Opinion: Ssemujju Nganda have forgot who owns the county

“Hon. Ssemujju Nganda has asked the Prime Minister to find a compound for the First Family so that they can stop packing military trucks in the middle of the road. “We have roads in Kololo but these days when coming to Parliament, there are trucks that seal the roads when the president is having meetings, even the KCCA roads near Nakasero State House. Maybe we should procure a compound for the president because if it’s not……him, it’s the wife or son. I use the banks in Kololo and sometimes I go without money for a whole week.”~Ssemujju” (Parliament Watch, 05.05.2022).

We know this and heard about this for ages. The road-blocks and the “Green Truck Alerts” says it all. That has been heard around the globe. It should be worldwide now. Those pictures of army trucks and road-blocks are now so common that it would be shocking if it didn’t happen.

That the First Family is used to special treatment is also ordinary. The are the epitome of VIP and “High Above”. We know that the President is driving in a huge convoy. The same does his cabinet and all the high ranking officials.

When there is National Resistance Movement (NRM) have a Caucus or moved the Parliament to Kololo the roads have been blocked. Every national event, last 1^st May Parade and the Birthday Bash Marathon. The roads was blocked as well. Soon, the state shouldn’t only make a compound for the “High Above” convoy. No, it should build a separate road-network for the “high above” and his huge “entourage” because they are causing traffic problems.

The roads of Kampala wasn’t built for this and neither was the roads around Kololo. There should be done studies and ensure the needs are met. Since, it has become a place of importance. Not only for swearing-in the President every 5 years, but for all sorts of speeches and big ceremonies. That’s why there is a need for a better road congestion and planning. This has certainly never happened by the Ministry of Transport and Works (MoTW), neither the Minister of Kampala or the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). We can rest assure that the state has never ordered Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) or City Hall to study it either. Because, the plights of the city dwellers or citizens in the capital doesn’t matter that much. Its more important to have a televised speech, than making the city liveable as that happens.

With this in mind… the President is in his might expected to stop all business and roads in-and-around Kololo or from Central Business District or Nakasero Hill. No, the NRM doesn’t care and they are not concerned of the costs of the road-blocks. Neither are day concerned about the Presidential Convoys or any other High Ranking Official. They are driving like they have no rules, they have police, ambulances, army vehicles, police and everyone else following them. It is like a motorized village hitting the road and only missing a chef or pastry chef ensure the VIP get more than cassava when arriving at the end of destination.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) MP Nganda Ssemujju knows the First Family acts like owners and so does their court. The others are just to obey and follow orders. So, he did really challenge them here. He knows that nothing will happen. Just like with every preposition and whatnot to make things work. Because, the state isn’t interested in that, unless there is coins and profits for the first family. That’s just the sad reality of how things are working these days.

The convoys and road-blocks will continue to be an issue. The roads and the traffic jams will be a re-occurrent feature of the nearby area. That is just the price of the flamboyant acts of the President and his inner-circle. Peace.

Opinion: Ssemujju is clearly not that bright

On the 24^th May 2021 Jacob Oulanyah was voted in as the Speaker of the 11^th Parliament with the incumbent Rebecca Kadaga becoming the first loser. The second loser of the vote in the plenary session was Forum for Democratic Change own MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda. What is striking is that Ssemujju is going hardball on the National Unity Platform MPs for not supporting his case. That where I will play and deliberate my peace, because this is going nowhere.

Until now, I have had a feeling that MP Ssemujju was bright, but the light-bulb isn’t that shiny anymore. His going after the NUPs MPs votes for Kadaga. Instead of even looking first at his own home. He should look at his fellow party MPs who betrayed him first. If FDC is such a strong and independent machine as it has claimed for years. Why are there so little loyalty for him?

He got 15 votes out of 32 MPs. The MP lost 17 MPs from his own party. That should hurt him. These FDC MPs rather vote for a NRM MP for speaker than for him. Ssemujju should keeps his ducks in a row and speak to the leadership of FDC. He needs to settle the score at Najjakumbi and maybe hold a prayer. Since his current prayers haven’t been answered.

That his targeting the NUP is childish. The 57 MPs are free to act as they see fit or after the strategy of which the party has decided. The NUP have tried to be cordial and work with the FDC before the first plenary session. However, the FDC didn’t want to meet.

While several of FDC MPs have gone after the NUP before hand. They are now targeting the NUP again. It is like a war of hogwash where Ssemujju is following Nandala-Mafabi and Salaamu Musumba. Therefore, why should NUP shield and support a party who is speaking ill of them?

The FDC is no difference to NRM at this point. The NUP might have voted for Kadaga in spite. However, that was in their interest and their choice. That Ssemujju was the only real “opposition” candidate. His still not a uniting figure or a voice of reason here. He cannot even galvanize the FDC behind him. Why should the NUP break their back for him? Why?

