Opinion: Sorry wange, but it’s not happening…

“The leadership of Parliament is asking the opposition in Parliament to rescind their decision of boycotting the parliamentary sittings saying their issues can be well addressed on the floor of Parliament. Solomon Silwanyi, one of the commissioners of Parliament, says the continued absence of opposition in the House will not only affect the people they represent but also there will be no platform for addressing their concerns” (NBS Television, 07.02.2022).

This is naïve. It is utterly disrespectful and distasteful. It is like Solomon Silwanyi (National Resistance Movement), the Member of Parliament representing Bukooli Central haven’t seen what his government does and how it stifles the opposition in the chambers of the Parliament.

Yes, the Opposition gets to speak and participate in Committee’s, but the results are dead on arrival. Just in the previous 10th Parliament, the MPs was barred from entering ungazetted safe houses. They we’re not allowed to investigate or look into the practices of state security agencies. Therefore, Silwanyi MP must things people are stupid or obviously having short memory span.

As we know the Ministry of Defence and Minister of Internal Affairs will not indulge or budge on the matter. These are confidential and will not unleash the harsh realities. There is only drip-drop of information leaked through witnesses and little-to-a-few court cases diving into the matter. Alas, Silwanyi MP should be a bit sincere.

We know Mathias Mpuuga MP could have spoken his peace and so could other opposition MPs. However, it wouldn’t materialize or create anything substantial. That’s why Nalufenya is still active and several other entities, which does similar practices across the Republic. Therefore, the NRM MP isn’t talking the truth and we know it.

It is not like the Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga going to listen to a petition or a motion to cease with these sorts of activists. No, his avenging his father on the regular and so is other men too. They are using the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Internal Security Organization (ISO), SIU Kireka and the Special Forces Command (SFC) to silence critics and dissidents all over the Republic.

Therefore, MP Silwanyi. If the previous MPs and Parliamentarians couldn’t investigate or enter buildings, which was alleged “safe-houses” … why do you think speaking in the same chambers now will help the cause? Seriously? Do you think the culprits, the ones ordering or the decreeing these matters will stop?

No, they will continue the human rights violations, the burden of proof will never be delivered, as that is the plan from the on-set. To do the deeds in darkness and not allow anyone to shed lights on the matter. Talks, motions or petitions in Parliament will only get you so far.

It is not like the state has stopped arresting, kidnapping, keeping opposition activists and leaders incommunicado, torturing and even extra judicially killing to silence them. Therefore, why does the MP believe their words matters now? When everything ill is happening, and nobody is stopping it. It isn’t like these practices has ceased to exist and not been active. They have been there all along since the inception of the NRM.

He can get high on his own supply, but it doesn’t make it more real. When we know what they can do and without any warning or charges towards the individual. They can just take you or kidnap you without any sort of justification. While the MP wants the Opposition MPs to talk even more. Like that will settle the score and make any ramifications, as long as the practices continues in darkness.

That’s why his whole premise is wrong, and the nativity should be challenged. Because, it is not like the army commanders, the first son or anyone involved wants the record in public. They only want some revealed to spread and show their force. However, they don’t want people to really look into it or stop because then their methods of brutality has to stop.

Something we know isn’t part of the plan… and the Opposition will not be able to stop with some talks or committee meetings in Parliament. Peace.

Opinion: The Use of Torture has been the Modus Operandi of the Museveni era

Amnesty Report March 1989 Page 29

In our traditional societies, torture was commonly used and it was not only accepted but, actually, encouraged. Hence, the proverbs like: “Akabwa kaiba kaihura omugoongo gwaako” in Runyankore and “Akabwa kabbi, kasasula mugoongo” in Luganda. In both dialects, it means that “a stealing dog pays with its back”, i.e. by being struck with sticks (enkoni, emiggo) on the back” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – ‘PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT ON TORTURE’ 16.05.2017).

In these days, the recent torture of Kakwenza Rukira is spinning online and going viral. As he has been through the ringer before and what happened in 2021 isn’t the first time his behind bars or tortured for that matter. The writer and activists has been into legal trouble for his writings and publications. Therefore, he knew what was going on and knew how to tell a story afterwards.

However, most of the ones tortured aren’t high profiled individuals or people in the spotlight. No, they are average citizens who happens to be associated or participate in opposition politics. This being part of any sort of organized political work in association with Dr. Kizza Besigye or Roberet Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Heck, there been torture of members of Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and other party activists as well. Though the most notable and in the press is the one in association with Besigye and Bobi Wine.

Nevertheless, the practice has been going on since the inception of power. Museveni and National Resistance Movement (NRM) have used the same techniques and violent oppression of its predecessor. Maybe not in the Argentina House, but they have perfected elsewhere. Where they are using means to an end and torturing civilians on the regular. The numbers that is reported is only a fragment or maybe just an assumed amount of people tortured. As many doesn’t dare to file a complain or is worried that they would be tortured again for doing so. Therefore, the amount of victims to this practices is unknown and the scale is larger what is known. Because, the security agencies and the NRM will not enlighten the public about this. That is very obvious and clear by how they deny the activities and speaking up against it. While they are continuing the practice…

Here is just a few out-takes from various of reports and articles, which describes what the state has been doing since 1986 till this day.

