Opinion: “Pastor” Kasolo’s prosperity gospel … Part II

“Spend only when you must. I teach you this so that you save. Saving is the major point. For anyone to become rich, you must have a business that gives you money every day. If you are a man or woman, and you wake up to do nothing, I don’t what to call you. Every human being must save money every day. Even beggars on the streets earn money every day, but for you, you are not earning anything. Vend sugarcanes or fry chapati, but to get out of poverty, you must have a business that earns you money every day. Other than that, you are off track” – State Minister for Microfinance Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo (Kenneth Kazibwe – ‘Spend less, save every day, you will soon become rich- advises Minister Kasolo’ 30.04.2022, NilePost)

Yet again, the Minister and Prosperity Gospel provider, the reverend of promising wealth, Haruna Kasolo has returned. Because the end goal in life is to get wealthy, rich and living large. Not living within our means or having stability. No, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) cannot ensure or secure social security. Neither can the NRM ensure policies or markets of which is stable enough for businesses to thrive in. That’s why the prosperity gospel is sickening.

The NRM and Kasolo’s party has soon had 4 decades in power. Nevertheless, there isn’t any growth or possible change, which is significant. The public isn’t the GDP growth, but they are eating accordingly to their pocket. The NRM has created a gig economy and a get-quick-rich schemes as state programmes, which I can promise you will not last. It isn’t far from a pyramid-schemes to the Operation Wealth Creation, neither is it far to Emyooga or the Paris Development Model. The state is just giving short-sighted monetary programmes without the institutions or the markets for the public to trade. There isn’t a natural growth and neither is there a framework to make it possible.

The NRM is artificially funding small pockets of society and without a long-term plan. There is only incentives and programmes, which is made within the road-maps of elections, but not having protocol or ideals on how to implement. That’s why today’s message is insincere.

Yes, savings are good and people should save money. They should be able to pocket and have money for rainy-days. As every day isn’t sunny and the sun doesn’t always shine. However, when you live on gigs, hands-to-mouth and barely scraping by. Its a lot to ask… those people to save and able to put money away. When they are not having enough food for electricity, airtime or food for that matter. It is really showing the hubris and lack of code, as the poor cannot save, because they are already prioritizing what they have and spending it as they see fit. To ensure their basics is met and needs of their loved ones.

As he continues:

“Salary earners who don’t have daily income generating activity always forms long lines at the bank to withdraw money at the end of the month. They are badly off. A salary can never make you rich. A person’s wealth is determined by their daily saving. So, if you don’t have a business that earns you money every day, after here, go and start it. Stay home women, make sure you have a project at home that earns you money every day” (Kasolo, 30.04.2022).

This MP and Minister has clearly forgotten the plights of the citizens and poverty. It is not like these has the time or ability to start a business. Families with kids, housing and rent to pay, rampant inflations and lacking concern to the devalued salaries in comparison to the prices on necessities, which is growing by the day.

The ones that is living on salary and has a stable job. As long as that is paid out on time can ensure some stability and give a person the ability to get by. Plenty of people don’t want to be rich, but just live and be content. Salary can also be a result of the education and the profession a person has. Therefore, the Minister is forgetting how people are earning money as civil servants and government workers. Everyone cannot be farmers and wait for the prices from traders buying their produce. Neither can everyone have a hobby or a plot where they can grow a cash-crop. Therefore, the Minister should be sincere about this.

His speaking like there is a middle class and people can afford to save money. That everyone has the dream and the vision of getting wealthy. Most people want a house, food security and have a good life with family. That is more enriching that fat pockets and lack of integrity. Alas, that is why the Minister has become a Prosperity Gospel peddler and not an honest politician. The Minister has spread this message for at least two years now. Last time I commented on it was in 2020. So, this is his stick… Peace.

Uganda Decides: 17 Ministers that have lost their MP race [Bonus: The VP too!]

Today on the 15^th January 2021 there is official results that several of the Cabinet Ministers and even the Vice-President is kicked out of the Parliament. These folks are not following the President and his “victory lap”, which is announced by the Electoral Commission.

The President is losing token loyalists and cadres who is in favour for him. The public have rebuked them. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni doesn’t get their loyal people. Also, the ones who fled from the opposition into juicy plum-jobs in cabinet. These has also lost too, which is so poetic in 2021.

Lost MP Race who is in Cabinet:

Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi

Amelia Kyambadde

Judith Nabakooba

John Chrysestom Muyingo

Atwooki Baltaza Kasirivu

Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye

Beti Kamya

Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi

Sseninde Rose Mary

Ruth Nankabirwa

Isaac Musumba

Ronald Kibuule

Haruna Kasolo

Beatrice Anywar

Denise Galabuzi Ssozi

Saida Bumba

Bamulangaki Ssempijja

The poetic justice is that Bety Kamya, Florence Kiyingi and Beatrice Anywar. These three has jumped ship from the opposition and into cabinet. Kamya and Kiyingi couldn’t even win the election in 2016. These was bought by the President and they were his treasures in the previous term. That he could give them an appointment and then use them. The people despised them and has rebuked them.

