United Nations (UN) in Uganda: United Nations in Uganda received a petition from the National Unity Platform (NUP) on alleged human rights violations (17.02.2021)

Opinion: OO would have said that Jesus didn’t die, because he rose from the grave on the third day

Today, Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo have written yet another piece. This time published in New Vision. The article or think piece is called: “OPINION: Alleged kidnaps, torture and disappearances must be stamped out”. It was published on the 15th February 2021. What he says is despicable and show no regard to all the citizens taken with no accountability or justice.

The likes of OO is the ones who will defend death, murder and extra judicial killings by attacking the ones who are getting this treatment. OO rather shield his emperor and the regime itself. Than understanding the pleas, the tears and the suffering of others. It is more important to look Noble, grand and supreme. He rather want the world to be praising his master and his vanity. Because that is what matters to him. This is why he writes pieces like these.

I will take pieces of it and then discuss it. Just like I have done before. Because, someone has to debunk and dissecting his text, yet again.

He starts with: “Reports of alleged kidnaps, torture, illegal detentions and disappearances are mostly false alarms, but they are nevertheless embarrassment to the well-established track record of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government and must be stamped out immediately. Every person arrested by security agencies must be accounted for in accordance with established procedures and laws of Uganda, offenders punished. Even cases of false alarm and mischief by people who go underground only to surface later must be dealt with” (OO, 15.02.2021).

OO writes like the world and the people doesn’t get the memo. He wants the stories to cease and silent the public. Just because it destroys a “perfect” track-record of the NRM. Which isn’t grand in the first place. If he government is so genuine and cares about “rule of law”. Why does the NRM keep up having ungazetted “safe-houses”? Why does the state have to pay damages and repair hurt for victims illegally arrested, tortured in the courts?

Not like that is a new feature of the state. It is the mere scale and the ability of the National Unity Platform to spread message about the activity. As the state violence, injustice and impunity gets recorded and spread on the new social media platforms. It is not like the Uganda Police Force or any other security agencies haven’t done this in the past. They have and that is why Nalufenya and other places have a reputation, which resembles the days of Argentina House. That says a lot, but OO would never state that. He wants people to believe the NRM believes and works for “rule of law”. When they have since the inception been brutal to its dissidents and done what they could to control the population by force.

He continues: “It is also necessary to state that virulent groups and gullible media are being used to portray the Government as run by rogues who have lost moral, democratic and legal campus to deserve any legitimacy. To them, admitting President Yoweri Museveni’s strength undercuts their false foul cries to persuade foreign governments to sanction Uganda on unverified human rights violations. In a choreographed scheme, they have chosen words carefully to land powerful punches on NRM and President’s core credentials, respect to human life, dignity, democracy, and the rule of law.” (OO, 15.02.2021).

If the government and the state was so legitimately and adherent to “rule of law”. There wouldn’t be the need to charge civilians in Military Courts. There wouldn’t be the need for “drones” and for arbitrary arrests, kidnaps and torture of civilians. However, that is what the state does.

He also wants the President Museveni to be praised and getting his glory. Just as its the victims fault and their use of minds to explain the ill fortune. That they can spread the message about the human rights violation. The government spokesperson doesn’t want to take that into consideration the efforts of state and their ills. He just want the “good” but not take account for the “bad”.

The spokesperson calls it a coordinated effort and such. However, he speaks of respecting human life and democracy, but doesn’t want anyone to speak out of the violations of both. People are just supposed to be loyal crony like himself. The core credentials is a lie, because his achievements have been by the gun and not by the mercy of the people. Therefore, he cannot play this one out and believe his own words.

OO continues: “They continue to make the most horrendous allegations of what they christened ‘kidnaps’ rather than arrests. They have coined ‘forced disappearances of persons’ and not detention of violent criminal suspects accused of plotting heinous crimes of subversion, treason and spreading political terror to undermine civil governance” (OO, 15.02.2021).

This man rather make a mockery and attempt to justify arrests without any proper procedure. No warrants, no charges and no sentencing. That is cool, because the opposition cries ‘foul’ which is wrong. Since in his eyes they should just be silent and nod their heads to regime. These folks are not supposed to speak or even dare speak out of the ills of society. No, they are supposed to go silent to their graves and serve like he does.

Again, a government official is calling civilians criminal for political affiliation. Calling them terrorists for taking a stance and being part of political association. That shows how little the state care for “rule of law”. It is horrific to call out the ills, but they are at the same moment called “terrorist”. That is how this government is bargaining with its dissidents. This shows what sort of atrocities that is at stake.

