The dead silence: Otafiire cannot help himself

“You forget that when the NRM dominated Masaka, there were no killings. Someone else is in charge of Masaka politically”Kahinda Otafiire (09.09.2021).

The murders and killings in the Greater Masaka region must be used as a ploy and a decoy. Instead of taking responsibility and go after the culprits. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its regime is on high alert to implicate the National Unity Platform (NUP). Which is obvious.

This is not a new tactic to implicate opposition and activists who are dissidents of the state in serious matters. No, that has been going as long as I can remember. The opposition and its leaders can easily become targets and become enemies of the state. That’s why they are aimed at and accused of the murders now.

We have been here before, the names and the party has changed, but the objective is the same. Implicate leaders and affiliates, claim the party is ill-advised and vilify it. While never ever going after the killers and assassins in question. No they are roaming free without any hesitation and can move to the next target. The ones with machetes and weapons to kill can buzz of into darkness. That what they do… while the NUP is blamed.

Kahinda Otafiire and the politicians blaming the NUP directly better come clear with evidence and proof. As Ofwono Opondo couldn’t help himself either on NBS Frontline yesterday. They were both implicating the NUP and doing a blatant attempt of criminalizing the opposition party and its members. That says it all really.

Not that I am shocked by this, but it shows what the state actors and high ranking officials are willing to do. They are doing this for the whole nation and republic to see. While there is no proof and it is deliberate to make a narrative to implicate innocent people in murders in Masaka.

What is tragic about yesterday is that we are supposed to forget when the NRM was running Masaka and when the opposition was campaigning that the Police Force or the army killed civilians following the opposition convoy. The NRM have killed and continues to do so. They don’t spare a life, but rather take it. This is at least how it seems to the naked eye. While they always blame the enemy. If it is Amin, Obote or now Bobi Wine, because it is never the Movement. Well, if it continues to happen… then it must be you!

This isn’t funny but injustice in action. Its obscene and outrageous. A clear aim at a political gain on another people’s tragedy. Instead of taking action to stop it or find the killers. You are making a political stand and assaulting a third party, which wasn’t involved in it in the first place.

We can act a fool, but this is just getting stupid. There is no redeeming factor in this. Only a sinister move to make the NUP the villain. That is the mere reality of this. The NRM isn’t any better and this is what they do. We could wish for better, but that is too much to ask. Peace.

Opinion: IPOD is officially dead

The Interparty Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) was rejected by the largest opposition party the National Unity Platform (NUP). The IPOD was just set-up in 2010 even if it felt like it has been there forever.

IPOD haven’t lived up to its potential and neither is the organization at any use at this stage. Unless, the President and his regime wants positive publicity. If not he tries to intervene and participate to get his will. He has also used to seek opposition and undermine their efforts as well. Where he has tried to find the “Good DP” and the “Good FDC” as well. That is what he does and the manner of which this works is futile now.

That’s why its healthy that NUP isn’t becoming a member of IPOD or participate in the Summits/Councils, which isn’t delivering anything worthwhile. Not at this point in time and been nothing substantial to show for either.

We know Museveni is hurt that the party of Bobi Wine and with a massive mandate in the Parliament isn’t showing up. He is playing with the older parties and the ones who doesn’t have the same relevance as before. This is showing that the IPOD is fading…

IPOD haven’t been a tangible asset or a enterprise for good dialogue either. The President has shown up late and the Summits hasn’t showed any progress. The last thing that happened was that the President promised billions of shillings to party coffers and nothing else.

The IPOD haven’t been used for electoral legislation or reform. Neither has it been used to ensure a level playing-field for campaigns or party work. No, it is only used for a decoy and buying the President time. For some strange reason the Dutch is willing to pay for the parties and meetings. They hopefully enjoy the empty slogans and statements, because it hasn’t paid-off.

The time of the IPOD is over. The IPOD is overrated and it isn’t working. So the Dutch should stop wasting their time and money. The IPOD is just a tool to legitimize the President and his regime. It can look like he has dialogue and a drive for “multi-party” democracy. When in reality he would crash and destroy them at any given moment.