Amnesty 1986-89:

The elimination of torture was a publicly declared aim of the new government and an early move was Uganda’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which includes a mechanism for hearing individual complaints at the international level. Although the government has succeeded in greatly reducing the use of torture, there is still abundant evidence that the practice has not been eliminated. As with extrajudicial executions, the problem is greatest in those areas where there is armed conflict, although Amnesty International has also continued to document torture in Kampala, both in NRA barracks and in military intelligence and Internal Security Organization headquarters. The best-known and most widely used method of torture under the NRM government has been “three-piece” tying, or kandooya. This involves tying the victim’s arms together above the elbows, behind the back. It can be used as a method of restraint, but it is described as being extremely painful and so can be used deliberately to cause pain and coerce prisoners into making statements during interrogation. Sometimes prisoners tied kandooya-style are beaten at the same time; sometimes their legs are tied up behind their back as well and they are suspended (this is known as “suitcase” or “briefcase “). Unusually, the government has ·acknowledged the use of kandooya, which for a long time was authorized in the NRA as a method of restraint. The government apparently did not accept that it was used as a deliberate method of torture but was convinced, in early 1987, that it was a form of ill-treatment. An order banning kandooya was issued through the NRA chain of command and it is a measure of army discipline that this ban has been widely obeyed although kandooya is undoubtedly still used, especially in the areas of armed conflict” (Amnesty International – Uganda – The Human Rights Record 1986-1989, P:31, March 1989).

Safe-Houses” and the Kandoya technique of torturing:

The types of torture being now committed in Ugandan ungazetted illegal detention places (“safe houses”) include kandoya (tying hands and feet behind the victim); suspension from the ceiling while tied kandoya; water torture or “Liverpool” (forcing the victim to lie face up, mouth open, while the spigot is turned on into his mouth); severe beatings with hands, fists, pistols, metal rods, and wooden sticks with nails protruding; death threats, including putting the nozzle of a pistol into the victim’s mouth, showing him fresh graves, dead bodies, or snakes; putting the victim in the back of a vehicle where his captors sit or put their boots on him; abusive language and threats; and kicking with boots all parts of the body. The torture includes the gang rape of females; and mutilating the male genitalia of suspects, through kicking, beating with sticks, puncturing with hypodermic needles, and tying the penis with wire or weights. The male genital torture cases that Human Rights Watch found are far from the only ones: the UHRC ordered the government to pay damages to a man who was tortured for ninety-three days and who “is not a man anymore.” In many cases, victims are refused medical treatment. Some have died as a result of these and other acts“ (…) “Weakened protections and guarantees facilitate the commission of torture. These unacknowledged places of detention are not visited by outsiders nor by government officials charged with inspecting conditions inside detention cells. The government is provided “deniability” by holding the detainees in secret, and this creates a feeling of impunity among security and intelligence officers. The 1995 Ugandan constitution explicitly outlaws the holding of detainees in unacknowledged or “ungazetted” places of detention, that is, those not published in the official gazette. Police stations are gazetted facilities. UPDF barracks and CMI offices are not gazetted facilities. The other “safe houses” where the non-police agencies hold, interrogate, and torture suspects are not gazetted and are illegal also” (Human Rights Watch – ‘State of Pain: Torture in Uganda’, March 2004).

Systematic torture:

The state uses torture to wear people down, both physically and mentally, to extort information, confess to a crime or until they become so instilled with fear that they are no longer considered a threat to the regime. In the last 10 years, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has lodged more than 7,500 torture complaints” (…) “Victims are sometimes compensated when their cases are heard at the UHRC tribunal, but the perpetrators are hardly ever brought to justice, and they can rarely be identified anyway, since the torture tends to be executed by plain-clothed security operatives” (…) “Brigadier Henry Tumukunde, who was central in establishing the system of safe houses that is still very much in use today. Tumukunde was at one point head of Uganda´s Military Security Organisation, but fell out with the Museveni regime and was sentenced to a spell of house arrest at the Senior Officers´ Mess in Kololo, Kampala. Tumukunde has since worked his way back on good terms with Ugandan authorities” (Wendy Glauser – Human Rights House – ‘Widespread torture in Uganda, in so-called ‘safe houses’ and elsewhere’ May 15 2008).

Nalufenya:

The practices of torture seemed to have been rationalized. Uganda has since converted the Nalufenya police station into a Guantanamo Bay of sorts. The mere mention by an accused person that he was interviewed from Nalufenya immediately raises a red flag. The mayor for Kamwenge Town Council who had been arrested on allegations of treason was literary butchered as chunks of his flesh were cut off his knees and ankles” (David Baxter Bakibinga – ‘The Role Of Prosecutors In Preventing Torture And Ill-Treatment Of Accused Persons And Proposals For Reform’ 2018).

