Opinion: The IPOD is a lost cause

The Interparty Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) who has gotten major funding from Democratic Government Facility (DGF) and Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD). DGF is bound to only last a few more months until December 2022. While NIMD has ceased funding after IPOD has failed to get all parties to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The lasted MoU lasted until February 2022.

Now in September 2022 the IPOD Secretariat might feel at a loss. The ideal of IPOD might seem positive and worthwhile. Nevertheless, the results and the political forum has been more a sideshow than actually being fruitful. The majority party and ruling regime, National Resistance Movement (NRM) has used it more to poach the opposition and have publicity stunts. While the opposition like Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and National Unity Platform (NUP) haven’t seen any sort of dialogue or proper platform to make difference. That’s why they rather distance themselves from it.

The IPOD was maybe made with the best interest in 2010. NIMD and DGF funded the organization to have a place and possibility to meet. IPOD could have been a safe space for the political parties, but we all know this haven’t been in the interests of the Head of State or the NRM. The NRM wants to either intimidate, strike or corrupt their opposition. That’s why President Museveni has himself promised to destroy and get rid of all opposition.

Now in 2022 and after 12 years of IPOD. The NRM is losing one of the few places where Museveni could actually meet the real opposition. Not the “opposition” who is already leaning towards him or co-operating with him. No, the ones defying him or wanting to remove him isn’t now a part of the IPOD.

That NIMD is saying it won’t fund IPOD before NUP and FDC joins is a failure. The parties themselves has decide. They have seen the works of IPOD and what it has “achieved”. The organization don’t have that much to show for it. This is why they cannot even write an MoU, which they cannot agree upon.

The NRM might feel like this is a “victory”. They can point at NUP and FDC. However, that is a very hallow “victory”. The FDC and NUP has done this for various of reasons, but it is clear that the NRM isn’t an honest actor. That’s why activists, candidates and associates connected to the NUP or FDC are either kept incommunicado, arrested or even extra judicially killed. The authorities are monitoring the opposition more than they look into crooks. Therefore, the political prisoners and prisoners of conscience is a well-known phenomenon in the Republic. That’s all because of their affiliation and who they are associated with.

If the NRM really wanted IPOD to work. They would have properly invested in it and not only used it for photo-ops ahead of polls and elections. While also using it more directly to create positive headlines Nevertheless, NIMD and DGF maybe want more for their coins. They want them to actually have inclusive dialogue and talks in a political forum. That sort of thing seems like a thing of the past.

It is not the fault of NUP or the FDC for the end of IPOD. The killer of IPOD is Museveni. Like everyone else it goes back to him. It is his choices and orders, which are reflected here. He is getting his will and certainly not … get a free lunch. IPOD is only destroyed and losing value, as there are no real progress or talks of substance. When an organization like IPOD becomes sub-standard forum and losing all value.

President Museveni cannot be happy with this, because this just shows how flawed his multi-party democracy is. When the one forum he had where all elected parties could meet and talk is now ceasing to operate. The funding of this organization is stopped. Because, FDC and NUP isn’t accepting the conditions of the current MoU. That’s a failure and lacking the general understanding of what it should be.

If Museveni wanted this… things would have been different. Nevertheless, expect the NRM to deflect it or blame the parties for not signing on. Because, why should they sign on to something… when it gives them nothing and only legitimizing the regime. IPOD only gives political currency to the NRM without giving the other parties anything worthwhile. The others are just getting an opportunity to see Museveni close by and be there in his presence. That’s a futile enterprise and if the NIMD see that is an asset. They should just continue to pursuit it. However, it isn’t the product that its portrayed on the tin. It is something else and the ones dismissing it has all the reasons to do so. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Statement on Propaganda about IPOD Funding (18.02.2022)

Opinion: Todwong’s fool’s errand

“The Interparty Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) is still engaging the National Unity Platform (NUP) so that it joins them. In a document released by the IPOD council chairperson who doubles as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretary general, Richard Todwong, he said as leaders of different political parties, they are still engaging NUP as to convince them to join IPOD. “We want them to work together towards finding solutions to the governance and political challenges we may experience as a country,” he said” (Simon Peter Tumwine – ‘We are still engaging NUP to join IPOD, says Todwong’ 04.01.2022, New Vision).

The National Resistance Movement Secretary General Richard Todwong and IPOD council chairman has work ahead of him. In the same article the National Unity Platform Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya says at this point it’s not purposeful to join the IPOD. Where he stated the IPOD has to change and listen to the stipulations the NUP gave, which we know the NRM won’t do.

