Opinion: Opendi MP proposes a 10 million fine or a possible jail time on couples who are cohabitating…

89. Holding out as though married ( I ) A person who holds out as a husband or wife under this Act, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred currency points or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both” (2) Holding out under this part means living together as husband and wife, acquiring or owing property jointly, bearing children together, and taking on the man’s surname by the woman” (The Marriage Bill, 16.08.2024).

“A proposal in the Marriage Bill 2024 has sparked outrage among female activists in Uganda. The bill, authored by Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi, suggests imposing a Shs10 million fine or a three-year jail term on individuals found cohabiting. Rose Wakikona, Deputy Executive Director of the Women’s Probono Initiative, strongly opposes this provision, emphasizing that cohabiting is a social issue, not a legal one, and that punitive measures won’t resolve it” (91.2 Crooze FM, 06.02.2025).

It is now becoming evident that Sara Achieng Opendi MP of Tororo district wants penalize couples who decides to live together before marriage. The MP have created a stipulated article under a new law to not only fine the individuals who does this, but also possibly send them to prison.

That is really telling a tale of its own. The morality and the judgement of the state to interfere in this manner. That the government should have a say and decide who people lives with and how they are organizing their lives. Because that is the endgame here.

They either have to be by law, or they have to face the law. There is no trial or no testing. There is one set of rules, and the citizens has to comply. The “living in sin” would be codified and be law. Meaning the ones that dared to do it and act within the range of this could possibly face legal jeopardy. However, will the government start to register who is a couple and who is not? Will the government have a registry of everyone cohabiting and having deadlines on when they have made it official?

Because this is a bureaucratic hurdle. This is directly interfering in people’s love life and how they decide to live. It is the bureaucratic reform that enlarge the government and its possible forms. There is a need of registration and a follow-up of it. Since the state has to verify and justify the punitive actions on the couples that does this. Meaning they need to have it in their books that they did live together as a couple and was “holding out as though married” for a set amount of time. That is a story in itself and someone has to follow up on that on a regular basis. Before the bureaucrats are building a case and penalizing someone with either a fine or a charges broad enough to give the person jail time.

Alas, that is the big problem here. Where should the state start doing this? Where should the citizens comply to this and what is their motivation to do so?

This isn’t solving a problem, but criminalizing it. Instead of looking into the social factors and the reasons for why people decides to cohabiting instead marriage. That should be the question. The state and the authorities should wonder why they decide to lie the way they do and not legalize their union. That should be the question of the state and if that is the given that the state wants. Maybe it should try to figure out ways to make it more feasible, make it more easy or give it perks, which gives the reason for a union in the first place. Not only make a legally binding between two individuals, but also gives it perks that is advancing. So, that the ones that are cohabiting wants to move from just that to become married too. That’s what the government should do. It shouldn’t come with a strike of vengeance and with fear. No, it should come with solutions and possibilities so the citizens can assess their status and what is the best for them. Peace.

Kawempe North By-Election: The FDC Flagbearer is practically ‘Yellow’

“In the first remix that leaked online, Aganaga was heard calling Bobi Wine ‘fala’ with words ‘tolonda oyo fala’ however Aganaga denied owning the song. However the singer has now openly come out and acknowledged the song as his adding that a remix version with President Museveni is getting released and the video is coming soon. “As you know that am good at making old people sing hits in this industry , as a producer, best song writer, a sound engineer & a business man, I have landed on a collabo with the Current President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri K Museveni” Aganaga said as he describes his next move as Music for Business” (Nasa Tushabe – ‘Kalifah Aganaga In a New Song Collabo with Sevo, Kiboko Fire Remix’ 25.09.2020, Blizz Uganda).

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has now launched the candidacy of Afro-dancehall artist Sadat Mukiibi aka Kalifah Aganaga as the flagbearer in the Kawempe North By-Election. It is just shocking and showing how far the FDC has fallen.

