Opinion: Revisiting the TDA [and where are they now?]

“5. The goal of The Democratic Alliance shall be achieved through the pursuance of the following objectives:

a) Building the necessary mobilization capabilities and organizational infrastructure of the Alliance and its members in order to win power;

b) Developing and presenting a common policy and governance agenda for elections;

c) Ensuring the attainment of an electoral majority by fielding candidates for all electoral positions across the country;

d) Fielding of joint candidates for electoral offices as set out in this Protocol;

e) Constituting a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) with the purpose of implementing appropriate political and economic reforms to build a strong and durable foundation for democracy, rule of law and economic justice” (Protocol of the Democratic Alliance, June 2015).

Because of the recent cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). This has started questions about the legitimacy of the coalition that was one part of the opposition ahead of the General Elections in 2016. It is striking that this is happening now and it’s worth to look into what has happened ever since.

The TDA was a coalition made by a various set of parties. The two parties that directly went out of the coalition early was Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and the Forum for Democratic of Change (FDC). However, the others stayed behind and they went ahead to stand behind the former Prime Minister and Secretary General of the NRM, Amama Mbabazi. He became the Joint Presidential Candidate of the TDA and the Pressure Group of “Go Forward”.

The TDA was much larger than Mbabazi alone. It was the Conservative Party (CP), Democratic Party (DP), Justice Forum (JEEMA), Pressure for National Unity (PNU), People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA). So, there were a handful of leaders in and around the TDA. There was also Olara Otunnu from the UPC and Dr. Kizza Besigye from the FDC. The UPC as a party left, but Otunnu stayed on, if I remember correctly.

The leaders who are vital part of TDA was Amama Mbabazi, Ken Lukyamuzi, Norbert Mao, Asuman Basalirwa, Beti Kamya, Gilbert Bukenya aka Mahogany and Dick Odur. There was also others associated and part of the proceedings like Mugisha Muntu and others. Therefore, it was a team of the opposition at the time who at certain points did their part here.

However, as time has shown us. Plenty of these people has sided with the NRM or returned to the NRM. The Presidential Flag-Bearer Mbabazi was a NRM Member and hadn’t revoked his membership as he was standing up against Museveni. So, that he returned and is in the good graces with the President is just natural. The stage of Go Forward was only a short sighted project and was over the moment the election was over.

Bukenya has also returned and is living the good life. His living large and having perks with titles and being part of the elite. The Former Vice President has no worries and was only for a minute or less an “opposition”. I doubt we will ever see anything of the PNU ever again.

Mao has just become the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. His working in cooperation with the government. Still part of the DP but he has a hectic period ahead of him. As insiders in the party wants him out and ousted. Since, this agreement wasn’t signed of from the party or the members. The DP Block has even dismissed him too.

Kamya has gone from being appointed Minister of Kampala. To lose her leadership of her party the UFA. Later becoming a NRM Member and changing Ministry. Now she’s the IGG but certainly not electable or viable candidate. She has become a typical crony of Museveni over the years.

Basalirwa has been close to the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform. He has ensured popularity and gotten elected into Parliament as the only JEEMA MP. Therefore, his the first man here who is actual opposition from the TDA still.

Lukyamuzi has on the other hand lost his constituency and not become a third time re-elected to Rubaga South MP. He instead focused on finishing his degree, which he did in 2017. The Party President and former MP has been a vocal critic of the government. Even made a case against the Age Limit in the courts, which was dismissed. So, he is an actual man in the opposition. “The Man” is true to his missions and his goals.

Otunnu has been resigned from politics. He also lost the Party Presidency. The UPC has since then signed a secret agreement with the NRM. That’s why the UPC haven’t fielded a Presidential Candidate for two elections in a row. Otunnu has kept himself in the background and you can wonder if he will resurface or do anything for that matter.

Muntu also lost the Party Presidency. He lost to another candidate within the FDC. This made him create a New Formation, which is now known as the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). That party was launched in time for the 2021 General Elections and he ran as President.

Besigye ran a the Presidential Flag-Bearer for the FDC and created the People’s Government after swearing himself in after the General Elections in 2016. Since then he has launched several of campaigns and the latest after the 2021 elections is the Red Card Front. A voice of the opposition still.

There are several of other leaders who are in the opposition that was a part of the TDA in 2015/2016. These could be Mathias Mpuuga (former DP now NUP), Betty Nambooze (former DP now NUP) and so fourth. There are more people that has been involved and could be mentioned, but that would make this piece to long.

However, a huge pattern are still there. Plenty of the TDA high ranking leadership went either back to NRM or has found a home in government. That is really happening on a larger scale. We shouldn’t be surprised that Mbabazi and Bukenya went back home. However, the others should really be questioned…

This was a short revising of the TDA. An alliance built quickly and seemingly destroyed. It wasn’t meant to be. We shouldn’t expect the Go Forward or the PNU to be returning either. The era of the TDA is gone and it’s for a reason. The TDA was built on sand and not on mountain. If it had been real and a sincere enterprise. So many of these leaders wouldn’t have sought shelter under the wings of the man who they were promised to create a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU).