In May last year, Ugandans were left in shock on seeing the gruesome pictures of Geoffrey Byamukama, the Kamwenge mayor, who had been tortured by the Police over allegations that he had had a hand in the murder of slain former Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Felix Kaweesi. In the days that followed, more pictures of tortured inmates at the dreaded Nalufenya detention facility trended on social media. Ironically, many of them were later freed by courts due to inadequate evidence to pin the suspects. The facility was recently closed by the new IGP Ochola Okoth. However, Byamukama and others were not the first and may not be the last, for torture remains the most recorded human rights violation in Uganda, with the Police accounting for a majority of the incidents. According to a Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) report released last year, a total of 1,658 torture cases were registered between 2012 and 2016” (New Vision – ‘Day Against Torture’ 2018).

As we see, the usage of torture is prevalent and clear as day. The NRM promised a fundamental change of guards, but is openly using the same means and practices of which the predecessors did. They are doing it at a large scale and thousands of people have been scorn by the regime. It is clear that this tactic and usage of violence against the population is deliberate. As a means to an end and a way of getting people into submission. Getting them into fearing the authorities and the state. As you can easily get into the “panda gari” or kidnapped incommunicado by a drone. Just because you associate or work for a cause, which is deemed as fit by Museveni.

That is the case here and torturing will not stop. Not as long as the security agencies are allowed to do so. Not as long as there is no consequences to the ones ordering, acting and punishing civilian this way. The laws are written, the constitution states what is right, but the government and its agencies are obviously not caring about the written words. As long as they can torment and torture civilians on the regular. Peace.

Opinion: The Rebel born out of War is set to create Peace [according to IGAD]

The executive secretary of IGAD requested the President to intervene and help IGAD find a long-lasting solution to conflicts in some of its member states and he agreed to do so, they asked the President to intervene and help resolve the conflicts because of his experience in leadership and conflict resolution but he said he can’t do it as singlehandedly, he needs to engage other leaders in the region” – Mr Faruk Kirunda, the deputy presidential press secretary of IGAD (01.01.2022) – (Stephen Otage & Paul Adude – ‘Museveni to mediate Sudan, Ethiopia conflict’ 02.02.2022, Daily Monitor).

This is actual disbelief. Not that this idea is anything new. They used President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni in the Inter-Burundian Dialogue, which was a travesty of a diplomatic mission and also used his tricks in the 2018 in South Sudan. Therefore, some might say his the right guy, but I beg to differ.

This man has sent soldiers all across the board. This President has used warfare to help his causes. To install puppets and his head of state’s elsewhere. Museveni have used violence, warfare and fierce conflicts to get on top. It is not like Museveni came with peace and peace endured. No, he prolonged warfare in Northern Uganda for years… and he could have silenced the guns earlier.

Museveni has spoken with double tongue so many times. If it was in relations to the genocide in Rwanda and getting Kagame into office in Kigali. The manner of which he took down Mobutu Sese Seko in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Neither will we need to discuss how he used militias and military operations to bring down Laurent Kabila in the DRC. There is also speculations in his involvement in South Sudan founding father Joseph Garang.

That’s why I have hard time believing in a man that couldn’t even honour the Nairobi Peace Accord of 17th December 1985. It was just the next month and a momentum, which brought him into power. Therefore, he celebrated NRM at 36th Year Celebration on the 26th January 2022 in honour of the takeover and coup d’etat on the 26th January 1986.

So, that man… who used military means and conflict to rise to the top. Is the man that the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) trusts to mediate and help solving conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia. This man is the wrong one and the most insincere one.

Since, during the mediation in South Sudan in 2018. He sent snipers and was the arms-dealer of the state. While trading arms to them not only during an arms embargo, but holding talks at the State House with various of fractions within the conflict there. That is the sort of fella Museveni and that shouldn’t be forgotten.

Museveni supports para-military groups and insurgencies, when it benefits him and his allies. He has done it countless of times in the DRC and it will not stop. That is the sort of President he is. So, I have a hard time to believe him to be neither neutral or seeking peace. He will find ways to make the current leaders free and ensure the big-men in their respective strongholds. Just like he supported President Salva Kiir Mayardit in South Sudan and only held a few meeting at the State House with other parties.

Therefore, having Museveni to play parley and peace is the wrong person to do so. The President hasn’t been sincere and a known liar. So, this man shouldn’t be trusted and his objectivity is usually questionable at best.

The IGAD should seek more qualified and less questionable leader to mediate in conflicts, as this man will not solve anything. Alas, he will only prolong the agony and find ways to benefit from the things happening himself. That’s the sort of man he is and Museveni shouldn’t be anywhere close to the stakeholders in Sudan or mediate in the conflict in Ethiopia.

