Robert Rukaari Mwesigwa MP letter to the Commandant of Police Professional Standards Unit – Re: Complaint against ASP Mkiibi Karim & Another (07.03.2023)

Opinion: Otafiire is the blind leading the blind….

“It is a shame for Pentecostal Church ministers calling yourselves bishops and other names when a big group of your followers are in poverty. I hear that even pastors stop people from going to hospitals, which is so bad because science works together with God” (…) “If you are a leader, in a country like Uganda that has all the natural resources and still people cannot afford to have three meals a day, it means there is a big problem, but to my surprise, some of you are proud because you are leading people who are even infected with jiggers” (…) “Let people worship their own God so long as they follow the laws. Stop internal fights because for us who are not frequent church goers, we have failed to understand what to follow. When you are involved in wars even with other religions, this will not only affect you, but also the development of this great nation” – Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire (Milton Bandiho – ‘Otafiire: Pentecostal churches keeping the faithful poorer’ 17.05.2022, Daily Monitor).

It is really strange that a Minister and Maj. Gen. who has gone through the ranks and had a life-long career in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to say this in 2022. The man has been a commander and a minister over the last few decades. Heck, his been a Member of Parliament for much of it too. Maj. Gen. Otafiire has been a high ranking official and been appointed to offices of importance for years.

Otafiire is one of the reason why the state isn’t moving forward or getting better. It is his government and the policies his promoting on a daily basis, which is a reason for continued poverty. Yes, the pastors, the leaders of church and clerics should be worried and not only be pastrepreneurs. They should teach the gospel and also help their communities. Not only collecting tithes or donations from their congregations, but use those money to help the ones in need and have projects in the community they are a part of, which plenty of churches does. Therefore, Otafiire should know about that and look into his own acts.

Because, he spoke about this to pastors, priests and the likes. I will take a passage from the book of Luke, which seems fitting for the current state of mind of Maj. Gen. Otafiire.

The Bible says:

“37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

41 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (The Bible – New International Version, Luke 6: 37-42).

Why do I use this scripture today? Well, Otafiire is judging the pastors and priests with contempt. His judging their actions, but his forgetting his own role in it all. To make matters worse is that he could have ensured that there wouldn’t be any poverty or lesser extent himself. For years in office and as a high ranking official he could have forwarded policies, budget posts and whatnot to make a difference.

We only knows that the NRM produces wasteful and lack-of-accountability get-rich-quick-schemes which goes nowhere and only enriches the men on the top. The elites are eating and the poor are starving. That’s how the NRM is operating… while promising to secure people’s future and steady progress. However, nothing ceases to move and no real advances is in the republic. Development projects are stalled, made for wrong purposes or cash-cows for the developers. While the farmers, the added value projects aren’t living up to it’s promises. That’s why him telling this to the pastors, priests and clerics is a bit out of touch.

Otafiire can say and speak ill of the leadership of the churches, that they are taking advantage and being greedy. Some might are using their congregations and churchgoers as a means-to-an-end. However, the same is what the state does to every single citizen. As the state is using the citizens and their poverty to get grants, loans and development funds to cover it’s shortfalls in its bloated budgets.

Otafiire should be concerned how the government he has been a part of much of his life haven’t helped the poor or given them a chance to get out of it. The Maj. Gen. should be shocked that with all this time and opportunities the state haven’t been capable or fixed the policies to ensure a better tomorrow. Nevertheless, that has never happened and with the NRM at the helm… it never will be.

That is why these lectures from Otafiire is insulting. As he has sit by the side of the throne for decades. He has been eating, entitled and enriched himself. Otafiire and the likes are enjoying all the perks of life and can easily access health-care services abroad. While the likes he speaks too cannot even afford Panadol to cure headaches. Therefore, he should ask himself what he could do and what sort of office he serves. As he has power and influence to make a difference, but he chooses not too. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s recent address don’t reassure anyone

“I’m not your usual president. I speak with action and let me remind you that I’m not going to show any mercy to anyone who is Found guilty of killing my people. We are not here to joke, Uganda is able to protect itself from people who think that they’re better than us. We have already Gunned down several ISIS leaders and now they know that I’m not a man who you should play with. The sheikh who ordered his men to kill my people should run because I’m also ordering my men to go after them, it’s fire for fire don’t confuse power and authority” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (20.11.2021).

