Opinion: Would we ever see an Army Commander in the High Command from the North?

It would have been a sign of reconciliation and leaving the grievances of the past, if the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) had promoted or made an Army Commander from the Northern Regions. That would have been a message and a resounding one.

I tend to not get emotional or get attached, but there are certain things that would be significant and prove that there is no tribalism or ethnic reasons for the choices made today. Because, right now the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the High Command is filled with Westerns and the ones aligned to the tribes surrounding the Presidency. That is just a mere fact and nothing can overshadow that. The same with the leadership of the Uganda Police Force (UPF). Yes, northerns has gotten plum-offices and appointed into high offices politically. However, it haven’t happened in the army and it shows.

I don’t know if Museveni hold grudges or deep resentment. This could be personal to him and he only trust his own “kind”. Even if he says he speaks ill of tribalism and sectarianism. Still, he professes to that in certain aspects of life. That’s why only certain areas has high ranking officials and has the option to be promoted into the High Command of the Army or the Ministry of Defence. It will not be someone from Lango, Acholi or the West Nile. Forget if you are from Apac or Pader for that matter. If you are from Gulu, Lira or Arua. Well, you will not get far in the army and can only be a foot-soldier. You will never reach the ranks or be in the mix for prestige. That’s beholden others by blood or by association. If not that they are coming from right areas of the West and can be pleasing to the UPDF.

That’s how it looks like… I can understand if Museveni has some distrust and lack of empathy. However, the prolonged war in the North. Has cost him and the his areas lots of damage. Yes, the UPDF was able to send Lord Resistance Army (LRA) packing and it is now in exile. However, that war happened because of the choices and the distrust between the “south” and the “north”. Which isn’t strange, as the North had the influence and the Presidency until Museveni came along. Obote and Amin was from the North and their commanders came from there as well.

Museveni has in some regards done the same. He trust his own and chosen this path. Why I am wondering now is that it’s years since peace came to the North. The threats are gone and the lives moves on. The High Command and the UPDF wouldn’t be endangered by a Northerner in the ranks. I think it would be a friendly reminder of how things has changed. That the North and the South can fight together and secure the sovereignty of the Republic. It could be the message and not only appoint northern technocrats to run Ministries or be Speakers of the House. No, give them power where it matters and allow them to deploy guns. That would have been a powerful message and been a proof of the non-sectarianism that Museveni professes too.

Alas, we know Museveni won’t budge or do this. He needs token soldiers and loyal commanders. Certainly, he has issues with it and wouldn’t give way. Some say the idea of Gen. Moses Ali is a proof that he has a broad coalition and allies in the North. Well, Gen. Moses Ali was able to get a deal and has been ally of Museveni ever since. Therefore, that isn’t the same as what I am requesting or hoping will happen.

The UPDF and the Ministry of Defence needs representation. These organizations needs to show all parts of the nation and have leaders from across the spectrum. That is needed, especially if Museveni wants to be unifying and speak with a sincere voice. Unless, he just wants to lie and only does so to please donors. I would certainly believe that and it would make sense. Actually, it would make a lot of dollars and pay of the expenditure of his State House.

I know it would be a shocker to see someone from the Great North appointed or promoted to the High Command. However, it would be a sign of goodwill and of change. That it isn’t a battle between the North and the South. No, that it’s a collective and a nation for all. Peace.

Opinion: The 1962 & 1995 Constitution has practically equal rights… against sectarianism…

“In 1962, the politics of Uganda was based on the sectarianism of tribes, religion and looking down on women. That is how Uganda had become a failed state. The politics of Uganda was based on sectarianism. That’s how Uganda has become a failed state. All that was from sowing a bad seed. We are for socio-economic transformation and democracy. That’s how we started in 1995, challenging the other line (Sectarianism)” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (06.04.2022).

The Head of State, President for Life and His Excellency Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni during yesterday farewell speech at the state funeral of late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah. He uttered these words and said it. Like he invented the wheel and nobody did it before. When his coming with such claims, which is outrageous …. because he has appointed more high ranking officals from Ankole and the Western Uganda than anyone else. Therefore, the President should be careful about his own legacy….

With that in mind, the way his government and party has assaulted the NUP and their roots in Baganda Kingdom or in the Central Region. They should be wise and not do that… as they have record themselves and it was an result of the previous governments, which also appointed and ensured certain tribes of the North got a powerbase. If that being the Langi, Acholi or even Kakwa for that matter. We know that Obote and Amin did certain services in this manner and Museveni has been no different there. Only that he has had longer time and he has gotten away with it.

Alas, because of his claim of 1962 versus 1995. He claims he made a difference, but the laws of each time shows the people had practically equal rights after their respective constitutions. The implications of how the government operated and how things panned out is different. That was what Obote did in his first term and what happened after that. However, the sectarianism …. claim seems to be out of bound with the initial texts of the laws, which the Constitution at the time said.

