Opinion: ANT is a place of stagnation…

We can all appreciate the wits, the wisdom and the experience of the Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu. He is a seasoned politician and has character. Muntu is a man you can respect and acknowledge. There is a certain aura about him, but that doesn’t save him from criticism or questions about his demeanour.

When he didn’t become the incumbent Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party President he started his own consultation and with the reach of a “New Formation”. That in turn became the political party of Alliance for National Transformation. Several of allies from within the FDC joined him. Not only Paul Mwiru, but Alicia Aloso and Winnie Kiiza for that matter. These are well established former MPs and people who has a standing in the political sphere.

Muntu went ahead and created this party. He did so with under two years to the next general election. Leaving the FDC and getting fellow allies from the FDC on board. Which should have created a bigger buzz and more of prominence in the 2021 elections. However, that fell flat and the party is seemingly a brief-case party with lack of nationwide exposure.

Maj. Gen. Muntu might be a pragmatic fella. His fellow allies might be seasoned and diplomatic in their way of response and political outreach. It is fine that a political party wants to do civic education and build. Alas, they need high-ranking officials and needs people in offices across the Republic. If not its a party with a headquarters and a few paid staff.

ANT can have the best paperwork and policies. Heck, it can be answer to all the ills of the Republic. However, if it only stays within reach of a few chosen few and not spread far and wide. Well, it looses its value and is less attractive.

Muntu and his fellow inner-circle has chosen this path. They are careful and calculated. These folks don’t risk anything or push the boundaries of the party. No, they are just attentive and trying to catch straws when it can.

We cannot fault Muntu, everyone knew he was this way as he disregarded the way Besigye wanted to run the Presidential Campaigns. We know Muntu didn’t want no “defiance” and “boycotts”. No, he wanted to work and change from within. Like it was possible to negotiate and possibly parley for a better position over time. However, we have seen that it haven’t resolved anything and is a fruitless enterprise.

ANT from a far seems stagnate and on the losing end of a stick. In a more friendly and equal playing-field of multiparty democracy…. The ANT would have better position and be more viable. People are reluctant to side with them when they are not pushing against the oppression. When ANT are meagre and mediocre response to the mischief and the misgivings of the state. ANT could be poignant and sincere about it, but it rather be soft and clever.

Muntu and his inner-circle has to see what happened when an ally like Mwiru left the party. Mwiru was a part of his party-wing in the FDC. He now sees that there is no future and choice of viability in ANT. That’s why his becoming a journeyman to the NUP. Muntu should take this too heart. Because, sooner or later the voters, the members and whatnot might follow too. They are not seeing anything hopeful or substantial.

The only see the wise and the well thought through approaches that leads to nowhere. It seems so futile and slow. Muntu might have the best of intentions, but it seems so far-fetched and like his forcing his hand by not taking a proper stand or even pushing the party to prove its worth. If it wanted too, ANT could be more viable and be more visible. It could show heart and where it stands. However, that seems like too much to ask. It is a reason why the Serere By-Election didn’t go ANTs way. There is no reason to vote for it and hard to believe the pragmatism will be defining the opposition or the manner of which will be end of the dictatorship. Peace.

Opinion: Butchaman sold his soul and now he wants to reclaim it…

Without me NRM was not going to defeat Bobi Wine. I would like to thank President Museveni for appointing me as his advisor, I promise to be loyal to him. My brother Bebe Cool told me that Bobi Wine has one trick that he beats them with, he does not respond to people who attack him. I would like to tell you that I have come with 45 tricks to end Bobi Wine’s political fame” – Butchaman aka Mark Bugembe on 29th October 2019

Well, it is just one of those days… Mark Bugembe alias Butchaman has found out the hard way. Back in the day ahead of the 2021 elections, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) was doing whatever it could to be viable and relevant in the ghettos. That was done because Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was a rising star there and becoming a leader of his own. Therefore, President Museveni sought after allies and friends of Bobi Wine to boost his campaign.