Everything that General Museveni touches has to be violent. There is no peace and no sort of resolve. That’s how General solves things and not in a manner of which is with protocol. Yesterday he defended extra judicial-killings. He has no issues with it and seems to order it. This is not a warning, but a stern realization that the President believes he has the right of people’s life and death.

This national address on COVID-19 and National Security isn’t anything new. Very little was said that was striking or game changing. We have heard these things before and the state just shows intelligence in speeches, but without further proof. The President just speaks of intent and violent force. Because, that is how you strike fear and not how you generate peace. However, this is all that Museveni have after over 30 years in power. He cannot have love or care, neither concern or ability to read the room. No, he just have to blaze the guns and thinking that this is the manner of which terrorists will fear him.

As he continues…

“If ADF had remained quiet and not attacked Gen Katumba we wouldn’t have known them.They are overestimating themselves. They wanted to kill Gen Katumba because he is a big government person to show they are there. Although Jamilu Mukulu was arrested, they wanted to show they are still there (in existence). They also thought that Katumba being the Minister of Works and was to work on road in DRC which is their territory, how dear he” (Museveni, 20.11.2021).

“I have heard some arguments about Kirevu and how he was a good person. The attempt to kill Gen Katumba landed them in trap. All these incidents are linked. Our security was lax but when you provoke them, they wake up. We were able to use technology to identify some of them. It is a matter of time we got them” (Museveni, 20.11.2021).

It is strange how these things goes and how these things are connected. As the state claims it is ADF behind it all. While, there is no court trial or any evidence gathered for a court case. No, it is just empty statements in speeches. The Minister and General Katumba should be insulted of being used this way after surviving an assassination attempt and his daughter lost her life there together with his driver. They have not gotten justice or peace. Just like all the people in Kampala who lost their lives in the bombs.

The President is just showing his fierceness, but it is just a flex. This isn’t strength or ability to show control or have systems to ensure people’s safety. Instead it is boosting his own ego and his troops. They are just trigger-happy soldiers and officers who kills. Just like the terrorists does and without proof of alleged crimes or terrorist activity.

We should with certainty… but we cannot be happy with this. The President isn’t showing any sort of character or ability to govern here. Only that he can order people deaths and destroy lives. It is not like can secure or ensure anyone. That is missing here.. and he cannot regain that trust. Since he believes his guns and army can fix everything. That is evident here and parts of it is true. Because, we know he is only ruling because of it. If it wasn’t for the army and the soldiers, he wouldn’t have an office to go to. The President needs the UPDF and Intelligence Agencies to secure his political life. While, that will not give peace to the general public or secure their lives. As the President cannot find ways to make things peaceful and justifiable. If he did, he wouldn’t be speaking like this and be such an inactive person at the same time. Peace.

Opinion: Extra Judicial-Killings will not solve crimes or stop terror

Yesterday it was revealed from the Uganda Police Force that they killed Sheik Muhammed Kirevu. A man who was in their custody and handcuffed. The authorities had him in their midst and still they decided to shoot-and-kill him. That is extra judicial killing. They killed him right in-front of his family and his kids as witnesses.

The authorities are not only the ones who apprehend alleged criminals, but they are the court and the hangman. They are all in-one and they do this on their duty. This isn’t the first time or the last of which the Police Force or any of the state Security Organizations are inclined to use lethal force to stop an alleged criminal or suspect. They are not tried or charged, they are just taken out.

This isn’t the manner of which shows a difference between the state and a terrorist organizations. Since, the ones dropping the bombs is issuing terror and the state is issuing terror with their guns. There is no very to no difference between the parties. They are both sanctioning death upon both innocent and suspects. The state can after the fact claim links and evidence for the suspect. However, that was never proven in the courts or their supposed illegal activity was never tested. Therefore, it is flawed and what if the person was just another citizens catching a stray-bullet? Will the Police or Authorities take this to account and be responsible for the unfortunate death?

