Opinion: Would we ever see an Army Commander in the High Command from the North?

It would have been a sign of reconciliation and leaving the grievances of the past, if the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) had promoted or made an Army Commander from the Northern Regions. That would have been a message and a resounding one.

I tend to not get emotional or get attached, but there are certain things that would be significant and prove that there is no tribalism or ethnic reasons for the choices made today. Because, right now the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the High Command is filled with Westerns and the ones aligned to the tribes surrounding the Presidency. That is just a mere fact and nothing can overshadow that. The same with the leadership of the Uganda Police Force (UPF). Yes, northerns has gotten plum-offices and appointed into high offices politically. However, it haven’t happened in the army and it shows.

I don’t know if Museveni hold grudges or deep resentment. This could be personal to him and he only trust his own “kind”. Even if he says he speaks ill of tribalism and sectarianism. Still, he professes to that in certain aspects of life. That’s why only certain areas has high ranking officials and has the option to be promoted into the High Command of the Army or the Ministry of Defence. It will not be someone from Lango, Acholi or the West Nile. Forget if you are from Apac or Pader for that matter. If you are from Gulu, Lira or Arua. Well, you will not get far in the army and can only be a foot-soldier. You will never reach the ranks or be in the mix for prestige. That’s beholden others by blood or by association. If not that they are coming from right areas of the West and can be pleasing to the UPDF.

That’s how it looks like… I can understand if Museveni has some distrust and lack of empathy. However, the prolonged war in the North. Has cost him and the his areas lots of damage. Yes, the UPDF was able to send Lord Resistance Army (LRA) packing and it is now in exile. However, that war happened because of the choices and the distrust between the “south” and the “north”. Which isn’t strange, as the North had the influence and the Presidency until Museveni came along. Obote and Amin was from the North and their commanders came from there as well.

Museveni has in some regards done the same. He trust his own and chosen this path. Why I am wondering now is that it’s years since peace came to the North. The threats are gone and the lives moves on. The High Command and the UPDF wouldn’t be endangered by a Northerner in the ranks. I think it would be a friendly reminder of how things has changed. That the North and the South can fight together and secure the sovereignty of the Republic. It could be the message and not only appoint northern technocrats to run Ministries or be Speakers of the House. No, give them power where it matters and allow them to deploy guns. That would have been a powerful message and been a proof of the non-sectarianism that Museveni professes too.

Alas, we know Museveni won’t budge or do this. He needs token soldiers and loyal commanders. Certainly, he has issues with it and wouldn’t give way. Some say the idea of Gen. Moses Ali is a proof that he has a broad coalition and allies in the North. Well, Gen. Moses Ali was able to get a deal and has been ally of Museveni ever since. Therefore, that isn’t the same as what I am requesting or hoping will happen.

The UPDF and the Ministry of Defence needs representation. These organizations needs to show all parts of the nation and have leaders from across the spectrum. That is needed, especially if Museveni wants to be unifying and speak with a sincere voice. Unless, he just wants to lie and only does so to please donors. I would certainly believe that and it would make sense. Actually, it would make a lot of dollars and pay of the expenditure of his State House.

I know it would be a shocker to see someone from the Great North appointed or promoted to the High Command. However, it would be a sign of goodwill and of change. That it isn’t a battle between the North and the South. No, that it’s a collective and a nation for all. Peace.

Opinion: The unanswered questions about the raid of Maluku house No. 49…

“The Amin history is actually very simple: What led Uganda police to this house back in 1973? Whom did police find plotting the kidnap of Amin officials here? And right after the mysterious disappearance of Ben Kiwanuka, Frank Kalimuzo, Basil Bataringaya and others in the three months leading to this incident, who was the gang planning to murder next when they were discovered in this hideout on January 22nd 1973? Additionally, in his book ‘The Guardian Angel’, Mr. Arnold Bisaase who was with the group in Daresalaam hatching these abduction missions, narrated how they drafted a hitlist of amin government officials and elites that they would assassinate once the group infiltrated in Uganda. That list was found at the house in Maluku estate after the shoot out” (Mr. Lumumba Amin – ‘IDI AMIN HISTORY: CROSSFIRE AT HOUSE 49, MALUKU HOUSING ESTATE’ 30.12.2020).

