That the process of choosing National Unity Platform (NUP) Member of Parliament (MP) Flag-Bearers has been painful for a few. It is like the ones who has a presence and had a office. Expected to be the natural and upper-echelon from the get-go. They anticipated because of their standing as MPs that they would get the candidacy within the NUP.
These two being Michael Mabikke and Moses Kasibante. Mabikke is the former Makindye East MP and expected to be the standing on the role. Kasibante was expecting to get nominated for the Rubaga North.
Mabikke have jumped from his own party the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Democratic Party (DP) or the DP Block. When that went sour, he went directly to NUP wanting the spot there. Seemingly fishing for relevance and wanting to be on the easiest ticket to the Parliament.
Kasibante wanted a easy way out too. As he was running as an independent, which he has done since 2012. He had to contest his seat after 2011 and went to the Courts. Overturned it and retained the seat. So, the two term MP knows the drill. Still, he was fishing for relevancy and a bigger stage.
This is why Mabikke and Kasibante went to the NUP. They were both trying to configure their tickets. To ensure an easier way to the Parliament. Use the NUP and Bobi Wine to extend the electorate.
Mabikke have been jumping around forever. He has tried to figure out a way of becoming vital somewhere. A way to be serious and not just a brief-case party politician. Because, who knows what the SDP is and what it works for. Other then finding ways of getting more exposure.
These two are meal-ticket politicians. They seemed like a win the minute they went from the DP and independence into the NUP. This was a sort of act done to boost the NUP. Still, they haven’t been as powerful or have the abilities, which the party was looking for. Seeing how they have acted after the failure to retain the Flag-Bearer and Candidacy for MP within the party.
It proves that they are not there for the struggle or the cause of the party. They were only for personal gains. This is why they have gone after the party after loosing out. These two great minds thought it was automatic. Because, of their names and their pre-position. That they couldn’t be challenged within the party.
Mabikke and Kasibante has lost out… that is clear. Both of them bashed in glory when they became members. Thinking they would have a simple road to the Parliament in 2021. Now, they have to go against the NUP Flag-Bearer and everyone else in the race.
That will either backfire for the party or be a blessing for them. Still, we can easily see why they went here. It wasn’t for the People Power Movement or their ideals. Just how to secure a meal-ticket and get a boost of their career within a party, which has a growing momentum. Peace.
The Democratic Party is being totally purged by the National Unity Platform (NUP). The DP have today lost 10 MPs. In the 2016 election the party got 15 MPs. So, there is a total free for all. Norbert Mao has really lost out today. This is the biggest purge in a long while.
Norbert Mao must be screeching and teething as his seeing his top shot MPs … going for Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. NUP has a big big blow to the DP today. This here is like aiming at the heart of the DP. This is the supposed third term for Mao, but his not able to keep his ducks in a row.
We can see how his losing. I saw the three earlier today, but now a few hours later. This is seriously rattling the cage. Bobi Wine can smile to the bank. He has raided a party and gotten their biggest MPs. The likes of Mpuuga, Nambooze, Ssewanyana, Kivumbi and Namayanja. All of these will be flag-bearers who can flex for the party.
Just look here!
“DP MPs cross to #PeoplePower’s NUP
Mathias Mpuuga from DP
Joseph Ssewungu DP
Medard Ssegona DP
Betty Nambooze DP
Moses Kasibante Ind
Muwanga Kivumbi DP
Allan Ssewanyana DP
Ssempala Kigozi DP
Ssentongo Robinah DP
Veronica Namaganda DP
Florence Namayanja DP” (Uganda Radio Network, 13.08.2020).
This here is insane. Just imagine that the about 66% of the DP MPs crossed today to NUP. That is major blow. This is like a kill-shot. Yes, the DP can field new flag-bearers. In Masaka, Mpuuga might met Bwanika or Mbidde, but that is not heated competition there. The others are having huge bases where they elected.
We can really see that Bobi Wine has taken over Baganda and the DP caucus there. This without being long in the political sphere. This is depleting the DP party. We can just wonder if others will follow too. As there soon final deadlines for nominations in the parties and the tickets are finalized.
Mao should cry today. Either that or raise havoc. He should be fuming, but understand that acting like a big-shot on NBS Frontline clearly isn’t enough.
Bobi Wine is winning. No doubt. The DP is dying and the umbrella is taking over. Evidently 66% MPs switched to NUP. That’s a train-wreck signal of the DP, but also a sign of strength for the NUP. Bobi Wine can wave a flag tonight. His gotten the bag without doing much today. Peace.
Today, there are three MPs who are announced at National Unity Platform Party Office in Kamwokya. These are Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana and Rubaga North MP Moses Kasibante. All of these MPs are leaving the Democratic Party and becoming NUP Flag-Bearers in the up-coming 2021 elections.
Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine didn’t even need to join the DP. He got the big-shots and the MPs who are vocally from the party. The DP Block leaders will be happy that Ssewanyana leaves the party. While we know Nambooze haven’t been friendly with Mao of late. Kasibante is seeking a new home and found safety here.
Nambooze have been moving along to elsewhere for a while. She has been part of People’s Government and been close to Besigye. That she now moves to NUP was in the cards. She’s been in Parliament since 2010 for Mukono and have drifted away from DP. We can see that since the 2016 elections. Therefore, today wasn’t a shocker, but was anticipated.
Nambooze have been in too trouble for her stances. Been treated with vile force. House raided, tortured and arrested for her stances. Therefore, she knows the cost of defying the state. Betty knows perfectly well and will continue this part with her change of party.
Ssewanyana, the MP for DP since 2016, the former Sports Editor and Chairman of Katwe United. Who has been arrested, charged and been in to much trouble in his term. A vocal opposition MP. A certain type that makes headlines without even trying. Just by opposing the government and its policies. That’s why this man is the perfect fit for the NUP at this point.
Kasibante have been in Parliament since 2012. Who is a DP MP, but on the pages of the Parliament his registered as Independent. Surely, he has gone more and more away. These are people who has associated themselves with the NUP and People Power.
So that Nambooze, Ssewanyana and Kasibante is all expected at this point. That they would either got to NUP or ANT. These was all individuals who was drifting away from Mao and the DP. They where abandoning the project, one by one.
It is not surprising. This is typical election season, but also a matter of making advances ahead of the polls. This is to score relevance and be part of the right team. They are fleeing DP to get more suction. This is Baganda MPs leaving the DP party.
Norbert Mao knew he would loose Lukwago and Nambooze. That was just a matter of time this time around. That he laso looses Ssweanyana is a loss, but the allies within DP Block will be happy if the rumours are correct. Give way to others to run on the DP ticket in Makindye West. Kasibante leaves Rubaga North and opens for another there too.
They are fleeing a sinking ship… to a party, which is on the rise. Bobi Wine has scored a victory with these folks in his team. While DP is even more weakened. The DP should start to reconsider their methods, as the ones vying for re-elections are abandoning them.
This are all vocal MPs and are people who are popular in their areas. These are not just some random MPs who nobody knows. Nambooze and Kasibante has been defiant for so long. They have suffered for it and now they are becoming NUPs.
This is a blow today for the DP and worth to celebrate for NUP. However, let see how this unfolds in the up-coming elections. Peace.
“All of you are crying that Government money does not reach you. The mistake is on your side. With the bullets that NRM sent for you to shoot, you focus on the wrong people. You vote people to Parliament who cannot help you” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the 10th April 2019 at Kampala Women’s Day Celebration
If you would ever wonder if Bosco, the Jajja of the Republic would show mercy or care for thoughts, which is not his own. Put statements like these on the wall. As it shows his shallow mind and his real motivation.
For President Museveni, the Multiparty Democracy was never the ideal. It was always the motive to make the Republic into the vision of the Movement System. Because through that he could control it and own it.
Yoweri has been constant with this and it shows all the time. He is steady on this vision and the move to silence, stop or even hurt the ones that crosses his way. That is what the President does, that is why the President says, he doesn’t give funds too or says even he has taken districts out of the maps. As the public voted for the wrong party. This is something the President has said in the past. Therefore, what he said today isn’t new, just another quote to his narrow-minded world-view.
He blames the public for not getting state services, because they voted for the wrong people. The wrong people, meaning the opposition like Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and FDC MPs in the Kampala Metropolitan Area. The MPs from Kampala there are 4 MPs from FDC, 4 MPs Independent and 1 MP from the Democratic Party (DP). Therefore, the Capital City have voted for everything else, but NRM MPs.
That is what he said today. He did this, as he thinks people have forgotten how little he cared for even giving the public to chance to vote in the General Election of 2015. However, I do and I know didn’t give them much way. That is why the public didn’t regard much for the elections in Wakiso or Kampala during the last elections.
So, Mr. President, your showing your disregard, not only for multiparty democracy, but also for Statesmanship and grace. Instead of showing mercy and solitude to their acts of choosing other people, than your hand-picked cronies. They voted for other representatives, which was their choice. They just happen to other, than the ones who you saw fit at the time. Because, you expect blind submission and love. However, that is not how the world works. This is also why you lost to Sam Kuteesa in 1980 Election, but we don’t need to discuss about that.
Ragga Dee was nothing compared to Lukwago. We know this, but you act like the Golden Boy of Gen. Salim Selah would change the Capital City. But we know differently. Don’t act a fool, Mr. President. But in this case you do.