So read this here…

1962 Constitution:

“17. Whereas every person in Uganda is entitled t o the fundamental and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, the right, what- ever his race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the individual public interest, t o each and all of the following, namely—

(a) life, liberty, security of the person and the protection of the law;

(b) freedom of conscience, of expression and of assembly and association; and

(c) protection for the privacy of his home and other property and from deprivation of property without compensation, the provisions of this Chapter shall have effect for the purpose of affording protection to those rights and freedoms subject to such limitations of that protection as are contained in those provisions, being limitations designed t o ensure that the enjoyment of the said

rights and freedoms by any individual does not prejudice the rights and freedoms of others or the public interest” (1962 Constitution).

1995 Constitution:

“Article 21 Equality and freedom from discrimination (1) All persons are equal before and under the law in all spheres of political, economic, social and cultural life and in every other respect and shall enjoy equal protection of the law. (2) Without prejudice to clause (1) of this article, a person shall not be discriminated against on the ground of sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability. (3) For the purposes of this article, “discriminate” means to give different treatment to different persons attributable only or mainly to their respective descriptions by sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, tribe, birth, creed or religion, or social or economic standing, political opinion or disability. (4) Nothing in this article shall prevent Parliament from enacting laws that are necessary for- (a) implementing policies and programmes aimed at redressing social, economic or educational or other imbalance in society; or (b) making such provision as is required or authorised to be made under this Constitution; or (c) providing for any matter acceptable and demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society. (5) Nothing shall be taken to be inconsistent with this article which is allowed to be done under any provision of this Constitution” (1995 Constitution).

When you read these articles from two constitutions… you can easily assess and see that they are saying the same things. There is no real difference or changes of language even. The 1995 Constitution is only in this manner speaking of direct discrimination, but the 1962 states of it in the view of public interest.

The citizens have equal rights under both constitutions and they shouldn’t be subjected to limitations or prosecutions, because of their sex, race, colour, ethnic tribe, birth, creed or religion. That is similar under both articles from the two constitutions. Therefore, we can see that this didn’t start in 1995, but was already a thing in 1962. It could easily wonder if the ones writing the 1995 Constitution was inspired by the 1962 Constitution in this article. Nevertheless, that is only speculation.

What we do know… is that they are giving the same rights people and not being sectarian. Which was the claim of the current day President. He should think more straight and not speak of malice without considering his words. That’s what he does and trying to re-write history. Not that the previous governments didn’t’ do badly and didn’t appoint on tribal lines. The history speaks of this and the historians after Post-Musveni will show that he did the same. A legacy he don’t want, but that is his history too. Peace.

Opinion: Obote described Museveni perfectly in 1990

The late President Dr. Milton Obote wrote a pamphlet in April 1990 called ‘NOTES ON CONCEALMENT OF GENOCIDE IN UGANDA’ and it’s viable on the website of Uganda Peoples Congress to this day. It is real gem and people should read the whole thing. What is striking there is how the former President is describing the current day President and we can all still relate to it.

We are in 2021 and a text from 1990 is very relevant. Obote was able to write an explanation and description of a person, which was timeless. Obote and Museveni was enemies, Obote was overthrown and grudges. Still, with that being said. His insights are valuable and he dared to write to his peace in exile in 1990.

Just as his first description of him is so fitting:

“Museveni has a thirst for power in its most naked form. He believes intensely in violence as a means of governance and for holding power. He is an accomplished liar and a total stranger to truth. His method of conducting public affairs or his political Party, the UPM, and now his NRM/NRA is a combination of violence and lies. Museveni is an extremely poor, indeed inept, civil administrator. He seeks nor accepts advice from anybody on any matter and detests the conduct of public affairs through discussion, debate or competing ideas; his own ideas must be accepted as the only valid ones and all others are “bankrupt ideas”. Yet he is not averse to steal ideas from others and claim to have been the originator, but often without clear understanding of how to implement the stolen ideas” (Obote, 1990).

What is said here isn’t a lie. Museveni had a thirst for power and used all means to get it. He has always used violence to have power. While his lying about everything and everyone. Obote is also right about his governance and governing in general. Because, we cannot see any of his schemes, 10 point programme or anything succeeding. So, Obote is vindicated and shows that he saw the true Museveni even 31 years ago.

He continues: “Museveni prefers militarist (violent) approach in the resolution of problems and issues but would also, at times, put forward a dissembling scheme,while preparing a military solution” (Obote, 1990). We know that the President is using the UPDF to solve everything. He is issuing orders where the army is now doing construction work, targeting illegal fishing, micro-finance and whatnot in the Republic. Museveni is also toying with the army to settle civilian issues as the elections and stopping the opposition from assembling. Therefore, Museveni continues is old school ways of violence and using military to resolve civilian issues.

