The UPF probes Besigye & Zaake again

“You have heard Besigye saying they are going to use all means to remove, ‘illegitimate’ government. Hon. Zaake also made the same remarks. We have opened case files in that respect to the inappropriate statements that can cause violence”Fred Enanga (NBS Television, 08.11.2021).

Uganda Police Force (UPF) is again targeting the opposition leaders. The Police Force is always scheming and finding reasons to charging Dr. Kizza Besigye and Francis Zaake MP. That is more important than finding real crooks and thieves.

We know that the Police Force would never probe any National Resistance Movement (NRM) leader for their utterings or wording in general. This is political prosecution and criminalizing their free speech. Taking away the liberty and their speeches isn’t anything new.

The state has targeted these gentlemen before, as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders have been through this before. The probe into them is just taking away their liberties and freedom. That the initial reaction to this, as they are just speaking of disobedience and defiance. This is not new and still striking that the government party middle-name is “resistance”.

It is really striking that it happens to these two. They have been under fire before…and this is nothing new. Both have been charged, detained and on trial… so this is repetition from the state in the concern to these two. Besigye and Zaake is not new to the criminal system for the political activism.

The UPF is a weapon of the state and used as a tool to oppress the opposition. This is the message I am getting here, and the words of civil disobedience is getting connected with “treason” yet again. However, there will be no proof of this and vilification of the leaders of the opposition. That is the mere reality of this. Peace.

Rwanda Defence Force (RDF): RDF not involved in M23 attack in DRC (09.11.2021)

RDC: Mouvement du 23 Mars – The M23 Movement – Mise au point du M23 (08.11.2021)

Opinion: Is Kampala behind the M23 resurgency?

 

If you ever wonder, there has always been a close connection with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and other security organizations like the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) in concern with the armed militia called “Mouvement du 23 Mars – The M23 Movement” or M23.

This militia have now attacked several of villages within the Democratic Republic of Congo and in the North Kivu province. They are supposed to move towards Goma and challenge the government, as the M23 claims it has disobeyed the “Peace Agreement of Nairobi”. Alas, who knows about that or has any clue. It seems like a fixed solution and a way to resolve the matter quickly.

We know from the past that Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and armed allies in Uganda border region have facilitated and ensured weapons for the M23. Heck, the Government of Uganda let the M23 return to Uganda after the cease-fire and previous deal. Also, back in the day, the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) was also supporting the outfit. So, it’s not like wasn’t a sole mission of Kampala, but Kigali had their stakes in it too.

Now, today as the villages are attacked in Kivu again by the M23 and they resurged from the border region of Uganda. Which is where the government allowed them to be and the let the rebels stay. The government let them in and housed them. Just like the Rwandese has done with rebels as well in the past. So, it is not like this is a one-sided arrangement in concern to insurgency in the DRC.

However, the main stay and the leaders of M23 went in peace to Uganda. Back in 2015 there was reports of a total of 1500 combatants who had fled the DRC to Rwanda and Uganda, while only a small fraction returned to the DRC. Therefore, the return today is really a spectacle, but also a tactical manoeuvre.

When we know that the Ugandan government has in the past supported with weaponry, training and a safe haven. It doesn’t take much brainpower to suspect them is behind it again. That the Ugandan government have an excuse and a reason to return to the DRC. Just so they can get rid of insurgency and insurgents. While the MONUSCO and FARDC struggles to contain it.

The Ugandan Press is claiming the Rwandese is behind it and the Rwandan Press is claiming the Ugandans are behind it. What we do know is that in the past both has had their hands in the cookie jar and eaten out of it. However, the implications now and speculations are easier to target Kampala, as the leadership and the ones fighting comes from Uganda. It is not like they could just run loose and not have some sort of military backing. They need weapons, training and ammo. That doesn’t come cheap and someone sponsored this.

M23 doesn’t just show up out of nowhere and sudden ambush inside the DRC. Someone facilitated this and made this happen. If the CMI and UPDF did this. Then they are cunning and vicious. As they plan for more bloodshed to have the ability to further extradite and export valuable resources from the region. That wouldn’t be shocking but would a decent business strategy. While using insurgency as a “mask” for the operatives taking mineral resources and other valuable commodities from the region.

The Government of Uganda (GoU) needs new revenue and bring some profits home to Kampala. So, this here seems plausible. As the state is struggling to finance itself and it needs war to gain substantial amounts of funds. The warfare in the DRC could be a valuable enterprise and the costs would be significant less, compared to the amounts invested in the militia. That’s’ why the M23 could be arranged at this time. Just to ensure supplementary budgets and other needed fixtures of the state.

