Opinion: Acheng should explain the allegations against NUP SG Rubongoya…

“Police in Kampala have today arrested Mr. David L. Rubongoya, General Secretary of NUP

and his Driver Agaba Godwin Joseph on allegations of threatening violence. It’s alleged that on 26/05/2022 at about 1200 hrs while in Omoro County Mr Rubongoya using Motor vehicle reg. no.UAS 490Z Toyota land cruiser white in colour threatened Hon. Acheng Ruth vide Omoro SD reference 19/26/5/2022. They are pending transfer to Omoro” (100.2 Galaxy FM Zzina!, 22.06.2022).

Today there was news that National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya was first arrested around Wandegeya and later re-arrested on new charges, which is alleging him to threaten Minister of Health, Ruth Acheng. Therefore, after being released on bonds or bail this evening.

The Minister of Health should explain herself. Even release an affidavit. Since, this seems like a political charge and nor a sincere. The Minister has a heavy security detail around her. She is never travelling alone. While the NUP SG doesn’t have it similar. That’s why his easily to arrest across the city. Which is why the authorities could arrest him and keep him detained so easy.

This just shows what the state is capable of doing. They can easily arrest high ranking officials in the opposition and they don’t even need proof of the allegations. Not that this is anything new. That’s why people are lingering behind bars for “inciting violence” and such. This is what the authorities does and it clear. It is open intimidation and crack-down on the opposition.

What we should need to know is what the Minister has done and why the charges is suddenly pinned on the NUP SG. That is needed now and she should address the allegations to the public. Because, the opposition leader shouldn’t be charged willy-nilly. Neither should anyone else be apprehended or charged without proof. This is why the Minister needs to explain it to the public. I have feeling she feels above that or any critique.

However, that he was taken into custody and so suddenly. Make you wonder what’s the reason and why the state did it today. Certainly, this tale is far from over. As the NUP SG was released hours later, but the case will now be pending. However, we should never expect anything to be address or any substantial trial. Since, it is all a mockery and an attempt to silence an opposition leader. Peace.

Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC): Court Appeal Judgement Overtaken by Events (08.09.2020)

Opinion: Akena traded the UPC to become MP

James Akena, the son of Milton Obote. Who is now running for his second term as a Member of Parliament. Who is continuing to keep the agreement alive between Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and National Resistance Movement (NRM). The deal has clearly been sealed and been favourable for a few within the UPC.

The UPC have gained some MPs and also Cabinet Members. Some of them has left the UPC for the NRM. However, it would be hard to spot the difference at this point. Akena took over … for Otunnu and since then made a deal.

A deal that has secured Akena and few others. He has traded away UPC’s legacy over nothing. A coalition who has sealed the fate for some.

The UPC isn’t much, when the Party President is going for a slot as a incumbent MP. It is not like the UPC is supposed to be a brief-case party. Alas, the actions made and the way it operates. It is getting closer to that. The NRM is swallowing it and the relevance is becoming meaningless.

Especially, when there is no motivation to stand up to the Presidency. Sign a deal with the ruling regime. The regime who toppled the founder of the party and Obote II. The same party that this happened too.

This is the UPC of 2020. A party who has traded its soul for a quick fix. Instead of trying to act as a opposition and be a different breed. It instead became a crony and a lackey. A cheap trick for the President and his men.

Akena has traded away the glory. Signed of the legacy of his father. Just to become MP and live a lavish life on the public expense. He could stand for something. The man could have used the platform for change and make a difference. However, he chose the easy route … a road ahead, which was a simple pay-off.

Jimmy got paid and is happy to reconcile his fate as a lackey. A man who uses his party as a way of securing his life-style.

The UPC was used in a bargain. The President didn’t do much, but got his former enemy to its knees. That is how easy it was… just a few envelopes and titles. From there no stress, no issues, just a deal. That was it and how simple to get his way.

Akena becomes MP and the NRM has an ally. They don’t have to care or even sign them off. Just give them a few shillings. Then, they will remain silent and be buddies. Peace.