The FDC hasn’t been co-operative and in favour of joint ventures since 2011s Inter-Party Coalition (IPC). They haven’t really been sincere and dropped righteously out of The Democratic Alliance (TDA). Neither was there any sense or work within the United Forces for Change (UFC). The UFC didn’t even do anything in regards to the 2021 elections. It was a document and presser between Bobi Wine and Besigye. However, it was a wasted opportunity.

This is nothing new, but it is a pattern. The FDC is really attacking the NUP. The newcomer who has taken their place. It is like its an unfavourable position to get into. The FDC had no issues being the big-shot over the Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). Now the biggest opposition party happens to be the NUP. Alas, that not counting all the independent MPs who can lean where-ever way they feel is right at any moment. The independents are the biggest party except for the NRM, but still the NUP is the one counted. That says a lot.

The FDC wants to be the governing party and be the big-men in Parliament. That is understandable. They have fought, fought and not gotten any real credit. That is understandable. It is reasonable that they want money, power and respect. However, that is given and not taken. The FDC should act with more sense.

Ssemujju should be more wise than this. He should know that the NUP can do whatever they feel. Even if it is foolish, obnoxious or not making sense. He should have his mind correct here. The FDC MP should speak of his own before going after the NUP.

Ssemujju should write his first passages of a prayer before going on national TV. The sermon should be scheduled and be delivered. He should summon the FDC Pastor and get the reverend to hymn in.

Just like I told Nambooze was wrong the other day, because she wanted Ssemujju to warn everyone else about his candidacy. Well, Ssemujju should first alert his party, before having talks with others ahead of the vote. There been enough trouble in the waters in the stages ahead of the polls. That is proven now in the aftermath.

Nevertheless, the FDC seems to be on a warpath and on the barricades. They are doing that instead of being humble. The FDC could show courage and greatness to the 11^th Parliament. Instead they are showing entitlement. For a party that has fought. I would think they would be happy to see a new generation coming in and a new party rising up. Instead, they are directly assaulting it.

Ssemujju could get allies and partners within the NUP. However, by acting like this. Why would they work with him? When his not addressing the lost boys or lost causes within his own party? That’s where he should start. After that maybe cordial address the matter and what happened.

Ssemujju should know this and would expect that of others. Not just go all out and trying to mock the NUP. That is to be anticipated by the NRM and their handlers. They are mocking for voting a NRM candidate (Kadaga). That is righteous to do, but Ssemujju needs figure his way. He should know better, but that’s too much to ask.

It is clearly easier to cane the new kid on the block. Going out kicking and screaming, instead of speaking ill of your own. Ssemujju do yourself a favour and stop. This is amounting to nothing. There is nothing to win here. You were the second loser and there is no way to turn the tables around. Even with 57 more votes, you wouldn’t have more than about 70 voters. Which would still be pointless. So, what was there to gain for the NUP?

Would they have a friendly face in the press? Or would you think some more independents throwing their ballots your way?

I doubt it, you would cause a fit no matter what. Ssemujju isn’t looking smart, but acting a fool. You can do better, but clearly that’s too much to ask. Peace.

Opinion: The tattle-tail becomes Oulanyah’s deputy

With no real margin of error the Deputy Speaker of the 11^th Parliament is National Resistance Movement (NRM) MP Anita Among. Who has gone from being elected as Independent MP in 2016, but leaning towards the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). While voting for the important legislation or motions in favour of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

We know she has earned the spoils of her loyalty to the President and the State House. As she has a fabulous home, owns a radio station (Mama Bukedea FM). Among has also been a regular visitor at the State House. Clearly getting favourable treatment of late.

In 2017 there was rumours that she was the mastermind of murdering people in her district. As well, as leaking FDC secrets to the State House. There was sources saying “she would do anything for money”. Clearly, with the amassed wealth and rise to prestige. Among clearly have found her source of wealth.

In September 2019 there was speculation of an assassination attempt on the MP at her home. Where two assailants or two gun-men who was even followed by the authorities before disappearing.

In May 2020 she went relentless on a person posting things on Facebook. In such a fit, that she personally got all the authorities involved and got one Private Secretary of the President in charge of Poverty Alleviation in Busoga under investigation together with an accomplice Brian Kinene. She was able to use the Cyber Unit of CID to investigate the matter and put it on blast. That was done over two Facebook posts. This says a lot about her character.

Among haven’t had a long career, but still been creating headlines. Gotten the loyalty and it’s paying off. As she couldn’t continue sell stories and be in fire while leaning towards the FDC. She had to eventually cross sides.

Now she could stand unopposed and run through the election with no real competition. Anointed by the President and has now his blessings. Clearly she will continue to use her power. Now, she haven’t the need to go to Kadaga. Among can just do what her feel and do what Museveni directs her to do.