Obviously… things didn’t pan out, but it is a picture, which shows how the times are changing. Peace.

Opinion: The army is involved everywhere Mr. Muntu

“Gen Muhoozi has his own right as a Ugandan citizen to exercise that right as a Ugandan and run for any political office. The only problem I see if he is really interested in running as a President of the country, Gen Museveni who should be more experienced in these matters, should have first released him from the army because the moment you let Gen Muhoozi who is in uniform, a serving officer, trying to project him for politics, you are literally trying to drag in the whole national security apparatus, something which has its own problems” – Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu (25.04.2022).

The sentiment the leader of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu is right… but it’s faulty. The Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) is already involved and participating in every part of life. The UPDF and the authorities are inside and part of politics, because that’s how the regime rolls and continues to thrive.

The UPDF is building roads, construction of public buildings, giving away mosquito-nets, killing army-worms, going after rouge fishermen on Lake Victoria and participate directly in politics. The ones who don’t believe that… should be reminded that the UPDF have 5 MPs elected into Parliament. These are supposed to be “non-partisan” but we know they are towing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party line. They would never double-cross the State House or the NRM Caucus. That’s not happening…

The UPDF and all of it’s agencies are used to intimidate, keep civilians and activists incommunicado. The UPDF and the other agencies has kidnapped, tortured and even used Court Martial as a means of silencing opposition leaders. The UPDF is so embedded that it’s a tool of oppression and using vicious impunity to strike the dissidents hard. The CMI, SFC, LDCs or UPDF are all involved and makes the state more powerful in comparison to everyone else.

Muntu saying Muhoozi is problematic because his an army-man and a commander is right. That is an observation, which is truthful, but at the same time. The militarization of the NRM and politics is just proven every time they are holding conferences at Kyankwanzi. When you are seeing ministers and MPs wearing military fatigue. Heck, the President either wears a yellow shirt, a suit or military fatigue. That’s his whole closet and it’s evident how important the armed forces are for him. Because, everyone knows that the NRM and the regime isn’t living on its popularity. It thrives on intimidation and fear… that’s when the soldiers and military is useful.

We all knows this and Muntu should know this as well. The NRM and the state has been this for a long time. Muhoozi is now more involved, but that’s by entitlement and not by his achievement by any means. The Lt. Gen. is only there because his the son and nothing else. He got no skills, charisma or ability worth a damn. He can only live on the wealth of the inner-circle and the power of the army. That’s why he had to wear a military fatigue and be like his father.

However, Muhoozi is just the symbol of how the military is needed and a reason for the current status quo in government. The NRM cannot survive or hold power without the army. The army and their agencies gives them an edge and can silence the ones they need to stop. That’s why Muhoozi doesn’t distance himself and wants to be looked like a powerful General. His boosting his ego on twitter and being part of campaigns when he can like in the DRC, Karamoja and even Kasese. That’s why he got blood on his hands and no one is even questioning that.

Muhoozi just think he can walk from one office into another one. He thinks he can occupy and takeover without merit from his father. The officers and the ones hired for the gig will praise the man, but everyone knows that his useless. The ones saying otherwise has little to nothing to prove. The NRM and such will ensure he gets a soft landing. “Project Muhoozi” has been in the works and that’s evident by now.

Muntu is right, but the UPDF is everywhere and isn’t going anywhere. Peace.

Opinion: Orikunda’s Hero is a Zero

Today in the Nile Post, Sam Evidence Orikunda got a piece published called ‘Why President Museveni is my hero of 2021’. These sort of article and think pieces must be written by people who is seeking a higher office or wants to be loyal token soldiers to the President. Because, these sorts of texts doesn’t have the composure or the arguments to back it all up.

It isn’t strange if Orikunda wants a better job, as his currently a Deputy Residential District Commander and that’s an unforgiving office in a district in the republic. As he needs something more to aim for and more fulfilling. I don’t blame Sam for that. This is maybe the reason for the praising of the President. In the hopes that the State House and some of the cronies in the entourage of the President will recognize him. That’s how it looks…

Just read this: “Though some people had predicted doom to befall against our country but they forgot that we had an experienced leader in state house” (Orikunda, 03.01.2022). Nobody with a sincere heart wants doom to befall on anyone or a Republic. However, what people have wanted is to change the leadership and have a peaceful transfer of power. Yes, that will be doom on the current regime and it’s leaders, but the troubles wouldn’t necessary trickle down on the republic. Only the elite and the current cronies who is eating of the plate of the experienced leader in the State House.

He continues: “After completion of the electoral process, the Electoral Commission in accordance with the law, declared President Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the elections and that was the best gift for us since as the movement we believe in the politics of continuity and ideology. The EC and the judiciary conducted the much anticipated swearing in and we have since then focused on service delivery and keeping the country safe for the citizens to work and develop themselves” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

Sometimes I wonder, if Museveni and the yellow leaders are able to cast spells or potions on their inner-circle, because this sort of reasoning boggles my mind. Like did the Deputy RDC even see how the elections was orchestrated? Didn’t he see the misuse of power, authorities and total deprecating results that came out of it?

