Busongora South By-Election: Return Form for Transmission of Results (18.08.2022)

Busongora South By-Election: A few updates on the polling day

The ones that expect free and fair elections. Well, the reports are in dark contrast of that. Everyone should anticipate a “victory” for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag-bearer and case-closed. Because, the military is participating and voting bribery is happening in the open.

The NRM with the help of the forever busy Prime Minister Nabbanja is giving the voters 2000 shillings to vote for her party. That’s what a government official is busy doing in the middle of the polling day. The NRM is giving away 2,000 shillings to the citizens to vote for them. Because, that is what’s called service delivery in 2022 by the “liberators” of the past.

The NRM has also ordered the soldiers to participate in voting in plain clothes and doing it several of times, if they must. That’s certainly a way of boosting the numbers. In addition to that, the armed officers did manhandle and violently attack Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flag-bearer Kighema Alosious Baguma at his polling station today. He was also arrested as an affect of the commotion. Which happened because the candidate saw the military did go more than once to vote in plain-clothes and reported it.

It is also reported that a NBS TV Reporter was arrested during the By-Election today for covering the incident of FDC flag-bearer being beaten up. The Reporter also had to delete the footage. There are also reports of ballot-stuffing. So, all the tricks of the NRM rigging book is used.

They are pre-ticking ballots, voting bribery and violent intimidation. The perfect combo for a NRM “victory” in a by-election. The only thing missing is mass-arrests of polling agents from the opposition and the whole mixer of pre-fixed results are on schedule. This is the “democracy” that Museveni has created and is so proud of.

There is also reports of ferrying voters from Busongora North to vote in Busongora South County. So, all the tricks in the book is used. The NRM has no heart or ability to play fair. Neither is it free as the Police, Army and the Authorities are all on guard to secure the NRM Flag-Bearer get “elected” to the Parliament. They are using all means and it’s never ending really.

So, all we can do is to await the declared results and the Return Form for Transmission of Results, which will be the end of it. Because, these sorts of elections are getting old. It is the same old tricks and schemes, which is made to benefit one party. That’s all they do and it’s just a loss-loss operation. It is no integrity or honesty in it. Only an open day-time robbery and proof of rigging. This is so obvious and it’s just shows how the NRM operates.

Gideon Thembo Mujungu is bound for the Parliament. His not going there out of charisma, character or campaign. No, his going there for one reason: The NRM decided it and that’s why. He is just another pawn and a “yes-man” they need to vote in favour the State House. Peace.

Busongola County South By-Election: Three major candidates running…

“The Electoral Commission in Kasese has cleared the first candidate to vie for the Busongora South by-election scheduled for August 18th, 2022. NUP’s Mbaju Jackson Kathika was dully nominated at 11:00 am. Having been nominated, he is optimistic about victory in the polls” (NBS Television, 08.08.2022).

“The increasing number of NRM members opting to run as Independents in the Busongola by-election in Kasese district is giving party officials a headache. The party officials are worried that the numbers might put pressure on the NRM flag bearer should they be nominated. This was revealed during an NRM Delegates Conference to flag off Mujungu Gideon as the party’s flag bearer” (NBS Television, 07.08.2022).

In Kasese district in the Busongola South By-Election scheduled for the polls on the 18^th August 2022. There are already three major candidates. The NRM own flag-bearer Thembo Gideon Mujungu who won in the General Election of 2021 and was recently “nullified” in the courts. That’s why the county is again having elections for the seat in Parliament.

The other important flag-bearers are the National Unity Platform Jackson Kathika Mbaju, the former MP (FDC, 2016-2021) and who ran as an independent in 2021, but is returning as a NUP Flag-bearer in 2022. He was the runner-up in 2021, as the NUP flag-bearer of 2021 was Michael Masereka and he came in at 9^th out of 10 candidates. So, they went for a more viable option this time around.

While the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) own flag-bearer is Kighema Alozious Baguma. In the 2021 elections he came third and after the then independent candidate Mbaju. That’s why this campaign and by-election will be interesting. Mbaju lacked about 100 votes to win over Mujungu in the General Elections, while Baguma needed about 700 votes to conquer the NRM flag-bearer. Therefore, these three are neck-in-neck.

We should also wonder if Kafunda Boaz returns to the polls again. As his a former MP (2011-2016) for the region, but only came in 6^th of 10. Maybe he wants the “pure democracy” as he wanted applause for celebrating the arrest of former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi. Well, time will tell really.