I don’t trust Deputy Speaker to value democratic values, neither honour the chambers of the Parliament. No, she’s in it for the money and Museveni will further corrupt her mind. Give her nice tokens for her service and she is favourable person for him. However, she is useful right now. But she just have to wait her turn. When she is not useful anymore.

Than she will be ditched and dropped as quickly, as the NRM dropped Kadaga today. Peace.

Opinion: The opposition have failed Ssemujju [and the NRM didn’t vote collectively for Oulanyah]

Not it’s shocking or anything, but the opposition have failed in a way. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) haven’t even been able to get their MPs behind their own party candidate for speaker in the 11^th Parliament. Not that it should be automatic for the opposition to vote for an opposition candidate. Still, if they want something different and wants another type of leader at the helm. Than they shouldn’t vote for the ones who has already been puppets of the President.

It is official that Jacob Oulanyah is the next speaker. He got the majority with 310 MPs, which is a weak one in itself. The National Resistance Movement have 336 MPs alone and means someone wasn’t following the party line there as well and voting for the Independent candidate Rebecca Kadaga. If the UPDF MPs are voting directly for NRM causes, that means 300 NRM MPs voted for their own plus the UPDF. That means 36 NRM MPs voted for Rebecca Kadaga, instead of Oulanyah.

What is shocking is that Kadaga most likely got a huge support from the opposition and the independents of the Parliament. As she got 197 votes today. Not that it’s enough to retain her office. However, it shows that the opposition who is 98 MPs. This being the National Unity Platform (NUP) with 57 MPs, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) 32 MPs, Democratic Party (DP) 9 MPs, which is in total 98 MPs. The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has an additional 9 MPs, but with the agreement with NRM of the past. It’s hard to call them “opposition” at this point.

There 74 Independent MPs and with opposition MPs is a total of 174 MPs. That is very close to numbers Kadaga got. That means there are several of NRM who voted for her. Clearly, the non-partisan UPDF MPs would automatically vote for Oulanyah. That is securing 10 MPs his way. They follow the chain-in-command at any point of time. We know this and the public knows this too.

Still, the FDC has lost 17 MPs to Kadaga or Oulanyah. That is mediocre approach. That the NUP have shown a weird tactic too. They most likely voted Kadaga is just baffling. That they are doing this politicking. Supporting a former servant of the dictator and giving way to her. Just because she had a brief fallout and lost favours with him.

That the DP could go either way at this point. The UPC is shallow too, but with the numbers and secret ballots. There is just speculations who voted where. However, the ammo for questionable affairs is clear. The strength is within the ruling regime. They can win, even when they are not trying. That shows how the 11^th Parliament will be.

I didn’t expect Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda should have more than 32 MPs on his side. Not only 15 MPs, which is only barely half of the FDC group of MPs in Parliament. He has been let down not by the opposition, but by his own party. They have not shown loyalty to their own. The NUP could play where-ever they saw fit. Naye, they clearly went for Kadaga just to spite Museveni. Instead of playing a long-game with FDC. This is not a good sign for the rest of this term.

The NUP and FDC have combined a big block of MPs with 89 MPs in the 11^th Parliament. These MPs could made a difference and their votes could have sent a signal to the authorities. However, they instead voted for Kadaga. The FDC, NUP and DP have all backed the former speaker, one way or another. That is what these numbers and secret ballots says.

The opposition let Ssemujju down, but they first needs to look into their own before shelling assaults at NUP or elsewhere. When you cannot even muster support at home. You cannot go across party-lines. The NUP has disappointed me as well, but it’s not shocking. More of their first moves in Parliament. However, I hope they will really work in constructive opposition behaviour and not petty politicking like today. This is not furthering their cause, but only questioning their methods.

The NRM is also not as strong as they trying to portray. As they are lacking total support for their own. They are not collective behind Oulanyah. There are missing MPs who bailed on the NRM CEC decision. That says a lot too. That is something the President needs to think about and reflect upon at the State House. Peace.

Today wasn’t the day to plant a Freedom Tree in Kira Muncipality: As the Police Blocks the Semujju Rally in town!

There are just one of these days, when the ones ordering the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Force realize how foolish most of it is. Because this is clearly a step to far again. When they have house-arrested Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju MP and fellow MPs in his home in Kira Muncipality. The Police are saying they are closing it off and blocking the rally today because of technical breach and lack of forewarning. However, we all know the gist and the attitude towards Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and the other People Power MPs in the Republic. This sort of affair that was about to transpire today, had to be shut-down. Because, this is what the President fears the most. The symbolic affair and the lack attendance of him. Museveni is supposed to be the king of peace, but is now again showing his efforts to stifle others and their voices.

“This morning woke up with a very good vibe, with plans to visit and address our people in Kira Municipality with comrade Hon. Ibrahim Semujju Nganda and fellow other Members of Parliament. We also had plans to plant a freedom tree at the home of Hon. Semujju. Police and the military have surrounded his house and dispersed the people they found at his home. As we speak his house is still surrounded. Impunity at its peak. Fear at its height. Whatever they do, nothing can stop an idea whose time has come.” (Bobi Wine – 16.11.2018).

