Uganda: Ministry of Information, Communication Technology & National Guidance – Guidelines for the “Nyege-Nyege” Festival, 2022 (09.09.2022)

Opinion: The MPs better have Code

“A Man Gotta Have A Code” – Omar Little (Fictional Character from the Wire)

In a den of thieves, in a gang or a group of people, the ones who are assembling or gathering together needs codes. A man needs a Code to be a guideline and be a line not to cross. Everyone who lives needs that. It isn’t written in law or a regulated affair, but a moral and a selective reason not to do so.

The Members of Parliament are stopping a music festival on moral grounds and possible sexual immorality. This is from MPs who is living lavish among poverty. It is the elite blocking a yearly event (unless it was COVID-19 Lockdown). This would have been the 7^th edition of Nyege Nyege this year.

Alas, a man got to have a code. Is there where the buck stops? The buck didn’t stop with abducting civilians in drones? The buck didn’t stop with extra judicial killings? The buck didn’t stop with grand corruption or “missing funds”?

No, the buck stops with dancing in bikinis and possible youth rebelling against their predecessors, which has been going on since the beginning of time. The MPs who has all sort of questionable behaviours themselves. They are pocketing unwarranted monies, envelopes for serving the State House and getting perks under the table. MPs who are able to get away with theft, land-grabs and other shady business-practices, but it’s morally wrong to have a huge music-festival.

That’s really telling isn’t it? They are like those pastors who speaks against having sex outside marriage. While they are having affairs and side-dishes, which are sitting in the congregation and some are on stage singing in the choir. That’s what the MPs are up too these days. The same sort of hypocrisy.

That’s why we are seeing the former VP Edward Ssekandi having a case with a former mistress over land. This the sort of people who are ruling the nation. We have seen how Bukenya have dabbled in the youth. His not alone doing the boogie. It is happening and they are finding the babes, if they need to be. That’s the game they do in secrets and they hoped it would stay that way.

However, the citizens are supposed to live holier than though. Even when their leaders, representatives are greedy and ghastly in use of power. These folks has no issues and cannot be questioned. That’s why they have titles and fat bank-accounts. They have nice vehicles and entitled to greatness. While the ones their serving are lucky if they can afford the next meal or have a gig to go to. Therefore, the MPs are really lecturing the people like preachers, but not practising it themselves.

Time will really tell how this one goes… but the MPs has some answers to deliver. They are now acting morally superior and extremely judgmental. That is a burden they now have to carry. They have to lift it and prove they are worthy of it. Since, they are putting themselves on a pedestal and that’s why they should shine purely for the city. These should be the examples of the Republic and be the ones you aspire to be….

However, we know the drill. At one point or another. They will take shortcuts to riches, they will accept bribes and they will accept oppression of the citizens with impunity. That’s how they collect their fortunes and get to live like royalty. This is why they are not interested in justice, liberty or freedom for all. They got it all it, but they are worried about the fate of others. No, that’s why they are only concerned with morals in the sense of entitlement and arrogance, but not when it’s concerned with their own actions or responsibilities. That’s when the law is used against you and you will suffer for pointing it out.

A man got to have code… but don’t expect it to be universal. Here is the moral of story, a MP will use rhetoric and ethical reasoning for own benefit, but never use it in context of themselves. No, that’s never happening. They are absolved of that and are to privileged to do that. These people don’t deserve that…. Peace.

Opinion: Immorality and immortality will follow the 11th Parliament… [The Nyege Nyege ban]

“Parliament has stopped the ‘Nyege Nyege’ festival, an annual social event scheduled to take place next week in Jinja. Tororo Woman MP Hon Sarah Opendi says the event is a breeding ground for sexual immorality” (Parliament of Uganda, 05.09.2022).

“Speaker Anitah Among on Nyege Nyege:

We are talking about morality of this country; we are talking about our children. You are trying to promote tourism at the expense of our children? We are not going to allow this function to take part” (Parliament of Uganda, 05.09.2022).

