Teso Affairs: The failure of Soroti Fruit Factory Part III – Who are they, Mzee?

From one acre of apples, you can get a lot of money. The problem was on our side: planning. We tried to build a fruit factory in Soroti, but it was poorly built, I think they stole the money. That is why I was now struggling with Olivia to see whether we can get private investors” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (02.11.2023).

The Republic of Korea invested 8 million dollars towards the construction of the factory, equipment installation and training of Ugandan staff to operate the factory. The Ugandan government contributed 2.2 million dollars. The Ugandan contribution catered for land acquisition and other utilities” (David Tumusiime & Ddumba Lawrence – ‘KOICA sponsored Soroti Fruit factory ready to open doors for business’ 18.04.2019).

When hearing the quote from the President. My mind boggled for a minute. Who are they?

Is it the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) or is it the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC)? The Ugandan Government have invested into the Soroti Fruit Factory for years… So, who are “they”?

When the President speaks about planning, that has been proven by a Committee Report from the Parliament last year (2022). That report stated the Factory was built for another type of fruit than the preferable or the ones that is mostly produced in the region. So, the government through UDC and KOICA invested in Mangos, but the Teso Sub-Region is known for oranges. Therefore, why did you do this in the first place).

The second report last year (2022) stated the Factory had 2 year old orange concentrate, but didn’t know what to do with it. Neither had the factory the manpower or the storage to have fruits from the regions farmers. Therefore, the factory itself isn’t able to add value to the agricultural sector. Neither does it has a packing line or other things it needs to make tradeable juices. Which is one of the massive ways to trade and use fruit. Alas, another proof of the lack of planning for the ones who built it.

We know that the Government of Uganda has budgeted funds for the Soroti Fruit Factory for years, but nothing has improved. There been plenty of budget posts and investments from the state. Not like they only built it and forgot about it. No, there been steadily funds for it. However, nothing has helped…

It is just strange that the President says someone stole funds, but not mentioning who… when the state and others was involved. There was surely lots of stakeholders… and the digging will find skeletons in the closet.

The Teso Sub-Region and their farmers deserves better. The citizens in general who has lost money from the public coffers. The state reserves and foreign investors who also spent funds did so to no avail. The promise of development and profits haven’t occurred. Not only lacking planning, but also accountability.

We can wonder who is “they”… and why he said “they”. Now we can just await if someone will ever find “them” and take “them” in. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee has become a colonial overlord grabbing land in the North…

Government land- Anybody occupying government land (Aswa ranch, Lakang, land acquired for the Madvhani group, etc.) must leave with immediate effect but in any case not later than 3 weeks from today” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 03.11.2023).

Today, we can acknowledge with certainty that the Government of Uganda (GoU) lays claims to land and expropriate it without any consideration, hesitation or plans for the ones living on it. This after years of stalemate and clashes. Because, the state has no answers and only beholden to the companies or foreign investors who “bought” the land.

That’s how the National Resistance Movement (NRM) operates. They are now giving Apaa Village three weeks to move. Others will follow in the Acholi sub-region. As the interests of Kampala/Entebbe is more important than the livelihoods or the pastoralist societies of the North. That is the message I am getting from the President.

He gives the citizens three weeks to relocate, but offers no securities, no basic ways to find new homes or land to settle on. The President is relocating families and villages all for the benefit of a few chosen ones. That’s what his doing and he has no plan or structure in place to give them shelter or a way to make a living.

What the President is now issuing is a case for the Madvhani Group, which have made agreements with the state back in the mid 2000s or around 2006 to be exact. There been plenty of setbacks and pushback on the deal. However, the state has continued and persistent that the group was to takeover 40,000 hectares of land in Amuru district and build Amuru Sugar Works.

While the mentioning of Apaa Village was to sell it to a South African Investor Bruce Martin so he got his own gaming reserve and hunting ground in the area. That was done in 2005 and continued to this day.

Another mentioned case was the sale of Aswa Ranch to the Libyan government in 1998. That’s why we know the state has worked on these cases for years and now suddenly only give a staunch warning.