“We have today successfully concluded the internal process of identifying candidates who will hold our flag in the upcoming Kawempe North By-election. The Party Electoral Commission has officially presented the following candidates:

  1. Mr. Sebunya Sharif – Councilor, Kazo Angola
  2. Mr. Mukiibi Sadat – Member of Parliament, Kawempe North” (Forum for Democratic Change, 05.02.2025).

The pick of candidate, a person who sold out and dipped out from the National Unity Platform (NUP) ahead of the General Election of 2021. That’s when he started to campaign for Museveni and became a National Resistance Movement (NRM) member. This is who he is and what he become.

That Patrick Oboi Amuriat are launching the campaign of Khalifah Aganaga is telling. FDC as we knew is falling. The reputation and how it looks is just maligning itself. POA deciding on the artist just shows what he wants to do. They are trying the populist approach with someone who is hunting for a home. The musician is already a journeyman and someone who has no trouble working with the NRM. So, we don’t know if he has revoked or distanced himself from NRM. A party he campaigned for before the 2021 election. Alas, that shows his character and what he was willing to do.

A man who is proud of having a “bad character” and running a corporation in that name. That’s who POA believes in and anoints. This is just so compelling…

The FDC fielding someone like this. That is just a story in itself. They are trying to prove a point, but it is futile. Just a mockery of People Power and the NUP. They are serving the NRM by doing this, as he was just in their midst and working for them a hot minute ago. That’s what Najjanankumbi tries to achieve here.

It is just tragic and a sad sight to see. This is what the party has become, and everyone should watch what Katonga Road does. Because that is where the trials and tribulations against the struggle continues. It has left the offices of Najjanankumbi, apparently. Peace.

Besigye behind bars for 76 days [on the 3rd of February 2025] without proper trial as a civilian…

“There is a heavy presence of the military and police at the Makindye-based General Court Martial, where four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye is expected to appear, as indicated during the last sitting of the court. However, sources confirm that the Court Martial will not sit today following the Supreme Court’s ruling last Friday, which ordered that all cases involving civilians before the Court Martial should cease immediately and be transferred to civil courts with competent jurisdiction” (Daily Monitor, 03.02.2025).

Well, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The General Court Martial of Makindye Barracks is upon us. The case pending for Dr. Kizza and his associates are still on schedule. Meanwhile, the verdict on the 31st of January 2025 have certainly had no barring or powers to stop the continuation of the GCM.

The ones that is shocked or in awe. They haven’t seen how the state acts and doesn’t comply with orders. The President’s words are law, and his orders are the ones that matters. The Executive or Commander-in-Chief can decide, and he has the final word.

We all should know that the Supreme Court could do the citizens and civilians a favour, but that is worthless when the High Above has another idea. That idea is to use the GCM and target his dissidents there. As he can order and have a direct involvement in their decisions. The manner of keeping people detained and defer the case. Therefore, keeping the suspect behind bars, but without a proper trial or even prove any evidence on the charges pinned on the civilian. That’s what the President wants, and he is supportive of this practice.

President Museveni needs the GCM, and it is a vital tool or mechanism of his oppressive regime. It gives a lifeline and ability to try civilians without any sort of proper function. Meanwhile, skim the top of the activists, leaders and whatnot, which him and his allies deems unfit to be in public. These citizens can be pawns and be the poster-boys of the opposition. That’s why they are there, and he keeps them there.

Dr. Kizza Besigye isn’t new to all of this. He has been touched by the authorities or faced the law more than anyone else in the Republic. Besigye should be released, because a civilian tried in the GCM. However, we know the words of Museveni is law. So, with the knowledge of that. We can just expect that Besigye, and his associates will linger in jail.

Today in this case alone, Besigye have been behind bars for 76 days. That is what has happened to him. Neither is there any real hope of release nor be on bail. No, the state is making an example of Besigye. Even if Besigye if the person who has all knowledge of how the state operates and how they use the law against the innocent. He knew this long before they kidnapped him in Nairobi, Kenya.

