Opinion: Will Mpuuga walk alone?

The Parliament Exhibition has hurt the former Leader of Opposition and National Unity Platform (NUP) Member of Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga. The “Service Award” is hurting him and his case. That’s why the NUP Party has decided that he should vacate the role of Commissioner of Parliament and give it to Francis Zaake MP. However, since then it is has radio-silence.

Since the first interview and defence of the 500 million the MP and former LoP has been silent. He has not spoken and other has come into his defence. What has been striking is that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has defended him and the reasons for him to get the additional perks. Therefore, something is odd…

Mpuuga have been defended by Bwanika (NUP) and Ssegona (NUP). There been other voices who has come to his aide. We can just wonder if they will join him elsewhere too. They all partook and got part of the red wave ahead of the 2021 elections.

The NUP Party has their integrity intact by sanctioning Mpuuga. Some might say it is for publicity since they haven’t demoted him internally, but wants him to resign as the Commissioner in Parliament. That role or title costs more for him than being the Deputy President in the Central (Buganda) Region.

Some is speculating that him falling out with the NUP and going somewhere else would hurt the NUP in the 2026 elections. That is further talk that isn’t proven. As he would have stand against a new competition and against someone who has a cleaner slate. This will be a hard sale, as he has proven his will to enrich himself on behalf of others.

The ones calling him Owek and honourable is mighty precious right now. The deafening silence is saying one out of two things. The first is that his trying to whether the storm. He hopes the winds dies down and people forget about the “eating”. The second one is that his trying to find the next step and how to move. Because, he knows his stature and place in the NUP is shattered.

Mpuuga don’t have the same support as before. Yes, there are “yes-men” and people loyal to him. Saying his an intellectual and a wise-man, but a wise-man wouldn’t have caught eating other people’s cookies. That’s what Mpuuga did and the deed has destroyed his legacy. The character of Mpuuga has changed and his just another greedy, corrupt politician. He became like the ones he fought in Activists For Change (A4C). Mpuuga became like the ones he fought and it is tragic to see that in 2024. Decades from the activism and being active in politics, Mpuuga changed and not for the better.

Now he has to decide to sanctioned and loose face. If he fights the NUP Party and stays as Commissioner. He is defying the party that he is a part of and representing. Then his arrogantly not abiding by the principals that he got elected on. Mpuuga will then be a pawn for others and a lackey for the government. That’s because he accepted to take a bribe and defy the opposition party his a part of. That’s not a wise move and brilliant it is not.

Mpuuga can stay behind, but he will not get the “love” or “support” like he did before. That’s because of the supporters NUP has. He cannot be there and represent them when his acting opposite of what the party wants to achieve.

This is why Mpuuga has to choose another path. He either has to start his own party with fellow allies. Become a Masaka based party and try to gain relevance ahead of the 2026 elections. That would be the third party Mpuuga is on the ticket for. The same could be said if he joins the NRM or any other party in existence. You can just wonder if he wants to leave or risk to leave, because the red wave and popularity of the NUP hasn’t ceased since the 2021 election. It would be risky to leave and not having a talisman to cling on too.

Mpuuga is told to be smart, but he could end up walking alone. If he does create his own briefcase party. He would become like Kabuleta and other in the wilderness. There is nothing natural or obvious that he would return on the ticket on his party. That we have seen with Basalirwa who also needed Bobi Wine to get back to Parliament. Therefore, Mpuuga could sacrifice his whole career over 500m shillings.

Just imagine one “service award” was the total destruction of your name and legacy. You took money that wasn’t really yours, while you have lectured about this greed for years. Demonstrated and been on the barricades against people who does this. However, when you got to office, you did exactly the same as the practice you were speaking against. That’s who Mpuuga has become.

A new party either created or joining won’t save Mpuuga. Neither will his intellect. Because his actions are speaking louder than words. Now we just have to see what he decides to do. The defiance isn’t endearing. The silence isn’t strengthening his case either. It just further speculations into what he will do next.