It is like his living in another universe and didn’t see the open rigging. Didn’t catch the misuse of law-enforcement and the total disregard of the will of the people. Where there was no choice and the majority was prepared yet again for the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It is outrageous how quickly we are supposed to forget the arbitrary arrests, extra-judicial killings and misuse of power to get political gains. That’s what’s really frightening and how easily a crony is glossing over everything.

While also acting like it was a continuity and ideology that was the reason for the victory. When we know damn well that it was the guns and glamour. Not the policies or the pledges, manifesto or anything of that sort. Neither was the courts following due process and the Electoral Commission worked on command from “high above”. Therefore, the Deputy RDC lives in an alternative reality, which I cannot recognize.

He continues: “During the campaigns, the opposition went to people and said that the NRM was taking advantage of the lockdown to campaign for themselves and harass the opposition” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

The NRM and the President did. There was several of districts and candidates that could mobilize or travel to districts, as RDCs and others blocked them. Heck, authorities barricaded hotels and made it impossible for Bobi Wine to travel into districts. Which never happened to Museveni. He was allowed everywhere and there was never an issue in concern to COVID-19 when the Yellow brigade came to a town near you. The Coronavirus was only a problem when the opposition like Bobi Wine or Partick Oboi Amuriat was near you.

He continues: “Some couldn’t even allow a meeting of five people to take place, however our less caring opposition leaders wanted to go ahead and do rallies so that Ugandans get infected which is inhuman, the president had earlier said that anybody who mobilises crowds in the days of the pandemic is intentionally committing murder. Those who understood remained home, followed campaigns on television and when the voting day reached they voted candidates of their choice” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

Here he shows the point again. There is no proof of this and data suggesting this. Yes, COVID-19 and the coronavirus is spreading in public gatherings. However, there is no proof that the opposition spread it or made dangerous mass gatherings. There is no evidence that can be associated with that. Neither is there any relief, as the NRM held massive rallies and primaries with voting in lines, which is gatherings of sorts. Which is as bad as the spontaneous and planned outdoor stadium rallies, which the state blocked from the opposition due to COVID. So, the writer is coming with baseless allegations. While we know the blocking was intentional, as the NRM Primaries had bigger rallies and gatherings than the opposition was allowed to months after. Just to be real.

Secondly, the murder committed was by the authorities and the law-enforcement, which actually killed, abducted and arbitrary arrested opposition candidates, activists and polling agents for that matter. They are the ones that killed and took life. Heck, the authorities even killed civilians in the November Massacre in Kampala. There was murders on the campaign trail in Masaka. There was so many times people died and countless unsolved murders, which implicates state involvement. Therefore, the writer and Deputy RDC should be concerned about that. Not only implicating the opposition with unsubstantiated claims, which he has done recklessly.

The last piece here is really outrageous, as we know the television and radio was functioning fine for the NRM and the Yellow candidates. However, the opposition or independents barely had airtime. The RDCs and others blocked the opposition from local-radio shows and others during the campaign. So, it is not like the home-sitters could get a broad perspective from linear-based media. No, that was all Museven and all NRM with a dose of opposition, now and then.

He continues: “Even in the scaring days of the pandemic the government under the Stewardship of President has come up with new programs of getting Ugandans out of poverty, the NRM principal of social economic transformation will be realised. The Parish Model program which is coming soon with the pre -activities already done in several districts will see a number of focused Ugandans get out of poverty and create incomes for themselves and their families. The mentality of substance agriculture will soon end so that we can have food and also earn some Income. This among many were the promises of the Movement in the recent campaigns” (Orikunda, 03.01.2022).

This is selling the same schemes as it has done since the early 1990s and hoping for different result. The promise of wealth and middle-income country is something Museveni have done endlessly. However, his cows are drinking cleaner water than many citizens. That’s because the citizens isn’t his priority. The Emyooga, the Parish Model, the Operation Wealth Creation and such are just schemes to enrich the leaders and the ones in near proximity of the President. These things will fizzle out and become redundant. Since, there will be lack of results and Gen. Salim Selah needs a new hustle and new reason to live lavish in semi-luxurious hotel in Northern Uganda.

The NRM has promised the change of the economy and such since forever. Just as long as Museveni has been in office. Therefore, I don’t trust him a second. That he will bring changes to that in 2021. Not when he haven’t achieved it in the early 1990s or 2000s. This man has decade and tried every trick in book. So, he clearly don’t mind not to resolve it. If it had been dear to his heart and his pockets. It would have been in order like his farms or like the State House.

He ends with: “President Museveni has made tremendous achievements in 2021 and I think he is the hero of the year” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

I do not see the tremendous achievements, neither any positive results or signals. The debt-recycling, the deficits created by this government, the lack of revenue and the current huge patronage will only create more issues ahead. As the pay-roll, the massive local government budgets and the expenditure, which the state cannot carry. Plus the likes of the Deputy RDC who hasn’t a vital or important role. As there are many conflicting offices in each district competing to be relevant. Therefore, this state isn’t growing, but deteriorating. Make bills it cannot pay and the next generation is billed for it.