Maybe, you Mr. President should get better people to represent you and your causes, whatever they are? They are lost in the whirlwind of time and surely, unless eating GAVI funds was a part of the 10 Point Programme. Who knows what your motivation are? Except for running for life and micro-managing every street of the Republic. That is who you are and acts like.
Your showing your lackluster value of peoples choices, of democracy and also of governance. As you are indirectly saying, that your punishing the districts or counties, where the opposition is represented. This in part show how little your mind is and how much of tyrant you are. Since, you cannot must courage to understand, why people don’t love you or your ways. However, that maybe got lost when you stole milk as a kid or when you went to the Bush. Who knows? Only you I suppose.
Surely, the Republic deserve a fair and respectable leader, not someone entitled as you. You think your the only man with a vision, I beg to differ. There are various of people who has a vision for the Republic. They might even get the Republic into the 5th Industrial Revolution…. Peace.
As of yesterday theHon. Michael Kabazigurukaof Nakawa, Kampala is have been questioned in recent days at the SIU Kireka, as of the rumored plots of serious conspiracy against the state! While FDC’s Presidential Candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye is still charged with treason in Luzria Maximum Security Prison. So two major key players who are against the NRM Regime is detained, while the homes of Hon. Kabaziguruka both in Kampala and the on at Lake View Village have been searched. He has later gotten back to his home in Kampala and is set under House Arrest! According to the family friends on ground, over 8 police cars and over 25 security personnel both in uniform and in non uniform around the house of Hon. Kabaziguruka!
“Case against Besigye, oppo. figures fails to kick off due to lack of bench quorum, adjourned untilJune 23” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016).
“Nakawa MP Michael Kabazigurukareleased on police bond, under house arrest at his Luzira home” (NBS TV Uganda, 10.06.2016).
As much as also Darius Tweyambe, the Rukungiri Campaign director for FDC has been harassed by the Police Force of late. There been Kifesi gang that has tried to get rid of him. The regime has escalated the violence against the FDC.
Erias Lukwago Statement:
“This afternoon, Hon. Moses Kasibante and I moved to the home of Hon. Michael Kabaziguruka at Lake View village Luzira, to witness a Police search. It was obvious that the police were on a fishing expedition, in a futile attempt to link him to subversion. They have now whisked him back to SIU Kireka, without any formal charge being preferred against him” (Lukwago, 09.05.2016).
Just as this is happening the Forum for Democratic Change Headquarters in Najjankumbi in Kampala have been yet again besieged by the Police. The Police are working hard to manufacturing evidence of conspiracy as they are responsible for insurgency in Uganda.
” According to the Uganda Police: “FDC has a 3D printer that prints guns”, is this the 3D Printer, the one pictured from FDC HQ?
I am sure that CP Fred Enaga or ACP Polly Namaye are soon coming out with a statement that they had intelligence for some serious danger of national security and that there were persons involved in the party that are involved in possible crimes against the state. What the Ugandan Government isn’t saying that they fear the FDC Radicals and the FDC men behind Dr. Kizza Besigye, who knows how the Republic of Uganda, got stolen again from President Museveni. Therefore they are oppressive from the ones they stole it from, as they know that the Police under IGP Kale Kayihura is working for the National Resistance Movement. And they don’t do this to much of the others as they doesn’t have the same assertiveness behind their cause and justified the means of questioning the General Election of 2016. Peace.
The dark shaddow over the day is knowing that so many of Opposition is unlawfully detained and silenced as the giant feast is happening at Kololo. The country is diveded between the men and woman who lavishly have it all and the ones who doesn’t have basic rights even. Therefore the UCC and Government had to even ban Social Media and make the words of mouth silenced, though there ways of countering that.
Still, and still! The Lord Mayor are behind bars in his own home, still without charge or warrent, his words says it all. Take a look!
Statement by Erias Lukwago today:
“DAY 8 OF HOUSE ARREST. It’s certainly a day that will live in infamy. You cannot drag a young nation into a devastating 5 year guerrilla war and renege on the promise to restore a sustainable constitutional order that would guarantee orderly succession to power; bastardize the entire nation and turn it into a personal estate; organise sham elections and entrench a personal rule for 30 solid years; institutionalise a reign of terror, persecute and humiliate your political opponents, including your contemporaries like Dr. Besigye, Gen. Ssejusa, Gen. Muntu, Mbabazi etc; and then, majestically match to the Kololo independence grounds, stand by the graveyard where the remains of Yusuf Lule and Ignatius Musaazi were interred and proclaim that you derive inspiration from the likes of Mugabe, Nguema, Idris Debby, Santos, Biya etc. With all due respect, Sir, I wouldn’t attend that function even if I had not been incarcerated at home” (Luwkago, 12.05.2016).
