The Saga of Kongulu – Is that the next chapter for Muhoozi?

After the recent weekend, the big bash and concert in Kampala. The questions are obvious and unleashing of the First Son to the public is evidently clear. There is no secret letters or General David Sejusa aka Tinyefuza aka Tinye leaking intelligence anymore. No, it is all in the open and the signs on the horizon is clear.

Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is aiming for the throne and wants to be the next in line after his father. Which was announced and proclaimed in the 2013 letters to the press by Sejusa. These are now relevant, but told a vital story. A story that is now not only returning, but the authorities and the state is trying to normalize. That the unelected son is the one for the next term. His the guy and the big-man. A man who has never been tested, tried or held any official capacity outside of the army. That this man is able and ready to become the next head of state.

However, President Yoweri Tiburhurwa Kaguta Museveni isn’t the only one who did this to his son. The dictator that he deposed with Rwandan forces in the late 1990s, Mobutu Sese Seko had a son, which was made Captain and trained military, Captain Kongulu Mobutu. He was also in the reigns and in arms reach. As President Mobutu didn’t trust or see other military leaders fit. That’s why he trained his son and used him to violently go after the ones who was in his way. Just in the way Muhoozi is cleaning the slate and doing the dirty jobs of Museveni these days. Museveni who ironically said he would be different, than the old guard and come with a “fundamental change”. Alas, he just copied and created his own regime.

A document from Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada states this about Mobutu’s son:

Information on Kungulu, a high ranking military official in Mobutu régime is scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. However, attachments refer to a man named Kongulu as former president Mobutu’s son who served in the Zairian Presidential Security Division (DSP) with a rank of Captain. Please note that some sources refer to him as Mobutu Kongulu (The Detroit News 19 May 1997; The New York Times 18 May 1997) while others as Mobutu Kongolo (AFP 29 May 1997; ibid. 20 May 1997; Reuters 23 May 1997). Early reports place him in Brazzaville (AFP 29 May 1997) and Lomé, Togo (ibid., 20 May 1997). In November 1997 Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported that Mobutu Kongolo was living is Morocco (11 November 1997). According to Jeune Afrique Magazine, some of former president Mobutu’ s family members live in Paris, France and in Rabat, Morocco (17-23 March 1998,18)” (IRB – Dokument #1112226, 21.05.1998).

This here doesn’t say much more than what I stated. However, there are more sources on the son of Mobutu, which might become even more interesting. Since, Muhoozi is trading the same waters and with old dictator as a father.

Wire reported this: “Well after President Mobutu’s departure, his youngest son, Capt. Mobutu Kongulu, 27, an officer in the Presidential Guard – and a man feared here as Zaire’s own “Saddam Hussein”- sought to rally other guardsmen in a last-ditch attempt to stave off a rebel capture of Kinshasa and avenge his father’s defeat, Zairian officers said Saturday. From the moment he learned of his father’s decision to leave power, they said, he plotted how to punish those he felt had abandoned the president. On Friday night, Capt. Mobutu was seen entering the military camp where his father kept his final Kinshasa residence. Moments later, the army chief of staff and defense minister, Gen. Mahele Lioko, was shot in the head and killed. Mahele’s associates said that word had leaked out that he was planning to travel to Lusaka, Zambia, Saturday to negotiate a cease-fire with the rebels and that Capt. Mobutu had decided to prevent it” (The Spokesman – Review – ‘Mobutu’s Son Suspected Of Killing Moderate General’ 18.05.1997).

While the CNN reported this as he was fleeing: “Meanwhile, his eldest son, Kongulu, and 109 members of the deposed leader’s extended family were stuck across the river from Kinshasa, in Brazzaville, Congo, because a flight crew refused to fly them out. Kongulu, a senior army officer, was the son most closely associated with his father’s brutal excesses. Zairians trashed his house on Sunday” (CNN – ‘Mobutu in Togo as Zaire rebels assume leadership’ 19.05.1997).

This is from the past, as well, as there was reports that he died in exile in Monaco. The father and the son died in exile. As the new regime was placed by the invading forces and nations. Which just happens to be Uganda and Rwanda. The current Ugandan Dictator was behind the downfall of Mobutu Sese Seko and his son. Now, we are discussing it over 2 decades later.

