A look into the Shadow Cabinet of the 11th Parliament

Today, Leader of Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) MP Mathias Mpuuga unveiled the appointments of his shadow cabinet. Now the opposition is taking form and the NUP shows maturity in their choices. However, there are some interesting choices.

We anticipated that the NUP would have an majority and it does. What is striking, after all the dust is settled… the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) get several of positions and other parties get it too. This is not a sole NUP operation. No, there are MPs from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Democratic Party and Independents as well. Therefore, things has changed.

On the 28th May 2021 the first list was out and the ones picked for the Committees was mostly NUP and one JEEMA MP. That was a choice made by the NUP and the other parties felt left behind. Now, the LoP have taken them in, but don’t expect that to accept it or be gracious. Because, for instance the LoP have left behind the likes of Nathan Nandala-Mafabi and Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda. These will be foul and cry out loud. We just know this and be aware.

So, now on the 25th June 2021 the LoP have made this list and it’s a total of 30 members. There are 30 people in the shadow cabinet. While the original cabinet is at 81. So, they have slimmed it a little bit, but still giving roles to plenty.

It is a friendly reminder of a rising star in the opposition is to see Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende, the lawyer and MP on the Justice and Constitutional Affairs. She’s one of out of plenty who has been called an “iron lady”. So, it will be interesting to see how she plays this out. As this is her first term as MP and being in Parliament. Been vocal as a People Power Movement lawyer and a critic fo government. Now, she has the moment to prove her skill and use this office for some good.

A person who didn’t need a party primary, but became the party flag-bearer nevertheless was Fortunate Rose Nantongo. Who replaced her deceased mother as the MP. She became the Democratic Party (DP) nominee after a handwritten application to the party. The rest is history and now she’s appointed to the Shadow Cabinet to the Gender, Labour and Social Development.

The Former Presidential Candidate Abed Bwanika is appointed to the shadow cabinet. He has turned into a NUP MP as well. It will be interesting to see a man like this who has been fishing fr relevancy and found his way to get into office. Now, will be in the shadow cabinet for agriculture. The former People’s Development Party (PDP) and who was so close to be part of the DP Block as well. This is why, I will find it interesting, if he will seek for McDonalds to trade in Uganda.

Then you Karim Masaba, the Independent MP for Mbale. Who is NUP Leaning. He is a childhood friend of Mityana MP Francis Zaake. Bobi Wine supported his candidacy directly and he was part of the NUP convoy, which routed across Mbale in 2020. Now his appointed to the Shadow Cabinet for the Tourism and Wildlife.

Surprise appointment at this point was Francis Mwijuke MP of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). We know he has a long history with Mpuuga. They have been together in the struggle since the Action 4 Change in 2011. Mwijuke is on his second term in office and been a vocal critic of the state. Still, he seemed very in favour of Kadaga as a speaker and not just doing it as a strategy. That’s why it’s interesting to see him in the Shadow Cabinet in the Trade & Industry.

Another interesting choice from Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) was Anna Ebaju Adeke. She is the former Makerere Guild President and has a Bachelor of Law. Other than the public known things, she has incorporated an foundation in 2020. This was the Anna Adeke Foundation Limited on 25th February 2020. In 2018, she was part of the deflecting MPs to the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). However, that had to be short tint and only seeing if the ticket was viable. Since, by the times of elections she has gone to the FDC.

The one and only People’s Progressive Party MP Santa Okut have been appointed as well. She has represented the PPP before in the Parliament that was in the term of 2001 to 2006. The return is after a third try and never losing hope of returning back to Parliament. So, it will be interesting to see what she does and what ever she will do. As she’s alone in Parliament for a party founded in the early 2000s. Time will tell and she is appointed in the Shadow Cabinet for the Special Regions.