We can clearly see the message, as the Kira Town residents has on tape also said the Police Officers was beating on them yesterday. A day ahead of the scheduled rally, that is now blocked today. The authorities are really going all in, when they act like this. While from this morning blocking the MP and his house. Sending people away wearing red and blue. The colours of People Power and the Forum for Democratic Change. The latter, which is the party of the unfortunate MP.

“The Kireka rally follows a number of rallies organized by MPs that voted NO against the lifting of Presidential Age Limit. MPs had decided to organize rallies in show of support of these MPs across the country” (Forum for Democratic Change, 16.11.2018).

This rally is now a no go. The voices against the life Presidency is now forbidden and the stature of the limited freedom is sealed. That has been common knowledge for plenty, but now proven again to those who thought otherwise. Because the authorities has to prove their power.

This endless battle doesn’t seem stop. Peace.

Mwenda’s recent Illusions of the ‘FDC versus NRM’ doesn’t make sense!

There are certain members of the media atmosphere, that is so deluded and so paid-off by the National Resistance Movement, that their vision is blurred. If someone would believe that this fellow was drinking or even lack of memory, than people would have believed that, since his reasoning is so far fetched and forged together. So, that the elitism and the favorable view is so in the open. That no matter what the Opposition would do. It would be wrong, anyone standing in the way of the NRM. They are vicious people and vindictive to be supporting the cause of toppling the dictatorship. However, that is the vision of Andrew Mwenda, the Independent Magazine owner and writer. The man whose lost his way, today. I will take extract of his two recent rants on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). I just have to scrutinize them, as they deserve.

First on disintegration of the FDC:

“Besigye himself did not start out as a radical extremist. However he adopted this position in order to keep the loyalty of his base. These radical extremists believe in a politics of blackmail, insults, lies and intimidation to get their way. They represent a worse alternative to President Yoweri Museveni’s politics of corruption and patronage. For all his faults, Museveni represents a more enlightened politics than Besigye and his extremists. He is to some degree liberal democratic – to a good extent – he has some tolerance of and respect for free speech and other liberal democratic values. But the radical extremists are fascists” (Mwenda, 2018).

This little extract shows how narrow-minded Mwenda has become, if that is in his own high esteem or his lack of vision. That he has to figure out a way to narrowly escape the perjury of his own mind. What we can see, is that no matter what Museveni does, it will be better than Besigye. Even if Museveni has all powers and made a crappy patronage system, that will be better than the FDC and Besigye ever will be. Even if no one has ever tried or succeeded in doing so. Therefore, just by this mere impasse, his reasoning are falling flat.

Secondly, how can liberal democratic values turn into fascists? Where in his right mind does this work out? It is just like reading political voodoo again. The mismatch of political in a petri-dish and use of tools to create an imaginary Nessie in the midst of Lake Albert. Because that is what Mwenda here does. If your members and supporters of Besigye, your fascists, by his reckoning, which is in itself a disgrace. As the Besigye supporters aren’t violent brown-shirt or ethnic cleansing individuals, even the P10 in diaspora isn’t supporting an armed struggle against the Museveni. So where in the mind of Mwenda makes these ideas. He surely need therapy or more schooling, because this doesn’t make sense.

FDC’s radical extremism:

“Here has been the tragedy of the struggle for democracy in Africa. Claims by any group opposed to a dictatorial government to be fighting for democracy are taken on face value. Its internal operations and the behaviour of its leaders and members are rarely questioned. And in many cases these groups have captured power and produced governments that are worse than those they overthrew. The lesson for Uganda is simple but fundamental: denouncing Museveni’s dictatorial tendencies is not enough to make a political movement liberal-democratic. Its modus operandi is more critical. FDC is the best positioned party to capture power from NRM. The radical extremists are its strongest faction in FDC. Hence a capture of power by FDC would be a victory for radical extremism and a danger to democracy in Uganda. Whatever the democratic deficits manifest inside NRM, Museveni individually and his party and government generally are fairly tolerant and liberal-minded. I built my career as a journalist exposing the rot in his government alongside its dictatorial tendencies. Yet throughout this period I frequently visited Museveni at State House and we argued over our differences. He would come to my radio show. He would telephone me to express disagreement over opinions or facts I had written. The same applies to NRM and UPDF leaders. They were regular guests on my radio show and my major sources of information” (Mwenda, 2018).

It is weird again that someone would be danger to democracy, while the other one are keeping a narrow hold of power in the State House. That is why someone whose been into power for 32 years are no problem for democracy, but the ones in opposition will cause havoc. That even without proof of it. This is just peddling lies and deception. That Mwenda says NRM are liberal and tolerant minded, why does everyone has to follow the guidance of Museveni and the ones who doesn’t get demoted.