I doubt that… and Sheik Kirevu might have been connected to the ADF and might not have. All we know now is that he was in their custody and he ended up dead. Instead of doing due diligence and doing the process. Proving the alleged criminal conspiracy and his involvement in the terrorist organization. He was taken out and we can never know now. The Police Force is coming with hearsay and allegations, which will never be proven. They can say he was monster and a vicious individual, but the man can never defend his innocence either. Since the man is no longer breathing.

This is why the whole ordeal is wrong. The state isn’t doing this right. They are ambushing and hostile. They are not trying to show why they are righteous and have the laws to uphold. Since, there is no indication of difference between them or the bombers. Both are just killing senselessly and doing it for their respective end-game. That is the tragic things here and in the manner of the Sheik. Its his kids that is scarred for life. While the victims and the families of Kampala will forever be touched by the bombs earlier this week. In this way, nobody is getting peace and resolving the hurt. The state isn’t fixing things the right way, but only causing more harm.

The Uganda Police Force and all the other agencies shouldn’t be proud for doing this. There is little to no difference between them and a average murderer. They both kills, but one has a license like James Bond and the other is a nameless killer. The officers and state agents should be better, than random stranger with a gun. However, in 2021 in the Republic that’s too much to ask. We can beg to differ, but the reality is that this is how they operate.

This is how they deal with criminals, by being their own gang of operatives ready to shoot and kill. The Courts are useless and laws are too. When lives can be taken so easily and without mercy. The idea of an extra judicial killing should be a rare occasion, but in concern to the UPF. It is just to common and so ordinary. That is why this is a cultural way of acting and modus operandi. This is the tragic thing and lives which can never return is taken in the quest for “justice”. However, justice was denied and never served. The ones they are trying to rectify or act for isn’t getting the truth. They are just hearing about more families scorn by the authorities who acts like outlaws themselves. Peace.

Uganda Police Force (UPF): Further Update Surrounding the Bomb Blast Investigation (17.11.2021)

Opinion: Where are the Ministers of Security? [Muhwezi, Otafiire and Muhoozi]

“We cannot say that there is a lapse in security. Security has managed to keep this country secure for many years, and Uganda has been one of the safest places to stay” – Jim Muhwezi (on NBS Television, 27.10.2021).

Today as the twin-bombs hit Kampala. There are many questions remaining. The Uganda Police Force held their Press Conference and released their Press Release. The authorities sealed of the areas and dispersed the general public from the Central Business District. That was all natural after the incident.

What is striking is the deafening silence of the ministers who are in-charge. These are Minister of Security Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, Minister of Internal Affairs Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire and State Minister for Internal Affairs Gen. David Muhoozi. The mandate of Internal Affairs is: “To ensure and maintain internal security,peace and stability”. Clearly that mission was breached today.

These are the leaders who are in-charge except for the Commander-in-Chief and His Excellency Museveni. Therefore, you have natural expectation that these are in coordination and works to ensure these things to not happen. There are so many security organizations and intelligence gathering units. That the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Security should both have a decent overview of the possible threats and who could do these kinds of things.

The United Kingdom warned in the mid-October 2021 of terrorism threats. This warning has clearly not been adhered too or been listened too. They have avoided to act and we have no four possible terrorism acts within a few weeks apart. In the end of October 2021 there was two incidents and today another two, which is well reported on.

We should wonder, if Muhwezi, Otafiire or Muhoozi will do anything about this? Do they have a plan? Will there be a open report and a re-group to foil possible domestic terror in the Republic? Since the authorities seems preoccupied with apprehending opposition activists and leaders. They are not busy finding culprits or gathering intelligence.

These three ministers has a lot to answer for. There is a lot to be desired and the way the security apparatus is organized. In the manner of which, all of the organizations can run and operate. As well, as the various of conflicts of interests in combination with the pressure from the outside. You just know there is to many chefs in kitchen. It will be a mess and a non-edible treat for your eyes to see, which only the unlucky bastards has to eat.

