Opinion: Museveni can sleepwalk into the elections [as the opposition only aim at their own]

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) who are not caring about the guidelines or the regulations for COVID-19 or Coronavirus. Who are busy scheduling all activities ahead of the General Elections of 2021. also settling the final flag-bearers of the party. Which sometimes are the same-old, same-old and dozens of sole candidates. The NRM looks solid ahead of the elections.

At this point, as the President Museveni is busy preparing for this 8th Term since 1986. The man, the legend, the dictator and the President for Life. The supposed Fountain of Honour and His Excellency can just sleep. He can be lazy, he can squander around and even have a few scandals on his hands.

The opposition are busy scheming tearing each other apart. The Uganda People’s Congress is the NRM-Light at this point. The big-man Akena and his wife is both in the sphere of the President. They have traded perks and agreement with the NRM .The UPC is only viable in small pockets and doesn’t have the organization nor trust in the public. Because of the trade-off that Akena, Son-of-Obote did in the last election cycle.

Democratic Party have been raided, taken by everyone. Norbert Mao should by crying at home this weekend. The day of betrayal was this week and he lost his MPs. He got none of the big-men and the party is weakened. There is little left and the promise in the months ahead can’t be much. Not like they can muster such voices and cadres over night. To take the space, which these MPs left.

Forum for Democratic Change are also weakened, also many questions about where they are turning. The ghost of Besigye. While Lukwago only created questions of protocol and validity of the nomination process. No matter what it does, it has lost plenty of the faction belonging to Muntu. The pragmatic part of the FDC has left and the defiance of Besigye lingers on. We can wonder what it will do and how it will become the biggest opposition party again. It needs to show flex and muscle ahead. Needs to drop heavy hitters of flag-bearers and show it isn’t just a punchline.

One of the newcomers, who has shown new strength is Muntu and his Alliance of National Transformation (ANT). Most of this has come by weakening the FDC. The ones who was supporters and allies of Muntu is the ones that left the FDC. There are very few independents who has come, except for Kassiano Wadri. Who is also a former FDC, but had left the party already. Muntu got some good people around him, but he seems like his trying to do the same thing he always does. Saying the right things, but not really challenging status quo.

The second newcomer is the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform. Where Bobi Wine have really scored big and creating headlines. A man who is getting support from all parties and independents. He raided the DP party and gotten several of MPs standing for the NUP. Right now the momentum of the opposition is in his hands. He even got the nudge of the DP Block and the Justice forum for the Presidency. However, JEEMA will field own MPs and not do that under the NUP flag. Showing, there are a balance of sorts and there will be honest competition.

The DP is losing big, FDC is weakened and creating uncertainty, as the biggest party and the one historically challenging the President. Museveni must be giddy that the FDC is lingering like this. Instead of having a steady line and showing resilience. The up-hill battle that persist must be tiring and that’s why its showing some fatigue.

ANT and NUP are revitalized, but they are still not that big or organized like the FDC. Bobi Wine has momentum, but he needs support from everywhere to get the final push. He got friends all around, but with purges like recently in the DP: There might be fear that does happen elsewhere too.

The NRM should be joyful that the opposition looks like this. The message is distorted and the opposition is busy seeing whose deflecting and whose staying. Not to talk about finding out who is the flag-bearer and who gets the nominations. There are so much in-fighting.

There is more talk about what’s happening between the parties. The new and the old. If the old parties have the push or if they are out of steam. We can wonder ourselves. If this is all meal-ticket politics or actual battle for change.

Museveni is lucky with this. They are not pin-point at his failures, at him tanking the economy, taking up more loans and continuing his impunity in power. He can walk free of that. Only touched a small amount of time. Instead of being the target, the one people are aiming for and proving his recklessness. That is what they should do. Expose and show the intolerant and the state sponsored brutality, which is the image of this state.

Except he gets away with that. As he visits factories, radio stations and hold speeches on the regular. He walks and travels at ease like a bird. While the others are in cages and they are not even allowed to sing. 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.