If the NRM was so liberal and tolerant minded, why the NRM rebels get demoted? Why did the leadership throw out Mbabazi, Bukenya and others because of their ambitions? Mwenda, why doesn’t you mention that? While the FDC has had three Party Presidents by now since its inception since 2005, while the NRM since 1986 has had one in command from the State House. There has been lack of control from others.

So, therefore it is special, that ones ordering the army and police to be able to control power, have trouble with supporters of the opposition. This is just weird, that the NRM are okay with its mistakes, but the FDC will become fascists and extremists, but the armed military government of NRM are fine and dandy. If you don’t see flaws in that reasoning, than your right and Mwenda is off the chains.

We can clearly see the brilliant mind or the wacked head of Mwenda. His own head must be a battlefield, as the lack of reasoning and mental breakdown of the defense of Museveni is in the open. It is just like accepting the dictator and making the opposition criminal hoodlums. Not complaining about the ones ordering the killing, but saying the ones reporting the killings as the ill of society. That is what Mwenda is doing these days.

If you know, you know. Peace.

Reference:

Andrew M. Mwenda – ‘The likely defeat of FDC’s radical extremism’ (13.08.2018)

Andrew M. Mwenda – ‘The disintegration of FDC’ (11.08.2018)

Opposition Chief Whip Ssemujju provoking Besigye supporters just like Mwenda!

There are just some days, the true colors of some people appear, the real reason and the double-edged sword comes into play. There are times when the grandeur of support dwindles away like a dot-com bubble. It is this time and this sort of attacks within own party shouldn’t exist. Apparently it do, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), has been a party where the different leaders has discussed matters and followed protocol. Also, ever since Reform Agenda of early 2000s the leadership has changed and other deserters from National Resistance Movement has come into the fold.

It has been the strongest opposition party because of how the internal party organization has been built, the trust between the aides of leaders and the members. This has been an element of a party structure that has been done with grass-root work and steady campaigning. The proof of being different and also wanting a possible peaceful change from the Museveni era. That has not happen, because of the oppression and the constant rigging. Also, the control of the army. Therefore, you can wonder why Besigye who was part of the foundation and creator of FDC are no under-fire from his own. That also sounding like Mwenda, who has become the giant commentator who really despises him. I wouldn’t expect this sort of words form someone in the FDC NEC, but everything is allowed in politics, I guess.

Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju on the 16^th August 2017:

“That is how many FDCs, including sophisticated ones like Musumba, viewed anyone who dared contest against Besigye. This is because Besigye is the most charismatic and selfless leader that the FDC either has inherited or produced. He is nearly more popular than the party. Contesting against him is almost criminal, punishable by isolation and other social boycotts. Yet that is exactly what motivated Muntu. I remember interviewing him while still working with The Observer and he feared FDC was making the same mistake senior leaders in the NRM made – not contesting against Museveni. Today, we still have people in FDC who think Col Besigye’s word is law and opposing it is a crime. Unfortunately, some of them are senior leaders. When you win over state power with that sort of mentality, I am sure you will be another criminal gang. Because Besigye’s mobilization and presidential campaign catchword was ‘defiance’, even those who have never chased a caterpillar in their lives are dismissing the rest of the party members as being “compliant”. Therefore, to them, this campaign for the FDC presidency is between defiance and compliance. The truth of the matter is that this campaign is between blind loyalists and those opposed to the idea” (Ssemujju, 2017).

Andrew Mwenda on the 7^th January 2017:

“Dr. Kizza Besigye is totally convinced that he has a large number of extremely loyal supporters armed with fanatical zeal to die for him. Besigye supporters are equally convinced that they have a leader willing to die for their cause. Both sides are involved in a game of deceit and deception and here is how. Besigye die hards are either cowards or hypocrites or both. While they make the loudest noise on how they are ready to die for him, they have done nothing (except for insulting critics on social media) to prove they are worthy of their claims. Each time Besigye goes to town, Kale Kayihura sends only eight (8) police men who pick Besigye like chicken, bundle him over a pickup truck and take him to police as these “ready-die-for-our-man” fanatics watch helplessly. For many months after the elections in February 2016, Kayihura kept a small police contingent at Besigye’s home of not more than 20 police officers. This “large mass” of “ready-to-die-for-our-man” people couldn’t pass this small poorly equipped force to rescue their hero. What kind of loyalty is this? Besigye is deluded to believe in his fanatics” (Andrew Mwenda, 07.01.2017).

Why did I take a Facebook article from Mwenda and this week attack piece from Ssemujju, it is because they use same sort of form to attack Besigye. It is special and unique. I never thought Ssemujju would use the same of tricks of the trade to address greatest Museveni nemesis Besigye. This is just weird. Because, Ssemujju has often been a man of reason, a man of sound judgment, but this time, I beg to differ.

