Opinion: The NRM always got money for bullets…

It doesn’t matter if people cannot afford basic commodities, if people are starving or eating insects up-country. No, for the National Resistance Movement (NRM). A government shows their priorities by where they are spending. The vast spending is either on cronies, political representatives, the State House, Office of the President or the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). The ones mentioned always has funds or possibilities for supplementary budgets.

That’s why the recent salary enhancement of armed personnel and high ranking officials in the army. Is a sign that this matter to the throne and the ones in-charge. Because, the “high above” himself ordered striking or industrial action of unified teachers to go back to work without anything. They we’re not getting anything and they struggle as is… but soldiers, colonels, majors and generals are all getting a huge pay-off.

The army and armed personnel is a priority. That’s why it’s getting a huge percentage of the yearly budgets. They are already one of the big “ministries” and is one key component of the government at large. That’s why the President and the NRM party calls the UPDF to solve crisis or be a tool to fix utilities. This is why the army isn’t only coming to defend the border from invaders. No, it is building roads and constructions. It is a part of Operation Wealth Creation and going after illegal fishing in Lake Victoria. There is so many parts of government, which involves the UPDF.

The UPDF is also used for oppression. The Court Martial is used as a means to end of silencing critics, activists and even political opponents of the state. Even when the ones charged and taken to court isn’t serving members of the army. Neither do they have any connection with the army. So, they are suddenly just including civilians in military affairs. That’s just what the state does.

Just like the UPDF and their divisions can suddenly interfere in elections and with security around polls. In a by-election or a General Election doesn’t happen without soldiers on the streets. Neither are they far from the tally centres or places of vital importance of the proceedings. That’s just what they do and it’s common practice by now.

We know that the state cannot do with Crime Preventers, Local Defence Units (LDU) or any other sort of trained military personnel for basis of oppression and intimidation. The state needs a vast amount of soldiers and armed personnel at the beacon-call. Because, it isn’t like the NRM is popular or have the people behind it. No, they state needs the guns and the trained soldiers to fight for their causes.

The moment the army is under mutiny and turning on the regime. That’s when you know it’s near it’s end. The moment the generals and the divisions turns on the State House and the ones who is living large there. That moment will strike fear and worse cause a friction, which haven’t been seen in decades. Because, the centre most hold and the commander-in-chief cannot miss the loyalty of his soldiers. They are his base and reason for existing in office. Not the polls or the elections. No, at this point… they are just a vital piece, which makes the NRM alive.

So, no matter if there are inflations, people are struggling and things are getting out of control. As long as the army is supplied, paid and following orders. The President and his men will not fear anything. They are sure they will stay in office for another day and can easily silence anyone who opposes it. That’s why the state is doing this and giving the UPDF a huge pay-off.

We all know the centre most hold and if that falls… the President would worry and wouldn’t be as arrogant, as his known to be. He wouldn’t speak of crushing and the NRA-Way. Since, if the army backs away and stops being a loyal subject to him. The downfall will be eminent and the years of reign would end.

That’s why as the people are feeling the pinch of inflation and lacking funds for basics. The generals and their staff can buy luxurious items. The army can live without any concern and feel secure. The prices can go up, but they have a money-pit of funds to cover that. Which the ordinary citizen, any random civil servant or anyone in the public service can only dream off. That’s because they are not important. They don’t matter in the same regard.

The President needs the army more than he needs the rest of the Republic. As long as he has the army. He knows he can force himself upon anyone and nobody would dare to say otherwise. That’s why the UPDF is getting cash, while the citizens is getting cassava. Peace.

Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF): Salary Enhancement for UPDF Personnel (12.07.2022)

Karamoja: The sub-region is starving on empty promises…

Museveni promised that food insecurity in Karamoja would be dealt with by increasing fast maturing seedlings and an increase in relief by the Office of the Prime Minister. In a bid to build a self-sustaining household plan, the MPs proposed that the government avails agricultural inputs such as two tractors per constituency to facilitate agriculture on a large scale. The President however, disagreed with them saying that two tractors per constituency cannot support commercial agriculture. Museveni proposed that 5 tractors per constituency would be more plausible. He further challenged MPs to engage in large scale farming if they are to empower their communities and drive the country into middle income status. He promised to bring in experts to share in their best practices so that the members would get first hand information from them” (President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday evening held a special meeting with MPs-elect from Northern and Karamoja region to discuss pertinent issues affecting social and economic transformation, 20.04.2021).

The Government has a Minister designated for Karamoja affairs and has around 17 MPs from the Karamoja Sub-Region. However, all of these representatives and people being in high office isn’t delivering anything.