Besigye’s Sole Candidacy haunts the FDC

We shall hold nominations and elections for the presidential flag bearer for FDC. If Dr Kizza Besigye offers himself as a candidate then there will be no election, that’s the position of the party’s top executive. Should he decide that he is not going to run, then there will be candidates for the presidency of the FDC. We will not allow Mr. Museveni to have a free ride to victory in 2021” – Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is in a real pickle. They can either look like National Resistance Movement (NRM) or act similar. There are certain things that they are arguing about the NRM and that shouldn’t emulate themselves. The politics of the parties, the internal party shouldn’t run like the running regime.

Even if Dr. Kizza Besigye isn’t in the FDC National Executive Committee (FDC NEC) or the “chairman” and Party President like the President in his Movement. Still, Besigye have been the Presidential Flag-bearer for the FDC four times already and would run for his fifth time. That is isolating the highest candidacy from others.

That shows why Muntu had to run elsewhere. Why others left too. They couldn’t have the ambition or run in the party. Just like there is no shot for others in the NRM: Yes, the FDC doesn’t have the power, the ability or the titles, which the ruling regime has.

Still, if the party wants to signal difference, change and be a vehicle for difference. Then they cannot send the same person. That is having a sole candidate and not having real internal democracy. As there is in effect one man who is predetermined. That is how this looks.

It is the image. Besigye has fought a just fight, he has over all the years educated and told the narrative of which people should have listened. However, he wasn’t able to get the public to want enough a peaceful transition of power in the Republic. His been able to build a party and being a viable contender, even when the state has done everything it can to ban or dismiss their activity.

Besigye have done the right thing. Yes, he says in public it isn’t about titles, candidacy or his role. However, if he has the big-man role and runs again. At some stages and on some avenues his alike the ones he supposed to challenge. On this one, the image and the act of doing so. Questions if the FDC are able to see anyone else in this position.

This is not Kizza Besigye fault, as the successors of Museveni have never had the possibility to get their or even battle for it. Besigye is the President the Republic never got. However, if he runs again. He looks more like the ones he wants to challenge. By doing so, the FDC is acting more alike the NRM, than it wants too.

POA is by default making the differences between NRM and FDC less. They are by the opening of sole candidacy of Besigye doing what the NRM is doing to Museveni. The only difference is that his not part of the Secretariat or NEC. However, the role as Flag-bearer and Presidential Candidate is only for him. That is carbon-copy of Museveni.

FDC is for Besigye, NRM is for Museveni.

2021 elections is the fifth time Besigye would run against the NRM. That shows his resilience, but also no other could rise up in his shadow. This is the reality in the midst of this. FDC as a opposition party and as a challenger. Shouldn’t copy the regime it works hard to transition from. Because, if it does the same without power. What can it do, when it gets into power? Peace.

Opinion: Everything is rigged against the opposition [doesn’t matter if it’s “Scientific” or not]

The opposition in the Republic will not win at this point in time. It isn’t because of their lack of swagger and viable candidates. This is simply, because of the status quo and the whole state machinery is working against them. There is no chance that the President and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) will give way. That’s not happening anytime soon.

The Forum for Democratic Change and National Unity Platform (People Power) parties are the most high regarded opposition. The FDC has the history, while NUP and People Power are the new renegades. This is the Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine coming to full force as challengers to Museveni. They will gain attention and get popular. However, in the grand scheme things this will not matter. These two might win the election, might even be hugely admired by the population. However, the machinery will not let Museveni loose.

That is why the rigging will close the doors for the opposition. It is reason why I don’t mention Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Mugisha Muntu and Democratic Party Norbert Mao. Neither is Uganda People’s Congress, James Akena or Justice Forum Asuman Basalirwa. Or whoever is running the Uganda Federal Alliance, Farmers Party or People’s Progressive Party. These lastly mentioned have enough to get an MP elected into Parliament. Not even thinking of challenging the throne.