The three gentlemen should go out together and make not only joint statements. These three should make joint investigation and reports, as they can prove their worth. Unless, all three is just paper-tigers and someone else is really running the show from behind them. Because, these folks should have some pride and dignity to prove their mandates and roles. Alas, maybe that’s to much to ask in the Republic.

I am awaiting their returns to the NBS Television and NTV Uganda. However, I am also waiting for a statement to the Plenary Sessions in Parliament. Nevertheless, that isn’t an proper inquiry or such. There is a need or a joint exercise and where there is look at the whole structure. It is a need to see, who does what and where. This will ruffle some feathers … and some will be butt-hurt.

However, when these things are happening and innocent lives are taken. There needs to be consequences for the heads. The heads of government and ministers need to address it. Not only come with flattery and empty words of nothingness. That we have seen so much of. So, where are you? What do you do? The Red Cross can’t always save your asses. There is real implications to this. Peace.

Opinion: Otafiire, the Movement is a reflection of its head [and not its origin]

“The NRM of 1986 and the NRM now are not the same. If the two were to meet, they wouldn’t recognize each other. There are many things that as pioneers we believed in an held dear but have now changed” – Kahinda Otafiire (23^rd September 2021).

Some bush-war generals like Otafiire never learns or acts ignorant. It is hard to know of the boosting of ego is sincere or not. However, it is still done on public display and his has no nerve speaking about it.

It is just like we don’t know the history of National Resistance Movement (NRM). How it changed from the moment it got power and how people started to eat. It was not like the NRM have always followed its core principals. The NRM have gone far from them and never been truly honest.

The bush-war general can act like it was a holy and well-organized outfit, which kept its norms and ideals close to its chest. When we all know the greed, the misuse and the total consolidation of power. Which was the main objective in the end and to solidify Museveni’s reign. Therefore, the Movement from one point to another is very futile.

The 10-point program is the proof of the mismanaged priorities and lack of concern for governing. It has been more important to rule, than to deliver policies or government services. That’s why NGOs and UN Organizations still cover the basics and functions of the state. Since, the Movement is more preoccupied with eating.

Otafiire can act a fool. He can act like the NRM isn’t a body built for one man and his mind. It was the vehicle to get Museveni in office and keep him there. The NRA was the means to an end and all excuses to exhaust that was striking. That’s why the government is so self-centred around him and his the personification of the stat.

Not because the NRM is great, but because Museveni is directly involved in every aspect of the state. He orders, directs and decrees everything from road-tenders to who is fit to be a judge. There is no middle ground and everyone is his puppets.

That’s why you know the likes of Otafiire wants the legacy of the party to be different. He wants it to be noble and grand. However, that is a lie and that’s partly because of the reflection of Yoweri himself.

The bush-war general should maybe know better. The pioneers who is still there know the gist and the deception. That’s why they are still around and know Museveni is the reason why they are still relevant. Not because the NRM is a outfit worth mentioning or has the ability to make a difference. No, they are there because the pay-off is promised from the most high.

We can act like it is different, but it isn’t and it’s a tiresome lie.

Otafiire is however right about one thing yesterday: “Those of us in leadership have allowed these things to happen but soon the NRM will be like KANU in Kenya. When a party lacks ideological grounding, it is like a house built on sand that is soon swept away by water. When we came from the bush where our thinking was ideologically homogenous but it seems the thinking changed. We will soon end up like KANU, Mobutu’s MPR and the United Independence Party of Zambia” (Otafiire, 23.09.2021).

NRM will be irrelevant and die out when Museveni isn’t there anymore. Because it was his vehicle and when his time is up. Then nobody wants to associate or stand by the relic of the past. It will be a dead briefcase party. It will only family and relatives of Museveni wants to revive it. Since it is from the heyday of the mighty himself.