“Hon. Akello Rose Lilly the Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity has informed the house that they had given the following conditions if the event is to happen.

▶️ Children below 18 shouldn’t attend

▶️ Nobody should go to that event naked” (Parliament Watch, 05.09.2022).

You thought the games of late Reverend Simon Lokodo is over. In 2022 the late one has been revived and his sort of play gets a renaissance. The 11^th Parliament just mere days ahead is banning and blocking a popular music-festival in Jinja. The first since the COVID lockdowns and the supposed 7^th Edition of it.

Alas, the reasoning for the banning is striking. They are claiming it to be immoral. A morality is a hard standard to set and even to define. Because, what is morally right or wrong?

The Police Act has the rights to regulate assemblies, as gatherings or processions in concern to music festivals. They are regulating the festival in the accordance and only stopping it if its disturbing the peace. It is the Inspector General’s role to write the person who organize the event and a notice to prohibit the convening of the assembly aka music festival. That’s what is stated in the Police Act.

With this in mind… is the Parliament even morally objective or the right persons to ban this event? Because, it isn’t like there isn’t questionable characters, immoral people there or people who used illegal means to get into office. Like are we supposed to forget how MPs are rigging primary elections, paying-off opposition candidates and using the authorities to intimidate the voters to vote on them. That’s morally questionable actions, which have been supported or benefited the ones in question. Secondly, many MPs have been in martial troubles, side-dishes and corruption scandals themselves. So, some of these people shouldn’t lecture others on how to be righteous. When their whole private affairs are questionable and their working career is known for alleged criminal behaviour. That in addition to the regime and how the state operates in concern to the citizens, which can also be seen as immoral. Because, who has the rights and liberties to suspend other people opportunities and rights at any given moment. Yes, the MPs and the majority party does that on a regular too.

That’s why when I hear there is moral objections to the Nyege Nyege festival from the MPs and the Parliament. The Parliament and the MPs should ask themselves if they can fit into the same program. If they can be vindicated from questioning of their moral and righteous actions. Yes, there been questionable acts done at Nyege Nyege and sexual activity, which are a part of a music scene. That is clear, but these MPs have also their sins to atonement for too. This is why they shouldn’t be so high and mighty. They are not priests, pastors or reverends for that matter. The MPs are representatives of the people and they should represent them all. Not only like Mama Janet and try to be morally superior, when she’s clearly not…

Well, the MPs and the Parliament is playing a high stakes game here. Yes, what is the threshold for nudity and when is a person naked? Is it a fashion statement? Is that differentiated between the genders? Because naked is subjective at one point. Yes, some fashionable attires especially for musicians is very revealing. When is it nude and when is it cloth? I don’t have the answer, but when the MPs are setting a standard. They better be equipped to have reasons for it. Especially, since this is a moral concern and not a legal one. There is no law here about it.

The reasons for banning people under 18 years is fine. Parents should be parenting and kids shouldn’t be part of all sorts of music festivals. That is sensible and have nothing to add here.

However, the precedence here is striking. The idea of banning it so few days ahead. As the organizers have booked the artists, gotten the stages and the pre-planned the festival from all sorts of logistical standpoints. The Parliament is legit destroying it and their financial muscles to sustain. They are practically “killing” it and doing it without a warning.

Seriously, the MPs have to answer for their own moral judgments and they better be pure. They better be like saints and act holier than thou. Because, if they can do this all of a sudden. They should have a clean slate and not a single issue. Their hands should be clean and never ever breached what was morally right. Especially, if that’s the grounds for banning a music-festival like Nyege Nyege. Peace.

Opinion: The Constitutional Court Judgement towards Besigye was just weird…

Whatever the Constitutional Court, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and whoever who supporters the powers to be right now. They should be baffled and boggled by the rare Supreme Court order delivered or served on the 12 December 2019. Not that I think anyone of us, would ever reconsider or think that the Constitutional Court would vote in favour or find grounds to do so. That would be naïve with the knowledge of how the system works.

