Opinion: The MPs hyper-focus on SEX…

“41. Voidable marriage (1) A marriage is voidable where one of the parties to the marriage(a) is unable to consummate the marriage within six months of celebration of marriage; (b) willfully refuses to consummate the marriage within a period of three months from the time of celebration of the marriage; or (c) conceals a material fact which would otherwise vitiate the other party’s consent to the marriage; (2) The aggrieved party may, at his or her option, apply to a competent court on any of the grounds in subsection (l), to nullify the marriage” (Marriage Bill, 2024).

The recent laws that have been read and been tabled at the Parliament is main focused on the sex-life of the citizens. The Members of Parliament are willing to Police the fornication and the bed-rotation of citizens of the Republic. This is a continuation of the Anti-Homosexuality Act. Therefore, this is the main perspective of the MPs and what they deem fit or most important use of their time.

We have the bill tabled Sara Achieng Opendi, which is the Marriage Bill of 2024. Which I have shown one really bad article of, and I cannot understand the need of this being in law. Unless the state needs to know that the married couples are doing it. That’s how you can interpret it.

In coordination with this… at the same time, Anna Andeke Ebaju MP has tabled the Sexual Offences Bill of 2024. That is furthering the cause too and wants to make the oldest profession illegal. Which is stopping one part of society and will make it more underground. This sort of thing will always exist, and people will seek it out. So, this won’t stop the practice, but make it even more dangerous for the people who are working as prostitutes and the ones whose sheltering them at their “workplace”.

Just read this:

“12. Brothels A person who knowingly keeps a house, room or place of any kind for purposes of facilitating the commission of an offence under this Act commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for seven years. 13. Prohibition of prostitution A person who practices or engages in prostitution commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for two years. 14. Prohibition of sexual act with a prostitute A person who engages in a sexual act with a prostitute commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for two years” (The Sexual Offences Bill, 2024).

Yes, prostitution is immoral from some sense of the imagination. At the same time, everything that is immoral shouldn’t necessarily become illegal. Then you’re going down a slippery slope of things that can become prohibited. That’s something that is in need to be discussed and needs further reflection on.

I’m just here to address the matter that sex and sexual acts are regulated like this. Yes, the laws in themselves aren’t all bad. There is just a need to look into it and speak out about it. We know “sex” sells and this shows it. It is populist moves of the MPs and how they show their acts in the 11th Parliament.

One MP is worried that the couples are consummate their relationship after the celebration of marriage. While another MP is worried about people actually paying for the same sort of service. Meanwhile, the same Parliament has made it illegal to have one sort of sexual behaviour. Therefore, this is just continuing the path and policing bed-side behaviour from all aspects of life. That should be discussed before all dirty laundry have to be publicized and follow the articles of law.

We can wonder why they are doing this and creates legislation like this. When there is so many things that needs a fix. There is so many issues within the Republic, which isn’t part of the activities between the sheets. No, there are more troubling issues, but they are not as politicized or as populist as finding punitive measures for what the MPs deems as immoral within the bedframes of the citizens home. Therefore, the MPs wants a say in how you act and with who you act it with. That’s the reality here and how they are becoming the ones that legalize your rights and what you can do in bed.

This is what is happening here… the MPs should ask themselves if they want the state to control and navigate other parts of their lives. As their private parts aren’t that private, when the state must allow them to use them or not. This is the backside to the laws. All sorts of sexual activity are now becoming law. Yes, these laws have reasonable aspects which makes sense, but I am just pointing out the ones that are questionable.

They need to be blasted. Because… the citizens should know what the MPs are doing and where they are willing to go. Peace.

Opinion: Balaam has become a mercenary for the junta…

“I believe in clean politics. It’s crucial for Uganda’s progress. We must reject deceptive tactics; the tactics that make young people misguided. We must embrace transparency and accountability” (..) “The president has no power to pardon unless someone has been sentenced. So the option available is to cooperate and put in their submissions very fast so that we can have a speedy and fair trial” –  Balaam Barugahara (16.10.2024)

The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara is reported to have visited prisoners of conscience at Kitalya and Luzira Prisons to coerce the prisoners of their guilt. In such a fashion that they will plead guilty to the charges pinned on them. Which he promises their only way to freedom.