He continues: In all these insidious schemes, NUP and their surrogates were bold enough to lay their plots in public view through intimidation, harassment, and physical assault of innocent citizens. Their initial plan was to intimidate voters not to turn out in large numbers on polling day so that NUP hooligans do whatever they wanted with balloting, counting, tallying and eventual results declaration, which the security forces effectively foiled. The current anger and frustration for being nipped in the bud has driven them to extreme desperation to the point they are willing to use vagabonds and criminals in adventurous ways to disrupt public order in the false belief they can win unchallenged. People with criminal intent must be told in clear terms that they will be tackled aggressively. NUP continues to hold a hostile posture in the public spaces, gullible mainstream media and social media cesspool to spread false and fake news” (OO, 15.02.2021).

Here we see again. The spokesperson is saying people are deliberately getting themselves into trouble and is doing it with criminal intent. It isn’t wrong of the state to do this dubious and violate their freedom, liberty and justice. The injustice and use of force to take away their freedom. It is the NUP’s fault and the victims are to blame. That is so typical… as the state is not to blame for its activity and its usage of weapons towards the unarmed.

Then he toys around with the sentiment and time, as people are just supposed to accept this vicious ways. The President and Security Organizations wicked ways and use of state apparatus to silence the opposition. While he calls them criminal and with that justifies the injustice. He calls the public gullible and mocks them for believing in the leaders. That is directly showing his disdain for the general public. That’s because the NRM doesn’t need them, but they need the armed force to continue to rule.

He ends with these words: “By donning the so-called bullet-proof vest whose efficacy was not proven, Kyagulanyi skillfully accomplished dark drama, like Dr Kizza Besigye and his infamous handcuffs. Having failed in an election they had billed as the waterloo for President Museveni, NUP and its insidious foreign backers including some diplomatic missions here, continue to frame an absurd narrative that Uganda is a criminal state spinning out of control” (OO, 15.02.2021).

What is really striking is saying that Bobi Wine and Besigye is actors with a political play. While not stating the reason for their actions. Not like the cars of these politicians has been attacked. That both have been close to assassinations. Not like the armed forces and police has used violent means on the campaign trail. No, the opposition have been able to travel across the Republic without any issues. No, they have not been close to live-bullets, ambushed, tear-gassed or even slept on the road-side, as the hotels was not open for them.

Well, the government spokesperson calls that democracy and “fair game” I suppose.

If Ofwono Opondo was the spokesperson in biblical time. He would have attacked the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. OO would have deemed him criminal and called him a “terrorist”. His disciples would have been a gang of crooks and their dogma was to cause “unrest”. OO would have said the stories of Jesus resurrecting and rising up from the dead as a “lie”. The spokesperson would have dismissed all believers and called them out for blasphemy. OO would have said that Jesus couldn’t have died on the cross, if he rose from the dead on the third day. That is the sort of man OO is.

He will not say it himself. Because that is tarnishing his life work and dedication to the throne. His the loyal subject and will defend anything for Museveni. All of his life has been in his hands and he will write it in blood if he has too. That is who he is and that is why we got to call him out for it and not accept his lies. Peace.

Drone Watch: The Police is serving a poor excuse of a meal on a plate [the food fell off actually]

Many of these vehicles are new and when they are being imported, they come with very small number plates fixed infront and sometimes they are not fixed in the hind part. At times those small plates fall off and you see them on the highway” – the acting Police Director in charge of Traffic ad Road Safety, Lawrence Niwabiine (15.02.2021).

The drones or the Panda Gari’s is ravaging the Republic. The state is getting scrutiny and public outcries. As civilians are taken by plained clothed individuals and taken into these “drones” to unknown locations, kept incommunicado and tortured at ungazetted “safe-houses”. This being done in “secret” by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and other security agencies. The numbers of how many that is taken is fluid, as the state only drops a minor number, which isn’t reflecting the reality on the ground. Neither is the state account for the ones left for dead and deposed on field like slaughtered prey.

Therefore, the Police Director Niwabiine must think people are foolish, stupid and dumb. These sort of statements only shows their lack brightness. There is nothing smart about this. We know why it doesn’t have number-plates, because then they cannot be traced. It is not like the general public can get the Vehicle Indication Number (VIN) on the Chassis. That numbers is something the producer have and the possible importer for the vehicle book. However, the Niwabiine wants us really to believe this:

First ascertain(why the vehicle is numberless) because the owner cant carry it to the licencing authority for a new number plate.” (Niwabiine, 15.02.2021).

