Opinion: Museveni’s address unravels his inaction

During Amin’s time, this small economy of producing raw materials collapsed. When we came, its only coffee and tobacco that were surviving. We came in to transform the economy from dependency to self-sufficiency” – President Museveni (05.08.2022).

The sheer amount of speeches addresses made by President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni is fatiguing. That the old man can speak for hours on end and time-travels as he does it. It seems like one of the few past times he actually appreciate and is maybe the reason why he does it. Because, he doesn’t say much new or compelling for that matter.

The President is just showing that he haven’t built a robust economy. His Excellency haven’t opened up for an industrial revolution. Neither is the Republic ready to go electric. The houses aren’t able to be electrified on a massive scale. So, why should the public go for electric cars, boda-boda’s and whatnot? When there is blackouts, loadshedding and lack of electricity up-country. The Republic aren’t prepared or have the tools to make it sufficient yet. Secondly, who can afford the electric cars and be able to charge them in-and-around Kampala for matter? A very few and they better be have an expensive insurance to make sure they get home. If their “luck” strikes with low battery and a serious blackout.

The same President that speaks of suddenly care for the Railways. A depilated and forgotten industry. A sort of tale not doing anything since the colonialist built it. The shoddy networks and lack of investment in it for years. Makes it less viable for transport of goods and not even an option for commute for people. That’s why the sudden care and will to speak of it seems like an ancient idea coming back to life. However, there aren’t much in the budgets or funding to make an attempt of reviving it.

Some people think politics is just talking and going to weddings and funerals. From the beginning, NRM told you that politics is a matter of life and death. If you handle politics badly, you will end up with bad results” (Museveni, 05.08.2022).

Mzee is really going in circles because he knows by the grapevine that the public are struggling with the inflation. However, his government will not do any or show any concerns about it. The taxes and the rising prices just has to be sustained. That’s why his talking yet again of not eating bread, adding additional rice and saying there are other solutions like cassava. This President don’t intend to do anything. While lecturing people on not buying second hand clothes. When there isn’t an industry of producing clothes that is there to begin with. Those sorts of stories just shows what sort of mess the President is at.

A President that has had over 36 years in office. Seemingly unaware or unbothered with the plights, pains and suffering of the people. That’s because his so shielded from the life of the citizens. This is why his returning on the screens and on the radio. Like an emperor who just have to order people around and give directives on the spot. Certain minister will now scramble and the PR team will now make the best of it. Kiira Motors will be stressed and so will other entities as well. Because, now they are supposed to be on the levels of Ford or Skoda for that matter.

If the old man thinks these sorts of addresses helps him. Well, I hate to say it, but it doesn’t at this point. It only shows how his regime, his legacy and all his work is tarnished. He don’t have the tools to transform or equip the nation to change to electric. Neither has there been policies, investments or at a scale to make it possible. That’s because the army has been the priority and the life-line of his reign. If the army had been the standard of good living and a prosperous nation, than Uganda would be utopia by now. However, that’s not how people live or people earns a living. He might not get that. Because, his addicted to power and only breathes by recognition.

The President in the likes of yesterdays address only undermines himself. Because, the talk of change from petrol to electric. Isn’t done swiftly and neither is there infrastructure to make it happen. That takes time, money and will, which never been there. This is why we know the petrol cars will run supreme and for ages to come. Since this man and his party cannot afford to do otherwise. This party cannot even stop the usage of kavera or polythene bags in the markets. Even if they have abolished and “stopped” the practice several of times.

So, it would be better for Museveni to hang up the mic and be mute for moment. Until, he and his cronies can actually achieve something. This is all posturing and big-talk, “hot-air” and wasted energy. Museveni could have used these hours to grazed his cows instead. That would have at least done the cows a service.

This speech was a waste of time… and we know the drill. His soon returning for yet another edition. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni isn’t sensing the times his in…

President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni calls history “current affairs” and uses old diplomatic spats or conflicts in light of today. However, his forgetting one thing in the picture that the times has changed as well. Yes, Uganda is a sovereign and should be allowed to make friends or allies with whoever they deem fit. Nevertheless, in doing so.. you cannot expect former allies and friends to be as warm to you. When you have decided to pick a side in a conflict.