It just shows the sinister part here. Several of political prisoners who has fraudulent charges on them. They have been in jail for years upon years now. Where the system has deferred and taken them to Court. Meanwhile, the state is supposed to build a case and prove with evidence of their criminal intent. Alas, the state has nothing and cannot come with anything. That’s why it’s sending Balaam after years of carnage behind bars. To promise them “freedom” and “liberty”, if they accept to become felons and get a pardon from the President.

That’s what we are seeing here. The activists and political affiliated to the opposition who are behind bars. People who have been there since late 2020. These people have gotten changing charges over the years. These civilians has been going to trial in Court Martial and tested through the military courts. These are possibly moved to a favourable court and possibly released after accepting guilt. This isn’t justice, but further injustice, as they are now felons and convicts, which they never did. However, they are out of prison but won’t be totally free. As the state can used the charges and the cases against them at a later date.

Balaam knows all of this… but he wants to be a stooge of the government. His now using his title and office to be a beneficiary. The Minister is now doing the bidding of the state and making the victims further punished for doing nothing. Just imagine people who has lingered behind bars and now have to accept their plights. They are told all of this and released, because they said “okay” to become felons. That’s the injustice here. There is no fair trial or justice here. Only pleaded guilty to “hot air” and then released. Meanwhile, that will be on record and haunt these political prisoners.

Yes, they should be released and freed, but not an a technicality like this. They should be exonerated and acquitted from the cases itself. Now, they are validating the charges and eating the criminal intent of doing so. They are admitting to acting in malice, when they never did. That’s what is disgusting about it and Balaam is giddy about it.

Innocent people are becoming criminals here. Just because of their political affiliation. It isn’t humorous, but tragic. Peace.

Olivia Lutaaya is a victim of political circumstances…

Today is a sad day… when a political activist named Alivia Lutaaya has “pleaded guilty” to the charges put on her. After years in prison. The Military Courts has deferred the case and never proven their guilt. They don’t have the evidence or the witnesses to the charges. However, the cases have been pending and their lives have been on hold in prison.

Olivia Lutaaya has now been four years in prison. First as a part of a group that had “13 explosives” which was an army monopolized weapon. Meaning the army and the government claimed the 32 individuals in question had the weaponry and the authorities captured them with it.

However, that was in 2021 and in 2023 the charges changed, and the 32 individuals are now part of a “bali bali” group and was planning “treachery”. That’s how to extend their time and resolve in prison. As a way of forging new charges and pinning new crimes on the people in question.

That’s why this case shows the ramifications of partaking and being vocal for the opposition in the Republic. These are people who was active and supporting the “red wave” and the National Unity Platform (NUP) ahead of the 2021 General Elections. They were picked up from Mbale, Jinja, Wakiso and Kampala. The ones charged together with Olivia Lutaaya wasn’t only in Kalangala on the 30th of December 2020.

No, these people weren’t organized or in connection of each in this manner. Nevertheless, the state alleges that and says so now. These people are prisoners of conscience. Those people are behind bars for their political affiliation.

The initial reason for their arrests was wearing red-berets. It has further extended to having explosives to later being charged with treason. If you think this case is rock solid and has the hallmark of proof. I hate to break it too you, but the state got nothing. They only have fear, intimidation and the monopoly of violence. That’s why they can do this and can take away the liberty, justice and freedom of these civilians.

Oliva Lutaaya deserves better. Everyone on the list of these days and the nights they are having behind bars. All of them deserves better. That Olivia has pleaded guilty is only because the state broke her. Not because she did anything criminal or with criminal intensions. No, it is only because she was associated and an activist from the NUP.

Oliva Lutaaya and everyone else who is a part of this deserves justice. However, they are only getting injustice and impunity. They are victims of who they believed in and who they wanted to rule the Republic. These people fought for their party and their candidate. The price they have taken is too high. It shouldn’t be this way. The cost of being politically active shouldn’t be like this. Risking your life and being behind bars for years. Just because you support Bobi Wine. That’s foolish, but that’s where the Republic is today. Peace.