Muhoozi should consider the end of Kongulu. Kongulu Mobutu didn’t become 30 years old. However, he got recognized and known like Muhoozi. It isn’t like Muhoozi haven’t a bloody record and trashed his reputation before he even tries to be elected or be a representative. That’s because of what he did as the Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC) and as the Commander of Land Forces in the UPDF.

The Maj. Gen. and later Lt. Gen. has shown his fierce actions and how he is the avenger of the President. When you know this and what he has used his power to do. Muhoozi could easily fill the shoes of Kongulu. I know that Muhoozi hopes to be the next Uhuru and be a Kenyatta of Uganda. That’s what he hopes for, but the brutal reality is that he isn’t and never will be.

Muhoozi might have a brutal and a reckoning of ancient warriors, which will not be at ease or accept what his trying to do. There might be enough enemies and people who are double-crossed over the years. That they might address it with a spear and with a dagger. When you answer with fire and blood to settle every decree. Sooner or later, blades will come back and maybe even from within. So, Muhoozi will never be safe… that’s because of the choices he has made and done in service of his father.

The son should learn from Mobutu. As his father is the Ugandan version of Mobutu in 2022. They might dismiss this, but everything Mobutu did… they are currently doing and how it is governed. There is plenty of similarities and Muhoozi should be worried. Because, the future isn’t that bright.

The NRM and Museveni will not say that. They need Muhoozi to be the future and be a promising agent of hope. However, his possible another Kongulu and he should learn the lessons of the past. Nevertheless, his arrogance and his ignorance could easily make it possible to repeat the sins of past again. Instead of in Kinshasa and such, it would be in Kampala and anywhere within Uganda.

Muhoozi should consider his every step. The same should everyone in his team. Every step he takes will be crucial and people will ask for accountability for all things he has done. The blood on his hands… and the warfare under his command.

So, will Muhoozi learn from Kongulu or will he repeat it? That’s a question we all can ask and time will only tell. Peace.

Opinion: The army is involved everywhere Mr. Muntu

Gen Muhoozi has his own right as a Ugandan citizen to exercise that right as a Ugandan and run for any political office. The only problem I see if he is really interested in running as a President of the country, Gen Museveni who should be more experienced in these matters, should have first released him from the army because the moment you let Gen Muhoozi who is in uniform, a serving officer, trying to project him for politics, you are literally trying to drag in the whole national security apparatus, something which has its own problems” – Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu (25.04.2022).

The sentiment the leader of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu is right… but it’s faulty. The Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) is already involved and participating in every part of life. The UPDF and the authorities are inside and part of politics, because that’s how the regime rolls and continues to thrive.

The UPDF is building roads, construction of public buildings, giving away mosquito-nets, killing army-worms, going after rouge fishermen on Lake Victoria and participate directly in politics. The ones who don’t believe that… should be reminded that the UPDF have 5 MPs elected into Parliament. These are supposed to be “non-partisan” but we know they are towing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party line. They would never double-cross the State House or the NRM Caucus. That’s not happening…

The UPDF and all of it’s agencies are used to intimidate, keep civilians and activists incommunicado. The UPDF and the other agencies has kidnapped, tortured and even used Court Martial as a means of silencing opposition leaders. The UPDF is so embedded that it’s a tool of oppression and using vicious impunity to strike the dissidents hard. The CMI, SFC, LDCs or UPDF are all involved and makes the state more powerful in comparison to everyone else.

Muntu saying Muhoozi is problematic because his an army-man and a commander is right. That is an observation, which is truthful, but at the same time. The militarization of the NRM and politics is just proven every time they are holding conferences at Kyankwanzi. When you are seeing ministers and MPs wearing military fatigue. Heck, the President either wears a yellow shirt, a suit or military fatigue. That’s his whole closet and it’s evident how important the armed forces are for him. Because, everyone knows that the NRM and the regime isn’t living on its popularity. It thrives on intimidation and fear… that’s when the soldiers and military is useful.

We all knows this and Muntu should know this as well. The NRM and the state has been this for a long time. Muhoozi is now more involved, but that’s by entitlement and not by his achievement by any means. The Lt. Gen. is only there because his the son and nothing else. He got no skills, charisma or ability worth a damn. He can only live on the wealth of the inner-circle and the power of the army. That’s why he had to wear a military fatigue and be like his father.