The conflict Museveni has picked a side in is Ukraine. Not by abstaining a vote in the United Nations, but by association with Russians and doing business with Kremlin. That is a choice and a decision made by default. The same defending Moscow’s reasons for invading and wanting to annexation of Ukrainian territories. That’s what Museveni is signalling… and saying after the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

After that visit the United States sent their Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. The information and the messages sent from Museveni is clear. That he wants to be allied with Russia and it’s beneficial to him. He don’t even mind to cease or see the end of aide from the U.S. and says Uganda could thrive without support from the West. Certainly, if he would do that… the Ugandan President is gambling with his future and possible default of the ever growing loans in the middle of a downturn in the economy and rising inflation. It isn’t like the economy is booming or having any sort of upturn. Instead the financial implications would be horrific and it’s like his reckless about it.

Museveni should study the times.. there is a realignment of allies and who is working together. The President is either on the side of the West or heading into the hands of Kremlin. The Ukrainian invasion is only showing who is willing to back and be partners of Putin. The others who are stepping to the other side and defending the independence of Ukraine. Museveni is siding with Putin and therefore, also in turn turning on the West. He cannot have it both ways now.

A man of history should show how it went with Said Barre, the dictator of Somalia who went from a Soviet ally into an American asset. The same way can be seen here and Museveni is trying to play these diplomatic games. However, it is a sort of cold-war-esque era now. The beginning of it and the rising sanctions on Russia is a proof of that. Now, that Museveni sides with Kremlin, he shouldn’t expect so much goodwill from Washington D.C. Nevertheless, trust me when the push get to shove. The Ugandan President could regret doing this, because this could make other things harder later down the line.

Yes, the President is in his right not to ask for “instructions” and live as a “sovereign”. Still, when a sovereign makes a choice and a decision. He opens one door and closes another one. That’s a way of life. Museveni by this choice is more valuable to Lavrov and Putin than to Biden. This is what is initially boiling down too.

I’m sure Museveni would miss the $950 million per year in U.S. assistance to the Ugandan coffers. If the U.S. decided not to send these funds or cease. I’m pretty sure the Kampala diplomatic core would go on begging expedition and hire more K Street lobbyist to re-engage the Washington D.C. back on board. However, it will not be that easy. When the President is picking sides and he cannot stand-by both. Especially, when his supporting the imperial war in Ukraine. Defending the aggressor and the ones behind the evils done to Kyiv.

It is like Museveni don’t see this picture and thinks his so far away that it don’t matter to him. However, when the millions of dollars stops from the Western powers. Certainly, the debt-recycling cannot be salvaged and lack of budget assistance will be severe. Since, Museveni has built a career on living of these funds. While not having the need to be accountable by it.

The tides are turning and it’s not the era of flip-flopping between the East and the West. No, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has forever altered that. If Museveni cannot see that. Well, the lavish life in Rwakitura farm or any of the State Lodges for that matter. The Entebbe State House seems decided and because of that. If it faces consequences later down the line. It cannot cry havoc or act like a victim. It choose Putin and Kremlin by default of doing so. The Ugandan President should expect love and support from the West at the rate he was used too. Peace.

Opinion: Among acting as a Speaker and LoP

“Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has rejected LoP Mathias Mpuuga’s decision to replace Ojara Mapenduzi as chairperson of the Local Government Parliamentary Accountability Committee with FDC Gilbert Olanya. Anita, who presided over plenary on Tuesday, insisted that Ojara’s committee is still working on key reports. “I am also aware the committee is in its final stages of reporting on the Auditor General’s Findings for the financial year 2020/21,” the Speaker said” (Jonah Kirabo – ‘Speaker Among blocks NUP from removing Mapenduzi from Local Government committee’ 03.08.2022, Nile Post).

The Speaker of the 11th Parliament this week rejected parts of the Leader of Opposition mini reshuffle of the Shadow Cabinet. The LoP is the one in-charge of the Shadow Cabinet and the ones that appoints the members of it. This is not the duty or the position of the Speaker to withhold.

However, she has already involved herself in using a social media post to launch a campaign and investigation into opposition Member of Parliament Francis Zaake. A man who lost his additional office and post in the Parliament. So, her actions stopping the removal of Ojara Mapenduzi is following a pattern. That is obvious.

Things are to personal and too close to home for the Speaker. She wants to not only control all parts of the Parliament, but also have a say in everything. I wonder, would she have blocked Norbert Mao from becoming Minister? Would she have dared to stop the removal of former Minister Justice because she liked him? Well, I don’t think she would dare to question or even consider asking about a motion or a protocol from the Head of State. No, she is just accepting and moving on.