One of the men and people that the NRM captured was Butchaman. He was promised a fancy title, a livelihood and being closely associated with the President. He became all of a sudden the Presidential Advisor on Ghetto Affairs. That was done to hurt Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement.

Alas, while that was done in October 2019. There was other who followed him and these has also gotten scorned. In the hey-day and the beginning they will get all the perks. However, that will not last… because they aren’t bringing much to the table. They where poached to hurt and be the demise of another political leader. That’s why they are appointed and why they left the side of former friends of Bobi Wine. It’s all for Museveni to show his power and might. That he could sway them and get them under his roof.

Now we are in the middle of July 2023 and the 2021 election is a fading memory for some. Even if the ramifications of it is still felt to this day. Families are hurt, families are without their fathers or mothers, as they are detained for their political affiliation. If not they have lost loved ones just for associating with Bobi Wine. Because that all happened before and after the polls. That’s a fact… the state didn’t just alter the results and rig the elections. It also hurt the ones who stood tall and are still standing.

When you know this and read that Butchaman is disappointed that he only see Museveni on the TV and wants to return to Bobi. It’s just like… why bother now? You ditched him when he needed you and when the Movement, and party was getting operative. That’s when you moved to a safe-haven and securing your own self.

Maybe the man should use the 45 tricks of his sleeve and change the narratives of his own life. Maybe the supposed Presidential Advisor could give some solid advice for ones. I know I am asking a lot, but I am indifferent about this man. He sold his soul and he has to carry that burden now. He cannot just reclaim it and get accepted into the fold.

Butchaman thought he had gotten the trophy and the prize. He thought he was the next big thing and what the NRM was missing. Alas, he couldn’t see that they was just using him as a prop and a plot to undermine Bobi Wine. While that didn’t last or work. They are just leaving him behind and forgetting about him. He is of no use and certainly, why should the NUP or the People Power Movement trust him?

He already accepted the bag and the title. Butchaman can easily do it again. Peace.

Opinion: Does the Speaker have the authority to summon other high ranking officials into an ad hoc meeting?

“The speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among has summoned the minister of works and transport, the Uganda Police, the leader of opposition in parliament and other stakeholders for an emergency meeting over worsening road crashes” (Daily Monitor, 13.07.2023).

Today there was a populist move by the Speaker of the 11th Parliament, Anita Among. She summoned in several leaders for a meeting, because of the recent car accidents. Instead of calling into a debate in a plenary or adopt motions in the House. She called a meeting… and I don’t see how she could or have the ability to do so…

“7. General Authority of the Speaker

(1) The Speaker shall preside at any sitting of the House.

(2) The Speaker shall preserve order and decorum in the House and shall decide questions of order and practice.

(3) In deciding a point of order or practice, the Speaker shall state reasons for the decision and shall cite any rule of procedure or other applicable authority.

(4) The Speaker may invite submissions from Members but no debate shall ensue.

(5) The Speaker may decline debate on any contribution” (RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE 11TH PARLIAMENT).

The ideals of the meeting and summons are fine in itself, but the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja should feel betrayed. Other High-Ranking Officials should feel the pinch too. All of these appointed leaders have been downgraded and flower-girls in comparison to the Speaker.

The Speaker is going outside her mandate and her role as the Speaker. She doesn’t have the authority or mandate to do this. Among might think she’s that influential or has the power to do so. However, that isn’t her role, and she should beg for motions to move in a plenary session. She shouldn’t participate or take part in government business. Because that is what she did by calling or summoning the people for this meeting.

Even if this is the result of the meeting: “As a mid-term intervention to curb road accidents, the stakeholders have agreed to reintroduce mandatory motor vehicle inspection” (Parliament of Uganda, 13.07.2023).

The Speaker shouldn’t have done this and there should have been others who has the initial mandate or role to do so. She has overstretched her place and abilities. The Speaker should consider herself lucky because other places this could have consequences. That had been normal to call her out and question her reasons to do so.

