’s why he kicked the NUP MP out of the Committee. This is just a show and prove their actions has consequences. Though we are discussing the people who are missing or behind bars without proper charges or trials, which the Ministers and the Executive could address the House. Though, we know the will of the state to do so, is close to none and it’s shows.

If the Speaker thinks her strategy is wise. Well, her actions are only amplifying the voices for the ones in need. It isn’t showing her strength or resilience. Neither is it a policy of strengthening her office or codes of conduct within the House. All of that is a failure… and further just shows that she wants to prove point, but it will end up pointless.

The Speaker can direct and make a mockery of committees by kicking out opposition members. Just like the one happening today. However, that only gives us more reasons to speak about the political prisoners and prisoners of conscience… they will be spoken about even more and tarnish the name of the Parliament. As the House isn’t addressing it or even trying to have an oversight of security organizations who does this to civilians. Peace.

Opinion: Mpuuga’s masterclass response to Speaker Among

Our absence from the House is official because it was officially communicated. It’s the duty of Parliament’s presiding officers to consider how to treat official communication. I earlier communicated of a meeting we had in the Speaker’s chambers during which the regime’s Ministers of Defence, Security and Inter Affairs undertook to make a comprehensive response to each of the issues we raised. They had a time frame 30 days which elapsed last Sunday on 19th November 2023. At no one time are we going to return to #PlenaryUg without our demands being responded to. All we are waiting for is the date and time the regime will be ready to respond. We received communication last week that they were unable to come with the statement because they had travelled out of the country for a security meeting. Do they want to tell us that when they travelled, did they flee into exile? Are they dead or were disappeared like #TheMissing18? Our demand of the Speaker is for to follow up on Parliament’s instructions to the Executive. We expect her to be neutral; an arbitor or referee whose duty is to demand that the Executive comes and answer. Other matters short of an answer are peripheral and we are not willing to be diverted into that” – Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga (23.11.2023)

Yesterday it was a launch of threats in the Plenary Session against the Opposition Members of Parliament who is boycotting the August House at the moment. These MPs are not partaking or being within the chambers for Plenary Sessions. Neither of them has notified or asked for “leave of absence” which is why the Speaker is trying to use a power move and show strength for her cause.

However, Speaker Among forgets certain things too and that she has leverage yes, but not a good moral grandstander. She don’t have ground to walk on or be justified to retaliate. The Opposition MPs are the ones awaiting answers for the abducted, kidnapped, kept incommunicado, tortured and political prisoners or prisoners of conscience. These people needs to be addressed and their whereabouts, their charges and their bodies for that matter. Since no one has heard or seen them for ages. Therefore, there are unresolved matters, which is of no concern for the Speaker apparently.

The Speaker is just into power and wants to prove it. She wants to whip the MPs into Order and be the Leader of the House. Nevertheless, she forgets her role too and what she’s supposed to do. Alas, she might not have access or allow to pursuit the misgivings of the state, which is why they are making excuses instead of delivering what the Opposition is asking for.

It is easier to order a drone and the authorities on a person. Than to actually acknowledge the person or give the person its rights under the rule of law. That’s how it looks like in the Republic at the moment. The Speaker isn’t making things better either.

Issuing threats and taking away privileges. If that’s the answer… then she’s a sorry individual who doesn’t mind the plights and suffering of others. She is blind to the fact and the sorrow other people have. This is the gist of it.

LoP Mpuuga actually showed masterclass here. He is following procedure and being frank. Not just begging for room and a microphone to speak. The ones expect him to back-down and be compromised. Certainly didn’t get their day and we can wonder how the Speaker will react to this. Because this doesn’t fit her narrative and her shallow perception of things.

The Speaker is advised to listen now, but I doubt she ever will. That is water under the bridge. She isn’t that kind. The only one she would listen too, is the one that appointed her and gave the opportunity to become Speaker. Peace.

Opinion: The people of Karamoja have understood the value of PDM…

In some sections of the community, there is negative attitude towards PDM money as it is compared to other similar government poverty eradication programs which are generally perceived by some people as failures. Some people perceive the PDM as a thank you token from the President for voting him in power and others view it as Personal Pocket Money like I said in (Karenga) Karamoja, some people were reported to be referring to the money as Personal Drinking Money” – Ojara Mapenduzi, Chairperson Parliament’s Public Service Committee (22.11.2023)

We know the drill and we have been here before. Now the Karamoja sub-region and the population, which have been starving and been in conflict. The ones who are used and getting taken for granted. The population of Karamoja isn’t thriving and that’s a result of years of neglect or lack government services. They have been kept this way and for a purpose.

The Parish Development Model (PDM) like any micro-finance scheme the government has created are flawed from the onset and with lacking due diligence. The PDM was launched just in time for elections and making a continuation of the endless programs like these. The SACCOs, NAADs, Emyooga, OWC and whatnot. It is just an endless money-pit and programs destined to fail. The PDM is no difference. Another name of the same scheme, which happens to be re-branded and tweaked just a little bit to look different from the others. However, the core business is the same and in the end… it will amount to little to nothing.

Well, with that in mind. Here we are… and the Karamoja sub-region is speaking fact. They have seen it coming and they spell the rain on the horizon. The people know what the PDM means and why it exists. That it is a cash-grab made around elections and to ensure the regime votes. That’s why they make new ones and with additional “incentives” to sweeten the deal.

It is just amazing to know the PDM is seen as a pocket money and drinking money. That wasn’t the intention, but there been so much shady going on with the PDM money. So, who cares about a little fun around “happy hour” aye?

The PDM was destined to fail and just like the predecessors did too. The NRM did make amends or ensure it’s longevity. That doesn’t matter either, because they just launch another one before the next General Elections anyway. Before their been any serious reporting or oversight into the PDM as a whole.

There been reports that shows how the PDM has failed. These have been very direct and shown how the government have failed this one. There are just to much drive and very little protocol. Neither are there safety-nets or anything ensuring the usage either. This means the money will be spent on frivolous activities and who doesn’t mind a free beer.

I’m sure the Waragin O’Clock is hitting smoothly in Kotido or Moroto for that matter. They are just enjoying the buzz of the PDM. These people deserved the brew and the tingly feeling after all their hardships. When they can get functioning roads, schools or hospitals. At least a free drink and a nice evening is a small bargain. It doesn’t the patch the hurt, but it give momentary relief.

Alas, the mabaati thieves is discussing it, but not seeing the grander the picture. Just like the MPs and Ministers took from the state. The PDM was taken for granted too and they cannot be blamed for that. They are not seeing a concerning government or a service delivery. Instead they are pawns and now they used their peasant power for their own legendary night(s). Peace.