The Speaker is playing impartial and acts like this for a reason. It seems like the opposition was an ally and the loss of prominence hurt her case. The LoP should be able to and be able to reshuffle the cabinet as he pleases. Just as the President can appoint and remove ministers. That’s their position and their offices. Yes, you can question the characters and wonder if they are fit for the job. However, the LoP is duty bound to have a shadow cabinet and the President to appoint his. The Speaker is just there to preside and ensure the appointees get into office through the right procedures- However, here she is indirectly telling the LoP to keep a member, which he deems unfit.

Would Among ever do that to Museveni about a Cabinet member?

The answer to that is a “no” and shouldn’t even think of double-crossing or questioning his reasoning. She is there to serve and collect salary. That’s why reading about the blocking of the LoP is infuriating. Since she is not doing her job but acting as she can control and decide for the LoP. Which isn’t her role.

Speaker Among should know better, but she prefers to be hostile and interfere in other people’s business. She acts like an overlord in Parliament. In this regard she isn’t securing business of the Parliament going as scheduled, but instead take a stance on how the LoP operates. Which she has already done once with the removal of Zake from another office in Parliament.

The Speaker should review her own actions and start to question if she is the problem or the one with serious issues. Since she wants to be the LoP and the Speaker at the same time. That’s how it’s looking to me. Peace.

Opinion: 4 MPs issues a Motion to praise the SONA 2022 to get some recognition…

When it comes to the recent high commodity prices, caused, initially, by the re-launch of the world economy after the two years of lockdown and, additionally, by the war in Ukraine, our decision, after careful analysis, is to avoid the traps of tax cuts and subsidies” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (07.06.2022).

It is really a spectacle when 4 Members of Parliament uses time and energy to make a motion to praise the President for a speech he held on the 7th June 2022. The 4 MPs saw it fit and usage of their valuable time to speak of the glory of His Excellency. They are having a ceremonial act and showering the old man with the hat with positive vibes.

These MPs are:

Mover: Hon. Emely Kugonza, MP Buyanja East County

Seconder:

Hon. Michael Bukenya Iga, MP Bukuya County

Hon. Sarah Kayaga Netalisire, Namisindwa DWR

Hon. Okot Boniface Henry, MP Youth Representative Northern

It is really amazing that Kugonza MP, Bukenya Iga MP, Kayaga Netalisire MP and Okot MP who are all in on it. These 4 MPs have used their time in office to file a motion of praise and appreciation of the State of the Nation Address of 2022. That’s what they are using their time on.

This is clearly done so the President and the State House notice their existence. They wants to score-some brownie-points and get goodwill from the old man. The MPs wants to shed a positive light and show loyalty. They are using their time to give credit to inaction and lack of concern to the rising prices, the inflation and the lack of government help in the middle of crisis. That’s what the MPs are doing and it should be called out.

Going solar:

Once the solar powered irrigation pumps are on the market, the Government will buy them for some of the co-operatives or farming villages, where one pump can be shared by a number of small farmers” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

The MPs wants to envision the empty pledges which is so common placed in any speech from the President. The MPs must look forward to get “solar powered irrigation pumps” because I think that’s a mirage. The President promise a huge leap when he in the last period or last term was proud of bottle-Irrigation as a way of solving irrigation cheaply. This is just following the pledges of the President during the lockdowns, which was Village-TVs and Village Radios… that no one ever saw. Therefore, people should expect the same of the “solar powered irrigation pumps” as with other pledges, which shows this will never happen under his reign. It is to costly, a big burden and it will not be sustainable…

They are directly acknowledging a speech with this sentiment:

Another danger to our rapid social-economic transformation is the corruption of political actors and Public servants who do not only steal government money, thereby denying the population the services that money would have provided, but they also parasite on our business people. Business people and investors, do not feel beholden to these parasites. Expose both their requests for bribes and their schemes for frustrating those that do not pay bribes. Action will be taken for the benefit of the business atmosphere in the country” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

It is really vivid when someone calls people insects and parasites. This is a posture and tough talk, as his government is known for being corrupt and accepting graft. The same government that promoted and was proud of the “Presidential Handshake”. That way civil servants got kickbacks for photo-copying papers in a court trial winning the state money. The same President and Government calls the corrupt parasites. This doesn’t add up and still the MPs wants to sing psalms in the Plenary Sessions for greatness of the State of Nation Address of 2022. That sounds stupid, right?

So, I don’t get what the MPs are seeing in this speech. Unless, they are only doing this to give empty sloganeering and show their loyalty to him. That’s the true legacy of doing this sort of motion. Just to signal the State House and the Office of the Presidency. We can just expect a small acknowledgment from His Excellency.