However, Muhoozi is just the symbol of how the military is needed and a reason for the current status quo in government. The NRM cannot survive or hold power without the army. The army and their agencies gives them an edge and can silence the ones they need to stop. That’s why Muhoozi doesn’t distance himself and wants to be looked like a powerful General. His boosting his ego on twitter and being part of campaigns when he can like in the DRC, Karamoja and even Kasese. That’s why he got blood on his hands and no one is even questioning that.

Muhoozi just think he can walk from one office into another one. He thinks he can occupy and takeover without merit from his father. The officers and the ones hired for the gig will praise the man, but everyone knows that his useless. The ones saying otherwise has little to nothing to prove. The NRM and such will ensure he gets a soft landing. “Project Muhoozi” has been in the works and that’s evident by now.

Muntu is right, but the UPDF is everywhere and isn’t going anywhere. Peace.

Opinion: Muhoozi is representing the past before even having a promising future

This weekend the Republic was supposed to be on fire. The time was supposed to stop and everyone was supposed to dance to the songs of the next in line. The regime was making a statement with the 48th Birthday Bash of Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the first son, Senior Presidential Advisor and Commander of the Land Forces in the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF).

This was the opportunity to make a flash and create an epic moment. However, it didn’t really do that. The handlers and everyone is busy selling it. Like it was a unique and brilliant event. As people ate the rice and listened to all the artists on stage. They were not there to listen to or concerned about the Lt. Gen. No, they were there for the entertainment and the free food. That’s it.

That’s why close to nobody was running in the marathon and the roads that was sealed off. Was a tragic event and showing the regime cannot muster real crowds for the man. He needs the artists and the popularity of their tunes. Need the free food and the musicians, because Muhoozi himself got no character and no charisma worth mentioning.

Muhoozi is already old before his even starting. His not a young blood. Compared to his father most people are young. Nevertheless, his not in the middle, but just a decade or so away from the age of retirement as civil servant himself. Public Service laws states that civil servants has to retire at the age of 60 and being 48 years old this year. The first son has little to no time, as the clock is ticking and his closer to retirement than his youth.

So, when his tribe and propaganda peddlers are selling him like the future. Know that the Youth Leaders of the NRM has more years in the trenches and trying to seek relevance. Than whatever Muhoozi has done over the years. The state has prepared for his time and place since “Project Muhoozi” became a thing in 2013.

That’s why nearly a decade later the NRM is trying to sell him and make him likeable. However, it is hard to make someone genuine and caring. When he promise to bring the guns and bibles by the barrel of the gun to Karamoja sub-region. Or saying that his army is the best and flex his ego on the regular. While trying to cosying up Kigali and Nairobi. Therefore, Muhoozi isn’t that loveable of a fella.

For some reason without even trying… his the old guard and the lost era. Muhoozi represent the takeover and the NRA without even shooting the guns of Luwero Triangle. He has tried to sell himself like a hardcore “Tony Montana” kind of character, but his never that clever or able to manipulate the masses. There is little to look for or even care about this man. His just known because he was born and happened to be the son of the President.

Muhoozi has shown he has the system behind him. As the authorities and everyone else went in line, as the birthday and marathon was issued. However, even if the authorities and the army is behind him. The people and general public is not. They are not behind him or believing in his future. A future that isn’t promising, but very grim. His an entitled and born with the silver-spoon. Not like Muhoozi has accomplished or achieved anything worth a damn. Unless, the skulls, massacres and vicious avenger has chewed some socialities we don’t know. Maybe he ate some special kimchi in North Korea, but we cannot know about that.

Muhoozi thinks his the future, but his a symbol of the past. He might not know that, but the way he acts and speaks shows it. His not a bright future or a change worth mentioning. No, his just a cadre of the NRM and continuation of the dictatorship of his father. It is not like his a revolutionary or a man of progress. If things are falling apart and self-destructive, it will accelerate with the reign of Muhoozi. Things will go into pieces and become much worse. Because, a man who is like this and his arrogance is louder than words. The mannerism and the way he takes the Republic for granted. He will not make things better, but only more destruction… Peace.