Opinion: Fix potholes before you connect yourself to Bangui…

“Together with the Central African Republic, we want to persuade the governments of Congo and South Sudan to construct a road from Arua [in Uganda] through Congo to Obo, and another connecting Yei, Yeribi, and Yambio in South Sudan to CAR” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (09.10.2024).

After 62 years of Independence from the United Kingdom, Uganda celebrated its independence yesterday. On that day it was revealed that the President, the Head of State and the Commander-in-Chief, President Museveni wants to build a road from Uganda to the Central African Republic (C.A.R).

The idea in itself isn’t bad or a suggestion that is just pure hogwash. No, the ideal of connecting the region and having workable roads across the Republic’s would be good for trade, moving goods and people moving across the borders. However, there is no sustainability report or planned investment of infrastructure to do this. Meaning this is done on a whim and because someone had a good idea…

There are already problems with the roads that the Ugandans and their contractors are building in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As they have the use of Dott Services and such, which just shows what sort of enterprise this is. It isn’t about the roads in itself, but about a way of enriching someone and using public funds that way. The roads are just a means to an end.

The roads and the development projects to the Central African Republic would be in the same fashion. The bitumen, the gravel and whatnot wouldn’t really be there. Neither would the state doe the rights with the owners of the territories or ensure the longevity of it. No, it is a white elephant created to make someone really wealthy. I wouldn’t be surprised if the roads become no existent or even a never-ending story. A budget post that never gets enough or a forever pending issue, which was a fever dream of the Head of State.

The State House and the Government of Uganda has already lacked infrastructure within the borders and within its own territories. There is a lack of feeder-roads, proper highways and roads to fulfil the needs of the citizens, business and the farmers to get their produce to market. Therefore, building even more roads outside the nation is outrageous.

UNRA cannot even compete or have enough budgets to ensure the needs of the Republic. They cannot build or keep up with the costs of keeping the upkeep of the day. The roads, bridges and such are lacking funding. That’s why there is lack of secondary or options when a bridge is broken-down. This has been shown again and again over the last decade. Everytime something goes badly… the state doesn’t have funds or ability to fix the bridge that was rotten or destroyed by years of neglect. Therefore, it is really unique that Uganda wants to connect to Bangui.

The pothole(s) of Kampala wants a word. The UPDF Engineering Brigade needs a word too. Dott Services wants another project and budget post to misuse funds. That’s what it does, and we can see it coming. There will be issues and reasons for all sorts of delays, but still the funds were processed and send to the company building. Meanwhile, the roads are non-existent, but the money was spent on it.

That’s what we could foresee… this won’t be a good look or bring any sort of prosperity. Neither will it help the connection of the nations or create a common market either. It will be a way to create budget posts and a way of paying off people. This can be done without any proper or ability to be transparent, accountable or do what they promised to do. Therefore, who thinks this will ever happen. Except on paper and they will talk high-and-mighty about it. Peace.

Uganda: In FY2022/23 there was over 6000 instances of mineral exportation without taxation…

“Through a review of the ASYCUDA extracts of other minerals exported except Gold during the period under review, audit established that 6,469 instances worth a total of UGX.72.490Bn whereby 22 mineral categories were exported without any assessment and payment of the resultant taxes on exportation” (COSASE, June 2024).

This isn’t the total failure of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). No this is a systemic fault and a default setting. This is who the National Resistance Movement (NRM) are and how they operate. It is their system, and they have middlemen or businesses earning fortunes on not paying taxes. That’s why there could be this many instances and nobody stopped it or questioned the activity.

The COSASE report on the Revenue Account for the Year Ended 30th June 2023. A report made in June 2024, but first published on Parliament Watch page yesterday on the 1st of October 2024. That’s why we are discussing it now.

