Keeping up with Kaguta S1E10: A fallen goat and other tales…

My car knocked a he-goat in Seeta or Bweyogerere. According to our UPDF doctrine, I should have stopped. But I couldn’t stop because people will gather. My people will compensate him” Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (19.04.2020)

Again, the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is reminding himself of his presence. This time from the State House at Nakasero Hill in Kampala. This is the second term of lockdown and whatever rate of speech addressing COVID-19. Not like he will enlighten us, more show his flair and his existence. Also, ensure that the organizations of the state will work hard tomorrow with some newly created measures. Because, that is what he does.

So with in mind. I will take my favourite quotes and comment on them as I see fit. As there is always enough context to add to the gibberish and long-talking narratives the President does. He needs two hours just to escape 1986 and get closer to today. That is the reality of the matter and therefore, the TV Channels can escape making content for two hours the days Museveni is speaking. That is why its not worth to drop a whole speech, because we don’t want to waste your time.

Here’s tonight’s quotes:

I want to thank the scientists. That’s why I want to call on the bureaucrats, politicians to pay the scientists well. Their work is practical!” – Museveni (19.04.2020)

I was told that salt is a problem, that it’s coming from Kenya, and Kenya doesn’t have enough or something like that. But if you get the beans and the kawunga, you can eat ‘ebinyiga’ (food without salt) or buy for yourself” – Museveni (19.04.2020)

If I hear that food is not enough because people are hoarding, I will import… Those things of yours will rot in your stores… I will import cheaper food from Mexico…” – Museveni (19.04.2020)

We will kill locusts democratically. But they’re currently not keeping time because of heavy rains these last two days. We’re ready & set – when they come we will kill them” – Museveni (19.04.2020).

I want these people to buy us cars, talk to MTN if they can convert these into vehicles” – Museveni (19.04.2020).

Expecting mothers can use any means of transport to go to hospital. Pregnancy is something that can’t be faked, it’s obvious unless someone puts a blanket, if we find you, we shall arrest you” – Museveni (19.04.2020).

If a truck driver links with idiots, we shall handle them. We know how to deal with idiots. God can’t also be here looking after idiots when there are more people in other countries suffering more” – Museveni (19.04.2020)

I feel that this is enough quotes to address. Because, if we take over too much. Than you get to much out of him.

The first one is about paying scientists, blaming others for not paying them. When he could just directed the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Education (his wife) to pay them more. Alas, the President hasn’t pushed for that, because that hasn’t been important for him in all the years in office. So, I call this rubbish from.

Second, don’t expect the President to deliver spices or salt in parcels or boxes from the state in their delivery during the lockdown. The President couldn’t care less and expect people to go out and try to fetch. When they are ordered to stay home. Just to spend money on salt, when they are not earning money weeks on end.

Third, this is the sort of expectations of a crisis like this. The prices will rise, as the lack of import already hits. Also, the state controls the consumption and also transport of food. That is why the prices are rising. Just like it happens across the board and worldwide. This is also from the President who has coined BUBU, “Buy Uganda Build Uganda”. If he buys posho from Mexico, doesn’t that undermine that?

Fourth, that locust will be killed democratically. How does that work? Is that petition the Parliament and see if the local councils are voting for the killing or nor? Will the votes happen in the Ministry of Agriculture and such? Because, this seems to kind for a pest and destruction of fields for farming. In this issue, he could go out with pesticides and ensure their death. However, he will have some kind of referendum on this, but didn’t need that on the age-limit. How convenient, right?

Fifth, ungrateful Ashton Kutcher knock-off and head-of-state. Duh… “Dude Where is My Car?”. That is where you at. MTN is a private company. They can give whatever they see fit. Unless, you taxes them in regard of cars and such. That would be weird and hard legislation to write. However, you cannot pin-point private companies and tell what you want. How ungrateful are you?

Sixth, here is a nice comment and will. The President is right. Pregnancy isn’t a joke and hard to fake. However, there been death and destruction by armed officers, police officers and LDUs towards pregnant woman. Therefore, he should direct the Police Force, UPDF and whoever else who causes this hurt. Not just sending them as pigeons into the streets and hoping no-one will clip-off their wings.

Seventh, people act like people.. If you want that to change… than you make them a better offer. They did this, because its all natural.

Mr. President this wasn’t it, unless you want to be a punchline. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Crackdown on Motorists flouting the Partial Lockdown (18.04.2020)

Uganda: Press Statment on the Food Distribution in Kampala (15.04.2020)

Keeping up with Kaguta S1E9: Monkeyism and 21 more days of lockdown

Don’t sit here and say because it has spread in Europe, it will spread here. Please analyse your own situation, I don’t like that ‘monkeyism’ of copying this and that “Yoweri Kaguta Musveni (14.04.2020).