Opinion: 36 years as the First Son… [The 48th Year Birthday Bash]

Today was supposed to be the day of greatness and Kampala was supposed to be turned on it head. The streets was supposed to be filled with people celebrating and cheering as Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba celebrated his 48th Birthday bash. There was a marathon planned and birthday concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

All the stops was made. Roads was blocked and venues cleared. The state spared no mind and the greatness was supposed to be shown. However, the marathon was a major blow to the self-esteem of the first son. There was only a few people running in it and they where running on sealed of roads in silence. Must have been a tragic site. The birthday run is the definition of flop.

While there maybe be a few thousands at the Lugogo Cricket Grounds. That’s because thestate and the First Son has a free entry to a massive concert with dozens of artists. At today’s birthday celebration it will have Cindy, Bebe Cool, Jose Chamelone, Fik Famica, John Blaq, Azawi, Afrigo Band, Kalifa Aganaga, Quexx, Romeo Odong and Bruce Martins Masaba. While there are socialities, celebrities and high ranking officials in attendance. The ones who are in close association with the state and with the National Resistance Movement are sitting at the VIP tables eating good.

That’s why the free tickets and to such an event is getting people there. They are getting to see musicians and people who are on the radio. It is easy to see why people are gathering and showing up for that. Not because the Lt. Gen. is popular or have a massive following.

If the Lt. Gen. he would have had people following his every move. In other parts of Kampala today people followed and gathered around Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine as he went for an interview with BBS Television today. The boda-boda’s was encircling him and people was cheering him along. That shows true popularity and honest support, which the Lt. Gen. cannot buy.

Today was the big gig. Today is the day he needed to prove his worth. As he made this bash into a national event and of vast importance. While it is only his 48th year of living as the first son. It is a celebration of him being the son of the President. There is no other reason for today’s gatherings and birthday bash.

We should wonder where the money for this bash is coming from. This isn’t the only one either. There been celebrations earlier in the week in the Greater Bushenyi. So, the state has outspent itself here. I doubt all of the event organizers and the procurements made will be for free. This is not a donation or a charity event even. It was an a series of events to boost the ego of a 48 year old man who has forever lived in the shadow of his father.

Muhoozi wants to become the big-shot. The Lt. Gen. wants to have all relevance and be the next in line. This is to officiate his public persona beyond his UPDF title and Twitter handle. He wants to be more the errand-boy and avenger of his father. His ego wants so much more and we wants the love other leaders are getting. However, his not getting that and his learning the hard way. If he has learned anything from today even.

The Lt. Gen. has hired plenty for this gig and expected a full-blown party from Kololo to Lugogo. But this man only getting chicken-wings and very little meat. His not getting the praise or the love that he anticipated. This isn’t how the public went around Besigye when he nominated himself ahead of the 2016 elections. Neither anywhere near the love and compassion the public shows Bobi Wine. That’s why today is a depressing day.

Fake Love and gigs can only take you so far. There is no where in a realistic world that he will be able to gain real popularity and rise to power. However, his whole career and lifestyle has been infused artificially. His only known because of his father and cannot avoid that shadow now. That his trying to get out of it is making sense, but that’s impossible.

So, today he celebrated that he has been the First Son for 36 years with a big bang, but also with a blow. His not the Kabaka and neither is he a beloved character. Neither does he have any personality or broader spectrum of brilliance, which would get people to gather around him. His just the big ego of a man who is soon turning 50 years old and has achieved little to nothing on his own. He wants to be grand, great and the next big-man. Right now his just toying around and acting a fool.

This will end in tears. It will not be as he anticipated. If it had been that… it wouldn’t be lonely fellow running in the closed off streets of Kampala today. No, there would be people encircling his convoy and boda-boda’s showing him love. Which didn’t happen, but happened elsewhere in town. Peace.

Opinion: The gig stays the gig, Mr. Muhoozi

The Commander of Land Forces in the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), the third ranking commander in the Republic, the first son and senior Presidential Advisor, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba can believe his own hype around his lavish and big enterprise of a birthday bash.

The 48th Birthday will surely be a memorable event and with a lot of high ranking officials participating. The socialities, the elite and the ones who wants a favour from the state will show up. The hired brigade of singers, dancers, hookers and whatnot will all sing songs of praise and dance until the Sun-down. However, it won’t be genuine and neither should you think so either.