If Museveni was supposed to do so, I would expect him to gracefully get visit from Transitional Sovereign Council at the State House of Entebbe and bash in their glory. While accepting all stipulations and ideals of army commanders of Khartoum. As Museveni wouldn’t challenge or seek talks from Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) or any of the other civilian Resistance Committee’s, which is on the streets demonstrating for a civilian elected government. Therefore, it would be half-assed and a lie. Where the President and his Vice would get play, but the others wouldn’t even be touched…

If he would be like this in concern to Sudan. How do you think he would be, in consideration with the stakeholders and the parties of the conflict in Ethiopia? Secondly, who believes the Prime Minister Abiy will even talk or negotiate with Tigray/Oromo leadership, which he has fallen out from. Therefore, Museveni … will not be the guy or the mediator the world needs.

Museveni will not solve or resolve things. No, he will only make a splash, hold hands and sing Kum Ba Yah around the tent-fire. However, don’t expect him to single-handedly make a difference. No, he will just find ways to profit from the situation himself. That is what he does… and that’s the sinister truth in all of this. Peace.

Opinion: The Master of Coups – Speaks up against it! Yet again…

“I would like to invite African leaders to sit down and exchange views on how to build strength in Africa. We (in Uganda) have some experience but what is happening now is going to take us back.  Civilian leaders have failed to build strength through strong armies, the problems happening in more parts of Africa today started with the attack on Libya by people (the West) who could not listen to Africa. All terrorist groups who were in Libya are now spread up in the whole of Sahel, those soldiers (coup leaders) are not accountable to anybody. Nobody elects them. How can they do a good job for people?” – Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (26.01.2022).

There is a saying, that a man shouldn’t throw stones in a glasshouse. However, President Museveni don’t mind being selective about history or by his own actions. It is not like he was elected through the popular vote or had the ability to be civilian in office. No, this man rose through the ranks with the usage of heavy weaponry and militia tactics. He used rebellion and insurgency to his own benefit and when he entered office; the man never let go and that’s why he celebrates 36 years in office today!

His Excellency has not only brought down several of predecessors with the guns. He has done so across the board and has successfully brought down head-of-state in the region too. It is not like he has been the voice of democracy or the will of the people. No, this man prefers his way and having his allies all over. He doesn’t want anyone who stands in his way or can take away some assets. Because that is the gist of things.

Museveni fears for a coup d’état and a revolution at home. This man should know perfectly well. The moment the soldiers aren’t eating or having a field day. They might stir mutinies and start to renegade against the state. The President should fear for that.

Since Museveni haven’t fostered a fundamental change at home. No, he has offered a “No Change” and little to nothing for progress in the Republic. The same ills and bad governance are growing in his state. As he has a patronage as big as a stadium and a bloated government with little to no proper oversight. He has dozens of organizations and commissions, but they are just handpicked elites who are there to eat and not spoil the party. Therefore, nothing is moving forward, and the President has little to show for it.

He speaks of strong armies will counter this, but because of the strength of the militaries in the West Africa. Is partly the reason for the coup d’états. As they have the manpower and the wits to succeed. Just like Museveni did in the past. As he could take down with his allies’ other former heads of state. Where he could win and conquer with all means at his disposal. He didn’t mind or didn’t care about the consequences, since well, he took charge, and he got the throne.

That’s why when the rebel of the 1980s speaks up against the military government of West Africa. A real hypocrite. As he could never cease power with the ballot. That’s why he had to cheat the current day Archbishop Ssemogerere even in 1996 after failing even worse in 1980. Therefore, his was the political amateur who thought he was God to Men at an early age.

He wants armies loyal to the throne and to people like him. The old man fears that the armies would be deemed loyal to the state and the republic’s themselves. As his selfish interests lay in the control of the armies and the power of the militaries. He don’t want to see his own general or anyone conspire to do the same to him. That would be the picturesque copy of what happened to Al-Bashir or Mugabe for that matter. He would rather lay in coffin, than see the demise of his own reign while breathing.

We just know the hypocrisy and it’s needed to be called out. Since it would make no sense to be silent about it. Especially, when his serving such a militarized state and misuses government offices on the daily. It is not like he has tools or the concern for the betterment. No, that is just empty pleas and lies of old. The old man shouldn’t speak of coup d’états, even if he fears them like disease.

Well, he wouldn’t be here and be the commander-in-chief today, if it wasn’t for a successful coup d’état in 1986. Peace.

Opinion: Mr. Sunday has still not repaid his dues to his combatants

As the celebrations to mark 36 years of President Museveni’s reign draw closer, several veterans are still demanding their compensation. We have talked to some of them who want to meet the President and tell him how his government has neglected them. The Ministry of Defence is on a countrywide verification campaign for the veterans. However, in the Rwenzori region, some veterans with missing documents claim they were washed away by River Nyamwamba that flooded recently” (NTV Uganda – ‘Ex-combatants stuck over missing discharge certificates’ 22.01.2022).

We are in January 2022 and these combatants was participating and fighting the liberation war, which the President and his patronage have been living large on for years. The National Resistance Army/Movement (NRA/M) have held power since 1986 and had the opportunity to pay and help the NRA war-veterans. However, they have clearly failed in doing so.