My last appointed that I find interesting… was Forum for Democratic Change Gilbert Olanya MP. He has been an Independent MP, but he become a FDC MP over time. He was another FDC MP who vied for Kadaga as speaker. Still, he been a resilient opposition MP. Who has been arrested for demonstrations in his district. This man hasn’t had it easy and put his work in. Still, it was interesting to see Mpuuga choosing him. In the Shadow Cabinet he will be working on the East African Community (EAC).

Just as we comments and look through the vast lists of Cabinet Members. The Shadow Government needs to be addressed as well. Not just praised, but wonder of their credentials too. This is why I do this. This is the first cabinet of Mpuuga. He has shown great heart, but let see how this plays out. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Office of the Leader of the Opposition – Press Statement on the current Lockdown in Uganda and Management of the COVID-19 Pandemic (25.06.2021)

The country is now battling a second COVID-19 wave. It is more devastating than the first wave. More infections and deaths are being registered countrywide. This has been fronted by the President as a basis for the current lockdown.

When compared to the lockdown in 2020, the citizens are now in a more vulnerable condition characterised by collapsing businesses, lost employment and subsequently struggling households. They have had their incomes and savings eroded in a bid to reinstate their livelihoods after the past lockdown.

Over the last couple of days when the lockdown was announced, we have been consulting specialists in the field of medicinde and health, economists and staticians, and we are here to give our view and response to the situation.

We are alive to the fact that most families can no longer afford a meal, parents struggled to return their children to school before they were again sent back home, paying rent for both homes and businesses is deplorable and of course the prohibitive cost of medical care. Additionally, the health sector is struggling to contain the pandemic. It is characterised by constraints of hospital beds, intensive care units, ambulances, motivated medical personnel and as you know it now; the severe lack of oxygen supply.

Lockdowns without development of befitting response system worsens the devasting impact of the pandemic as is the case now in Uganda. It is most felt in urban areas than rural areas although the trends now show that we could not reverse the trajectory, the rural areas too are going to bite even harder, given the nature of the systems in the areas. Elsewhere closure of businesses is reducing ability of lockdown subjects to earn and survive amidst inadequate social protection.

The situation is not helped by escalating food, fuel, electricity and water prices that are bound to even rise further in the new financial year due to the recently announced tax measures which were unmindful of the deplorable state of economic conditions of our people. It is akin to milking an unfed cow locked up in a kraal.

Ideally the initial lockdown should have been a stop gap measure to help the country buy time to develop a robust response system and mobilise resources. Unfortunately, the mobilised COVID funds amounting to over UGX 11 trillion appropriated by Parliament in FY2019/20 and FY2020/21 were grossly mismanaged. The Auditor General noted that there are ghost recipients, funds were diverted, spent on poor quality supplies, expended without supporting receipts and unjustifiably appropriated to individual leaders not institutions.

Furthermore, most of the funds were geared towards resuscitating the economy rather than boosting preparedness of the health sector which was outstretched by the pandemic.

To the contrary the unfunded gaps in health sector remained glaring. Given the intensity of the pandemic as envisaged in other countries such as India, USA, Brazil and Italy among others, more effort ought to have been geared towards funding of purchase of vaccines, ICUs, oxygen plants, ambulances, drugs among others including personal protective equipment (PPEs) for health workers.

The citizens are now facing the consequences of government’s failure to prioritise their health. The President is increasingly relegating government’s obligations to being a regulator and fronting the private sector as the service provider. We believe that this is part of the problem.

The deplorable state of government facilities and services has created massive demand for COVID treatment in private health facilities. Consequently, the cost of COVID treatment has soared to a range of UGX 2–5 million per week spent in hospital.

The situation is not helped by the low vaccination rates. Aggressive vaccination would have slowed down the spread of the virus as has been noticed in countries such as United Kingdom and USA. However out of our target population of 21.9 million, close to 870,000 have so far been vaccinated. This translates to a performance of 4%.

At this pace, it would take us 12 years to meet the target. During this time, thousands of people would have passed on due to COVID if we are to go by the 4% performance. The sluggish performance is largely attributed to government’s reliance on COVAX facility other than direct purchase of vaccine from manufacturers. While block purchases are economical, access to vaccines is slower and hampers pandemic response. This is evident in many African countries and the European Union.