Mwenda wrote this: “Dr. Kizza Besigye is totally convinced that he has a large number of extremely loyal supporters armed with fanatical zeal to die for him. Besigye supporters are equally convinced that they have a leader willing to die for their cause”. We can easily detect that anyone supporting Besigye has to be a die-hard supporter and dying for his cause. Because the support of Besigye has to be this hard, then seeing Ssemujju: “Today, we still have people in FDC who think Col Besigye’s word is law and opposing it is a crime. Unfortunately, some of them are senior leaders. When you win over state power with that sort of mentality, I am sure you will be another criminal gang. Because Besigye’s mobilization and presidential campaign catchword was ‘defiance’, even those who have never chased a caterpillar in their lives are dismissing the rest of the party members as being “compliant””. You can see that Ssemujju also calls Besigye radicals, as it is criminal not supporting him inside the FDC. That is the coded language used for, that the ones standing against Besigye is a “criminal gang”. This sort of addressing it, shows how he tries to make the decisions of Besigye into attack on the FDC Organization. That since Besigye has and wanted to be different than the NRM and the government itself. Since, if they gave way to the government, then there was no difference. If Besigye supporters really did boycott and stopped being part of state, the FDC would be legitimate opposition party. What is worrying is how he uses the same sort of words to address Besigye.

I would not expect that Ssemujju would write in a manner of Mwenda, but he did. It is right, Besigye is not perfect, but he has given way to other parts of the party, that has opened windows of more than just “hard-liners”. If it wasn’t so, the FDC NEC wouldn’t have the power and the ability to become a Shadow Government with Shadow Cabinet. Something Gen. Mugisha Muntu and Party President was voting for, while Besigye was in house-arrest and detained. If Ssemujju feared the prison and the oppression to the levels of Besigye, he might have turned a bit more radical himself. But safety of Parliament salaries and remuneration must surely put the ideology on the side.

It is a sad sight seeing Ssemujju turning this way, instead of actually being honest, being up-front for why he uses Besigye, who is not standing for the FDC Presidency and that Gen. Muntu is also an incumbent. Another “No-Change”. Since Gen. Muntu has been the Party President since 2012 after Besigye stepped down after being elected in 2005. So it is not like Besigye acts like he is bigger than FDC. That is lie, if it was so he would be like Museveni who is the Party President and the President of the Republic. Its a big difference there. So the rants against Besigye and his supporters should be futile. If not it is the Muntu fraction that fears the Besigye supporters will be behind his aide Byamugisha.

But it is with sadness, that a bright mind like Ssemujju are using rhetoric and tricks of Mwenda’s playbook. Sorry brother, you should know better and should also be wiser. You are FDC leader, not a NRM Stooge, right? You give respect to Besigye, but same time slams him. What are you trying to say, only the ones supporting Muntu and his side of the Party are the ones justified? Since Besigye garn different kind of support, but you will quickly embrace the man, when you need votes?

Is that your game as well, we have seen similar acts of late, when the chips are down the people leave the fold, but when the tide is rising the people come running back. Peace.

Reference:

Ssemujju, Ibrahim Nganda – ‘Why I am for Gen Muntu this time’ (16.08.2017) link: http://observer.ug/viewpoint/54408-why-i-am-for-gen-muntu-this-time.html

Opinion: EU Envoy Schmidt are an speaking like an NRM apologist similar to Ofwono Opondo over Besigye’s 2016 Election defiance!

I feel sorry for European Union Envoy Kristian Schmidt who are now sounding like a National Resistance Movement (NRM) apologist, instead of an independent spirit and understanding of the short-falls of the NRM Regime. He seems to been misunderstanding what happen during the General Election 2016. Surely, he wants the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Dr. Kizza Besigye, to say it just water under bridge and let it go. Since the Supreme Court followed the orders of the 31 Years and counting President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. First introduce some of the beautiful words of Ofwono Opondo, before the Kristian Schmidt’s foolish interview with Daily Monitor, before enlightening fellow European of his ignorance or forgetting the blatant impunity towards Besigye and FDC in and around the General Election 2016. Since he has forgotten while drinking Nile Brew in the Embassy and going on Safaries with his dignitaries. Surely, Schmidt must feel good about himself!

““In this election, Besigye gained 1.5 million votes compared to two million votes he got in 2011 while Museveni’s gain was a paltry 500,000. To the NRM strategists, this is the most shocking, indeed worrying trend, and having located the cause as being our messaging, strategy, campaign style, internal laxity, occasioned fraud and widespread bickering. We shall not blame anybody else except ourselves. Actually, to be frank, we were almost swept away by our collective failure to robustly respond to the Opposition demagoguery on issues of youth unemployment, despair among the urban population, poor and yet expensive public service delivery and bad public relations, especially to distribution of soft campaign cash that often got stolen along the way among other issues. This, to the Besigye camp, should give hope that with better strategic organisation, not only falsehoods, they can in the future topple NRM through the ballot instead of being bad losers” (…) ““The claims of rigging, especially at the last minute through alleged intimidation of candidates’ agents, ballot stuffing, falsification or alteration of results on tally and declaration sheets and at announcements are perturbing and incredibly unbelievable. These could pass as truth if the peddlers could at least adduce some verifiable evidence from eyewitnesses and documents in their possession that differ from those of the EC, which ought to be available from the multiple sources, including the media that observed these elections” (Opondo, 2016).

