Opinion: Honest elections doesn’t happen in darkness

Another day, another story and another issue. The 14th January 2021 the polls are happening. The finalization of a long time coming. However, don’t expect free and fair elections. Don’t expect the public or the citizens to have their will heard. No, the state intends to control the result and get their pre-determined announced results. The state doesn’t hold elections to get the representatives the public wants, but to get legitimacy to rule.

The Electoral Commission, the Police Force, the Army, Local Defence Unit (LDUs), Crime Preventers and all other law enforcement will be out to spread fear and intimidate. These elections will be a nightmare. There is nothing happening before the polls that says otherwise.

The authorities and the state has been more rouge and rough. It hasn’t been a week without an arrest of a Presidential Candidate. There haven’t been week or a day without reports of abductions and arrests of opposition candidates. It have been reports of activists and people associated with the opposition abducted in the night and later found dead. Therefore, the state has retaliated before the polls even starts. Just to spark fear and show their strength by using law enforcement.

The police and army have followed the trails of the Presidential candidates. Blocked them from accessing districts and towns. They have been arrested there, tear-gassed and violated by the authorities. The state have blocked hotels, taken them away into nowhere. In this demeaning manner the state have gone after them. The opposition have detained their team-members and given phony charges as well. This has happened all through the campaigns. The Police have shot at the cars and been close to assassinating a Presidential Candidate twice.

Therefore, with the knowledge of this. The news of blocking Google App Store and Apps ahead of the election. Is just so the opposition cannot monitor and report in the UVote App. We should anticipate a media lockdown ahead of the polls. Where the only way to get information and sharing it through VPN.

The state have already issued new media accreditation ahead of the polls. So, plenty have lost it and the Media Council had to verify journalists. Foreign journalists have been blocked from entering and being allowed to monitor the elections. There been some observers, but they are the usual suspects and these will rubber-stamp the events.

The state have already gone after the opposition media and the ones who has Youtube Accounts. That hasn’t gone well. While Facebook have blocked the regimes own accounts on Facebook. So, the state has lost a battle and forced another one.

However, the Electoral Commission, the UPDF and UPF have all gone out and said that all gathering around the polling station after voting is illegal. The authorities have said its not allowed to use phones and take evidence of what is happening. People are just supposed to shun area and its all supposed to happen in secret. The state is trying to issue in the articles of the 2019 Amendments of Kahinda Otafiire. Which never happened and was unsuccessful in Parliament. Still, they are trying and persisting in saying so. Just to ensure its dark there too.

Expect for the worst here. Expect for soldiers in the streets. Be sure of para-military outfits sponsored by the state lingering around. There will be curfews, it will be a partial lockdown. There will be a social media and internet blockade. Mobile Money and other services will be impossible. No place to hide on the internet and nowhere to seek information. Only from government friendly radio and TV.

The state want this to be done in darkness and intimidation. They don’t want to shed light on the events. The Electoral Commission this time around cannot even act independent. They are looking like servants of the throne and that is all a given. Law Enforcement and the army is partisan players too. So, nothing on the horizon is a sign that these folks will give way easily. No matter what the youth, the next generation or what the public really wants.

The President and his men can act like they are elected. When really they are men who only has power, because they have the guns. These folks doesn’t lead because they are respected or people favour them. No, they are there… because if you challenge them. Then you die and so does your kin. The ones that dares to challenge at this point will suffer. So many people have been hurt this election. There been to many civilians, to many candidates and activists who has suffered, tortured and died because of the upcoming polls. All so one man can have his eight term in office.

That is insane, but that man isn’t playing fair. He don’t intend to either. The President and his party intends ambush, strike fear and be hostile to be in power. These Big-Men will use all means. They don’t care if they burn a village, evict a orphanage or pollute a school. The state will use all means to profit and get kickbacks. They will do whatever it takes and there is nothing that is to far.

This President and his men will kill people in broad daylight and blame the deceased. The state will blame the victims. Claim they are investigating and never arresting anyone. That is the sad reality here. People can die and it doesn’t even count. People can be arrested and detained for no apparent reason than their political affiliation. People can be beaten and shook(ed) on the streets with no justification.

That is why the state, authorities and every stakeholder out there wants it in the dark. They don’t want the light on the events. The current leadership prefers it to be happening in darkness, as the actions might get hidden and isn’t leaked out before later. The President and his men prefers that. Just like nobody is supposed to understand the weird calculations and the perfect match of voters in certain districts. Neither, the various of anomalies and the wrecked lives. As those will be talked about after the effect. That is just natural in the grand scheme of things.

The President is anticipated to “win” again. However, it is hallow. The game and the tricks has been played before. The President and his men is only amplifying it and making it more hardcore. The gloves are off, but the truth is still this. His time is up and the public is tired of his reign. However, he thinks he can keep them hostage yet another term. Peace.