That’s deliberate and a scare tactic, as there are no mechanisms or anything in place to safeguard the civilians here. Everywhere that the state has sold land. They are only becoming internally displaced people (IDPs) with nowhere to go. While the investors get prime real-estate and get huge chunks of land. That is hurting to know and the President should know better, but he has promised and the investors wants their loot. Therefore, he has to do something, because his not winning by the years going by. His not getting younger either, so he cannot enjoy the spoils if the assets and the land isn’t sold.

That is something we have to consider here, as the President just directs and orders like a colonial master over the sub-region. Where the public are just supposed to listen and if not… they will suffer consequences. The ironies of that, if they do listen… where should they go? Where and what has the state to offer them?

They have just lost everything and what they knew… so that some foreign investors could grab land in Acholiland. That’s the gig here and its infuriating. It just shows the arrogance and the entitlement of the government. As it just takes, take and doesn’t question its own behaviour here.

Acholi deserves better. They do… they are being sold for shiny objects and left out with nothing. While the President and his inner-circle is getting a piece of the action. Peace.

Opinion: You can apparently besiege a place, but not open it…

“I blocked NUP from unveiling its Kavule Headquarters because president Museveni shall be in Kawempe tomorrow and you know he needs people to be ferried to his processions. When we allow NUP to proceed, Museveni may not have people to attend his function,”~Kawempe Dep. RCC Ndidde” (The Kampala Journal, 01.11.2023).

Uganda Police and the army earlier today deployed heavily at the have deployed heavily at the new opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) offices in Kawempe Division where the party president Robert Kyagulanyi and other members had planned to officially open today” (STV Uganda, 02.11.2023).

The Uganda Police Force, the high ranking officials and whoever was in-charge of the security detail surrounding the new Headquarters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has lost the plot. Seriously. It is just dumb and the reasoning was foolish.

Telling 48 hours in advance that the NUP had to find another date to get accommodated too. Because, the authorities and the security couldn’t handle it. Alas, here is problem with saying that. When you in advance of the scheduled opening has besieged the plot and the compound. In such a fashion that no entry is possible. That’s what the authorities did today and they had plenty of guards, police officers and soldiers alert. Meaning, the authorities could have ensured the safety of the NUP and let them open the Party Headquarters. However, that wasn’t the order and that’s why the Party was forced to wait to tomorrow.

The authorities aren’t that wise here. Neither are they showing any finesse. The President is making himself look unpopular too. As he knows the people would surround the NUP Headquarters and not at his function. That’s why his appointee had to serve him and block the NUP from opening up their own offices. It just shows the ironies of life and how “one man” rules them all.

This wasn’t to safe-guard or benefit the people. No, this was all done to serve His Excellency. Not to secure and make it right for the NUP. The state and the President had a plan, which was so important that everything else had to stop. Because, if it didn’t he would look humiliated and alone. The state handlers and the servants of the President couldn’t let that happen. Which is why the NUP had to pay a price and open their offices on another day.

It is just really amusing that the RCC and the Authorities stated they didn’t have the manpower to secure and facilitate the opening. When they had enough soldiers and police officers to ensure a rigged election out there. They had enough officers to stop all movement and traffic, if they wanted too. However, the same guards, officers and soldiers couldn’t ensure the safety and the opening. That is just ridiculous!

The emperor is naked. The foolishness of the oppressor has no end. This is the democracy and the freedoms that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) abides by. It is how they roll and people just have to accept it. Peace.

Uganda: PACEID – Statement from the Office of Odrek Rwabwogo, Chair of Uganda’s Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports & Industrial Development (PACEID) – (01.11.2023)

The Disciples of Odrek Rwabwogo letter to the Chairperson of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (30.10.2023)

Opinion: When will the West Nile Region really matter?

Is this revenge? Is this petty politics over old sins?

What gives?

Why is the West Nile Region left behind and not on the national grid of electricity?

I don’t have the answers… but we are in October 2023 and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) are out of time. The bush-war and the grievances between the “north” and the “south” should be over by now. The same development served in the “south” should be offered in the “north”. If not… isn’t that sectarian or tribalistic?