It is really great that a giant part of the growing cabinet of Museveni got cancelled. However, with the knowledge of Museveni. He will appoint some of these even when they are not elected. The same happened to Kahinda Otafiire last time. He won yesterday because gerrymandering. Nevertheless, expect the likes of Tumwesigye, Kyambadde and Kasolo. These three is automatic back to office. Even if they are not in the 11^th Parliament. They would be appointed somewhere. Even into some Presidential Advisor position or something. That is who the President does it.

It is what it is. But this is a proof that people are tired of the NRM and Musevenism. Peace.

Opinion: I’m sorry Lumumba, I don’t believe you…

Yesterday, National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Justine Lumumba held a press conference ahead of delegation conference of the party and the road-map for the elections. This being in general campaigning and such.

On key point stood out to me and it was this one:

“6. On the 7th August 2020, CEC sat to consider and approve the regulations that will be used during the Extraordinary Meeting of the 3rd National Conference, including the related NEC and CEC Meetings. Some have been mentioned above. Others include:

a). CEC directed that the Ministry of Health SOPs should seriously be observed to throughout the conduct of all political and electoral activities of the NRM. This shall be done in order to ensure that we protect the population from the risk of infection of the COVID-19 virus.

b). CEC directed that there should video recording of the entire Meetings of NEC and the National Conference, to ensure maximum transparency.

c). CEC has strongly emphasized that any form of bribery, utterance of any sectarian statements and use of inappropriate language, are unacceptable. Such practices are contrary to the values and principles of the NRM (please see Code of Conduct in the Fourth Schedule of the NRM Constitution), and the laws of Uganda. Any breach any shall have dire consequences. I therefore wish to call upon all NRM members to be law abiding, and to also strictly adhere to the MOH SOPs. The law enforcement officers are hereby called upon to ensure members comply with the law” (National Resistance Movement – ‘Media briefing by the Secretary General’ (9th august 2020).

As we see here, the highest organ of the ruling party have directed the party. A party which has flaunted, forgotten or not cared about the presidential directives and guidelines in concern to the spread of COVID-19. That is why the Electoral Commission and Ministry of Health have landed on strict guidelines, which made certain types of gathering illegal, this being processions, rallies and bigger meetings in general.

I doubt that Captain Mike Mukula, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Evelyn Anite, Haruna Kasolo, Frank Tumwebaze or Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng will face the law. I really do, these people combined with the Flag-Bearers to be will be able to get away with rallies and processions. That has happen all across the Republic.

We know this, even sons-of-bush-warriors who is running for Parliament can have rallies. These are all okay in Up-Country. They are either doing supposed launches of government programs or internal party elections. However, these sort of activities would be blocked in a heart-beat with tear-gas, arrests and anti-riot police on the beckon-call of the RDCs. We know this treatment is only for the opposition, the NRM are above that and will not be touched.

That is why Mukula, Kamuntu, Anite, Kasolo, Tumwebaze and Aceng could all during the COVID-19 have rallies and similar types of activities. They can say, its something else, but all is bathed in yellow.

We could laugh about it and just say its a misfortunate affair. However, I don’t believe … the Police Force’s, ISO, CMI or the LDUs will crackdown on the NRM. That is not happening. It haven’t happen in the past neither in the near future. Not as long as the King stays the King.

These are untouchable. The SG of NRM said the right thing, but I don’t believe it. Until I see the bracelets and the charges done in Court. Which we will not see, because that will not be a good look ahead of the elections. Peace.

Mr. 1986 won’t play fair for 2021 [and the Movement continues to hold rallies]

For the ones thinking social distancing, lockdown measures and COVID-19 isn’t a nice sideshow for a “Scientific” election. Sorry brother, you were wrong. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its allies can campaign in the villages, towns, give away gear and even occupy churches for rallies.

That is now proven over the last two weeks. Several of ministers has been busy “campaigning” using government programs. Suddenly speaker Kadaga is in her district giving away masks. Minister of Justice Kamuntu holding rally in a church and in a yard. A State Minister for Health Aceng holding a rally in a sub-county in district, where she the flag-bearer in the election. Also, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Tumwebaze held a rally for SAGE too. Minister Kasolo have been holding rallies in the name “Emyooga” too. All of this is happening and we are supposed to believe this all part public official work.