National Youth Council: Press Release on the participation and contribution to peaceful elections (11.01.2021)

Opinion: EC and UPF wants the election to be done in darkness

A historic day: Besigye could vote without being arrested afterwards!

There should not be mass assemblies around polling centres according to the EC. You need to vote and go home. Any act of hooliganism around the polling stations will be dealt with – Maj Gen Paul Loketch, Deputy IGP” (NTV Uganda, 08.01.2021)

The EC has barred all persons from taking pictures inside the polling station area on 14th January . EC chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama says even the media will not be allowed within the polling area to preserve the sanctity of secret ballot” (NTV Uganda, 06.01.2021)

It is just mere days ahead of the polls on the 14th January 2021. The Electoral Commission (EC) and Uganda Police Force (UPF) is steam-rolling ahead with their messages of voting and going home. Even if there are no laws stating this. There is no reason for the citizens and voters to trust the authorities and the preparation to the polls.

This is a mere reflection of how the whole election be handled. As the state is sowing distrust and a disingenuous attempt of controlling it all. They are willing to use any narrative to conceal the election and the results. In such a fashion, that the public is supposed to blindly trust the EC and the state itself. These gentlemen ruling and having powers must be foolish.

President Museveni, Electoral Commission Chairman Simon Byabakamba haven’t proved themselves to be trustworthy. As they are either inciting fear or wants the public to have less knowledge of the process. As there are no laws telling the citizens needs to home after dropping their votes. They can be there and oversee it. They are allowed to tape and take pictures of the Polling Stations. That is to ensure that the Returning Officers and the Declared Result Forms are genuine. That these are not altered or there been shady works of the polling officers and others.

Therefore, this whole act is a another angle of intimidation ahead of the polls. Not only the citizens are targets, but the journalists too: ““We’ve been beating journalists to restrain them from going where there’s danger. Polce beat journalists to help them…for their own safety. When a police officer tells you to stop, you must stop for your own safety. I won’t apologise for police actions” IGP Martin Ochola” (Daily Monitor, 08.01.2021).

This is just further proof of how the state wants the election to be done in darkness. They don’t want the people to know and know the affairs of how their ballots are counted or processed to final results. No, they are just supposed to trust these gentlemen with their future. No questions asked. No observers or people looking over the shoulders to ensure that the ballots are respected and the will of the people is served. No, that is not supposed to happen.

That is why the Electoral Commission and Uganda Police Force is doing this. They are all doing it to serve their master, instead of actually serving the people. They rather work directly for the President, then doing their duty to serve the general public. That is why they don’t want reporting or any oversight to their action. This is their message. Just like they are afraid to show what happens and what they will do when the ballots are done.

If they we’re sincere or had good intentions, but this actions only rely on the fact that the citizens should blindly trust the authorities. However, there are little to no reasons for them to do so. They should expect to be robbed and that they will be disingenuous about their motives. Therefore, they should ensure their votes are respected and that the polling officers are doing their duty. Nevertheless, expect election violence and arrests for the ones doing so. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine’s “P10” for 2021

This is the year to accomplish our mission. We have 10 more days of campaign. We have 10 days to determine the future of our country….it is this election where we will determine if we are to remain slaves” – Robert Kyagulanyi (02.01.2021).

So, there we have it really. Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have planned his own P10 or hoping the citizens will be responsible and document the elections. We know just like he stated in the Year End Address yesterday. That the state and authorities will use all means to rig the elections. They will sort out a media blackout, block the internet and social media. This is why the National Unity Platform (NUP) not only launches an UVote App, but speaks highly of using VPN. That is preparing for the inevitable.

We have seen in the past how the state has controlled the results. How they have fixed the polls and ensured “victory”. Clearly, the cellphone and the app is an help. However, that will not be enough. As the public have to come out with an outcry. Have to be on the barricades, unless they give way yet again. That is what the state hopes for.

Museveni, please keep your word. You called Obote and Amin swine for disrespecting the right s of Ugandans but you are much worse than the previous regimes” (Robert Kyagulanyi, 02.01.2021).

A man who has rigged elections since 1996 will clearly not hold his words in 2021. No, we cannot believe that. Neither can Bobi Wine. That is why his preparing for the tricks of the trade. The knowledge that the whole state is on alert.

Kampala and the central region aka Baganda will be a battlefield. The state will have dozens of brigades out in the streets. The army units will be out of the barracks. The LDUs will out and roaming the streets. The Crime Preventers will cause havoc and intimidate too. We just know this will happen. The high ranking officials will spread fear and intimidate more. Just like the President has done through his campaign.

The opposition leaders will either be house-arrested or picked up from their homes. They will be abducted and taken away. The NUP and FDC leadership will be in trouble. There will be no mercy and their lives be in the hands of the authorities. This is the bleak reality.

