Bobi Wine, the Enemy of he State: Second day of blocked consultation meetings…

After what happened in Gyaza and Kasangati in Wakiso District yesterday and today in Gulu. We can clearly see what the Police Force and Army are up too. They are closing the venues and blocking the People Power Movement from organizing itself ahead of the 2021 General Elections, as their consultation meetings are blocked.

It is two days in a row, after several arrests yesterday, several of leaders and today many activists in Gulu was arrested too. If this the “Democracy” President Museveni ushered in with his Bush-War it is totally futile and worthless. Since, the people cannot meet and greet with one of their candidates, the authorities will not allow it.

We see that the Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is the enemy of state. The state see him as an enemy. Because, every avenue, every place he goes things getting blocked. If it is concerts and now consultation meetings. This just the second type of gatherings the state is blocking in his concern. While, they can easily arrest him and his associates. Even with this news, the syncopates and cadres loyal to the President still praises his every word, but his actions are malicious.

This is a vicious attempt, as they know where Bobi Wine plans to schedule every single meeting, as he has to comply with the laws and also state many factors of it too. People Power Movement has to follow codes, while no matter what they do. The state will charge them or pre-emptive arrest them ahead of a gathering. Because that is what they do.

The state continues to misuse its power. The army and the Police Force are violating their role, as they are supposed to either secure the territory (army) and the police (fight crime and secure the public). However, they are instead being partisan political tools in stopping the opposition. In this regard, they are blocking the People Power and Bobi Wine from meeting and greeting like they are supposed to able too. Especially, if they are supposed to get organized and be able to campaign on a proper manifesto in the future.

We can see more districts closing the venues of People Power, more police presence and army being ordered to be there too. No matter what Bobi Wine does or acts, they will pinpoint one thing he didn’t do. It can always be a mobile-toilet, a specialised closed venue, call private homes, but the police might raid them too. Like there is no tomorrow, because Bobi Wine isn’t supposed to be able to show-up anyhow.

That is why his the enemy of the state. They are not saying it, but their actions are telling. The story is being told. The saga continues and the empire did strike back. Peace.

EFF Condemns the Arrest of Ugandan Liberation Fighter Bobi Wine (06.01.2020)

Opinion: Why comply? When you get ACCESS:DENIED!

This here should be common knowledge, many anticipated this today, but the brutality of it and the determination to defend shows what extent the state does. The Uganda Police Force and its authorities plan to anyway undermine the efforts of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine to be a viable Presidential Candidate in 2021. This is just like they have done plenty of times with Dr. Kizza Besigye in the past, and for those that forgotten Dr. Paul Ssemogerere. Both of these gentlemen has been through the line of fire and in legal jeopardy because they choose to oppose the incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Now, it just happens to be Bobi Wine.

What we saw today in Kasangati, Wakiso District isn’t a new tactic. It is the same procedure as last year and the decades before. The same old blocking of the venue, the road-blocks, the tear-gas and the live-bullets. The machinery of oppression and the arrests of the high ranking officials of the opposition too. Even the journalists get taken brutally away, whisked away, as the Police Force doesn’t want their injustice broadcast. Still, they will defend their actions and say it was legal to this.

They are using the penal codes, the public order management act and the presidential elections act. All of these have various codes and statutes, used to hurt the civilians, who stands as a candidate and his team. They are inciting violence, not following guidelines of the Electoral Commission, they didn’t write the right signature on the forms, didn’t have enough dots. All of it gets put into a blender, squeezed and then the public is supposed to drink the juice. Its the taste of impunity and its sold regularly in the Republic and its on sale during election season.

What Bobi Wine and his associates are doing is just politicking, trying to configure their plans and organize ahead of 2021 elections. That is apparently an cardinal sin. The pope, the bishops and priests are calling them sinners and they got to ask the heavenly father for forgiveness. Because, the state is unforgiving for their sinner, unless they are anointed and one of their own. Than, you can steal from the offerings and donations. Even impregnate a nun and call it a bloody Sunday.