I don’t see how it did a good job or even achieved anything new. The Nile Bridge was fine, but that’s only one piece of infrastructure and they had to fix the gravel or bitumen on it twice. Nothing is done correctly at once. Just like not keeping Presidential Decrees and paying medical interns on time. Because, that’s how a hero is governing I suppose. While keeping dissidents incommunicado and not producing them in court in time. Since, that is modus operandi in the Republic, as we speak.

I cannot understand how he got to this and how he could write this piece a clear conscience. Is it that easy to lie and deceive when your part of the government? Is that how you get ahead in the NRM these days?

Because, if so… then it makes some sense. Even though that is sad and depressing. Peace.

Opinion: Elections in the Republic under Museveni is run like an Casino

If the Kayunga District By-Election results proves what some of us has been saying. It proves that the state machinery and the electoral commission is working in tandem. The state and the State House has all the advantages in a race. The state agencies and authorities are all coinciding with the memos, decrees and the whims of the “high above”. That’s why elections aren’t open, independent or fair. Free and fair elections is a myth here and it’s all rigged to fit the Presidency.

Let’s be clear, here is unwritten rule that you don’t challenge Museveni and expect to win. He might act like it is a fair fight or an open race. The President allows a few challengers, but they will not have the same spotlight, the access to media or even ability to campaign like him. They will be violated, silenced and stopped from doing their ordinary politicking. While the President can canvass, campaign and be on every single media house any part of the day. Meanwhile, his authorities, regional leaders and whatnot blocks the main opponent from doing the same. They are blocking the venues and making the assembly illegal even during election road-map, which is just made to mask the proposed “election period” for everyone.

This has been occurring for so long. This didn’t only happen in 2016 or in the General Elections in 2021. There been so many By-Elections hit by this and we can surely go back to 1996 and forward to know. Anyone who has had a legit campaign and popularity have suffered by the hands of the state. These folks have been called any name of the book and been blocked for “safety” reasons. The state have blossomed into a war-machine, using the military and police to enforce the will of one man. That’s why they have no real chance of winning or ability to do so. The state has made it impossible, as the parties can only convene in the headquarters in Kampala and they are blocked from operating nationwide. Only the ruling regime can be able to do so and freely. That party will not have issues with primaries or anything. They are allowed and nothing will be illegal. While the opposition cannot even open a party office in up-country without meeting security agencies and have arrests as well.

That’s why the General Elections and Elections in general in Uganda is run like Casino. The state and the NRM is the HOUSE. In concern to a Casino, the house never loose. Yes, it allows some to win and make them hooked. They allow some big prices get taken, as it is a hook to get you tricked into the system. Alas, the House is rigged to win. It might give some the idea that they can win. Nevertheless, the whole race and the crab-table is rigged for the House to profit. You can play blackjack, poker or whatnot. Whatever game you play… the Casino will win and have profits from it all. If it didn’t it wouldn’t operate or roll out the games.

The Casino during Museveni have given away some prices and illusions of victories for the opposition. However, the whole elections are made in a manner of which he wins. Not only does he win, but the NRM will secure the majority across the board. The opposition will not able to field candidates or even hold primaries to have flag-bearers in newly minted districts. Neither does they have the cash to pay to stand as a candidate. While the state has endless funds and the state machinery behind it. This is why the opponents can have great cards on its hands, but it will not matter, because you might win one round… nevertheless the next race will be bloody. There will be no return and the Casino will ensure to get returns on every investment and game. Therefore, the opposition is only being another player, but a sucker who will inevitably loose.

Museveni and his Casino is opening the tables, but the dealer and everyone else knows the NRM will win in the end. The players might believe they have a shot and get some prices. However, they hope the opponent continues to play and will loose all the coins he had. Maybe even ruin their careers and have to borrow from loan-sharks to repay the Casino it’s debt. That’s where Museveni can come in and swoop the opposition candidate from the other parties. In manners of paying off their debts and make them loyal to him. This is what he has done and how he rigs it.

So, never expect Museveni or the Casino to let anyone really win. He only does to make it look like the illusion it is. That is the reality here and it’s tragic. Peace.

A look into the “Rigged” Report [the 11th May 2021 Edition]

Today was the day of the 7^th Swearing-In Ceremony of President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni. The 6^th Ceremony held at Kololo Independence Ground and the 6^th Ceremony of this kind held on the 12^th May in the election year. Well, the President has now concluded this election.

Though I will dig into the important material in the Report released called “Rigged” which was published with a new edition yesterday. Dr. Nico Schoonderwoerd with acknowledgements to Bruce I. Afran and Robert Kyagulanyi and the National Unity Platform (NUP) for certain aspects of the report, which was in the original published on the 17^th March 2021.