The news of starvation and famine shouldn’t shock anyone. The warnings from FEWSNET and other monitoring bodies like FAO has stated this too. The President has called the Karamoja green and pleasant. Nevertheless, that is far from the truth.

We know that the army, the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) have been operating and causing friction. As it is extra judicial killing and kicking people out of their homes. They are deliberately evicting and making people into internally displaced people. So, that the places of which they are burning villages and killing civilians. Is scaring the farmers and the people tending the land from cultivating food. This is done under the banner of “Usalalama Kwa Wote” to stop cattle-rustlers but also ensure the territories of mineral riches gets to the right “investor”. Therefore, this insecurity with the forewarned lack of food security was doomed to cause havoc on the sub-region.

Karamoja has been bleeding and suffering as a consequence of the military actions. The Sub-Region hasn’t been invested in. There has been creations of districts and electoral gerrymandering. However, there is only one referral hospital in Moroto. There is no real changes and the UN organizations comes in with aide and salvation every time things are dire. The President and his government isn’t clearly invested or concerned about the starvation or hunger in Karamoja. If the state did… they have seen this issue returning again and again. People are dying and the local government bodies should do better. The Office of the Prime Minister and the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs lack funds or mental minds to put programs that can save lives. Since this is a reoccurring event. That’s what is tragic here…

What is tragic is that the hunger and starvation was warned by FEWSNET in April this year. Which stated this: “For many poor Karamoja households, below-average purchasing power will continue constraining access to food from market purchases. Around August/September, the start of harvesting in Karamoja is expected to support improved access to food from own consumption and income from crop sales and reduce the number of households facing consumption gaps, though Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are expected to persist at the area level even during the post-harvest period. Overall, widespread Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are now expected to persist through at least September, with worst-affected households facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes” (FEWS NET, 06.04.2022).

We can sadly assess that the warnings of a IPC Phase 4 is now happening. The President promised already last year to secure food security for Karamoja sub-region. However, we easily that never happened. Now the World Food Programme and others has to cover the basics. They have to come with the food and the aide, because the state is a shortfall. Neither does it have the organization or institutions in order to help. The state has the army and the ability to kill civilians. However, it doesn’t have the ability to save lives or ensure food security. That is clear for anyone and is a sign of what is a priority in Kampala. As the Karamjoa sub-region isn’t only bleeding now, but starving as well. Peace.

Soroti East By-Election: Former FDC MP Versus FDC Flag-bearer

As you recall, I stood in the previous election on the platform of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party. However, on account of the irreconcilable differences in the party and the failure by my current party leadership to appreciate my contribution to the party, I shall NOT seek re-election on the ticket of the party (FDC)” (Herbert Ariko – Press Release, 05.08.2020).

The Soroti East By-Election scheduled for 28th July 2022 is setting itself up for grabs. The things that is striking isn’t that the National Unity Platform (NUP) has supported and not fielded their own candidate. They are actually acting in unified motion with the opposition. Which has been asked for it for ages. Now they are showing not only words but actions. Yes, their MP Flag-Bearer didn’t get votes, but instead of using energy on a candidate which doesn’t stand a chance. They are instead backing a Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate. So, for a unified opposition their candidate is Moses Attan Okia.

Although we had very good potential candidates in Soroti, we are doing this in the broader interest of the unity of the Forces of Change. We believe that Hon. Attan legitimately won the previous election which was interrupted by a court decision. Therefore, we shall be supporting him, and rallying the people of Soroti to take him back to Parliament. We are stronger when we come together!” (National Unity Platform, 07.07.2022).

In that regard. The ruling regime has also switched their game up since the General Election in 2021. The National Resistance Movement are sending the same candidate, which they had as a flag-bearer in January 2021. No, they are sending the former FDC MP (2016-2021) and former Independent Candidate Herbert Edmund Ariko. We can rest assure that Jimmy Ekemu will feel shattered by this. Because, his been deliberately knocked out, because the party don’t believe in his candidacy anymore.

We know the NRM is investing in this campaign and will use all means to get there. When Secretary General Richard Todwong, Vice-Chairman of Eastern Region the party Captain Mike Mukula and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa are already in Soroti canvassing voters ahead of the polls.

What the general public can await is the Police Force and the army intervening. Since any By-Election of recent years looks like a war-zone close to the polls. With road-blocks, armed soldiers in the streets and public intimidation to ensure a “NRM” victory.

