Opinion: National Promoters Association has re-invented the POMA…

Halima Namakula, Music Promoter: The National Promoters Association is pleased to announce that effective 13th March 2023, all promoters organizing events in the country shall have first to acquire a letter of clearance from the National Promoters Association. Halima Namakula, Music Promoter: National Promoters Association is committed to ensuring promoters comply with the new guidelines irrespective of the associations they are affiliated with” (NBS Television, 13.03.2023).

There is nothing new under the sun, but here comes the rain. It needs to rain and thunder, because this is foolishness at its best. The National Promoters Association has no law or stipulated articles in legislation, which gives them a mandate, a right or justification to block promoters or anyone from organizing events across the Republic.

The ones in-charge of the events has to comply with current legislation or laws. Which means they have to file in documentation and get vouched for by the Uganda Police Force (UPF) through the Public Order Managament Act (POMA). That law stipulates certain criteria and needs of the organizers to file in time and get a go ahead from the authorities. There is nothing in the POMA stating they need to follow the “guidelines” of the NPA. This is just a money-grab for the secretariat and the leadership of NPA. That’s all this is, because there is no law or justification to implement it. Especially, when the authorities already has rigid laws and regulations to block, stop and justify reasons for organizers to not hold events.

Therefore, today’s presser and news is just flabbergasting. It is obnoxious and outrageous that an organization is putting this in play. This is done to play second fiddle with the authorities. Just so the ones organizing events has comply with yet another institution. The NPA is now copying the POMA and acting as a silent partner of the UPF. While the UPF has a mandate and law for their operating behaviour, the NPA has nothing.

The NPA is playing an air-guitar and thinking it’s playing an awesome solo. It is just hot-air and a mess. A tragic mess and a self-created one. This is playing footsie with the authorities and their draconian laws, which are blocking assembly of people and their rights to congregate.

Seriously, someone got to give way. Because, this is rubbish and nonsense, until a lawmaker, an MP or anyone with a marble has enacted a law. Until then, there is no reason to comply with the NPA and their “guidelines”. Since they already need to beg for mercy to the UPF. Peace.

Justice Forum (JEEMA): Press Statement (13.03.2023)

Opinion: Namayanja told the sacred truth which is hidden in plain sight…

The NRM deputy Secretary-General Rose Namayanja Nsereko has advised Adventists to join political leadership instead of leaving it to those that are perceived as unethical. “Politics is a dirty game because you the clean people avoid it. So embrace this political space to make your nation better,”Namayanja said” (Kenneth Kazibwe – ‘Politics is a dirty game because the clean ones have shunned it, says NRM’s Namayanja’ 12.03.2023, NilePost.co.ug).

It is unique that the Deputy Secretary-General of the National Resistance Movement, Rose Namayanja Nsereko was saying this yesterday in Luweero. What the politician said isn’t revolutionary or anything new. Her own master and leader said the same… it is compelling that after ruling the nation for 37 years. The same President has the same issues of his predecessors and nothing has changed.

Because, President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni said this once upon a time:

Cleanliness in leadership is one of the rarest commodities in Uganda” (Weekly Topic June 6, 1980).

Now in 2023 and one of his underlings is saying the same. She is using her words, but practically telling what Museveni believed in 1980. It is plenty of years and water under the bridge. There been several of cabinets, MPs and leaders changed since then. The ones that Museveni was silently mentioning and calling unclean is out of office. It is now his people that is “unclean” and partaking in the “dirty” game of politics.