I will look through and drop my notes on the matter in between the pieces of information. Which say a lot about the conducted elections of January 2021. I will not look into the voter intimidation and bribery. Neither address the senseless violence, impunity and misuse of the authorities in favour of the regime. That I have discussed in length in other articles. Here I feel the “head-shot” or the “winning ticket” is the ballot box stuffing and Post DoR Fraud.

I will begin with this quote:

“In the various regions we see the different types of rigging being applied in a different way.

Region	Voter intimidation	Bribery	Ballot box stuffing	Post-Dor Fraud
Central	Heavily	Limited	Limited districts	Average
Eastern	Heavily	Heavily	Average	Average
Western	Heavily	Heavily	Massively, in all districts	Average
Northern	Enormously	Heavily	Average	Average

In most cities it was difficult to stuff the ballot-boxes, so the effect of voter intimidation becomes more clear. Gulu City shows how enormous the intimidation was up north, as is supported by the statements in our Chapter on the North. Ballot box stuffing is indicated by high turnout & high percentage of Museveni votes. In the top right of the diagram (courtesy Melina Platas) we do not only see Western districts, but also Northern districts such as Amudat” (Schoonderwoed, P: 9, 2021).

There are now saying that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President lost Baganda (Central Region) in this election. However, by the state of things. The evidence coming forward proves only that the results there are more close the reality. As the rigging was as extensive as in the other regions. This means, they deliberately gave up a part and knew the rigging elsewhere would secure the victory anyway.

A very interesting finding of the rigging was the finding on page 57, which says:

“Since the ‘election fingerprint’ of these 3 elections is similar to the fingerprints identified as fraudulent by Peter Klimek et al we can apply their conclusion that the Ugandan elections results of 2011, 2016 and 2021 do not represent the will of the people. When the authors designed these fingerprints they assumed that the numbers would always be between 0 and 100. However, in fraud every number is possible. Although the tally sheets do not show any turnouts of over 100% (it’s prevented by the software), an inspection of the Declaration of Results (DoR) forms show that in many cases of ballot box stuffing ‘overstuffing’ took place and the DoR form shows more ballots casted than registered voters” (Schoonderwoed, P: 57-58, 2021).

This here just shows the algorithm and the difference numbers through the process of counting the ballots doesn’t add up. There are more casted ballots than registered voters. That is just the proof of the misgivings of this election and how it was predetermined. When this sort of malpractice is securing one man to “win”.

“The main contributor to the rigging of these elections was ballot box stuffing. 409 polling stations across Uganda saw a 100% voter turnout, which is impossible give that the voter register is fixed 10 months before the elections. A total of 1333 polling stations had a voter turnout of 90% and according to election experts that is not possible under free & fair elections. Scientific research is presented in the form of election fingerprints that show that the correlation of high voter turnout and high Museveni scores is typical for rigged elections such as in Uganda and Russia” (Schoonderwoed, P: 76, 2021).

This here shows the proof and the systematic rigging. This is just the technical aspect of it. Not all the other techniques used, which is important, but the end-game of any election is the numbers-game. Where the winner takes all and the majority matters. An rigged election just needs the numbers, but not the true will of the general public or the voters. That is the gist of it.

“A nation wide comparison of DoRs collected by UVote and official tally results show over 120 polling stations where the DoRs were illegally changed or fraudulent. One such DoR for the Nebbi Anyang polling station received international attention after the Electoral Commission denied that 84 Kyagulanyi votes were changed into 8 Kyagulanyi vote” (Schoonderwoed, P: 77, 2021).

This here is just a final one and shows the acts being made by the state to ensure another term for the incumbent. There was not other way to see this. The “Rigged” Report is very clear and addresses the significant actions made and what it resulted in.

We know today that it went into as usual, that every five years Museveni swears himself in at Kololo Independence Grounds on the 12^th May of the election year. That happened today because of the “legitimacy” the recent election gave him. Though the Report shows that he stole and bashes himself in glory of rigging an election. That is really tragic, but the Report also states facts many of us has said. That this regime rigged the 2011 and 2016 as well and the ‘election fingerprint’ evidence shows that.

So, if people are saying “Museveni is not my President”. I understand them. This election is yet another one he rigged to rule supreme. He doesn’t have the love of the people, but is elected by the algorithm, ghosts and goats, not voters as he should have been. However, that is not important when you value guns, arms and heavy weaponry over the public. That is why the Report is important to show the way the regime did it and prove it to the whole world to see. Peace.

Uganda: Ministry of ICT and National Guidance – Restoration of Social Media Services (10.02.2021)

Opinion: OO’s despicable Op-ED

Today, Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo wrote an Op-ED that got published in Watchdog Uganda called ‘OFWONO OPONDO: Bobi Wine, People Power, NUP and the Poisonous Ends of Politics’. I will dissect his piece. Where I go through the most insincere paragraphs from his piece. As I will not go through it all. I will just show his sentiment and willing to distort the truth. In a manner, which isn’t right. It is not a new thing, but something that is done deliberately before.

So, before my introduction becomes to long. Here we go!