The Democratic Party is saying they will announce their candidate for the By-Election tomorrow. However, we all know the real game changer is between former FDC MP and the one trying to win the seat a second time the current FDC MP Attan. Therefore, the DP candidate will have as much popularity as the Uganda People’s Congress candidate in 2021. If not become as big as the outcast NRM flag-bearer. Because, I don’t believe they will suddenly have a wind of green coming their way.

It is a reason why Mukula was himself only an MP until 2016. Because, the FDC took over the city and got the mandates from the area. That’s why the NRM is fielding a former FDC candidate for a reason. A candidate that was close in the last polls as an independent. That is political bargaining.

Anyone else challenging the FDC is meeting hardship. Soroti and the region is very blue. It will be hard to muffle that. Nevertheless, don’t expect free and fair elections. No, the NRM can only win with bribes, intimidation and rigging. Which is very common and that’s what they are willing to do. So, expect the same in Soroti later this month. This will not be peaceful, as the state is coming with armed forces and vicious means to prove whose in-charge. Expect arrests of activists, polling agents and anyone associated with the FDC at the latter stage. Especially done at night and raiding of homes, of the registered polling agents and such. That is just what the state does and no one should be shocked by this in 2022. We have seen it’s happening so many times. This here will be no difference.

Soroti East By-Election will be like the previous by-elections. We should be aware and as we follows. Not act like we didn’t’ see it coming. Because this is what they do. Peace.

Opinion: ROKO is a sign of the times..

Details on the ROKO bailout have emerged indicating that the planned purchase of shares by the government will also mean the government injecting operation capital as well as inheriting UGX 130 billion liability from the construction company. Experts advise government to audit ROKO Construction Ltd or risk going down with it” (NBS Television, 08.07.2022).

You know the times are hard when the construction company and engineering company is failing. A company which is dealing with government projects. This company which has been running for generations and has a long history in the Republic. However, it doesn’t mean it’s all shiny.

That’s why the company has ended up to write to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in 2020 asking for financial assistance. As even back then the creditors was suing to get money returned. There was even written a research report back in May 2018, which stipulated the needs for budget control and more oversight over the financials of the company. That could all be reasons for it’s downfall.

ROKO is part of the system and juiced up by deals, which involves high ranking officials. Just like the Dott Services is too. That’s why the company is prominent and is alive. The company is getting favoured and named in deals like the construction of Lubowa Hospital and other profiled construction sites. Therefore, the connections and the high ranking officials are endorsing this one.

That’s maybe why it’s kept alive. Even if the financials are horrific and the results of the company is bananas. There is maybe not much liquidity or assets to begin with. It could just be a mirage and a failing enterprise with a long history. That has happened before and now the deals comes back to haunt it.

What is striking is that the company is filled with scandals not only the hospital, but the likes of the upgrade of the Parliament. Than you have other construction sites that takes years to finish and never get done. If not you have built city markets, which isn’t fitting the traders or the costumers of the traders. There is also terminations of contracts because of shoddy and late work too. So, it is not the ROKO has a clean track-record or anything.

Still, the company is able to win and get huge contracts, which is significant. The sort of wet-dream for any company to get. The sort of constructions that would be sought after and be vital for years to come. However, they are still not able to keep things sustainable. Neither are they able to pay the sub-contractors and others for their supplies. That is why they were sued back in 2020.

Now, the company is struggling and its has a lot of work to do. Like what is really going on with Lubowa and Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium? Is there any movement or was that just some fraudulent paper-work to get some dimes in the coffers?

We know they lost Pearl Marina Estate to another company. In this regard we can wonder if anything is happening with Tourism and Training Institute (UHTTI), which is supposed to be built on Nalufenya road in Jinja.

There is also side stories from 2021 stating that one of the owners of the company is hiding millions of shillings in Switzerland. If that is the case. Then the company is just as corrupt as the State House, which makes sense why they are such good partners to begin with. This whole enterprise is questionable and bailing it out. Only means that their name and practices is needed by the government. Because, they trust each other. Even when the company isn’t delivering or doing what they are obliged to do.

It is just a mess, but a mess that the State House and the NRM is proud off. It is their product and they are vouching for it. That’s why they are bailing it out. Peace.

National Resistance Movement (NRM): The 4th Central Executive Commitee of the National Resistance Movement at its 10th Meeting (08.07.2022)

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF): Operation Shujaa Update (05.07.2022)

Opinion: Museveni has nothing to give the striking teachers…

We have provided a position as government and pledged to competitively remunerate workers guided by a science-led strategy. This does not mean we have forgotten others, but we are choosing to prioritise the few and others can come later. We must finish one problem at a time. The Arts teachers insist that we should use the available resources to improve salaries across the board, whilst this is possible, it does not solve the salary issue. It is okumemerera (sprinkling), where everyone will get a little and then next year everyone strikes. We have a strategy and no one should disrupt us. We are aware of the issues and we are committed to handling them. Therefore, my advice to the teachers is that they should go back and teach. “Therefore, my advice to the teachers is that they should go back and teach.”-President Museveni” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 04.07.2022).