There are certain tales that is never answered. Most likely because the ones involved either is deceased or their stories are neglected to be told. We have only a few accounts plus the ones that is amplified. There is a reason why one story and one vision is amplified. That’s because his journey and his story was sold to the masses. His re-collection and narration is the one that stole the spotlight and done to make him “legendary”.

That the President and former Rebel wanted his tales to sound supreme is obvious. He wants so badly not only to be beloved, but also feared. The President wants his way to power to legitimized and vilify anyone who opposed him. That’s why the stories are made into a fashion where he is the hero, and the others are the enemies. This is the gist of things. That’s why it’s hard to believe what is fact and what is fiction. Certainly, there are aspects where the President will be truthful, but a lot of time’s either hide the fact or twist it in his favour. Therefore, it isn’t that easy, and it isn’t becoming easier as it 50 years ago since it happened.

In addition to Lumumba Amin’s story. Here is what I found about it…

“Those who have read President Yoweri Museveni’s book, Sowing the Mustard Seed, will remember the deep appreciation the President accords to the man lying before us this afternoon. In one of the sections of the book, President Museveni explained how one day in January 1973, hon. Maumbe Mukhwana’s home, house No. 49 in Maluku Housing Estate in Mbale, acted as a stage for a deadly battle between the freedom fighters and the Amin soldiers. The bloody fight in which some of President Yoweri Museveni’s comrades died at the hands of the Amin soldiers eventually emboldened the entire movement to intensify its efforts to uproot that dictatorship. Madam Speaker, we have fond memories of those early years of the struggle and Maumbe’s contribution, wisdom and counsel. As President Yoweri Museveni wrote, on January 22 1973 he travelled to Mbale in the company of Martin Mwesigwa and Wukwu Kazimoto Mpima to check on the camps. Little did they know that Amin’s intelligence had spotted the camp. One of Maumbe’s cousins wanted to spite him for refusing to give him some cigarettes; so, he reported to the authorities that there were some guerrillas in the area. Fortunately, Maumbe learnt of the betrayal and evacuated the group to the mountain before Amin’s soldiers arrived. You can imagine what would have happened had he not acted in time” (Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda – Parliament of Uganda – Hansard, 02.03.2017).

““I am surprised that when he [President Museveni] was referring to the events, he asserts that he was the only one who got out of the house alive, forgetting me; yet we spent 30 minutes together in cordial conversation in the house before the attack,” Mr Bukeni said in an interview with Sunday Monitor this week. When this newspaper reached out to Maumbe’s widow, Elizabeth, to corroborate the assertions by Mr Bukeni, she said: “I know him [Bukeni], but I am not at ease to speak about the events of that day. Please don’t make me cry now.” The President, while recounting the events at Bungokho Sub-county in Mbale District during the burial of the late Maumbe last week, among other things, said he was the only fighter who left the house alive after his two comrades –Martin Mwesiga and Kazimoto – were shot dead at the house” (Daily Monitor – ‘New details emerge, contradict Museveni Mbale escape story’ 11.03.2017).

“Museveni wrote that having been captured from inside the house, he jumped over the hedge and ran away from his captors. Did the man jump over the hedge and run away from his captors if you remember? I ask Otwabe. “Which hedge?” he wonders. “That is what he said? Me, I did not see the man [Museveni] jumping over the hedge.” According to Otwabe, Like a film star acting as a commando, Museveni burst out of the besieged Maumbe house No49 and ran directly into a crowd which had gathered out to see what was going on in the neighbourhood” (Daily Monitor – ‘I chased Museveni: I nearly captured him’ 25.04.2015).

As we see, the story of the “Mustard Seed” is contested, and eyewitnesses are telling another story than the President. This possibly means that he altered the story or made it more “legendary”. That wouldn’t be shocking because Museveni wants to look divine and unique in every way possible.

We are seeing Bukeni and Otwabe saying their testimonies which differs from the ones Museveni is telling. They are both saying it happen differently from him. You know there is more to the story than what His Excellency says. Especially, when you take into the account of Amin intelligence and the possible Hit-List, which was in the No. 49. That means the people belonging to Museveni had schemes and plans of how to overthrow Amin. That house was a place where Museveni met fellow rebels and plans to make a liberation war to oust Amin. Therefore, what was happening here was directly treasonous and a way of toppling a sitting regime.