Not shocking, but very relevant is this: “Museveni is very corrupt and presides over a regime which is equally very corrupt. In fact the nature of Museveni’s corruption is some kind of mania. As already stated, he is acutely uncomfortable with his lowly background, a matter which to a normal person would be of pride. But the mania which he exemplified in 1979 by living at the Palaces of former rulers, has now led him to build with public funds, his own Palace in Mbarara District. The Palace was built and completed within three years. Some of the materials for building it were imported as were the furniture, fittings, carpets, etc. The Palace stands on a huge farm with hundreds of exotic cattle imported from abroad. The cattle, farm implements and tractors and vehicles were all bought with public funds. Workers at the farm are paid by the Office of the President and Museveni is, of course, the President” (Obote, 1990).

He just shows his heart here. The violent and militarism in combination of the corruption. That is what we are seeing and that is eroding the state. As the President is the personification of the state at this point. That’s just shows what his willing to do and how he can live lavish on the public’s dime. We all know this, but Obote exposed that even in 1990 when he was a donor darling and a friend of the West. When the West allowed the prolonged conflict in Northern Uganda and didn’t take issues with the additional extra judicial killings, which his government did to consolidate power. That has been allowed and therefore, he has continued all of it. Since he has gotten of the hook for all of these years, but Obote knew already back then.

This is just small pieces of the pamphlet in question and there is more information, but this is just a about the personality of Museveni. Not all of his mischief way of getting into power, which he wants to be kept a secret and not blasted in public. As he wants a legendary tale of prominence and greatness in January 1986 and beyond. Peace.

The Panda Gari’s is back: Gen. Museveni is rehashing the era of 1971 to 1985

Since about mid-2020 it have become more common to read stories, hear tales of witnesses and people saying loved ones have been abducted in the night. People are taken from out of nowhere by either armed personnel, police officers or other state agents. These folks are taken to unknown locations for days, weeks and even months. The individuals are either returning to the surface tortured or sickly, if not dead without any investigations or answers to why it happened.

This is all happening to Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine supporters, mobilizers, activists or even political candidates. They have gone after people associated with People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform (NUP). These have been taken from all parts of Buganda. They are just seeing the van and taken away. They are incommunicado and the authorities cannot say anything or have intelligence on the matter. It is a darkness over the republic, as they are accepting this to happen. This has also happen to boxers and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) who has served the same fate.

Here is how it was done before Museveni’s tenure, but clearly his been inspired by the efforts made by the predecessors.

Disappearances:

“The Commission took a person to have disappeared if that person was arrested, seized, abducted, kidnapped, taken or detained by the military, police or other security agents or agencies, and had never been seen again, alive or dead. The phenomenon of disappearances was virtually unknown in Uganda between 1962 to 1970. During the 1966 crisis, a number of people from or near the Mengo palace disappeared, never to be seen again. It is presumed that they were killed in what came to be known as the “Battle of Mengo”. Disappearances because a common phenomenon in Uganda between 1971 and 1985” (Pamphlet – Summary of Report of Commission of Inquiry into Violating of Human Rights – Pearl of Blood, October 1994).

Panda Gari:

““Panda Gari” are two Swahili words literally meaning board the vehicle. It was a system under which the army or police, in swoops, collected people in large numbers from an area forced to board vehicles and transported them elsewhere for purposes of identifying whether or not they were anti government rebels or sympathizers” (Pamphlet – Summary of Report of Commission of Inquiry into Violating of Human Rights – Pearl of Blood, October 1994).

What is worrying to me.. that there is just some small posts on Facebook and not collected. That each and everyone is forgotten in the trail of spin. The state is busy preoccupying the space with other news. While the citizens are kidnapped, abducted, arbitrary arrested and even extra judicial killings of them without any warrants, charges or even taken to court.

We have no idea about the extent of this. There is already so many in Bobi Wine’s team behind bars and Court Martial as civilians say it all about this regime. The state is also using several of state security agencies and ungazetted safe-houses to detain and torture civilians.

There should be an outcry, investigation into it and take down the ones ordering it. The ones who are in-charge and makes it possible. The state is doing this to its own. When they can it to their own. What is the next extent and what is the next effort to take control and silence critics?

When they can re-issue the Panda Gari’s, what else can they do next? This is horrific and tragic… it is a need to collect the whole tragedies together to show the world the sinister extent of this. As I see various of numbers, but each number is a person. That is important to remembered, someone who was loved and cared for. Someone who was aspiring and maybe only wanted to see positive change for the Republic. That is so costly, they are destroyed by the state and even killed. That is why each and everyone one of them should be named. Written and published. So, they can use these abductions, kidnappings, torture- and extra judicial killings to prove how bad the state is.