This here is never-ending saga as he now feeling the same as Dr. Kizza Besigye, Besigye was last time 40 days under House-Arrest in Kasangati. Now it’s been 7 days for both of them. The leaders of Forum for Democratic Change are under siege and their homes are not free as the country is neither free and under the control of President Museveni. Who shows no mercy towards his opposition and the ones who are not loyal to him.
Still it is good to see that the Police Officers open the doors to fellow citizens to greet the Lord Mayor as they could have done what they do in Kasangati. In Kasangati anybody who tries to visit Besigye get Detained! So this here is something positive in the midst of darkness.
Well, here is his statement and read it.
Statement from Lord Mayor Lukwago:
“DAY 7 OF HOUSE ARREST. What would ordinarily be a special day on my personal calendar unfolds with such uncanny feelings, pondering how it is going to be yet another vile experience in my life as I commemorate my 46th BIRTHDAY anniversary under illegal incarceration. I was on the brink of flipping the lid and vent out my anguish on this Platform, but then I reminded myself that great icons of civil liberties like Mandela did not have the luxury of celebrating such memorable events in one’s lifetime for over two decades. The only one little thing that has given me a fresh heart, though, is the sweet mother-to-child telephone conversation I have had this morning with HAJJAT SALMA NAKAYAGA. At the tail end of the said soothing talk she quipped, in a rather frail and resigned voince; ”YASI (she has fondly called me like that since childhood) nze ensonga z’omusajja oyo akutulugunya nazikwasa munyazimungu yatalemelerwa”( I placed the controversial matters concerning you and your chief tomentor in the able hands of the almighty). I should also acknowledge the kind gesture of my dear sister, Hon. Mp Bakireke Nambooze, Hon. Moses Kasibante, some Authority councillors, city mayors and a score of other friends and relatives, who paid me a courtesy call and generously brought lots of foodstuffs for my persecuted family. Of course, I can’t forget all of you, my amazing friends; your unflinching support and encouragement has definitely enabled me to soldier on against all odds. Together we shall overcome what apparently many pessimists perceive to be insurmountable challenges. For God and My Country” (Lukwago, 11.05.2016).
I think that is enough for now. Congratulation on your day Lord Mayor Lukwago and you shall overcome! Peace.
The third day and the polls continue to dropped while ballot boxes comes to surface as we know the police officers took them away on the polling stations. There has now been found at NRM candidates as Hon. Oulanyah of Omoro had boxes hidden, and Police had boxes containing the votes for Dr. Kizza Besigye.
The Dr. Kizza Besigye story continues:
As the third day and the counting continues. Dr. Kizza Besigye is after being arrested twice, is now put under house-arrest in his home in Kasangati in Wakiso District, after being taken by force yesterday from the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi.and later detained at Nagalama; and at late night driven home by Police, even if the FDC men wanted to make sure that Ingrid Turinwa was also safe, but the Police whisked away the men and sent them home. That was not only Besigye, but also Gen. Mugisha Munut and Biriggwa Wasswa.
Red Pepper writes:
“DEVELOPING STORY: Police has blocked all roads leading to the home of Kizza Besigye in Kasangati. No person is allowed to enter or leave his home. Journalists have been turned away” (Red Pepper, 20.02.2016).
Daily Monitor writes:
“A heavily armed police garrison at Dr. Besigye’s home blocks our editor, Bagyenzire Atuhaire Alex from accessing the home of the FDC presidential flag bearer; they won’t take questions on who has ordered them to block visitors to Dr. Besigye’s private home. Besigye is under siege, he can’t leave home. All entrances are blocked by police” (Daily Monitor, 20.02.2016)
As well as journalists not allowed at the gate of his home, his lawyers Daudi Mpanga and Ernest Kalibbala have been turned away at the gate. The FDC Campaign has also not been allowed to enter his home or be there together with Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Dr. Kizza Besigye was taken home by the Police without a belt, phone or money. Besigye does not have a phone for the moment, the internet in the home is jammed by the police. This is reportes of this from Winnie Byanyima the wife of Besigye .
The amount of Police in the surrounding areas: “1200 policemen and military have been deployed on all major roads that lead to Besigye’s home in Kasangati” (Kampala FM, 20.02.2016).
As Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago tried to access the house of Besigye he was arrested by the Police today. FDC Party President Gen. Mugisha Muntu has not been allowed through the gates to Besigye’s home.
Amama Mbaabzi house in Kololo suburbs of Kampala was sealed off yesterday by Police and Field Formation Unit. Have not heard any reports since then, so expect that he is still under house-arrest today, and would like to be verified if not.