The 4 MPs really wasting their time doing this. Instead of looking into the fallacy of the speech. They uses it to be in the good graces. The MPs are not using their time or their wisdom to actually make a difference. They are just there to bow down to the master and hopefully get a moment to kiss the ring. Peace.

A Joint Opposition ahead of the next By-Elections…

The way to get back our power is to unite all of us and the population to be rallied together. Once that happens, I’m very excited that I can see it now beginning to happen. Even if we said that let all of us do this, this regime has no capacity to stop it” – Dr Kizza Besigye (01.08.2022).

Today there was a real launch of a joint opposition ahead of the next elections. This was a mix of various parties and formations. The main ones are the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and National Unity Platform (NUP). The other parties was the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Justice Forum (JEEMA) and the DP Block. While the People’s Front for Transition (PFT) and People Power Movement (PPM).

This is the first one that is like this since the Democratic Alliance (TDA).The TDA have been shaky and most of the members there has ended up in the arms of the regime.

The TDA isn’t the only joint opposition ahead of an election. In 2011 the opposition went ahead with a coalition called the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC). In 2020 the FDC and NUP created the United Forces of Change (UFC).

Today we are seeing a new front with a lot more parties and formations behind it. That could strengthen the cause. We have already seen the NUP and FDC supporting a joint candidate in the Soroti East By-Election in the Moses Attan there. The new Press Conference and Joint Statement shows not only sentiment, but a plan for the parties ahead.

This country is bigger than our political parties. The mission is bigger than building our political parties. In any case, one would argue that there are no political parties in Uganda because we do not operate like political parties” (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, 01.08.2022).

The Joint Statement is stating the plan ahead:

Going forward, we shall jointly or severally use any upcoming elections to organise and rally the population to defend their democratic rights and end the election ‘madness’ that has bedeviled our country since independence” (Joint Statement, 01.08.2022).

It will be interesting to see it happening in the upcoming by-elections. The opposition is showing a united force and its needed. The messages from the leaders is as important. Because, the parties and formations are pledging to work together.

The ruling regime and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have been met with similar coalitions before, but this time around there is no direct or former NRM who will leave the fold quickly. The ones that has left the NRM did it so long ago… that it seems impossible for a return.

This statement comes days after the NRM-DP Cooperation Agreement and the previous election agreement between NRM-UPC. Therefore, this time around the Joint Opposition has to prove it. As the NRM is purging and trying to convince the opposition of working with them.

The Joint Opposition have to show it and also ensure they field the best candidates. They have to show the malpractice and undermine the election rigging. In such a manner, that the NRM cannot live with it or even announce the results. The opposition has to show fierce methods and not only play to the rules of the state. Opposition cannot just participate, but prove everything wrong with the regime.

Time will tell if this will work. The ambition and sentiment behind is commendable. I am hope it does make a difference. Not only a Press Conference and a Statement. The people have to see it and the parties and formations have to show it. Peace.

Uganda: Joint Statement of Political Leaders, Parties and Formations against the Brazen Thuggery of Elections in Uganda as Exemplified in the By-Elections of Kayunga, Omoro and Soroti (01.08.2022)

Uganda: Office of the Prime Minister – Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees – Torrential Rains in Mbale and Kapchorwa (31.07.2022)

Opinion: The Bukimbiri County and Busongora County South By-Elections is up next…

After Omoro and Soroti East By-Elections this year. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) will not back-down. Don’t expect these By-Elections to be anything better. The NRM uses all means to “win” and pyrrhic victories is their vibe.

The same will be the case on the 11th August in Bukimbiri County in Kisoro Distric and on the 18th August Busongora County South in Kasese District. That’s only about two or three weeks from now. People are already shattered and seen the means to an end from the NRM. They don’t mind using military means, mass-arresting and ordering the military to intimidate the people. The NRM doesn’t care about ballot-stuffing, pre-ticked ballots or ferrying voters. No, everything goes as long as their Member of Parliament is elected. That is what the previous By-Elections has shown.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) can field a candidate in both elections here. The National Unity Platform (NUP) as well. It doesn’t matter who the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) or Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) either. The FDC has big chances in Kasese, as that has been their stronghold in that region, but we saw how much that mattered in Teso sub-region. The machinery and the state will just assault its way to power. It doesn’t matter what the will of the people or what the people wants to vote. The predetermined minds of the State House and the NRM CEC matters more.