It is needed. It is a about time. This is so evil… Peace.

Opinion: Let’s celebrate selective freedom [35 Years and counting]

“The victory of NRM in 1986 was not just a victory of the army but also ideas. This was the same situation in the just concluded elections. Ugandans have now just woken up. About 40% are now producing products for sale” – General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 26^th January 2021

There was once a man who promised a ten-point programme. A man who said he was growing the mustard seed and that he was bringing a fundamental change. However, with time this has withered and been proven worthless.

The National Resistance Army (NRA) came with so much promise and change. Nevertheless with all the years in power, their promise and what they have delivered is a vast difference. If the NRA and the early Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) pledges had been put into effect. Then the Republic would have been different. If the NRA/M had cared about what they promised and what they have delivered. Then the sights and the state would be different if the President and his cronies had ensured the promises was kept. However, they have been more self-involved and securing their own futures.

That is why over the years. The ones who has opposed the NRA/M have gotten into trouble. The government have abducted, arbitrary arrests, kidnaps and kills. The state is wrecking havoc on the ones willing to question Museveni and the NRM. This being previously people who stood with Reform Agenda, people who supported the Forum for Democratic Change and now also the ones who is supporting in various ways the National Unity Platform. All of these parties are seeing, feeling and getting violated on a daily basis. Therefore, speaking of freedom and liberty is in a limited space.

This limited space is for the ones who is anointed and the “made men” of the Movement. The ones who are part of the close associates and represents the state. These folks are living high life. The ones who are connected and have the “high above” on speed dial can get whatever they want. If you are one of them. You can kill someone and the case will never be investigated.

That’s why its ironic that he said this today: “By 1986, we had been in preparation for over 20 years. We lost a lot of people. The problems you see in NRM now wouldn’t have been there if those people hadn’t died” (Museveni, 26.01.2021).

When he said this he was still a FRONASA and a student in Tanzania, as the General was in exile or diaspora. Where we now know he asked for US support for his cause in 1973. So, the General was scheming to topple Amin early. That happened later when he joined Obote and Nyerere in 1979. After that he was installed to be Minister of Defence, but after an election, which he claimed was filled with fraud. He went into the bush and that is why his celebrating this date every year. As this is the day of his victory. Where he was the victor and he has earned his fortune and massive wealth for years now.

He is also blaming the lack of the people who died is the reason. Not that he has been involved in their demise and even targeted the ones who has had ambition. Several of assassination, questionable poisonings and so fourth. So, if the General doesn’t want these cold-cases investigated. Maybe, he shouldn’t mention them. It is a typical blame game, because his initially saying the ones his surrounded by now is nothing in comparison to the ones he used to have. Butchaman, Kusasira and Full Figure should wish they were like fallen NRA historicals.

Well, we know there is little to celebrate today. There is coming reports of NUP supporters and activists either apprehended or ended up murdered. There are reports of violence and use of fatal force by the authorities. This is done to shield the General and his NRM. They said they wanted to come with change, but they are only delivering the same human rights violations as the predecessors.

So, to celebrate liberation today is tragic. The liberation he has delivered is very selective and very limited. The freedom and liberty is for some, but if you dare to question or challenge the General. You either end behind bars, charged or could be terminated. If your unlucky to participate in a rally or a demonstrations. You life isn’t valued and you could become another fatality. The state will not care and will be proud to have killed you even. That is what the General have said since the Kampala riots and Masaka demonstrations during the campaign period before the polls on the 14^th January 2021.

General Museveni …. you have not done what you promised and what you pledged. The ones who died in Luweero didn’t die for this. The ones who went to the bush didn’t risk their lives for this. All the citizens feeding you and your rebels wasn’t thinking this would be the case. You might think you can sell this story, but I will dismiss you. Because, the imprint, the stories and the tales are explicitly telling your lying. We know you know better… but you rather live on a lie, than being blinded by the truth. Peace.

As Liberation Day looms: It appears that Gen. Museveni never listened to the Report “Pearl of Blood”

“No person should be held or detained in secret, unacknowledged or incommunicado” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

As tomorrow is the “Liberation Day” or the “NRM Day” in the Republic of Uganda. As the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (NRM) celebrates their takeover of Kampala on the 26^th January 1986. Tomorrow will be 35 years since that happened.

Still, there is a lot of misgivings in the years of reign during the NRA/M era. The NRM have left a lot of thing to aspire too. For instance the Uganda Commission of Inquiry into the Violation of Human Rights dropped a Summary of the Report – “Pearl of Blood” in October 1994. This report have maybe been left in drawer and forgotten. However, I will indulge you in some vital parts of this. Which the current day regime have totally forgotten.