The President and his handlers had to move the speech, the National Address to earlier in the day. As the business day and the final day of the 14 days lockdown. That’s why the President hurried his two hour long speech. “Another One” like DJ Khaled would say over his tracks. The President who preside and his words are decrees. Still, not insisting on a “State of Emergency”, as that would make him culpable of review by the Parliament. That is why he uses the micro-managing efforts and campaign speeches. To look humble, but also sort of campaigning.

That is why his trying to deflect the shortcomings, but instead looking at things that are working. The President is only receiving the good news and only directing more measures to the civil servants and the ones has appointed. Not making more money for the RDCs or LC1 ones. They are just supposed to snap their fingers and let the trouble vanish. Therefore, hard to take him to serious, even when its detrimental. Ironic right? Well, the dire need doesn’t stop the horrific method of control, while playing footsie from the top.

The President could have used protocol, but instead uses his words. His the “High Above” and proves that by the way this lockdown has been and how the Second 21 days will be. As the Institutions, the government appointments and whatnot scrambles to follow the “guidelines”. Which is hurried through a speech, instead of put down in paper and voted on Parliament. Because the President cannot be questioned, he can only lecture the public.

Top quotes from today:

These Ugandans, money can kill them. Where there is money, Ugandans will die. We were talking about death and saying do not carry people because you do not know whether they are carrying a virus, private car owners saw an opportunity to become taxis”Y.K. Museveni (14.04.2020).

I know Ugandans, I led them through the war so these things we are talking (sleeping in markets and other workplaces) are nothing to us especially when we are doing them for our health, we should just give them treated mosquito nets” Y.K. Museveni (14.04.2020).

It seems our people are not used to manning this type of emergency. When we say the RDC is the one to give exemption, he should set up an operations office to receive calls, because the RDCs are busy” – Y.K. Museveni (14.04.2020).

‘The Government has decided to extend the lockdown for the next 21 days. All measures will stay in place during this period and this will help us fight the Covid19” Y.K. Museveni (14.04.2020).

With this in mind, we see the issues at hand. The way he describes the manners and takes the sword. The way he still speaks of the Bush to people who never seen it or lived through it. As most of the citizens was born after the Bush War and the 1986 coup d’etat. Still, the President proclaims it like nothing.

He says the RDC should do more, however, he never given them authority nor justification to do so. No budget, no funds and no direct order before now. He want them to do this out of pocket without guidelines and create something out of nothing. Suddenly local RDCs will drop phone numbers and lines, have their secretaries and whatnot taken calls like they are MTN. Well, that is not governing, but instead creating havoc for the ones who are appointed to promote government work and follow Presidential directives. However, that should be directed to them individually and not over the speaker on a random National Address. That is who you micro-managing without following protocol.

It will be three more weeks after two weeks of lockdown. Surely, the state has deliver more posho, rice and beans. Even other items and needed goods. Surely, the appointed people for the donation fund against COVID-19 needs more. As the need will go dire, as there will 5 weeks without hawking, selling or trading. There will be five weeks without work and the needed gig-economy. This will hurt the pockets of the public. The state has to direct even more funds and more coordinating work. Not only from the Office of the Prime Minister, but the whole fleet of the President’s entourage.

A speech like this has its funny moments, but the poor, the “vulnerable” and everyone whose hurting the last two weeks. Will be even more hurt by another 3 weeks. That’s five weeks of uncertainty and awaiting the opportunity to earn shillings. This has to be addressed. Not only temporary, but state the facts that remains. He didn’t address this, but its needed. Unless, he thinks people can live on air and a prayer. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: 14 Security Officers Arrested for Excessive Use of Force (06.04.2020)

The Cable Guy: The missing piece to why the Police Force couldn’t solve crimes

It seems like there is a reason why the Police Force cannot solve crimes. All along they never hired Jim Carrey or ‘The Cable Guy’ from 1996. He should really help the detectives, the police officers and every other agency in the Republic to solve the criminal activities there. His needed and that quickly.

This is since, the Police Force has claimed, when they get to study the tapes of the murder scenes and places where crimes where committed. They would able to solve these crimes. However, now as the murders are a week old and some are even older than that. Then, they are putting out a statement, that power outage and disruptions in fibre cables is the reason for their lack of possible leads.

Like, this is now UMEME Limited and Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) fault, they are too blame for the power outages. While the National Information Technology Authority (NITA) and National Data Transmission Backbone Infrastructure and e-Government Infrastructure (NBI/ EGI) is to blame for the bad fibre optic cables, which is also causing issues for the CCTV cameras.

It is like its a acronym jungle, where the Police Force (UPF) is lost together with Internal Security Organization (ISO), the Flying Squad and the Cheiftain of Military Intelligence (CMI). Who knows whose else is missing. Because, the UMEME, UETCL, NITA and NBI/EGI is all screwing up. I am sure someone there, they can need the service of the Cable Guy.