You know your in trouble when people leak your whereabouts and the authority’s come’s knocking. They didn’t just come knocking but packing heat. These soldiers came with intention and with what schemes that was going on. We cannot blame them and especially when they were serving their current master. They where only following their commander and reporting to duty as they should. The men Museveni was aligned with was seditious and acting in treason. Therefore, the lethal means are with a purpose, even if the Amin government should have acted with a softer touch. Instead of firing of guns and killing them.

One day the truth will come out and no one will be afraid to spill the beans. It might be too late by then. Since the ones who was alive and can re-collect the attack will be gone. That’s what is tragic here, because we can nearly only hear one-side and that side is made beneficial for the current victor. Peace.

Chapter Four: A Day to Honor the Life and Legacy of St. Janani Luwum (16.02.2023)

2022 Luwum Day Remarks by Museveni could have easily been directed against his very own regime…

Well… here we are and things are moving just along the same lines as our ancestors and little to nothing has changed. We have soda bottles, cellphones and fancy cars. There is ability to import and export from far and wide. Information is moving swiftly and the tyrants cannot control the formation of all intelligence anymore. However, they are still working on overtime to control the narratives and history telling.

On a day like today, in memory of the martyr Reverend Luwum. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is working on overtime to discredit and make the predecessors look as evil as possible. To shed a positive light on his own reign and reason to self-styled Presidency for Life. Because, it is not like he ills of the past ceased with their end. No, he has re-issued them and made them a part of his imprint of government.

I will only take few passages from the speech, as it reflects his jaded mind in 2022.

As we begins with this passage:

“Government gazetted 16^th February as a public holiday, to commemorate Archbishop Janani Luwum’s legacy and martyrdom. The day is also an opportunity to reflect on the valor and courage displayed by Ugandans in the fight against bad leadership and dictatorship. We honour the memory of the dead and celebrate them for their sacrifice and contribution to Uganda’s liberation from the shackles of oppression. For instance, two Cabinet Ministers, Charles Oboth-Ofumbi and Erinayo Oryema, were murdered alongside the Archbishop by Idi Amin’s soldiers” (Museveni, 16.02.2022).

It is amazing to read these words from a man who has run a nation with blunt force since January 1986. Someone who has put the shackles, assassinated and silenced the dissidents over all these years. The only difference is that his the Head of State and Amin is deceased at this point. Museveni have done everything Amin did and continues to do so. There is no stop of the oppression and use of military force to control the masses. If it is abductions, kidnappings, torturing or keep civilians incommunicado. Also, in addition extra judicial killings of both high ranking officials and opposition activists. Therefore, the bad leadership and dictatorship hasn’t ceased to exists, but only has a new head on top…

Another passage he says this:

“Therefore, as you reflect on our tragic past, you should also thank the Almighty God for enabling us to correct the mistakes which stalled Uganda’s progress. Some Countries have failed to emerge from the mistakes of bad leadership. They got severely torn apart and have remained in an ungovernable condition as a result of the bad decisions of their leaders. There are many examples that one can quote. However, in the case of Uganda, we were able to rescue the Country from total collapse and redirect it on the path of stability and prosperity” (Museveni, 16.02.2022).

What is striking that Museveni cannot see what he himself is doing and what sort of state his running at the very moment. It is like his distorted mind has jaded it all. He says Uganda has emerged from bad leadership, but that isn’t true. There been plenty of bad decisions made by him over the years. The President in 2022 is still promising stability and prosperity like it is 1990s. However, this man hasn’t changed things to much and the militarizations of politics haven’t made things better, but has ensured the UPDF involvement in all parts of the civilian government. That isn’t solving problems, but making army commanders working in civilian fields, which they are not fit for. That is bad leadership, but the President would never say so… we know that and it’s really bad or getting worse over the years.

Final passage:

“The fruits of liberation are now ripe in every sector of our society. Uganda enjoys unprecedented peace and stability. There are some few evil doers, like the ADF, who are puzzled by this great achievement. Their attempts to distract us from the work of building Uganda into a modern middle income Country have been decisively defeated. The UPDF is determined to uproot any disruptive and negative forces inside or outside Uganda. Uganda’s rapid march towards the goal of socio-economic transformation cannot be stopped by anyone” (Museveni, 16.02.2022).