If the Deputy Secretary-General thought this was wise… it is sort of scoring an own-goal. We know about the scandals, the support of injustice and lack of due diligence. We know about the rampant corruption, inept governing bodies and lack of proper oversight. That is common knowledge in 2023 and it’s a system created by her boss. His Excellency and his kitchen cabinet is siphoning and ensuring the depressing state of affairs. The unclean hands and lack of procedure is his fault. The bad leadership is coming from the top. It trickles down the chain-of-command and everyone is touched by it. That’s why things never change…

The Deputy Secretary-General of NRM might mean well and is considering the people she’s speaking too. Nevertheless, it just shows where the NRM has failed. Initially, the NRM through the NRM Way and the Movement System should have eradicated a lot of “bottlenecks”, but instead it has prolonged the agony and suffering of the people. It is serving because of army and the authorities, but not because of it’s popularity. That is the gist of things and the junta government holds a strong grip over the Republic. Which is why it doesn’t evolves and it has no incentives to do so. It is earning currency on continuing the modus operandi and following the orders of the “high above”. That why we are here and have such shady individuals in power or in office. They are more concerned with their tummies, than serving the constituency or the people at large.

So, the D-SG might be right, but she is telling a secret hidden in plain sight. People know this and Museveni spoke about it back in the 1980s. Now the same trouble is haunting him and everyone sees it. This time… it’s all his fault and he built this system. His party and NRM CEC have vouched for it and created this style of governance. That’s why we are here and all the hands are dirty. Peace.

Opinion: Muhoozi can’t even save himself…

There is a supposed momentum, a rise of power and prestige surrounding the son of the President. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga. Whatever it is… it is artificial, fake and a fraud. It isn’t real. Just like his speeches, bought T-Shirts and MK Army/Movement.

It is a house built on sand and the ocean-waves will take it all away. Muhoozi hasn’t built a strong foundation or anything. No, it is faked and manufactured, but he doesn’t know better. He might think this is wise and brilliant. His yes men are proclaiming his brilliance and leadership, but we all know its isn’t genuine.

Muhoozi is only mentioned because of his relations. He wouldn’t be in the spotlight or mattered, if he was a son of a rollex-maker or a boda-boda driver. Heck, he wouldn’t have the ability to rise through the ranks, if his father was a professor at Makerere University or NRA historical. No, it wouldn’t matter and the ambition would have fallen flat.

However, the gig stays the gig. The ones playing the violins will play the music and the dancers will shake their bodies. Nevertheless, the General might think it is legit. He might buy into the charade and be a useful idiot. Though everyone else can see the lie and it’s happening right in front of their eyes.

Muhoozi can act like his playing the game, but its a house of cards. Just waiting for the moment of weakness, a shortness of breathe or hesitation… which in the ends takes the house down. That’s how this will end.

Project Muhoozi” isn’t built on the truth. Muhoozi isn’t popular through grassroot organizations or by popular demand. No, his not a tidal-wave or a the new rising sun. He is the relic of the past before he even speaks. His a memory of the old and a stain of the current regime. They can sell him has “youthful” and “next generation” but his really just a lesser relatable or charismatic than his father.

The General lacks finesse, charisma or even an ideology to sell. His just posturing and being braggadocios. Muhoozi has no story to sell or pledges to make a difference. The General is only there out of entitlement and expectation. However, his not there out of need or because he got a say.

Muhoozi is an empty vessel and a publicity stunt. That’s why he needs a strong team to sell him. Since he got nothing that resembles a beloved character or a political framework worth damn. The General is an empty bottle and there is no juice. There is no soda or brew to taste. Just a bottle with a label and a title. Nothing substantial or worth to pick up. Who picks up an empty bottle? When you can have a soda or a beer….

The General is a waste of time. The son of the father and a loser he is. Kabobi has shown how this is done. Besigye have shown how this is done. Muhoozi got nothing on them. The avenger and soldier of old will not regain or collect tokens that matters. He will only be in the conservation, because of the father. It is sad… but nobody will cry for the man. Except for the sorry individuals who are working tirelessly to make the man feasible. They have an unforgiving job and have to create propaganda to make him likeable. That’s the tragedy here and some naive fellows will buy into it, but they will regret ever doing so. Since, they will see the brute and the nonchalant man he really is… but by then it will be too late.

