Opinion: Three Generals dies mysteriously in one month [Tumusiime, Kuteesa and Lokech]

“In general you must either pamper people or destroy them; harm them just a little and they’ll hit back; harm them seriously and they won’t be able to. So if you’re going to do people harm, make sure you needn’t worry about their reaction.”– Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince

In death there is always speculation. Especially, when you are speaking of high ranking officials and the ones that in beyond us ordinary realm of people. That is why the demise of Generals and Army Commanders is unique. They have a aura and a way of living, which we common folk could dream of. They are warriors, loyal soldiers and men who has fought for a higher cause than themselves.

That’s why there been mysterious deaths before and certainly in the manner, which they have happened. In the Republic of Uganda and under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, high ranking generals have died of unnatural causes before. They have just suddenly died and nobody has ever recovered or reported properly on their death. Therefore, it is unique and special when three generals just happens to die in the same month.

The list itself is brutal and just shows the mere days between them:

1^st: Maj. Gen. Stephen Tumusiime Rwabantu died on the 8^th August 2021

2^nd: Lt Gen Pecos Kuteesa died on the 17^th August 2021

3^rd: Maj Gen Paul Lokech died on the 21^st August 2021

When such fall of men happens, it is natural that speculations appear. Especially, when they happen so short time apart. Maj. Gen. Stephen T. Rwabantu is said to have died of throat cancer. While Lt. Gen. Kuteesa illness was liver damage after excessive drinking over the years. The most recent Maj. Gen. Lokech is reported to have died of blood-clot.

What is striking here… is how the reported illnesses has been kept away from the public and it’s been mysterious. The generals has just fallen and died, one by one. Like in Lt. Gen. Kuteesa’s case, there was even talks of operations in India and the UPDF stated that itself. However, all news of his final days was in Nairobi. That’s how you ensure questions and doesn’t make it better. In combination, that one report is liver damage over drinking and others that the COVID-19 vaccine was the nail in the coffin. When such statements comes out. You beg to wonder, how come now?

All these men have been loyal to the cause and served for years. That is why their demise, so suddenly makes you wonder. Just like other has fallen on trips abroad for the state. They just fell and for various of reasons. While the general public never got to know the real reason for their demise. Meanwhile, their stories and their internal knowledge was kept to the grave. Only a little heroics and tales of grandeur was spoiled to public.

Just like these three gentlemen, the generals who are suddenly gone. They have all participated and been part of the inner-circle. One by one, they have fallen and died. Within three weeks and the reports are scattering. That’s why some even claim all three was poisoned. Many of men and high ranking officials in the Republic has fallen for the same before. That wouldn’t be revolutionary or the first time. With that in mind and without proper evidence, the speculations will just run rampant as well. It doesn’t help that token “misleader’s” and “spin-doctors” comes out quickly with some reports and later that is changed. This is just telling that the authorities and the regime don’t want the truth out. Certainly, the authorities and government don’t want the public to know about poisoning attempts or murder of own high level cadres. They are heroes and not villains.

What is striking, as we were not there and that’s why speculations run rampant. What we do know is what the government and the inner-circle has done before. That’s why we easily question it. Just like there been attempts of murder and assassinations, which shows the means to an end. Where even the anointed can be silenced and never heard from again.

So, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) have had this issue since it’s inception and this is why people wonders why this happens. It is really striking when it’s three generals in the same month. People will start to speculate and wonder. Like there is even rumours of the connection to the “Project Muhoozi” and that these gentlemen wouldn’t entertain the “monarchy” ticket of Lt. Gen. Kainerubaga Muhoozi. That’s not what they fought for or was loyal too. This is why the regime had to silence them and make them dead “heroes” instead of defiant old men.

At this point we cannot know and we don’t have the verified information. Neither will the ones in the inner-circle tell the truth or have the heart to do so. They want the word to believe their stories and continue like nothing happened. Just like they have done in the past await the next scandal or crisis to get people to forget about these deaths. Because, that what has happened to others and we are just supposed to “move-on”. Peace.

Opinion: Ashburg Katto needs a new meal-ticket

He is at it again and in the news. The blogger Ashburg Katto or by his government name Ashiraf Ndagimana Gatto. The former People Power blogger and founder of Ghetto TV. We know he left Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement, as he turned to music promoter Baalam and GCIC Duncan Abigaba. As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni wanted to purge the people around Bobi Wine.

That’s why Ashburg have gone totally YELLOW. He is more yellow than MTN. Making things smell NRM and acting like a forever mascot of the Movement. He has joined the causes of the government and been a vocal supporter.