Muntu and Mao might want to be in the big-league, but we both know they don’t have it. Neither does Akena, he is cahoots with the regime with a deal. So, when your dealing directly with NRM. You cannot anticipate the brother will do anything about it.

This is why in reality it is a battle for the FDC and NUP. These two are the parties that has to challenge and show force towards the NRM. Not, that through the ballots will make a difference at this point. The Electoral Commission, the NRM is busy scheming and preparing the results. We know who will win and that is all in the cards. To think otherwise is either naive or foolish.

The NRM will conquer, they will use all means. There is a “scientific” elections going on. That is used on the opposition, which is stopped from campaigning. While the NRM candidates are doing so, either in secret or by using government programs as a shield to allow them to meet people. That they will use the state as tool to not only campaign, but also rig the elections. This is why the opposition has no chance.

NUP and FDC knows this. They will show flex, but will they dwell on the inevitable. The ones whose moderate and pragmatic, will only benefit a small group. While the big-men of the opposition got to stand up in the midst of oppression and hardships. Knowingly they will loose, but it is a matter of how much they willing to loose in the end. Not because of lack of popularity or having backing in the public.

However, because the NRM and the state uses all means. Every single piece of intimidation and scaring tactics. Also, the use of arbitrary arrests and other means to stop the public from gatherings and organizing. Except, if you have suction or a anointed by the Movement. Then you can set-up tents, set up rallies and meetings in churches. However, the opposition is not allowed to do the same. This is another proof of the whole charade, which is going on into the polls in 2021.

If your thinking this going to be free and fair. Forget about. The state is embedded. The Police is more into politics, than actually catching thieves.

This is all just a game and we all know who is going to win. Not because the public loves him, neither that its justified. However, that is how this is played out. We can act like its not, but then I would be disingenuous. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t be fooled and just play along, but call out the nonsense as it is. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine better prepare that umbrella [its going to rain]

It is soon campaign season, flag-bearers are being picked and the final pledges are being minted. The manifestos being prepared, the delegation conferences and primary elections are happening. Every little move to prepare the General Elections in 2021.

As fun as yesterday was with the launch of National Unity Platform (N.U.P) as the political party of the People Power Alliance and with the People Power Movement as the Pressure Group. Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine still have a long walk ahead.

It will not be easy. There is a storm brewing and it will rain. When it rains, it pours. It’s not going to be peaceful. However, I think the man knows this. His carrying a umbrella to whether the storm. Nevertheless, the man needs more than that. It will help, but not help when the wind gets strong and the rain-drops still hits his face.

There will be humiliation. He will suffer again. To go into an election like he does. Where all the odds are stacked against him. Will cost, just like it has done to other opposition candidates who has challenged the crown. Now, the biggest challenger is Bobi Wine. Therefore, the brute force will be turned against him.

That is why radio hosts who has him will meet the makers of this world. They will have trouble with Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) and possibly detained by the Police Force. Even in a “scientific” election, the same old issues will be used and methods are the same. Just another name and another reason. Still, the high above wants to contain the man.

The President will make rain, will create a storm and will cause damage to Bobi Wine. Expect ISO and SFC to follow him. CMI being after him and the LDUs too. RDCs blocking him entering a district and all possible charges between here and hell. That is what is ahead. Even months of house-arrest, if the Police Force gets their Besigye groove on. Playing “another rap” and singing tunes of other elections.

The rain will not stop now. The challenger will meet the brute force. It doesn’t matter what he does. At one point or another, he will be captured, charged and detained. It doesn’t matter if his innocent or haven’t a single crime. They got the state power and put some phony charges will buy the regime time. Just like it has always done. Not like riots, demonstrations or anything will go into anarchy or a total revolt. It will be a hot minute and die down.

That’s why the umbrella will shield Bobi Wine, but that is only for the soft rain. When the tropical storm hits or anything similar. He will be wet and drained. The state will secure that he freezes and doesn’t have ability to cover himself. He will suffer and will be in danger.