Here we just see it and he sets up the stage as well. It is really so revealing how his banking on the middle-income country status, which he has been promising for over a decade or so now. It is the promise of rainbows and unicorns, which never get to encounter or even see in the flesh. The dream that turns into a nightmare, because the President cannot govern or have the ability to make things properly. He has had decades to ensure this and has had all the support a leader could from donors and aid organizations. Still, his mannerisms and choices is self-deprecating and therefore, the results are there after. We are also seeing how he has to use fear both internally and externally too, which is such a nice thing to do on a day of a martyr. It is just a sensible thing to do for the old man. As it is fitting to put the pressure on, I suppose.

Well… this wasn’t jolly reading, but that’s because Museveni’s reign isn’t all that. It is grim and it isn’t getting better. It is tragic as a man who had all the hope and the promise in the early years, even as he was burning the North. Still, everyone had hope that he would be different than Amin. However, he has taken all of his traits and evolved them into the imprint of the state. Which is tragic and for him to celebrate this day is disgusting. As he resembles everything Rev. Luwum fought against. Peace.

A Warlord reasons not to kill: General Museveni “weird” tale at Rev. Luwum Commemoration Day

“Me I don’t fear anybody, whoever you are, if you are wrong, I will tell you. If you are confident about your position then there is no reason why you should kill people or intimidate them” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (16.02.2021).

Well, we are now in February 2021. The Warlord and General Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni spoke yet again at another Commemoration Day for Rev. Janani Luwum. Still, the legacy remaining for the deceased is still being altered by the men in power. Just like the days after his death in 1977. When the state wanted it to look like car-accident, when it was an assassination.

Now in 2021, the President is using the day to try to mask himself as better than Amin. Not a new trick. That trick is as old as this regime. Museveni has always tried to reflect himself in a better light and as “liberator” of the old. However, he now uses all the tricks they did. His regime is ushering the same violence, has the same reputation and kills civilians without any sort of punitive action. The state is abducting, kidnapping, torturing and dumping bodies on a regular. It is not like his record is vastly different from Amin now. He just have had more years to do the damage and get rid of more naysayers and enemies. That is the tragic realities, as massacres of 1980s and as late as November last year is left without any consideration of the lives that was taken. So, it is not like this Presidency has changed a lot. Except for the self-belief of being better than in the past. When in reality. His doing practically the same for his own end.

Here is some quotes from today:

“I am proud that our generation avenged the death of these innocent people, there was no need for Amin to kill the Archbishop, why kill a person because of criticizing you? That means you’re insecure, when you criticize me, I also criticize you” (Museveni, 16.02.2021).

“There was no reason for Idi Amin to kill Bishop Luwum, even if he was criticizing him. He could have just ignored him but Idi Amin was also illiterate and yet he was managing state infrastructure” (Museveni, 16.02.2021).

“Archbishop Janani did not die in vain, he took the martyrdom road. Amin was shallow, what would killing a person benefit you? That shows you are a coward and lazy, unless it is a war but for someone who is unarmed, use counter logic” (Museveni, 16.02.2021).

It is rich for someone who uses the “Panda Gari’s”, a man who promised to not have a government, which take away lives and kills without knowledge about it. It is really rich by someone who knows perfectly well the rights things to do, but does the opposite in power. A man who has gone to war in several of nations.

A man who has burned villages, towns and taken lives to gain power. There are only estimates about how many lost their lives in the Luweero Triangle, but some estimate about 250,000. A man who burned Northern Uganda for years just to prove a point. A man who continued his warfare in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. A man who has send soldiers to Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea and Somalia. This man knows about killing people and does it deliberately for his own ends. It is not like Museveni doesn’t know the price of winning wars and destroying his enemies. He knows that perfectly well and has enjoyed the spoils of war.

This man has violated people’s rights to assemble, gather and be democratic active. A man who has used his power to constrain the public by law and by arms. There has always been an excuse and “reason” to do so. However, it has by all means, benefited him and his cause.

So, for Museveni to say these things today. Is like the man thinking his living in a vacuum. Where people don’t know what his done and know how he got there. A man who wouldn’t have power, if it wasn’t for 27 guns, foreign support and ability to cunningly take power away from other men. That is what he did and he has held this capacity ever since. A man who used his position to trick it into a better one. That is what he has done ever since he joined UNLA in Tanzania. After joining the Military Commission in 1979 and going to the Bush-War. This man has always found a way and method to get ahead. Even using negotiations and deals to buy “peace”, but later bury the ones he made agreements with. That is the sort of man Museveni is.