Are Museveni and his NRM avenging old sins and going after the “north” because they fought a prolonged war in past. They stood tall in their believes and in their leaders. In which made the National Resistance Army (NRA) hurt for years and took longer time to consolidate power. It is just a perception that this is happening because of Tito Okello, Idi Amin and others. The Nilotic tribes are hit. Moyo, Madi and others are in the cross-fire in 2023… and not getting the ability to switch on a light-bulb.

Neither is there enough clean-water and development projects are lacking. There isn’t even a concern of the major roads or the infrastructure the districts needs. That’s why transports are endangered and could get stuck on muddy roads. Certainly, the NRM proudly speaks of roads and development, but that hasn’t been made here.

We can wonder why he haven’t done things for Nebbi, Koboko, Arua, Moyo, Yumbe or Lira. The President has come with pledges and promises in elections since 1996. However, the citizens have returned empty handed. If it is building roads or electricity. Sometimes even their micro-money lending schemes aren’t even arriving either. It is just like the West Nile is cursed and isn’t allowed to enter a new era.

That’s why I believe now its is deliberate. The President fears the West Nile. Because he has seen with his own eyes the leaders of the West Nile in the past. When the West Nile and their people stood tall and together. That’s when they were saying something and taking charge. This is why it became a “north” versus “south” thing in the past. Because of the origin of leadership. A leadership that Museveni fought and conquered.

Museveni don’t want to repeat and loose his footing. That’s why he comes lurking and promises during campaigns. Speaks high and mighty, but never returns with the pot of gold. Instead his doing the bidding of “south” and ensuring his inner-circle are eating. That’s why the region is left behind. The districts are struggling and nothing is granted them. Only the predecessors built them things and planned real development.

The current status quo is only harming and continuing to give it “nothing”. They have had decades to fix and care. However, they are not concerned and the elite of West Nile can be bought. They can be corrupted and be enlarged by titles in “south”. In such a fashion, that they forget the needs of their constituents. That’s how this cycle of “nothing” continues.

All big “hot-air” words, but never ever anything substantial implemented. Peace.

Opinion: The “drones” haunts the chambers of Parliament…

There is no amount of legislation that can atone for murders and disappearances, whether we are able to legislate and pass a bill on a daily basis, while the targeted beneficiaries of these legislations are being abused by Government and some of them are killed, then we are legislating in a void and we can never claim to be serious legislators” (…) “Lawmaking and legislation must be consequential and we can’t engage in inconsequential actions as legislators from the opposition, therefore, I want to assure Ugandans that these demands are legitimate and they constitute a top priority for us as the Opposition” – Leader of the Opposition Mathias Mpuuga (26.10.2023).

As the National Resistance Movement or the Government of Uganda wants the world to believe. That nothing shady or murky is going on. That the opposition is only making up fictional tales and has records of missing persons, but they are never revealed or re-appearing. There are unknown amount of people associated with the opposition that is kept incommunicado or without trial as political prisoners.

The “drones” or “panda gari’s” comes in the shadows and without warrants. The security agents just picks up people and take them away to unknown destinations. While family and friends has no clus for why. They are partaking in politics and activism, and that’s the sole reason for their demise. This is the state and how the authorities operates. People are gone for years without proper court cases, put in trial sometimes by court martial and some left in the dungeons (“safe-houses”). That is a well known “secret” and ungazetted ones are there too.

The security agencies are operating in the shadows and are happy to oblige to orders. Heck, reports are that high ranking officials that is offended or displeased with citizens has paid of agents to kidnap and silence critics. That’s how the system works now and the law enforcement is happy to do the dirty work.

Therefore, the words of Mpuuga is needed to be said. The boycott was necessary, but calling it off before anything substantial was done by the NRM is futile. The Deputy Speaker gave Gen. David Muhoozi a month to come and address the Parliament again. Meaning the Minister and General can ease off and have bought him time. In such time that people forget this and hope another scandal arrives. While the political prisoners continues to linger in prisons or dungeons like they currently do.