It is a dangerous mission. There is no soft ways for him. The associates and team around him can help, but they all are in the firing line. They all needs their umbrellas, as it will rain on them too. The rain doesn’t discriminate, it rains on everyone. They will meet the rain-drops and got to cover themselves.

Bobi Wine … good you have a tool now and not just an idea. However, you need a lot more, if you want to succeed. Especially, against as conning people as the ones you conspire to bring down. These people have no scruples and will use any means to stay on top.

They will sing the rain-dance, indefinetly to ensure you always have to use the umbrella, instead of being focused on the cause and mission ahead. Peace.

A look into Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform Launch Statement

Today, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine launched his political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), which will be an umbrella to the People Power Movement. The Political Party of the Pressure Group. That is why his statement is important for his next move ahead of the General Election in 2021.

Well, just like do others, I will do to Bobi Wine. I will look into what he says and drop my thoughts after it. It will be the most important pieces of the statement. Here will not be the whole statement, but some snippets of it and then discussing it. Because, that is the play of looking into it.

He started with this: “When we started the People Power Movement about three years ago, we had lengthy discussions about whether or not to register a political party. Our analysis led us to the conclusion that it was both untimely and impractical to form a political party. In any case, we were alive to the fact that the regime would foil any attempt to register People Power as a political party” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

I am sure the team and associates around Bobi Wine has discussed what to do and how to go forward. They had to find a way to be a legal entity and not just an idea. The Pressure Group would work for independents, but could be put into question over time. Also, the idea that the authorities wouldn’t accept People Power as a Party is most likely true. It would be shocking if they would nod to it and give it go. That would have been a healthy, but anticipating something else is naive.

As he continues: “As you all know, our message has been Mission 2021. Right from 2018, we have been telling all of you to ready yourselves for the 2021 election, because we believe that together, we can and must use that election to overwhelm and remove the dictatorship” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

It’s right for him to have this ideal and hope that he can conquer the NRM and the President with an election. However, that has been impossible since 1996. I have hard time believing anyone would unsettle and send Museveni packing over the polls in 2021. There is a need of a revolution and of defiance/civil disobedience at levels that has been unheard of. If the PPM and NUP uses that, then they can have hope for change in 2021. If they act like all the others before them. Then they will be beaten down and it will amount to nothing.

He continues: “And so, a few months back, when we predicted that we would find ourselves in this situation, we embarked on finding a solution. We set out to silently identify a Platform which we would use to answer this question. Although many political parties and organisations had reached out to us, our first and most important criteria was to look out for a formation which shares our values, aims and objectives. And there are many which do, but there was a political organisation whose message and objectives rhymed well with those very close to us. In order to make the message even stronger, in July 2019, we went ahead and successfully changed the name of this political organisation from National Unity, Reconciliation and Development Party to the National Unity Platform” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

I have a feeling that since its inception and seeing how hard he had to battle the authorities in his Kyadondo East By-Election. He knew this would be hard. So, I am sure the situation was that from get-go in a way. However, it sounds better just thinking a few months back. Not thinking from the start and knowing what happen early in the journey as a political active person.

I know the whole Republic is grateful that it landed on NUP and not NURDP. The last one sounds like a bad government program with foreign funding. So, they have had this in the making for a while. By this statement they have worked on this since last July and reveals the new party a year later.

He continues: “Therefore, today I stand here to announce to the nation that we are unveiling the National Unity Platform as the political wing of the People Power Movement. The National Unity Platform is a political organisation duly registered with the Electoral Commission and our symbol is an umbrella” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

I still find it funny that his calling it the political wing. It is the political party and the other is the pressure group. Both have their political agenda and foundation. They are registered different, but has the same goals. Just like other CSOs can campaign for a political party, even Unions can support a party and a candidate, but that is political, but they are not a party. The same is the difference between the PPM and NUP. The umbrella is just a fine feature, as so many other parties have already picked their symbol. The NUP had to pick something. Umbrella is fine, it stops the sunlight, rain and tear-gas. It is a nice thing to have and is a useful thing.