That he wants us to believe that is saying a lot. Because that means the car owner isn’t able to register as a person at Uganda Revenue Authority and also at the DT Regional Service centres. Where you drop the paperwork to prove your claim to the vehicle, paying the fees and showing the books on the vehicle. So, that the car can get registered and get its number plate.

What is also striking is that the common issues for used Toyota Hiace is thick white and grey smoke from the exhaust. Additional noise when the car decelerate. Another common defect is a shaking clutch. This happens sometimes when the car have issues during the start-up. There is also issues with Diesel engines not starting in hot weather. That is the heat-up stopping the ignition switch from turning. Last common issues with a Hiace is having trouble in cold mornings as the plugs are not working properly and struggling with the weather changes.

All of these are common issues from a reputable Japanese Car Exporter page (Carused.jp). There is nothing there about troubles or issues with number-plates. That shows the dishonesty. As we know perfectly well the drill and the reason behind the lack of number-plates.

The reason for no number-plate is that they don’t want traceability or ability to figure out where it has been. The “drone” can just be ghost appearing and leaving with its prey. There can be no direction or monitor of its movement. As the vehicle have no other sign or proof to be the same vehicle. Yes, people know the White Toyota Hiace and how it looks, but there could be several of these and doesn’t have to be a “drone”.

That is why the agents or law enforcement using these “drones” have kept them anonymous to ensure no-one can sport the right one or be sure that it is really a “drone”. That is how to mask yourself and keep it hidden. As the public cannot search for the VIN and surely they cannot have a hallmark to trace a car – the number-plate.

This secrecy is for a reason and also to strike fear into the people. As every-time they see a car that resembles the “drone”. They will worry and feel disdain. They know what happen to others and that’s why they will be frighten by just the outlook of having it in their streets. Because, they know how these cars are used and they are a tool for oppression, torture, kidnappings and even death. This is why people fear those cars.

The lack of number-plate is just a method to mask over and to not be able to find out the owner or placement of the set vehicle. Usually that is a trick of thieves and robbers, who doesn’t want to be captured and used by villains. Alas, this is used by state actors with ill intent to keep silent and not be able to find their ways. This is done to keep it under a wraps and terrorize the public as they see fit.

They are doing this deliberately now and now they are trying to downplay it. That is really disingenuous and insincere. The Police Force is also thinking the general public is stupid and that they will accept this reasoning. Just like they hope someone can red-tape it and call it a night. Peace.

Museveni shows no remorse towards the ones abducted by “drones” [BTW: He only yawns]

The talk of disappearances should be ignored because it can’t happen under the National Resistance Movement . Under NRM, even if a mistake is made, it will be discovered or answered. That’s the point i wanted to mention tonight” Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, State Address on the 13th February 2021

Today, the President promised to address the abductions and the kidnaps of the state. He would address the security of the Republic. However, he only continued to show disregard of the public and the ones kidnapped. It is just like don’t care. Maybe that was why he yawned and was tired. Not strange his tired… he has been ruling for 35 years and seems tired.

However, President Museveni didn’t act sincere or speak with heart. No, he didn’t even want to be on TV and broadcast to the nation. Surely, the old man rather wanted to rear his goats or look after his cattle. Because the President doesn’t care about the violations of the citizens and his dissidents. No, he rather let them burn, as he promised to crush the opposition. Clearly, that’s what his doing and doing deliberately…

This is why he says stuff like this:

The security forces are taught not to violate civilians rights with impunity. If that happens, there will be consequences. The UPDF is a very disciplined force” (Museveni, 13.02.2021).

There were people who were arrested by CMI. They were in 2 categories which involved 177 who were granted bail or released. Another are 65 still being investigated. Their names should be made public so that this talk of disappearance is answered” (Museveni, 13.02.2021).

I was hearing in the papers that there is a stampede on the issue of disappearance. Every Ugandan under NRM will be accounted for” (Museveni, 13.02.2021).

It never gets old that the army is so disciplined, but still they violate citizens and kills them without any punitive action. The state clearly abducts, arbitrary arrests, tortures and kills, as the President isn’t really addressing it. Also, his numbers are way low and there are several of people who haven’t been accounted for. Again the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni think they can drop so insignificant numbers. When we have heard about so many more.