Museveni is NRM and NRM is Museveni. That’s because it’s built on him and his image. There is no NRM without Museveni. There will not be a NRM without him either. That will die, because the roots and the remains are empty. We can act indifference about that, but the truth is still that. Peace.

The dead silence: Otafiire cannot help himself

“You forget that when the NRM dominated Masaka, there were no killings. Someone else is in charge of Masaka politically” – Kahinda Otafiire (09.09.2021).

The murders and killings in the Greater Masaka region must be used as a ploy and a decoy. Instead of taking responsibility and go after the culprits. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its regime is on high alert to implicate the National Unity Platform (NUP). Which is obvious.

This is not a new tactic to implicate opposition and activists who are dissidents of the state in serious matters. No, that has been going as long as I can remember. The opposition and its leaders can easily become targets and become enemies of the state. That’s why they are aimed at and accused of the murders now.

We have been here before, the names and the party has changed, but the objective is the same. Implicate leaders and affiliates, claim the party is ill-advised and vilify it. While never ever going after the killers and assassins in question. No they are roaming free without any hesitation and can move to the next target. The ones with machetes and weapons to kill can buzz of into darkness. That what they do… while the NUP is blamed.

Kahinda Otafiire and the politicians blaming the NUP directly better come clear with evidence and proof. As Ofwono Opondo couldn’t help himself either on NBS Frontline yesterday. They were both implicating the NUP and doing a blatant attempt of criminalizing the opposition party and its members. That says it all really.

Not that I am shocked by this, but it shows what the state actors and high ranking officials are willing to do. They are doing this for the whole nation and republic to see. While there is no proof and it is deliberate to make a narrative to implicate innocent people in murders in Masaka.

What is tragic about yesterday is that we are supposed to forget when the NRM was running Masaka and when the opposition was campaigning that the Police Force or the army killed civilians following the opposition convoy. The NRM have killed and continues to do so. They don’t spare a life, but rather take it. This is at least how it seems to the naked eye. While they always blame the enemy. If it is Amin, Obote or now Bobi Wine, because it is never the Movement. Well, if it continues to happen… then it must be you!

This isn’t funny but injustice in action. Its obscene and outrageous. A clear aim at a political gain on another people’s tragedy. Instead of taking action to stop it or find the killers. You are making a political stand and assaulting a third party, which wasn’t involved in it in the first place.

We can act a fool, but this is just getting stupid. There is no redeeming factor in this. Only a sinister move to make the NUP the villain. That is the mere reality of this. The NRM isn’t any better and this is what they do. We could wish for better, but that is too much to ask. Peace.

Bushwhacked Otafiire uses “We Fought” against Bobi Wine

“I like Kyagulanyi’s songs, but Kyagulanyi can’t lead me. I did not fight in Luweero for Kyagulanyi to lead me. We went to Luweero and fought, then now you tell me to be ruled by Kyagulanyi! No! Can he take us anywhere?” – Gen. Kahinda Otafiire on the 8^th December 2020 (Kelvin Atuhaire – ‘I didn’t fight in Luweero for Bobi to be president, says Otafiire’, Daily Monitor).

Some things should get old. Especially playing this narrative about the Bush-War to the younger generation. That was either born after or in the early 2000s. They will not even consider or think high- and mighty about the National Resistance Army (NRA). The inception and the rigged 1980 election.

However, it has been the bread and butter for the National Resistance Movement. Which have used it fuel the fire, again and again. The “We Fought” paradox that enters the building at any election and at any time. Always to undermine the opponents and opposition. Because, your only good enough if you fought. Some who even fought isn’t good enough because they came late or was a doctor. That is stories we have heard in the past.

So, that Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine isn’t credible, of the good LUWEERO stock… We shouldn’t be surprised. No one is… and what they fought is long deceased. The ideals and the Republic, which the NRA promised is far-fetched. These folks and “leaders” will never deliver that. If that did, they wouldn’t still hang around in the high offices and be appointed at any given time.