That is the reality of it all. It is tedious and boring. Its like a repeating drama, which never ends. Like I told previously, the acts of the Police. The movements of prisoners, the attack on civilians, media and whatnot is scheduled programming. Just like NBS Television and NTV Uganda is ready for boosting ratings, as they miss Fabiola on prime-time. That is just the way it is.

We have seen this before, its getting stale and old. Sort of like seeing the face of the President. The youth and positive spirit is sprinting out of our bodies, as the dire expression, the token of impunity get blended to the public, once again. This repetition and reoccurrence is nearly blinding. The empty hope and total destruction of hope. Since, the state, the Police and everyone always get away with it. It is like they never get hurt, bound or even have to answer for their misuse of power and lack of civility. However, the opposition has to act accordingly and follow the codes.

We can all grin and wonder, but this doesn’t cease here. It is only the start of the things ahead of 2021. This is only the beginning. The false start. The buck-shot has already happen. Now the reality hits the fan and it’s not beautiful. Its a disgraceful mix, the sort of upstart fiasco and total flop. Not because of Bobi Wine. He did his thing, but because of the state and their actions towards him. It might seems like he lost today. But actually, the state did. They shown their true heart, yet again and that is obvious.

They got no heart and didn’t have one to begin with. That is why its so easy for them to silence critics and members of the opposition. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Police Statement on Consultative Meetings (06.01.2020)

Opinion: Bobi Wine and associates arrests today, shows it has no value in complying with laws…

“Police spokesman Fred Enanga confirmed that Mr Kyagulanyi and members of his entourage had been arrested. “We are temporarily holding them in our police station. We shall have to release them at some later stage but we are looking at charges of holding an unlawful assembly and disobedience of lawful orders,” (…) ““The meetings are supposed to be in enclosed venues as guided by the Electoral Commission,” Mr Enanga added on Monday” (Derrick Wandera – ‘Bobi Wine transferred to Nagalama Police station’ 06.01.2020, Daily Monitor).

Is there any help in complying with the Public Order and Management Act of 2013 and the Presidential Elections Act of 2005? After today, the whole public and everyone whose a stakeholder should scream: “NO”. No sir, there is no way you can get cleared or fixated without meeting the Police Force and they finding something to pinpoint. Because, that is what they did in concern of the People Power Movement and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine today.

Because the laws itself is screwed that way, they can nearly interpret anything as a Public Meeting, a gathering and then use their authorization to deny the meeting, block the venue and call it unlawful. Since, that is what they do. There is no denying in that either, as that what happens and on a regular basis from the Police Force.

Even one of the laws states this.

Presidential Elections Act of 2005:

“3. Aspirant consultations

(1) An aspirant may consult in preparation for his or her nomination as a presidential candidate within twelve months before the nomination date.

(2) While consulting under subsection (1), a presidential aspirant may—

(a) carry out nation-wide consultations;

(b) prepare his or her manifesto and other campaign materials;

(c) raise funds for his or her campaign through lawful means;

(d) convene meetings of national delegates.

(3) While consulting, the aspirant shall introduce himself or herself to the Commission and notify the relevant local council and the police of the area to which he or she goes” (Presidential Elections Act of 2005).

What you can say about this is that its not specific about what consultations is. That is why the Police Force uses the means and laws of the Penal Code and the POMA. This is why the Police Force uses unlawful assembly and preventative arrests, instead of shielding the venue and actually safeguarding the participants for the Presidential Candidate. It is very rich of the state to do this, but by this point its their modus operandi.

We knew this would happen, this is the sort of things that at this point is written in the stars, that is carved into stone and a natural reflex of the state to flex upon the opposition and use their force to block and stop the activities of them. That is just the way it is. Not that its wise nor brilliant. However, it sends a signal and shows their contempt of assembly and consultations in general. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Security in hunt for suspect after killing spree (06.12.2019)

Opinion: The NRM proves again that the IPOD is worthless…

“The NRM has boycotted the meeting of IPOD scheduled for the handover of IPOD seat from Democratic Party to FDC. This as FDC insists the discussion should focus more on the meaningful dialogue and smooth transfer of power in Uganda” (NBS Television 27.11.2019).