The Ministry of Defence has the biggest budget posts and huge war-chest year-upon-year. It is like the Veterans Assistance Program of the early 1990s didn’t catch up or was properly built to help the ones who fought. The Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) and Ministry of Defence has the sufficient funds and manpower to make things happening. As well, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was funding the establishment of VAP, because it was a paid planned for demobilization and disarmament. Therefore, the Government of Uganda had a plan and issued programmes to secure their compensation. However, even with IMF and donors giving funds back in 1992. The combatants was lost in the web and forgotten.

The ex-combatants was supposed to get a setting-in package. That is what many has never received. This is empty promises to the ones who made it possible and fought with the President. These was the ones who risked their lives in the bush and could easily been killed in the war. However, he haven’t appreciated them or valued their role. That is why they have been paid to this day.

It is really tragic, when you know the Government of Uganda and IMF had set-up programs and phases of unleashing this. Not only to silence the weapons and the ex-combatants, but give them a future beyond the battlefield. However, the greed of Museveni never cease to amaze me. As he wants even the ones who fought to beg from him. Instead of paying their dues and with added cost.

This just show how little other people lives matters to the NRA/M. When they cannot even take care of their own. So, many of the ones who deserved the setting-in package and be secured with the VAP. Nevertheless, that was too much to ask for and he wouldn’t even do that for them. That’s the sort of fella Yoweri is…

It feels even absurd when you know… the IMF and donors was about to help the Republic to facilitate it and give the ex-combatants what they needed and deserved. However, that was clearly too much to ask. Peace.

Opinion: Is the PM promoting defiance?

“I want to advise Ugandans to go to petrol stations that have not hiked the prices. Two companies have not hiked their prices. Go and buy from those ones. These others will also follow suit because it’s now not necessary for any company to hike the price above Shs5,000” – Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (Job Bwire – ‘Ugandans should boycott fuel stations that keep prices high- PM Nabbanja’ Daily Monitor, 20.01.2022).

We remember just mere years ago when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government was going after “defiance”. Everyone was targeted for supporting defiance and planned corporate boycotts of businesses connected to the regime and it’s high ranking officials. There was an outrage and disgust.

The regime apologists defended going against defiance and civil disobedience. Now, the Prime Minister of the 11th Parliament and this term is speaking well of boycott. As the fuel-crisis is deepening and the state isn’t doing anything directly to help it out.

Another minister has challenged the need for arresting the fuel-station operators who is sky-rocketing the prices. As it is not a cause-and-effect scenario, as the needs for petrol is bigger than the imports of it. That’s why the prices is going up and the stations are struggling to serve the nation. Therefore, the crisis is a border issue and a supply issue.

Its not the petrol stations fault… it is the whole supply-chain from importers to the producer. As the landlock nation has made it hectic on the border and the border-post has stifled the imports. Even with the temporary stop of testing for COVID-19 on the Ugandan side of border. The Republic haven’t directly patched the hurt. No, it continues to damage the Republic and everyone in need for petrol.

The PM is showing her character her, instead of acting and finding solutions… the PM is speaking of boycotting and avoiding the petrol stations, which has to high prices. The PM should address the rises prices and the reason for it. It isn’t the companies or the stations itself, which is directly at fault. As they are based on the imports of petrol and the possibility of getting steady supplies as well. Because, if it goes empty and such … just proves the reason for the rising prices, as the needs are bigger than the current supply.

The PM should address that and the words of defiance is what an opposition leader should do. The opposition should act in defiance and ask for civil disobedience. Ask the public to boycott and stop using certain services. As that is even possible elsewhere… and when your low on fuel, your low on fuel. Then you need to buy and get more to be able to drive…

So, the PM knows this, as she has 4 wheel-drive and an SUV. She drives around and enjoys the perks of her office. Her office and her title covers for everything. There is no worries and it’s all paid for. The fuel-crisis doesn’t hit home and neither does it damage any of the elites in the government either. They are living lavish and don’t have to worry about pricing or inflation for that matter.

That’s why the defiant and defiance against certain fuel-stations is a foolish move, as it is a populist selection or trick. The state should secure the supply-chain and proper reserves to stifle the prices. Instead, the state is asking for civil disobedience, which isn’t a vibe your supposed to get from high ranking officials. Good luck doing that on the road from up-country to anywhere. So, the PM should reconsider, but don’t expect so. She’s high and mighty, which means she will not face any real consequences for this. Except for writings like mine… Peace.

Opinion: Will the NRM and their MPs drop the advice of the Odoki Report?

Ugandans power to vote won’t be taken away by indirect voting. We are saying vote the right Member of Parliament who will vote for the right President. The reform is not for Museveni. It is for all Ugandans. We are the citizens of Uganda thinking for Uganda. If you are popular as a party, send us more Members in the Parliament. In Parliament, things are clear, the strength of your political party in Parliament will be your vote for Presidency. We are spending a lot of money on elections. Let that money be sent back to strengthen the party at grassroots level. We are not a Muhoozi project. Muhoozi is a serving officer in the UPDF and cannot engage in politics”Felix Adupa President Transformer Cadres Association of NRM” (NBS Television, 06.01.2022).