The FDC had their P10 group ahead of 2016 General Elections. This was a group monitoring and following up the occurrences at the polling stations. They was the team ensuring the rights of the ballots and the tallying. However, it didn’t work out, but the idea was a genius one.

The NUP with their App and Smartphones is good in itself. However, these folks will not have control of the Declaration Forms of the Polling Stations. Neither, the certified results from the Electoral Commission. Not to mention finding out if there is a second unit doing ghost counting. That can easily happen in elections like these. With pre-ticked ballots, stuffed ballot-boxes and cooking the results in the Tally Centre. Therefore, the phones and app is good in itself. However, it is enough?

To be sure the election is free and fair, which have been miles apart. These elections have been depressing. That is why I just know that the EC and the President doesn’t care about an open heist. President Museveni will rig this one. There is no doubt in my mind. Nevertheless, Bobi Wine has shown heart. Will it be enough?

The FDC tried with their Power 10 or P10 to be 10 People per village or polling station to guard the vote. However, we know how that went. Will Bobi Wine succeed now?

His showing character and heart, but is that enough? I am afraid its not. Unless, the people are not accepting the rigging and the foolery of the state this time around. Peace.

Opinion: The VLS is a technicality to block voters’ from voting…

33. Polling stations and polling centres.

(1)Each returning officer may, with the approval of the commission, establish within each parish or ward within his or her electoral district as many polling stations as are convenient for the casting of votes, taking into account the distances to be travelled by voters to polling stations, the number of voters in the constituency and the geographical features of the constituency.

(2)Where the circumstances require, the returning officer may, under subsection (1), establish a polling centre at which are located more than one polling station; except that in that case, the returning officer shall ensure that steps are taken to inform voters as early as possible of the particular polling station at which they are required to vote, that the polling stations are separated by a sufficient distance and also that the circumstances are such as to guarantee orderly voting without confusion” (Electoral Commission Act, 1997).

In the Guidelines for Issuance of Voter Location Slips from the Electoral Commission. The EC is stating the usage of the Section 33 (1) and (2). However, the VLS isn’t mentioned has been introduced by them as a guide to voters. Nevertheless, the needs for this isn’t stated in the law.

There is no place in the Electoral Commission law that the voters needs the VLS to able to vote. Even if the Press Release saying so yesterday. Because, any person who is registered on the voters roll of a polling station and hold a valid voters card.

The Electoral Commission could state this was the usage of voters’ card, which is stated in Section 26 of the Electoral Commission Act. So, if the EC was mentioning this… it would have made sense with the law. However, the VLS seems lie a weird addition for the voter to be able to vote.

The EC should re-assure the citizens and the ones registered that they have gotten the Voters Cards and not VLS. The VLS isn’t even mentioned in the Act or Amendments. So, the EC should focus on the Voters Cards and not VLS.

That is if they don’t want things like these contesting the EC. The EC have already been partisan and not been fair. The General Election as it this time. Doesn’t look anything free or fair. The whole game is rigged. So, these drops of VLS in the last minute. Seems like a trick to block people from voting. Nothing else really.

The EC just following the trends and ensuring the voters are not able to vote. These was also issued in 2016. However, that doesn’t make them legit. Only an sorry excuse to stop people from voting. Since, even if the people is registered and on the voters’ roll, but doesn’t have the VLS won’t be able to vote. The presiding officer can therefore easily stop someone because they lack the VLS. That is a shortcoming and causes trouble for the ones not getting it by the 13th January 2021.

This is a worry and a technicality that can be used against people who is eligible, but blocked because the EC didn’t issue correctly the VLS in-concern to each ward or polling station. Peace.

A Renewed Uganda: Press Release (27.12.2020)

National Resistance Movement (NRM): Response to Media Reports regarding Proposed Constitutional Amendments and Postponement of the 2020/2021 General Elections (24.12.2020)

Opinion: UJCC wants to give Mr. 1986 three more years for free

The Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) an umbrella association of Christian leaders in Uganda has urged the government to postpone the forthcoming 2021 general election for three more years, due to the growing cases of COVID-19. The Christian Council wants the elections to be held in 2023 when the COVID-19 pandemic is contained” (Jonah Kirabo – ‘Religious Leaders: Extend elections for 3 years, change constitution to allow Museveni lead’ 23.12.2020, Nilepost.co.ug).

The Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) wants to give President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni another three years in power. Another term without an election as we are awaiting the polls on the January 14th 2021. Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga now wants it extended when its only 22 days ahead. It is like 3 weeks to the due date. Therefore, the UJCC is really to late to the party.

An constitutional amendment needs more time. Even if the Special Force Command (SFC) invades the chambers and force the voting in favour. They still needs two or three readings. It needs to be sent to Committee and be voted for with possible changes to the law. Therefore, it needs time. Plus the National Resistance Movement (NRM) needs to convene NRM Caucus at the Entebbe State House. Also getting the final verdict from the NRM CEC. This is all making the process slower. There is also a need for accounted cash to be given to the ones that votes for this altering law.