It is just a way of securing more shillings and running of business. While earning money on the blood other people sacrifice elsewhere. Since, the President and his handlers in Entebbe knows what sort of profits they can gain by doing this. It is an asset and a viable operation to begin with. That’s why they hope it succeed and gives them a decent pay-off. Peace.

Opinion: Lt. Gen. Muhoozi is indisciplined

The Commander of the Land Forces, the son of the President and the most entitled man in the Republic, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga have again cause issues on social media. This isn’t the first time or the last. The supposed future and the “Project Muhoozi” is clearly not the brilliant mind people are trying to sell. Since, this man isn’t that clever or has the ability to read the room.

A man of his office and his role in government should be careful what he states online and especially in concern with foreign diplomacy. That’s because his a high ranking official in the military and secondly his the son of the President. This is context that shouldn’t be necessary to expose or reiterate. However, that seems to needed to explain the issues at hand.

He rather act with arrogance and ignorance. This man is left off the hook and doesn’t have to pay the price or any consequences. The government, the authorities and everyone clear the table. The tab is paid for and nothing is ever a real issue. This because someone else is handling his dirt and that’s why his “clean”.

The Lt. Gen. haven’t handled the battle of words or had any sort of sincere dialogue with anyone. He has just gotten steadily and risen through the ranks at lightening speed. That’s because of his birth and not because his so unique. Maybe, he thinks so, but that isn’t the case.

This high ranking official of the army … should be careful addressing conflicts elsewhere. This can implicate diplomatic missions and others associated with the Republic. However, he doesn’t consider this, because it has never touched him. He could burn a royal palace, order troops on unarmed civilians and do vicious things. Nevertheless, he has just gotten promoted after the fact.

Muhoozi should be careful and take another approach to this. Just because he had a diplomatic trip to Somalia and Kenya recently doesn’t mean his a seasoned traveller or diplomat. No, his just a warrior with an entitled mind. This man knows only how to smoke a man and not how to talk to one. They only respect him because of his father and not because he got any sort of reasonable skills.

Lt. Gen. might feel boosted and brilliant, as he has teams of ass-kissers and “yes-men” all around him. As they are preparing him for greatness, though he will be abysmal and mediocre at best. This man will not be genuine. If you feel the First Lady sucks as a minister. Just await Muhoozi in any sort of government role. He will be a walking zombie from day-to-day and some permanent secretary has to cover-up his misgivings.

Muhoozi should know this and not wage war on social media. This man should rear goats and annihilate cows or whatnot. He doesn’t have it in him. That’s why he cannot eat the words of Winnie or anyone else online. The Lt. Gen. is just supposed to be praised and the earth that he touches just goes greener. However, there is no proof of that now or back-then.

This Lt. Gen. is indisciplined and should have a few lessons learned. Nevertheless, that is asking to much of this man… he isn’t half the man to do that. No, he cannot even stomach a small carefully worded words of someone who is renowned and respected. Instead he has to go harder to prove his point.

When is that diplomatic or responsible as a high ranking official? Well, this man is sleeping on the laurels of his father and as him, his as arrogant and bratty without any concern for others. Muhoozi has to be right, just like his father. They are the only men with a vision and “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”. Peace.

Arbitrary arrest of 5 NUP Leaders in Kasese yesterday

Police in Kasese yesterday arrested 5 leaders of the National Unity Platform in Western Uganda and accused them of plotting to overthrow a legitimate government. The arrested leaders have been identified as Bryan Basisa the NUP Chairperson of Kasese, Geoffrey Bwambale from Bundibugyo, Atanazia Isanat from Ntoroko, Isaac Mumbere and Oniz from Hima” (SEE TV, 04.11.2021).

Again and again, the authorities and the Police Force is targeting the opposition. This is a continuation and there is nothing stopping them. If you believe the words of the President and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). You are a fool… as the National Unity Platform (NUP) is targeted and punished without any proof. This is yet another step from the authorities.

That it happens in Kasese and Rwenzori isn’t shocking either. As the opposition have had a stronghold over the region for over a decade now. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have reigned supreme and the NUP could become more popular here too.

The NRM shows their “multi-party” democracy in action here. As the NUP was doing internal party works. The NUP was just doing their duty as a political party. They where just gathering as a active leaders and members. This is being politically prosecuted for their association. That is the indirect act of the state. This would never happen to the NRM party affiliate or anyone in association with them. They would greet the mayor and meet the residential district commander. That’s what they do and this is what they do to the opponent.