Not to long ago, actually for two IPOD Summits the FDC boycotted these, as they did boycott the first IPOD Summit, as an reaction to the police brutality and harassment from the authorities. The second one was because they didn’t want just a photo-op and a friendly greeting with the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The IPOD Summits haven’t resolved anything or made any amends with the electoral reform or dialogue between the NRM and the opposition. The IPOD is just a paid journey from the Dutch, to preoccupy the parties on the way to yet another General Election in 20201.

Just a friendly reminder of what NRM said when the FDC boycotted it:

Kasule Lumumba: NRM is the minority in IPOD. FDC is the leading opposition party. FDC shouldn’t run away from responsibility. NRM remains committed. Come and offer leadership and we work together, Come and show Ugandans that you can lead” (NBS Television, 17.10.2019).

I have always said FDC is a radical extremist party behaving like a millenarian cult & hostile to dialogue. This was on display yesterday when they boycotted the first IPOD meet. They used to say they would only attend IPOD MEETINGS if Museveni attends. What is their excuse now?” (Andrew Mwenda, 18.12.2018).

I don’t know why anybody [FDC] who says they are democrats would not like dialogue. I always welcome opportunities for dialogue because when you don’t dialogue, you miss an opportunity to be understood clearly” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the 12th December 2018 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo

Therefore, I wonder what will be the excuses of the NRM in the upcoming days. One that has already come out, which is unbelievable is that they wasn’t invited. That one is just a lie, I don’t believe that Norbert Mao forgot to send the invitation to the NRM Secretariat. The DP head wouldn’t miss that one out.

It is weird that FDC comes now after boycotting for so long. It seemingly a play for them. It is insincere to take the helm. That it is, after calling out the other parties for being involved in the months ahead of this. The FDC knows this. Yes, this is politics, but the perception of this isn’t brilliant. It is insincere at best.

The FDC should have pulled out, unless it seems they are just in it for the party-funding and possible billions promised after the second summit in May 2019. The environment for the FDC isn’t better. Their party offices has been raided both in Kampala and in the up-country. Not like the FDC leadership is secure and safe for police brutality. Neither is their ability to conduct party activity in general.

What is weird is the NRM who has harassed and diminished the FDC for boycotting from before Christmas last year until the present IPOD takeover. That is very rich of them to not sit in the yellow chairs. Because, its not like the NRM will end up behind bars or get detained for participating. Neither house-arrested nor awaiting court-cases because of their loyalty elsewhere, than the President himself. Since all of them are loyal to him.

I never have believed in IPOD. Just like the Apple IPOD, I believe the relevance is gone and not vital for the changes in the Republic. It is just a tool for the NRM to keep the others in check. The NRM will only use this to settle the score and use the platform to ensure they are following guidelines and supposed protocol. The IPOD will not challenge or have any significant power, as the NRM and the government haven’t given it that.

The IPOD and IPOD Summits are PR stunts and play for the facade. It is weird that the FDC wants to play now. They should have dropped out and been righteous. Instead, they wanted a little spotlight and look decent now. That’s a bit late, but the NRM are totally in the wrong. When they have called the FDC out, but bails out themselves. That proves again the real value of it.

The real value of the IPOD is none, except for the Dutch donors who pays for the “dialogue”. Peace.

Fatal Protests in Kampala: David Kibuuka died as a result of Police Brutality

Police have killed David Kibuuka, a resident of Kabowa in Kampala when they shot at the protestors who attempted to force their way into the premises of Shreeji Stationers 2009, whose owners they blamed for blocking roads” (New Vision, 26.11.2019).

This is yet another person whose life got taken by the authorities, because they can use live-bullet,s tear-gas and do whatever they can to stop people from industrial action or protests. Demonstrations are brutally shut down. Today, was yet another day of this in the Republic. This is not new, but an affect of the political landscape in Uganda.