Sooner or later, he will reveal the next step. We can just wonder if he jumps ships or wants to hold on to the NUP. I wouldn’t be shocked if he ducked responsibility and created own party. That’s because it saves his ego and he doesn’t have to held to account on his own. However, then people see how weaselly he moved.

The man can build up a reputation over years, but the same reputation can be destroyed in a heartbeat. That what happened to Mpuuga. Peace.

Uganda: Ministry of Defence & Veterans Affairs – Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) – Inflitration into the Country by some ADF Elements (18.03.2024)

Opinion: Adeke Ebaju MP is apparently in the wrong party…

If entering into the yellow book (NRM Register) will help you escape poverty, please join” – Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Deputy President, Anna Adeke Ebaju (15.03.2024)

The FDC or Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) aren’t what it used to be. The one fraction run by Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Nathan Nandala Mafabi isn’t what we are accustomed to. The party of defiance and resilience against the regime. Those days are long gone and it’s evident by the day.

Anna Adeke Abaju, the Soroti Woman MP are now telling a story. A story of the fall of the FDC. The FDC Deputy President is singing the song of the regime. She is asking people in Teso sub-region to sign up to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and become members of the NRM Party. While she is a Deputy President of another one. That is telling a story of how worthless and meaningless her own party is at this point.

When someone of her stature, with her educational background and office is saying it. Then you know the FDC of Najjankumbi is on its deathbed. When someone who has such a promising future in politics is telling her supporters this.

Hon. Adeke should do herself a favour and join the NRM herself. She should become Yellow and stop the facade of blue dresses. It would be better and more honest. When she is promoting the yellow book and the NRM. Because why bother to be a member of the FDC herself…?

It is just showing there is no permanent enemies in politics. Neither are the loyalty to a cause or mission, the FDC was supposed to be a stark contrast to the NRM. However, this is what has become of the FDC. This is why the FDC Katonga have to rebrand and refresh itself in its own party colours. Because the FDC is tainted now.

Adeke MP should just go to the State House and beg for mercy. Why not? She is asking the citizens of her area to sign up for the regime. Why shouldn’t she just become a lackey too?

It is just disappointing, but it shows what the FDC has become. A leader of this rank is promoting this idea. She should know better, but clearly her vision is jaded. This isn’t it and if she believes this. We are all better of seeing her in yellow colours and become one of them. Peace.

Opinion: The PLU isn’t the opposition

It is disappointing to see people regard the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) as an opposition. Saying in the General Election of 2026 it is there to become the biggest opposition party. Alas, within the realms of that is a problem. Especially, when we are speaking of the “standby generator” and his ties to the government.

We know the serving army commander, senior advisor to the president and his family affairs. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga by all definitions of himself at this current state – is the state and is government affairs. His not an outsider looking in. Neither is he a challenger or a troublemaker for the status quo. That’s why his allowed to campaign and try to drum up support for his “self-made” and “grass-root” operation that his dwelling with.

We can easily see that the convoys, the ministers, members of parliament and everyone around is seeing this as the second coming of National Resistance Movement (NRM). The PLU is the ugly baby of the NRM. It isn’t any different really and that’s why Muhoozi has poached MPs from the NRM to be a part of the organization. While also trying to get other opposition MPs to join in to make it broad-based, just like his father tried to do at some point.

However, the PLU is the brother of the NRM. They are aligned not only by kin, but by dogma. They are in it for the same thing and no change. Muhoozi won’t revolutionize things and his using the same tricks as the NRM. Ferrying crowds, paying people to attend and giving away T-Shirts. Soon he will have dancers and singers paid to make the rallies more inspiring. Bebe Cool and Gravity or whatnot will be paid to perform. We have seen this gig before.

That’s why the ones saying PLU is there to challenge National Unity Platform (NUP) are still true. They want to make belief that the PLU is a different breed then the NRM. When in reality it is the same thing, but another logo and the son instead of the father. They are just missing the holy ghost to finalize the holy trinity.