The purpose of lockdown is to slow the transmission of Covid; and the purpose of slowing the transmission of Covid is not for the disease to disappear, but for government to buy time and prepare for adequate healthcare delivery as well as access. So, to say;
• Increasing hospital beds;
• Streamlining oxygen supply channels, to the extent of acquiring sufficient oxygen cylinders, Oxygen generation systems in regional referral hospitals, Oxygen delivery devices, ventilators and medical staff recruitments and their safety;
• Transforming hospital spaces into High Dependence Units (HDU) and Intensive Care Units (ICU);
• Converting public amenities into treatment supporting facilities.
• Increasing ambulance services in the hard-to-reach areas like the islands, and the highly disease burdened areas.

 

This sluggish pandemic response has also been derailed by the seemingly static messaging that focuses on prevention through washing hands, social distancing and avoiding touching of the face. It is not in tandem with the community infections and deaths.

Therefore, the latest lockdown pronouncement by the President fell short of adequately addressing the above issues and lacks deliverables that should be expected after 42 days. It is on this account that the following ought to be implemented:

Given that the new budget is yet to be executed, through a Motion of Parliament, it should be adjusted to allocate more funds towards state vaccine procurement, ambulances, testing kits, drugs, oxygen, personal protective equipment and renumeration of medical personnel;

Amend the tax measures such as rental income and excise duty that are to take effect on 1st July 2021 to temporarily reduce taxes on rent, fuel, and data. We all know the impact of taxes, and how fuel prices eventually impact food prices and consequently reduce the size of the basic basket available to the suffering masses. We believe that the tax measures announced by the Minister of Finance need to be revisited, and now, before they take effect to address the constraints of a suffering public.

We expect the President, in the circumstances, to assent to the NSSF bill to enable savers access midterm payments as a means of sustaining them during and after the pandemic.

Engage with private facilities with the intention of agreeing on minimal cost range of COVID treatment and offering incentives such as tax waives to these facilities. As long as government continues to look at these facilities as private, and therefore fail to rethink their approach to doing business, the cost of treatment will remain high, yet we know that the spread of government facilities is very limited and therefore cannot deal with the speed and current spread of the pandemic.

Recruitment of more health workers on permanent and contract basis to close the human resource gap that has been known to exist for several years to help cope with the pressure in the government health facilities. Government should also second health workers to private facilities to help and deal with the pressure and critical manpower needs in handling the pandemic.

We applaud the approach announced by the Prime Minister yesterday but we caution that this should be properly done because we are coming out of food abuse. Cash, as we know it, is very tempting and we have very weak systems. We have heard that they intend to use Mobile Money to deliver to individual citizens but we don’t have adequate data. If we consider phones available per capita and available to the poor, we see a problem. We invite the government to explain how money is going to be transferred to the citizens so that there is a democratic conversation about its feasibility.

CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS AND FREE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE


That covid-19 originated from outside Uganda. Had there been a sustained mechanism of restricting people entering our country at the boarder points, the population would be reasonably protected from the depression and financial loss associated with lockdown.


The failure to sustain the mechanism of restriction at the point of entry, like the mandatory 14 day quarantine and testing; prompted the decline into Phase three; community transmission.


Even then, had there been COVID-19 surveillance by way of massive testing to identify hot spots throughout the country, a cluster containment strategy would be employed to avoid large local outbreaks and a National Lockdown.


It is very regrettable that a large number of students in schools tested Covid-19 Positive Whereas, this age group is observed to be very resilient to Covid-19, with the least recorded deaths, and that many covid positive students were asymptomatic and others with very mild symptoms and are largely being managed from their homes; we also know of the few cases that needed High Dependence Unit care and ICU care.

We are aware that there are isolated cases of students who have passed on and we grieve with the families.