Therefore, someone should do the IPOD a favour and hold a final ceremony. Now that the NUP isn’t part of it. The signal of it’s death bed is final. It should have been the times when FDC in the past boycotted it. However, they always returned …

IPOD should be buried and the casket of IPOD should be held in the halls of Parliament for a week to mourn the deceased. Nevertheless, there shouldn’t be any sorrow or pain in it’s demise. The IPOD never served it’s purpose or objective. It became a wastage of time and funds. This is why the burial would be a nice ending to a tragic story of a futile organization. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP) letter to Interparty Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) – National Unity Platform Eligibility to Join IPOD (02.09.2021)

Opinion: Greetings Mwenda

It’s been a while since the Independent Editor and Magazine owner Andrew Mwenda has written a “Last Word” and on the 5th September 2021 he released another edition in this series called “To Whom It May Concern”. Fittingly I feel the need to respond to this.

In the starting paragraph, he really sets the tone for the article: “section of the Ugandan talking heads have made a fetish of “credibility”, particularly the sort of “credibility” purchased by denouncing President Yoweri Museveni as a murderous tyrant who has destroyed Uganda. To preserve such “credibility”, opposition leaders like Dr. Kizza Besigye and now Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), take very extreme positions that make it difficult for them to grow their political appeal beyond a significant and loud but, numerically, a minority of opposition activists” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

Well, where do I begin. It is just like Mwenda doesn’t want to go to the heart or the cause of the problem. Only reflect on the opposition and deflect from the creator of the current affairs. That’s because his carrying the water of his master and wants to salvage his legacy. Therefore, he demeans and distort the pleas and the causes of the opposition. Calling it a minority and saying it has lack of appeal. While there is no dancing in the streets or jubilation for the lifelong Presidency of Museveni.

First: “It should therefore be obvious that if any politician wants to command a political majority, they need to build a supra partisan base who appeal is trans-group.  I think this has been Museveni’s greatest strength. He appreciates that you cannot seek any form of purity in a diverse country in Uganda and succeed. He has, therefore, made himself flexible and adaptable. He does not demand purity – whether of ethnic, religious, ideological or policy nature. Instead, he is willing to work with anyone even when they don’t agree on many things” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

It is just like we don’t know the man he speaks of or what he has done in office. Yes, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is across the Republic and has members from everywhere. However, the base and the ones in-charge are from one tribe and one ethnic group. That’s why the President has his family all close-knit and a kitchen cabinet, which rules beyond the powers of the offices in government. We are just supposed to forget that and think, because the NRM has a representative from Karamoja. That it is a national party and for everyone. This is just a place and a façade… not the mere reality as the NRM CEC and anyone with power comes from one area. If they differ with him or his ideals, which is changing after what is profitable can easily be expelled or lose their offices. That has happened to, everyone is supposed to follow the “correct line”.

Second: “For someone interested in influencing public policy, whether through mass media or private meetings, there is more to be achieved engaging Museveni than in denouncing him. In my engagements with him I have been impressed by how open-minded Museveni is; he is always willing to listen and to take advice; especially when backed by facts and based on sound research” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

When the personification of the state is supreme it all has to go through one man. In this instance, it just happens to be Museveni. That is the only truth Mwenda spills here. However, for the only man with a vision and self-serving individual like Museveni will not change his mind. It is only changed when he sees no benefit or profit out of the policy or order. Therefore, believing in sitting with him and discussing will bear fruits are naïve. It is like thinking you can sway a stubborn and self-righteous man. Well, that won’t happen and it’s a delusion. If you work with Museveni, you are willing to compromise and play into his games. Then there is no difference between you and the other foes his connected too. That is where Mwenda is wrong.

Third: “I believe that Museveni, like many of his contemporaries in Africa, is genuinely committed to transforming Uganda, just like Besigye and Bobi Wine are genuinely committed to liberating it. For Museveni to achieve his goal, he needs power – he cannot transform Uganda when he has been overthrown (and therefore in jail or exile) or been defeated in an election (and therefore in Rwakitura grazing cows). However, retaining power involves navigating a treacherous terrain of coup plots, internal intrigues, making compromises and giving concessions; especially in an ethnically diverse society, that often undermine the pace at which leaders can realise their goals” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

If Museveni would “transform” Uganda that would have happened ages ago. There is no reason to believe that now. He is not interested and not serving even the ideals of his 10-point programme. Yet along any of the other fancy development programmes he has unleashed on the general public over the years. These are just cannon-fodders to the UN organizations and multi-national development organizations to find ways to get grants and donations.