Opinion: The UPC is loosing [and Akena is a failure]

That James Akena, Obote’s son get a second term as the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Presidency is neither shocking nor surpising. He secured the role and title ahead of the General Election in 2016. When there been talk that Museveni paid him 1 billion shillings and dispersed Olara Otunnu from the throne.

There was also a deal made between the UPC and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Akena became the Lira Municipality MP and two other UPC MPs became part of the cabinet. This was UPC President wife, Betty Amongi (Oyam County South) and also Ruth Acheng became Ministers in the 10^th Parliament.

Achieng have now switched camps and is running on a NRM ticket in Lira district. She has left UPC. As she got the most out of the political deal between UPC-NRM in 2016.

Now we got to wait what Akena and Amongi plans ahead for the Party. The status quo is cleared. However, the UPC isn’t in a sign of strength. It is not like Akena have the popularity or the reach to be viable for the masses. He got more than enough to get re-elected as MP in Lira Municipality.

Akena might think he has it, as his the next generation of UPC leader. The UPC only had 6 MPs in the 10 Parliament and the UPC blamed Otunnu fraction for this after t he polls. The party and the leadership have to use a lot of time to fight for Uganda House and the Milton Obote Foundation (MOF) nearly through the party out of it after the election in 2016. So, its not like UPC has gone from victory to victory.

In 2011 the UPC had 10 MPs and by 2016 when Akena ran the final campaign the party got 6 MPs. While they are losing main contenders who are going to the NRM like Achieng. There is little traction and the UPC becoming a fringe party.

One of the old horses who sold out. The UPC doesn’t have character under Akena. It is leaflet of a party, nearly a briefcase and that shouldn’t be the case for a historical party like this. The party wasn’t a one man ballad. Neither under Otunnu or anyone else. However, under Jimmy its been all him and they have campaigned with Museveni.

We don’t know what they will do ahead of 2021. Akena shouldn’t run for Presidency, he will get near nothing and be fruitcake compared to ones really standing.

Akena should support one of the opposition candidates to give them more hope. Jimmy got nothing to do in the big-league. Forgive me, but a man signing a deal with NRM in 2016 and letting people run in the cabinet. Isn’t really someone who stand up to them years later. He is already compromised and this time he cannot blame Bbosa or Otunnu for his own failure to run the operation.

Jimmy is a train-wreck and he has done it all on his own. Akena comes from a political family, but that doesn’t mean he is political savvy or has the ability to do things. Just like the daughters and sons of pastors isn’t all made to run churches either. They can sing in the choir, but cannot lead the public to salvation. Neither can Jimmy spark any flame or interests outside his nearest constituents.

Akena can push through this second term. It will be gloomy, but if he continues dealing with NRM. He will still be relevant and keep his career alive. Not because of his work or dedication, but because Museveni has bought an ally. Which cost him nearly nothing and he get the party as a price. One less competition.

Jimmy, you can act like your big, but that doesn’t make you big. It is all an imagination… It’s fiction. Peace.

Museveni withdraws Ruth Achieng’s ministerial appointment (Youtube-Clip)

“Former Kole Woman MP Joy Ruth Achieng may have had her hopes of becoming a minister dashed after her name was reportedly removed from the list of ministerial nominees at the last minute. Sources told NTV that President Yoweri Museveni changed his mind on Aching after meeting ruling NRM party politicians from Lango sub-region where the opposition UPC politician hails from. The delegation led by outgoing junior housing minister Sam Engola reportedly told the President that Achieng could not be made minister ahead of other more deserving Lango politicians. And as Maurice Ochol reports, two other ministerial nominees were not vetted. Gen. Moses Ali is indisposed while Okello Oryem is currently abroad on state duty. They will be vetted at a later date” (NTV Uganda, 2016).

How the new counties will change for the constituencies before the Presidential General Election 2016 in Uganda – and which MPs it affects.

Recently there been reports that yet again the government of Uganda has decided to split a certain numbers of counties into 39 new counties and in the end make the total amount of Member of Parliament (MPs) to 424 (Kisakye, 2015). This can only been seen as a calculated plan to gain more MPs by the government party to reign over this new counties. I will go through who will have to fight for new constituency and votes in newly created counties that the government wishes. This will be after the list that was on the Observer. I will take district after district. An over time I think you’ll see a pattern.