Now, the President told the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) is behind the “drones”. It shows what sort acts the state does to its citizens. When such an organization is behind it and does it. It is not like they have warrant, charged or even sentenced. This is why the outrage and the outcry, as civilians are taken without any legal remedy and its an injustice served them.

It is not like this is done with the “Equal Before Law” or “ Habeas Corpus”. No, they are doing that with impunity. This is why the President tries to address it. I don’t believe the numbers. When the opposition numbers is so much higher and most likely more accurate. Because, the National Unity Platform is attacked and more stories are coming out. Therefore, the numbers the President dropped and been made less.

So… Museveni thinks people are stupid. However, people should accept this. He doesn’t care and rule of law is meaningless. He thinks this is good enough and valid arguments. While citizens are abducted, held and ends up dead on the watch of the state. The CMI might be part of it, but maybe ISO and others too. God knows who does all of this. The “Panda Gari’s” or Drones just show how little the President cares about the rights of the citizens.

This is why he comes out about it. But he doesn’t show any remorse or care about it. Just trying to boost his ego and his power. Not being there as a representative. He thinks he can get away with it. That’s because he gotten away with it before. Museveni thinks that happens today too. Peace.

Opinion: The dead won’t scream [and that’s why we got to do it]

With everyday there is never ending trail of violence, abductions and extra-judicial killings. As bodies are dropped, people are gone for months and stories of torture is coming in the press. Still, the government is acting naive and its spokespeople isn’t saying much either. People are being arbitrary arrested, abducted and even killed. They are harmed because of their political affiliation and their activism for an opposition candidate and the new party National Unity Platform (NUP).

There is unverified reports of thousands upon thousands of people collected by the security organizations. They are kept in undisclosed locations and incommunicado for days. Nobody allowed to access them and the loved ones have no idea why they were arrested in the first place. These drones are taking civilians without any due process. They are “guilty of a crime” before they gotten warrants, charged or even sentenced. That is a violation of their rights and is pure injustice.

The stories of how it is happening is repeated…. the drone is coming at night. The plain-clothed security agents are storming a home. Knocking on doors and invading privacy. These folks are taking the activists, candidates and even elected representatives without any forewarning. Where they are put in a ungazetted “safe-house”. This is where they are tortured and detained without legal justification. Some is so badly treated that they are dumped in a random location or a field. Because, the state and security agencies will not bury them. They could could arrest them and torture them, even kill them, but will not honour their bodies and soul with a burial.

That is how dangerous and the security organizations are working tirelessly. The white drone is passing by without a numberplate. Spreading fear and violence. There is no peace, but only brutal reign. Where the NUP is beaten and destroyed. The state is letting people vanish out of thin-air. People are worried for their lives and seeing neighbours, friends and relatives suddenly taken by state.

Life has no value to the rulers. Law is meaningless, when life is cheap. When you can take a life with no justification or reason. Then there is “rule of law”. When the “Habeas corpus” principal is practically dead and other principal of “equal before the law” is in coma too. There is no way these principals matters, when people lose their rights overnight and nobody knows what happens.

The state acts oblivious and even like they don’t know. When everyone is hearing stories and people writing stories about “loved ones” taken away. When there is stories of sudden dumps of bodies without any reasoning. The lives are taken and the Republic is burning. The state is driving this and the various of state security apparatus is behind it. They are doing it and there is no retribution for it. They are allowing it and letting the ones sanctioning it off the hook.

Just like the Police Force needed the Presidential Approval to continue the investigation into Zebra Mundo’s death of last year. That is not solved, because the President haven’t accepted continued investigation of it. There is certainly more inside orders and play, which we have no idea of. If we did, it wouldn’t be so mystified and uncertain.

The state wants the NUP and Bobi Wine to be silenced. They are trying to do that with autrocities and depreciative means. Total destruction and hopeless violence, which will only show how the naked the emperor is. Since he got no moral authority, but only have the shackles of innocent men. Only have the skulls of dissidents and unnamed bodies in the fields of the Republic. That what Museveni has now.

He can address the nation, but the skulls and the shackles of his citizens speaks louder than his words. It shows his fear and intimidation. As he uses the armed and monopoly of violence on his citizens.

The Drones the modern “Panda Gari’s” is the flesh and blood of this regime. It is what the state is resembling. Because it cannot be popular or loved, when civilians are treated in this manner. There is no way the President and his men is guaranteed to be “stewards” of the Republic. No, they are people who needs to military punishment of civilians to reign supreme. That is medieval and not progressive, but what “liberators” of the past is offering the people of today.