The Speaker is the Speaker and not the Officer of the Government. Neither is she the most powerful government official. The President has delegated his powers and appointed a cabinet. There Vice-Presidents and a Prime Minister. Even Deputy Prime Ministers who could fit the bill. Alas, that is apparently not the case.

There are plenty leaders and high ranking officials should feel troubled by this action. If this set the precedence than they are obsolete and busy-bodies. As the Speaker is taking their place and orders people around without the mandate or authority to do so. That’s why it’s impressive that she gets away with it… Peace.

Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC): A Reflection of Oyam North By-Election (12.07.2023)

Opinion: Akena Vs. Museveni – Who is telling the truth?

“We don’t have anything signed. I always tell people that UPC has nothing signed with the NRM and we are free to carry out our activities” – James Akena (10.07.2023).

“Congratulations to our allies, the UPC and for the candidate, Eunice Apio, for winning the Oyam by-elections. Congratulations also to the NRM and the candidate Engola Junior because the difference between the two was very small” (Museveni, 07.07.2023).

We have seen how the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) operated in and around the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of the General Elections in 2016. Later we have seen how meagre and silently the party has moved on a national level. It isn’t like the UPC have renegaded or acted in spite of the NRM. No, it is having been friendly and done so by a large extent over the years.

The story that Akena tells on NBS Television is in stark contrast to what Museveni wrote after the Oyam North By-Election. These words cannot co-exist. The UPC is either in an alliance with the NRM or it isn’t.

We know the UPC can work with and has been in partnership with the NRM before the 2016 General Elections. However, what is happening now in 2023 that’s another ballgame. While the UPC will be questioned, and we know they are familiar. Since, the wife of Akena, Betty Amongi is a cabinet member and a UPC MP. She is planning also to cross over to the NRM. Like plenty of other high-ranking officials, which has been purged from the UPC to the NRM. It wouldn’t be a historical achievement, but still a sign of how close the UPC and the NRM are at the moment.

It isn’t strange that the UPC wants to act independent. The UPC can see how the DP and Norbert Mao is seen. That vision and that sort of arrangement is costing in public. They are becoming cronies and part of the government by default. Instead of being defiant or in opposition. That is directly supporting the vile, the oppressive and the dark sides of the NRM. Which DP or UPC really doesn’t want to support, especially when it wants to be seen as different than the regime.

Jimmy Akena wants to save face. The writing of Museveni is hurting him and his “independence”. Though he must go home to his wife, which is part of the cabinet and the inner circle. That’s why its hard to believe the hostilities… or the defiance, if there are any in general. Because would Akena talk ill of the man that his wife is siding with? Would you believe that or think that is wise?

That’s just how small the world is and how close associates’ things are in politics. The UPC can try to profile itself as independent and opposition. However, there been enough people fleeing the ship or suddenly becoming NRM to question the closeness between the parties.

We still don’t have the proper answer, but here is something going on between the parties. If it wasn’t, certain individuals wouldn’t consider to move parties. That’s a gist of things and that’s something the UPC have to live with. The questions would be asked and I don’t know if we will know the truth.

That’s why we should wonder why Museveni would lie about the alliance. When he doesn’t even need the UPC. He can only use them as pawns and as a historical factor, which he overcame. This might also be a factor to why Akena tries to act so independent and downplay whatever agreement or coalition they have. Because it weakens him and his ideals. It isn’t like he has vied for the highest office or challenged the NRM in any way since 2016. That is what is telling and shows there is something going on. Unless the UPC is that weak and cannot show old glory in this day or age. Peace.

This is what you signify when you join the MK Movement…

After the deflections of Twaha Kagabo, Jimmy Lwanga and Kazibwe Bashir Mbaziira it is time to reflect and discuss what this means for them. In totality they are leaving the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the People Power Movement, which is significant in itself. The ideals, the goals and political framework of the party is now meaningless to them.