However, the Constitutional Court has made a fool out of themselves. They have made a judgement that shows the blatant disregard for rule of law and of justice. Without even trying. Claiming what it does, without dropping any hint of subtle reasoning for why the petitioner has done what he has done.

What is even more funny about this judgement is how it stipulates certain factors for why Dr. Kizza Besigye did have his own illegitimate government. Without any consideration into the election itself and the evidence of rigging there. Which should in concern to anyone being legitimate, should be easy to answer and prove in the first place. However, that was deemed unnecessary or not fit. That is why this judgement is purely stipulating the narrative that the regime needs.

They not even looking into or caring about the violations of assembly, freedom or liberty of the citizens, who choose to act in civil disobedience, as they are just following the codes and using one tiny fragment of the laws, which fits the state itself. So, that they can violate and arrest, detain and use preventative arrests, without any concerns for the likes of Besigye. That is what this judgement says.

Continuing on the fantastic argument of Besigye being in contempt with the Court(s), as he claims that the government is illegitimate and the ones appointed by it is so too. Well, that argument in itself makes sense, but then again his running against the machine. A machine working to work for the President. Therefore, his battle against this had to be a lost one, because it is not as if they will claim to be ill advised and be out of place.

Then, as they continue, the says he can seek other courts or his own court even. Just like that will make sense. Telling someone to go nowhere, because his case is futile. I am sure that Besigye knew the results before he petitioned the Courts, he knew he would loose, but being bullied and told to fish elsewhere. Is beneath the Constitutional Court and the statutes that it adhere too.

So, if the ones praising this judgement think they are wise. Pardon me, but your not. Even if Besigye would be totally wrong, his point still remains and this one is only an deflection from the higher courts. That the system is rigged and no one else can win. He cannot even get relief or get any sort of function that gives him way. Especially, since the acts against him was deemed unconstitutional, still they wouldn’t salvage or give him anything. That shows that they are just giving the results the regime needs and nothing else.

The Constitutional Court takes the public and the Constitution for fools. That is why they are calling the 2011 and 2016 elections for legitimate. That is why they are upholding the current state of affairs, without even question it. Because, that means they would go against Museveni and they cannot do that.

The funny ending of the judgement too, the same rights enjoyed by the ruling party, should be enjoyed by the minority opinions must be allowed? Why is that not happening? Why every time the opposition does something, does the law-enforcement come to block it?

Well, enough foolish things in a day. Kizza Besigye proved his point, even by losing. Because, this judgement is both judicial and political voodoo of the first class. Peace.

Opinion: The impossible task of being Besigye

“Former FDC President Dr. Kiiza Besigye defied Police orders & parked his vehicle in the middle of the road, blocking& inconveniencing other road users.The car was towed away and he was taken to Naggalama Police. At the moment no charges have been preferred against him” (Kampala Metropolitan Police, 04.11.2019).

At this point it must be impossible to be Dr. Kizza Besigye. Because by April 2018 he was already arrested about 1023 times, incarcerated 217 and indicted of 894 offences. Therefore, the opposition politician have been in plenty of courts, seen many lawyers and in prison. This is not calculation the time spent under house-arrest or even destruction of his property. Neither, the damages done to him to hurt him and torture him too.

Therefore, it is so much that Besigye has gone through in his pursuit of a peaceful transition from dictatorship. Not like it hasn’t cost him. The ones belittling him should try to be through his journey. The ones calling him a NRM stooge, would a stooge and enemy of state be able to pull that off with these sort of ridiculous numbers. Which is real, which isn’t a flawed statistic, but a reality that his been through. It continues to today.

He was arrested in April 2019 in Mubende district for visiting a radio show. That is what happens to happen and surely more than what I can remember right now.

Just like that, Besigye is still charged with treason, which happened on the 13^th May 2016 at the Moroto Magistrate’s Court. Today on the 4^th November 2019, its a total of 3 year, 5 months and 22 days. That’s a total of 1270 days, which he has had this hanging over him. That’s for swearing himself in as the President in the aftermath of the General Election of 2016.