Yes, nobody can “transform” anything when they are overthrown. That is a bargain that Museveni has asked for, since he doesn’t believe anyone else can run the Republic. He has retained power, but not built structures or institutions worthy of their names. It is all a reflection of his hackwork and lack of statesmanship. Museveni rather spoil and grind every dime out of a project, than build something sustainable. If he wasn’t the personification of the state… he wouldn’t worry about treason or compromise. Because, all politics and politicking are to one extent compromise between two parties seeking their objective goals. Alas, Museveni rather destroy the other party, than working with them, unless he has corrupted them.

Fourth: “Neither Besigye nor Bobi Wine is a radical extremist by character. But to keep their base happy they have to act as radical extremists; using language uncharacteristic of them. They are strategic radical extremists” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

He has called both People Power/National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) all sorts of name. Andrew has called the supporters extremists, hoodlums and other derogatory names. That’s why this is no shocker at this point. Just a mere reflection of Mwenda is. Because, he cannot understand the activists, members and whatnot who wants to end the Museveni era. They are “militant” and maybe willing to use defiance as a means to an end. Since, Museveni and his regime gives no way to other ways of a peaceful transition. Not, like the NRM or Museveni has offered any other way out or bargained to secure the future. No, his just lingering in power by the gun, using the authorities and even killing the opposition, if he has the opportunity too. And Mwenda wonder why people get “radical” or get organized in various of ways. Museveni is lucky that his opposition haven’t started their own bush-wars, because they have had the same reasons to retort, in the same fashion as Museveni did in the early 1980s. Not that I want that, but Mwenda is surely not selling his point. With the knowledge of the system, the militarization of politics and the usage of arms to bend the will for one man.

He ends with: “I am not willing to purchase “credibility” by mutilating myself. Besigye and/or Bobi Wine can afford to because the price of self-mutilation is the presidency. So, to the many people that write to me or about me almost demanding that I become a spokesperson of their grievances, with the hidden blackmail that I have changed, and therefore not what they knew, here is my message: I do not want to be anyone else’s version of Andrew Mwenda. I want to be Andrew Mwenda’s version of Andrew Mwenda” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

It is funny and tragicomically way of ending this article. As he speaks of selling itself for the Presidency. While Mwenda is trading his own name and reputation to safeguard the current status quo. He rather defends the tyrant and the tyranny, than oppose the oppression. Mwenda calling them “sell-outs” for the Presidency. Because, they dare challenge the man who charges, kidnaps, detains, attacks with weapons and even kill their supporters.

We know Mwenda changed, alas he will not resemble the man who was a speaking fire at the KFM Radio days. Maybe, that was just a front and he was faking it. If that is true, then a sorry excuse of a man. More than just trading off his career to be a spokesperson for this presidency. His just a “finessed” OO and that’s not a good look by the way. Well, we can never know, but what we do know. Is what he has said and done over the years. That is already been published and therefore recorded too. Therefore, he can never save or return to the promise, which his career looked like in the past.

That’s why he must undermine and mock the opposition. These folks still have some resemble of hope, which he doesn’t have. They can speak the truth and be blunt about it. While Mwenda got to trade carefully and mind his manners. Because, he can never challenge the Throne again. Peace.

Opinion: Oulanyah forgot the role of the opposition

Honourable Members, let’s keep our eyes on the ball. The ball is this country and its people. The ball is not the regime. A focus on the regime is a narrow and a wrong focus. Put your focus and interests on the people who elected you to Parliament rather than on trivial issues like regime change” – Speaker Jacob Oulanyah (27.08.2021).

It is easy being a token soldier, being a loyal cadre and running up the ranks in the established system underneath the high above. That’s why you don’t have to be bright or smart. You just have to show-up and follow the commands. The orders are straight, unforgiving and you just have to enact it. That’s Oulanyah has risen to prominence and gotten to this stage. Not because his a wise-guy, street-smart or has any worthwhile skills. No, his just a pawn and a useful loyalist for now.

Speak Oulanyah should know all that, but he rather speak of hubris to the opposition. Mock them even and play around like it was a fair competition in the recent election. When everyone know the game was rigged. The whole system was controlled and there was not other objective. Than the Movement and the President to get the majority. Either by the hook or by the crook. The winner took it all and left breadcrumbs to the dissidents. This election was rigged and done systematically. So, Oulanyah should know this when he addresses people, but it seems like he doesn’t know that.