However, the opposition can nearly participate on radio shows. Without the police officers coming barging in. Opposition parties cannot hold press conferences at their offices without being raided. Opposition parties cannot met activists at own party offices up-country without getting their MPs arrested. This is all things that happen in the same window of the Ministers holding rallies.

Meanwhile, we are supposed to cheer and joy for the Movements opportunity to campaign. They are using all tricks of the trade. While the policing of the opposition continues. The opposition cannot do anything without meeting police officers. This is a renewed Public Order Management Act (POMA) just under Presidential Guidelines of Lockdown during COVID-19. Which is supposed to be supported by scientists.

However, the same people who are running the guidelines are breeching it and not begging for mercy. The same folk who are closing venues, churches and public rallies are holding the exact same thing. This is really showing how blind-sided the Movement is.

They are thinking people are so stupid, that they are not understanding or grasping the issues at hand.

This is electioneering before the Elections Road Map and scientific measures that was put in. Therefore, the concern for spreading COVID-19 cannot be that big. When the Ministers are all up in people’s faces and holding rallies. While, they are closing everything else for everyone else. Unless, they are immortal and super-humans, the sort who cannot spread the virus nor be asymptomatic. These MPs and Ministers are so special, that they are above the law and above the fear of the coronavirus.

Everyone else has to be frightened and are in danger. They are not like these people and they are unique, they are special and true VIPs. These folks would usually have the ability to travel abroad for healing. The rest have to go to a hospital with lacking equipment, staff and enough ICU beds. That is just the mere reality.

If the state was worried about the COVID-19. Its high ranking officials wouldn’t campaign on a regular. If the state was holding free and fair elections. The opposition would be able to do internal party works and also prepare for 2021 in a fair manner. However, that is not true. The opposition cannot hold rallies or do their thing. Nevertheless, the Movement can do whatever it want.

That shows the injustice and impunity of the state. They are just misusing their power and reign. It is so obvious, that’s its foolish at best. Peace.

Opinion: “Pastor” Kasolo’s prosperity gospel …

“Some of you think by only praying, you will go to heaven yet God created all of us in His image. If God created us in his image, why are others rich yet you are poor? God will punish you for embarrassing Him by being poor and you will not go to heaven. Those who think they will only go to heaven by being so prayerful should forget it” – State Minister Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo

I have a feeling the State Minister of Microfinance, Haruna Kasolo should become a pastor. The way his singing a gospel. Kenneth Hagin and Kenneth Copeland would be proud of Kasolo utterance lately. Speaking like a flexing preacher.

Kasolo wants so badly to be a TV Pastor, be the likes of Hagin, Copeland and Hinn. That’s his emulating them while speaking of the relaunched SACCOs, NAADs and OWC under the umbrella of Emyooga.

Just to explain where I’m coming from, Harvard Divinity School defines it like this:

“The Prosperity Gospel (PG) is a fast-growing theologically conservative movement frequently associated with Pentecostalism, evangelicalism, and charismatic Christianity that emphasizes believers’ abilities to transcend poverty and/or illness through devotion and positive confession. The PG is popular among impoverished communities, where at best it is considered to offer the poor a means of imagining and reaching for better lives (at times accompanied by sound financial advice), and at worst is criticized as predatory and manipulative, particularly when churches or pastors require heavy tithing” (Harvard Divinity School – Glossary Terms – The Prosperity Gospel).

I feel Kasolo does the same thing. His following the PG to the Tee. He should open up a church somewhere and become a pastor when his time as Minister is over. The church can be named the Wealth Creation Church (WCC) or the Emooyga Baptist Chuch (EBC).

He has already started his journey. As his preaching the prosperity gospel. That the poor has to sow their seeds and tithing to the congregation. Maybe that way he can keep relevance and have a career.

Just to prove my point, Hagin Ministries wrote this: “Start where you are. Be faithful to obey the Word by paying your tithes and giving offerings. And be obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit when He directs you specifically to give. You can’t out-give God. If you sow seeds bountifully in faith and obedience, you will reap an abundant harvest of blessings!” (Hagin – ‘Investing God’s Way’).

Copeland for instance wrote this: “I lost a job and went broke” they’ll say. “That was when the Holy Spirit was finally able to teach me to put God fist in my life. That proves poverty can sometimes be a BLESSING of the LORD”. Such statements sound spiritual, but they are plain wrong. Going broke is never a BLESSING. It’s a curse” (Kenneth Copeland – ‘Project Eden – Filling the earth with the glory of God’, September 2011).

When seeing how Hagin and Copeland writes. It is similar to what Kasolo was saying. The PG Teaching isn’t new, but when a State Minister uses the same language. You know your selling tricks and schemes. When your using the tricks of false prophets. What sort of policy are you selling?