That is why you know this man has a lot of suffering, pain and torment, which that state has obliged him again, and again. That’s why his been answering for “crimes committed” during the Walk to Work in 2011, all over the place during the campaign trail of 2015/16. Something, that hampers and put more strains on a campaign. Plus, the newly added charges and sentencing, which comes by him visiting various of districts and Police Force pinning whatever statutes or codes of law they could on the man. That is just what they do.

That is why he was standing on the wrong road, at the wrong time today. That he was in the middle of the road in Kireka, as he was supposed to address the press at a Press Conference at the Namboole Stadium. That is the reality. Because of that, he was arrested again, his car smashed and towed away.

It is impossible to be Besigye in the Republic. That is because the state has designated it to be this way. That’s why has been arrested so many times and how it continues to stack-up. It is an never ending journey of hurt, pain and suffering. It is never ending story of oppression, where he cannot express him, be free and liberated. As he can at any minute be arrested, be house-arrested or be kidnapped by some sort of authority. Because, that’s what they do to him.

This is the mere reality. This is not fiction, but a real life journey of one man. Who is not free and whose the symbol of tyranny right now. While others suffers too, while others get arrested for challenging the authorities. His been the one fierce-fully lightening the torch for the next generation. Peace.

Another day, another bail hearing for Besigye’s Treason Charges: By the next trial date lasting a total of 1208 Days!

On the 13^th May 2016 at Moroto Magistrate’s Court the judge charged Dr. Kizza Besigye with treason for declaring himself President after the General Election of 2016. Which have now been prolonged for the longest. The National Resistance Movement, the Police Force and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) have insisted to continue the case.

This is really showing the enforcement and how the state is monitoring the opposition leader. They are using this case to monitor the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader and always have an excuse to know where he is.

Just take a look:

“Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court has again issued criminal summons for former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president, Dr Kiiza Besigye, to face charges of treason” (…) “The magistrate issued criminal summons against Besigye and adjourned the case to September 2, 2019, for mention. The prosecution alleges that Besigye between February 18 and May 11, planned to forcefully ascend to the Office of the President when he declared himself the elected president of Uganda” (Michael Odeng – ‘Court issues criminal summons against Besigye again’ 10.07.2019, New Vision).

Why is this amazing, because of the 13^th May 2016 is far, far away. The case will be by that time over 3 years old, 3 months and 21 days or about 1208 days in total. Some would say this case has been lasting 39 months and 21 days. If this continues like this, the treason charge and case will last into 2020 like a sore thumb.

This just shows the mediocre ways of the NRM and their authorities. They just have to prolong this, because they got to. They still fear Besigye and what he represents. This is why they will make it clock into 2020 and even 2021. They have already surpassed 3 years and 3 months by September 2019, which is a feat in itself. Peace.

The Charge document:

Uganda Young Democrats: UYD Office Surveillance by Police (25.04.2019)

The Sound of Silence: The continued disruption of Besigye On-Air!

Why does it have to be like this? Where is the justification to always target the radio broadcasts where the former Presidential Candidate and leader within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Dr. Kizza Besigye attend.

It doesn’t matter in which town, city or parts of Uganda, where the FDC leader is speaking on-air. No matter where, as they have to inform and give indication of their arrival as per request of the Public Order Management Act, the Police Force and the other authorities knows of the movement of the FDC Leader. Therefore, when he goes to Mbale, Jinja or Kabale. The authorities are ready to arrest and take away the signal of the set-radio station.

That is just what happens again and again. It is reoccurring like a smear campaign against the man. Not only assaulting his rights as a human being and political figure, but also the rights of the radio stations to pick who they are broadcasting and interviewing. Because, if it was any of the entitled gentlemen in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or associates of the President. They would never have arrested them on-air or sealed of the stations because of their presence.

