What have we learned today from the Rukungiri By-Election?

A historic day: Besigye could vote without being arrested afterwards!

There has been a contested Woman Member of Parliament Seat for the polls today in Rukungiri District. It has been like always in the recent years, massive sides of Military Police, Soldiers occuping the streets and also detaining plenty of Forum for Democratic Change leaders and activists. Because that is the Modus Operandi of Musevenism. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) lack of mission and tact comes to the forefront every time there is an election. Especially contested by elections like these.

That the FDC are under heavy weather is natural, as they are main opposition party and showing no remorse on the affect of that, as they have campaigned and camped in the district. Brought all the big-men and the ones that is significantly differs from the NRM. While the NRM has used over 10 billions and used loads of funds on SACCOs, NAADs and whatnot in the district. Not to talk about voter tourism and other ventures to gain popularity. The President also rallied behind their candidate. Therefore, the stakes are high, but is the payoff really worth all of this?

Is the assault on freedom, liberty and electioneering worth all of this for single Woman MP seat? Is that the message NRM is sending? They will come with an army like they were trying to both LRA and ADF-NALU, also coming with police whose job is to securing the polling stations, but instead arrests polling agents from FDC. Because what else could they be doing.

What is also significant about this election, is how there are little or no presence of media. The local media is clearly muffled with and silenced. NTV Uganda and NBS Television are sending other shows, that actually following the By-Election. Just think about that for minute… another minute and no someone ordered that. Just like they did on Age Limit. Silence and shut up. They are censoring themselves from being on the ground and pounding on the locals. To see what is really up.

We shouldn’t be surprised if the Electoral Commission and the rigging is in high gear. Since the Police and Military was there securing their efforts. They are afraid that the bribes and use of intimidation wasn’t enough to get the NRM Candidate into office. The NRM couldn’t win a fair fight, they have to rig to win. We have seen that since they had to use the state machinery and the handshakes to local community projects to ghosts.

All DR Forms have been delivered and the FDC has the copies. But the EC is awaiting to able to release the real numbers. Seemingly as they could be cooking. That is well-known, they have tried this before, even as the reasonable outcome would be slim victory of the FDC candidate. But the NRM doesn’t want to lose after bribing and usage of the army.

There also been reports of jamming of the phone-line and trouble with mobile data, meaning they are trying to make a black-out locally in Rukungiri District. That wouldn’t be new from the NRM, but the long delays of results and official numbers. Shows that the EC is cooking the books and trying to forge something, that with the media silence isn’t a strong suit. More weakness and intimidation.

All indications and the real numbers are swayed in for the FDC. But if the state rigs, than the NRM wins. They have used a fortune and put a lot into play. So it would be humiliating to lose. That means even the machinery isn’t enough to beat the supposed MP.

We have to wait for the official result. But be aware, they could be cooked. All provision results during the aftermath of the polls was in favor of the FDC candidate, so if it changes significantly, expect some ghosts and some polling stations now one knew existed before the election came into affect. Peace.

Draft Communique of the 62nd Extra-Ordinary Session of IGAD Council of Ministers on the Situation in South Sudan (31.05.2018)

Uganda is still not ready for IMF’s PCI!

“The Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) is a non-financing tool open to all members of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It enables them to signal commitment to reforms and catalyze financing from other sources. The establishment of the PCI is part of the Fund’s broader effort to strengthen the global financial safety net—a network of insurance and loan instruments that countries can draw on if confronted with a crisis.” (International Monetary Funds – ‘IMF Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) 26.07.2017).

This here is really spelling out the missing dots in the budget and monetary policy wise, as the IMF has concluded a visit, but told that certain aspects are missing. Even explaining that the Republic have to be careful about borrowing money. As the Republic tend to do these days for all sorts of projects and building infrastructure all around the country. However, the IMF isn’t praising Uganda, the IMF is telling what it needs, if they want to be part of the PCI. That is important, because being part of that, then the state will have systems and ways to gain outside sources of funding and also safety mechanisms in the needs of rainy days. Therefore, following this program would be healthy for the economy, but will the National Resistance Movement and President Museveni comply to this? Would they?

“The authorities have made progress in setting economic policy objectives for FY18/19 and the medium-term. Fiscal policy seeks to keep public debt at a sustainable level which requires raising tax collection and prioritizing spending needs, while protecting key infrastructure projects and social expenditures. Monetary policy targets core inflation of 5 percent. Bank of Uganda aims to maintain international reserves at 4 to 4½ months of imports. Structural reforms would focus on revenue mobilization, public financial and investment management, reducing domestic arrears, enhancing financial sector stability and development, and putting in place the remaining elements of the framework for managing future oil revenues. The mission reached agreement on many key elements of a possible 3-year program under the Policy Coordination Instrument, but further progress in some areas is still needed. Once the FY18/19 budget has been approved as agreed, the mission could resume discussions” (International Monetary Funds – ‘International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Concludes Visit to Uganda’ 31.05.2018).