This is snake-oil salesmanship. Kasolo must be so proud.

So when are you becoming a Pastor or a PG Preacher? That is your next career, I suppose. Peace.

Opinion: The NRM is busy campaigning under “government” program launches

Today, State Minister Evelyn Anite held a sensitization program in Koboko Municipality. Seemingly, just like State Minister Haruna Kasolo holding Emyooga launching all around the Republic too. Minister Frank Tumwebaze launching SAGE system across the Republic. There is also the likes of State Minister Professor Ephraim Kamuntu holding a rally in Sheema district. Also, the State Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng in Aromo sub-county in Lira District.

You can see the scheme, the State Ministers has all recently held rallies, meetings and been in public. While holding public gatherings, when the campaigning is supposed to be digital and “scientific”. However, that hasn’t mattered for the Emyooga, SAGE or whatever else these people been doing.

They are using the banner of government programs to campaign. These Ministers are using their roles as government officials to hold rallies. While telling the public that they are doing something else.

We are seeing Ministers doing the public gatherings, while citizens are arrested in Kampala for watching Premier League matches. 32 citizens in a small space was moved from a pub showing the matches to a crowded prison without any social distancing. This is happening, while the Ministers are allowed to hold gatherings in public without thinking about this. They have tents and closed venues, but for political reasons.

If people wants to watch Premier League or be gathering in public. They should invite a Minister from the Cabinet. Sensitize or learn about something useful. If not invite them to shed some knowledge about a government scheme and then put on a match on the big-screen. To ensure the legality of the event.

Because, the Minister can hold rallies, campaign rallies and use their ministries, their platform to practically campaign. Just like the President used the Operation Wealth Creation tour to campaign last year. This is copy of that, but using other means to do so. They are doing this in their own districts, across the Republic. All wearing yellow, spreading positive messages about the Movement and doing it ahead of elections. Instead of being scientific and following guidelines of the same government they represent.

That is just insulting common sense. The Movement, the Ministers can act a fool, but it doesn’t make it true. They can act like this is government business, but it seems like rallies. That’s why its deceiving. Especially, when these people are entitled to do so. While opposition and people cannot gather like this without getting arrested. That’s why its insulting to act this way. When others are silenced from doing the same. Peace.

Opinion: “Poverty is your choice” is that the new NRM slogan?

“During the tenure of the NRM government, poverty is by choice. For anyone to remain poor is their choice. How can you say you are still poor yet there are many initiatives introduced by government to alleviate poverty. If you had a restaurant on top of your current job, you would not be so much affected by the pandemic and the resultant lockdown. That is the mindset we are talking about. It is your choice” – State Minister on Microfinance Haruna Kasolo (14.07.2020).

Sometime someone says something really outrageous and insane. State Minister Kasolo is one of them. As he launched the Emyooga, the same Operation Wealth Creation, SACCOs and NAADs poverty alleviation tool the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have used for ages without any results.

It is like changing name on the same thing, but expecting different results. Buying the same sort of players with the same skills and expecting to win the league. You got to pick better, more talented and experienced ones to win a league. However, the NRM just switches a name, relaunching it and calling it the winning formula.

That is why for a government ruling the Republic since 1986. A government that has promised to be middle income country for ages. A party and President promising wealth, jobs and a new industrial revolution. Have certainly not achieved that. When poverty is a choice. The inconvenient, gig-economy and hand-to-mouth. The lack of institutions and policies to change this.

However, blaming it on the citizens, the peasants and the ones suffering in it. That is such a Noble approach. While spreading the news of Emyooga. The bastard child of OWC, the SACCOS and NAADs. The newest Presidential Directive to dodge poverty. If the previous ones didn’t work. Don’t expect the same tools going to work in 2020.

The Minister can lie to himself. Like he made a choice and dodged the bullet. He bought the bulletproof vest and got away from the suffering. No, he just joined the ruling regime and drank their Kool-Aid.

Instead of inspiring people. The Minister demeaned them. Insulted them and calling them lazy. That they are idle and its their fault they don’t have money. Not like its a robust economy or exponential growth in the near future. That overnight the NRM will create the Shangri-la and the Singapore of Africa. No, that is disturbing the eating, kickbacks and general looting of the Movement. This is why the State Minister has to blame someone.

The ones his blaming is the average citizen, the peasant and the ones who are struggling to get by. That is disgraceful. Therefore, is the up-coming slogan for the NRM: “Poverty is your choice”. It is maybe not as clinging as Steady Progress, but it cannot be true. When a minister tells that living poorly is choice. No one is choosing that, but that is the reality they are living in. Not by will, but by default. Everyone wants to live with comfort and safety. Not wonder if they are eating the next day. How foolish is the Minister?

His a fool with a title. Peace.