After what we have seen, the FDC and the other opposition parties can field candidates. These candidates do an honest campaign and be canvassing votes in the constituency. We know that the FDC, NUP and ANT will field candidates in Bukimbiri County. However, after what we have seen in Omoro and Soroti East that this doesn’t really matter. The NRM will ensure their MPs get elected and they will not spare on anything. They will use money, promise the heavens and rig the polls. That’s what they do and people should know that.

The opposition could have the best candidates, heck they could have saviour and a grand peacemaker. The person would still lose, because the NRM would use all their tools to get ahead. They don’t mind to arrest, detain and silence the opposition. The NRM can use the army and the police force for their winning. That has been shown and the soldiers will be there too. This is the only way the NRM can “win” an election in 2022.

We need to expect more mass-arrests and more agony. The NRM and the current regime will not allow a proper election to be held. Because, if the NRM and the Electoral Commission held that. They would risk to lose to a nobody or an unknown person from another party. That’s because the public is tired of the NRM and this is why they fear the voice of the people. They wouldn’t dare to do an honest election. For a simple reason: They don’t trust the judgement of the people and that’s why they have to decide for them.

We should expect shambolic affairs… elections filled with malpractice and intimidation. Voting bribery, voter ferrying and pre-ticked ballots. All of it will be used. That’s why the persons on the ballots doesn’t really matter. The ones on the Yellow Bus and part of the NRM will have an advantage the others cannot conquer. The only way they can do that is if the public storms the tally-centres and reacts to the open rigging of the regime.

However, I wouldn’t count on it. The usage of the army, police and high ranking officials to rig the elections. Will strike fear to the public and make them feel indifference. The elections has no real purpose. As it is only a ceremonial waiting-game for the announcement of the NRM Flag-bearer for MP. Peace.

Opinion: Ofwono Opondo thrive on controversy [and prefers to live on a lie]

Don’t matter who did what to who at this point. Fact is, we went to war, and now there ain’t no going back. I mean, shit, it’s what war is, you know? Once you in it, you in it. If it’s a lie, then we fight on that lie. But we gotta fight” Slim Charles (The Wire, S3E12, 2004).

The Head of Uganda Media Centre and Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo has caused lots of stir recently with his man-handling and violent behaviour that turned into an altercation on the set of NBS TV own ‘Frontline’ show on Thursday this week. That was deliberate actions after the spokesperson got heated and retaliated with force, instead of words, which would be more fitting to the surroundings. However, this case is pending and Lord Mayor Kampala, Erias Lukwago has petitioned a case against him for it.

This here shouldn’t shock anyone that this could happen. That a Minister Chris Baryomunsi just looking at it while OO calls for “reinforcements”. If that isn’t compelling. It just speaking high volume of the tribe in power and how they are entitled to their behaviour. However, for OO his gotten away with violence and theft in the past. So, if he gets away with this. It’s nothing new.

We are talking back in the day and when he had other titles like the Director of Information at the Movement Secretariat. Those days he was suspected to have shot and killed “thug” at the Kampala Parents School in September of 2004. While in April 2005 he was caught thieving underwear and a pen from Uchumi Supermarket.

There is even unverified incidents that people have been detained and locked in the dark offices of Uganda Media Centre after the high ranking officials has been provoked or questioned on the premises. That has been reported in the media too. So, his used to using force and getting away with it.

When you know all this and how his been part of the Movement all his career. OO is one of the untouchables. His been selected the President and carries his weight in the media. The organization his running is to make the President look good and dignify whatever that is going on. That’s his business and routine mission in life. Because, he does that.. the state forgives him for whatever transgression he may have.

That’s why his arrogant and entitled. He feels he has earned this stature and everyone should respect him as an elderly statesman now. Even though his far from it and haven’t build anything substantial. His the gutter press that he calls others from time to time. His making bold claims and achievements to make it seem grand.

However, when everything you have made is based on a lie and built around that lie. You will do whatever to defend it. OO will stand on the barricades and dance to the glory of that lie. Even if it never becomes true. Because, that’s all OO has and needs. He cannot live without the lie and prosper is impossible without it. OO needs and thrives with the lies and deception. That is his craft and that’s why the state adores him. This is why they keep him around and allow his actions.

OO is fighting for the lie and going to war for it. Just like his Master who still wears army fatigue at any given moment. That is what he does and how he operates. OO wants to remain loyal and be in the good graces. So, he does what he does. He fights on the lie and blatantly proud of the fact.

That’s why he lost it and became violent. He cannot accept that the lie is undressed and that his words is vanishing into thin air. OO just needs space and ability to peddle lies. That’s all he does and that’s his life purpose. Peace.

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