The Lt. Gen. is hiring Balaam, Ashburg Katto and whoever else he can to boost his ego. He has peddlers on social media calling him a “visionary leader and the future President”. They are all bootlickers of him and he should see it. Alas, I don’t think his that bright or reflective. No, he needs handlers with a vision and with finesse. His a brutal, torture and a depressing man. That’s why he comes with the guns and bible while re-colonizing Karamoja in 2022.

This man will not know real love. He either knows fear or only knows how money can influence men. The Lt. Gen. knows maybe how to corrupt and get people dancing. He knows how to spring the steps of power and get into chambers of power. These doors has all been opened because of his father. If it wasn’t for his father. He would be a lost soul, either on a battlefield or on a shamba grazing some goats. He wouldn’t be near the State House in Entebbe, eating on the hills of Nakasero or enjoying all the perks of the Republic.

No, he would just be another fella trying his luck and possibly struggle at it. Since, his social media isn’t that awesome and neither is his hot-takes. Those takes could have caused a stir, if a Minister or MP dropped these tweets. However, because of his blood and vanity. His able to get off the hook and continue business like nothing. Even when he offends people in Addis Ababa, Kigali or anywhere else for that matter.

The Lt. Gen. can hire the people for the gig. Have his huge bash and get the whole social media team. He can create traffic-jams and issues all through Kampala tomorrow. The headlines and the stories can run large. Just like the stories of his conquests as a soldier and flamboyant ladies-man. However, we know both comes with huge ego and possible over exaggerated…. which shouldn’t shock anyone and particular not the general public.

Muhoozi might take the public for fools, but this will be his loss. He is underestimating the value of his pockets and guns. The guns and glamour can only take you that far. You cannot torture, silence the opposition and pay for small gigs. While expecting that is enough to usher yourself in as the next cringe-lord or baby dictator for that matter.

You will only be a glass half-full or half-empty. Lt. Gen. will only get that fake-love, as there is no reason to really love him. He is not a man of solidarity, hope or change. His the second generation of a dictatorship and a son of the current one. Why should be people be behind a man like that? A man who comes as the avenger and acts as his guard dog? Why would people want more of that?

It is only fools and ignorant people who believes Muhoozi is any good. His not and the ones who believes the people hired for the gig. You have been fooled and should reconsider your sources of information. It is not good and the deceased people of Kasese and Karamoja can attest to that. The people who has suffered because of the Special Forces Command (SFC) should be heard. These are the people who has gotten harmed and is damaged for life. Just so he could flex his title, his rank and his balls for dissidents and the likes. That’s what he does and he enjoys the pain of others.

That is why tomorrow isn’t a real celebration. It is the ushering in of the second coming of the son of Kaguta. The next in line and the one who aspires to be like his father. Another bloodthirsty goon with a title. That’s what it is… and it’s despicable. It is a charade and a big feast of nothingness. A story built on sand and the waves will take it all away.

When the money and power is gone. This man will have no respect. He will have nothing to chew and will be begging for mercy like the kids of Karamoja have done in the streets of Kampala. The orphans of war and the conflicts that he has caused too. He will be no different.

Right now his a Lt. Gen. and a man who hires people to dance to his tunes. He will think they enjoys and have fun. However, it is only a day-job and when the money dries out. They will not return or be beside him. No, they will find another master and another Lt. Gen. to play for. These aren’t the people who loves him or appreciate him. No, these IG Models, socialities and musicians will find other venues and glamorous events to attend too.

One Brother will say: “Muhoozi? Who?”, another brother says: “That’s so old-school. That’s the baby dictator. I only went because I got paid”, a sister: “his pockets was fat and he impregnated my bank-account, but I didn’t care for the brother”. That’s what will happen and he should know it. However, I don’t think he can see it or reflect in this way.

Well… why do I say that? Well… it isn’t in his character and the ways he operates. It is not in him and he wants everyone to drum along. And drum along they will, as long as he pays for the gig. Peace.