The LoP is in between a rock and a hard place. He has little to no space to manoeuvre, as the minority and it has little consequences what he does. That’s why the government spokesperson and others call it drama. I understand that… when they are so softly returning to the plenary and the boycott called off so quickly. The leader of the opposition could at least tried a bit longer and piled on the pressure.

Yes, his statements and addresses in parliament is fine. However, the NRM, the authorities and the “high above” won’t care. They will continue like yesterday and the yesteryears. There is no reason for them to stop. This system is functioning and the ones suffering is the dissidents. The elite and the ones eating don’t mind. They are not seeing the price and the sacrifices. These are only enjoying the perks and privileges of being on “top”. So, why should they bother about the dark side?

Well… Mpuuga is in a battle he cannot win. The NUP and the other opposition parties is in the same realm. The authorities and the NRM can just play around and continue with their persistent impunity and injustice. That’s what they do and that’s what keep the regime alive. Peace.

Uganda: Office of the Prime Minister – Press Release (25.10.2023)

National Unity Platform (NUP): NUP Institutions – Press Release (26.10.2023)

Opinion: Aber MP better pray that the next victor is forgiving…

If I were the parents of these missing people, I would take them(opposition) to court. They are the ones who mobilized these people to go where they claim they were arrested. I know when one is missing, you report the case to the police. The government is committed to finding these people wherever they are” – Lillian Aber MP (24.10.2023).

The Woman Representative for Kitgum District and the National Vice Chairperson of the MK Movement for Northern Uganda spoke earlier today on NBS Television, Honourable Lillian Aber to be exact.

Just reading the wording from the NBS was infuriating and insulting to say the least. The woman has some nerves and her entitlement is outrageous. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) MP should show some grace and humility, but that’s too much to ask. They are living like there is no tomorrow and no one is inheriting the earth after it.

She has enrolled and is part of the NRM Way. That is obvious and she speaks like one of them. Not like she has a legislative record to speak of or any sort of proof of value in the 11th Parliament. However, she’s a useful pawn for the First Son and his plans to become the successor. Just like he picks and appoint someone from within on the regular. Aber MP is just one of them and within the future of Gen. Muhoozi. That’s it and that’s why she can act like this…

Because, she better pray and hope the next victor will be kind, soft and be cordial. Not be a person of vengeance or retribution. Neither be a leader who wants to make examples of and use the same means to stifle the predecessor. Because, if that happens and if they want to do scorched earth. Than the NRM and the ones high ranking officials will be burned. They will be touched and feel the suffering that the opposition and dissidents are feeling now. These people will be torn apart and left astray, be incommunicado and kept in secret by the authorities. People of the NRM taken in drones and even Court Martial as civilians. Having pending cases for years on end and never see the courts. Just being state property and nothing ever happens. Except more injustice and more people scorn by the ruling elite.

The ruling elite Aber MP is a part of. She is one of the anointed ones and kept in high regard. That’s why Gen. Muhoozi has chosen her too. He wouldn’t have… if he didn’t see her value and that she could bring something to the table. Be of use and be a part of his journey. That’s why she’s there and her arrogance is staggering.

Aber MP better hope and pray that Muhoozi is her saviour and that’s his able to keep the nation under an iron fist. She better hope that Muhoozi has the capacity and the ability to forge himself into the State House and rule as vicious tyrant. Because, he cannot run on love or true admiration. Why would people admire him and his terror? Except if you want to terrorize civilians and take away their freedom. Then I understand why you celebrate and thinks highly of the man. However, that isn’t how you will a popularity contest or the polls by honest means.

No, the MP knows all of this, but still spends time speaking recklessly and without a heart. Not thinking about the people suffering, the ones who is missing their loved ones and some who might never see them again. People who are political prisoners and prisoners of consciences. These are the ones who are hurt and who has lost their rights. The state don’t mind their pain or suffering. The plights of them and the ones surrounding them. It is how the system and the authorities are treating them.

Certainly, Aber MP better hope the next victor is grand and have a huge heart. Has compassion and deep understanding of the despair and need for honest rule of law. Because, at this time and with these rulers, there are little to none for plenty. A law that is misused and held often in contempt too. Therefore, she should be careful…

None of us know tomorrow and we don’t know who will be next King. Peace.