So when a NRM spokesperson and Uganda Media Centre director had to come in defense of his master. In the aftermath and with the current illegitimate government. Who has no problems in misusing the government funds and had no problem rigging the election in their favor. As the FDC had massive scores of leaders behind bars, had people with Declarations Forms from Polling Stations at Gun-Point, had their Headquarter barricaded and sealed off, Besigye was under house-arrest and the story goes on. Not an adventure, but a true theft a nation. Still Schmidt says this to the FDC and former Presidential Candidate:

“He added: “That is of course an issue that is dividing but I think it would have been good to come together and discuss. It has not happened and election reforms seem to be not going forward.” (…) “The law of Uganda is what it is: the conditions of petitions are what they are, and for a petition to be successful you have to do a lot of homework. Under your Constitution I believe you have little time, 10 days. I know one of the recommendations of the Supreme Court is to extend that time which I believe makes sense.” (…) “ He said “I think if Dr Besigye was convinced before elections that he would not be happy with the outcomes and the process, he should have been the one to petition. He should have prepared for that but he decided before that he was not going to and under the rule of law.” (Musisi, 2017).

EU Envoy to Uganda Kristian Schmidt, I know you visited him while on undetermined house-arrest. Since the Police Force had been stationed in Kasangati, Wakiso for so long days before the election and until May 2016. When he was able to escape and have his own swearing-in ceremony, before air-lifted to Moroto, where the state charged him with Treason charges. Which he still carries today, he is an arch-criminal and seen as an enemy of the state. Than after all of this, you talk about rule of law, justice and courts. Like Dr. Kizza Besigye haven’t had his time in court, haven’t been detained on more occasions than ordinary thief, even more than average murderers in the Republic.

So, the FDC was unable to counter with a petition, Amama Mbabazi was the only one able to fill in a form or petition. Because FDC has done so after General Election 2011. So it is like the EU Envoy for Uganda Schmidt is not in concern anymore of all the breaches that happen to Besigye. Like the whole House-Arrest period, the whole part of the general assault on the rule of law considering the elections and polls. The self sufficient pre-ticket ballots and Badru Kiggundu’s own special math-class. The statistics and the vicious attempt of forging the whole election in favor of President Museveni.

It like he wants the one on Treason Charges since May 2016, since the coup d’etat in February 20^th 2016, when the Electoral Commission announced the result. That as the whole NRM and state organization was behind the whole ordeal. Even the European Election Observation Mission and the Commonwealth Election Observation Mission was explaining the massive flaws of the General Election. Still, the EU Envoy want Besigye just to let it go.

Let’s take his first reasoning, since it is shows his true passion, the Danish dignitary: “Now if this was in any other democracy, like in some European countries, it would be unacceptable that the Opposition party does not then recognise the winner of the elections” (Musisi, 2017). If this was an election in Europe, all of these ploys of the NRM wouldn’t have happen. Not normally, that the army is used to intimidate, that local leaders are paid-off with new cars, that ballot are pre-ticket ballots and all powers to be to silence the FDC. Together with the obvious rigging and mismatch of acts in favor of Museveni. If this would not have happen in a European elections and EU Envoy to Uganda knows this. That why it is remarkable that he says about Besigye.

Besigye knows better and the Ugandan people knows so. They are not fools, even if Schmidt is sounding like Ofwono Opondo and has taken lectures from Andrew Mwenda. He surely has hanged in the same bars in Kampala as these two. To sound so blatant ignorant and so forgetful. Peace.

Reference:

Opondo, Ofwono – ‘The media shouldn’t parrot Opposition false claims’ (28.03.2016) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Commentary/Media-parrot-Opposition-false-claims/-/689364/3135890/-/2m2g7v/-/index.html

Musisi, Fredric – ‘Besigye refusal to recognise government not helpful – EU envoy’ (09.07.2017) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Besigye-refusal-recognise-government-not-helpful-EU-envoy/688334-4006606-er8gyr/index.html

Mwenda’s political voodoo of the real People’s Power versus Classic Rigging President Museveni style!

Sometimes, you wonder if all the payments from the big-man has deluded someones mind and vision. Like he has to call hardliners in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) extremists, because supporters of FDC are vicious people in his eyes. That is because they don’t pay him to spread their vision. The more Andrew Mwenda speak, the more he sounds like the brethren of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Today is no different. He speaks of the beautiful rain-man style voodoo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Take a look!