Not they would have ushered in successions, plans for the future and re-established the 10 Point Programme. However, that was never the dream or the real ideal. It was meal-ticket politicians and misuse of office, which was the drive. That is what has been catapulted to the main “staple-food”. They are eating, so if you oppose that, you better watch yourself, because this plate is all for the NRM to eat.

The NRA/NRM fought so they deserve to eat. This buffet and this feast is all theirs. They were in the bush. They went to battle and sacrificed. So, they can eat plenty and get fat. That is the reason for all of this.

And an upstart like Bobi Wine should make his songs and sing a few anthems. However, he should walk the tight-rope and pledge allegiance to the party. He shouldn’t think or consider himself ready to lead. He didn’t fight or fought for the cause. His not man enough, because he didn’t carry a rifle in the bush.

That is the insane thing. That the NRM is still sloganeering on this. As their liberation battle is only beneficial for a chosen few. The rest is still not seeing the benefits after three decades ruling supreme. They are still not tasting the fruits of “we fought”. No, that is only for the patronage and the cronies. Who are still bashing in glory.

That is why they have to undermine Bobi Wine. Even when the argument is flawed. For one simple reason: His not one of the anointed and one of them. Therefore, they cannot phantom his reign. However, even if it was one of them. Nobody dares to challenge the head or the “high above”. Since, they are all eating because of him. That menu and those tasty slices of meat is for them get. They fought for that and shouldn’t share the spoils. No, that is their privilege and nobody should dare to question that. Peace.

The UTL Saga: The state salvages the debt to resurrect the Walking Dead

This Mango has gone through a lot. A former state company sold to Libyan investors and after the Libyan credit started to fail. The Ugandan Telecom Company (UTL) or Mango started to suffer too. The Telecom have been so hard hit that three years ago the state had to take it over.

There been so many twists and turns, where the company have been rumoured and speculations. Even the Minister and owners was speculated to moved to a shell company in Mauritius. Therefore, today’s sudden windfall and paying off debts. Is only bailing out a sinking ship and hoping it still doesn’t sink.

The UGX 45.6 Billions to the TDB (Eastern & Southern Trade & Development Bank). With this payment of this debt. The state is initially taking over UTL. This as they plans to make the UTL attractive to investors again. Mango haven’t been viable for years…

The Libyan Post ditched in March 2017 and since then it has struggled. The Libyans said the Government of Uganda needed to figure out a transformation plan for the UTL. It has clearly taken three years to figure this out. That nobody wanted to takeover the loans of a company, which haven’t invested in Telecommunications in years. Where the changes of mobile data, 3G and 4G networks for smartphones. The UTL haven’t had the funds or the ability to change with the times.

UTL is struggling because the state haven’t been able to save it before now. The regime needed over three years to figure this out. This with the steady leadership of Evelyn Anite, Frank Tumwebaze and Gen. Kahinda Otafiire interfering all at different times. While they have all done their part … it still took the Committee until now to secure payment for the debts. This should have been resolved earlier, if they intended to make it viable business.

In 2017, Anite even wanted all Ugandans for Patriotic reasons should have one UTL line. Maybe, she thinks everyone has a Airtel, MTN and could have UTL sim-cards in their phones. As the usual person should have at least double or dual sim-cards.

This all been a long lasting saga, which shouldn’t take this long. It is a fledging company. A former state corporation privatized and sold for scraps to Libya investors. Who earned on it in the good times, but ditched it when it got hot. Because, it been years since the UTL been viable and been a commodity.

This Mango is rotten. The Mango tree isn’t yielding any fruits anymore. This is a Walking Dead Enterprise. A Telecom who has no traction and is only throwing good money for bad investments. The money could have been burned in a street or thrown down a storm-drain, and it would still have more sense then investing it here.

UTL is being saved, but was it worth saving? Does it have any assets or financial liabilities worth mentioning? The competitors are miles ahead and the UTL needs huge investments to be in the same arena. Do they think another investor will spend money like a drunk uncle in a market, which is already filled with big companies. Who has small margins and higher taxes.

Therefore, the ones doing it … has to be regime “friendly” and willing to throw away good money for a bad investment. Peace.