Here is another contested race and Kasese has been a stronghold for the FDC. That has been well known for some time. That’s why at one point they had all MPs, but now times are maybe changing. However, it is interesting that the NUP picked up a former FDC MP and former Independent for this race. This will certainly make it contested and make it harder to gain the total majority of one of the opposition. That will benefit the NRM flag-bearer and could be a reason for victory. This is just speculation, even as we all know that the NRM state machinery is in the works and eventually the malpractices and the intimidation will start. That’s why by-elections looks like war-zones and not “democratic inspired events” anymore.

It is also interesting that the NUP is fielding a candidate, as the NUP knows the history of Kasese. As they have a statement of unity and planned to work together in elections. They are certainly doing so elsewhere in By-Elections. However, right here… they are seemingly very keen on contesting. I wonder how that will play out or if this is a strategy by both parties.

Busongola South By-Election will be something to look out for. There are so many flag-bearers that this will turn interesting… Peace.

Opinion: The Bukimbiri County and Busongora County South By-Elections is up next…

After Omoro and Soroti East By-Elections this year. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) will not back-down. Don’t expect these By-Elections to be anything better. The NRM uses all means to “win” and pyrrhic victories is their vibe.

The same will be the case on the 11^th August in Bukimbiri County in Kisoro Distric and on the 18^th August Busongora County South in Kasese District. That’s only about two or three weeks from now. People are already shattered and seen the means to an end from the NRM. They don’t mind using military means, mass-arresting and ordering the military to intimidate the people. The NRM doesn’t care about ballot-stuffing, pre-ticked ballots or ferrying voters. No, everything goes as long as their Member of Parliament is elected. That is what the previous By-Elections has shown.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) can field a candidate in both elections here. The National Unity Platform (NUP) as well. It doesn’t matter who the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) or Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) either. The FDC has big chances in Kasese, as that has been their stronghold in that region, but we saw how much that mattered in Teso sub-region. The machinery and the state will just assault its way to power. It doesn’t matter what the will of the people or what the people wants to vote. The predetermined minds of the State House and the NRM CEC matters more.

After what we have seen, the FDC and the other opposition parties can field candidates. These candidates do an honest campaign and be canvassing votes in the constituency. We know that the FDC, NUP and ANT will field candidates in Bukimbiri County. However, after what we have seen in Omoro and Soroti East that this doesn’t really matter. The NRM will ensure their MPs get elected and they will not spare on anything. They will use money, promise the heavens and rig the polls. That’s what they do and people should know that.

The opposition could have the best candidates, heck they could have saviour and a grand peacemaker. The person would still lose, because the NRM would use all their tools to get ahead. They don’t mind to arrest, detain and silence the opposition. The NRM can use the army and the police force for their winning. That has been shown and the soldiers will be there too. This is the only way the NRM can “win” an election in 2022.

We need to expect more mass-arrests and more agony. The NRM and the current regime will not allow a proper election to be held. Because, if the NRM and the Electoral Commission held that. They would risk to lose to a nobody or an unknown person from another party. That’s because the public is tired of the NRM and this is why they fear the voice of the people. They wouldn’t dare to do an honest election. For a simple reason: They don’t trust the judgement of the people and that’s why they have to decide for them.

We should expect shambolic affairs… elections filled with malpractice and intimidation. Voting bribery, voter ferrying and pre-ticked ballots. All of it will be used. That’s why the persons on the ballots doesn’t really matter. The ones on the Yellow Bus and part of the NRM will have an advantage the others cannot conquer. The only way they can do that is if the public storms the tally-centres and reacts to the open rigging of the regime.

However, I wouldn’t count on it. The usage of the army, police and high ranking officials to rig the elections. Will strike fear to the public and make them feel indifference. The elections has no real purpose. As it is only a ceremonial waiting-game for the announcement of the NRM Flag-bearer for MP. Peace.

Opinion: Lt. Gen. Elwelu fall will come suddenly [if history is repeating itself]

There is already questionable reasons for the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) aka the National Army having 5 Members of Parliament. This is a “specialized” group by law and to further the militarization of the state in Uganda. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have these sorts of MPs to secure majority and have the votes in their favour. It is not there to represent anything in particular. This is just a political game fixed in favour of the President and his ruling party.