“Lessons for Besigye from Kyadondo East

So yesterday the state deployed its full military might on display like it has never done before. The aim? To win in Kyadondo East. In spite of the deployment (and perhaps because of it) the NRM candidate lost. Bobi Wine won. First lesson: no amount of rigging can stop people power. Second lesson: Kizza Besigye and his hooligans have no people power. Third lesson: FDC extremists claiming anyone stole their votes are deluded. Advice to FDC extremists: Go to the people and get their support first. Stop lying to yourselves that someone steals your votes” (Andrew Mwenda, 30.06.2017).

I don’t know if Mwenda was considering that if it was the same with Presidential Elections compared to the a smaller By-Election. He should think of it differently. There was play of Police Officers and Military Police in the Kyadondo East polls. But they we’re not as significant as during the General Election of 2016. When the whole militarized politics and the police interference in politics was into another level. Yesterday, the only thing IGP Kale Kayihura did was smiling and not calling all his brigades, neither all of the RDC or DPC to act upon the promise to cherish the Presidents vision.

That is what happens, all of the state are in the works during a Presidential Election, where the State are already using all their methods and all organizations to take control. They use even fighter planes to fly over Kampala to spread the fear and stop people from demonstrating. They used all sorts of policing to barricade and stop party works of the FDC. They imprisoned major parts of the FDC leadership, activists all over the country and there wasn’t any sort of momentum to gain. The public couldn’t be engaged when they are fighting court-battles and not have the time to significantly move them.

It wasn’t like in February 2016 the team around Dr. Kizza Besigye and Gen. Mugisha Muntu was chilling it on Lake Victoria on the beach with a Nile Brew. Certainly, the state was using all tactics to stop the movement and possible demonstrations, they we’re even more eager to arrest, detain and silence the opposition FDC and others. They were more vigilant. Not like in Kyadondo East where 10 people we’re arrest at Kasangati, if it was in and around February, there were dozens of people arrested, the we’re people shot and killed during demonstrations. The police was using tear-gas and ensuring massive amounts of fear. Not like yesterday, they we’re really just barricading and driving around compared to the Presidential Election.

That the people’s power in the General Election would means that the engagement of the Bobi Wine style in whole of Uganda. The difference is that the NRM regime wouldn’t allow that. If the locals in every village and every town, than Mwenda’s people would have reacted and called in uncivilized, not called it people’s power. They would claim that people had lost their marbles and should trust in the NRM. Because people like Mwenda praises and lives of the NRM. Mwenda doesn’t want the public to take control of the National Talley Centre where the Electoral Commission together with their officers we’re rigging the election. That one was close guarded and would need an army to stop it.

That the Opposition party officials and the ones with the copies of the Declaration Forms, they we’re hold at gun-point, their houses raided and the offices cleared as well. This was not how they did it at the By-Election. They acted more peaceful for a simple reason. The NRM didn’t need this one… If they needed it they would acted like they did during the General Election of 2016. The NRM already owns the Parliament, owns the State and controls the Security Organization. This is just formalities at this point, the Parliament are a majority of NRM MPs. These are all men and woman loyal to the crony system of the President.

There is a vast difference and if Mwenda’s vision would be real, as the ones around Kasangati Resort, he would like the people to rise-up, walk together towards Okello House and throw the President in Lake Victoria, leave his Presidential Lodges and Farms burning across the land. See citizens on every corner throw stones at the Police Officers. Act up on the Military and Soldiers, stop paying VAT and really not act as a citizens. Stop the whole system, revolt and act with true resistance and defiance against the NRM regime. Be worse than Walk to Work, be more vigilant than the Action 4 Change and get all sorts of demonstrations against the system.

If this happen, he would call of them extremist, but that is what the Kyadondo really did. They closed off and stopped the rigging inside the Kasangati Resort. If this would have stopped during the election, the Police had be taken hostage by the public, the Talley Center’s had been taken by the public and the Electoral Officials would been followed by the public every moment. Not had the capacity to rig the numbers and give the polling stations different numbers. They would have made issues in every town, every village and in every parish. The Police would have to act upon it and the military too. There wouldn’t be breathing place and a place of ordinary peace.

I want to wish you good luck Mr. Mwenda, if the FDC are radicals or extremists, than his wish of Kyadondo East election, means that he wishes true defiance, true resistance and expression towards the Electoral Commission in unprecedented levels. Such that the NRM never seen and we can only hope happens. But Mwenda seems to forget the legacy of how the Police and military attacks the FDC in the hour of dire need and how the leadership are taken behind bars in and around the polls. But hey, Mwenda has forgotten how it is to be a voice against the NRM, when your could suddenly be silenced and be taken behind bars. For any sort of speech and acts against the regime. This he shouldn’t forget, but the paychecks from them, let is dementia hit early. Peace.

Kyadondo By-Election: The Return Form for Transmission of Results (29.06.2017)