It is just like the UJCC doesn’t care about the procedures and how laws are made. Especially altering the Constitution. This would be yet another change to benefit Museveni. Give him another term unelected like he was between 1986 to 1996. He has already had two terms without an elections in the past. It would be foolish to give him that again. Especially, when the elections of Tanzania, Burundi and United States went ahead even during these times of Pandemic.

If the government of Uganda is as great as the NRM always proclaim. They shouldn’t be weaker and lack courage to make safe elections happening like the other Republic’s did. These Christian leaders is just chasing the bag. They are vouching for the President and his cause. By coming with recommendation of keeping him power.

Giving a man who has been in office since 1986 doesn’t need another 3 years. There is no excuse or reason for him to linger. If he haven’t done it yet, it will never happen. The old man cannot sustain or be able to revolutionize government services. If that should have happened. It would have been in the early 1990s and not now. His not interested in that, but only keeping power.

If the UJCC suddenly receives envelopes and SUVs. I wouldn’t be shocked. They have done a service to the old man. They have shown token loyalty and been mouth-pieces for him. Just 22 days ahead of the polls. This is ass kissing and if they were trying to compete. Only Ofwono Opondo and Andrew Mwenda would be further up his ass.

UJCC is a disgrace for doing this. Giving Museveni more time? Who are they kidding here? That is mockery and wanting Constitutional Amendment to give it legitimacy. If the President wanted to do that. He should have pushed his majority MPs a while back and if COVID-19 was such a crisis. Why didn’t the President invoke “State of Emergency”? Something he never did, because then he would be even more accountable to the Parliament by law and that is hectic for him.

President Museveni doesn’t deserve more time. He should have retired a long time ago. However, he never did and the state shows it fatigue by having him there. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni shouldn’t throw stones in a glasshouse

I know Bobi Wine and the fools supporting him who don’t know Uganda very well, foreigners and others who are here but I know all them. I know that this one is a fool and the other one” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in Kikuube, Hoima on 19th December 2020

There are some people who has the foresight and visions to get ahead. President Museveni thinks he did, but apparently he never got there. If he had faith in the general public or people in general. He wouldn’t come with a statement like this. This is intolerant and very sectarian of him.

This is deeming some people and a whole group of supporters for fools. That is very devise and for someone who is a liberator and working for Pan-Africanism. If he was supposed to bring in the whole collective and be working all parts of society. He should also understand and appreciate other opinions.

However, that is not the deal of the old man with the hat. His is a self-entitled, self-styled President for Life and the only man with a vision. This is why Bobi Wine is a fool. That’s because he doesn’t work in accordance to the beliefs and ideas of the Presidency. Everyone is supposed to follow his ‘Correct Line’ and if they don’t they are not part of the “fundamental change” this President promised.

Apparently, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine isn’t following the programme and neither is his supporters. They are trying to remove the old man and his regime. That is clearly violating the ideals of the regime and its cronies who is all working in tandem with this. They are all involved and enriching themselves. They don’t want to loose their bread and butter. However, when someone like Bobi Wine challenge that. It is dumb, stupid and foolish.

Nevertheless, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, in the gist of it. It can be seen as a hopeless mission to vacate a dictator or a tyrant. That road is so filled with obstacles, hardships and suffering. The state is working against you and all avenues are blocked. There is no way to turn without getting oppressed or suppressed for your belief. Still, you work on it, because the idea of true freedom and liberty will not stop. Not until it happens.

Museveni is not wise calling this enterprise foolish. It makes him insecure and belittling his main competitor. For someone calling politics a battle of ideas. This sort of act shows his indifference to pleas of his citizens. It shows the reality on the ground and what sort of narrative he plays out.

The National Resistance Movement is filled with “yes-men” and only following man’s ideas for decades. The party is run like a one man show. While other organizations are run through protocol and through conferences, which sets the program and manifestos. Therefore, the Chairman and President controls the game. Anyone just supposed to follow him blindly.

This is why the ones who doesn’t is in his eyes a fool. However, that is not true. If so then most people are and many who did follow him has stopped. They have left because they couldn’t following the solo-run of the President. Not like he has the same folks around and only a few choses who has stayed there. Not because of policies or dogma, because that wouldn’t be beneficial to their ways of earning profits on their offices.

The President better start acting rational and not like this. If he thinks this is wise or wisdom. I hate to break it to him. It’s really not that smart and not brilliant either.

This is just desperation and a bad trade of the old man. He should know better, but clearly he don’t. Peace.

Electoral Commission: Press Release – Electoral Commission Directs Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu to Comply with Election Guidelines and Respect Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures (15.12.2020)