Muhoozi won’t win hearts, but he will crush the opposition. The General will not send a message, but he will mute the ones who does. That’s the only way he can succeed. He don’t have the character or the personality to do it any other way. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee have called you sleepy and now your lazy…

“…but we at the equator, we have two rainy seasons that is why these Ugandans are lazy because life is very easy for them. You don’t have to work very hard. Even a fool can survive in Uganda” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (28.02.2023).

A man who has been the ruler for close to 40 years. A man who has held vital positions since the later 1970s and who took power in 1986 is displeased with the citizens. The same man who rebelled, started a war and later coup d’etat to take everything. This guy is speaking ill of the citizens. A man who has had his time and ability to change things, but reluctantly done so…

President Museveni cannot rest, cannot breathe or live properly. Especially, the way he coordinates himself. He must be afraid of his own shadow or any possible illness. His trying to act larger than life but falls flat quickly. All the empty promises and pledges. All the stories of old and supposed development isn’t worth the cost.

Yoweri should have been a retired old man on the farm. He should overlook the cattle and the yields of his labour. Instead, his preoccupied and prolonging the agony in office. The results and the achievements aren’t getting any better. His records is abysmal and certainly getting into a defunct status and where everything is up for grabs. If it can be stolen or cannot be schemed, it will not happen. The system he has created is rotten to its core and the main benefactor of it all. That’s why his complaining, because he could have built something better, but he was more focused on the short-cons, than the long-cons. Therefore, his is bitte and blaming the citizens. The same citizens he has hoodwinked and kept in fear for so long. Those are the ones that his now diminishing abroad.

No one should be shocked by him saying this. Only in 2020 he twice said the population needed to wake up. He called at one point that 68% of the population was sleeping. It is not like he hasn’t offended the people before or said they are not working hard enough. That’s one of the things that is a feature of his reign.

This is just who Museveni is and has been. He just got to tarnish and arrogantly strike at his own. Yoweri just got to be braggadocios and boosting his own ego, while brushing of the people of the Republic. That’s just what he does and it’s one of his sticks. While he can rob, steal and intimidate on a regular basis. It is just what he does and his proud of it too.

Sometimes it is just like he hasn’t been in office or seen what his efforts are doing. Because, why work hard or sacrifice a lot. It is just like he goes into a renegade mode or a opposition mode. When we all know he has had the time and the ability to make difference. One of the men of this earth who has had the power and the resources to implement changes. However, that hasn’t happened, because he was lazy and greedy. He rather eats of the plate of others, than share and contribute to the betterment of society. That’s why his bitching now and maybe in regret because he could have been so much more prosperous, if the Republic had invested time and energy on long term plans, and not short-term profitable schemes. Peace.

Opinion: Don’t mock “Biya” my friend…

“Gen Kahinda Otafiire’s son Ernest Otafiire appears to have survived what appears to have been assassination attempt on his life on Entebbe-Kampala expressway this morning” (Centenary Radio 88.1 FM Masaka, 03.03.2023).

“The son of Minister of Internal Affairs Gen Kahinda Otafiire, Ernest Otafiire dispels rumors that he survived assassination. The car whose pictures are shared on social media was involved in an accident at Kalerwe two weeks ago. Ernest was not in the car at that time” (Trumpet News Uganda, 03.03.2023).

I know, I know… I am the wrong brother to write this, because I have mocked his father and laughed that he lost to a jailbird in previous elections. The son is now a target and a man under fire. That’s because he has a free mind and isn’t afraid to use it.

The son of Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, Ernest Otafiire is allegedly a target and escaped assassination today. That’s not shocking, considering how he wrote about Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga. We all know the Son of the President who aims at the throne with his “Project Muhoozi” and his almight MK Army. Therefore, anyone who oppose that should be worried. Since, Muhoozi has no issue to torture, kidnap or silence his critics. That everything Muhoozi knows and he thinks his brilliant doing so…

Here is what Ernest wrote not too long ago…

“Our fathers are in the evening of their regime, it’s high time you became humble. These Generals and people you taunt will owe us nothing when our fathers are no more. When chasing us into exile, make sure you can run as fast as some of us. I am sure you know what exile means. This country doesn’t belong to any of (us), it was here before we came, it has been here and it will be here long after we are gone . Be humble and calm down“– Ernest Otafiire (05.12.2022).