The NUP is a target and it’s very evident. That the authorities are doing this just shows the total misuse of power and the arrogance of the state. As this isn’t terrorism or a threat to the nation. No, this is political activism. Just like the President used to do in the University in Dar Es Salaam. Surely, the old man and all of his cronies have clearly not gotten the memo about that. This is how stupid and shows their ignorance.

These sort of cases shouldn’t exist, but it shows the brutality with the state and what sort of political prosecution, which the state is doing here. This is the definition of injustice and impunity. Peace.

Opinion: Onek and the bloated cabinet

That a minister is disgruntled and fell left behind is natural at some points of time. Governments and the Head of State has their missions, objectives and their pet-pees, which gets the blunt priority and usage of government resources. That’s why certain ministries, parastatals, government entities, commissions and such can all get lost in the whirlwind.

Now that Minister Hilary Onek is blaming Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. That was inevitable. There are so many cooks and so few posts to do things. It is not like the President have made proper mandates or ministries. That’s why their so many who is Prime Minister’s and under the Office of the Prime Minister there are even more appointed ministers too. One of them just happens to be Onek who is a junior to the senior Nabbanja.

This squabble was about time. We could expect similar happening in the agricultural sector or educational sector for that matter. There are plenty of ministers in the same field. In combination of appointed permanent secretaries as well. The President have made this bed and only the ones eating of the plate and not complaining can be happy. This is the bridge to patronage and paying people for loyalty. Not because the state or the republic can afford to pay over 80 ministers, but it does…

Onek versus Nabbanja is just what that has to go down. Not because any of these are good bureaucrats or leaders of prestige. No, these are just sycophants who are hoping to get into the good graces with His Excellency. Just so they can have plum-jobs and get paid for the bare minimum. Not like they have to try or succeed. Unless, things falls apart and the President looks like a fool. Than you will be send packing and be made an example of. However, if you keep cool and eat the bread. The President will have you in his favours and that what most of them does.

Now we are at a place where Onek is disgruntled. He wants to be favourable and be respected. As he has a role and Nabbanja is playing within his field. While Nabbanja is also his boss in some manners. This is why this will be a loud fight. They will look stupid and possibly foolish. Some of their reasons might have validity, but this is the game that Museveni have given them.

There too many cooks in the kitchen and it just has to end up in disaster. The dish will taste like bland and lack of seasoning. There will be no clear direction and everyone will just encircle each other. This is why the state and the ministers are headless chickens running around trying to find their coop.

Onek might have something on Nabbanja, but in the grand scheme of things this doesn’t matter. They are both just running stooges of the President and not having the all powers invested in them. The President can just direct them on a whim and also decree their commission beneath them. So, it is not like their voices has power or massive ability. They should be happy to get paid and sleep in peace at night.

Nabbanja will be arrogant and not show any sort integrity. The current Prime Minister doesn’t have that in her. No, she’s the vocal voice of the government and she’s exposing her a lot. Because, she cannot govern and neither can she operate as an effective state official. It is not like she has the experience or skills of Mbabazi or Rugunda for that matter. No, she is just a figure-head and the majestic figurine on a sail-boat. That’s just her role and she can act like the governator.

Onek should just chill. Unless, he wants to be moved to another useless post or get appointed to become Special Envoy for Bolivia. We just know he has nothing to offer and should be grateful to even have a office to go to. Peace.

Minister Hilary Onek letter to Prime Minister Nabbanja (29.10.2021)

Opinion: 7 years down the line and the China Exim Bank loan to upgrade Entebbe Airport can become a liability

The State Minister of Finance, David Bahati assured the legislators that the implementation of the project will be monitored to ensure the funds are properly utilised” (The Observer – ‘Parliament endorses Shs 680bn Entebbe Airport expansion loan’ 30.10.2015).

It is now evident that the Government of Uganda and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) might struggle with a loan it took out in March 2015 from the China EximBank to fund upgrades of the Entebbe International Airport. We are now in October 2021. There was forewarnings about taking expensive and extensive loans to build and development infrastructure projects. The ones who was steadfast and worried about the rate of loans the state took out was silenced. The state had a plan and initiated with thresholds of loans the state could borrow.

Alas, the state is starting to struggle to cope with all of these loans. It is not shocking as the NRM and the state have been busy with deficit financing it’s budgets to balance it. They are operating with a higher expenses than it has domestic revenue. So to go from red to black the state borrows vast sums from various entities, both locally and internationally. These are taken out with interests and with that… the debt burden is ballooned and at one point… the creditor will either ask for the collateral or make an agreement to cover the funds to cover the defaulted debt. This is what that could happen to Entebbe International Airport…..