For a man sitting in wealth and riches like the Head of State, the President of the ages and been the Commander-In-Chief since 1986. He surely don’t understand the plights of other people or with age his not concerned with it. His only talking and guiding people, but never listening or digesting the information brought to his table. No, that is for the bureaucracy and technocrats to figure out.

The mind of the old man is settled and he will never let go of any sort of conviction he already got. Even if it bonkers and wrong. Heck, this will not amount to anything and is despicable. It just proves the hypocrisy. Because, where his residing and ruling from there is endless of supplementary budgets, confidential expenditure and whatnot, which is money that is at his disposal at any given time. The President haven’t any need to worry or be afraid to get broke. He can just hire a truck to the Reserves of Bank of Uganda and get whatever he deems fit. If it is the foreign exchange or whatnot. It is just his bank to toy around with…

When you have that in mind. It shows how the old man thinks and can direct people to work. He believes that everyone is just his servants. That the teachers, lectures and everyone else employed by the state should follow his every whim. He clearly doesn’t value the industrial action or the Unions actions to fight for justified salaries or terms, which is what an Union is supposed to do.

The President just wants to silence them and make the membership of Unions pointless. As everyone is just to believe in his plans. While his living one millions of shillings per day. His advisors are paid like no tomorrow. The MPs have gotten a huge pay-cut and the cronies are living in bountiful existence. Meanwhile, the civil servants and the public service of the state is lingering in uncertainty. As their salaries are stagnate, but the prices of basic goods or food are going up.

Surely, the President isn’t only eating cassava. He can take a plane, helicopter and eat whatever he wants. The same with the rest of his court. They can fly away for treatment and import all sorts of luxurious items. If not… they can get the state to bail them out or pay for the expenditure on a future budget. Because, that is what he does…

However, the teachers and the lectures who isn’t part of the new payment scheme. They aren’t of that tribe. Hell, they are bound for failing and incapacitation or sorts. While the gentlemen and the anointed ones are heaven bound. They are already at the pearly gates and awaiting sermons of Jesus. While the others hope to get a peace of meat to barbecue in hell. However, the devil got nothing to spare, except more pain and suffering.

Museveni in some terms has nothing to offer or give. That’s because he don’t care and his not living in the plight or the same league. His been far above it and haven’t felt it for decades. He is the ancient monarch and emperor who see everyone as his subject. They are just bound by his words and they should just listen. If they don’t… then they deserve to die or starve. Because, they should know better. That’s how this is looking and it’s of no good.

The President has forgotten his role and speaks of a strategy that shouldn’t be altered. However, who said that was a righteous one or a justified one? Why should the State House and the MPs get a rise? Why should the science teachers get it and not the rest? Who is he to judge that?

He should know better, but he cannot stop fooling himself, as the tyrant he is. Directing and guiding his subjects. He wants them poor and begging for his audience. That’s who he is and how he operates.

A man who cannot see or do anything wrong. However, we all can see it, but his delusion is whole character and he cannot run away from it now. Peace.

Opinion: Besigye is only temporarily free…

Ever since the 12th May 2022, Dr. Kizza Besigye have been in legal trouble, as his starting his “Waking-Up” Campaign against the rising commodity prices. That is done through the Red Card Front and with allies within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Today, his released again on bail after paying 2,5 million shillings to be on bond. Which is the price of freedom and temporary liberty that his getting for the first time since 14th June.

We cannot rest assure. This is only a temporary measure. Sooner or later the law will catch upon him. If you remember back in 2015 and 2016. Old cases was piled up against him just so he had to go to courts across the Republic while campaigning. This is why the previous charges and pending cases will be used against him again. If they will ever prove that he “incited violence” or whatever sort of counts of crimes he was supposed to have committed on the day of arrest. Since, it’s all going down to him protesting and directly moving into public spaces with the Central Business District of Kampala. Just so he can speak to people and get them involved in the struggle and fight with against the rising commodity prices.