That is why we know the document and IPOD mission to get the NUP in the fold is a suicide mission. Unless, they are open for a revolution and total changes, as we know the IPOD haven’t dropped anything of sense in ages. The last big conferences or heads of parties has been a big presser and an envelope session.

So, I understand why NUP doesn’t see the relevance to be sitting around with Party Presidents and await for His Excellency to lecture everyone before dipping back to one of the State House’s or ranches. The NRM SG could be honest about it, but don’t expect it.

The IPOD didn’t help the parties in the manner of Public Order Management Act (POMA) and the other means of the state to oppress the opposition. This forum is a wasted forum and an organization who only buys the President time and make him see who he can compromise. The IPOD isn’t all that and I am glad that the NUP see this.

The NUP is just showing it has no intentional works in the future. They just wants everyone on the platform and at the venues when they are gathering. It looks better when all the major parties are at the event and conferences. Just like it looked bad the times Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) boycotted it. Clearly, that wasn’t enough and it wasn’t like that changed things either.

The NRM SG can make it believe that the IPOD has a mission and wants to achieve things. However, that is far and beyond at this point. The ones funding this should see it for themselves. Nevertheless, they are just the credit-card and the bank willing to fund this foolish enterprise, which leads to a road leading to nowhere. There is no end in sight and neither any objectives. It is just existing and become a pathetic organization.

Todwong can act like IPOD is relevant and has a place, but that doesn’t make it true. I cannot remember any achievements or any sort of “governance” changes coming out of IPOD. That is just the mere fact. The NRM Caucus and it’s documents has more value than any of these gatherings… and that says a lot. Even forgotten letters from the President has a significant possibility to change things. But… IPOD… who …. are …. we …. kidding?

Right?

Todwong stop this charade and get out of here. This is nonsense and you know it. Peace.

Opinion: IPOD is officially dead

The Interparty Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) was rejected by the largest opposition party the National Unity Platform (NUP). The IPOD was just set-up in 2010 even if it felt like it has been there forever.

IPOD haven’t lived up to its potential and neither is the organization at any use at this stage. Unless, the President and his regime wants positive publicity. If not he tries to intervene and participate to get his will. He has also used to seek opposition and undermine their efforts as well. Where he has tried to find the “Good DP” and the “Good FDC” as well. That is what he does and the manner of which this works is futile now.

That’s why its healthy that NUP isn’t becoming a member of IPOD or participate in the Summits/Councils, which isn’t delivering anything worthwhile. Not at this point in time and been nothing substantial to show for either.

We know Museveni is hurt that the party of Bobi Wine and with a massive mandate in the Parliament isn’t showing up. He is playing with the older parties and the ones who doesn’t have the same relevance as before. This is showing that the IPOD is fading…

IPOD haven’t been a tangible asset or a enterprise for good dialogue either. The President has shown up late and the Summits hasn’t showed any progress. The last thing that happened was that the President promised billions of shillings to party coffers and nothing else.

The IPOD haven’t been used for electoral legislation or reform. Neither has it been used to ensure a level playing-field for campaigns or party work. No, it is only used for a decoy and buying the President time. For some strange reason the Dutch is willing to pay for the parties and meetings. They hopefully enjoy the empty slogans and statements, because it hasn’t paid-off.

The time of the IPOD is over. The IPOD is overrated and it isn’t working. So the Dutch should stop wasting their time and money. The IPOD is just a tool to legitimize the President and his regime. It can look like he has dialogue and a drive for “multi-party” democracy. When in reality he would crash and destroy them at any given moment.

Therefore, someone should do the IPOD a favour and hold a final ceremony. Now that the NUP isn’t part of it. The signal of it’s death bed is final. It should have been the times when FDC in the past boycotted it. However, they always returned …

IPOD should be buried and the casket of IPOD should be held in the halls of Parliament for a week to mourn the deceased. Nevertheless, there shouldn’t be any sorrow or pain in it’s demise. The IPOD never served it’s purpose or objective. It became a wastage of time and funds. This is why the burial would be a nice ending to a tragic story of a futile organization. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP) letter to Interparty Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) – National Unity Platform Eligibility to Join IPOD (02.09.2021)

Opinion: Museveni is the misleader

“I am very happy to have attended this summit. We discussed some serious issues, including the issue of the disappearance of people. I have information about the disappearance of people. The security forces also have some information on this same and this will be made available in a disciplined way. I will ask the DPP to review the charges and organize a soft landing for some of the suspects in security detention because they have helped us to learn the schemes of their misleaders” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni at the IPOD Summit on the 5^th March 2021

One definition of misleader is: “someone who leads astray (often deliberately)” (misleader – link:https://www.thefreedictionary.com/misleader). The old man with the hat is a man who does this deliberately. He says and acts like he doesn’t know, but everyone knows that he knows. Therefore, the IPOD Summit today and his speech is intentionally deceiving.