Seriously… the attempts to normalize an army commander involved in direct politics is over. That is just another day of the week. It is now okay for the first family to build own parties and spend unknown wealth on prestige projects and act like your the next generational leader. While that is hard to believe, because there is little to no prospects or charisma to sell. Neither is there any new vibe or belief that Muhoozi can bring change. His just one of them and arrogantly thinks his entitled to be crowned “king”.

Well… the PLU will never be opposition. Because they cannot oppose themselves. You cannot fight yourself and who you are. A man cannot be an opposition and be part of the government at the same time. You are either in government or in opposition. When you are a Senior Presidential Advisor and General. Then you are defacto part of government whether you like it or not. Therefore, the PLU cannot be opposition.

Yes, the PLU can take MPs away from the opposition in the General Election, but they will be another sort of yellow brigade. They will not be any difference than the UPDF MPs or such. No, these will just be there and vote on government agenda. We cannot see them act in spite or defiance. No, they will be loyal to the cause and the President.

After all, it is the Son of the President… and the son won’t be a Brutus. Believe that. Peace.

Opinion: Ssekikuubo MP won’t get a clean slate…

We are having a big problem, we can’t sit here as if nothing wrong has happened. I was amazed that in your communication, you didn’t make a mention of the grave against the institution of Parliament where I belong as a member. I am here as MP and once this House is tarnished the way it is, I can’t sit comfortably there and say we move to other items” (…) Can we have a clarification about the allegations in the media so that we take a corrective decision and clean ourselves. We are taking oversight role on other arms and other institutions of Government, but when it comes to us, we want to hide it under the carpet and it is a shame to this House. What happened?” – Theodore Ssekikuubo (Lwemiyaga County) MP (15.03.2024).

The Parliament Exhibition has unravelled a deep dark secret and actions behind closed doors that people didn’t know about. There been expose of perks, allowances and additional expenditure on High Ranking Officials, Members of Parliament and whatnot.

Today the Parliament Plenary Session was back again, but the Speaker dismissed it as “hearsay” and “rumours”. That Speaker Anita Among would just judge this as a “homosexual” agenda or in that manner. Therefore, using the “anti-gay” bill as an excuse not to be transparent or even accountable.

Ssekikuubo MP is showing some tact and understanding the sentiment of the public. As they are seeing the misuse of office, the mismanagement of funds and how the Parliament is living in a separate reality. While the Republic is suffering and is poor… the MPs and high ranking officials are living lavishly on state reserve.

We can now see that the Speaker and her consultative meeting with the President made her do this. As the President don’t want more drama or big talk. He wants it to be laid to rest, as an investigation or probe into the expenditure could easily undress him too. Because, “confidential funds” and other funds could be suddenly put into question. Therefore, there are a need for this, but we know why they don’t want transparency over it.

If you ever thought the battle against corruption, graft or misuse of office was worthy in the Republic. Sadly it isn’t and there is enough road-blocks for anyone who wants to go down that path. You can release information and dare to be a whistle-blower. However, the IGG, FIA, OAG or any other agency won’t help or find ways to handle this properly.

That’s why the Parliament will not try to look into the allegations or the documents released online. They rather silence it and not talk about it. While blaming the gay-plague…

It is a weird time when the likes of Ssekikuubo MP is a voice of reason. When he speaks sense and wants a clean slate. While the Speaker and the ones in power don’t want to act upon the outcry. That just shows how arrogant and lack of concern of the ones they are serving. This is the message…

We eat and we don’t care, we blame the homosexuals and we shouldn’t talk about this”. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Public Statement (15.03.2024)

Opinion: Should Bobi Wine let the “journey men” go?

Now that the Parliament Exhibition is undressing several of opposition leaders. It is becoming hot at the National Unity Platform (NUP) Headquarters. This is the aftermath. People are saying the same should happen to the regime and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). However, people expect this to be the case in regards to the NRM, but the opposition should be better. The NRM are known for mismanagement and misuse of office. Therefore, the NUP and other opposition Members of Parliament should act within reason and challenge the NRM. Alas, that is apparently not the case.