The GCM is a tribunal made for disciplining soldiers or commanders in the army. Nevertheless, Museveni wants it to be used as a tool of oppression. That’s why his defending the usage of the GCM and will not stop the practice.

I wouldn’t be shocked if this case continues and is pending. There is nothing… that is shocking about it. If he is released… we should expect him to be re-arrested and if lucky… his again house-arrested or something similar. Because Besigye will be followed, monitored and be in legal jeopardy. That is just the nature of thing. I wish it could be different, but that is mere reality of everything. Peace.

A look into Mzee’s Statement on the General Court Martial Judgement of Yesterday

However, on getting back to Kampala, I was sorry to hear of the wrong decision by the Supreme Court in the matter of the fire-arms armed civilians being tried by the Military Court Martial. This is a method which we the freedom fighters support because it reinforces the Civilian Judicial System to defend the lives of our People against Criminals armed with guns. If you are not a soldier, why do you arm yourself with guns and, moreover, for criminal purposes and illegally, that are a monopoly of the Armed Forces? If you voluntarily acquire these guns, why should you complain when you are tried in a forum that deals with those matters when soldiers are involved?” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (01.02.2025).

The old man with the hat had to way in and in his military spirit. The Head of State has profited of the usage of the General Military Courts (GMC). The GMC is serving the interests of the President and his inner-circle.

The ones believing or hoping the Supreme Court judgement would change things. I hate to be bearer of bad news. The Executive and the Commander-in-Chief has no mercy. The President has plans to sufficiently make it legal and ensure the usage of the GMC this way. Therefore, the ones believing the civilians will be freed or released. They are wrong. Expect the NRM MPs start singing and come with Private Motions to sing the psalms of the President. That will happen after a NRM Caucus and a NRM CEC meeting guiding them all. Why do I say that…

Well… the old man said it himself, but in other words: “Anyway, the country is not governed by the Judges. It is governed by the People –all of us Ugandans, that are old enough to vote. In the matter of the Constitution and other legislations, we govern ourselves by having Referenda or Constitutional amendments or amendments of the laws by Parliament” (Museveni, 01.02.2025).

We are just seeing how he moves and what he will do. The President has the final say and whatever he thinks goes. This is the way he operates and everyone is at his whim. That’s why his words is the law. The Constitution can be pigeon-holed and become a wrecked document. Just so it serve any interest or ideal that the President has. Not for the betterment of the Republic, but to serve his needs and whatever he deems fit.

He really thinks his own army courts can deal with everything: “Back to some of our Judges, the rape, corruption, etc., cases are tried in Military Courts to protect the institution of the Army. The guns armed illegal operators should be tried, initially, in Military Courts to protect the Society” (Museveni, 01.02.2025).

It just shows his mindset and pattern of behaviour. The ones who is in shock or awe. They haven’t followed the militarism and the junta government acts of Museveni. This is just who he is and what he has become. The army is the nation and the nation is at the mercy of the army. The President don’t need the people or the civilians, but he does need the army. That’s why he entrust the army to deal with any civilian manner anyway. Therefore, he just wants the absolute power and control any decision made.

President Museveni is just showing his true face here. There is no middle-ground on this. He just says what everyone knows and proves where his mentality is at. The man who lives by the gun. Will die by the gun. A man who took power by the gun. Will leave power by the gun too. That’s who he is and he intends to use it. Nevertheless, the ones defending this impunity and infamy is foolish. They could get caught in the same web the moment they fall out of favour or is useless to the General on top. Peace.

Opinion: Hon. Kabaziguruka deserves his flowers

The former Member of Parliament, Michael Kabaziguruka deserves credit and accolades for what went down at the Supreme Court today. That he stood tall and persevered through the adversity. A man who has faced legal jeopardy and trouble.

The newly elected MP was facing charges of Treason and was supposed to behind a scheme to assassinate the Head of State, General and President Yoweri Kaguta Musevei. That’s why the authorities and the state tried this case at the General Court Martial of Makindye Barracks. Just like others has been since then.