The report in question is looking into the mischief and violence by the previous regimes. That in itself is a good thing and was helpful to give insights into what the predecessors did. Nevertheless, I am looking into the things the NRA/M have forgotten. I am looking into specific forgotten passages of Chapter 13. Which states significant recommendations… that the NRM never adhered too or haven’t really implemented.

First advice: “Any person who is proved to have violated human rights in the past or will have been convicted of human rights offences should be barred from holding any political, public or civic office” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here should be a given, but we know that Police Officers, Law Enforcement, Soldiers, Generals, High Ranking Officials have been associated or acted with indifference when they have violated human rights in the Republic. The NRA/M have deliberately even promoted officials and secured their passage, if they are doing it on command. Therefore, this recommendation is a stark warning. That the current regime doesn’t care about.

Second advice: “Massive violations of human rights in Uganda have occurred partly because of personalization of powers of the state by Presidents and other leaders. Personal interest became identical with public interest. Consequently, it was difficult to differentiate the state from the individual who was the President” (…) “The Commission therefore recommended for:

(a) separation of powers with checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial aim s of government.

(b) impeachment of Presidents for constitutional and other offences while in office.

(c) a system of peaceful change of Presidents and governments through regular and fair elections.

(d) prohibition of over-staying by Presidents in office after their terms have expired.” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here advice is directed at the President of current day. Who is in-charge and doing just that. It is all the personal interests of the President and his cronies. All parts of government awaits his orders and his words. That is why Gen. Museveni is repeating the human rights violations of the past. As he has become the personalization of the state.

What is also striking isn’t the balance of powers. That should be true, but these are all appointees of the President and loyal to him. The arms of government is working in-coordination with the President on his behest. The President will never be impeached as it would be a death-sentence and “treason” to even consider that.

The (c) and (d) is epic these days. As we know there is no “free and fair” elections in the Republic. The current President has also revised any law to ensure that he can overstay. Ensuring that his “terms” never expires and securing that he is overstaying in office. These two recommendations have been trashed in favour of one man.

Third advice: “One of the major factors which contributed to violation of human rights in Uganda is intolerance” (…) “constitutional and legal prohibition of any person or authority from restricting the exercise of the peoples rights and freedom of assembly in meetings, rallies or other gatherings and of expression and protest, and such prohibition or interference should be made a criminal offence” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here has been an issue that has persisted in the reign of Museveni. The violation of human rights to assemble and gather has been a consistent issue. The state have practically made it impossible or illegal for opposition to gather outside their headquarters. The state have banned protests, demonstrations, rallies and concerts, all in favour of “law and public order”. Which is striking, as the advice here was adhere to other principals and also show tolerance to others. That is something the NRA/M haven’t coped with or had the capacity to do. That is why they have interfered, blocked and haunted the opposition with all sorts of laws, regulations and justifications to stop them from assembling. The NRM have even blocked prayers from happening. So, they have never intended to listen to this particular advice either.

Fourth advice: “it is imperative that in order to encourage tolerance and unity, the system of elections and government in which the winner takes all should be legally discouraged” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here has been commented on before. As the state is personification of Museveni now. He has the whole state and they are all listening to his whims. The system is built in his favour. So as “victor” in any elections. The old man does get it all and there is no separation of powers either. This advice has been discarded too.

Fifth advice: “intelligence organizations should never be personalised, set and/or tolerated for the purpose of maintaining particular regimes or Leaders in power. They should not be partisan in politics of Uganda. Intelligence organizations should never be used for witch hunting or for political, ethnic, religious, gender, social or economic persecution or harassment” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

Another one where the state have made plenty of entities all run by the men of the President. All in favour of his causes and work. Not looking for criminals, but monitoring and surveillance of opposition members, activists and human rights activists too. Therefore, this one has been overlooked as well. That is why ISO, CMI; ESO and other entities are working without concern of violating human rights.

Sixth advice: “No person should be detained or imprisoned without trial by and before independent and impartial courts of law whether there is a state of emergency or not. No person should be arrested detained or imprisoned except in respect of criminal offences known to the law” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This sort of idea and legal remedy is used so much these days. That the ideal of it seems to be forgotten. If you are associated with the opposition. It is justified to abduct, arrest and torture them without court orders or criminal charges. Not even thinking of taking the “culprit” or “criminal” to court, but without justice served take it all into the hands of the Law Enforcement and silence the opposition on the spot.

Seventh advice: “Murder of individuals, mass murders, arbitrary deprivation of life or extra judicial executions is a violation of the right to life. The Commission has found that such atrocities were committed by members of the military, intelligence organisations, certain Police Units, party activists, etc.” (….) “Obedience to superior orders should never be a defence to charges of crimes of murder, torture and others that violate human rights. Detention of civilians in military barracks, or establishments should be prohibited by law and offenders thereof severely punished” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

Here is a sad part. That this regime doesn’t value life or the lives of anyone. They can easily stop doing these things, but they are continuing to do so. These sort of activity should have ceased, but we do know they continue to do so. The regime doesn’t value life… and that is evident with concern of opposition activists, members and the ones who is close to demonstrations or convoys of the opposition. This is proven and sadly activity the state continues with.