Agago County MPs:

Who?	Party:
John Amos Okot	NRM
Judith Franca Akello	FDC

Amuria County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Francis Musa Ecweru	NRM

Manjiya County MPs:

Who?	Party:
David Wakikona	NRM

Bukedea County MPs:

Who?	Party:
George Stephen Ekuma	NRM
Rose Akol Okullu	NRM

Bukomansimbi County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Deogratius (Deo) Kiyingi	DP
Susan Namaganda	DP

Bulambuli County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Irene Nafuna Muloni	NRM
Midimi Wamakuyu	NRM

Dokolo County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Felix Okot Ogong	NRM
Cecilla Barbera Atim Ogwal	FDC

Gomba County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Rosemary Muyinda Najjemba	NRM
Kyabangi Katusiime Nakato	NRM

Kilak County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Gilbert Olanya	Independent
Betty Bigombe Atuku	NRM

Dodoth East – Kaabong County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Samson Lokeris	NRM

Bulamogi County – Kaliro District MPs:

Who?	Party:
Kenneth Lubago	Independent
Flavia Nabugere	NRM

Kibuku County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Moses Saleh Wilson Kamba	NRM
Sarah Mwebaza Wanene	NRM

Nyabushozi County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Fred Mwesigye	NRM
Beatrice Rusaniya Namala Barumba	NRM

Kibanda County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Sam Owor Amooti Otada	Independent
Helen Kahunde	NRM

Chua County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Henry Okello Oryem	NRM
Beatrice Anywar Atim	FDC

Kole County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Fred Ebil	UPC
Joy Ruth Acheng	UPC

Kumi County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Patrick Oboi Amuriat	FDC
Christine Hellen Amongin Aporu	NRM

Kiboga West County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Samuel Ssemugaba	NRM
Ann Maria Nankabirwa	NRM

Kyaka County MPs:

Who?	Party:
William Ngabu Kwemara	NRM
Flavia Kabahenda Rwabuhoro	NRM

Mwenge North County MPs:

Who?	Party:
David Muhumuza	NRM

Luuka County MPs:

Who?	Party:
John B.  Ngobi Bagoole	Independent
Evelyn Naome Mpagni N. Kaabule	NRM

Maracha County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Alex Onzima	Independent
Ruth Molly  Ondoru Lematia	NRM

Kashari County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Yaguma Wilberforce	NRM

Ruhinda County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Kahinda Otafiire	NRM
Jovah Kamateeka	NRM

Matheniko County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Dr. John Baptist Lokii	NRM

Aruu County MPs:

Who?	Party:
CD Oketayot Lowila	NRM
Samuel Otto Odonga	FDC

Kooki County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Amos Mandera	NRM

Mawogola County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Sam Kahamba Kutesa	NRM
Anifa Kawooya Bangirana	NRM

Soroti County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Michael George Mukula	NRM
Peter Omolo	FDC
Angelline Osegge	FDC

Okoro County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Stanley Oribdhogu Omwonya	NRM

Butebo County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Stephen Oscar Malinga	NRM

Tororo County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Geofrey Ekanya	FDC

Kibaale County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Frank Kagyigyi Tumwebaze	NRM

Aringa County MPs: (Will be three more districts)

Who?	Party:
Achile Manoah Mile	UPC
Abason Huda Oleru	NRM

Bugahya County MPs:

Who?	Party:
James Kiiza Rwebembera	NRM

Koboko County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Ahmed Awongo	NRM
Margreth Diri Bara	NRM

Kassanda County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Godfrey Lubega	Independent
Thembo George William Nyombi	NRM

East Moyo County MPs:

Who?	Party:
Moses Ali	NRM
Jesica Ababiku	Independent

In numbers of the MPs that is on the line and getting new districts to get votes for re-elections in the 2016 elections. This here will be decisive for them. AS you can see that even some district has big birds and people who have been in the wind for a long time like Otafiire from Ruhinda County. But now let me show the numbers:

Party:	Total MPs:	Percentage:
NRM (National Resistance Movement)	45	69%
FDC (Forum for Democratic Change)	8	12%
DP (Democratic Party)	2	3%
UPC (Uganda People’s Congress)	3	4.6%
Independent	7	10.7%
Total Sum of MPS:	65	100%

This should be call on how the NRM wish to split the votes in certain areas so that they can eat more of the votes in next election. That they can take more of the independent votes and also from the opposition parties like FDC.