That’s why it’s striking when he says the focus isn’t on the regime. Like the Opposition isn’t there to keep the state alert and question their moves. That is what they are doing for the betterment of the republic. The opposition is there to check and balance. Call out the Movement for their scheming ways, injustice and impunity. They are supposed to call the NRM out for their mischief and grand corruption scandals. They are there to be thorns and spiteful challenges in the public. That’s to show what the government and the Movement should be doing, which it doesn’t… not just be another group of “yes-men” and “praise the lord” anytime the President kisses someone’s asses. That is for the internal Central Executive Committee of the NRM to do by itself.

The speaker further insults our intelligence that we shouldn’t focus or try to think of a peaceful transition. It is only necessary and needed to focus on the future. A future without Museveni and the NRM at the helm. When someone else is the President and His Excellency. That time will come eventually, either if you like it or not. The NRM has already reigned for over 3 decades and this era will end at one point or another.

That’s why the opposition should prepare and plan for a possible takeover. The NRM and Museveni cannot contain that and the will of the people forever. They cannot trick and lie indefinitely. At one point, the last straw and final nail in coffin is put. The treasure-chest is empty and the soldiers are starving. Everything that keeps this regime is gone, as the bank-accounts are empty and donors are not serving aid. There is no more schemes to get-rich-quick or fix some more bottlenecks. No, all of that will go south and there will be no redemption.

That’s why Oulanyah wants this era to last forever. He has the power and the station. The Speaker doesn’t want to loose it. Now that he got it and with someone else in power. He wouldn’t be as useful or have any value to them. He would just be a loyal cadre to godforsaken cause, which should have buried a long time ago. However, it has been persistent and never ending. That’s why we are here in the first place.

Oulanyah can call it trivial to ask for regime change. However, if it was so… why was newspapers closed and ceased over “Project Muhoozi” and why is it dangerous to utter out words of Post-Museveni? Why is it bad to have ambition and seek the place of H.E.? If it is trivial?

Also, to end this on a high note. Why was it needed to change the Constitution twice for one to rule? Why did the Parliament need to first abolish term limits before later stage abolish the age limit? If it is trivial. Shouldn’t the law or the constitution been intact?

That’s what bugging me… when men of his rank and stature calls it trivial. He should look into himself and his own role in all of that. The Movement has made this bed and they got to sleep in it. However, the opposition is within rights and should do their bidding. The opposition needs to keep account and question the NRM. The opposition needs to plan for a peaceful transition and work to topple this regime. That is if they are an honest opposition and wanting to end the dictatorship.

Oulanyah doesn’t want to hear any of that. That’s to be expected, because the end of the tyranny and regime would mean the end of his meal-ticket. The Speaker cannot risk that and rather want a mediocre and lacking opposition. Which he don’t have to fear or have issues with. This is why he speaks like this. However, the opposition has to enforce and be on the barricades to make life a living hell for the Speaker and his tribe. That is their duty and their role as opposition.

Hope they will act upon this and show their character in the 11th Parliament. Time will tell, but Oulanyah hope he can get a forgetful group of MPs and get an easy ride in office. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Statement on Initiatives to Counter Torture in the UPF (16.08.2021)

National Unity Platform: Statement on the 200m Grant to MPs for Motor Vehicles (23.07.2021)

Opinion: MPs 200 million pay-off [and who cares about the pandemic?]

This week it has been revealed that the 529 Members of Parliament is receiving Shs. 200 million shillings as a one time “envelope” to purchase a new vehicle. Because, it is such an important prospect and bargain to pay the elected officials with cars. They have already hefty salaries, allowances and perks in office. This is just one of these one-time offers that they can eat quickly off.

Every single MP gets 200 million shillings in July 2021, months after the elections in January 2021. That’s become a custom in the Republic. After an election and swearing-in, the new MPs and the old ones gets a huge pay-off in the millions of shillings to purchase a vehicle. This isn’t new, but its still insane.

Especially, considering the state have taken up huge loans to cover deficits and loans to cover the recovery from after the pandemic. The state isn’t using these vast funds buying vaccines, PPE or investing in the Ministry of Health. No, they are using more money on a car-fleet. A fleet given and paid for by the state.

This is 105.8 billion shillings spent on cars or vehicles by the state. That is how to misuse government and wasted spending. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President does this to buy loyalty. Because, for some strange reason… no MP is complaining or returning these funds.

It is not like the MPs are having an outcry or asking to refund the pay-out. The MPs should ask why they are getting this and why now?

We know the MPs are scheduled to get funds for the vehicles, which it does … in the beginning of the term. The 11th Parliament isn’t doing anything new… and nobody is shocked by this. The MPs are just following tradition at this point.