The authorities and the regime cannot be proud of these acts, as they are just devious. They are not clever. It is more of the same and showing the mediocre signs of oppression. The sort of behaviour, which is not democratic. As the democracy is only skin deep, because every decision and every move have to be sanctioned from the Okello House or the State House. Therefore, expect Besigye and the fellow FDC leadership to be under more pressure. Since, the election of 2021 is already gearing up for. Even as we are only in the middle of 2019. Still, the pretext for that is evident. As the NRM has picked their sole candidate and the DP Block is established.

We just have to wait and see where the final destination leads us. What we do know is that the authorities and the state apparatus will continue to assault the opposition. They will persist with this behaviour and do it relentlessly like it is no tomorrow. This is deliberate acts of a coward government, who knows their lack of popularity and has to rule by fear. If they were so great and grandeur. They wouldn’t need to fear the speeches or interviews of Besigye. However, they are and does it, again and again. Peace.

An FDC Leadership Conference in Jinja: Ends with the Calvary causing havoc!

This is not surprising. This is steady business for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) as they where scheduled to meet the FDC leaders of Busoga region in Jinja. To hold a FDC Leadership Conference there, as a part of the ACTION2019 campaign. We know that the Police Force is attacking this party directly, as they have done over years.

Today, the Police Force arrested Dr. Kizza Besigye as he was trying to address the public on-air on the Radio Kira. Where they took him out and also switched off the signal of the radio station. This is what the authorities does to the FDC.

Today was filled with running battles between them, while the Police Force used weapons and tear-gas. The public stood behind the FDC. In a manner, that people could admire. As the Police tried to take the car of Besigye and tow it away. However, the supporters actually took it away from the Police.

What the Police succeeding in doing in Jinja, other than hurting innocent civilians, stopping ordinary business order of the town and ensuring the continued hardships of the FDC. They initially stopped Besigye and blocking many of the FDC central leadership from meeting the leaders of Busoga as scheduled today. And hold the FDC Conference as planned ahead of time.

However, to do internal party conference in Uganda shouldn’t be this hard. The FDC cannot even do internal party work without meeting the Police Force or getting arrested.

This shows the intent of the authorities and how they behave. Even the President can start a rally without any forewarning in a round-about in Kampala, while the opposition parties have to beg to meet or even greet the public on local radios. That is evident yet again.

The is democracy, the NRM Way. Peace.

The Calvary surrounded Besigye’s visit at NBS Radio in Jinja today!

“Bullets and teargass have locked Jinja town as police tried to disperse the people’s president Kizza Besigye’s supporters have received as he walked out of NBS Radio studios where he had appeared for about 3 hours. As soon as they saw their President people started singing and shouting slogans in praise of Kizza Besigye. The police swung on action to disperse them” (Uganda Live TV, 16.03.2019).

We have seen this going on before, as the Leader of the Opposition, the People’s President of the People’s Government, the stark alternative to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its President. Today, the People’s President Dr. Kizza Besigye was scheduled to be a guest at the NBS Radio 89.4 FM on the 10 AM “On Air” there.

We are seeing that the popularity of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader is still there, as his consistency cannot be understated. The persistence of his work and trying to have a peaceful transition from the NRM to a democratic elected government, which is not rigged in and directly manifested control by all security organization. Which also was in play today.

We are again seeing that the Police Force and Resident District Commissioner Eric Sakwa couldn’t contain the citizens, the supporters of Besigye there. Again, they had to use violent force to stop them and get the meeting to stop.

Surely, this sort of meeting and gathering wasn’t notified or followed the ordinary protocol of the Public Order Management Act. Alas, this was the supporters and the public itself turning up and not planning this. This is what can be called suction and surge of the public towards a popular leader. Not just some random suspect. That is why usually the radios are banned or blocked before the FDC leader comes. Because, the state cannot manage the popularity of Besigye and does whatever it can to contain it. Even break their own laws to stifle his movement or party works.

The people should be allowed to post up somewhere. They should be allowed to gather and show support of a political leader. That is why the Police went all out crazy and made fuzz. Surely, Besigye have been in this before and not the last time either. As long as Museveni rules, this will be the law. Even if it is foolish and making the police look partisan, which it is. Kifeesi at its best. Peace.