Some might say the whole system is rotten and the spoils are there for the taking. Still that doesn’t save the NUP MPs and whoever that is eating regardless. That’s being said… the People Power Movement and the NUP should have seen this comng. They entered an uneven playing field and accepted a broad base of allies. These have used the red-wave and ensured electoral offices.

That being from the likes of Mathias Mpuuga, Medard Ssegona and Abed Bwanika. The DP Block had several of MPs who deserted the previous party and became a part of the NUP. That’s why the NUP suddenly had a bigger fraction and leaders who was seasoned. But that also meant that footsoldiers and activists down the line was cut of from getting nominated to positions in the General Election of 2021.

The Journey Men who joined NUP is now castigated. They are now questioned and the motives of joining NUP was for a meal-ticket. No one should be shocked by that. They needed the NUP and Bobi Wine to be elected. That’s why some has left for the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and some might create their own parties. There is even talks about Mpuuga and Bwanika creating one as we speak. However, that will be a briefcase party and lack general support.

We can just wonder if there will be people following them. That’s all because of the “service award” and the internal party action against Mpuuga. While Mpuuga has defied the party and been silent about the possible action. The NUP NEC has to act upon it and show face. Nevertheless, there is nothing official yet.

With this in mind… there is tea leaves in the wind, but nothing is certain. Especially, when there is lack of progress or even rumours to settle in. Bwanika is supposed to hold a meeting with his coordinators in Masaka. We don’t know if Mpuuga is shaking it with his stakeholders and trying to forge a way ahead. Regardless of that… they are on the losing end. They have dined with kings and allowed to be out done by their own actions. The greed is destroying them and such.

Not shocking with Bwanika though, he went from singing psalms of “free and fair elections” in 2006 in favour of Museveni. To become an opposition MP. He could easily become a stooge and try to get a way to be in the good graces again.

It would be more shocking of Mpuuga and other DP Block MPs joining in. They would dip from the party that gave them a second life. Mpuuga needed the red wave just like he needed TDA/DP in 2016. That’s why he has searched for the hottest leader to cling on too. If he tries to run alone now. It can cost him his career and his future, but that is maybe lost already in the 500m shillings.

Whatever happens now… there will be questions in the air. Things are lingering without certainties. The NUP Party have to engage and show integrity. Especially, if it wants to be a viable and be for change. The MPs in question have to decide their way forward, especially if the NUP wants to sanction them or clip their wings. That’s within the power of the party and it should act on the greedy guts. This is if the party wants to be difference from the NRM. It is up the NUP NEC and the leadership in general.

Mpuuga can decide to eat and Bwanika can join him. Other former DP Block MPs can do the same and they are within their rights to do so. If they fear transparency and being accountable for your own actions. That’s what representatives should be, but apparently in some regards. That’s too much to ask. Peace.

Opinion: The Convoy is the owner of the Republic

When the President thinks of leaving his home to Kampala, you mean you have no mechanism of knowing when to close the road? He doesn’t pay in the first place, now you inconvenience people who pay and that isn’t to say that the President is less important. I personally appreciate the value of the President’s security that is why I have no quarrel with lining up his soldiers along the entire route, but the President is using one lane, you close even the next one, does it make sense to you whether economic or social sense? Instead, it endangers his security because somehow, he is going to be entangled with people who have been locked up in a particular area and congested” – Medard Lubega (12.03.2024).

Someone didn’t get the memo. I cannot fault the Member of Parliament for not getting it. Nevertheless, His Excellency, the Fountain of Honour and the President is the “owner” of the Republic. It is all in his hands and his words are the law. That’s why he can write a letter and direct people where to go or do. Therefore, it makes sense that in his power to stop traffic and takeover roads.

The President is living the high life. The man, the myth and the legend of Museveni is allowed to whatever he feels like it. His the man who are a demigod and a unique person. The forever Very Important Person (VIP) and Commander-in-Chief. There is nothing that the General and Head of State cannot do.

That’s why roads have to be blocked and the routes his taken has to be sealed off. It don’t matter if citizens or people are getting issues because of it. They are there to serve him and be the servants he needs.