“There is evidently a disturbing sameness between Kyagulanyi and Besigye of old, seeking to exploit other people’s miseries like poverty and want for their poisonous ends. In political speak, Kyagulanyi now also calls President Museveni, ‘dictator’ and ‘corrupt’ which begs the question how toxic ideas and rogue language have found convergence allowing opportunists, demagogues, and potential fascists to gain entry and influence into mainstream politics” (OO, 09.02.2021).

It is very rich of OO calling the “usage” of poverty as an poisonous end. A government who has used poverty and the lack of funds as way of survival over the years. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have promised to enrich and secure the future since its inception. The NRM and the President have promised to be a fundamental change and secure the peasants, which it never did. So, the possible poison in the water is what the government does. Since, they can never achieve to bring wealth and secure livelihood.

Secondly, the political speak is really easy to debunk. The President call people insects, vermin and leeches. The President and states own actions deems him a dictator. When the state arrests people for their political affiliation. When the state abducts political candidates, activists and supporters. They even return dead. So, the government spokesperson should consider the acts of his peers before he name-calls the opposition. If the government was so holy, why are they targeting the opposition in this manner and what would OO call this?

“Exploiting economic hardships and unemployment especially among the youths, Kyagulangi and NUP has built networks of riff-raff vigilantes around the country mainly in urban and suburban centres to harass citizens with all sorts of malevolent tactics including physical assault, violent robbery, arson and destruction to property. If left to roam unchecked, these groups could even kill” (OO, 09.02.2021).

He continues to push the use of poverty. That is really insincere from this government. Who has used all sort of tricks and schemes to every election. The state is giving and bribing voters around every election. Not like they are not doling out small gifts, but never seen the rest of year. That he call them riff-raff, is name-calling and making his own citizens into dubious characters. However, the NRM is always proud of getting NUP cadres into its fold. Just like they are proud of getting former NUPer becoming Presidential Advisors. That says it all and the state is the ones coming with guns, violence and tear-gas. So, that appears when the state comes in and use its law enforcement. Therefore, this story is old and is a lie. The protesters are burning tires and blocking roads. They are not directly causing violence. It is the state that kills its citizens and blame the protesters.

“Kyagulanyi, initially taking advantage of his music pop stardom built a cult-like following into what the so-called ‘people power’ movement that has now morphed into a political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), which while has a semblance of countrywide presence, in reality, the just concluded election showed it is a tribal sectarian outfit” (OO, 09.02.2021).

It is really strange when one party who can only have one sole-candidate and everyone have to follow his orders. Is saying another candidate is “cult” like. If there was a party who has built a cult it must be the Movement itself. Nobody can challenge or questions the decrees, orders and speeches of Museveni. So, to call Bobi Wine a cult like character is very dubious at best.

It has been proven that the NUP have a nationwide presence. They have been able to field candidates across all parts of the Republic. Even in the short time of inception. The NUP isn’t a Baganda outfit, even if the state tries to portray that. The NRM should be careful with this, as most of the high ranking official is Western and Ankole based. So, OO should not throw stones in a glass house. The Bizonto elite of NRM should be more silent here. They know perfectly well, that the NUP and FDC is a mixed group and collective of all tribes across the Republic.

“Like Besigye, NUP leaders tell their gullible worshippers that poverty, unemployment and corruption are creations of Museveni, and not widespread global problems including in wealthier and developed countries” (OO, 09.02.2021).

Who is gullible OO? The ones still believing the NRM saving them after 35 years? The NRM have come with the same recycled promises and still haven’t delivered. That isn’t a global problem, but a self-inflicted and self-destructive economic policies. The state is running on deficits and grants, but not on domestic revenue. That is not the poor peasants fault, but the state who haven’t made it possible to get out of it. The state is the one putting policies and financial stimulus to ensure safety for the citizens. It is where the NRM have failed and haven’t delivered.

Calling NUP out like this only shows the fault-lines and where the NRM failed. It is not an indication of wrong-doing of the opposition. That is not taking into account the years of misrule of Museveni.

“The hyped claim that FDC and NUP are the people’s popular choices has been thoroughly disproved by their performance in the just concluded election, and although failure to sell as national brands is evident, FDC and NUP leaders won’t publicly admit, hence them resorting to political slander and smear” (OO, 09.02.2021).

This here is false statement. If rigged elections are indications of NRM popularity. I would say that pre-ticked ballots and ghosts are the greatest constituencies of the Movement. Both in 2016 and 2021 the rise of the opposition was evident. The same was also shown in 2011. So, it is not like the NRM have been as popular as it was in the mid-80s and early 90s.

The NUP and FDC have proven it, but the announced results always turn in favour. Even when the tallies doesn’t make sense and the Electoral Commission have to botch the numbers. The FDC and NUP amount of MPs in comparison shows how big they become. As the state are stopping them from working as parties and get a greater presence in the Republic. It is just like the NRM are never blocked or stopped. However, the NUP and FDC have a hurdle to do basic party works. That is really important to remember. It is just like we supposed to forget the tear-gas, arbitrary arrests and blocking of venues to campaign. If that had happened to the NRM itself, which is so “popular”.