However, now as the state cannot afford to buy vaccines or has the ability to invest in the Ministry of Health. Nevertheless, the MPs are the priority and their wealth needs to be taken care off. That’s why this is happening. Just to ensure the MPs will be loyal to the President and his causes. They have already accepted the 200 millions shilling envelope.

If the MPs had a trouble with this. They would do like with the Age-Limit Consultation Money. The MPs would cry havoc and made a fuzz. That’s something that’s not happening at this point. This is just ordinary programming and no-one want stop it, apparently.

The MPs are just to accept this and clap along. They are dancing to the tune and hoping to have a party. Because, the feast is already covered by the state and they have huge payouts in the making. This is just the beginning. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Press Statement on COVID-19 Interventions (07.07.2021)

Opinion: The FDC needs to grow a pair

The current Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) high ranking officials needs to grow up and take their losses on the chin. Today’s news of possible dismissal of FDC MPs accepting Shadow Cabinet positions is foolish at best.

This coming from the same party, which have appointed Shadow Cabinets with MPs from other parties. So, this just shows a lack of growth or maturity from the current leadership. Yes, the FDC wasn’t consulted. Nevertheless, the FDC haven’t been willing to meet or greet the National Unity Platform (NUP) on earlier meetings either. Secondly, the FDC have retaliated and questioned the NUPs credentials and their agenda.

Therefore, that Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda is calling out like this. After what Nathan Nandala-Mafabi have done in the post-election. They have both been on the warpath with the NUP. These two have been comrades in talking ill of the NUP and their actions. While never accepting anything its doing. Neither, have it taking it lightly that none of the MPs was appointed to committee’s.

That’s why today’s words was striking. That they went this way. When the NUP have invited FDC. It has been seen as non-important and as a obstacle. This seems to be the same reasons for why FDC can avoid or even boycott IPOD. However, when FDC is appointed as the leader of IPOD. Than it becomes an important thing…

This sort of pattern is tiring. The FDC leadership better grow up. Especially, as this is supposed to the party who has for ages been in the battle and fought the dictatorship. The ones who can educate and show how things are done. They could show some heart and skill.

They should be happy that Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga have considered 7 MPs from the FDC. He could have picked several more from his own party the NUP. He could have filled the ranks. Still, he appointed surely in talks with his own and own their merits to various of positions. However, this is not good enough for the FDC.

Now… suddenly… the FDC wants to meet and drink tea. Who are they kidding here? What sort of game is this? Maybe FDC National Executive Committee (NEC) needs to have an extraordinary meeting to figure out the way to be a ordinary opposition and not the leader of it. Since, this is the first time in ages. The FDC is demoted and they should be gracious to be considered this big.

Even, if some of the big-men and the long-term MPs wasn’t appointed here or in May to the Committee’s. Still, they should just be happy and accept this. Just like the other opposition parties took their part. When they were at the helm and appointed the Shadow Cabinet. That is what the FDC should do now.

Well, maturity is clearly not this party thing. They are not able to show it. Neither, to take things to heart. Everyone is supposed to play after their tune and dance. However, no one else is supposed to counter or try on their own. That’s how this looks. This coming from one of the persons who has attacked the NUP after the elections.

That’s why this is tiring. This part seemed like someone you could look up to and get engaged in. That was just a lie. As they are only in it for their own and play by own rules. Never, accepting what other people does. Especially, the NUP should just follow and do the two-step. Never ever act on its own.

That’s why the FDC cry foul now and even wants to dismiss it’s own. They are so broken and lack moral courage. To even be gracious and move-on. They are not the big-dog anymore. Be leaders, act mature and take it on the chin. Show your character over this term and try again.

The FDC seems to lost their vibe and their Mojo. Like they have lost some vital parts and cannot operate in good faith. These folks who talks big. Should also act big. However, that’s to much to ask.

They are all for Democratic Change, but cannot the democratic change that has happened in the Parliament. Which they are smaller and the NUP is bigger. It is time for them to accept and eventually move-on. In 2016 they could act like big-shots in the opposition and in 2011 as well.

Now, the tide is turning and they just don’t seem ready for it. Time for Najjakumbi to visit Kamwokya and speak to the leaders there. I don’t think it would hurt. It would be a lesson of humility and maybe of finalization of maturity. Especially, if the FDC would ever continue to lecture the newcomer and their rise to power. It seems to be the only reasonable thing to do.

Unless, their only game-plan is to attack the NUP and Bobi Wine. Just like the NRM. Peace.