There have been put up roadblocks on Entebbe Highway around Lubowa and it’s been there since last night!
“Roadblocks mounted on major roads in & out of Kampala: Jinja Gayaza, Kampala-Gulu, Masaka, Hoima, Kampala-Mubende & Entebbe” (WBS TV Uganda, 20.02.2016).
In Kasese:
“Reports reaching us indicate that: One person shot dead as police disperse protesters in Kasese. People are demanding release of final results for Thursday elections” (Hello Uganda, 20.02.2016).
Ofwono Opondo has continued his arrogance on today’s Capital Ganag: “It is not enough people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything”.Comment: He has just followed the Dictator of Joseph Stalin and he is such an inspiration these days for you.
As the missing ballot boxes seems to surface: “Besigye has won Acet, Odek and Omoro counties, but Police hid the boxes” (87.7 Kampala FM, 20.02.2016).
Hon. Oulanyah reports: “A total of seven white ballot boxes, three of which had pre-ticked ballot papers were found in Hon. Oulanyah’s Omoro constituency this morning, reports indicate” (Red Pepper, 20.02.2016).
Interesting right? Especially with the findings in this home as well. There is certainly big tale of fixing results from Omoro alone. And wonder if that is the only area where the elections has unfolded like this. Let all of us just think about that while the Electoral Commission adds more numbers from their cooked numbers as we speak.
I wonder what the reason by this story:
Here is a woman released after Electoral Violence detained on 17th February and released late last night on 19th February. She was Carol Natukunda and what did she do, that is what I wonder about, what was the reason for the Police to detain her on the 17th February?
Another missing story is this one here:
What was in the house and story am I missing?
A Plot Twist:
“Kasibante has Declaration forms that show he won the 2016 Lubaga North parliamentary election. The Electoral Commission ordered by Museveni to declare Betty Kamya (Ask yourselves Why?)! The good thing the gentleman has all his forms signed by all officials” (Radio Free Buganda, 20.02.2016)
I have officially quit listening to Andrew Mwenda as he describes the world in a sense seems like a fairytale world. His tweets are like a dream-land and defending the NRM into oblivion and attacking the opposition while the opposition is jailed, detainer or arrested. Even Abed Bwanika has been detained yesterday if you didn’t capture that in the FDC saga and demonstrations in Kampala, that happen after the Police went crazy at the FDC HQ.
Find one thing wrong during my last remarks:
Today the NRM Talley Center at Jokas Hotel has addressed the media on 20.02.2016 while FDC tried to the same at their Headquarter on the 19th January and then the Helicopter with tear-gas came and the military police arrested them all. Why didn’t the Police enter and take down the NRM tally Center as the Electoral Commission is only allowed to do so, they said that yesterday didn’t they?
Well, there seems to still not being close to being a level playing-field in this elections. And there will continue with political movements until it is all uncovered. Peace.
On Saturday and Sunday last week, I joined Dr Kizza Besigye as he campaigned in Mityana and Mubende districts. On Monday, Besigye campaigned in the districts of Kyegegwa and Kyenjojo. He was in Kamwenge yesterday and will today traverse Bundibugyo and Ntoroko. Col Besigye will complete the Tooro sub-region tomorrow and return to Ankole through Rubirizi, up to Bushenyi.
The response in Mityana was overwhelming, but expected. It is Mubende that made a big statement. I travelled in the same vehicle with Kampala lord mayor Erias Lukwago and Lubaga North MP Moses Kasibante. Because of the crowds along the main road, we occasionally stopped to at least greet them.
A senior NRM leader from Mubende later told me that “the MPs may win, but for Mzee, I don’t know”. Mubende has in the past overwhelmingly voted for Museveni, the reason it was nicknamed the Karamoja of Buganda. But this Karamoja of Buganda has significantly changed.
At Busimbi grounds, where we had the main rally, the crowd was as big as has been the case elsewhere, almost bigger than Mukono’s. The enthusiasm, especially among young people, was even more humbling. And there is no better person that illustrated the need for change than Mr Odrek Rwabwogo, husband to one of President Museveni’s daughters. While campaigning for the post of NRM vice chairman in charge of western Uganda, Rwabwogo noted that his father-in-law seized power when Uganda had 10 million people. Last year’s national census put the country’s total population at over 34 million people. This means that at least 24 million people have been born when Museveni is president. And to Rwabwogo, the new generation needed some “fresh air”.
That is what I saw in Mubende. Blue T-shirts bearing the FDC logo and Dr Besigye’s portrait were not being distributed but sold along streets. And of course Besigye continued receiving gifts, especially goats, everywhere he went. There is a gentleman who gave him Shs 400,000 at the Mubende rally. This one did it more dramatically by handing him a Shs 50,000 note at a time as the crowd ululated. The same man again pulled out a bundle of Shs 20,000 notes and started showering lord mayor Lukwago with a note at a time. This was followed by the offering of goats, some draped in Besigye posters.