“When reality strikes back as loud noise is not turned into votes, they cry about vote fraud and rigging but will never explain to the public as to why some MPs, LC5 chairpersons and thousands of councilors are returned unopposed on NRM tickets. The presidential election petition is now being used more for publicity stunt, soliciting public empathy and foreign funding than to seek legitimate justice” (OO, 09.02.2021).

The Empire strikes back at every election. Just like previously stated, the pre-ticked ballots and ghosts are always appearing in election time. The NRM couldn’t survive the elections without disqualifying and blocking opposition from attending on a grand scale. The NRM does what the UPC did in 1980s election, every single time. That is why they are fielding candidates everywhere, while the opposition isn’t able, because the state is blocking and ensuring the opposition from getting candidates.

To credit unopposed in the gerrymandering, the vindictive system and use of state machinery to get elected officials. That OO calls it a political stunt shows the disrespect of the opposition. However, his whole piece has been that. The NRM wouldn’t be alive without foreign funding and Museveni was a donor darling. So, the NRM cannot attack the Opposition for foreign funding. When it has been so vital … for the Movement itself.

“Anyone who can see the potential dangers these groups pose to Uganda’s politics ought to take a stand so that resurgent fascists are defeated at their nascent stage, otherwise the overlap between legitimate politics and criminality could engulf the fabric of our public life” (OO, 09.02.2021).

This is the last paragraph of his piece and he has already shown his character here. It is all opposition who is in the wrong. Not that the NRM and Museveni. No, it is Besigye and Bobi Wine. They are the bastards and the villains of the political sphere. It maybe feels like that for the NRM and Museveni, as they want to be praised and loved. However, it is hard to love someone who abduct your loved ones. The ones who Court Martial your campaign team and keep them behind bars without proving evidence. Therefore, if you speak of criminality. To use the state for political prosecutions, that is a violation of their rights to assemble, gather and organize itself. Nevertheless, that is never an issue for the NRM. So, to call out criminal activity, they can never state what it was, but they still behind bars. That is the self-reflection of the wrong-doings of the state, which OO defends on the regular.

This here was a despicable piece and deserve to dishonoured. OO should consider the words his using, as it can be easily mirrored back in his face. Which I did already. Peace.

Opinion: Cooked results is hard to publish [14th January 2021 Presidential and Parliamentary Results]

The Electoral Commission announced and declared the results of the 14^th January 2021 on the 16^th January 2021. The state didn’t really release the results or the announced results. The Commission haven’t to this day published the granular numbers or the ones in concern to each individual polling station. Therefore, we are at 28^th January 2021 and the EC have now published the “official tally”.

They have declared the winner of the Presidential Elections and the Parliamentary Elections, but these victories are shallow. When the EC cannot drop the numbers and be game. The Uganda Media Centre dropped the announced numbers on the 18^th January 2021, but the Electoral Commission came with new numbers today (28^th January 2021).

That is really telling. When the EC cannot even compile or have the ability to drop consistent numbers on the polls. When it is so mismatched and changing. It is like they playing with an algorithm. Like Museveni alone had previously 5,851,037 and now he has 6,042,898 voters. Just like total valid voters went from 9,983,093 to 10,350,819 valid ballots. It is weird how it can change within 14 days.

This is 14 days or two weeks since the polls. The Electoral Commission and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is not playing this one out well. It is only undermining their own efforts to legitimized the elections. This sort of play only shows how they tried to cook the results and they are failing. Because, they know the National Unity Platform (NUP) have the granular data and declarations forms digitally, which can be used to question the “announced or declared” results.

It is funny how the EC can drop so different numbers within this time. Because, if they had the numbers to announce the winner. It should be no issue to just release it. They should just make it public and not cause these issues. The EC have already dropped it once and deleted. This is the second time and now with numbers not associated with the first released. That the Uganda Media Centre referenced.

I wonder what sort of foolish argument will come now. As this is only a numbers game, where the EC is loosing. Because, it doesn’t make sense to twist the results this way. Especially, if it was so secure and verified two days after the polls. The EC did declare the results within the 48 hours after the polls. So, if they did that… and could so easily pronounce the results. It should be easy to drop it too. They did it 2 weeks after the polls.

It took them 2 weeks to do it and the EC shouldn’t have made this hard. That is why there will be people scanning through the files, folders and statistics. As the EC has made this to hard. The EC have already by just dropping new numbers making it even more questionable. As they should be able to drop similar numbers between the announced and what is released today.

That is something they wasn’t able to achieve. It is a simple proof of the rigging. When they are making it so different between the 2 weeks in question. Peace.

Opinion: Electoral Commission is in a pickle [since it still hasn’t released the “declared results”]

The Electoral Commission in 2021 is doing itself a disservice, as it is has no released or made the declared Presidential and Parliamentary Results public on its page. Just as the polls of 14^th January 2021 is “contested” but more “rigged” than truthful. It is not like the public can trust these results, when the main contender is house-arrested and his allies is rounded up and detained indefinitely. It is not like the state or the ruling regime wants it to be legitimately at all. Their actions speaks of rigging, injustice and impunity.