However, we believe that the decision to close schools was hurriedly thought. In the school environment isolation would be possible by way of converting a dormitory(s) into an Isolation Treatment Centre and government would easily identify and manage the extreme cases with a preferential and specialized care, especially where parents are financially challenged.


Otherwise, the COVID-19 positive students have returned to the different destinations of the country and are in lockdown together with their families. In some families, members are more vulnerable due to compromising and underlying health issues.


This is very defeating because transmission is within households.
We worry about a decline into the phase of uncontrolled transmission.

We therefore advise that we need to invest more money in testing and vaccination.

We need to profiling the underlying health issues with patients succumbing to COVID-19.We have been informed by health workers that there are a number of deaths that are avoidable but once patients are admitted, they are detached from their families and therefore care is not adequate. We invite government to adopt a new care system that involves families of the patients once they are admitted. In some of these facilities, families should be allowed to attend to their loved ones and given the same protection as given to a health worker. Families are reporting that their loved ones are dying in isolation and without information.

We are demanding for transparent treatment system; a more transparent protocol of treating the COVID-19 patients because there is also evidence that the lack of transparency accounts for some of the deaths.


• A phased Lockdown;
We believe that the issue of a Lockdown would have been phased and therefore, it is not late to be revisited. This is our proposal;

Every 2 weeks of a lockdown, the country should also have a 5-days lull to test the veracity of the government’s intervention because simply locking down without action is like running away from the epidemic.
1 week lockdown followed with 5 days break; when we do this, it will facilitate the government to understand whether what they are doing is working without necessarily breaking down the economy.
MASSIVE TESTING


Massive Testing informs the policy of Lockdown on whether it’s achieving its purpose or not. Without massive testing the country can be condemned to an abnormally longer lockdown than necessary.


The practice with covid-19 positive patients is self-isolation of 14 days along with treatment, before subsequent testing. What informs the need of a 42 day lockdown? All the parameters that show progress against the disease, like the time taken for the positive cases to double, the daily recorded positives; are informed by results from a sustained massive testing.


There are 2 types of tests;
Antigen Test: where a covid-19 Positive patient is identified, and medically managed.


Antibody Test: This identifies people who have developed immunity against COVID. The antibody test is very cheap and simple to perform. It’s as simple as doing a pregnancy test only that the sample used is a drop of blood.

The test strips are as cheap as $4, approximately UgxShs 15,000 as opposed to the antigen test which costs UgxShs 180,000.


The massive Antibody test will inform us whether Uganda has reached the Herd Immunity. But most importantly, it will inform the policy on Vaccine procurement and Vaccination.

We recognize that vaccines are not readily available on the world market; especially to countries that are waiting for them as donations. We have already observed and noted that funds should be voted to procure vaccines from the most reliable private suppliers, if we are to meet the target earlier envisaged by the Ministry of Health.

Mpuuga Mathias

LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN PARLIAMENT

Derrick Nyeko MP letter to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja – ‘Request for Relief for the Vulnerable People in Makindye East’ (19.06.2021)

The NRM government undressed by the COVID-19 pandemic

It is only through these measures that we shall in a long run protect our economy, preserve our democracy and sustain the NRM revolution” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (18.06.2021)

After 12 days into the first 42 days lockdown. The President has added another additional 42 days to the original lockdown. What is striking is that the government, the ministries and the whole apparatus haven’t been prepared for another coronavirus wave.

The state never really invested the COVID-19 loans of last year in 2020. The state didn’t value funds for the Ministry of Health. That’s why the Health Care workers have been protesting and lacked basic wages. They haven’t even gotten proper hazard pay for working in the middle of a pandemic.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its President has no issues with taking out COVID-19 loans from Multi-National Organizations like World Bank and International Monetary Funds (IMF). That has been done and expect more loans to come the way of the Government of Uganda.