We know there is a cause to take away the popular vote and the universal suffrage as a method of voting in the President in the Republic. This is a clear intention of changing the Constitution and Presidential Elections Act. As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni is gearing up for another constitutional amendment to fit his narrative.

That is very clear, just anyone else done in the past. Now, the President doesn’t want to participate in the general election or be on the ballot. Instead, his selected peers of the Parliament will vote him in. That is the initial trick here.

Here is the recommendation from the Odoki Commission Report, which was made with the initial draft constitution in the 1990s. Where there was certain legal thoughts and ideals, which should be relevant in 2022 or any other year.

Just take a look!

Excessive concentration of power in the executive:

28.27 People agreed almost unanimously that the 1967 Constitution had concentrated far too much power in the hands of the executive arm of government, and in particular in the President. There were no other institutions which could effectively check on executive and presidential power. As a result, those exercising such power had little concern constitutional limits, and tended to feel free to set aside the Constitution or parts of the Constitution which did not suit their interests” (Odoki Report, 1992).

78. Method of Voting

(a) Voting in presidential, parliamentary and district council elections as well as referenda,

should be by secret ballot.

(b) The electoral law should require that the same ballot box is used for all candidates in a

constituency. The box should be placed in the open rather than a closed booth.

(c) There should be clear symbols and/or photographs against each candidate’s name to

assist illiterate voters.(10.143)” (Odoki Report, 1992).

We are seeing the problems of past getting back into order. If the NRM and President are willing to risk everything for one man. The NRM has been risking that twice already and now they will not even make charades of elections, which it has done since 1996.

The President trying to avoid the problems of lack of integrity and legitimacy, as the elections are made and prepared for him to “win”. That is what people know and it’s evident by how they are run by the state. The same about the gerrymandering, the blocking of opposition parties and ensuring several of unopposed candidates across the Republic. In such a fashion, that the NRM will gain a majority no matter what and the President got “yes-men” in the Parliament. The game is rigged and the opposition only gets a small token or parts of the political landscape.

We are clearly seeing that the Odoki Commission is vouching for what the people wants and have a representative democracy. Not having a council sort of system, which is having the President elected in Parliament. Yes, the Local Government and Parliament will be elected by secret ballot still… while the Head of State is hand-picked by a few merry men and woman in the National Assembly. That’s ditching democratic ideals and the trust in the will of the people.

Yes, the rigged elections of January 2021 or any other year isn’t changing things, but it is much harder to cheat the whole system and trick the results in as they do. It is also adding additional stress on a man who is in advanced age. This is changing the laws to fit him again and his pigeon holing his own Constitution for his benefit. Which is the power the Odoki Commission warned us all about and now it is happening right in front of our eyes. Peace.

Opinion: MPs to ditch the popular vote so they can elect the next President!

“The Uganda government is proposing a change in the Constitution to abolish the popular presidential elections by the public, so that the president is being elected by the Members of Parliament. The move is being spearheaded by the Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi under the Constitutional Review Commission. In an audio from CBS radio station, Kafuuzi is quoted saying the government is already mobilizing money to fund the Constitution Review Commission’s nationwide tours” (Eagle Online – ‘MPs to elect President in 2026 under proposed reforms’ 06.01.2022).

Members of Parliament and within the National Resistance Movement is this term floating the idea of the selected President. Meaning the general public will have no direct say in it. As the Parliament and the majority of the Parliament will elect the President. This is clearly indicated and only matters of the President.

The MPs themselves are not selected and elected through the popular vote in their constituencies, while the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief is elected by them. That is how to destroy any belief in any sort of democratic values whatsoever. As the President will be an unelected technocrat, who is hand-picked by the National Assembly. That is really it.

So, it wasn’t enough to defiantly stand against the Multi-Party System, to abolish the term limits and age limits. No, the same President and his party has amended the constitution again. Since, the President knows he cannot lie or can fool the general public anymore. He knows his not beloved or honoured. His convoys are bigger than his gatherings, unless his paying and ferrying poor people promising food and tokens of appreciation. Therefore, this man is just doing what he can to be re-elected.

This is disingenuous and disrespectful to the general public, as they can and will elect one person on their own merit. They are totally disregarding the universal suffrage and the popular vote by doing this. If they start with him and his office. What about the rest of them? What else will be appointed and selected? Will it be MPs themselves and such?

Since, they are opening one door and clearly there is more to come. That’s why with every single other amendment and changes to the law. It is having opened questions of term limits for others or not. The same with retirement of judges and other presidential appointees. As their age doesn’t matter when the head of state can be of advanced age himself.