Eight advice: “Mechanisms for making public leaders and officials transparent in and accountable for their conduct performance or work will keep in check the temptation to act in breach of the law or in abuse of their powers or offices” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here hasn’t been listened too. The Cabinet Members, the ones appointed and the ones n close association of the President can get away with anything. There will be some headlines, but the ones looting, stealing and breaching laws can a get away with it. That is why there is no law for the ones in close associate of the President. They are above the law, because the “high above” is shielding them.

I think this is enough and proves how little the NRM have cared. They have had time to fix these things. However, the state and General Museveni haven’t cared. He has had the sole power and enjoyed all the perks. That is why there is no sanctions or punishment for him. He can get away with all these violations of human rights. This should worry, but it shows what sort of authority and power he does have. As this report is old and from 1994, but it’s viable today. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni is repeating the oppressive means of Obote II

The man who promised a “fundamental change” and be a different from the ones before him. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni promised a lot, but however these days it shows no difference between him and the second Dr. Milton Obote II regime. He is using the same means against opposition and activists.

The abduction and suddenly detaining of Nicholas Opiyo yesterday proved it. As he was taken by law enforcement in plain clothers from a restaurant in Kamwokya. Later it was reported that he was at the Central Investigation Division (CID) at Kireka. However, they have suddenly charged him with money laundering and such. That is just an easy way freeze accounts and find excuses to have behind bars.

It wasn’t only Opiyo who was abducted yesterday. His team was also taken-in. These was Simon Peter Esomu and Anthony Odur. Which shows that anyone can be taken by the state operatives for no apparent reasons these days.

There been reports of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leaders and candidates who has been taken and in-custody without any warrants. The National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters have been attacked by soldiers as they were preparing for rallies. They were wearing red and posters of Bobi Wine. That was enough to get either brutally hurt by them or arrested to unknown locations.

These days the regime doesn’t have the State Research Bureau (SRB) which was a torture dome and where people was taken too. Today the Internal Security Organization (ISO), Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) and other outfits are using not only CID Kireka, but also ungazetted safe-houses for the ones that is abducted by the state. This sort of operation have gone on for long and court cases proved it. However, the election is only showing the lack of space for opposition in the Republic.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is acting like Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) under Dr. Milton Obote II did to the Democratic Party in the 1980s. Where MPs was arrested, gerrymandering and abduction of people. There is no difference there. Only new names and parties, but the parties are clearly acting alike.

Now the green of the DP isn’t the deadly sin, but wearing the red or blue is the problem. If you are associated with NUP or FDC you can expect legal trouble. You can get abducted for weeks without warrants or charges. The people who is abducted is able to get access to get attorneys, neither are they freed after 48 hours without a trial. They are just keeping them indefinitely and hoping nobody is blowing the whistle on the injustice.

The NRM is repeating the ills of the previous regimes. They are using the military, expanded the Presidential Entourage and finding new measures to suppress the public. The President is blaming the victims and using words that even Obote did in 1983.

Where Obote said: “It is convenient for them to make allegations in order to hide the effect of losing support and the lack of policies to put to the electorate” (Leon Dash – ‘Violence Poisons Political Process Within Uganda’ 01.12.1983, Washington Post).

We can hear the NRM saying similar these days. They are deflecting and hoping people are forgetting the ones abducted and arrested politically during these times. That would be very convenient for them. As we are following the campaign trail and what’s happening to the main candidates. While the lingering supporters and smaller candidates… can be behind bars without anyone defending them. Some can even be at a safe-house and their families have no clue where they are taken. The ones abducted to unknown locations. Just because the state can do so… Peace.

The 2021 Elections can be Museveni’s final 1980 Election

On the 14^th January 2021 is the Presidential Election in the Republic. As things states the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is automatically winning. That is why the election is continuing. Because, he has put everything forward for a total victory. The rest is just procedure and pawns on his chess-set. His waiting to take everyone out, one by one and in the end up as the victor.

In regard to the 2021 elections nothing seems out of the ordinary in this fashion. Just like Dr. Milton Obote ordered full loyalty from all civil servants to his party. He appointed the Electoral Commission and District Commissioners. There was clear indication of gerrymandering, shut down public counting of the votes and suddenly announced the results over the radio.

Some of these things are not yet to happen, but knowingly how the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is working. We shouldn’t be shocked if some things are bound to happen in 2021.