He continues: “Finally, I know there are those who may ask themselves where this leaves comrades and fellow leaders who belong to other registered political organisations. Friends, we are People Power. In the coming days, we shall embark on the process of formalising the People Power Alliance. The People Power Alliance shall be comprised of different political formations which we have been working with and those that will be willing to join us. Formal engagements with many of these brothers and sisters have already been ongoing and they will continue” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

Here is another swift change of events. Not only launching the NUP, but the People Power Alliance. I don’t know if that is consideration of the United Forces for Change (UFC) with People’s Government (FDC based) or the other party members associated with the People Power Movement. The PPM is already established and has its significant place. As a home from all parties and people who want change. To make it into an alliance. Is just, if I may, making the umbrella bigger with PPM, NUP and PPA. It is consortium of organization under the same banner, but you need soon a own lingo dictionary to be sure how to address it correctly.

The NUP and PPM would have been sufficient, unless he wants some more mechanisms to keep everything in order. However, with the addition, he might scare away some who is not into the cause and only used it for a political bargain along the line to elections.

The final quote: “In our case, we have consistently said that we are a non-violent movement and we have no plans of establishing a military wing. What we are doing today is to launch a political wing of our Movement so as to ensure that our mission to use the election as a strategy within the liberation struggle succeeds” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

We are seeing that the PPM and NUP are not planning to pick up guns and try a coup d’etat. Which is a healthy stance, not repeating the sins of old and trying it on a new generation of people. Using the same means the dictatorship came in and hoping not end up as the new one.

His hampering on the political wing, which for me seems weird. That is his prerogative. Because, at what point does the PPM loose value, since its only NUP whose political? When all policies, all people attracted to the PPM and not to the NUP. Many might turn into NUP as their haven and destined party. However, the PPM is the shuttle, the place where everything started and the Movement who gave way to NUP.

I still don’t see how the NUP and PPM will use this up-coming election to overcome the junta. The current day regime, by using the same tools its predecessors have done. The only thing different is its Bobi Wine and his cadres. It is fine and dandy, the flex and the ability to gain popularity. However, it is not like Besigye didn’t get popular too and was driving on a coach through Kampala before the last election.

So, I have hope for Bobi Wine, the whole People Power, but through an election. I doubt for change, for positive difference and actual getting rid of the ones besieging the state. No, they will not be beaten over the ballot. It needs something more powerful, something got to give and by playing the same rules as previous opposition. You will just turn into the same ills of the past.

Bobi Wine deserves better, everyone following him, deserves better, alas the state and the NRM is unforgiving. There will be costs, harm and pain. I don’t see anything else ahead. He needs proper tools, support and a machinery that has to blast the NRM to smithereens and I don’t see that yet. Peace.

Opinion: Under Bobi Wine’s umbrella

“Now that it’s raining more than ever

 Know that we’ll still have each other

 You can stand under my umbrella

 You can stand under my umbrella

(Ella ella, eh eh eh)

 Under my umbrella

 (Ella ella, eh eh eh)

 Under my umbrella

 (Ella ella, eh eh eh)

 Under my umbrella

 (Ella ella, eh eh eh, eh eh eh)”Rihanna on ‘Umbrella’ (2007)

Today in a move to outsmart the Electoral Commission and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) he launched the official party – National Unity Platform (NUP). This is clearly in a move, if the regime plans to stifle or stop the People Power Movment (PPM) as a pressure group. There been speculation of this and even TVO has hinted about that lately.

So, this was a move to outsmart that. However, saying the NUP is the political wing of the PPM seems a bit ridiculous. Let me address this briefly, the PPM is a political movement and not just an empty vessel. It is where many has registered and is associated as a vehicle for change. However, the NUP will be a political party that some of the ones associating with PPM will aligned itself with. Just like the DP candidates will be part of that party, but also associated with PPM.

Now, the PPM can have both independent candidates, but also own party candidates that stands for both the pressure group and the party itself. Just like in the previous election in 2016, when some DP stood for the party and was aligned with TDA. It is the same thing.