They surely seems to need him now. If not, the Police Force wouldn’t come with a statement like this. Where they are pleading to the public, like a school-kid who couldn’t finish their homework on time and blaming the dog for eating the assignment. Because, that what they did. Instead, as professionals call the technician. Or is it their plea to get money so they can get service on their operation? Do the Police Force need supplementary funds and more funds for upkeep?

Seemingly, the UMEME, UETCL, NITA and NBI/EGI should be offended, but also defend their craft. We know the UMEME has often outages, but the Police Force should be able to cover tapes, angles and have safety batteries in their operational CCTV cameras. In this day and age, even fire-alarms and other installations like that has alarms that has batteries that last for days even without electricity. That is if, the state and its producers has built a well-functioning system. Especially, considering the knowledge of the common cold or the common black-outs.

That is really the magic trick here. It is a reason why many fuel power-generators to keep the business humming, even when the black-outs are appearing on the skyline and awaiting for the return of the Dark Knight. However, the Police Force isn’t prepared for villains nor heroes. Only to be silently idle and await their next happy hour.

That is why they are lonely and need a friend like the Cable Guy to save the day. He might even cover them with a free cable to save the next coming crime. Because, you invited him and befriended. He needs a companion and who better, than the lost in darkness, Police officers in the Republic. Peace.

Opinion: The key ingredients to why burials have become political

There are usually some components in play when things change. There are certain stimuli or even ingredients that changes the flavour. It could be to much salt, pepper or even chilli. Even the idea of putting some sugar or milk like liquid in the sauce and the whole flavour profile changes.

The same way the political landscape changes. It does so over time. The main reason is that the state, the authorities and the ones in-charge are making other ways of gathering or assembling possible. There are reasons why the main big speeches and meeting places for opposition leaders in the republic is at burials or vigils of deceased activists and forefathers of political dynasties. That’s because the state barres them from gathering with consultation meetings, rallies or even celebrate their anniversaries. Even opening up local offices and spaces for building up the party can be shut-down by the authorities. There is no political event of the opposition without the police, the soldiers or other outfits to silent them.

What is even more striking is that the activists, the youth and the ones that gather around these consultations, meetings and such. Are the ones that is taken down and out. The police, LDUs, Crime Preventers and whatnot has assaulted, arrested, detained and killed civilians in the mercy to stop opposition leaders from “inciting violence”. Instead they are using violence to disperse and stop the public to assemble.

Because of this, the politicians, if they want to have any place to speak to strangers. They are not allowed to rally, meetings or even operate as a party. They use the Public Order and Management Act (POMA) and the Penal Code. Where there are pieces of legislations that is used to stop and measure the opposition. However, the same legislation seems to never be used to the governing party nor its associates. That is why they operate like a “normal party”, even if they have the sole-candidacy sickness, which has given the whole party a Stockholm syndrome as hostages under one man and his vision.

With all of this in mind. It is not strange, that the oppositions are using their best speeches, their best political work at burials and funerals. As this is the one moment, which the police force will not attend and block. The authorities will not throw tear-gas and close of a church or public space, as the casket and undertakers in attendance.

It is easy to understand this and why it turns this way. This is because of the state and their actions. That makes it the only path to generate support and attendance without fear of repercussions. That is why opposition leaders uses those gatherings for this. Because they can and they will.

It is not fair that it is this way, but as long as the path is made while walking along it. There will more functions used like this. Expect weddings and others to become it as well. Since, there is so narrow avenues and limited space. That is why burials and funerals are the place of political messages get across. It is not intended like that, but the orders from high above demands that. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Teenager Killed by Stray Bullet during Police Response to an Aggressive Dog (29.01.2020)

Opinion: Thanks for reminding us that Nalufenya is still active!

The Police Force and the authorities in Jinja could have been wise. Especially, since there been such a silence about the Nalufenya Police Station and the dungeons there. Which has been known for torture, arbitrary arrests and preventative methods used their.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) with their partisan police force has today reminded the word about Nalufenya. The one that was under scrutiny in 2017 and early 2018. However, that has gone in book of forgotten sins. Since then, the state has apparently continued to operate the place, but without issues in Parliament nor questions from the Police Force itself.

IGP Okoth-Ochola was supposed to close the Nalufenya in April 2018. However, if it had been so. Than, Dr. Kizza Besigye wouldn’t be detained there today on the 20th January 2020. That is close to two years, when it was supposed to be closed.

Now, we cannot expect the Police Force, neither IGP nor any of the authorities will stop using Nalufenya. As it is a prepared torture chamber and prison cells for silencing critics. The state will keep this place alive, because it needs it as a scare-crow and also a useful tool.