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF): Statement on Alleged Torture by CMI of one Mariwos Alexandria aka Esther (22.04.2022)

Opinion: Half of a yearly budget wasted on corruption… and its annually [not a one of a kind grand corruption scheme]

According to a report, Uganda loses at least UGX 20 trillion annually to corruption. The Inspector-General of Government, Beti Kamya, told journalists that if at least half of that money (UGX 10 trillion) was saved per year, each parish would be able to get UGX 1 billion under the Parish Development Model” (NBS Television, 21.04.2022).

In Kampala this should haunt the institutions, the ministries and shake the whole Entebbe State House. If not both Kololo and Nakasero should be frightened by this report. That was if the rulers and the representatives was afraid of black-lash or ramifications of a report. A report that has such a vast result and damaging numbers, which could easily come to half of last years budget.

The last years budget was 44 Trillion Shillings in the budget year of 2021/22 and the estimates for 2022/23 is about 47 Trillions Shillings. With that in mind the corruption is about half of that one too. The numbers are staggering and isn’t only showing a little flex. No, the numbers are showing that it’s the norm. The corruption is a fact of life and way of living.

It doesn’t matter what authorities, bodies and mechanisms the state has… when half the budget can be siphoned, stolen or vanish without a trace. “Missing Funds” is a proverb in the vocabulary for a reason. It wouldn’t be a proverb and words of wisdom, as ghosts and fake tenders appears on a regular basis. Paying for projects only on paper and teachers who has never had a class in up-country.

Yes, there is a reason for all of this. The money is eaten and nothing to show for it. Except some spoiled brats big parties and SUVs for the ruling elite. They also can afford to rent jets to get medical treatment abroad. While hospitals are falling part, schools not having equipment and teacher being a boda-boda rider on the side. That’s all, because the state doesn’t’ have the funds or the allocated resources to finance these entities.

However, it has money for vanity projects of the President and his inner-circle. They have money for businesses, farms and whatever in need. They got money to pay-off opposition turned yellow and brighten a road for an official visit from a far-away land. Nevertheless, not enough to splash on vital institutions or government entities. That’s why UMEME is running black-outs and far to the nearest water-tap in region of your liking.

That’s why I am not shocked that the money goes missing. It is half a yearly budget wasted, gone missing and not being where it should be. Half a yearly budget eaten by corrupt bureaucrats and high ranking officials. This is done yearly and shows at what extent. It isn’t CHOGM money or GAVI funds of Muhwezi. No, this a yearly enterprise and planned efforts. Like someone is just taking the money van from the Bank of Uganda and directing to whoever it was designated without any receipts or transactional documents to show for it. The money was just taken away and “given” to whomever it was decreed to and that’s the end of it.

20 Trillion Shilling yearly or $5,662,905,997.73 US Dollars. That’s over 5 billion 662 million U.S. Dollars squandered and gone away to pay off whoever and for whatever reason. Which is not useful and is never received where it was intended to be… That’s 5 billion USD gone in the wind…

This is numbers that are staggering and outrageous. It is just really insane, but it shows what sort of government that is crippling the state and it’s for a reason there is no service delivery. The state got no money, since it is either siphoned or they are paying debts. There is little money to pay for things after that… that makes sense and is tragic. This is the nation that Museveni built. Peace.

Omoro County By-Election: The son to inherit the seat of the late father

As far as the Omoro by-election is concerned, there is talk that the late Jacob Oulanyah’s son and Omoro leaders will be meeting the President. Some people want him to be unopposed, and others have stepped down for him” (NBS Television, 19.04.2022).

NRM party aspirants eyeing the Omoro County MP seat have been summoned by Museveni. So far 11 people have expressed interest to replace the late Jacob Oulanyah. 4 of them subscribe to the NRM party. They include the Omoro LCV Chairperson Douglas Peter Okello alias Okao, Omoro District Speaker Richard Bongowat Luganya, Oulanyah`s son Andrew Ojok, and Oulanyah`s former campaign manager Ben Acellam” (Unity FM 97,7 Lira, 19.04.2022).

Special meeting of OMORO leaders with the President Museveni just got done. All aspirants from NRM have stepped down in his favour Andrew Ojok (son to the late Jacob), those who had previously occupied RDC offices will bounce back, LC5, speaker to say there positions” (Benson Ongom, 19.04.2022).