The NRM leader I mentioned earlier told me “it will be difficult to resist the wave of change this time”.
I am sure Mr Museveni watches and analyses these images daily. He knows his days are numbered. It is the reason he has started attacking media organizations. The crime of NTV and Daily Monitor is to continue broadcasting and printing these images. At FDC, we actually think the media has not reported the full extent of this wave of change, but we are not editors to determine that. The truth is that Besigye has bigger crowds than all the other candidates combined. And these crowds are not ferried, because the FDC and all Besigye supporters don’t have enough resources.
You remember the talk of switching off NTV? Thank God it was a rumour. I have been told other TV proprietors, including those of NBS and WBS, have been summoned by State House and warned. Of course for Daily Monitor, it is routine. When the paper had just started, Museveni always complained against it and its founders were dismissed as Acholis who wanted to remove the new government. All people with names starting with letter O – Obbo, Oguttu, Ogen and Ouma – have since left the Monitor but Museveni’s hatred continues. I will, in a future article, revisit this relationship.
I want to concentrate more on the Sunday violence in Ntungamo. I saw images of young people wearing Museveni campaign T-shirts being battered by candidate Amama Mbabazi’s supporters. And this was also expected. There is no presidential candidate that has suffered at the hands of NRM hooligans like Amama. Television stations showed us NRM youths defacing Amama’s posters in Bushenyi in broad daylight. And Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde flew a Museveni campaign chopper to the venue of Mbabazi’s rally in Fort Portal, moments before his arrival! All these look like actions of a panicky dictator. I was happy when NRM Secretary General Kasule Lumumba condemned these actions and distanced the ruling party from them. But the fact that they have continued is a clear indicator that someone somewhere is encouraging and probably financing them. What the police should have done was to arrest Ronald Kibuule when he lined up NRM youths along Mukono town council streets to provoke Amama.
Again police should have arrested Ntungamo municipality MP Yona Musinguzi who was seen distributing Museveni T-shirts to youths that stormed the venue for a Mbabazi rally. The reason presidential candidates harmonized campaign programmes was to avoid such scenarios. What inspector general of police Kale Kayihura is forgetting is that when you unleash violence, you are actually teaching everybody to be violent. In fact, Amama’s supporters have tolerated this for too long. Instead of protecting a regime that has lost popularity, Gen Kale Kayihura should prepare and begin rehearsing how to lose and hand over power. This is inevitable.
Today Kampala turned BLUE. The FDC colors flying high and blue shirts everywhere. After the Yellow fever yesterday and the buses from around the country and people left behind. There was people stranded in Kampala after the Kololo Independence Nomination Rally of the NRM and there was none buses going back to Lira, Gulu and other places where the buses came from. Though I will not discuss that further! Wait, maybe a hot minute, but it is not important considering the action that really happen in Kampala. What I will discuss it what has happen today and how it has gone.
Though this day of the FDC couldn’t be itself without the honor of the Police showing the People’s President some extra service, both in worth and in namesake, being courted to the Commission by Police Office Besigye and also getting a warning by Uganda Police Force! Because the Forum for Democratic Change has to get that – and is never excused for what they do!
A tiny report on some of these people travelling to Kololo yesterday:
“People in my mother home Kabale you have to inform me on this! Crime preventers who were transported to Kololo on Monday to entertain President M7’s nomination have been stranded in Nyamukana-Ntungamo this evening, that they have spent 2days without eating. That they driver of Kigezi college Butobere who was driving them stopped and parked the vehicle on road-side claiming that the tyre got a puncture. He told them to wait 4 the bus of Kigezi high school which was still behind but they waited in vain and decided to walk on foot.They were crying like babies coz mbu they weren’t given any single coin”.
Adam Bwainka of the People’s Development Party arrived at Namboole for the nominations today on a boda-boda. He has said this today: “If we are going to turn around our Economy. We must be firm on our Education” (…)”I have researched that 100 MPs in the 9th Parliament has never gone to school” (…)”When Idi Amin left Power we had 12 planes, now we have none”. After the nomination the Electoral Commission has given Mr. Adam Bwaina a security detail and a car so he doesn’t have to leave the venue on a Boda-Boda; where he was headed to Nsambya Sharing Hall for starting his campaign!
Further deflections has happen Lord Mayor of Kampala Erias Lukwago has gone to the FDC and taken part of the Nomination rally. Other DP high standing members are Moses Kasibante and Allan Sewanyana. Also Denis Onekalit the MP aspirant for Kitgum and also Naru Nakalema was also a part of nomination of Dr. Kizza Besigye.