The EC could have been transparent and the authorities could have acted like that. They National Talley Centre could have been sincere and open, but it wasn’t. It doesn’t help that law enforcement and soldiers are doing what they can to get their hands of Declarations Forms from the opposition. Just so the opposition doesn’t have the first declared results from their polling agents. While the state also arrested so many polling agents from the opposition the day before the polls itself. Therefore, the state does what it can and deliberately make it all go into the dark.

Now that we are on the 24^th January 2021 and the announced results was on the 16^th January 2021. The amount of days makes people question it even more. The secretive measures, keeping the declared results under wraps. Uploading and later deleting it too. Doesn’t make someone trust the EC more. It makes you wonder, if they found issues in the algorithms that made the “results” possible.

The EC is showing its a heist. Because, if the numbers and percentages of a victory was real. They would have released the results as soon as possible. The EC is quickly releasing By-Election results when its in favour of the state. The same should be possible here. However, the DR Forms uploaded to the UVote App and that will distort the possible breaches. Just like the results first dropped proved some polling stations had more voters, than registered voters there.

This is why the EC is still keeping it under wraps, even when the President has “won” and its over with. If it was already fixed and done. It should be in the public domain. As the NBS Television and NTV Uganda proclaimed it. The EC had their presser and announced it. Still, the lack of transparency and accountability proves they are neglecting their mission. They are not counting the initial votes, but is fixing the results in favour of man. That is why its hard to jumble the results and get it correctly to what they said.

When you do fraud at least try to make it seem legit. However, the EC cannot even do that. They have stolen the money from the bank, but they are not even willing to spend the money. They are not buying flashing cars and expensive meals. No, they are keeping it in another vault and hidden. These folks did the robbery, but will not prove their heist. Because, if they did. The ones looking through UVote results versus EC announced results would get two different outcomes. Which we know will happen, but they are just postponing the inevitable. Peace.

Opinion: Muntu and Tumukundu, what’s your next move?

This 14^th January 2021 must have been devastating for the bush-war legends and long serving individuals of Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu and Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde. Muntu had created his “New Formation” aka Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). The grand builder of parties and such. While Tumukunde just made himself a sole independent candidate under the “A Renewed Uganda” which also failed to achieve anything.

Both Muntu and Tumukunde did even worse than Amama Mbabazi in the 2016 elections combined. At least the Go Forward and The Democratic Alliance (TDA) got some MPs into the 10^th Parliament. That is a proof some skills and a bigger message than themselves.

Muntu has been all “Country before Self” and been the silent burner. Right now the charcoal isn’t even sizzling anymore. It is like the elites and the moderates are totally ditched. They are all swirling around and headless. Muntu should have upper-echeloned Norbert Mao and made strides. However, that is all in the wind.

It is like these two was unfortunate to run against Bobi Wine and the Patrick Oboi Amuriat. They were not able to run against bulletproof vests and barefoot villager. No, these two was running a mediocre campaign and they ran into very little trouble. The state didn’t block them much or even challenge the authorities. No, these was gentle giants who was more fluffy than teddy-bears.

That is maybe why people rebuked them and didn’t by into their campaigns. Muntu had more for him. Still, his motivation and slow-building paradigm is non-satisfactory for plenty. Since with his method it would take forever to get a peaceful transition. Secondly, nobody fears a diplomatic and a pragmatic fella like Muntu. No, his just getting credit where its due and his tab wasn’t that big in the first place, apparently.

Tumukunde only ran for now. It seems like an enterprise to get headlines and hope for a new appointment post elections. It is not like he undermined or even tried to challenge Museveni. Yes, he was blocked in a few districts. However, not like the Police Force did arrest him or his team. No, he got scotched free… and they knew he was a useful pawn. That is why the state didn’t touch him.

I wonder. Will Muntu continue in the same manner. When he see how other performs and make a difference. Will he still be the soft-spoken man? Or will he re-think strategy and make himself relevant?

I doubt the man will do so. Because if he does. He will start on the path of Defiance and such. Which he has distanced himself from for years. Muntu will most likely be more on NBS Frontline and become another Mao in the public spotlight. Nevertheless, his party will be more a political gig until the next election. Since, unless he changes ways he will not gain the traction or be viable. It is just another moderate non-starter and cannot offer a possible change. Unless, you give him two more decades and hope by then Museveni have stopped breathing.

Tumukunde on the other hand. The Diet-Mbabazi will try to return into the NRM fold. Tumukunde wants a plumb-job. He wants to be a ambassador or getting into the NRM CEC. He wants to return like Bukenya did after 2016. That is what he wants and that is his job ahead. Not like Tumukunde wants to create something in the wilderness. No, he wants the envelopes and titles. That is what he wants.

Do you agree? I don’t see it going down any other way. Peace.