We can see it and we know the President has a massive convoy. That has been recorded and his minions has it too. Cabinet Ministers and other high ranking officials drives like they own the roads too. They have learned that from the head and its shown for everyone.

That the MP is questioning it now shows ignorance to the fact that his the almighty and the others are in his way. Everyone is supposed to know this and his an overlord. The man above society and the one who has all answers. That’s why he was the only man with a vision. Therefore, anyone shouldn’t challenge him and his rights.

When he needs a road. The other commuters and people needs to back-off. It becomes his and he can do whatever he feels like. They can use safety and whatever regulation as a reason for it. However, we know this is a power-move and the President bashes in the prestige.

The MP will never stop this from happening. Museveni will continue with his activity. The people around Museveni will direct and ensure his passage without concern of others. It is only one man that matters and that is the President.

That’s the memo that the MP never got. The State House should send it to him and get him to acknowledge that. Peace.

Opinion: Ssekikuubo MP wants to hold the House accountable…

The Prime Minister is telling Parliament, you can’t sit. This is very strange; Parliament has been captured. This is the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda; it isn’t the branch of the Executive. It isn’t, in my long tenure here, this is strange. Where did Nabbanja get the power to counter-command Parliament? I know we don’t look good, but they shouldn’t take advantage of the vacuum where the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is in disarray” (…) “Even the Commissioners themselves are in hiding. We are here, we are loitering around corridors of Parliament, we can’t see anybody. These are very disturbing issues and we are calling on the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the Clerk to live up to their calling to restore Parliament. Parliament is being run down” (…) “We can’t now walk with our heads high on the streets of Kampala, we smuggle ourselves and bold out. It isn’t now the best time to be identified as MPs. We are all bundled up, nobody is giving answers, should we all go by rollcall, not me, not me? We are all being castigated and we look bad in the eyes of the public” said Theodore Ssekikuubo (Lwemiyaga County)” (Parliament Watch, 13.03.2024).

The truth is brutal, a man who has been in office and in Parliament since 1995. Ssekikuubo MP knows the ins and out of the regime. He is a part of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and been so for the better part of his life. At one point he even fought against Sam Kuteesa. So, this man has been through the ringer.

This is Ssekikuubo MP are now speaking out as the Plenary Sessions are blocked and there is transparency in regards to the Parliamentary Exhibition. That has reflected badly on the MPs and the high ranking officials. As one of them… Ssekikuubo MP is afraid of his own legacy and being part of it.

He has now a chance to prove himself and show his worth. This is about how the Parliament operates and how it functions. Because now everything is question. That’s the truth and brutally it needs to be assessed.

The spending on the MPs and the Committee’s needs to investigated. There is a need for change and make a difference. The rot needs to uprooted and there is a need for new procedures. Especially, when the MP can reveal that the Prime Minister can block sittings or Plenary Sessions in Parliament. She shouldn’t be able to do so and the Speaker shouldn’t allow it either.

There is a new for a say, to look into the spending and the usage of funds. As there are now revelations of envelopes, perks and expenditure out of the wood-works. There is a need to look into it and arguments behind them. It just seems to be a money spending bonanza. The our turn to eat and enjoy the reserves of the state. That because they can… and everyone is supposed to look the other way.

The Exhibition is just showing the dark side of the Parliament. Mpuuga, the Speaker or Deputy Speaker are just shown to be misusing their offices. That’s what is proven and also the 100 million or 50 millions shillings x2 since December 2023. Therefore, the MPs are getting additional funds on top of the all the salaries and allowances they have. Which means they are getting so much wealth quickly without considering the state of affairs. The state cannot afford proper government services, but suits, vehicles and side-dishes for the MPs.

That’s why Ssekikuubo MP is speaking out. Nevertheless, he will never fill the void and it won’t amount to anything. As there are other above him who has a real say. His just showing finesse, but that won’t change anything. Peace.

Public Square: Public Square letter to Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) – Request for Information related to Financial Transactions of some staff and the Institution of Parliament of Uganda (12.03.2024)