Hon. Kabaziguruka pushed for it and has waited for. A man who could have given up and given way. No one would have judged him after all these years. Yes, his vindicated today, but the hurt must be alive for the man. As he knows the acts of the state at first hand and tasted the brutality of it. Not like he was walking off easily or even without a touch from it.

He got there because he won over a favoured candidate. The man became an MP and conquered one of the anointed men, Fred Ruhindi. That’s why he faced doom and was in dungeons of the SIU Kireka at one point. As the state schemed on how to prolong the pain and suffering. Making up charges and fabricating allegations to make sure he wouldn’t be released. That’s why he ended up it the General Court Martial. Just so the civilian courts couldn’t touch him or have him under their jurisdiction. That way they could keep him detained and make him a poster-child of the unfortunate who was more popular than the state’s own candidate.

Today’s verdict is a vital one and an important one. Nevertheless, this is just one stepping stone. Hon. Kabaziguruka took us here. Now others has to lead on to take it further. He has taken this journey and allowed for this door to open. Now others have to follow suit and challenge the other discrepancies and misuse of power, which is rampant within the authorities and the law enforcement of the Republic.

That’s why we should cheer for the outcome, because of the significance of it. However, I am not hopeful for the civilians tried in the General Military Courts. No, these are still in legal limbo and will face a continued pursuit of justice and freedom in civilian courts. These people won’t be freed on a whim and the state will make cases for continuing the persecution elsewhere. So, don’t think the political prisoners will be freed because of this verdict. No, if it is adhered too… the state only have to move dockets and chambers, but the game plan will be the same. The game is rigged and Hon. Kabaziguruka knows that well too.

This is why today is a good day, but not the end of the matter. It is just one step. One important step, but not the end. There is a lot more to give. Hon. Kabaziguruka did his part and now others got to step up to clear the courts, yet again. That to stop other practices that is unlawful and breaching with the codes or articles of the constitution. It is about time to end these actions and make them obsolete. However, that won’t happen over night and neither will the political prisoners be released without remedy or justification, which gives the state leverage to do so. These will not be free or at liberty tomorrow. No, they will linger in jeopardy and within the realm of the law. As long as they are in custody. They are endangered and the state can just find new allegations or criminal conspiracy to pin on the victims. That’s what it does… and we have seen that movie before. Peace.

Opinion: The General Court Martial is deemed unfit – but I won’t celebrate to early…

There is breadcrumbs and certainly if the authorities and the state was to abide by the Supreme Court, the civilians on remand and awaiting a proper trial at the General Court Martial. These are now celebrated and expected to get justice. The justice being released and getting their freedom again. However, I wouldn’t run that fast and be jolly.

The Supreme Court did the right thing, but it doesn’t let the buck stop. These cases will be moved civilian courts and the authorities will apprehend and re-arrest the ones that is pending judgment or sentence at the GCM. The ones believing in anything is naive.

The regime isn’t imposing these instruments of power and chambers for fun. They are using any aspect of the law and legalities to ensure the demise of its dissidents. That’s why I have little to no faith in the system. This system is rigged against the individuals caught in it. This is why they will not get justice or the freedom they are supposed to have. They have already lost their liberties and possibly the privileges that an ordinary citizen has. Because they have dared to question, act within the space of opposition politics and been public in their dissent. That’s why they are behind bars and awaiting trial and sentencing at the GCM.

We haven’t seen people being released or civilians being issued paperwork to get off from these cases. No, the state and the authorities will find technicalities and measures to continue the prosecution and persecution for the foreseeable future. They are now under the mercy of authorities and they aren’t forgiving. No, they will use all means and find all tricks of the book, which they will use to throw at these fellow peers.

The ones believing the National Unity Platform activists or supporters behind bars will be released. Nah, it won’t happen. The ones believing Dr. Kizza Besigye or fellow associates of him will be released. Nah, it won’t happen. These are there for a reason and to tell a story to the citizens of who is king. That’s why they are there in the first place and their master won’t release them just like that.

Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe is now famous for his operation at the General Court Martial of Makindye. He is now infamous and will forever be known for his actions within his chambers. The tribunal that acted like a prestigious court…

If I assess things in order. The civilians which are currently in custody. They might possibly get a release, but quickly will be picked up by drone or “Panda Gari” which later schedules them for another civilian court and will prolong the agony. They will either be there within the 48 hours or will be put into safe houses. Only the high profile cases will be put under jurisdiction of well known courts and be on public display. Meanwhile, they will be kept in prison and be under remand. As these “investigations” and such will prolong the agony of the ones who are state property.

That’s why I am not celebrating today’s verdict in the Supreme Court. There is no time for that. The state will use it and find ways of keeping these political prisoners, regardless of the verdict. That is bound what the Supreme Court even said today. It is just moved from entity to another. This is buying the state time and reasons to keep them detained. That’s why I am subtle and clear.

The ones that wants people freed from this torment. They have to target the tormentors and find ways of weakening it. Because right now they can install fear and use the rules of law as a weapon against the ones who dares to challenge its authority. That’s why they are in the slammer to begin with. Peace.

Uganda Law Society (ULS): Supreme Court Ruling on Civilian Trials in Military Courts: A Victory for Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law (31.01.2025)

Kawempe North By-Election: An update on the upcoming polls

The Electoral Commission has scheduled the road map ahead of the Kawempe North By-Election, which is now happening later this year. That was bound to happen after the demise and the fall of the late Mohammed Ssegirinya aka Mr. Update.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) is following suit and have asked for the ones who wants to be the flagbearer and become the next MP to step up. They have the time to express interests in it until the 4th February and the party will unveil their candidate on the 5th February. Surely within the guidelines of the Electoral Commission and in time to register the candidate as a contestant in the By-Election itself. Therefore, the NUP continues like no tomorrow.

The EC has settle the dates for delivering of the candidacy at the Office of the returning officer in the time span of the 26th and 27th February. This shows that the NUP is planning to be in advance and ensure their candidate is ready for campaigning early. As well, as waiting for the campaign period of 28th February to the 11th March 2025. Meanwhile, the polls are on the 13th March and we are seeing the MP will be elected on this day and either announced later that night or the day after. Depending on how the EC is planning to pull this one of.

The NUP is now working within the system and preparing to participate in this. The NUP want to replace Mr. Update and have the seat in the end of the 11th Parliament. Though that is a short stint before having to participate yet again in the 2026 General Election. By the time the MP is sworn in…

The MP would only have 6 months or possibly max 8 months or so. As the 11th Parliament has to accept the election and swear the MP in. That is up to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to make it happen as Parliament Business. We just have to await… and see how that one plays out.

That the NUP is doing this isn’t surprising. There is already several candidates and people who wants to takeover the seat. These are running social media campaigns and published posters with slogans. They are ready to step up and take over as the flagbearer. It just shows how quickly someone takes over from the late. Instead of grieving or even honour the late. These cannot wait for their turn and be the next legislator who is getting in office.

Mr. Update deserves better than this. The system and the authorities doesn’t care, but the NUP should have honoured this man. They held the burial, but now they are contesting his seat like an ordinary day. The party just unleashing the ability to nominate themselves and telling when they will announce the candidate. Regardless of who this is… they will never be Mr. Update or live up to his potential. Mr. Update is one in a million and no one will be able to takeover from him. That heart and the voice of reason doesn’t come natural to plenty of others.

That’s why I wanted the NUP to boycott this one and instead held a longer period of mourning of Mr. Update. In this way have better time and be able to find the righteous candidate to step into the shadow of Mr. Update. Instead it will now be a petty fight within the party and also be a rushed campaign. The late MP deserves a better man and possibly someone who could revisit his love for the constituency.

The NUP cannot and aren’t able to find that suitable man within a hot minute. We shouldn’t expect magic, but surely … this is just rushed, and the constituency deserves better. They had a great leader and MP. They should have more time and now will be traded off in a hasteful campaign. That is where we are going… Peace.