Here is how the story went…

How the loan was made:

On October 8, 2014, Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) entered into a contract for the up grading and expansion of Entebbe International Airport (Phase 1). To access funding for the project, the Government of Uganda (GoU), represented by the finance ministry, signed a concessional agreement with EXIM Bank of China dated March 31, 2015 for the principal amount not exceeding Renminbi 1.26 billion (about $200m) and interest to be charged at a rate of 2% per annum” (Africa Tembelea – ‘AG Muwanga raises queries on Entebbe Airport Expansion’ 12.01.2019).

How CAA looked at the agreement in 2019:

Current overall progress for the upgrade and expansion of Entebbe International Airport is at 52 per cent as opposed to the planned progress of 55 per cent. This is commendable progress. At one point in time, there was a delay in release of money from the Exim Bank of China to the contractor (CCCC), which led to a slight delay that has since been resolved. There was a difference of opinion between Exim Bank and the Government of Uganda on the loan agreement clauses. This necessitated the Government of Uganda and Exim bank of China to renegotiate the terms. This was done and the matter resolved amicably. The contractor has since increased resources committed to the project including manpower and equipment. The rainy season also affected works” ( Dorothy Nakaweesi – ‘Renegotiating loan terms slows Entebbe Airport expansion’ 03.06.2019, Daily Monitor).

Xinhua reports:

Under the Belt and Road Initiative, construction works started in May 2016 after Uganda acquired a 200-million-U.S. dollar loan from the Export-Import Bank of China (China EximBank). The project is scheduled to be implemented in two phases, said China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), which was contracted to design, construct and manage the project. The first phase, with three-quarters finished, involves construction of a new passenger terminal, a new cargo complex, and upgrade of two runways and their associated taxiways, rehabilitation and overlay of three aprons. “For the new cargo building, it is about 10,000 square-meters and when it is finished, it can handle 100,000 tons of cargo per year; for the new passenger terminal building, it is about 20,000 square-meters (and) can handle 3 million passengers per year,” Li Qinpu, CCCC project manager told Xinhua in a recent interview” (Ronald Ssekandi – ‘Feature: China revitalizes Uganda’s aging airport to carry more int’l traffic’ 15.10.2021, Xinhua).

Brian Luwanga tweeted today:

EXIM Bank of China can take over Entebbe Airport in case Uganda fails to pay back a loan of 740 billion shillings ,this has been unearthed by COSASE while meeting Finance Minister Matia Kasaija. The loan was advanced to Uganda for upgrade of Entebbe Airport(Brian Luwanga, 28.10.2021).

It is now a shot that the state promised was safe and would be able to liable for. The state said it would be able to repay the Chine EximBank and service the debt. However, it now seems likely the state is failing to pay back the loans. This means the state is defaulting in it and depending on the agreement. The creditor will have power to cover the debt from the debtor. In this instance, the state has to give collateral or any other sort of value, which will practically cover the lost debt and get returns on the loans issued.

This here is a sad story, but they could have done things differently. Even MPs and some said the state should use other sources to raise the funds for the upgrades of Entebbe International Airport. There was one MP who said the state should borrow this from the NSSF to cover it. Alas, that wasn’t the case and now we are here.

We shouldn’t be shocked at this current rate and with the trillions of shillings of debt. The debt isn’t only the amount you get directly from the lender, but you will also pay additional fees and interests. Meaning the loan isn’t just the fixed funds, which the debtor is receiving, but also the costs of servicing it too. That is what the state has do to when it takes these sort of loans and financial instruments.

The general public should worry about this. Because the state has taken out so many loans and these could it easily default on. The state needs domestic revenue, but is running on huge burden of running costs. While it doesn’t have a growing economy or financial structure to cover the deficits. That’s why the state has taken out loans to cover these expenses and this is why they are defaulting on it.

This was inevitable and the state has to restructure itself. Also, ensure it only has expenses that it can cover and just continue to add debt until the sky. Now the rainy days are coming and the loans taken out in recent years will come to haunt the state. This will hurt the state even more and the spiral of depreciative loans will eat up the budgets, which it is already doing. The rate of paying down on it will be destructive, unless there is a sudden miraculous change of financial fortunes. Alas, await more tragedies like these, as the Entebbe International Airport is the top of the ice-berg. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Second Incident of Deadly Bomb Explosion was a Sucide Attack (26.10.2021)