With the knowledge of these words. You can imagine how that sent chills down the spines of the First Son, the one and only. The next generation and the standby generator. He had to be pushed, kicking, and screaming. Because, what else could he do… another son of the legendary NRA bush-warriors is dismissing his cause and rightfully so.

It seems like Otafiire junior has wisdom and can read the room. He got enough spirit and understanding of his surroundings, to set the record straight and speak the truth. Not just be a violent and benevolent leader who strikes fear, impose himself and act like a supreme deity amongst men. That’s what Muhoozi does, and he thinks it’s inspiring, which is false, but his allies and paid mercenaries will proclaim his greatness.

We know that most sources and media outlet has called todays affair an assassination attempt. While one is saying it otherwise. We have seen this before and not long ago one minister just barely survived one and a family member died in the same incident. Therefore, it isn’t far-fetched, because even MPs has been targeted like this too. So, it isn’t a fever dream or anything.

We just have awaited more details and more information on the matter. If it will be released or kept hidden. However, the usage of extra judicial killings isn’t new or a forgotten practice in the Republic. Peace.

Opinion: Does Basalirwa MP know about Constitutional Article 21 (2-3) and 31(2a) or what?

I don’t know if the Asuman Basalirwa, the Bugiri MP knows about certain articles in the 1995 Constitution, which are relevant to a renewed Anti-Gay Bill. He is following the footsteps of the 2014 edition and going after cheap popularity by banning one sort of sexuality. This is making one small figment of society, one tiny minority in the Republic illegal. Just because who they love or have feelings for.

I understand as a Christian and as men of faith, that you have dogmas and belief systems that are countering the tides of time. Alas, still, there should be a difference between what is law and what is morally correct within a religion or belief. Unless, the ones ushering this in believes in State Religion and wants to amend the 1995 Constitution to make “Christianity” or another conservative religion the faith of the Republic.

Nevertheless, there are two articles that needs to be discussed in direct association with the new “Anti-Gay” bill, which will be either a hurdle or a help. The ones doing this are hardliners and people who wants to broaden the spectrum. That is obvious. While there are already laws in place and one Article in the Constitution, which are detrimental for the homosexuals/gays. Which are the minority that is targeted yet again.

Here are the articles, which I deem fit for the occasion.

21. Equality and freedom from discrimination

1. All persons are equal before and under the law in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life and in every other respect and shall enjoy equal protection of the law.

2. Without prejudice to clause (1) of this article, a person shall not be discriminated against on the ground of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.

3. For the purposes of this article, “discriminate” means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability.

4. Nothing in this article shall prevent Parliament from enacting laws that are necessary fora.

implementing policies and programmes aimed at redressing social, economic or educational or other imbalance in society; or

b. making such provision as is required or authorised to be made under this Constitution; or

c. providing for any matter acceptable and demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.

5. Nothing shall be taken to be inconsistent with this article which is allowed to be done under any provision of this Constitution” (1995 Constitution).

31. Rights of the family

1. A man and a woman are entitled to marry only if they are each of the age of eighteen years and above and are entitled at that age

a. to found a family; and

b. to equal rights at and in marriage, during marriage, and at its dissolution.

2. Parliament shall make appropriate laws for the protection of the rights of widows and widowers to inherit the property of their deceased spouses and to enjoy parental rights over their children.

2a. Marriage between persons of the same sex is prohibited.

3. Marriage shall be entered into with the free consent of the man and woman intending to marry.

4. It is the right and duty of parents to care for and bring up their children.

5. Children may not be separated from their families or the persons entitled to bring them up against the will of their families or of those persons, except in accordance with the law” (1995 Constitution).

These two articles are important. They are the baseline here.