Opinion: Kagabo MP finally came home

“That is their opinion, you know any opinion that ignores the facts is inclined to a fool or an idiot. This invite had an agenda, it isn’t perfunctory that you saw me in State House. I went to State House to meet the President, not NRM. Those are two different things. I pray to God that he gives you the wits to know the difference between meeting the President and party issues, they are very distinct. Just pray to God that He gives you that wisdom to demystify the two” – Twaha Kagabo (Bukoto South MP, National Unity Platform (NUP)) – (06.02.2024).

The journey is over. The former National Unity Platform (NUP) Member of Parliament of the Bukoto South MP is now vying to become the National Resistance Movement (NRM) MP for Bukoto South. He has within the term gone from the NUP to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) to join the NRM.

This is a man that claimed to be an opposition and fight the dictator. To change his stripes when getting into office. Not like a fantastic or brilliant legislator. No, his not known for making motions or petitions the August House. This man has been busy finding new means to eat and find ways to get a meal-ticket. That’s who Kagabo MP is.

In February 2024 I said he should just turn yellow. That was how he engaged and talked anyway. There was nothing about him that was aligned with the NUP or the opposition. He could just be another crony and bootlicker of the state. That’s who he has become, and he found his path. Instead of having a moral code or even considering the implications. He rather sellout and become one of them.

That he went from the NUP and Bobi Wine to celebrate the dictator’s son. Just shows what sort of character he is and now he joins the NRM because the PLU won’t have separate tickets in the upcoming election. Therefore, he has to go to NRM and not stand on the PLU.

This is after the PLU said they were aligned with the NRM and no one should be shocked by that. The PLU is the NRM and the NRM is the PLU. It is just different fronts for the same message. They are working for the same regime and dynamic. Nothing is significantly different.

Just one man who turned on his cause and sold his soul. That’s who Kagabo MP is and everyone should know. He went from fighting the dictatorship to partaking in it. Just imagine that. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni is campaigning already [with the PDM assessment tour]

Now that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is touring the nation in the name of the Parish Development Model or the PDM. His doing the old bidding and using it as front for what his actually doing. This is campaigning and holding rallies outside the Electoral Road Map. That is using his authority and ability as the Head of State to vie the public with the carrot of micro-financing schemes.

This isn’t new of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or the General himself. No, Museveni has done this for years and before the General Elections. It has been done in the name of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and Emyooga. Now it is PDM…

The State House will need Supplementary Budgets for it. It doesn’t matter if the PDM isn’t operational, functional or even having all mechanisms working to be the “silver bullet” to end poverty. It is just the newest scheme out of plenty. This President has promised the “golden goose” since the 1980s and made up schemes since at least the mid 1990s. So, we shouldn’t be surprised that he does it again and again.

When he goes to the up-country, up north, up east and central region in the name of the PDM. It is cookie cut campaigning to ensure longevity of his rule. That is done to be visible and let the villagers believe in his dream. This is to sell the promises and act like he has achieved something recently. Even if his selling the same story and re-inventing the wheel. That’s what his doing and still wasn’t prepared when launching the PDM. That’s why the PDM haven’t worked properly and is misused. It is paying ghosts and other non-entities in the name of ending poverty.

Alas, the President is coming with empty promises and pledging to heal the nation. Even if he doesn’t fix the institutions, neither have the funding for government services or even ensure the infrastructure is up to levels. That is just what he does and he will vilify the predecessors that has been dead for decades while his doing it.

This is just what Museveni does. He goes on these rallies and tours as early campaigning. Just to ensure the local NRM are ready and is on his side. His there to galvanize and hopeful corrupt the young minds with smoking mirrors. That’s all he has and those words are supposed to salvage his office. If not… he has to intimidate them to submission. Therefore, don’t expect mercy from His Excellency. That is a train that has left the station.

The ones thinking 2026 will be different than any other election. You got to be naive or an ignorant fool. As long as Museveni is on the ticket. The stars are aligned and we know the game already. Peace.