It isn’t the first time the IMF and World Bank says there policies and monetary programs needs changes, needs to be amended and fixed, so it is safer. This is something that always comes back. The NRM are clearly not listening or interested in listening. They are pre-occupied with the handshakes of the State House and the insider trading that they like to do. Not have accountability and transparency, because then all the tools of the shed is in the open. President Museveni doesn’t want his ghosts, his fake projects and his forged paperwork to be in the open. That would hurt his pride and also humiliate him. That is the reality of it all.

Therefore, the state has a long walk ahead still, even with the new revenue sources, as they are not considering the implications yet on the public. Just more revenue for revenues sake, but not how hard the new taxes really will have. They will hurt the public and the poorest the most. Nevertheless, they are not a concern for the state; they are more bargain chips for needed donor funds anyway.

President Museveni will not be interested in opening the books and showing the reality. We know that, therefore the PCI will not introduced shortly, neither will the accountability or transparency change either. It is not in his interest to revolutionize that. Then he would humiliate himself, which he only does to Opposition leaders, not to himself. Peace.

Burundi: OLUCOME – Portant Sur la Corruption qui se Developpe Exponentiellement dans la Quasi Totalite des Domaines de la vie Nationale Sans Que Les Dirigeants Burundais ne Disent Aucun Mot (31.05.2018)

Opinion: Why does the NRM have the need to create a war-zone over a by-election?

You can wonder, what sort of lack of talent, integrity and trust in your own population, when you have enforce the crowds, when you have to hire and order the army, military police and the police to a district where a by-election is appearing. You just know that the ruling regime suck at electioneering and also coming with solutions, as their final nail in coffin is to send guns, ammunition and a doze of fear. Because that is the way to sway the public a day ahead of the polls.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have no legitimacy and not transparent activity, they only have the methods of fear and bribes, and there is no policy or no person who’s trustworthy enough to not use the military to intimidate. Because this party has to use guns and ammunition to prove a point. Not try to come with reason or common sense, now you come like an invader and ready for warfare.

You could wonder if there was an election or if the place was under siege, if the NRM and the government was awaiting unknown militias or ghosts of the LRA at Rukungiri. They have done similar things in other by-elections. So they are at it again.

This isn’t breaking news, it is not shocking, it is the only way these fellows and this party can handle affairs. They can only order and hire guns, not talk or do business in other ways. It is special that a by-elections for one MPs to a Parliament is that important, that you have to use all parts of the Security Organizations and beat the message of insecurity to these levels. That the By-Elections looks like Mogadishu, because that is favourite scenery of the President.

There is no common sense in this by-election, only that the NRM are trying to grab a whole of something by any means without any proper justification and reason. It is like they have to grab the people with fear, because they know by this point, they have no solid reason for their existence. There isn’t any progress, anything visible or viable approach for them. It is only empty suits and presidential handshakes.

That is not a good look, when your been running the republic for over three decades. That you have to send the military to install fear to sway voters. That is just sinister, but also show the lack of respect from the rulers, that they are instead of being tolerable and understanding, they are coming with the big-guns and expect submission.

By doing so, the NRM are showing they have already lost. The plot doesn’t’ thickens, it is just weak mediocre soup with very little or no meat, just boiled water on stones added some spices to funk the soup up. When everyone knows it is paper-thin and not really tasty. That is the reality in this mess. Every party knows this. However, they try to act differently.

It is not working, how weak is your message and faith in your programs, that your sending the army to get people into submission? How little policies and little benefits have you given the public over the years, which you have to send guns to get them over to your side.

It is insulting, but that is the M.O. of the NRM. They are insulting people’s intelligence and their goodwill, they are insulting the barriers of trust and accountability, they are just eating and hoping no-one cares, but apparently they do. If not, they wouldn’t need to invade the Rukungiri district ahead of the polls tomorrow. Peace.

South Sudan: Maj. Gen. Acuil Lual Acuil resigns from SPLM/A-IO to join SSUF/A (26.05.2018)

Opinion: Museveni been wasting time since 1986…

Eh! This should get old, but alas, this will continue to be an issue as long as Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is the President. Especially, since he continues to open his mouth. He has to be addressed, because he lies and deceives the population. They shouldn’t see past and not challenge him, since he has been ruling for over three decades and has little to show. That is why he attacks others, because his own track record is eroding with time.

Look at the report today from Watchdog Uganda:

President Yoweri Museveni said that FDC members are there to fail government projects only, citing that there is nothing that FDC can do that is developmental. He added that the opposition doesn’t reach him, that only those of NRM can. The opposition doesn’t share on the national cake. “You voted Rolland Kaginda and Fred Turyamuhwezi in Rukungiri municipality and Rujumbura counties and you’ve benefited. Do not waste your remaining chance, and the only chance is Winnie Matsiko,” Museveni said” (Watchdog Uganda – ‘‘Don’t waste your time voting FDC’, Museveni urges Rukungiri people’ 29.05.2018 link: http://watchdoguganda.com/dont-waste-your-time-voting-fdc-museveni-urges-rukungiri-people/).