Everyone should have seen the writing on the wall, as the President didn’t want to hold elections before after being a decade into power. Secondly, he had to pushed through two referendums to return to multi-party democracy. And after all of that… he has revised the term limits and age limits, as it concerned his longevity in power. Now, he got to do it again, because he knows he cannot fool the popular vote or rig without scrutiny as he used too.

That’s why this is happening, and they are also doing this to appease the “Muhoozi Project” and possibly select him as the successor without any prior election. Since, the new amendment and constitutional stipulation allows that. While I still wonder how they will trick the law or the birthplace of Muhoozi. That cannot be revised, unless they allow it somehow.

This is another edition and now Magyezi will be off the hook. Since, it is the next crooks who dismantles the 1995 Constitution, brick by brick. While we are watching and sighing from a distance.  Peace.

Opinion: Opposing the NRM is apparently going against God…

Leadership comes from God. All those opposing the government are going against God’s will”Rogers Mulindwa (NBS TV, 02.01.2021).

The National Resistance Movement Spokesperson Rogers Mulindwa on the 2nd Day of 2022 has said these words. He has taken a deity and a using the transcending powers to get people to be loyal to the NRM and the Government of Uganda. I am sure God has bigger worries and better things to do.. than ensure people natural loyalty to any government on planet earth. As God almighty has to listen to all the pleas, prayers and acts of faith from all believers across the world. He should be preoccupied with healing hearts and taking care of the souls who wants to be redeemed. Alas, not worry about about opposition to Museveni or any of his party affiliates.

That’s why I have to drop some wise words from the Proverbs, since it seems a sensible way to prove my argument today:

12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,

from men whose words are perverse,

13 who have left the straight paths

to walk in dark ways,

14 who delight in doing wrong

and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,

15 whose paths are crooked

and who are devious in their ways” (New international Version, Proverbs Chapter 2, 12-15).

It is wicked to think opposition to a tyrant and his tyranny is going against God. That is the wicked men and the false prophets, which Jesus spoke against. As Museveni and his kind speaks of peace, but deliver brutality and death. That’s why you know their acts aren’t sincere or within reason. It is just to stay in power.

We are now seeing NRM Spokesperson saying being in opposition to the government is against the will of God. Isn’t that making God a very tiny person and such? Why should we delight in the people who do us wrong and delivers evil? It shouldn’t be this easy, but the spokesperson is defending a government that uses violence, torture and arbitrary arrests of civilians. A government that plans to stop the opportunity for bail or bonds. So, we know law or justice isn’t a main concern for this government, neither is due process, as several of political prisoners are kept behind bars without any sincere action of the authorities.

That’s why, I feel more sorry for the plights and legal jeopardy the weak, the poor and the ones suffering, because of the government. It gives God more reasons to listen to them and help them. Instead of being there for the wicked, perverse and crooked government, which the spokesperson defends by any means. I am sure God prefers to be there and heal the suffering of which the government put on it’s citizens.

12 I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;

I possess knowledge and discretion.

13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil;

I hate pride and arrogance,

evil behavior and perverse speech.

14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;

I have insight, I have power.

15 By me kings reign

and rulers issue decrees that are just;

16 by me princes govern,

and nobles—all who rule on earth” (New International Version – Proverbs Chapter 8, 12-16).

This proverbs here prove again what is wrong with the NRM and it’s government. As it’s Ministers, Head of State and everyone in office is arrogant. They are so proud and vicious. Yes, to fear the lord is to hate evil. However, what is righteous is to not be evil and participate in all acts, which God doesn’t prefer. Which we know the NRM and their leadership indulge in. Therefore, the bible itself is speaking up against the rulers and the government. The bible is opposing the NRM and it’s leaders. That should be a warning and their wicked ways should be exposed. That’s what the opposition does and it’s not offending God.

The opposition is actually showing it’s wisdom and is not following wicked men. That should be the reality of it all. However, don’t expect a spokesperson or anyone associated saying this. They will dismiss it and find some excuses to defend their actions. These folks don’t mind the civilians dying or the arbitrary arrests. As long as the evil deeds are not happening to them. Peace.

A look into the tragic-comedy called Museveni’s 2021 New Years Address

The tragic-comedy in the affair had 3 elements. Element no.1, for NUP and their media supporters, including the foreign ones, there was no Uganda but Kayunga. Kayunga, Kayunga, Kayunga!!” (Museveni, 31.12.2021).

Let us all be clear that President Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni has addressed the nation yet again. I will not look into the whole speech or the New Years Address of 2021. No, someone who can fact-check and look into his wordings can have a field-day. Because, just browsing through it all. There is enough meat on the bone to keep printing alive for another decade, but alas, I will only focus on the ending of the matter. As I knew he would insult our intelligence and wisdom with his uttering, as he has no issues doing so at a rampant pace.