This report on the mineral exportation and lack thereof shows how the NRM has failed this industry and is trying to find ways to enlarge itself within the system. Because, why let the owners, middlemen and others earn fortunes on mineral exportation. Meanwhile, the same industry can avoid and not be taxed. This isn’t BUBU sloganeering or the gist of Middle-Income nation vibe. No, this sounds more like rackets and misuse of business to earn profits. Since they all know it won’t be taxed and earn even more on extraction of minerals in the Republic.

Read this!

“Information provided to the Committee indicates that the above situation hindered tax collection leading to loss of over UGX 10.6328n in revenue from gold export levies alone” (COSASE, June 2024).

“The Committee observed that whereas, it was within the ambits of the Minister to issue Statutory Instrument/ regulations as a remedial intervention measure to facilitate revenue collection on mineral exports, she failed to do so resulting into colossal loss of a combined UGX 72Bn during the period under review. Inability by URA to assess and subject the exporters of the affected minerals to tax was caused by the absence of legislation thereby exposing Government to the loss of revenues that could have been realized on mineral exportation” (COSASE, June 2024).

This here is telling stories. Just imagine the ability to export minerals over 6000 times without any assessment or anything. Meaning the authorities are letting these minerals and extracted resources out of the nation without anything coming back in return. The ones exploiting the system is getting profits and the state is losing out. With that being said, there are possibility that insiders and people connected are earning on it. That’s why they don’t mind the practices or uses the loopholes to earn the ends this way.

COSASE just shows how the system works. The ones working in URA isn’t at fault here. It is the system that has created this and is accepting the practice. This is why it is happening and for a reason. The ones within NRM knows about and is fine with it too. There is no pushback or sort of punitive action towards them either. Therefore, you know this is a game that the state knows and is fine with losing. Because some high-ranking officials are earning, and they are untouchable. Peace.

Opinion: We are not supposed to dishonour the Fountain of Honour…

“The abuse of the President of the Republic of Uganda is an offence. The President of Uganda is the Fountain of Honour. And any actions trying to undermine the Fountain of Honour, either in words or actions are; can attract prosecution. We are going to look into this and shall take appropriate action” – Police Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma (30.09.2024).

Yet again… we are getting the memo.

I know, I know… we have heard this all before and all possible ways. We are supposed to be productive people and working hard on the fields. Supposed to create the Middle-Income Nation and not be lazy. I know…

The Uganda Police Force is now telling the people of the Republic to respect, honour and not disrespect the President. No one should abuse, annoy or use words of ill-will in regards of the Head of State.

The UPF Spokesperson should think of the words the President uses too. He has a rhetoric calling people lazy, saying his enemies are pigs or insects. That he will crash and crush his opposition. That’s who the President and supposed “fountain of honour” are and he needs to addressed for just that.

I know, I know, we are supposed to respect and treat the Head of State in another way than others. His supposed to be honoured and be the special one. Meanwhile, his treating people like beneath him and his underlings that’s supposed to beg for mercy.

It’s hard not to talk ill about someone that took power by the gun and never retired. Someone who has been in office since 1986 and has several mysterious deaths surrounding him. Secondly, he has a violent past and used force to get his way. A man who has used the military, the para-military and other means to get an upper-hand across the region too. Therefore, a bloody violent man who will be remembered for just that. He didn’t win the popular vote, but coup d’etat himself into existence.

That’s why we can’t just mesmerize the crowds, as extra-judicial killings goes unanswered, pollical enemies are captive and kept incommunicado. The usage of the authorities to spellbound and keep political parties stifled. That’s what the President does and he creates a lot of victims of his ways. Several people are prisoners of conscience and others are barred from doing their lives. People are tortured for standing up for their rights or others. Meanwhile other goes missing or worse, they are dead and there is no justice for their lives.

When we know about just that… the drones and all the other techniques, the “safe-houses”. We are jus supposed to speak nicely and softly about the President. That’s obnoxious and outrageous. The President should be held accountable for all the action, micro-management and misuse of office. If that is a annoying or abuse. Let it be… he should carry the weight of the crown. Heavy is the head that wears the crown…

Here ye, here ye, well… we know, yes, we know… this goes in circle. The Police Spokesperson isn’t the first one to state this. Neither to use the law and arrest someone for tweeting, social media posting or whatnot. That has happened in the past and will happen again. It is to send a message and get the public aware of what they cannot say or do.