If a innocent dies in the hands of the President. We got to tell their stories. We got to scream their names and we got remember their legacy. Because, the state took them and ended their lives early. Their lives was taken without mercy or justice. These innocent people shall be remembered and be reason to rebuke the leadership of today.

President Museveni cannot run away or look smug in the midst of this. He cannot insight more fear or institutionalized brutality. Unless, he wants soldiers to run from house to house to scare even more. That is the only thing he has left. Because all other sort of punitive action he has used without public orders. The President has used vicious means and this cannot last forever. He knows that, but still he persist with it. Hoping it doesn’t cause an outcry or spark a revolution. Still, at one point…

He might kill the wrong brother for no apparent reason. Someone who matters and who is the voice of a generation. Even someone who is the breathing ideal of the times we are living. With the extensive measure and means of oppression. At one point he might nail that coffin and shut the case without knowing it. As his security officers are killing someone who can spark a flame he cannot blow-out with a few meaningless words. No, there is no way he can change the history or revise the blood.

The bloodshed is already there and this is the legacy of Museveni. That he turned into the same, as the ones he overthrew. What is worse… is that Museveni knows better, but he see himself as the exemption. Alas, that isn’t the case. In the end of all things. He will meet the maker just like all of us. Then he has to ask for grace and mercy for his actions. Then God will decide his fate. That is not for us to judge, but we can hope God answer our prayers. As there have been no vindication while we was walking on earth. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Press Release – Hon. Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert Election Petition (08.02.2021)

Imagine if the “Panda Gari’s” went after the NRM.

Now in 2021 it is so common placed that people associated with National Unity Platform (NUP) and opposition parties are suddenly left earth without a trace. The “drones” or “Panda Gari’s” are abducting civilians without charges, warrants or any criminal proceedings. It is happening to an extent that is hard to follow. In such a systemic manner, where you know that, if your affiliated or associated as a mobilizer, activists or a candidate. You can easily be picked up for months, be at a “safe-house”, tortured and held incommunicado without any legal representation or words to loved ones.

With the knowledge of this. The state should rebuke it. They have only made vague nonsensical statements with maligned numbers and stories. Only a few chosen ones and they claim they will do inquiries into it. However, the security organizations are still continuing to do so. Which they have been doing for months. They are taking people away, if it is the Special Force Command (SFC), the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) or Internal Security Organisation (ISO). The SIU Kireka and high ranking officials will act aloof and not be directly about this.

Because, there is several thousands of civilians taken by this and we don’t know the damage to then. There is already murder cases because of this, but these will never be solved. As the “high above” will be implicated or his closest associates who is ordering these arrangements. That is why they can do this without no fear or retribution. They can avoid the law and be above it too.

So, when you know all of this. Imagine if the state and all of its security organizations would do this to the elite and Movement people. Just consider suddenly high ranking bankers, lawyers, generals and appointees of the President would suddenly go missing.

Let’s say that Gen. Elly Tumwiine suddenly was taken away from his home in the middle of the night. They apprehended him, blindfolded him and dispatched him to another district into a “safe-house”. Where they would keep him chained and in dark chamber. He couldn’t contact anyone and they had “intelligence” of his treasonous acts.

Or they suddenly raided the Bank of Uganda and took the Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile. Early morning as his swinging by his office. They would sprint up with the drone. Be plained clothed and armed. Just viciously sneaking him from the offices into the car before he was taken away to an unknown ungazetted safe-house in Mukono.

Let’s say the honourable minister Frank Tumwebaze was taken from his home. In the middle of the night with gun-fire and fatalities of his guards at his home. They would all of a sudden come with guns blazing and take him by the bulls. Hurt his legs and break one of his arms. Just twist him down the stairs, as he tried to flee from the plain-clothed assailants that night. Alas, they caught him and brought him “justice”.

The likes of Ashburg Katto, Jennifer Full Figure and Butchaman would all be publicly taken away as they we’re planning to go a national event. These was supposed to participate at the rally or ceremony with the President. Just as they were leaving their homes. The drones came and just take them away. No justification. Just pure injustice for their association with the Movement.

That is what they would do. Also, if I would amp it a bit up. Just as the close associates have been taken away from Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. His campaign team and closest associates have been behind bars and also Court Martial by the state. Therefore, we have to imagine the state would take much further then Presidential Advisors, minister and a NRA historical.