So, it is special that someone whose been running the nation from 1986 are talking about wasting time. As he himself should have delivered roads, education, industrialization and modernization of the Republic. However, he has been preoccupied with enriching himself and his cronies, instead of development. That is proven.

The man with a vision, haven’t even been able to deliver his biggest promising plan, the Ten Point Program, Vision 2020 upgraded to Vision 2040, National Development Plan I and National Development Plan II and so on. There are so many unfinished plans and policies where the procurement, tenders and the financing has been questionable. There is even evidence that the Universal Primary Education is failing badly, instead of being one of the few achievements that the President could actually show to the world after three decades in power.

That is why a President like this shouldn’t talk about waste of time. He has wasted three decades in powers and has little or nothing to show for it. Unless bigger notes, giant loans and lack of accountability is wishful results to show. If a growing cabinet, making more districts and more sub-counties, and not initial organizations that is good. It is only to hire cronies and making sure there are more people hired locally too. As well as more RDCs and others who are appointed directly from the President. Therefore, a growing bureaucracy, but not showing positive effects of this. Only a higher numbers of districts, but not proving anything substantial.

President Museveni is the proof of waste of time. If he had used his time wisely, there would be infrastructure, schools and actual possible space for business, instead there are Presidential Handshakes, there are bribes and inside trading within the administration. You need favors to be able to grow your business. Especially given a hand from the State House.

He can say the FDC is waste of time, but they don’t have power in the Parliament, that is the NRM. A NRM that you, Museveni controls. Therefore, the NRM has the ability and could do things and has had the ability to do so since 1986. But still haven’t delivered anything substantial.

Mr. President, your a waste of time and the Republic sadly have to live with it. Peace.

Museveni: If your are against tribalism in the UPDF; Why do you appoint mostly from Western then?

It is weird, but when it comes to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his words today. Has he checked his appointments and the people around him. He has a hankering for getting people from the Western Uganda, especially the ones in and around Rukungiri, where your are doling monies these days, as your trying to capture a By-Election for Woman’s MP slot. Museveni, is really trying to show his integrity. However, his actions are talking louder, than his words. First his wanted message from the rallies today, then his real aspirations.

M7 in Rukungiri:

I have heard some people using sectarian sentiments to campaign in Rukungiri. These should be rejected. The NRM decided long ago that tribalism does not build institutions. For example, you cannot recruit an army based on tribalism. It is on the basis of building a national army devoid of tribalism that we have the peace we enjoy today. This peace has resultantly led to sustainable development in terms of roads, electricity, schools and hospitals” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 28.05.2018).

Nilepost reported in December 2017:

Armed Forces. Four-star generals: On analyzing of the 9 highest-ranking UPDF personnel it was established that Western region has 6 (67%) trailed by Central, Eastern and Northern with 1 each, constituting 11%. Lieutenant Generals: Of the 6 examined, 2 were from Eastern Uganda with the other regions sharing one apiece. Major Generals: In examination of the 16 major generals, it was revealed that Western region had 11 (69%), Eastern and northern stood at 2 (13%) and Central with 1 (6%). Brigadiers: In terms of regional distribution, Western region stands higher with 27 (53%), followed by Central 10 (20%), Northern 8 (16%) and Eastern which has 6 (12%)” (Nilepost – ‘Report: Western region dominates jobs in army, police, foreign missions’ 14.12.2017).

Let me just say, again Museveni is all talk, but not acting. Its his twisted tongue and his words that doesn’t make sense. If he was against tribalism, he wouldn’t favor the Western in the armed forces. That is insane to say, as the same stats are in the rest of the government, the appointed and hired are from the region. In dozens compared to the rest of Uganda. It happens to be from the area and the districts around Rukungiri.

So Museveni, maybe you should come with a better sentiment, something that would mirror reality. Like the actual truth for ones. That would be fine. Because this sort of article or blog, is to damn easy to write these days.

Museveni, Mr. President if your campaigning and not thinking the bribing, the sudden need to give to Rukungiri, because of the popularity of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate in the area. Then, you should actually come with speeches where the facts and reality are fitting as a glove. Right now your sending out doves and instead of feeding them, your taking out your shot-gun and blowing them to smithereens, it is like he doesn’t understand the reality.

The reality is that his government is directly a tribal affair, which he has sanctioned and done all this decades. There is only the paid-off and the loyally bribed cronies from the other parts, but the key allies are all Western Ugandan based people. Therefore, him saying NRM decided long ago to counter that, he hasn’t really done so. Its still clear that the key figures and the ones highest up the food-chain are from Western Uganda.

You might lie to the blind sheep, but not to my kind.

Tribalism is rampant in the UPDF and the NRM hasn’t really fought this. Except with a twisted tongue and an excuse of a mind, which happens to be the President.

Peace.

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