Within those MPs from the UPDF. The newest member is Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu. He will forever be remembered for the Kasese Massacre. Where there some numbers of fatalities. However, I doubt this numbers are legit. Since there was mass-graves made after that. People losing their lives, the state went into full mayhem and the supposed group they were fighting has never existed before or after. They just targeted the Rwenzururu Kingdom, which has been in legal jeopardy since then. The king has been in exile and not allowed to return. Therefore, the wounds of Kasese is still open and the lack of proper investigation or trials is the truth of the army, flying squad and special force command attacks on the Royal Palace in Kasese. That is something that I will never forget and nobody else should either. There are 136 lives taken, which have never gotten justice. While the ghost of the invisible “Kirumiramutima” or the “Strong Hearted” never came into fruition.

To this day and as he was swearing-in as MP he defended this. Saying the ICC had clear him and so fourth. Saying it was all justified and so fourth. However, still to this day… there is no evidence of the reasons for the attack, the massacre and the extra judicial killings happening in Kasese. Neither burning the Royal Palace and evidence for the arresting the Kings Guards and the King Charles Mumbere himself. Therefore, the Lt. Gen. better chill and await the turn of the tides.

Right now the Lt. Gen. is rising and promoted by all means. Since Kasese he has shown loyalty to the President and his son. That’s why he has gotten titles and new roles. He has benefited and gotten a pay-off for being a soldier in their causes. Clearly that is visible to the naked eye. This is why he feels superior and untouchable.

However, the Lt. Gen. should check how many generals that has had their demise. They have been close to the throne and suddenly they have died. There is plenty of these in the times of Museveni. He maybe feels unique and being something else, because of his position today. Lt. Gen. Elwelu might think he can get away from his past.

Nevertheless… him as person will sooner or later meet reality. If his ego gets to big or he forgets the chain-of-command. His been able to get promoted and get a bigger role. That’s because of his services and the levels of trust right now.

Well, he should know that this doesn’t last forever. He should read them books and see why so many high ranking officials is gone and had mysterious “illness” or “fatalities” which have never been resolved. The Lt. Gen should be reminded of that. Especially, when he hasn’t answered for the deaths in Kasese. The unidentified corpses that was buried in mass graves. These ghosts will haunt him until his death bed.

That’s why he should know how easily he could ensure their demise. Someone else could order his as well. Especially, if he turns left instead of right. At one point… he might do something wrong and the tables will turn.

Lt. Gen. Elwelu should be careful. He might thinks his the rising star, but that light can easily be dimmed and even be silenced, if the powers to be wants it so. He should be reminded of that and his lucky that he never been touched, because of what happened in Kasese.

At one point these souls will not only be his nightmare, but be reason for his fall. Peace.

Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu: Press Statement about the Burning of hte Omusinga’s Royal Residence in Kasese Town 28th January 2021 (28.01.2021)

Soon 4 Years since the Kasese Massacre: Some of King Mumbere’s Guards and Officials to be released… [still no real investigation into the matter]

“KASESE – The Government is to start releasing subjects and some of the officials of the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu who were arrested and jailed following the November 2016 security raid on the cultural institution. During the raid, security forces also picked the Rwenzururu king, Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere. Sixteen security operatives and over 100 other subjects died in the incident” (John B. Thawite – ‘Govt to set Rwenzururu suspects free’ 21.11.2020, New Vision).

Since the 26^th November 2016 and the Kasese clashes the Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu Charles Wesley Mumbere have been in exile and charged with two counts of murder, which if he had been indicted and on trial for it. The King of the Rwenzururu could get prison for life. However, the King and his men who has been arrested in 2016. Have never gotten justice, neither all the people who died those pivotal days in Kasese and at the Buhikira Royal Place who was burned down as well.

The charge was put on the King on the 28^th November 2016. The case against have never been resolved and he has been put in exile ever since. Only allowed one visit to participate in a burial of his mother. Before having to return back to Kampala.

What is also striking about this, there was never any investigation into the murders and the mass-killings, as the Special Force Command and Flying Squad was participating in attacking the Royal Palace in October 2016. Like the state came with official numbers from 2016 was 62 deceased, but these other nunbers 70 identified dead, another 52 unidentified dead and 14 police officers dead. That is near double of what the says, which was 136 killed during the skirmishes.