The drones would continue to go after people in association with the movement. They would target NRM Central Executive Committee (NRM CEC) who are high ranking officials. Just to plunge the party even more.

They would kidnap the likes of Simon Peter Aleper, Sigh Katongole, Captain Mike Mukula, Godfrey Ssuubi Kiwanda, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Jacob Oulanyah, Rebecca Kadaga and Al Hajj Moses Kigongo. All of these would be overnight taken by the drones. They would be left without a trace. The only one knowing about these are the loved ones. Who without a notice saw plained-clothed men taking them into drones in the night. They jumped over fences and silenced the guards around their houses. Where they took them out violently.

Let’s say suddenly Sam Kuteesa was abducted, taken to a “safe-house” and his newly elected daughter Shartsi Kutesa Musherure MP would be taken shortly after. Even her main competitor in the NRM Aine Godfrey “Sodo” Kaguta would also be kidnapped by the same group. All of them was missing for days and no words. In the same regard, the newly minted MP and former GAVI funds eater Jim Muhwezi was violently taken away from his home. Nobody would currently know where he is, sort of how folks felt with the GAVI-Funds back-in-the-day. When nobody knew where it is, but its supposed to be there for medicinal procurement. All of these people in close association went missing. The Movement and the NRM would go crazy and go to war to get these folks home.

However, the drones and Panda Gari’s are not done yet. They would continue and make sure the vicious cycle continues. Just because they take away the Kutesa and Museveni’s cousin. They wouldn’t be done yet.

Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga would have been taken on the way to office. They would suddenly block his car and tear-gas his car. They would drag him out of his SUV. They would let his car be on the roadside. He would act aggressively and shot against the plain-clothed officers. In the end of the melee, the son-of-the-president would be taken and bruised by the officers. This would alarm the State House.

If any of this happened. There would be a vast outcry. It would be shocking. The whole NRM world would be in haywire. The state would have started to attack and use its power to fence these people down. They wouldn’t have slept at ease at night while people innocently or uncharged got taken away. The NRM would maybe been more in fury and been acting with more force. If these actions happened to them. Alas, it is happening to the opposition and their associates. That is why it doesn’t matter to them.

This is happening on the daily and to regular to not be spoken out about. When about 3000 people have been taken this way. When so many civilians with political affiliation is abducted, kidnapped, tortured and detained indefinitely without charges, court trial or due process. It should worry anyone, as well, as people are ending up dead as well without any justice. It is infuriating and injustice at its highest form.

That is why I wrote it this way. To make you imagine, if it happened to the big-men, the ones who is high ranking and close associates of the President. If these was touched like the NUP associates. Maybe it would cause a bigger outcry and also condemnation. As the civilians are taken by the drones or “Panda Gari’s” and its worrying. The state is looking the other way, but other state operatives are ordering it. If the state didn’t support it or wasn’t doing it. It wouldn’t happen, because they are the only ones who has the structure, manpower and ability to do this at this scale. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee now thinks civic education equates to destabilizing the country…

Part of this money is to support and facilitate various groups and entities in Uganda to conduct what they called deepening democracy in Uganda. The President and government think that this money was brought to distabilise the country. So that is the gist of the concern of the President and the investigation will tell us the money trail and what it has done” – Ofwono Opono in an interview (Ali Twaha – ‘Government links DGF suspension to politics’ 05.02.2021, New Vision).

The suspension of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF), which is directly funding over 70 Civil Society Organization/Non-Governmental Organization and also their various of programs was suspended by the President in January 2021. As the President and the government was preparing to go to the polls and it had already hold grudges towards civil society for so long. This is the latest attempt to crucify and assault the ones working for a better governance in the Republic.

We know that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni doesn’t want to listen to others. Neither does he want the input from anyone else either. However, he don’t mind free-money and slush-funds to spend as he see fit. That is why he goes after the DGF as it is a fitting “enemy” which he cannot directly control or have his hands in the cookie-jar.

Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo is saying it deliberately. They are calling it destructive. Because, they are undermining the “personification” of the state, which happens to be the President. The DGF’s civic education and programs are working indirectly to build sufficient institutions, policies and reforms, which in the end will weaken the power of one man. It would in the end be for good governance and accountable state organizations. Not just be ordered from “high above”. That is why OO and President is speaking ill of this. This will in the end weaken their drive and total control of the state, in the manner, which things are done today.