One day, maybe not as a mortal. Maybe one day, he will answer for all them skulls. Maybe one day he will answer for all the fallen, the deceased and the ones who suffered as a result of his greed for power. One day, the God Almighty will keep him to account and let him answer for it in eternity. That is all up to him. As it seems, there will be no answer for his deeds in the Courts of Men. That is why we got to hope he will answer in the Courts of the Creator and the Devine Power who also resides on planet. To give credit, where credit is due. So, that there can be served justice and the lives can be accounted for.

As at the end of the day. Museveni is just a man of flesh and blood. When his soul is bare-naked and he has no office. God will see him for who he is and give his verdict. To give justice to all the other souls who was taken, because it was the price for the life liven by Yoweri.

He call murderers cowards, what is he then? A mass-murderer and warlord. He must be one of the biggest cowards walking on planet earth. That is if his words has any value. Peace.

Opinion: This is what Museveni didn’t learn from the assassination of Rev. Luwum

During the last week there was protests and riots in the Republic after the authorities arrested Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine in Luuka District on Thursday 19^th November 2020. These demonstrations has cost over 50 people’s lives and more than 100 people injured.

The President and his party National Resistance Movement (NRM) haven’t acted righteous towards the dead, neither have shown any sorrow for all the deceased these days. Bobi Wine did after his release from Nalufenya Police Station. Show some concern and later hold a presser where he mourned the victims of the protests. That is more than what the government and the authorities did. Which has come with a lot of conspiracy and hoax to cover-up their actions towards the citizens.

This remind us about what former President Idi Amin Dada did to Reverend Janani Luwum assassination and how the state played that out. The state is repeating the sins of these acts. An government ironically claiming to be different then the ones running the governments in the past. However, it copies the lack of remorse and the active conspiracies without evidence to haunt for “criminals”.

President Museveni is repeating sins of the past. It is not a sign of strength … but of weakness. A sign that the Fundamental Change, which never appeared. As the state could again easily take lives, but don’t account or even care about the loss. Only finding others to pinned for their deaths. Instead of taking some responsibility for using soldiers, armed men in plained cloths and law enforcement shooting at civilians during the riots. Which in the end … caused the loss of a lot of lives and injured a lot more.

In 1977:

Washington Post Reported:

“The prodecessor of the Anglican archbishop who died last week in Uganda said yesterday he has evidence that the archbishop. Janani Luwum, was shot to death, not killed in an automobile crash as Ugandan President Idi Amin has said” (…) “Amin’s message said he would welcome a delegation from any government to investigate the situation in Uganda. He said the country was calm after surviving a “dangerous situation” during which armed raiders entered the country” (Washington Post – ‘British Bishop Says Ugandan Was Murdered’ 22.02.1977).

New York Times Reported:

“The turbulence, according to reports from refugees, has included the purging from the army of more than 2,000 members of these tribes, the power base of former President Milton Obote, whom Field Marshal Idi Amin overthrew six years ago. According to President Amin, the unrest has consisted of brief mutinies in the last few days by tribesmen in the army and also a coup attempt plotted by the late Anglican Archbishop, Janani Luwum, and others. The Archbishop, an Acholi, was officially said to have died in a car accident Feb. 16, but churchmen and others have charged that he was murdered. The church sources said that the campaign against churchmen and Lango and Acholi tribes began on Jan. 25, the sixth anniversary of Field Marshal Amin’s coup against President. Obote. Tribesmen were arrested, the sources said, and Christian churchmen interrogated” (Michael T. Kaufman – ‘(Churchmen Say Amin Is Carrying Out Drive Against 2 Uganda Tribes)’ 25.02.1977, The New York Times).