First, the President has appointed loyalist and cronies into all institutions. They are directly involved in all government organizations. This being the Electoral Commission, Residential District Commanders, Judiciary, Police, Army and all other security organizations. Therefore, the President’s Men will be loyal and serve all his wishes.

Secondly, the state has been busy gerrymandering. That is why the extension of MPs never been higher between the 10^th Parliament to the 11^th Parliament. This is clearly done to able to fixate the voter registry and secure incumbent NRM friendly MPs. Just like the gerrymandering under Obote was to secure more UPC MPs in the Parliament.

Now, the President these days are offering a febrile and violent atmosphere, which could describe the days now. Museveni controls it all and orders everyone to his bidding. There is no difference from 1980 election. The election that brought him to the bush and made him overthrow the government at the time.

He is using the force to silence opposition. Using techniques of intimidation. His even arresting his main competitors. Like he arrested Patrick Oboi Amuriat and has still Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine behind bars as we speak. Therefore, the rules are rigged. The man does it differently. The names has changed, but the end-game is the same.

President Museveni is pushing on. Even as the army is on the streets. The scores of dead citizens is rising, the amounts of injured is on the rise too. This is the game the President is playing.

The 1980 election can teach us something. President Museveni felt scorned and was bitter. He felt cheated and used that as a reason for war. Now, his using the same means again. However, his the culprit and the head who spoils the polls in his favour.

That is the act that Obote did with the use of the mechanisms left behind by the colonial administration. Where the “administration” appointed the Electoral Commission, which is the same practice done today. This is why its loyal to the President and not to the public. Like so many of the other institutions who serves him, but not the public. They are all in the working for his end game. This is why there are MPs going directly into the next election without any polls. These are given the advantage before things are really starting.

That is why Museveni wants another 1980 election. The one reason for his reign and why “they fought”. When he has to rehash the sins of the past to get into power. In spite of giving reasons for others to become like he did. He walks into the same pitfalls, which he was supposed to liberate the people. An assertion we can all with time dismiss and know that he clearly haven’t regarded to fix. As that would make it impossible for him to win.

It is just a mere fact. In a free and fair election, where all candidates has a shot of winning. Museveni would never win. He wouldn’t have a half-chance. The old man wouldn’t even be reckoned with. So, if it wasn’t for all of his appointees, control of the state and intimidation. The man would have nothing and even less than Norbert Mao. Just think about that. Nobody in their right mind would elect that man can easily order the death or your son, daughter or nephew without a flinch of an eye.

That’s what he does and this is why the deaths of citizens doesn’t face him. Because, if it did. He would have acted differently. Like most of the time to show power he got to intimidate the public. Not that its enough with soldiers on the streets, para-military groups around and even armed people in plain clothes.

The 1980 election should be our lesson. As it shows where he gets the flair and bravado from. Museveni knows the Commonwealth and United Kingdom signed off the rigged election. There will be someone else doing his bidding this time. To ensure the election is legitimized in favour Obote. Now, in 2021 there will be someone else doing the bidding of Museveni. Surely we can expect Museveni wins by secure numbers and have total control of Parliament. Anything else is a shocker and a result the President wouldn’t accept.

Museveni doesn’t win elections, but he rigs them. Peace.

Opinion: Independence, but only for a few…

On the 9^th October 1962 the Republic of Uganda got its independence from the United Kingdom. Instead of being a protectorate. It became its own entity and its own state. This was done by issuing the Uganda Independence Act. In which it states:

“On the ninth day of October, nineteen hundred and sixty-two (in this Act referred to as “the appointed day”), the territories which at the passing of this Act are comprised in the Uganda Protectorate (that is to say, all those territories which, whether designated as kingdoms, districts or otherwise, are specified in section one of the Constitution set out in the Second Schedule to the existing Constitution Order, and whose boundaries are as mentioned in section two of that Constitution) shall together form part of Her Majesty’s dominions under the name of Uganda; and as from the appointed day Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom shall have no responsibility for the Government of Uganda or any part thereof. No Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed on or after the appointed day shall extend, or be deemed to extend, to Uganda, or any part of Uganda, as part of the law thereof; and as from that day the provisions of the First Schedule to this Act shall have effect with respect to legislative powers in Uganda” (Uganda Independence Act, 1962).

This again set fourth a battle to be supreme. Internal conflict and battles between the political elites. Which have culminated to today’s ways and means of centralized control within one person. Instead of building a government on protocol, institutionalized and with regulations. The state is all controlled from the “high above”.

That has been moved and switched heads in power. This has changed with the power of the gun. The coup d’etats and the use of foreign forces to bring the heads of state down. This being Dr. Milton Obote who reigned in two terms. This being Idi Amin Dada and so fourth. The previous Head of States was taken out by the guns. They lost power not by a peaceful transition, but that the latest victor get the reign.