The “destabilizing” effort is indirectly weakening his reign and rule. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have no troubles getting direct aid and grants for their government to run. However, they have trouble having the same donors paying for salaries, programs and civic education across the Republic. That shows a double standard and that the President have no trouble eating of the plate directly, but doesn’t want to be told how to be accountable for his eating. He wants to spend money, but don’t want to show recites. That is the memo I am getting from this.

It shows that his a weak man. The President and the government have had no issues taking money from Western donors like the ones who funds the DGF. If they are so afraid of the independence and the questions of usage of funds. The government shouldn’t accept any funds with possible sting attached. The state shouldn’t take loans or grants from the outside. If the donors cannot sustain organizations (CSOs/NGOs) who works with other ideals than the President at this current day.

That is the reality of this all. There is no free lunch. It has never been so. There is always something attached and expectations of an outcome. If you borrow money to build a road, the lender hope you build the road, but also repays the loan with interests. If you take a donation or a grant, then its expected to go to a certain organization or work, which is beneficial for the ones receiving it. That is just a mere reality we all know.

Now, the ones receiving it wants to directly control the funds and how it is spent. When it was funds, which wasn’t his in the first place. They are worried of the efforts and effects these organizations have in the Republic. However, we all know that the President just want to eat and don’t bother with questions. This is why he has retaliated, because he can and he want to show strength. Nevertheless, these acts are an act of a coward. A coward who has taken money all his life, but now cries foul. It is a bit late when you been eating for over three decades and never caused a fuzz. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni suspending the DGF is biting the hand that feeds him

Now that the letter from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija is out. The infamous letter where he suspends the accounts of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF). This is important, because the DGF supports programs and organizations across the Republic. The DGF is sole funder of several of civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations. There are atleast 70 of them that is hit by this and would cease operations, as the funding and lack of funds to pay staff. That is all happening, because Museveni wrote a letter in early January 2021.

President Museveni have targeted CSOs and NGOs around election time. That is common. That he claims they are up to “no good” and supporting “terrorism” or any other objectively bad enterprise they can. That has been common for decades. However, ceasing their funding totally and blocking a multi-national funding scheme like the DGF. Only undercuts the ideals of the givers, the donors and the ones who monetary support the government and people in the Republic in general. This isn’t government funded money from the tax-base. No, these funds are given from outsiders to support governance and other organizations to strengthen democratic institutions and educate the masses.

The DGF is a collective fund donated by the European Union, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden to support programs and CSOs/NGOs in Uganda. They are partnered with at least 72 organizations across the republic to different capacities. All working in various of fields and for causes to better the Republic. They are all civil society voices for good governance and creating a freer society. However, that is clearly not the beacon that the President believes in anymore.

The donors that see this action by Museveni should shun him and cease all direct donor-funds and also block all loans through multi-national organizations, which the donors are funding as well. That would make it harder for the President to operate and he would seek funds elsewhere. If he wants to be free of stipulations and not have any oversight. This cutting funds to International Monetary Funds (IMF) and World Bank (WB). Also others where the Government of Uganda is seeking loans for development projects and government programs.

The National Resistance Movement was able in the late 1980s and 1990s to have progress and financial backing to pursuit the government programs, which is it so proud of. The state also saw debt relief and cuts from donors. Now, the NRM is gaining more debt, but also putting in obstacles with the donors in regards to the DGF. The ones funding DGF should suspend all other funds and funding that goes towards Museveni. As a retaliation to this, as these projects, programs and NGOs/CSOs are working for ideals that Museveni once stood for, but with lingering in office despises.

We are clearly seeing the punitive action made by Museveni. He wants to prove supremacy, but does it in a mockery of a way. This is only showing the donors what sort of little man he is. That he has to go to this step. Take away the securities of the CSOs and NGOs. Instead of actually serving the general public. If the President really did that. He would haven’t have the need for all these CSOs/NGOs to cover where the government is lacking. The state is fluid and lacking institutions. That’s why the state needs them to cover the basics and civic education. This is still needed after over 30 years in power. That shows the weakness of the Presidency and his reign.

President Museveni isn’t showing strength here. His showing weakness and lack of control. That he got to act like this. This is acting a villain and hurting own citizens, because he can. So, the donors should act upon this and not just take it on the chin. They should show force too. Just to prove him what he has done. It is about time and not just “condemn” and move-on. That is not making any changes or challenging the old man. You need to meet him head-on. He plays games and these are with the lives of all these organizations. It is not the money of Museveni and neither funding from the state either. That is why his sour, as he got to loan to pay his cronies salaries. This is why he attacks and confronts, instead of talking and negotiating with the donors.