These have now joined the political movement of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga and his MK Movement, which is the offspring or the second generation of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The former Red MPs are practically becoming “modern” yellow.

The MPs are now leaving the ideals of ending the dictatorship. They are now supporting the son of the dictator and his plan to takeover after his father. These MPs are now by default supporting a second generation dictator and wants to prolong the tyranny. That’s what they are initially doing, which is in contrast to the ideals of the NUP. Therefore, these MPs who stood on the barricades and who participated in the General Elections of 2021 has to answer for this. Because, this is just showing how different political dogmas that is at play.

The former NUP MPs are now accepting that an Army Commander is vying for politics. They are sending signals that the UPDF Act isn’t viable or of use. Since Muhoozi Kainerubaga can just do what he does and they will do the dance. These MPs are now accepting the junta and the military interference in politics. Since they announcing their part of the MK Movement.

These former NUP MPs are by definition selling out their comrades and the ones who are suffering plights over their political affiliation. Their new leader and master have used terror, violence and oppressive means against his critics. Dissidents and activists who has been loud has been captured in the net of Muhoozi and he has touched them with the use of his agents. That has been proven and stories has been told of what the Special Forces Command (SFC) has done to civilians and these stories will never die. The General has never answered for it and that’s because his the son and the high ranking official, which you should never ever question.

If you don’t find this inspiring or giving, well… it isn’t and it isn’t intended to be either. The facts of the matter is… that Muhoozi just feels vindicated and that’s his hurting the NUP. While he has only taken the idle and the lesser performing MPs. The MPs who haven’t done anything substantial or made a name for themselves. As legislators these three mentioned are hopeless and looks like fish out of water. That’s why it is easier to flee a sinking ship and start a fresh.

These MPs won’t be remembered kindly. Neither do they have any sort of significance. Certainly, in their own constituencies they are not well renowned or admired. Heck, some has gotten questions from their own constituencies during their tenure, which didn’t start that long ago. It isn’t like these gentlemen are on their third or fourth term. No, these are new in the 11th Parliament and was sworn-in in 2021.

Therefore, this looks like a “victory” for the MK Movement, but in reality it is a fake one. This won’t give the Movement any push. These will be nice photo opportunities, but there is where it is ending. Peace.

Opinion: We won’t shed tears over Kazibwe Bashir Mbaziira MP…

Kazibwe Bashir Mbaziira who got elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) in the constituency of Kawempe South on the National Unity Platform (NUP) has today announced that his joining the MK Movement. That is the second NUP MP to do so within 48 hours. While his the third in the ranks of NUP MPs to do so.

While his doing so and trying to stay a float. Kazibwe Bashir Mbaziira forgotten one part of the play here. Kazibwe MP should know better and he wouldn’t be in office if it wasn’t for Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine or the People Power Movement.

Now his switching sides and becoming a supporter of the dictators son. Like others before him who said they were fighting a dictator. They are now siding with the dictator and his son. By affiliation of the MK Movement. These MPs are initially siding with the second generation of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Kazibwe MP is not only becoming a part of the MK Movement, but a vocal voice for Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga. That’s the gist of things.

Kazibwe MP isn’t smart by doing this and will have a hard time defending himself. While he is calling out supporters of the NUP. Why shouldn’t they react? They voted you in and trusted in the ticket. You where until a moment ago their flagbearer and their representative from their own party. That’s the truth here… so you calling them hooligans. Those hooligans are the reason you have an office and is called MP.

The MP can act a fool now, but it will not save his cause. He has gone from fighting the dictator to joining hands with him. That’s the true scenario here. They might try to save face and look legit about it. Regardless of how things are looking… as an MP… he was hopeless and idle. There is no time spared to talk in plenary sessions or even publishing motions. There is no important signature or participation in demonstrations against the NRM either.

So, as an NUP MP and an Opposition one at that. He wasn’t much to talk about or discuss. We could discuss the dead or the deceased MPs in this term more than this one living. It seems like Muhoozi and his brigade prefers the silent or idle MPs. The ones who has to much time and don’t know how to use it properly. That’s the individuals that MK trusts and wants in his team.