The village publicist and resident David Kibuuka was wearing a placard and was on the streets, as the Police Officer was using arms, which killed him on the streets. This as there was protests happening, as the demonstrations was happening on the Wankuluku road in Rubaga Divison, as there are an factory planning to close the road and the water channel there.

That’s why the Kampala Metropolitan Police came with full force from the closest police post in Rubaga Division. He was shot while covering this demonstration there. That was clearly to much for the authorities.

This is really sad, that David had to loose his life over this. That the authorities had to take it, while he was covering and participating as a citizen as a part of a protest. Because, it is not like the authorities are listening to local grievances by email, letters or such. Since this is the only way to show the authorities how the feel.

David didn’t deserve this, neither does anyone else. This is brutality and impunity of the state at its worse. If this was an illegal activity, they could have answered with other means. Instead, they are coming with brutal force, which is fatal. Peace.

Kampala Metropolitan Police: Press Statement (26.11.2019)

Opinion: Another bad Ad-Hoc Policy from Museveni – 20 Police Officers to 1671 sub-counties!

President Museveni has directed the police leadership to deploy 20 policemen per sub-county and facilitate them with two motorcycles for patrol and easy mobility. This as he castigated the Uganda Police Force for sticking to the conventional methods of policing amidst dynamic modern crime trends. This as he closed the 25th police council meeting at police headquarters in Naguru” (NBS Television, 19.11.2019).

Before we look into the new directive of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, we can by the statistics of the Electoral Commission in 2016, estimate that there is 1403 sub-counties, as there is 112 official districts by 2016 alone. There been since then more created and awaiting more before the 2021 general elections.

By this its 1403 times 20 police officers, the grand total of 28,060 police officers. Which should be trained, stationed and paid for. By 2015 statistics there is already, all in all 44,897 police officers. That means half of them will go to sub-county level. Also, in 2015 there was a total of 1399 police posts all across the republic, which there is a lack of enough stations for all the ones whose suddenly deployed elsewhere. As well, as by the 44,897 officers only about 7,000 had supported housing. The Police Force is already underpaid and understaffed for the amount of work it has. With the new directive, the Police Force needs more police posts and more accommodations.

If we follow the Electoral Commission of 2018, then the numbers of districts are 122 and the amount of sub-counties is 1671. By the measure of police officers is then 33,420 who has to be deployed sub-county level. With that in mind, the numbers are even worse. We can imagine the even more lack of housing and police posts for them to be in. Not to think about the movement of them all. Not to imagine all them who are in special units, special training and whatnot. As there are detectives and whatnot in the police force. Not like these wants to end in Kagadi, Serere or in Lira.

With the knowledge of deploying 20 per post, which exists now, there is only capacity of 27,980. That’s with the knowledge of the 1399 posts, which exists now. But the ability to build more, must be a priority and also station it sufficiently across the sub-counties. If this policy should make any sense.

Unless, this is a political gamble and a election ploy to gain rural voters. Because, this is not only to combat crime, but show the needed amount of force. From the same presidency, that already lack the funding to pay Local Defence Units (LDUs). The same one that didn’t do enough for the Crime Preventers in the previous election cycle. This is a continuation of that.

With that in mind, I have to quote Finance Minister Matia Kasaija:

We have discovered that many politicians simply agitate for the creation of new administrative units for creations of jobs. We already have 300 new sub-counties and 200 town councils, to get money for them to operate is a big problem” (Wilson Manishimwe – ‘Gov’t stuck with 300 newly created sub-counties’ 18.09.2019).

Seems like the President is busy creating jobs, but not having money to operate them. There are enough things that lacks funding and with this, is yet another government post, which lacks fiscal funding. Unless, the State House breaks the bank and use less on travel expenditure or payments of salaries for any of the Presidential Advisors. The Police Force might have some added funding. I am just smirking, but we know the gist.

The President is acting all out, doing quick-fix orders, ad-hoc without any thought of the budget nor implementation. It is just a snap of a finger and then suddenly things start to move. Peace.