First the article 21 are setting a parameter, which cannot be breached. There are several of rights for an individual in the Republic to not be discriminated against. All of the reasons are mentioned in the article. This is a negative right in a sense, as the government are limited in their actions towards the individuals or the people mentioned in article. It sets the objective and where the government could take away their rights from. In sense, means there is very few to none who can be touched, because the broad spectrum of people, which are already mentioned here.

While in Article 31, that is even more clear and direct, the 31(2a) is so straight forward. The limitations of rights and lack thereof is set. A person isn’t allowed by law to get married to the same sex. Meaning the gays are not allowed to get married or live as such. This is already limiting their lives and their rights, which is the new goal of the Anti-Gay law, but shows what is already in stone.

The Constitution as is has stipulations that limits life for gay people. That’s why article 31 exists in the first place. It is made with the same sentiment, as the current day parade of “holier than thou” thinking. Instead of letting people living with their own conscience and after their own belief. The big state and government have to direct and take part in who people love or who they have as partners. Which is directly circumventing the 21 article, but the 31(2a) is in existence. So, the legality and the law is active. Meaning, this is something you just have to abide by. That is what you call constitutional order.

However, we are seeing that the individual shouldn’t be discriminated, but there is already set limitations on gay people. So, for the ones who wants to ban it and silence it totally. They will ensure it gets done in darkness and in secret. It will be a hidden community and underground. Because, these are existing whether you like it or not. Gay people are thing and their life-style will not cease to exists over a law. This minority will persist and be viable, but in a closed of community. Just like the speakeasies during prohibition era in the United States. They will just create own places and codes to live. It will be illegal, but be thing.

That’s why it’s tragic… especially when the Article 21 are supposed to safeguard individuals and minorities. Nevertheless, in this case, I think Asuman Basalirwa has forgotten about these articles in the Constitution. That is how it seems… Peace.

Opinion: 11th Parliament is now the House of the Lord…

“We gathered earlier today to dedicate Parliament to the Lord, and I pledged to the country that a bill will be introduced as soon as possible to deal with homosexuality and lesbianism. We shall Jealously protect our cherished values and culture” (…) “Tomorrow, we are going to introduce the bill on homosexuality and I want to request the religious leaders that this time around, be there to see who is who” (…) “We are going to vote by show of hands. You’re either for homosexuality or against it. we want to see the kind of leaders we have in this country” – Speaker Anita Among (28.02.2023).

I don’t know if the Member of Parliament and now Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has read the 1995 Constitution. Neither does it matter, because it is a forgotten text. The one that was the “fundamental change” and game changer when launched. It gave life to the National Resistance Movement and legitimacy. However, with time it has withered and obviously lost value.

Still because of her words… I just have to add two parts of the 1995 Constitution. Just to remind ourselves of the goals, the aims and what is the supposed law of the land. It is fine that the Speaker is a woman of faith and wants to live her life to honour a deity. That is fine and dandy as an individual, but as a legislator and such. She is out of bound with the ideals of the State, the government and her own role as Speaker.

“Article 7 Non-adoption of State religion Uganda shall not adopt a State religion” (1995 Constitution – Chapter 2)

“Article 21 Equality and freedom from discrimination (1) All persons are equal before and under the law in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life and in every other respect and shall enjoy equal protection of the law. (2) Without prejudice to clause (1) of this article, a person shall not be discriminated against on the ground of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability. (3) For the purposes of this article, “discriminate” means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability” (1995 Constitution – Chapter 4).

Speaker Among can be Christian all she wants and that’s all good. Nevertheless, the 11th Parliament and the Members of the Parliament doesn’t have to be connected to any faith or such. So, to say that she gives the House to God is out of the sphere and function of the Parliament.