Therefore, we are seeing a repetition and the state repeating old sins again. They are using all their tools to stop Besigye. They will keep him there for while, maybe transfer him to Nagalama Police Station or somewhere else fitting. Before even sentencing him to Luzira Prison. Who knows?

But we are now seeing, that the Police Force are keeping one their most infamous places. One who is known for torture and illegal detention. They have kept Nalufenya alive. That is a warning sign.

A sign of trouble ahead for General Elections 2021, as the state are using this to scare the ones who oppose and dare to challenge it. Peace.

FDC 15 Year Anniversary Celebrations: The Police causing havoc most places

What is ironic about today, the 20th January 2020 was that Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga was walking for democracy. While the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) would struggle to hold meetings, celebrate 15 years as a party across the Republic. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) could just recently walk in memory lane, but again hypocrisy at its finest. As the opposition parties cannot do the same.

The news all across the Republic today is burning. Tear-gas, arrests and depressing activities from the Police Force. Instead of shielding the citizens and dissidents of the state, they are arresting and trying to silence them. This is the M.O. of the state, but still boring that it continues. What was even more striking. Is the knowledge that Nalufenya is still active, because that was promised closure in early 2018.

FDC has gotten in trouble in Mubende yesterday. While today, they have gotten a real problems in Jinja, Busia, Bukiwe, Mbale and in Soroti. While it was successful in Kumi and Namutumba. Therefore, today has been a hassle, but a few small positive things. But they are overshadowed by the depressing attacks on the party. Not only that Dr. Kizza Besigye is detained in Nalufenya and Patrick Oboi Amuriat at Soroti Police Station. That is bad enough.

Here’s the information.

Mubende:

Police commanded by ASP Ssekalema Shaban, the OC Station has blocked and dispersed an FDC Leaders meeting that was organised at Gwaniika Village, Nabingola Sub County, Kasambya constituency at Home Land Organic Gardens. Deputy President Owek Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo had led a delegation of leaders from Buganda Region including Vice Chairman Kibuka Mukalazi, Mrs. Ssebuwufu Harriet Nakiyemba the Ethics and Culture Secretary, Muzei Kalule Samuel Kiseyeye the Secretary for Elders, Mr. Kizito Livingston of the Security Committee among others to meet the local Party branch in Mubende in abid to reorganize the lower level structures” (FDC, 19.01.2020).

Jinja:

Police in Jinja have arrested Dr Kizza Besigye and whisked him to Nalufenya Police station following running battles between police and FDC supporters” (NBS Television, 20.01.2020).

Busia:

Security forces blocked and dispersed an FDC Anniversary celebrations today in Busia district. The Party had sent Hon. Mwijukye Francis as the Chief Guest” (FDC, 20.01.2020).

Bukiwe:

FDC 15th anniversary cerebration in Lugazi Buikwe district have been disrupted by police and the district chairman Mr. Kanaabi Jimmy has been arrested and taken to Lugazi CPS” (FDC, 20.01.2020)

Mbale:

Mbale district FDC boss Wokuri Madanda arrested as police blocks FDC 15 celebrations. FDC was scheduled to hold its 15th anniversary celebrations in the district on Monday(today) but was blocked by Police on grounds that the party did not seek permission from the district authorities and that aspects of the public order management law were not fulfilled” (Emmah M. Bwayo, 20.01.2020).

Soroti:

Amateur video as Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat was being towed to Soroti CPS by a fire brigade vehicle. Meanwhile in the second photo, UPDF soldiers now patrolling Soroti streets, all shops, Kafunda Hotels closed” (FDC, 20.01.2020). It is later reported that the Patrick Oboi Amuriat is arrested and detained at the Soroti Police Station.

Kumi Successful:

The Celebrations in Kumi district were uninterrupted and the Cheif guests were Ms. Plan Virginia Mugengyi, the Deputy Secretary for Education, Sports and Arts at the National Executive Committee, and Dr. Okello Ekwaro, our Party Chairman for Apac District. This successful event was coordinated by Kumi district Chairman Ebokorait Abdallah and Ms. Suzan Norma Otai, the Deputy Secretary for Conflict and reconstruction at FDC National Executive Committee” (FDC, 20.01.2020).

Namutumba Successful:

Namutumba district under the full Command of Chairman Wante Jamal held their meeting/ Celebrations successfully” (FDC, 20.01.2020).

I don’t think this can be stated enough. There isn’t a real democracy, when a party cannot organize or even be able to hold meetings and gatherings. The Police Force is singling out and directly stopping what the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is doing. No one can deny that. Because its so blatant and direct.

This is just proving what the state will do and continue to do until the general election in 2021. To think otherwise is naive. This is just the reality. Impunity in action. Maybe, Kadaga should walk for the FDC too. Peace.