In 2020:

““Some of these groups are being used by outsiders, homosexuals, and others who don’t like the stability and independence of Uganda, but they will discover what they are looking for,” Museveni said. Museveni said those who started riots will ‘regret” because they are entering a terrain that is reserved for the NRM government” (Crispus Mugisha – ‘Museveni attacks homosexuals, foreign groups, says they are sponsoring opposition protests’ 20.11.2020, Nile Post)

“In a statement signed by the deputy spokesperson of the UPDF Lt. Col Deo Akiiki, the UPDF last week noted, “Following the lawlessness that broke out following the arrest by police of NUP (National Unity Platform) leader and credible intelligence about groups and individuals planning to plunge the country into chaos, UPDF will carry out extensive pre-emptive and decisive operations to deal with planned and premeditated designs of criminal elements.”” (Conan Businge – ‘Police steps up operations over riots, looting’ 23.11.2020, New Vision).

End note:

This is tragic that we are repeating ourselves. That history is repeated. Especially by someone like President Museveni who has history lessons on live performances all the time. The President uses so much of the speech to remind what he brought since 1986. The peace, the change and such.

However, what value has that peace, if you can die without any accountability and anyone taking responsibility? What value has life in the Republic if you can die, just for protesting for the leader you believe in?

The President should answer that, as he can so easily say he will crash and destroy others. Incite violence himself and use law enforcement for his own gains. However, these authorities are supposed to shield the citizens from people who actually kill and steal. They are not the ones who are supposed to be violating these law and committing these crimes in broad-daylight.

The UPDF and UPF are using conspiracies. The same does the President without proof. The UPF coming with shoddy investigations and cannot hold water. The UPF will not look at the Police Officers killing civilians and neither will the army.

The rioters was supposed to plunge the Republic into chaos in 2020. Just like the Reverend was supposed to do a coup d’etat against Amin. None of that would happen, but the authorities in both times wants to make true.

The NRM is not acting any different than Amin. That says a lot. This shows again how the whole Bush-War was wasted and a false liberation. Peace.

A look into Taban Idi Amin: The new Deputy Director General of ISO

The man, the myth and the legend. Who am I kidding, right? The oldest son of Idi Amin Dada. The man who came back from exile. A man who ran a racket and battalion of mercenaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A man who has been part of the Internal Security Organization before. Therefore, this is not new to him. The man is going to familiar offices and work.

The man who is a former rebel, warlord and even occupied the Embassy in Kinshasa at one point. This man is in-charge and has a grand oversight of ISO now. That is job that is important in the months ahead. As these sort of organizations combined with the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) is spying on, doing surveillance and detaining dissidents ahead of the polls.

That is why the President has men like this around him and who are capable of doing so. This man is bold enough to ask years of bloody war and horrific acts. To ask for millions of dollars for his duty as a Warlord in the DRC. That is the sort of man, Taban Amin is. He reflects the sort of leadership and sort of military commanders, the President promotes.

The President did the same or similar appointment of him in 2006. Just two weeks ahead of the polls. Now, he does it earlier in October, than 14 days ahead last. We know the state doesn’t want to flaunt this.

So, that his returning to ISO. Is only a warning for what’s ahead. The man who has no quarrels and qualms to use force. Will do it again. As he can be bought and use all means to fulfil his missions. The President can apparently trust him and could re-appoint him. He has gotten this job twice.

Taban Amin has a unique place in the reign of Museveni. Which is weird in the grand scheme of things. The President is so proud of toppling his father with Fronasa. Therefore, to give one of his sons such a role within the law enforcement is quite rare.

We can wonder what he knows, what he offers and how come he become relevant for this. Since, his now picked up for this twice. That is an achievement. No doubt about that. Trust me, Taban Amin will not like this text.

He wanted to run FUFA at one point, but wasn’t deemed fit by technicalities. Surely, he wouldn’t run it because of his knowledge of the sports. The man has run a Congolese Music Band in favour of the President’s third term and run of several other enterprises.

Well, enough for one day. ISO got a “new” Deputy Director General. Golly gee, we will see some headlines and will some people hurt ahead of these elections. Especially, if someone tries to steal his woman. Allegedly, he tortured a man for doing that back-in-the-day. That is the sort of man Taban is. Peace.