It isn’t noble, but that’s what a man does when he takes power by force. He wasn’t elected or selected even. No, he took power by the gun and never looked back. No, he wants to die in office and everyone is taken for the ride. The modern day Mobutu, but now of Uganda instead of the DRC.

Well… he we go again… and again… and again… and again. It never stops. As long as the person has pulse and breathes. These sorts of motions go along. A never-ending story. We just know and he knows too. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine will “rinse and repeat”

The ones that think the 2026 General Election will be any different than the previous ones are false. This is doing the same thing again and expecting another type of result. However, that is lunacy and idiotic….

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine isn’t stupid, neither is his team and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP). The NUP will then run their second campaign and trying to establish itself as a viable option to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Alas, that is given and is what it has too. The NUP and Bobi Wine had a red wave ahead of the 2021. Ever since Bobi Wine was elected as an MP, he galvanized the youth and reach new people. Therefore, he is a threat to the status quo and the elites of the nation. Nevertheless, we know the gig and the game’s that are in play.

He might be able to steer the ship and be able to continue the progress of the party in the midst of trouble. The Party President and leader of the NUP might be able to continue to be the biggest opposition party. However, that isn’t the cause and the reason for the existence of the NUP. That’s just making the People Power operational and a part of a new political elite…

Bobi Wine fought to get rid of dictator. His party was supposed to be revolutionary and be different than the predecessors in the opposition. The smartness and wit of the party was to be vastly changing the terrain. Nevertheless, it was meant to be deeper than this…

The NUP and Bobi Wine needs to engage and be part of it. To totally disassociate or be disengaged from the General Election will be to costly  at this point. They need the MPs and the polls to be viable. However, it is a race where we know the winner and who will have the majority. The NUP and the other opposition parties will only get a fringe minority and not have a final say in the end. It doesn’t matter how they do it or what they do. In the end…

Bobi Wine will fall.. the numbers this time around might be different, but the result is the same. NRM and Museveni will win. The NRM will gerrymander and ensure total control of the Parliament. The Presidency will Museveni’s regardless of his real popularity or not.

Bobi Wine can do this a second time. His within his rights to stand and be a Presidential Candidate. By him doing so… his legitimizing the affairs and contests in a ill-willed elections. That’s what his doing and continuing the path of the predecessors that went nowhere as well.

Just like Besigye stood countless times up to Museveni. Bobi Wine is continuing this tradition. His NUP is taking the place of the FDC. However, things aren’t really changing and only the name on the ballots. The rest is more of the same and we are repeating the sins of the past. Peace.

Kisoro By-Election: Do we even care?

“For decades, the Mateke family has been a powerhouse in Kisoro’s politics, leaving an indelible mark on the district’s development and governance. The extent of the family’s influence was once again on display this week, following the demise of Kisoro Woman MP and State Minister for Defence, Sarah Mateke, when district leaders endorsed her younger sister, Ruth Nyiraneza to succeed her as Woman MP” (NBS Television, 15.09.2024).

I beg your pardon, but do we? Do we care about this By-Election? It’s a long time coming. The 11th Parliament is settled and yet another Member of Parliament died in office. So, there has to be an election to replace the late Honourable Sarah Matake, the former State Minister of Defence.

Certainly, the family wants to ringfence it and others has supported this. The state of hereditary politicks is among us. We have seen this several other races and by-elections over the past few years. Where the family members of the deceased as fielded a candidate for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and if it has failed. They have stood as independent and still won the seat. Therefore, in this case… that wouldn’t be shocking either.

There is talk of 15 candidates across the board for this one. The ones thinking this will be a test and a show for 2026 is wrong. It is just another By-Election and its sort of already scheduled. There is nothing surprising here and we know the gist.