If you don’t believe the message of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is that they are all in and for nepotism. You are clearly mistaken. The previous NRM Primaries before the 2021 elections proved that. Sons and daughters of the mighty men was allowed to stand. They got into seats and became Members of Parliament even.

Now in 2022 that has not changed. The Acholi, Lango and West Nile MPs was maybe not able to ring-fence the speakership for the Greater North. However, it is clear that the Oulanyah family will linger on and have a say.

That’s because of the son of the late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah is now going unopposed in the NRM. After Museveni summoned a meeting and settled the grievances ahead of the Omoro By-Election. We knew that the death of Oulanyah would trigger a by-election. What we didn’t know was how the party, the parliament or anyone else would take it. Since it created new openings and opportunities for several of the surrounding people there. That was evident in the race for speakership alone…

We shouldn’t be shocked that the son of the late is regarded as the candidate from the NRM. They easily does that and it continues his legacy. I still expect him to be challenged by Independent candidate Olal Andrew P’obong and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Terence Odonga.

P’Obong could easily been a NRM flag-bearer if it wasn’t for the father in the first place. So, he wasn’t even in the draw this time either. Showing that the NRM clearly isn’t listening to the aspirants in the area. Only picking the most tolerable and the ones that is most vital to the cause of the State House. That’s why Oulanyah was returning in 2021 and why his son is the next in line 2022. It is really obvious…

Nepotism is a main staple in the NRM and no one can deny that in 2022. Peace.

Opinion: Retirement and succession should be on the table

The ones screaming and awaiting their 48th Birthday Bash Gig Money of Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Your turn is soon there and he has budgeted a party of which is even made of posters and whatnot across Kampala. It is like the Son of the President is trying to enforce himself on the public and tell that he exists. Because, it is not like we already knew and that Project Muhoozi has been a thing for years.

Now that the Father is getting old, advanced age even and should have considered retirement long time ago. We know that he has overstayed in office. He has entrenched it and made walls around it. The President has changed the 1995 Constitution twice to ensure longevity and legality to be in power. Therefore, he knew the ending could come, but he changed it in the last minute before the next election.

That is what Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni have done. As President he has promised everything. The President have dropped every pledge. Heck, he has plenty of times… even said he would retire, wouldn’t overstay and the late Gadaffi would participate in his farewell/retirement celebration. However, none of these has even happened and he has continued nevertheless.

Not that it is shocking. He blocked elections for a decade and only did so to look progressive or as a reformer. Even if he has believed in “No Change” and his ideologies have been twisted to what has been profitable at the time. Therefore, his visions and speeches now would be a stark contrast to the ones he held in the early 1990s. He has said he has the solutions to any bottleneck or branches of the government of the state. However, that has never been resolved and instead they have all been corrupted by him.

The President is decreeing, ordering and having directives made into law. He is using the army and the government as his own personal shop. He can buy, deplete and destroy it all on his own merits. There is no need for other voices and if so.. they are just there to defend and justify his action. Sadly he has become the personification of the state. Instead of institutionalize the government and ensure proper mechanisms and safety-nets for the citizens. He has created a cess-pool of nepotism, corruption and impunity. That’s why the army is involved in everything and his son is participating wherever he can. Just like Gen. Salim Selah is a un-ceremonial minister and high ranking official who is peeling of funds and office within government. That’s who the Museveni is enacted.

Just like he makes a decree, he get it imprinted in the NRM CEC. Later it get tabled at the NRM Caucus at the State House before it’s voted into law or legislation in Parliament. From where he signed off on the bill, vote or motion to ensure it become official. This way he has sanitized it and secured loyalty from everyone.

That’s why when he has made this system and it’s all revolving around him. It has made it hard for him to distance himself or even consider himself out. While the state is all fixated around him and it’s by his own design.

This is why there is a need to ensure his end goes smoothly and also there is planned effort for a peaceful transfer of power. Though for a man of the army and use of the authorities to silence his critics. That path is most likely not happening and neither is there any will for him to retire peacefully. Because, he is the “father” and just belong in office. However, his ageing and advanced age will not make things better.

Sooner or later, he will end up like Mugabe. In the final years. There was others dealing with the day-to-day operations and he only signed up on things. He even fell asleep at functions and read the wrong speech too. This sort of thing can easily happen to Museveni in the near future. Where he will be a laughing stock and the butt of the joke.