That is why both things are political, just one registered as a party and the other a pressure group. To entities, which is branching off its other and still aligned. It is very simple. It is under the same umbrella.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine shows again how savvy he is. Just like he went into dialogue and talks with Besigye. Again, he shows that he can think ahead and plan. To branch out and create his own is just the right move. It is maybe late in the cycle, but the PPM has already more relevance then other parties. More candidates and more nominations than ever. Therefore, some can be fielded by just the party and others can be associated with the pressure group.

This gives Bobi Wine and his associates two swords in one battle. Both the ability to have partners across the political landscape, but also create his unique party. That is really conning and also maybe the tools you need to address the public. Now, they cannot say his just a political club, a not serious politician. His maybe launching this late and just in time for the elections. However, the party is official and his not 100% independent anymore. His under the umbrella of People Power and NUP.

That’s the game of Bobi Wine. The PPM and NUP will challenge for real. The name is generic. National Unity Platform is as standard as can be. Bobi Wine didn’t go all out revolutionary or extra-ordinary on the name sake. However, that is not important. The cause is and the game plan too.

Now, he has to show his flex, even when it rains, when its sunshine and the in-coming tear-gas. It is coming, but he can always bring an “umbrella ella ella eh eh eh”. Peace.

Opinion: The NRM hopes to contain Bobi Wine [like they did with Besigye]

We are repeating things. We are going in circles and some people wonders why we are going nowhere. The pragmatic, the ones who doesn’t want to stir the boat follows Mugisha Muntu, but that is why the army or the NRM doesn’t fear him. They let him go on his merry, as the disciples of Muntu will not cause a revolution. They will just sit, have some tea and leave it alone.

That is why Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is a whole other breed. When he steps out of his home to be at any radio station or TV show. The police will be in the surrounding area. The roads will be blocked, and they will push for him to be escorted home. Because, he will cause a stir just by showing up. That’s why the guns, the soldiers and the anti-riot police are their in full effect, when he shows up.

We have seen this before; this movie has been in the name of defiance and walk to work. This movie has been shot plenty of times across the Republic. The actors from the authorities are the same. The names might be switched, but they are practically doing the same thing. Instead of targeting Besigye and Lukwago, they are going after Bobi Wine and his associates.

What we can see right now is that the authorities and the ruling party is campaigning, they are using churches, yards and tents to hold rallies. They are giving away gear in connection to COVID-19 and using government schemes as a reason for holding rallies. While Bobi Wine is barely allowed to be in Media Houses. That is with intent, because the Ministers, the associates of the NRM are all out there gathering crowds in their spaces. While the FDC and Bobi Wine can forget trying to do the same without arrests, live-bullets and tear-gas. That is just the way this is played.

The Presidential Directives, the national guidelines and the electoral commission is clearly not independent. Just as the authorities and the regime itself is doing what it can to destroy a vibrant opposition. While they are busy scheming and holding rallies, while the rules and regulations says otherwise. The police say they are investigating, but will they arrest 10% of the cabinet and its ministers for flaunting these rules? Heck no, they will not even touch them. Only condemn and move-on.

The state will use all means to silence and stop Bobi Wine. Just like for no reason, no warrant and justification, the state put Besigye under house-arrest for months on end. Where he was not allowed to leave his home. Practically making his homestead a makeshift prison with guards and vans, ready for the inevitable escape.

Bobi Wine will again feel the blunt force, he will be charged with more criminal intent and inciting violence. There will be the charge of annoying the President and so on. There will be more blocked radio stations and venues for participating in the “Scientific” elections, which the NRM doesn’t give a rat’s ass about. They are just out and about meeting people. While the Bobi Wine and FDC cannot do the same. Yes, FDC open an office last week without the fuzz, but that is more a miracle, then an ordinary day in Northern Uganda. Usually, an MP from the FDC would be legal trouble doing so.