“The Blue siege of the city, the energy of our young people! We have a sacred duty to engage our youths to build a stronger prosperous Uganda” – Asuman Kiyingi (Independent Candidate).
At Namboole today the Presidential Candidates got their nominations about the same time as the President had a Press Conference at the Statehouse in Entebbe after having his own nomination yesterday. Where he said: “How can you create jobs without an foundation? That is why the NRM says les priorities peace” (…)”Birigimana exposed the theft in the Office of the Prime Minister” (…)”Bambi, we have been moving forward since 1986, sorry” . While he was saying this Dr. Kizza Besigye was crossing town, I am sure there was more people walking amongst the FDC leader then the brothers watching and listening to the President on the different media’s at the same time. That I say with the Photo evidence of how the capitol looked blue today!
Dr. Kizza Besigye said this after being nominated by the Electoral Commission today:
“I have been nominated by an Electoral Commission that I protest, a Commission that is not independent. We are going to engage in a three phase struggle;
-the first phase is a liberation struggle, to take power from those who wield it using the weapons of coercion and put it back in the hands of the people.
-The second phase is the Reconfiguration of the Institutions of the People (The Electoral Commission, The Police, The Military, The Judiciary etc.) and make them bonafide institutions of the people.
-The third phase is the Transformation of our country to enable the citizens to live in a country that they are proud of, that they share all the resources of the Country equally”.
Dr. Kizza Besigye, the FDC Flag Bearer duly nominated at exactly 12:00 noon by EC Chair Engineer Badru Kigundi. And he is now addressing the press:
“I have nothing against the fine ladies and gentlemen that constitute the electoral commission. I have problems with the institution. We need a truly independent electoral commission”.
The one who got turned away yesterday Presidential Aspirant Charles Lwanga Bbaale came back to be nominated today.
Another candidate who wanted to be nominated was Joseph Mabirizi of The Independent Coalition. At the nominations was his team who was Omar Kalinge, Vicks Kingo and Kyuma Kyayesu.
The only female Presidential Aspirant Maureen Faith Kyala was turned away by not having her credentials or papers ready; not having the papers correct for the A-Levels and National ID papers. Therefore if she wants her nominations she has to had this sorted out before 4PM today. After being turned away she arrived at the same time as Joseph Mabirizi. Then on the second coming today she got her verification and also possible Presidential aspirant.
In the midst of this blue power sessions and other candidates; where was Malcom “Dan” Matsiko? Wasn’t you supposed to be a candidate for the NFT or New Form for Thinking. Wasn’t you a Presidential Aspirant as well?
Ben Biiaro has not been seen at Namboole today… the reports was coming quickly when he only had 45 minutes left of his deadline to show up if he still wanted to be Presidential Aspirant. They we’re also waiting for the nomination candidate for Charles Bbale Lwanga. Charles Bbale Lwanga has been turned away for the second time because he had a cheque of the 20 million instead of a bank draft.
Maj. Gen. Ben Biiaro of the Farmers Party came 5 minutes before the deadline to get his nomination verified. The Electoral Commission started and scrutinized the nomination papers of his. After a while Dr. Kiggundu stamped and appends the papers. This means that he became the 8th candidate in the Presidential race for February 2016.
While on the road to Namboole and to Nakivubo Stadium there has been one man in the shadow of the Dr. Kizza Besigye has been Gen. Mugisha Muntu. Who has been sitting comfortable and swallowed being in the political shadow of the People’s President!
“A guy (possibly a carpenter to or from a workshop) with a backpack on is back was among a multitude of Besigye supporters lining up the road. He pulled out a hammer from his bag, ran and handed it over to Kizza-Besigye Wrn and he disappeared. I hope that picture will get published. Another man, in front of EC offices pulled out $300 and handed it over to Besigye. He also disappeared into the crowd. To both men, Besigye held his right hand to his chest and bowed to them. That is humility. Those are small gestures that live in my memory. Besigye has made people believe” Source: Ronald Muhinda a Kampala based radio journalist.
At 3PM the traffic was already in a standstill on Jinja Road when the Dr. Kizza Besigye was having his convoy towards the Nomination Rally at the Nakivubo Stadium.
There was a calm and energetic movement through town! IT took five whole hours to cross that; we’re massive crowds meeting the FDC Flag-Bearer. The stadium was filled hours before he came; reasons why it took him such long time to cross town.
The Town went totally Blue and FDC. There was nothing like yesterday. Yesterday was like meek celebration. Where the buses was sent from Up-Country to come to Kampala and while there where people hiking on the trucks to get to Nakivubo Stadium.