President Museveni can speak of peace, but wages war instead. He speaks of democracy, but detains his opposition. Therefore, the biggest misleader is himself.

By all means, he wants to look at Robert Kyagulanyi, Kizza Besigye and elsewhere as the misleaders, but he himself is the biggest one. Like for instance, as the Commander-in-Chief. The old mans knows who has ordered and who has kidnapped, abducted and been in-charge of the atrocities in the Republic.

President Museveni can act a fool, but we know that he knows. He knew who did it and who ordered it. Even if he ordered the arrests, the detentions in “safe-houses” and tortures of civilians participating in the opposition. He also knew if opposition activists and leaders was court martial as civilians in a military court. Also not getting bail or getting evidence of their supposed “criminal offence”. So, the political charges and injustice continues.

That shows hows insincere the old man is. That he thinks people cannot think for themselves. As the President appoints and delegates these roles in the Security Agencies and Organizations. The President has his men who does his bidding. If it is Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI), Internal Security Organization (ISO), Uganda Police Force (UPF) or Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). Any of these are all following his command and his orders. So, if he feels like it and would like to hurt Bobi Wine. He could easily order the murders, the abductions and the kidnappings of it. While his Ministers acting dumb or stalling the truth from being released to the public.

President Museveni knows who is ordering the “drones” or “panda gari’s”. It could be even himself. Museveni could easily order the take down of Boda Boda 2010 and other organizations to connected to former IGP Kale Kayihura. That is why we know, that he wanted the atrocities to stop. He could just say the word and the activity would cease. However, the old man want to spread fear, intimidate and silence the opposition. As he doesn’t want a real challenge to himself. He knows he isn’t popular anymore and needs fear to boost himself in public.

It is really rich that he himself said this: “We are always ready to explain and also listen to the explanation of others. Unfortunately, some people have abandoned dialogue” (Museveni, 05.03.2021). Mr. I didn’t Respect the Nairobi Talks and the Dialogue in 1985. Mr. I rather bury my enemies and consolidate power, than actually have the full popularity as the mighty General. Talks ill of other people leaving a dialogue. When the state is not really showing any remorse or care for the acts its does. That shows the deceiving ways of Museveni and the NRM. When he thinks people are this stupid and eating of his hands.

Not like he will care of fix this. Unless, he feels in control or been able to silence the opposition. The President cannot expect the parties who has been scorned and hurt by the acts made by his men. Will suddenly talk and speak of peace. When there is no action towards all the lost and the ones suffering. Just because they are political active in the opposition. The President only wants to have them there for a publicity stunt. The IPOD didn’t happen today to make a difference, but it would have made more impact if the FDC and NUP had showed up. However, they knew what was up.

That is why the President is unhappy. He wanted them there as token pieces and show his “multi-partyism” but he didn’t care about that during the campaigns, the rallies, the road-blocks and all other activity to stop them from doing their political work ahead of the polls. The President is never accountable for that, but expect the same opposition who is blocked from sleeping in hotels to show up for his PR stunts. That is how insincere he is and he deserves to be rebuked.

If the President believed in dialogue, why did he block the internet and social media? Is that a manner of someone who let people talk? No, his mindset is only for his own selfish gains and not caring about the others. He would never accept the conditions he put on others. If he went through what the FDC has done over the years or what NUP went through this campaign. He would have run to the bush and waged war against himself. That is just a mere fact in all of this.

The biggest misleader is Museveni himself. He may not know it himself, but someone got to tell him that. Right now, it just happens to be me. Peace.

Opinion: An IPOD-Summit in 2021 is just a publicity stunt

That today, the Inter Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) isn’t that relevant or have the finesse. It hasn’t had that for years. It’s been a waste of time and space. Only relevant for the President to have some “opposition” spectacles and mirage of multi democratic ideals. While we damn know he doesn’t aspire to does or work for it either.

President Museveni gets photo-op with Opposition leaders and write a small useless communique from a Summit. Not like it will amount to anything. Other than a few headlines and moving-on to the next unresolvable issue.

IPOD is as relevant as Apple’s own IPOD. Just like the tape-deck had its time. So did the Ipod too. The IPOD is irrelevant and it has happened, because the state and authorities haven’t cared for it and neither has the President.