Kazibwe MP is just another disappointing character who chooses the easy money and the meal-ticket over the cause. Instead of trusting the mission and taking the time. He would rather eat good and live good. The MP rather be spoiled and be a crony. Because, that is what he becomes. Another Jennifer Full Figure and Ashburg Katto. That’s who he soon will become and it will look grim. Peace.

Opinion: Jimmy Lwanga MP will not be missed…

You’re in power for decades and failed to buy ambulances, why do you deny me from buying it? Let me a good Samaritan do so, for my people!” – Jimmy Lwanga on NBS 89.4 FM (11.06.2023).

That Njeru Municipality’s own Member of Parliament Jimmy Lwanga has changed parties from the National Unity Platform (NUP) to MK Movement. The gist of things, he joined politics to combat the dictator and get rid of one to initially support the longevity of the same dictatorship.

Lwanga MP is now going from being part of the red wave, the People Power Movement to the Muhoozi Kainerubaga Movement. Whatever excuses he has or reasons are futile. This is personal and an indication of meal-ticket politicians.

The MP of Njeru is more self-centred and pre-occupied with his own interests than actually serve his community or the ones who elected him. That’s why he haven’t spoken in a Plenary Session or published a motion. Neither has signed off on protest documents or participated in any activity that the shadow government was doing. He has been a ghost and on the payroll of Parliament while doing so. This was an idle man with to much time and a man who wasn’t concerned about his office.

He is within his rights to chose who wants to serve and affiliated with. That can any MP and any individual. I will not take that away from the MP. However, by changing stripes, logos and parties… he is telling where his mind is at and what matters to him. Lwanga MP is saying the ideals and the NUP isn’t where his heart resides. No, it resides now with Muhoozi, the son of the dictator. That’s what his saying without using those words.

Lwanga MP is now a crony and a fellow man of the dictatorship. His is supporting the son of the dictator and the “monarchy ticket”. He is trading away all goodwill for the sake of longevity. It isn’t like he has delivered anything substantial or proven his worth in Parliament. No, his just one of them who cash in checks and lives comfortably with the title. That’s who Lwanga MP is and surely he will find comrades in the circle of MK. It is maybe why he decides to reside there instead of the NUP. As the NUP has a standard and expectations to the name.

Alas, MK is just an extension of the NRM. His just one of them, but trying to act like a “reformer”. When his exactly like the others and only wants to rule with an iron fist. There will be no joy or celebration. It is all artificial. That’s something that will catch on later for Lwanga MP. He has sold his soul and did so for a bargain.

Don’t feel sorry for him when things goes south. No, it is meant to be. He decided and now he has to carry the weight of that decision. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s get-rich schemes haven’t reached the North…

In Oyam, I drove for 27kms, from Col. Engola’s home to Icheme and to Otwal, looking at the different sides of the road. I only saw some little patches of Muhogo (cassava) and maize. That is why at Otwal, I asked the question: “Cente (sente), tye kwene?”- “From where do you get money?” What has Operation Wealth Creation been doing in that area? No coffee, no fruits, no poultry, no piggery, no dairy and no fish farming. In otherwords, no PDM. As I told the Oyam People, I am going back in August to get an answer to that question. The chairman, told me about watermelons and soya beans. Those are not part of the activities for PDM. What is the cura (Kibaro)?” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 07.07.2023).

We all knew this was coming. It isn’t shocking or surprising really… Oyam North or Oyam district in the Lango region. Most likely what the President saw in Oyam, he could have seen in Kitgum, Pader, Lira, Gulu or Karamoja sub-region for that matter.

The issue of lacking government services and proper state functions are surely found all around the Great North. That isn’t just in the heart of Lango sub-region. No, that could be seen in the West Nile, Acholi, Karamjo and in Lango. All of these places are lacking and the micro-money schemes of the government has clearly not hit these regions as intended.