At the Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium first speaker today was Gen. David Sejusa aka Tinyefuza. He said this: “We do not make our own shoes, we are wearing dead people’s clothes, that is how you measure what Museveni has done” (…)”Government offers $ 1 per child a day in UPE. Ours (learnt) earn UGX 20, 000 – UGX 50, 000 a day, A $ 1 child can not compete with ours”. FDC Ibrahim Semujju Nganda called out John-Ken Lukyamuzi of the Conservative Party to greet the Supporters. Where Lukyamuzi said: “Those who were here yesterday on Amama Mbabazi rally cannot speak for CP better then myself”. After that Mayor Erias Lukwago congratulated Dr. Kizza Besigye with the nomination and said: “But we have Generals on our side, Gen Sejusa, Col Besigye, Gen Muntu and Lt Gen Lukwago” and ends: “ONE UGANDA” the crowds answers “ONE PEOPLE!”. Gen. Mugisha Muntu came on and said this: “We know our main challenge is to remove the regime in February” (…)”You cannot have a roof without a strong foundation”.
After him came Dr. Kizza Besigye:
“In Uganda, are tired and tired completely” (…)”Our journey begins today, allow me to thank God first” (…)”I want to thank Muntu because the party he leads is a democratic party” (…)”I thank you Kampala dwellers for showing the world today that we have a reason for this struggle” (…)”the reason for all of this is because our county is in captivity. Only a few people decide for all of us” (…)”whatever has brought this current situation is because our country is not our own hands” (…)”You voted Lukwago overwhelmingly in Kampala but he is the office of the Lord Mayor?” (…)”I promise you that I will liberate the country” (…)”I’ve been nominated to stand with you and work with the people”.
Also today in Court:
“Meanwhile, the High Court in Kampala has dismissed with costs the case in which a concerned citizen had sued four top official of the Independent Electoral Commission in their personal capacity for having illegally blocked rallies that were being held by Presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi in the Eastern part of the Country. The four top officials who had been sued are; the chairperson Eng Badru Kiggundu, Mr Jotham Taremwa (spokesperson), Sam Rwakoojo (secretary) and Paul Bukenya (deputy spokesperson)”.
Official from the Electoral Commission:
“BREAKING: Uganda Electoral Commission sets February, 18, 2016 as polling day for president and MPs”.
A Sidenote:
Professor Barya who is one of the candidates also has issued fresh warnings to Amama Mbabazi on using the orange color. Barya maybe you should challange the Orange or the Dutch for it also?
NRM sidenote:
MP Sejobba ask the FDC Musumba if solar exists to power laptops for such children in Busoga.
Another Sidenote:
Tamale Mirundi has confessed that Dr. Kizza Besigye made his day today, and coming from A Pro-Museveni guy as him, and a so-called loyalist it means much. Even though he can be crying hyena and buffoon, but now he proved some clarity, maybe?
This here was a peaceful and magnificent day that proves the power of the People’s President and how he overpowered everything else. The Presidents press conference was a weak portfolio to try to distract the other candidates because he supposed to be the main one. Though it proven with the five hour travel and full house. Kampala totally BLUE! Bwanika why did you have yellow tie, by the way? #Wesige Besigye!
While this was passing by the KCCA was busy taking down illegal elections posters that even Uganda Police Force as said they wanted to eliminate.
“THANKS FOR THE NOMINATION DEMONSTRATION TODAY!”
“The people of Kampala have always given me tremendous support at all the three presidential elections I’ve participated in. At all the Kampala elections, there has been enormous rigging. During every Kampala election, several people are arrested with pre-ticked ballot papers; in polling stations covering military barracks, there’s always a rigging bonanza; many people are always disenfranchised by striking their names off the final register etc. However, in spite of all this rigging, Mr Museveni has never defeated me in Kampala! That’s why on top of calling me the “people’s president”, the people of Kampala call me the “president of Kampala!” (…)“Therefore, I expected a good turn out for my nomination today, in spite of the negative propaganda that has been orchestrated for sometime now. Even then, I was completely overwhelmed by the show of support that we received today. I think that it wasn’t simply a matter of supporting my candidature; it was also our people’s way of demonstration their disgust with the NRM/ Museveni regime” (…)”Apart from the unprecedented crowds, there was show of immense energy and excitement. I was given money contributions all along the way- a total of UShs. 2,779,000= (Two million, seven hundred and seventy nine thousand only), US $ 320= and Nine hundred Oman biasa. I am sure that if we had time at the Nakivubo rally, we would have got much more. I also received a sofa seat, flowerpots, potted plants, spray pump, pair of slippers, many sets of handkerchiefs, bread and many various other small items. Thus, the campaign of defiance has begun. There’s no turning back. Continue to watch the space”.
MinBane 