The opposition parties in question ditching out is just wise of them. Just to prove a point. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) will name-call and call them useless. No matter what they did. They would call them that and ridicule them. Therefore, the dialogue is a waste of time. When the premise for it isn’t set or have any sort of fruitful agenda. It is just a puff piece and a PR stunt.

The IPOD is the radio-single nobody is asking for but is now overplayed. It has no value. Other than a catchy hook and headlines but will not be remembered for anything in 5 years’ time. Heck, nobody will remember the one-hit- wonder anyways.

President Museveni can show off and be proud that his meeting Mao and Akena. His loyal token opposition. The ones who has allies in his huge cabinet. Men who attacks the staunch opposition and see them leaving the folds. DP has lost so many over the last year and UPC is far from greatness.

IPOD is a useless enterprise with nothing to offer at this point. That is deliberate by the President and his men. His not investing in it or caring about the outcome. He just want to show-off opposition to outsiders and backers. To give it a self-belief of “multi-democracy”. While we are supposed to forget about the horrific actions, arbitrary arrests, abductions and extra judicial killings done to opposition activists, leaders and members.

The President and IPOD cannot overshadow the drones, the massive assault on the opposition and the hardships it is in. Some few kind words and poetic injustice cannot be flattered, but only amplified by the misgivings of the state. Therefore, IPOD at this day and age is totally useless. It got nothing to give and there is no interests in it.

It is insincere and living on a lie. The lie that the President cares and wants dialogue. When we know that he rather bury his enemies, than actually talking with them. Peace.

Opinion: Independent aspirants hoping for a Second Round K.O.

There is some who says its a democratic deficiencies to have Independent candidates for Parliament and elsewhere. I differ on that, but it does have consequences. The Independent candidates or aspirants are in more tighter races fighting for the same electorate as the one who one the primary election. Some, are the same, which ironically who didn’t vote for you in the first place.

The Independents who run as Independents all along is different. They have decided to run on their own merit and stand alone. Instead of abiding by a party or even nominating themselves there. That is always a risk. A candidate is most likely never running alone for the office. There would be others vying for it and in any competition. There is some winners and some losers. Which is the reasons why the party losers have turned independents.

The ones saying this is a misstep and misfortunate… well, this is the system and the electoral laws allows it. The parties, the codes and the supposed goodwill dies with this. That is because of the price in the end. The fortune and the bounty of getting into Parliament is so big. Not only titles and a public office. However, an MP get money, allowance, SUV and perks, which other jobs wouldn’t offer. Unless, you was hired to be a CEO or CFO of a major corporation.

These Independents are running because they have the funds to pay the nomination fee. Even if it is 3 millions shillings. They have the hope that even if they lost in their preferred party. They will have gained enough support and has a second shot of winning in the General Election. That means the Primary was only a pit-stop. Instead of a final nail in the coffin. This is why some complain.

The folks who complain about that wants politicking to be a gentleman’s game. Nevertheless, that has never been the deal. The game of politics isn’t all about showing a facade and a bunch of mannerisms. It is also about naked ambition and greed. When you know at the end of the day, the ones winning could get wealthy. Could afford mansions and own businesses because of it. They will vie a second time. Even if that insult their “mother” party and where they belong.

The aspirant for MP should show loyalty and accept the loss in grace. There should be another term and another opportunity for the person to run. Still, that would humble a person and if the person already has had office. They know the opportunities and the envelopes in the future. With that in mind, the person will not risk losing that. Especially, just to show a gentleman’s agreement and give way. No, there is to much money at stake to give that away for free.

This is why the losers of NUP, NRM and so fourth has gone Independent. They know what they could get, if they get elected in the General Election. They don’t want to loose out of the feast. These want to eat of the fine dining tables. Be hosted like dignitaries and live lavish on the spoils of the state. Who cannot understand that? Especially, if they have already been there and knows what they could get?

It would be foolish to give away a Michelin Meal and instead eat at a junk-food joint. You would pick the fine dining and enjoy the abundance of excellence. That is if you have a shot of it. It just makes sense that way.

The ones who wants this practice stopped. Needs to amend the electoral laws. Nevertheless, the opportunists will take a bit and see if they can pull it off. I don’t blame them, but they have already lost once. What make you think you will win on second round? Expecting on powerful punch and K.O. Good luck with that. Peace.

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 12^th 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.

The Second Summit of Leaders of the Inter Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) – Monday 20th May 2019 – Joint Communique (20.05.2019)