With that in mind… Museveni has be like that… and it just his mannerisms at this point. That’s why I only bother with a snippet of his address, because looking into more is a waste of my time. Even as I have hours waiting for the new years eve to even pop-off and see the fireworks. However, here we are and let’s go…

The second element was our young people in the persons of Nakwedde, Zaake, etc., putting it in their heads that they would not allow the old man with a hat, Ssabalwanyi, to peacefully drive from Kampala and address the NRM leaders at Kayonza Church of Uganda Primary School in Bbale and at Busaana Sub-county play-ground. Of course the Police could not allow that. Hence, there were some skirmishes. This is exactly what NUP did in the General Elections in some areas and what they were planning to do in the whole country if we had not deployed a considerable portion of the UPDF to crush that conspiracy. The idea is to create fear so that the massive supporters of the NRM do not come out to vote. You remember Arua where they even stoned my car and Bobi Wine was driving a grader (tinga tinga) into my convoy. This is self-deception. It cannot work in Uganda. I have given, in writing, guidelines to the Armed Forces to firmly and professionally ensure law and order and discipline in our society. I hereby direct our Media Unit to publicize these guidelines so that the Public is also informed and can knowledgeably audit the actions of the security forces and inform us, if there are departures. Moreover, these guidelines are in line with the Standing Orders of the Police Forces, both here and in many countries” (Museveni, 31.12.2021).

Here there are many things to look into, as the President is glazing over and trying to manufacture lies. That is something he has used his whole career doing. So, at this very point of time that is all he does…

First he blames the youth and leaders who stem from youth activism as Nakwedde and Zaake. These are opposition leaders who has roots in youth activism and that’s why they are targeted by the regime. I didn’t know that brutally arresting MPs is part of standing orders in many countries… wonder why he didn’t bother to mention a few? Secondly, he is glossing over the election violence perpetuated by the standing orders of the police, the use of drones and abductions of opposition leaders, activists and civilians in general. These are things that doesn’t matter to the President. That is very clear.

As he again goes back to the stone and the perfectly shattered window after Arua by-election. Where he and his troops tried to use forged evidence to pin Bobi Wine and his team who held rallies in the region ahead of the By-Election. That is very clear, as he knows there been several of arrests in connection with the Arua-Stone, but only one old man was taken into custody in the end. However, he uses this propaganda moment as a tool for suppression of the opposition to this day.

We know that his troops, police and security agencies has killed during the campaigns, in the November 2020 massacre and in safe-houses. As well, as using violence to incite fear into the ones that dissent and goes against his rule. That’s why boxers, musicians and Muslim Clerics has been targeted of late, because that is a reality the President doesn’t mention. Since these lives was only taken to silent people who was in his way and that the government suddenly feared one reason or another.

The third element of tragic-comedy were the protestations by NUP that Muwonge of NRM had won by cheating. I did not know that NRM actors had enough energy to cheat because most of the time they are asleep and allow the opposition to intimidate people, cheat, etc. Why only cheat in Kayunga? Why not in the few other areas where NUP won? Kayunga, Buganda and the whole of Uganda are, politically, NRM territory. Why? It is because the NRM has done more for those areas than anybody else, the internal weaknesses within NRM, notwithstanding. We are handling the internal weaknesses, including corruption. The opportunistic opposition will be wiped out. Those concerned with ballot stuffing, etc., why do they never support my plan for only electronic voting with thumb-prints? It is the opposition and their collaborators, that always avoid voting electronically. We should amend the law to stop all non-electronic voting. That is what democrats should be demanding” (Museveni, 31.12.2021).

We know that Museveni have to play like a victim and the NRM is the victim of things. Even when there is no reason for it. Like when he calls it tragicomedy for the NUP to say Muwonge cheated. That is easily to state when there was reports, declaration forms and evidence of the NUP victory. Not the results announced, but what the paperwork said. So, when the President calls it comedy. It is sad that the President uses so much energy on a rigged election by-election. However, he still has to lie about Arua By-Election in the end of 2021. So, that says enough really…

As I continue… the President will always say the NRM has done so much. At one point he did achieve things and deserved credit for it. However, with time that has dwindled and it isn’t what it was. The President haven’t made the Baganda or the Central Region great. Neither has he invested or ensured relevance there. That can be said about a lot of regions and districts in the Republic. As the Western Uganda and Ankole would feel more blessed, than elsewhere with fancy hospitals and roads. Just like the appointees from the region too over the year.

Museveni also suddenly wants all to be electronic voting. When it’s just a hot-minute ago he wanted all voting to be happening in lines. We are supposed to forget that? The President wants the ability to electronically rig the elections and the thumb-prints will not resolve the ability to trick the algorithms, which he needs to ensure a victory. He claims the opposition is against this and that’s with reason. However, if he wants the electronic voting means the President cannot order a media-blackout or internet blockade, which he has done in the recent elections. Would the President dare to do that and show the sinister actions of his regime during the campaigns and during the polls… So, if he want to unleash everyone to see and be able to leak information, because he wants electronic finger-prints. Do I believe that would stop the rigging? No, because there is magical ways of tricking algorithms and other technical means to get the “right” results of an election.

This is just … Museveni Museveni Museveni … and nobody is shocked in 2021 and neither should anyone be in 2022. Peace.