Bobi Wine will be in trouble, not because he causes it, but for the simple reason of his existence. That he challenge and stands up against injustice. That is why he will be contained by all means; the state will use force and be rough. They will leave no stone untouched and he could face again treason charges. That wouldn’t be shocking but expected at this point.

Just wait, all things done to him is to contain him and stop him. Ensure he has such a hectic life, with impossible movement and stepping outside his home. That they will hope that he becomes a prisoner of it. This is their goal. To silence and stop him. By using legal means, using impunity and hoping to get away with it. As his just one man and they got an army behind them. Peace.

Opininon: The Ghost of Kantinti should haunt the FDC [and the rise of Bobi Wine]

That the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) nominated the nullified MP Apollo Kantinti to stand as a Flag-Bearer in the Kyadondo East By-Election in 2017 should be a friendly reminder what the FDC leadership did wrong. What has transpired since, has been a growing momentum and popularity politically towards the Independent MP and Opposition Leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Who won the By-Election in 2017 over Kantinti. The loser has since then needed to go to court over bankruptcy.

We all know what has happen since and the groundwork the MP has done with his People Power Movement. A rising movement that even the People’s Government and Dr. Kizza Besigye have gone in coalition in. Which is just a small time ago that Bobi Wine and Besigye formed the United Forces for Change (UFC).

The FDC is really not pulling their weight, when the Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat (POA) is saying this in a interview these day:

It is very early to say that. What if Bobi Wine joins FDC tomorrow? For us we maintain an open door policy, he may change his mind and say I think I want a home. He is welcome to join FDC any time he wants and then he will be weighed against the other candidates” (Derrick Wandera – ‘Uganda: Bobi Should Join FDC If He Wants Coalition With Us, Says Amuriat’ 12.07.2020, Daily Monitor).

This is a bit late. The tea is freezing. To open the door for Bobi Wine now that he is in the upper echelon. When Bobi Wine get the same treatment by the authorities like Besigye. Than you want him to become part of the FDC? Also weigh him with others? Seriously?

Why should he step down and await vetting in the FDC? When he can run on own platform and own merit?

Because the same FDC said this before the Kyadondo East By-Election:

Forum for Democratic Change [FDC] will not support popular musician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine in the yet-to-be scheduled Kyadondo East by-election, party officials have said. The party said it will instead support Apollo Kantinti, its flag bearer in 2016, whose election was nullified by the High court and the nullification upheld by the Court of Appeal last week” (Baker Batte Lule – ‘FDC to Bobi Wine: wait for 2021’ 05.05.2017, Observer).

With this in mind, the party followed party protocol and let Kantinti stand again. However, with that they lost Bobi Wine too. As someone who has shown political finesse and ability beyond Wakiso district and Kyadondo East.

Bobi Wine is so big, that the President has tried to sing Elvis “In the Ghetto” to the public at times. That is why the FDC did wrong and should be humble in concern of Bobi Wine. They are the ones that lost out. That they are having talks and a coalition is showing progress in concern of results together as opposition. However, POA is not showing grace and demeanour, which understands what the People Power are brining right now.

The momentum isn’t on Besigye. It is on Bobi Wine. Nothing wrong with Besigye. He has carried the mantle, been the man in the line of fire and deserves credit for his hard labour. However, FDC doesn’t have Bobi Wine, because they played him wrong. That’s why the Party President of FDC acts like this. He wants to be the giant, but forgetting what they did themselves. It is not like he needed a party in the last election and he has only grown stronger since then. That is just common sense by now.

POA could have had the courage to show some humility, but instead he wants to bamboozle others. Hoping nobody see the game his playing. FDC is fighting for the good cause, so is the People Power Movement and they can do it together. However, that should be done by consensus and fair game. Not walking over one party and expecting it to roll over.

The FDC could have done better, hindsight 20/20 is always easier, than actually making good decisions in the moment of time. Still, the FDC is haunted by the ghost of Kantinti. He follows them and that’s why they cannot steer the conversation or get Bobi Wine totally on board. Instead, they have to talk and negotiate with him. This because of a simple mistake in 2017. Peace.