The authorities are ready and the Electoral Commission too. The whole gig is prepared, and the pre-planned warzone is soon amongst us. Where the opposition will be man-handled, the law-enforcement will arrest and block rallies. Meanwhile, the NRM can do whatever they like. See unmarked cars and vehicles with officers doing questionable acts. However, they will claim the opposition planned some sinister things…

That’s why the results and the polls are a farce. There is nothing here to see that we haven’t seen before. We can wonder if Ruth Nyiraneza is the next in line or if Fancy Nirere will pull it off. There are other candidates too, but I am not hopeful. Neither if it is NUP, UPC or anyone else for that matter. These sorts of races are to get a new NRM MP and nothing else. That’s the endgame and how the score is tallied.

There is no fanfare or joy in this. It is only procedure and more causes or effects. There is no sort of hope or signs of possible positive outcomes here. No, it is just another poll that is most likely ending in favour of the ruling regime. The ruling regime that is handling it and ensuring their favoured result. Therefore, everyone else is just props and making it look legit. That’s the gist here…

I am not giddy or looking forward to this By-Election. After how several others has gone over the years. This won’t be any different and only the names on the ballots has changed. It is the same NRM and same security organizations interfering in the elections. The same intimidation, briberies and voter tourism that we have seen before. Everything to make it seems good, but we know the reality on the ground.

That’s why this Kisoro By-Election isn’t all that. It’s a default setting and we have seen it before. This is why I am cynical and not hopeful. I don’t see anything good coming out of this. It is just another re-establishment of a new NRM MP and that’s it. Peace.

Opinion: Janet has forgotten her own past…

“Don’t be tempted to leave Uganda to spend your early years of strength and productivity developing other countries at the expense of your country….. those countries we admire and would give anything to live in were built by their citizens through years of hard work and sacrifice. Our own homeland deserves no less determination” – Janet Museveni (25.09.2024).

“In February 1981; Janet Museveni and her children re-located to Nairobi, Kenya, where they lived with family friends until 1983. In 1983, they moved to Gothenburg, Sweden, and stayed there until May 1986, four months after Yoweri Museveni’s National Resistance Army had seized power in Kampala” (Team Yoweri 24/7, 24.07.2020).

Yes, the 1980s was different and yes her situation was vastly different than for the youths today. The generation that decides to leave and find greener pastures on the outside of the Republic. Who can blame them?

This is the system and the administration that has been in control since January 1986. The President and his men are the reason for people leaving. They haven’t created markets, functioning society or even policies that are beneficial for the citizens. That’s why they are leaving and trying to find better options elsewhere. It is the failure of the state to provide, ensure and secure the livelihood of its citizens. That’s why they are going elsewhere and migrating.

The First Lady and Minister of Education should understand this sentiment, as her and her kids all went into exile. The ones going to exile today is because of her husband and the family reign over the last few decades. That’s because of her husband and his tyranny. This is why people are leaving and a concept that the First Lady cannot comprehend.

She is living in a delusion, because of the wealth and the entitlement she has over decades of spoils. The President and herself have been living lavish. They have built themselves an empire over the capture of the state. That’s what they have been busy doing and now they cannot accept that people are left behind as a consequence of that.

Janet Museveni should look into herself and wonder why she left into exile in the first place. She should think and reminisce about the past. That would be healthy for her and the state of mind she could have. Especially, when she is busy trying to lecture people. The people who her and her husband’s administration has left behind. They are the ones that haven’t made it possible or viable to work within the Republic. That’s the bleak reality and the First Lady should understand this. However, she rather be arrogant and obnoxious about it.

There is a need for the First Lady to reflect on why she went to Tanzania, Kenya and Sweden herself. She should be the one that understand the implications and the need to leave. As she did that for her own safety and her family. Now others are doing the same for similar reasons. Now it isn’t guerrilla warfare, but a system built for a chosen elite and not the public at large. That’s why people are leaving and we cannot blame them.

This is the fault of the system and the ones in charge. Janet is part of the problem and so is her husband. The family which went into exile are now responsible for others doing the same. Now they are in power, and they are creating the same vacuum and reasoning to let other people flee the Republic too. That’s tragic, but the truth, nevertheless. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Party President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu letter to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – False Allegations that the National Unity Platform rigged One Million Votes in the Last Presidential Election (15.09.2024)