What he does with this is putting himself in corner and making less friends. If he wanted more support and legitimacy. He should have acted differently. However, he rather picks the trick of the pariah, instead of the friendly grand-pa, which is what he tries to act in the media. That is clearly not working and that is why this letter is undressing his motives. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine’s gamble with the Supreme Court Petition

Tomorrow is the final day of delivering election petition on the matter of the Presidential Election of the 14th January 2021. Alas, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine tried to deliver a petition already on Friday 29th January 2021, but he was dismissed by the Supreme Court. The National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential Candidate and Opposition leader plans to do this tomorrow on the 1st February 2021.

However, what his doing here is a gamble. Since all the judiciary appointments is working for the President. All these people are getting fed by the President. He always appoints loyal token judges ahead of the campaign season. Just so his safe and secure for whatever coming their way. Because, the President knows that these folks will do him favours. They will find the legal justification for his reign and dismiss anyone who is in his path.

Bobi Wine can have a team of astute attorneys, the People Power juggernaut can come with fierce force and evidence of the rigging. However, that might not be enough. Because the pendulum is controlled by the “high above”. His orders and his tricks matters more. The President is the personification of the state and therefore his words is law. That is why no matter what legal remedy or proof, the judges will in the end legitimize these affairs for Museveni. Just like they did with the Age Limit petitions too. They all vouched for the President and his excessive needs.

Bobi Wine is now following the footsteps of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi. Who both took it to Court. They have both tried to prove and make the election “null and void”. Nevertheless, that haven’t happened, as the state and the President wouldn’t have it. Besigye tried in 2001 and 2006. Mbabazi tried it in 2016. None of these was successful.

What is more striking is this assessment of the Presidential Election Petitions of the past:

However, the Supreme Court’s decisions (PEPs No.1 2001, No.1 2006 and No.1 2016), indicate that the petitioner must prove, ‘to the satisfaction of the Court’, the allegations made against the respondent on a higher threshold, that is ‘beyond reasonable doubt’, which is the standard of proof required to validate a criminal conviction (Grechieng, Niclisch & Thoeni 2010, pp. 847-862). This imposes an almost impossible task for the challenger of the election’s outcome. For these reasons, s.59(6)(c) is deficient in preserving the will of the people and in facilitating fair competition for the presidency” (Dr. Fred Sekindi – ‘PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION DISPUTESIN UGANDA – A Critical Analysis of the Supreme Court Decisions, 2017).

So, now that NUP and Bobi Wine is preparing a case. They should know that this challenge is near impossible. The legal principals and international laws for annulments of elections does exists. However, the way the Ugandan laws are made. It is weak and tends to express the needs to prove it too such an extent, which is near impossible. This is where the Presidential Candidate Bobi Wine comes in. As his team and lawyers are planning to petition the court. The act is noble and an approach former opposition candidates has done too. They have all gone there, but with no luck.

That is why its like a game of snakes and ladders. Where no matter where you go. At one point or another, you fall behind and have try to trick yourself up again. You are also lucky if you can ever succeed to pass all the hurdles. That what worries me. It might even give the supports a false figment of hope. Just like this is the magic trick to conquer Museveni. When I don’t think this is the gist of it or the way out.

This is just buying Museveni time and keeping other preoccupied with a case, which he will do a few phone calls and settle. The judges will get their envelopes and faulty reason will dismiss this one too. As we just know, they need to prove it to such an extent that the Presidential Election get annulled. That has been tried before and this isn’t the first the opposition leader is petition the court. No, his the third in line and the fourth major case. Though the UVote collection of DR Forms in comparison to the Final Results will prove rigging. Don’t expect it to be enough. Even if it cannot be proof that the President was directly involved. Still, deep inside the chambers and the halls of the Courts. They do know he has his fingerprints all key aspects of the state.

That is why a petition is a “non-winner”. It is a way to exhaust all ways legally, but it is not a way change the outcome. No, they are only playing the game the President wants. It would be more powerful to drop a report. Show piece by piece, issuing statements of the proofs and hold talks with international media. Get the report exposed and get all local media to discuss it. As it proves every way the election was rigged. In that fashion, the publican be the court and not just a few hand-picked jesters of the President. Which is the ones who will deem it fit or not fit. Peace.