We know the reasons of Besigye and his campaign. That is an honest one and a justified one. However, the state see it as a nuisance and a bothering element. A sort of activism that isn’t promoted or wanted in the Republic. That’s why a law has been created to possibly silence him and stop his campaigning in the public domain. This is why he isn’t even trying to comply with the Public Order Management Act (POMA) because he knows it was created with him in mind. That’s why the Anti-Besigye Act is coming into effect, every time he steps out of his compound in Kasangati and into the streets.

That’s why his return to his home today isn’t the end. Besigye is a journeyman and he will not stop until he has entered the other side. This man is so resilient and filled with the spirit in hope for change. That he will never stop until it happens. Until then he will continue and never let go.

Besigye will never relent or cease to operate. It isn’t in his character. He will fight on and continue the path he has already made for himself. That journey has taken him to prison so many time. He has been in bracelet a lot and been detained for all sorts of reasons. This will continue, because the state will not change or be any different towards him now.

No, he is an enemy of the state. Because Besigye represent everything the state isn’t and this is why his easily apprehended too. There don’t really have to be a reason or him doing anything significant. He just needs to be with a microphone or a loud speaker in a busy street. If he does that… his behind the slammer, yet again.

Some people might think… why does he bother? Why doesn’t he stop? Well… he doesn’t accept injustice and impunity. He fights against the military dictatorship and the junta in power. That’s what he does and he does so with peaceful means. This is why he never stops or retires.

It is commendable, but it must have cost him a lot. He has lost friends, family and such over it. Besigye has seen allies and activists betraying him. That could have gotten others to stop and maybe reconsidered if they should continue. However, Besigye have never looked and just continued to push through.

That’s why I know it is just a matter of time… before Besigye is back in Luzira, Kasangati Police Station, the vicious van, Nagalama Police Station or anywhere else for that matter. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni can only fool the blind…

No one can teach me about the subject of human rights because that is what I fought for, to have a democratic society in Uganda. I spent sixteen solid years of my life putting in place human rights observance and correcting what the regime of Idi Amin distorted. When handling human rights issues, be careful, cases of illegal detention, torture, and human rights violations will end, and will not be tolerated” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (30.06.2022).

Sometimes… the delusion and the deluded mind thinks they are always correct. Especially, someone who has been in power without any significant challenge or without a proper contest. The elections and the rally for power after January 1986 has been based on who got the guns and the authority. Not on which brother or sister who has the best skills, attributes or policies to change the status quo of the Republic. Because, Museveni has held the army, the police and the judiciary. He could easily navigate and get his will into policy. Therefore, his words to Ken Roth, the Executive Officer of Human Rights Watch (HRW) means squat or nothing.

We know the authorities, the police force and all other security agencies uses means, which violates with human rights. It is common knowledge of the practices performed by the state. The abductions, the illegally detentions and the torture of dissidents. That is well-known, as much as the drones and the usage of army courts to charge and sentence civilians. This is why the President knows perfectly well how his in the wrong.

Museveni continues to speak ill of Amin. However, they are genuinely alike in many aspects. They are using the law to stranglehold the opposition. The authorities are used to arrest, detain and keep people incommunicado. People who defies and resist the pressure of state can easily be found dead after being kept at unknown locations. The state uses ungazetted safe-houses, the army and security details to apprehend and assault civilians who dares to question the legitimacy of the rulers of the republic.

That’s why anyone with a working marble and a little wisdom. Knows that the state apparatus, the imprint of the guards of the republic is to directly violate the human rights. They are proudly following orders, which circumvent their own constitution and principals of equal before the law. However, in the republic you are proven guilty before your proven innocent. This is why people can be behind bars without being produced in court. Neither are there any warrants, indictments or any production of evidence in the cases. The activists, citizens or opposition leaders are just barred from ordinary life. Because they dared to question and stand up for justice.

This injustice is known and shouldn’t shock anyone. The Safe-Houses, the practice of the Special Forces Command (SFC), Internal Security Organization (ISO) or the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) are capable of despicable things and acts, which are wrongly conducted in favour of the state.

The National Resistance Movement has used these techniques since it’s inception. The usage of torture and illegal arrests has been common practice. It has never ceased and the operations has only changed in the nature or by the way the interpret it. That’s why cases are pending in the courts and people challenge the treatment at government facilities, which caused them harm and made them scorned for life.

So, when President Museveni speaks of never doing or will not tolerate it. That is just nonsense and empty words. It is as meaningful as his words about combatting corruption. This is not really happening either and we all know. The President is keeping the fear and intimidation alive. His signalling anyone who dares to oppose him. That they can be touched and be violated. So, that they know who is in-charge and who is staying there.

The anointed one, the high above and the eternal prince of Rwakitura. Peace.