Opinion: Expect the Movement to celebrate mediocrity ahead of 2021

It isn’t enough that socialites like Zari Hassan is steering the conversation. That Bad Black switches camp and Jennifer Full Figure is all in this game. That Jose Chameleone trying to play both defence with the Democratic Party and offence with People Power Ticket. Meanwhile, Muntu and Mao will play second fiddle to Bobi Wine and Besigye. That is just the ways things are in the opposition ahead of 2021.

We all see this coming. But, expect one thing. The mediocre results will be cooked into greatness. The results since 1986 will be served like Michelin Star meal on high street. While the reality its a knock-off steak with very burned fries. Not really the high appeal nor the class its supposed to have.

The National Resistance Movement will use all its channels. Their Social Media Warriors, the media personnel they have hired. The UBC/NBS will be full fledged propaganda channel. Radios owned by sympathizers and own MPs will spread the message. All tarmac, all policies and pledges will be served like hot lava.

The NRM wants to look like the golden goose. They want to look like they did something. That they were meaningful and made a difference. These people will proclaim to be democratic, but the first moment a real opposition put its feet out. He or she will be arrested like a chicken thief.

The NRM will speak of infrastructure and rising development projects. However, they will not speak of foreign loans, grants and donors paying the high price of spiked prices. The most expensive road in the world nor the quality of tarmac or the work done by Chinese contractors. No, they will spread the message of the most tarmacked roads in the Republic. Because, who needs a functioning railway, who needs roads built for the rain or the upgrade of ferries. No, that is just hogwash.

The NRM will speak of its agriculture exports. Which it has amassed. Like it isn’t Nespresso and other foreign companies doing the bidding. Like the coffee exports before its time was good too. Not like the output didn’t matter in the past and the cash-crop idea is an old gift that keeps giving. No, they will profess magic. Even if the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), the NAADs, SACCOs and now Emyooga are all ugly ducklings of spawned projects waiting for a corruption scandal to come. Like there been no ghosts, bad seedlings and public wasted funds to pay the invisible piper.

The NRM will talk big game on their programs, which haven’t been properly implemented. We can go back to the 10 Point Programme. One of the National Development Programmes, the third edition is coming soon. The Uganda Vision 2020, 2030 or 2030. There are so many plans, but so little will to follow it. Seems like a cash-cow awaiting its next prey to get funding from abroad. You needs some visionary skits to get the comedians from afar paying for dreams.

The NRM will never say all of this. They won’t, because they don’t have a heart. They will come with polished pictures, fine and dandy statements. All sort of numbers. Take the most beautiful schools or hospitals. We did this bitches, but they will not look into depleted ones. The schools forgotten in rural district. They will not care that a hospital haven’t paid its nurses or have cash to pay for electricity. No, they will not speak of that. Neither that teachers are boda-boda drivers on the side, because the salary from the state takes months to come.

The NRM will praise its efforts, its greatness. Yes, the State House is a fortress. The President has a few Presidential Jets. Has a giant convoy of SUVs, even a car for luggage. The man owns the state and they are following his every whim. However, they cannot come with as a slogan or a party program. They have to look smooth, collective and grand. Nevertheless, that doesn’t make it true.

That’s why the drama of the opposition. The entertainment factor, the singers singing songs and the entitlement comes to forefront. That’s why Bebe Cool and Jose Chameleone is on one side. Why Bad Black and Zari is on another. That is why the NRM is using Bebe and Ragga Dee, also Full Figure just smash it all together. So, that people forget the mediocrity and life moves on.

Since, everything is about nonsense, about characters who doesn’t carry their weight, but expect the leadership to do so. The Red Pepper Politics, the Onion and the mashed potatoes. Not the reality, the deception and the lackluster offerings of the state.

The NRM hopes their mediocre delivery can be turned to gold. They hope the public adores that and praises their game. Even if they are returning with roots and not with lions. Peace.