However, Ashburg have forgotten his place. He has just been in the good graces for over a year. It was last year before the polls the state purged him to hurt the cause of Bobi Wine. They promised him great platform and become a useful person to them.

Nevertheless, Ashburg doesn’t seem to understand his place. He has been useful ahead of the elections and been a good look for the NRM. Now, after the polls and when things turns back-to-normal. His services isn’t that important.

Ashburg Katto doesn’t seem to get this. His services and blogging isn’t that valued by the NRM. It is like he had to be violated and hurt by a police officer to see it. He needed to be beaten by the authorities to know what this government does. Like he haven’t seen how the same government have acted towards its citizens or systematic injustice, which it has been doing for years. Also, how the current regime have acted with the SOPs and COVID-19 regulations. That’s why the blogger should have been careful himself.

As he was thinking about his role after being beaten. He questioned himself and actually stated “I thought I was of a little value to my government. I was wrong”. I hate to break it too you. You don’t add much or is important. If you were anything of that kind you would have been appointed or even got a bigger role.

The President and NRM used Ashburg. The sad part is that he didn’t get it and whatever he does now. He sold out and cashed in… the blogger wasted his potential and what leverage he had. That was traded and now he got nothing.

The launching of a Bloggers Association is fine. Nevertheless, that seems like another scheme to deserve precious funding. Just like the Yellow Influencers and whatnot before the polls. Ashburg should know that his value hasn’t added, but tragically decreased. Since the polls are over and his role as a pawn to hurt Bobi Wine is sort of over. The state can use other means to hurt his party and his platform now.

They don’t need people like Ashburg. They have moved-on, but Katto cannot do that. This is all he got and he got to find a way. Unless, his able to get hired by Abigaba, anyone in the GCIC or elsewhere on the propaganda outlets of the state. As the blogger has pandered to these for months now. Peace.

Opinion: The choice between Odrek or Muhoozi [is a monarchy ticket either way]

This week Odrek Rwabwogo have been appointed by the President to a Senior Presidential Advisor of Special Duties. Odrek is the son-in-law, as he married President’s daughter, Patience Museveni. So, he is as connected as can be by marriage.

While the first son Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga, the Commander of Land Forces, the third rank in command of the Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF). While his also a Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations.

I have now seen online that for some strange reasons… there is discussion who of these is taking over after the Self-Styled President for Life. They are discussing if one of the family members are taking over after the ruler for life and his tyranny. That people are willing to be controlled and only have one family to rule the nation.

However, to public knowledge… the Republic of Uganda isn’t a kingdom or a monarchy. Even if Museveni wants to be the King of Kings. He wants to be the absolute ruler by definition of law and constitution that’s not happening. Part of his rule is by decree or directives. Still, his not a King and a Monarch.

For all sense and purposes, until this is legally changed or by a referendum. Museveni is still a Head of State and a Commander-in-Chief. He is His Excellency (H.E) and the Fountain of Honour. He is the President and been so since January 26^th 1986. Doesn’t give him the rights or ability to decide who is his successor.

Yes, a President can point at somebody and say: “I want him or her to be my successor”. However, that is not legal binding argument and it is not statute that make the a legit transfer of power. So, the ones who is preparing for Muhoozi or Odrek. Isn’t doing that on their merits or their capacity to be Presidents. Since, it is not a family affair. They have ot be standing for respective parties and be challenged at elections. That’s how these sort of things goes.

The general public who is tired of the old man. Why do they want to have his son-in-law or his first son? Who thinks that is a viable option? Unless, your paid promoter and part of the “Project Muhoozi”. It is not his a articulate or a genuine leader. Neither is proven… he has been promoted and gotten a bigger role because of who he happens to be. Not because merit or what he has achieved in the field.

This is a family matter or a dynasty ticket. There should be nothing automatic about either of these gentlemen. They are not even part of the central leadership of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Neither have they a history or been leaders in the political sphere even. These haven’t been tested in elections for other roles either. So, it is not like they have a huge following or a rising to power this way.

Unless, they want to rise to power like the old man and use arms to get there. That would follow family history and use private armies in combination of a popular uprising to a coup d’etat. Nevertheless, I don’t think they will do that to topple their head of the family. Who just happens to be the President at this current time.

This is the choice for the ones who still wants one family to rule the Republic. It is for the ones that is accepting the personification of the state and only his family can govern. That isn’t written anywhere or have become law. Even if it is in the mind of the President or his close associates. Who will do what they can to salvage the loot, the companies and all other projects it has entangled with the state. They are afraid of losing this in combination of answering to the sins of their father and his years in power. That’s why they need a second generation President to ensure nobody gets to account for it and also shield the father as well. It is that simple…

They want to secure the tyrant legacy and his spoils. To ensure that he be remembered better than he should. So, that the family can keep it all and not have to pay a price for how it got it all. That’s the worry and that’s why there is people even fielding these gentlemen.