Let me show the areas that are being split not just name of main counties. Since Uganda has been split to smaller and smaller fractions and now is hard to remember where the “original” bigger counties where before they got into the humongous number of 424. So let see here:

Part of the Country	Total Couties:
Buganda	VI – 6
Ankole	IIII – 4
Kigezi	0 – 0
Toro	II – 2
Bunyoro	II – 2
Acholi	VI – 6
West Nile	IIII – 4
Lango	II – 2
Karamoja	I – 1
Teso	III – 3
Sebei	0 – 0
Bugisha	0 – 0
Bukedi	II – 2
Busoga	V – 5
Total Counties:	37

(Aringa County will become three counties – North/South and Yumbe)

Numbers game:

If you can quickly see it’s the central regions that have a certain level of changes like in the Ankole, Busoga, Bunyoro and Buganda. The number of counties which is changing in the central/eastern is 17 of 39. Other areas that are also getting a renovation from the government are the Acholi, West Nile and Karamoja which is the Northern parts of Uganda. The total of areas that will be changed is 13 of 39.  Those total 30 of the 39. So it’s easily to see where the main changes are happening. Sometimes in the heartland of the opposition parties than in the Movement territory, so if you think otherwise. Look at the numbers and see even if this is going after 69% of the MPs are NRM. We all know that around Mbale and up north has voted for DP more than NRM in history. FDC is also gaining more grown in eastern, central and western areas. Therefore NRM fearing this, FDC candidate even won in Amuru by-election in November 2014. So that the Government is making a change in the districts around isn’t surprising. But let’s look at the other part of this changes that I haven’t touched on yet. Not the number game, but the real election game.

Election game:

This strategy is amazing. The way you split counties to reassure and get more loyalty from the new LDC then before. Therefore doing this so close to the election makes the 40 new counties and 40 new MPs. Also open up new constituency and voter’s numbers that need to be secure to get the MP for a county in. Thirdly and last point is that the history of voting in an area get diminish because the new counties. This will lead to smaller counties and need less people to vote the MP in the area. That can be either a gift or a curse. That the counties are getting to be smaller populations so that their easier to manipulate since their no current voting history in this counties. So that the loyalist will get more positions during next elections and also getting new LDCs that will supposedly to give the local community more control and also support the governments work in the areas. Like getting supervision over the primary school and police I guess. But we all know that this is more securing the NRM government more control over the areas and getting the loyal supporters of the Mzee becoming MPs and also making new counties to disfranchise the opposition if possible. That this  areas are also in places where the Independent MPs are coming from and just a few big shots like Kahinda Otafiire. I look forward to see the results from the Presidential General Election of 2016. Hope you do as well in the new counties and see if the MPs from the 9^th Parliament will arrive from the new counties.

Just a by the way – on the information flow:

The irony of it all, I couldn’t find the MPs on the Parliaments own site or government official sites online. I found the best by the sites that are targeted by the government. Like the lists from Uganda at Heart had an awesome and amazing list. Second list was from an anti-corruption NGO from Uganda. So the one that isn’t supposed to be friendly with the government is the one that has organized it the best and that is a rare instance. Because a brother expect to easily see who represent them. Taxation with representation, the parliament page of the Ugandan government isn’t sufficient or a page that is really working. Hope that Hostalite and make them a better page indeed. And the Parliament Watch site was ten times better. Where I could double check the result of the General Election of 2011 was from the elected MPs from the Electoral Commission of Uganda. I am grateful that one supposed to be unbiased governmental institution has certain information to the public so I could verify what I found at Uganda at Heart and also the information from Parliamentary Watch. Thanks! Peace.

Reference:

Kisakye, Frank – ‘Govt creates 39 new counties, number of MPs rises to 424’ (15.07.2015) Link: http://www.observer.ug/news-headlines/38782-govt-creates-39-new-counties-mps-rise-to-424