 

Opinion: Independence, but only for a few…

On the 9^th October 1962 the Republic of Uganda got its independence from the United Kingdom. Instead of being a protectorate. It became its own entity and its own state. This was done by issuing the Uganda Independence Act. In which it states:

“On the ninth day of October, nineteen hundred and sixty-two (in this Act referred to as “the appointed day”), the territories which at the passing of this Act are comprised in the Uganda Protectorate (that is to say, all those territories which, whether designated as kingdoms, districts or otherwise, are specified in section one of the Constitution set out in the Second Schedule to the existing Constitution Order, and whose boundaries are as mentioned in section two of that Constitution) shall together form part of Her Majesty’s dominions under the name of Uganda; and as from the appointed day Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom shall have no responsibility for the Government of Uganda or any part thereof. No Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed on or after the appointed day shall extend, or be deemed to extend, to Uganda, or any part of Uganda, as part of the law thereof; and as from that day the provisions of the First Schedule to this Act shall have effect with respect to legislative powers in Uganda” (Uganda Independence Act, 1962).

This again set fourth a battle to be supreme. Internal conflict and battles between the political elites. Which have culminated to today’s ways and means of centralized control within one person. Instead of building a government on protocol, institutionalized and with regulations. The state is all controlled from the “high above”.

That has been moved and switched heads in power. This has changed with the power of the gun. The coup d’etats and the use of foreign forces to bring the heads of state down. This being Dr. Milton Obote who reigned in two terms. This being Idi Amin Dada and so fourth. The previous Head of States was taken out by the guns. They lost power not by a peaceful transition, but that the latest victor get the reign.

The same can be said about the man in power today. His in power because of guns and not because of people’s glorious tales about rule. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is a rebel who took power. A man who deemed one election so fraudulent. That it gave him reason to challenge the state to war. This he succeeded with and has clung onto ever since.

This one man is free, his cronies are too and few elite individuals has all the powers of the state. They can do and is befallen all the gracious gifts of the state. These ones are untouchables and the ones who profits on the system. A system that has been created and is fuelled by the Presidency itself.

With this in mind, you can see. I haven’t mentioned liberty and freedom. Neither, have I mentioned justice or rule of law. Because, that is beneath the current state of affairs. Where everything is run as shop and the shopkeeper is the President. He can be bought, he can select who gets to trade and who gets the liberty to do things. If you are in his way, you will be punished and will be hurt. It is just a matter of what legal means and methods the state can use against you. The state will not blink to strike against the ones who are in the way of the President. That is the reality of it all.

This is why after 58 years of independence. The state is still an individual game. A place of where the adherent power is using all arms of government to promote itself. Instead, of being a partisan and open society. It is locked within the ruling regime and only a skin-deep “democratic values” put forward to appease friendly donors of the state.

The President has no interest is playing out a real democracy. He has dreamed of a movement system and have everyone underneath his ranks. The man would prefer to just have everyone within his own organization. This is why his belief of liberty, freedom and justice is limited. A limited world-view, where everything circles around him. That is the sad reality of today.

Museveni has given freedom to few, but not to the many. They have to follow him and his vision. If you don’t, you get punished or hurt. That is the mere reality. That is why the Nation isn’t free. Yes, the orders of London is gone, but the Entebbe State House is still suffocating people. Still, silencing the ones who dares to challenge the throne. They are monitored, surveillance and arrests the ones who goes across the correct line.

This is why…. its a state of a limited freedom. Where Museveni and his ways are limiting it. That is remains of today. As today could just be under the same banner as NRM Day. The President and his party celebrate both days the same. It is the same false liberation under the banner of one man. A man who wants to be foundation and the cornerstone of the Republic.

However, when history will be written. The ideals, the political dogma will be unleashed with all the skeletons that has to be answered for. Which until now… been left and lest we forget, these has to be liberated too. As they have to be remembered and never forgotten. These souls has get answers for… if they are not answered for. Then, we will repeat the same sins as our forefathers and we will not progress to a place of hope, freedom and liberty.

A place not ruled by ones man’s whim, but by the statutes, laws and regulations, which everyone will abide too. Also, the ones in the highest of offices and the poorest peasants too. That everyone is equal under the law. That everyone has the same rights and the prospects. Not just a few, not just the ones anointed by the “high above”. Peace.

Mzee’s unhinged speech

“If you stand in the way of the NRM after patiently working and negotiating, we shall remove you. If you are doing other things, we may not be happy, but we shall ignore you” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (20.08.2020).

Today is the final day of the National Resistance Movement Delegation Conference ahead of the 2021 elections. It has been very standard, but the today the President is holding his Address to the Nation. Which is like most of his speeches. He has done the same over the years. Tonight is no difference.

He will do his thing and tonight was nothing different. That’s why I will just take a few small quotes. Address them and call it a night.