Why would the people be duped for a second generation Museveni? Why do you want more of the same and have a crippling state, which haven’t gotten better. Museveni have had 35 years and still has plenty of the same issues as when he entered into office. He could have changed things, but he hasn’t because that haven’t been the priority.

So, the dynasty ticket will only deliver more of this and undoubtedly not make things better. Unless, your naive or believe that a fellow family member will suddenly radically change things. That person will most likely prolong the agony and secure the fortunes of the same elites as before. Don’t shocked if that would happen.

The ones that support either of these two. Doesn’t value a democratic choice or a proper succession even. They just want one junta to control and not lose the grip. Peace.

Opinion: The Special Forces Command got an upgrade

“President Museveni today elevated the Commando Battalion of Special Forces Command into a Brigade after passing out over 1,000 commandos who have been undergoing specialised training. The Brigade is in charge of special operations. Let nobody think of messing up with Uganda” (Duncan Abigaba, 08.05.2021)

Yesterday the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni upgraded the Special Forces Command (SFC). It has gone from being a Command Battalion to a Brigade. The SFC passing out 1256 commando soldiers too. This meaning the SFC will be more important for the President.

The SFC is already commanded by the Presidential Advisor for Special Operations and Commander of the SFC being Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga. Who happens to be the son of the President. This is why it’s suspicious, but giving him more power.

The Son of the President is getting more people to command and order around. This is upgrading his role and also stature in the army. Muhoozi has already gotten titles and roles because of the lineage. Not because his so special or have other abilities.

The SFC have already had more power and participated in the inner-works of the current regime. The SFC was part of the massacre in Kasese. The SFC was the armed forces who invaded the chambers of Parliament. The same forces who has also abducted, kidnapped and even extra judicial killed civilian dissidents in the recent elections.

Therefore, the upgrade and the boosting of SFC is to give Muhoozi more power. A man who already been able to serve injustice and have no accountability for it.

The SFC have violated people, killed civilians and still there been not aftermath. Now the Special Operations under the UPDF is bigger. Giving the son more armed men to follow his lead. They have the ability to do more damage and cause more harm. This isn’t a positive. The pain and suffering served in the recent term. Could turn even worse.

As Muhoozi have now a brigade behind him. These will follow his orders and his words. If he see it fit or righteous. These soldiers can now not only knock-on doors, but brutally attack opposition. These soldiers are trained killers and could easily be used to thwart anyone opposing or trying to demonstrate.

Muhoozi has now been given a huger portfolio. This is a blessing for him and a validation of what he has done to serve his father. The General is giving his Lt. Gen. more men. A clear proposition to continue what he does and approach people the way he does.

This isn’t good news, but worrying news. As the rise of power and usage of military power shows the true vicious signs of this regime. There isn’t anything positive here. The public will suffer and the dissidents especially.

If there will be another Kasese or something similar wouldn’t shock me. When they have promoted and given the Lt. Gen such a role after all of this. This is happening because his the son and the heir. He is rising and getting stronger. Though that is all through the military and not true the support of the people. Peace.

Lt. Gen. Muhoozi commands the SFC again [and expect a vicious operation by the SFC during the polls]

“JUST IN: First son Muhoozi Kainerugaba has been re-appointed as SFC commander while Gen Sabiti Muzeyi has been sacked as Deputy IGP and sent back for redeployment. The army is set to release a statement explaining the changes shortly” (NTV Uganda, 16.12.2020).

President son and Presidential Advisor for Special Operations have been redeployed to Special Force Command (SFC). The literal Presidential Guards to operate and be their commander ahead of the polls in 2021. Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba wouldn’t be there and at this position if he wasn’t part of the first family.

This isn’t the first time his the commander of SFC… this is something that he has had control over since 2008 or so. Only a short stint with someone else, until his now reassigned. This a family affair and only giving him back the command and control of these soldiers.

As the commander of this outfit he has ordered them to the Kasase massacre and ambush on the Parliament ahead of the Age Limit. Therefore, this man has no issues to answer with violence and do it without any consequences.

So, this man gets that ability in the end of the year and in the up-coming election. Expect him to answer the pleas of his father and do his bidding. Be brutal and violent ahead of the polls in January 2021. This here will not make things better, but expect it to be worse.