That the President says he didn’t see any OWC is telling. That means the Office of the Prime Minister over the years has failed. Secondly, it means that General Salim Selah haven’t done his duty or what he was intended to do.

We cannot be shocked that the OWC has failed and that the Paris Development Model (PDM) haven’t reached Oyam. That’s just a mere reflection of how the implementation of the state works at this time. It just shows how the central region is feeling it and maybe parts of the West and the East is eating of the plate. However, it takes more to get to the North.

What is funny about all this is that the state had a four day training of SACCO leaders and Community Development Officers in April 2023. However, those days earlier in the year haven’t brought any results or significant change. Which is why the President wants answers after seeing the failure of his prestigious government scheme…

The President has without a doubt cast doubt about his own efficiency and the output of his government. When he unequally states the lack of OWC and the PDM in Oyam. It is telling the world that his government has mismanaged it and haven’t succeeded. That’s a self-own and most likely not intended to be this way. However, that is how it can be perceived.

The ones who has followed knew the OWC and the PDM would fail. The NRM and Museveni would tell another story. Regardless of that… the truth is setting you free and the grim realities of Oyam is telling. This isn’t the only district or constituency where these schemes hasn’t worked. If you went anywhere in the North. I am sure it has never succeeded.

Most likely in any up-country place in the East or West the same results would be prevalent. Museveni and his micro-money schemes are nice for campaigns and a cheap trick to fool voters. However, it isn’t creating the needed development or the structure to change the economy. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee’s unholy alliances…

Congratulations to our allies, the UPC and for the candidate, Eunice Apio, for winning the Oyam by-elections. Congratulations also to the NRM and the candidate Engola Junior because the difference between the two was very small” (Museveni, 07.07.2023).

We knew there was something going on, as we have seen the cozy relations between Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). That alliance and friendship came about before the 2016 elections. Therefore, it is now years in the making.

While it has looked questionable at times and several of high ranking officials from the UPC has moved to the NRM. Still, they have worked close and the latest one to move from the UPC to NRM is wife of UPC leader Jimmy Akena, Betty Amongi. That’s why you know the UPC is in close association and Amongi is on her second stint as Minister under the NRM and Museveni.

It is therefore striking that Museveni even writes this today…

UPC has been, in recent years, positive and not disruptive and so has DP been. That is why I congratulate them, although I would have preferred the NRM to win. Nevertheless, both the UPC and the DP should pay attention to what I said at Icheme recently” (Museveni, 07.07.2023).

We are seeing how Museveni favours both UPC and the Democratic Party (DP). Both party are now allies and under his spell. They are bound by agreements made and done such in a manner, which is indirectly trading away the ideas of the parties themselves. That’s why Museveni can direct them like chapters of the NRM Party. It is compelling when he tells them to pay attention to what he said during the campaigns at Icheme…

Museveni shows the true nature of the agreements, the coalitions and the deals made between them. The friendly nature and the way he speaks fondly of them. There is no bad blood and they serve his interests. That’s why he calls them “positive” and not “disruptive”.

Both James (Jimmy) Akena and Norbert Mao should listen up quickly. This text is made for them and for a purpose. The deals made between NRM-UPC and NRM-DP is beneficial for the President and if it wasn’t… he wouldn’t have signed them or agreed upon it in the first place. Museveni is just showing how political savvy he is and why his been able to be in power for so long. His congratulating the UPC, but at the same time reminding them who to listen too. While telling they are good, but they need to pay attention…

Seriously. UPC and DP are direct allies and traded away legitimacy doing so. I wonder if it is worth it. Regardless of the short-term power and offices. These can be lost quickly and the moment they are not useful. Well, Museveni and the NRM could drop them. They could do so in a heartbeat and without any remedies for the losing part. The parties would be damaged, destroyed, depleted and disillusioned. Because, they sought after the price, but didn’t think of the journey to get there. Peace.