The same can be said about the man in power today. His in power because of guns and not because of people’s glorious tales about rule. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is a rebel who took power. A man who deemed one election so fraudulent. That it gave him reason to challenge the state to war. This he succeeded with and has clung onto ever since.

This one man is free, his cronies are too and few elite individuals has all the powers of the state. They can do and is befallen all the gracious gifts of the state. These ones are untouchables and the ones who profits on the system. A system that has been created and is fuelled by the Presidency itself.

With this in mind, you can see. I haven’t mentioned liberty and freedom. Neither, have I mentioned justice or rule of law. Because, that is beneath the current state of affairs. Where everything is run as shop and the shopkeeper is the President. He can be bought, he can select who gets to trade and who gets the liberty to do things. If you are in his way, you will be punished and will be hurt. It is just a matter of what legal means and methods the state can use against you. The state will not blink to strike against the ones who are in the way of the President. That is the reality of it all.

This is why after 58 years of independence. The state is still an individual game. A place of where the adherent power is using all arms of government to promote itself. Instead, of being a partisan and open society. It is locked within the ruling regime and only a skin-deep “democratic values” put forward to appease friendly donors of the state.

The President has no interest is playing out a real democracy. He has dreamed of a movement system and have everyone underneath his ranks. The man would prefer to just have everyone within his own organization. This is why his belief of liberty, freedom and justice is limited. A limited world-view, where everything circles around him. That is the sad reality of today.

Museveni has given freedom to few, but not to the many. They have to follow him and his vision. If you don’t, you get punished or hurt. That is the mere reality. That is why the Nation isn’t free. Yes, the orders of London is gone, but the Entebbe State House is still suffocating people. Still, silencing the ones who dares to challenge the throne. They are monitored, surveillance and arrests the ones who goes across the correct line.

This is why…. its a state of a limited freedom. Where Museveni and his ways are limiting it. That is remains of today. As today could just be under the same banner as NRM Day. The President and his party celebrate both days the same. It is the same false liberation under the banner of one man. A man who wants to be foundation and the cornerstone of the Republic.

However, when history will be written. The ideals, the political dogma will be unleashed with all the skeletons that has to be answered for. Which until now… been left and lest we forget, these has to be liberated too. As they have to be remembered and never forgotten. These souls has get answers for… if they are not answered for. Then, we will repeat the same sins as our forefathers and we will not progress to a place of hope, freedom and liberty.

A place not ruled by ones man’s whim, but by the statutes, laws and regulations, which everyone will abide too. Also, the ones in the highest of offices and the poorest peasants too. That everyone is equal under the law. That everyone has the same rights and the prospects. Not just a few, not just the ones anointed by the “high above”. Peace.

Mzee’s unhinged speech

“If you stand in the way of the NRM after patiently working and negotiating, we shall remove you. If you are doing other things, we may not be happy, but we shall ignore you” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (20.08.2020).

Today is the final day of the National Resistance Movement Delegation Conference ahead of the 2021 elections. It has been very standard, but the today the President is holding his Address to the Nation. Which is like most of his speeches. He has done the same over the years. Tonight is no difference.

He will do his thing and tonight was nothing different. That’s why I will just take a few small quotes. Address them and call it a night.

Here we go:

“I thank NRM people for participating in the past election. Stop being enemies of yourselves. Our only enemy is the one who tries to block our forward movement” (Museveni 20.08.2020).

“That is why we fought with Idi Amin. Some people say we fought Amin because he killed people. Even if he hadn’t killed people, we would remove him because he didn’t understand our mission” (Museveni, 20.08.2020).

“‘I have met people like Full Figure, Buchaman. I demand that the NRM leaders avoid the politics of elitism. In Luweero, when we were fighting, we were with the people” (Museveni, 20.08.2020).

It is just like we are supposed to brush over these things. That the President goes to these attacks on people. He does it so easily. Makes people targets and shows his attitude. The president always got to remove, crush or get rid off. That is just his ways and he doesn’t know anything else at this point.

What is also striking is that he continues to forge the narrative around the bush-war. It is a story that never gets old. It a revolving door. He even proves what was his mission. The mission wasn’t to liberate, but for him to rule. To ensure that the NRM got power. The importance wasn’t to get rid of Amin and Obote. No, it was only for the NRM to rule and for him to stay in power. This is what he initially stated today. You gloss over that, but incidentally what his saying, which is showing the grim reality of his reign. When that was the goal of the whole bush-war for him.

That his continuing to pound for the ghetto as a result of Bobi Wine’s rise. His doing this to prove his stature that and also his party. However, that is a neglected area. He can try to softly make it into the struggle story, but that doesn’t make it more true. As the NRM haven’t done much for the ghettos, but now want to be seen as the saviours of it.

Therefore, the whole speech today was just another one. There was nothing brilliant about it. Just another rant… Peace.