To give way and make it possible for a man like this and with his huge ego. We can just wonder what he will do. If the Special Force Command suddenly intervened in rallies of Bobi Wine and POA. That would make sense. If the SFC blocks roads and ambush hotels. That would be natural at this point and then shift the blame on the victims. Who the SFC attacked and did unwarranted operations too.

Therefore, this redeployment is an direct move to intimidate and show fierce force ahead of the polls. Because, the Lt. Gen have no quarrels to send troops and attack civilians. Instead of securing the territory from outside alien forces. This man goes after self-created enemies and create havoc. The SFC will continue to be known for things like this.

A man that would operate the SFC soldiers in plain clothes within the chambers of Parliament in favour of his father. That’s why this move is a dangerous one. He wants to incite fear and uses a known man and loyal to son to serve that. The President does this to prove a point and the timing is perfect for this.

In this regard, expect the SFC to wreck havoc and intimidate as well. The SFC will be operational and used in favour of the President. They will not act for peace, but to brutalize anyone standing in the way of the President and his party. That is why they are prepared and has Muhoozi at the helm just a month ahead of the polls.

If the Special Force Command suddenly does a brutal and gets violent on the opposition or the citizens who gathers around them. If not they are abducting and arresting someone associated without any warrant or charge. That could easily happen too. Especially, when someone like Lt. Gen. Muhoozi is in control.

This does not deem well. The SFC have already been used viciously and with him commanding it. I can only expect more of it. Peace.

Opinion: Tumwebaze thinks people are naïve… [on succession of the “high above”]

“The time for NRM to declare an alternative presidential candidate will come. You will be shocked that NRM has a pool of bale leaders” – Frank Tumwebaze

That the Minister and High-Ranking Official within the National Resistance Movement, Frank Tumwebaze thinks people are stupid. At least think they are naïve and cannot see the realities as they are.

The NRM is built around the sole candidacy of the President. His words are law and his directives are the gospel. He is both the salvation, the redemption and the punisher. All in one package. It is just like the Minister doesn’t know this.

Frankie Boy might think this is brilliant to say in the future there will be another candidate. In the future there will be another Presidential Candidate from the Movement. That will only happen when the current one stops breathing.

When the Minister speaks of pool of leaders. There been plenty with ambition to beat and overcome the President. That is well known, there been Besigye, Mbabazi, Bukenya, Muntu and so forth. There are plenty who been part of the Movement but gone tired of the Sole Candidate and left the building.

The honourable minister knows all of this but acts like it’s not a thing. We all know, that the son is aiming for the throne. Muhoozi wants to become the second-generation President. Just like a royalty. While, Tumwebaze thinks of others, however, he cannot mention him. We know that he has gotten higher and higher roles. That is why the NRM is awaiting his time.

The President is the sole candidate for life. There will be no other as long as his alive. Unless, the army makes a coup d’état. Until then, will the President be golden oldie Yoweri. That is just the way things is. There is no denying in that.

Frank might think he can play with words, because in some sense its true. However, indefinitely it will be the “High Above”. The NRM will not switch away from him. That will be seen as treason. If the honourable had said something else, he would be on the chopping block or become an independent.

The time for a new presidential candidate in the NRM is only when Yoweri stops breathing. Until then, he runs the shop and owns the shop. It is Yoweri’s shop. That is just the mere reality and Frank cannot run away from that.

There will be no sudden changes of leadership here. Museveni is going down the Mugabe route. The indefinite ruler, the survivor and advanced age overlord of the Republic. The party will not change that. He will not suffer the humiliation of seeing Amama or Gilbert on the throne. No, there will be none of that.

Succession will not happen through protocol, but through order of life. Meaning, only when the lifer is gone and vigils in Parliament have been held. In the meanwhile, we can play footsie with the idea, but there is no real challenge. The sole candidate is for life and no one else will dare to question that. If they do, then they are gone in a hot minute. Peace.

Uganda: Reclaiming our County and Kin (ROCK) – Press Statement (01.07.2020)

Opinion: Kabuleta, the Prince without a Kingdom

“I’m the prince of the city, I studied Machiavelli” – J. Cole on ‘Villuminati’ (2013)

Today, the slick city pastor Joseph Kabuleta, the former journalist and now pastor is now becoming a independent presidential candidate in the race for the General Elections in 2021. Kabuleta is known for his writings and his insightful wit. The man knows how to trigger the authorities and went behind bars because of his statements in print on social media.

The pastor knows this game and surely has followed. The man behind the Watchman Ministries, the man who annoyed the President and got charged for doing so.

He has gone from writing in the New Vision as a sports journalist to now become a Presidential Candidate. In the meantime, before he annoyed the President, he kissed the feet of the prophet Elvis Mbonye, so the man knows how to create a show around his persona.