The claimed they we’re going after the “Kirumiramutima” or “the Strong Hearted” a militia gathering in the area and soldiering up. Working together with the Kingdom. Alas, the reason for the sudden attack on the Palace and killing civilians. This taking lives of the Palace Guards and others in Kasese. However, what is sadly striking… is that this militia have never surfaced before or after the skirmishes of the state. It is seemingly on the state violence and their operation that created the deaths these days 4 years ago.

Still, there have been no investigation or look into the amount of killings. Only a dark and grim day of burring unidentified in a ceremony by clerical persons. Doing it while the army was monitoring the events. Therefore, we know the lives taken was quickly buried and hoped that no one question it.

While the King is charged with murder and has also charged with treason. There has never been any evidence of this. Neither has the militia the state claimed appeared and was dangerous haven’t been seen since the skirmishes four years ago. If that isn’t sign. Nothing really is.

That is why the state has to release these “suspects” because they are pulling things out of thin air. If there was anything. The state would have had a case and found them guilty of conspiring and doing criminal activity. Alas, that is not the case. The same should happen to the Obusinga as well. Since, they have no claim to hold him. Other than loosing their pride.

The ones that need to challenged and questioned for their actions in November 2016. Is the leadership of the SFC and the Flying Squad. This being Presidential Advisor on Security and former leader of the SFC Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga and army commander Gen. Elwelu who both was in-charge that day. However, these two gentlemen has since then promoted and not suffered any consequences over their actions. While the victims of it has faced the law with no proof. This is why they are getting released. The Kings Guard that was arrested shouldn’t only be released, but get punitive damages and get vindicated. Since, this was injustice and making them guilty before being innocent.

What happened in Kasese and the aftermath is the sort of act, which no Government with sense should do to their citizens. Alas, it did happen and went down, a tragedy and massacre. A state sponsored enterprise with no efforts or no investigation into how it did happen. As well as any indication or proof of the supposed intelligence to spark the attack on the Palace in the first place.

Therefore, the injustice and impunity of the state is so viable. The wounds are still fresh. This didn’t happen a decade ago. It just happened months after the previous election. It is therefore vital that this doesn’t go away, but is a reminder of what the state does to its own. How little life matters and little consequences there is taking lives. If it had consequences and had effects on the ones taking the lives in Kasese. They wouldn’t walk free and without any cases against them. These folks in the Flying Squad and Special Force Command wouldn’t be allowed to carry guns. They would be charged with murder and manslaughter themselves. However, that is not the case and it doesn’t seem to happen with this regime. They rather hope people forget and only hopes the families of the lost ones moves on in silence. Peace.

Opinion: Just like Mwiru, Kiiza joins the ANTs…

Today, Winne Kiiza finally revealed her split from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Was I surprised? No, it was anticipated. She rise through the party and shown loyalty towards the ideals of Gen. Mugisha Muntu for so long. That is why she was so happy to be able to become the Leader of Opposition after the last General Election. An election the FDC disputed and claimed was rigged, still they accepted the defeat and took the mantle in Parliament.

That was in dark contrast to what Dr. Kizza Besigye would have wanted, but with Muntu at the helm and Kiiza as the partner that happened anyway. So, that she now follows him isn’t surprising. That was in the cards just like when Paul Mwiru revealed that he changed party too.

These two are both people of Muntu and stands by Muntu. They are not people for Besigye or for POA. That is just a mere fact. Nothing wrong with that, but the truths are still the same.

She stepped down recently as the Woman MP for Kasese, as she said she wouldn’t be in Parliament for too long or overstay her welcome. However, now that she changes party, maybe she changed her mind about that too?

I don’t know, but as she has a standing in Kasese. Is good at politicking and finding ways to manoeuvre to relevance. I wouldn’t be shocked if she found or got a flag-bearer position for the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). That is in the cards and would be further extension of her political career.

Muntu have praised all of her actions and her role, even into the bitter end. Calling her the best Leader of Opposition the Republic ever had. So, that she would join him is so obvious. Because, POA switched her and let her back to the back-benches. Therefore, this is a move of loyalty and of future hopes.

She said last month she wouldn’t go for another term in Parliament. However, with the latest move. She might change her mind and opt out for another one. Don’t be shocked if the posters or the campaigning begins. It would fit like a glove. She a been a politician this long and would pull this one off too.

Seeing, Kiiza representing Kasese in 2021. Why not? That is what she has done all her career, and another wouldn’t make much of difference. Doubt she will settle with being a member of the secretariat of the new formation, the ANT and not play with the big boys. Peace.

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