Here we go:

“I thank NRM people for participating in the past election. Stop being enemies of yourselves. Our only enemy is the one who tries to block our forward movement” (Museveni 20.08.2020).

“That is why we fought with Idi Amin. Some people say we fought Amin because he killed people. Even if he hadn’t killed people, we would remove him because he didn’t understand our mission” (Museveni, 20.08.2020).

“‘I have met people like Full Figure, Buchaman. I demand that the NRM leaders avoid the politics of elitism. In Luweero, when we were fighting, we were with the people” (Museveni, 20.08.2020).

It is just like we are supposed to brush over these things. That the President goes to these attacks on people. He does it so easily. Makes people targets and shows his attitude. The president always got to remove, crush or get rid off. That is just his ways and he doesn’t know anything else at this point.

What is also striking is that he continues to forge the narrative around the bush-war. It is a story that never gets old. It a revolving door. He even proves what was his mission. The mission wasn’t to liberate, but for him to rule. To ensure that the NRM got power. The importance wasn’t to get rid of Amin and Obote. No, it was only for the NRM to rule and for him to stay in power. This is what he initially stated today. You gloss over that, but incidentally what his saying, which is showing the grim reality of his reign. When that was the goal of the whole bush-war for him.

That his continuing to pound for the ghetto as a result of Bobi Wine’s rise. His doing this to prove his stature that and also his party. However, that is a neglected area. He can try to softly make it into the struggle story, but that doesn’t make it more true. As the NRM haven’t done much for the ghettos, but now want to be seen as the saviours of it.

Therefore, the whole speech today was just another one. There was nothing brilliant about it. Just another rant… Peace.

Opinion: LDU becoming the new SRB?

The more I see, the more vicious, more outrageous and more devastation there is. The Local Defence Unit (LDU) are a paramilitary, trained military outfit in the streets. The thousands of trained soldiers on the beat. Going around “supposedly” to secure the streets and the people in their area.

Instead we are seeing footage, pictures and reports of sudden death. Fatalities, people murdered in cold blood by these LDUs. Old people, students, farmers and roughing up Local Councillors. These LDUs got no nerves and can pop-off at any minute. They can be the judge, the hangman and the undertaker at the same moment.

It is just more of victims of these LDUs across the Republic. From Karamoja to Kampala. There is no place where they don’t kill. Where people are not murdered by the state paramilitary organization. Just within the lockdown there been about 60 people dead by the LDUs. While none has still officially been registered as dead as of COVID-19.

This is in 2020, where the only man with a vision. Where the self-styled President for life. The man who took the mantle and made peace. Inevitably have made his own State Research Bureau (SRB). Maybe Hotel Serena isn’t a torture house or a “safe house”, but there are plenty of other ungazetted “safe houses” throughout the Republic. There is also Nalufenya and Luzira awaiting political criminals any day now.

The LDUs with their potential of death. Could easily be our days SRB, which is profound. As the current day President always claims to be better than Obote and Amin. Still, he commit the same sins as the predecessors. Just think about the killings of Kasese, Muslim Clerics and High Ranking Officials who has died without any follow up in the courts or investigation over the years.

Life was cheap under Amin and Obote, but so it seems also under Museveni. Unless, your part of the Kitchen Cabinet and one of the inner circles. Then your life is more valued the gold minted in Entebbe.

When they easily assault, harm and kill individuals all across the Republic. That sets a bad precedence, but also signals of a starch warning to whom they come across. There is no justification, just being at the wrong place at the wrong time and you life can be ended.

If this so-called revolution of the 1980s was supposed to spark a difference, a fundamental change, why does it smell like the past?

Why does the actions of today’s paramilitary group act like the predecessors did?

Shouldn’t there be a difference and occasionally see significant change?

No, we are at the same junction. If it wasn’t for cellphones and footage of the violence, the extra-judicial killings. We wouldn’t know about it this quickly. It would be later in the bulletin in the Daily Monitor or New Vision. It is now for the world to see and its viral.

The same issues of the past. The ones that this administration, this regime was supposed to be different from. Apparently, it was all a lie. A rouse, a mirage, which triggered donors and believers. However, the innocent still dies on the hand of soldiers. They are named LDU, but could have just been the ugly cousin of the SRB. Peace.