I wonder if the fellow legislators have seen these articles or even considered them. The activist lawyers’ better tool up. Because this should be food for the Courts and be tested by law-abiding citizens. This law should be tested, especially when the Article 7 and Article 21 specify certain rights. These rights has to be respected, even if are against or see it as sinful to live with the same sex. In your faith and what you deem as right is maybe morally incorrect in your view, but as society and by law it shouldn’t be criminalized. Especially, when the 1995 Constitution specifically says a individual should be discriminated against “on the ground of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability”. Those words are giving the homosexuals rights to live as they deem fit and they shouldn’t be discriminated against. I am maybe against it by faith myself, but by law they should be allowed to live the way they please. Just like I am allowed and have the rights to live after my religion. That’s why the laws shouldn’t target a minority and one group, which the anti-homosexual bill is doing. They are target today and tomorrow it could be another group of faith. Therefore, it is a slippery slope and when you start… they must demonize more people and make them illegal. That’s just how these things are played out historically.

If the Speaker wants to be Christian that is fine, and I applaud her. However, in this case… it’s the wrong context, the wrong forum and the plenary sessions isn’t made for that. That’s for church or the holy communion. The 11th Parliament is created for legislative agendas and not a prayer house. Secondly, the law itself is a violation of the Constitution, which is what the Parliament is supposed to protect. So, the Speaker and her merry men are violating their own purpose and function by doing so. That’s the interesting part here… and that’s why this got to be tested in the Courts. Peace.

Serere County By-Election: The son of the late MP pulled the last straw

Just like his father in the 2021 elections, the son won the constituency and will represent the Serere County as the MP. The father won the seat as a National Resistance Movement MP in 2016 and returned winning as an independent in 2021. Patrick Okabe who is late after losing his life in traffic accident in December 2022. His son will now takeover from him and take his office, this being Emmanuel Omoding.

Omoding MP beat the other competition and even when he had a lot stacked against him. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) was pushing through their candidate for the second time in three years, Phillip Ocour, who has now lost both to the father and the son in two successive elections. The FDC fielded a former Independent candidate, Emmanuel Eratu who also a bad record. He only gained a hundred more votes or so between these elections. While ANT tried with their big-name and former MP Alice Aloso without doing much better than the FDC. So, the big win was for the independent and the biggest loser was in some regards the NRM.

The NRM was offered to give the son the candidacy. He would have stood on their ticket and represented the NRM. That was on record and the family tried to push it. Just like the NRM pushed the son of late Jacob Oulanyah. This would have been the same, alas the NRM Electoral Commission and other high ranking officials wanted to prove a point. While not taking into consideration the sentiments on the ground and force one of their cadres through the ranks. That’s why Serere didn’t pick Oucour, but elected Omoding instead.

ANT and NUP needs also to evaluate their presence, their campaigns and the plans for this By-Election. Even with the voter intimidation, the arrests and the misuse of power by the authorities. The ANT and NUP needs to look into why it went so bad and with such a prominent candidate. She has already a name and should have faired better than this.

That the FDC failed wasn’t shocking or surprising. Especially when you look into the 2021 election and the one from yesterday. There haven’t been much change, if any. The FDC had a better candidate in Stephen Ochola in 2016. However, I will not speculate why FDC chose Eratu over Eyaru who was their candidate in 2021. Though, they both had about the same standing in the polls. So, something must have happened behind the scenes ahead of the polls and within the party with the nominations.

This By-Election is a common tale in the Republic. Even if the NRM sort of lost this one. They are however getting an ally and NRM leaning MP. So, the High Above and the NRM CEC isn’t too worried. They are hoping his as loyal to the causes as his father. That’s why it won’t be much fuzz or create issues in the 11th Parliament.

What is striking is that it all went down this way and the NRM could have had a landslide or a victory even without pulling all the strings. If they had followed the values of nepotism and family affairs, which has become their modus operandi of late. They would have succeeded and the army wouldn’t have to come with pre-ticked ballots or hold polling agents at some of the polling stations at gun-point. The NRM would have won and called it a night.

Nevertheless, hubris and greed in combination with arrogance can be the downfall of anyone. That is just proven last night. Even the high and mighty cannot sustain true electoral performance. This is why the son won and it’s partly glorious. Peace.

Serere County By-Election: Return Form for Transmission of Results (23.02.2023)