So, what can we expect of Kabuleta?

Well, he can annoy the President and his allies a bit more?

He will put forward petitions and pressure the Electoral Commission. The pastor will be vocal and speak out. This man will not speakeasy. That’s not in him and not his way. I don’t blame him for speaking out. That is all good, but without a constituency and backing. How far will this bring the man?

Yes, Kabuleta is known and his writings on Facebook has been shared. He has poked at the Leopards Anus and went behind bars for doing so. However, is that all it takes to run for the Presidency?

Wouldn’t this man be better off trying to vie for Member of Parliament (MP) or Local Councillor in one of the divisions in Kampala. I know that the prestige and the honourable position is the one of the Presidency. Even if the Pastor wants to be knighted and become the crowned prince.

The man is allowed and can seek the highest office. Kabuleta can do this and as he see fit himself. However, it will humiliate him, and he will suffer. There will be no positive returns and only more pain. He could have taken an easier route to become a representative, but he chooses this one.

I could wish him all the best, but the road his taken will cost. The ones before has seen it and he will get the same. The drill is there, and the challenge is enormous. The man can write and speak, but can he muster support on this scale at this point? I don’t know but doubt that. Unless, he gets divine intervention to save his soul and his campaign. Peace.

Opinion: Ashburg gone Full Figure!

Again, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni plots a big stunt on Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Last time it was Jennifer Nakanguubi aka Jennifer Full Figure who went from a vocal People Power activists onto a Presidential Advisor in October 2019. Now, its gone a few months and the National Resistance Movement and the President continues to scheme.

This time its the Ghetto TV founder (since 2017), the blogger (since forever) and social media activist Ashburg Katto. His been been called an local attention seeker. His been using his platform for all sorts of reason. However, his been known as a supporter and activists for Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement.

So, his known and during last year he saw the dark side of the regime. As he was arrested, detained and gone missing for while. Therefore, its not like the man doesn’t know what sort of characters they have and what sort of action it does to their enemies. His seen what the authorities done to other People Power activists, leaders and members. Not like he haven’t seen it and spread the word about the impunity against it.

That is why today its more hurtful. It’s like he knows the ills of society, but still joins forces with the ones who oppress the public. Instead of holding on and pushing for change. His going into “steady progress” and getting a quick pay-off from the NRM. He gets a few cows, gets his name in bold with big-men, but at the same time loosing his edge and personality.

He becomes the Ghetto TV personality who went all red into yellow. That is a move and a decision. Just like he showed some of it with him joining forces with Duncan Abigaba, Deputy Head of Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC). The man behind the NRM Social Media Task-Force. Together with him and Promoter Balaam he decided to cover “Yellow Influencers” with food during the COVID-19 Lockdown now earlier in May 2020. This supported by son-of-the-president Muhoozi Kainerubaga.

So now, its taken further. Ashburg isn’t only associated with “Yellow Influencers”. His gotten cows from the President. Spent time with the President on his farm and said his joined the NRM. That means the man whose supposed to be behind Bobi Wine. Has signed off to the President and his team. All it took was the play of some food deliveries to loyal social media influencers, writers and bloggers.

We knows his on the bus now. His a yellow and not a People Power Movement guy. His even praising Sevo and going for Mission 2021.

Again, the President has pulled a trick. Giving a very little and taking away someone from the opposition. Instead of having Ashburg Katto as a credible voice in the opposition. He will turn into the new Canary Mugume or Andrew Mwenda. Don’t expect any genius attempt of reasoning, only self serving enigma now. Where he will be the victim if he gets called out.

Since his supposed to be allowed to change party and change his views. However, that is allowed and people are changing parties with time. Nevertheless, this man knows how far the NRM and the state uses the authorities to quell opposition. So, to join forces with them after being an ally to the rising star Bobi Wine. He should know better, but instead he does this.

Just because he has Ghetto Initiative. Another ghetto maverick the President strings along to Bobi Wine. Like this man will destroy the support and the message of Bobi Wine. It won’t, but what it does. It shows how little the President has to give to make people switch sides.

Not like the President offered him a lot. No, he didn’t give him a title or a official salary. Just some cows and listening to his Ghetto Initiative. His not a Presidential Advisor, nor appointed to be part of the NRM SOMA or anything. No, just small tokens of silver. Even Judas Iscariot got better paid for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

So, we now know. It was already shady that he was part of the joint venture this month with Balaam and Abigaba giving food to “Yellow Influencers”. Now its official. Peace.

Statement by the People Power Movement on the IMF Rapid Credit Facility Announced on 6th May 2020 (09.05.2020)