The old man should try to make things change and a possible transition. Most likely he never will. The dictator wants to dictate the future as long as he can. Even if it does nothing possible and only achieving some quick-rich schemes for his conniving elites. While the public, see little to none and has to later find out ways to pay of the rising debt.

Museveni should consider retiring. The recent photo release from his ranch. Only solidify that. Not that people want a monarchy or believes the Republic is as such. His son is awaiting his turn and the option to hold office. He is paying people to look good and smell good. Even when it’s all a lie and his just brash brat with a military fatigue. There is no promise or prospect of a just rule under his name. Only more vicious and evils acts, which was shown in Kasese and now in Karamoja.

Museveni is not leaving behind stability or a better future. He is leaving behind doubts, a cloud of uncertainty and most of all. A lot of burdens, which was never resolved in his time. The state and the people have to live with these consequences. The ones who died for defying him and the ones who resisted his rule. They have all been punished and their names will be told. Because, they are what he served and the skulls of Luweero deserves a justification and their families should get rewarded for the sacrifices. However, that will not happen in Museveni’s time.

Since he is busy enriching himself and his son. That is very clear… while he should plan for retirement and ditch Project Muhoozi. No one is buying the project, unless they been bought by the Lt. Gen. themselves. Peace.

Opinion: Karamoja is burning over mineral explorations…

A total of 17,083 square kilometers of land in Karamoja is licensed for mineral exploration and extraction activities, according to official data. Twenty-six companies currently have exploratory or mining rights in the region. In 2018, Chinese mining company Sunbelt was given 3.3 square kilometers of land to set up a $13 million dollar marble mining factory in Rupa sub-county. A year later, the company expanded its operations to cover an additional 4.1 square kilometers, ostensibly after a deal with local leaders. Hundreds of families have since been pushed out of their ancestral homes, local officials say. Locals accuse Rupa Community development trust, a community trustee group created three years ago, of conniving with investors to steal their land” (Diana Taremwa Karakire – ‘Mining Rush Threatens Indigenous Peoples in Karamoja, Uganda’ 01.09.2021).

What I feared the most seems to be reason for the joint operation of the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UDPF) in the Karamoja sub-region. Which is an continues operation and it is persisting. The state is even furthering it’s investments into it by deploying 6,000 Local Defence Units or LDUs in Karamjoa. Therefore, the burning and bleeding will persist for a long time.

The lack of accountability and transparency is very clear. The obvious reasons for that is the licensed land and territories given to mineral extraction corporation over the indigenous people. The people and the citizens are neglected. They are perpetrators and the unlawful one in the mind of the state, but not by their rights as people.

The Government and the Authorities are coming in as a colonial government. They are occupying and violently removing people. The state is blaming the cattle rustling, but it is obviously more too it. Because, it is not like the government would create so much and damage over some livestock. However, it would do so over the mineral extraction and possible gold-rush in Karamoja.

We know they have given this state operation the name of “Usalama Kwa Wote” to disarm and take away illegal guns, but I wouldn’t be shocked if it was an alternate motive. A cash enterprise and a possible profit objective of the state. As they know the values of the land and what it possesses. When knowing that… they might find it easier to scare people away and not take ownership of land. Make them displaced and ensure their fear to return. As the mineral exploration and exploitation can start. In such a manner, that the government and the companies can start their trading.

The unfortunate families, villages and the Karimojong is just dying. While they are defending their land and we don’t have any idea about the amount of fatalities. As the GoU, the State House and UPDF doesn’t release any sort of update on their Joint Operation there. Only in the beginning and stopped when the public outcry ceased to exist.

The Karamoja sub-region continues to burn, be looted and is destroyed by government entities. While they are blaming old cultural factors and blaming the herders. That just shows their sinister motives. Because, we are not supposed to know about the vast licensing agreements and the planned mineral exploitation, which has been sanctioned without the concern of the locals or the Karimojong in general. They just have to accept the loss of land, livelihood and where they have lived for generations.

Because, that is the “steady progress” and “securing your future” means for Karamoja these days. The state don’t mind violating or destroying, as long as it has a prosperous future ahead of it. Peace.