This doesn’t mean there will be created more ICU beds, bought more PPE or ventilators. Neither will the production of oxygen or other things happen. The President have promised last year to have a herbal remedy against the virus. Which still to this day haven’t come into production or gotten for sale. As the COVIDEX is still an unlicensed sold remedy, which haven’t been tested and proven to have any sort of healing agents towards the coronavirus. Therefore, people should be careful with what they are buying and taking. Ass it should be pharmaceutical tested and have been scientific approved. Until then, follow simple guidelines and take of each other. That’s the best we can do.

However, the state has failed its citizens. As they haven’t invested, ensured or secured running hospitals. Neither has it enough nurses, specialised beds and even ambulances. As people have to use boda-boda’s to get to hospital. As there are not enough vehicles in connections to the health care facilities. Neither is there enough import of medicine, vaccines or anything else. That’s because the government didn’t priorities this.

The NRM haven’t just mismanaged and depleted the Ministry of Health. No, they have not acted during the global pandemic, but instead taken the “free” money and spent it on side-dishes. Because, the hospitals isn’t better off or been developed to the needs of the Republic. It is not prepared or have the staffing to compete the levels of ill people. That says a lot.

This is all happening because the Ministry of Health and all of their Hospitals/Health Centres hasn’t been a priority. That’s why its easy to have another lockdown, as that ceases some transmission and possible further outbreak of the virus. However, plenty will be starving and lack means to earn the coins for the daily bread. They are barred from leaving their homes without any government subsidizes and programs helping them. It is just like later will come “government packages” of food and basic commodities. When the outcry becomes to huge.

The NRM is just showing their inept actions towards this. Just like the President have promised radios, tv’s and better services to the general public. Now, there are so many who will struggle and lack their needs. While the state didn’t prepare for this wave either. It is becoming worse and people is dying because of it. The virus and the new “strains” are more able to transmit and make more people sick. While the state was ignoring this for whatever reasons they saw fit.

The state could have done more and they had the time. They have seen how this has affected elsewhere. The amount of deaths now coming in and the amount of people catching the virus. Says it all. While the state is awaiting for hand-outs and possible aid from elsewhere. The state have taken out loans, but not spent on the necessities. We can wonder if the state has bought more V8s for the new ministers and members of parliament. Instead of importing whatever possible vaccines, ventilators, oxygen production equipment and other needed PPE products. Therefore, the state should be a bit humble.

However, the President is never humble or taking accountability. He just throw other people under the bus. Just like he did yesterday, but he himself haven’t made it possible for his Ministers to win. He isn’t prioritizing this and haven’t done it for years. That’s why there is such a lack of beds and places to seek remedy.

That’s why the President who has been running the Republic for 35 years has accepted the VIPs and Elites ability to seek health abroad and be medical tourists, because the high ranking officials know the system been dilapidating. It hasn’t been working and they have moved-on.

This is why… you shouldn’t expect magic in the days ahead. All of this is tragic and it’s desperate times. Not only for the families scorn by COVID-19 and the mutated viruses. All of the families who are trying to find help and treatment for their loved ones. They cannot find that or afford it, because the state has failed them.

The 42 days lockdown is the last resort. However, it will pain and cause more suffering too. Since the state haven’t secured the ones whose living hand to mouth. They are only issuing orders and directives helping tourists to get to view the Republic during the lockdown. While the ones who trade on the daily basis is blocked from doing their work. Therefore, so many people are hurting and their pockets are as well. Not only the closure of bars and other businesses. It is peasants and poor who will be hit and they have no safety-net, which the state haven’t prepared for them. That is what is devastating here…

The state and the President have to find new measures and programs. They have to use the previously borrowed money and cover the basics for people who has been barred to do their jobs. It not like everyone can be in home-office and wait this month and a half out. That will not be easy. It will be hard and we cannot imagine the struggle of so many in the Republic.

Yes, this current wave is dangerous. Yes, the new mutated virus is causing harm on new levels and ability to spread more than before. The state can re-issue orders and lockdowns, but it should also do more to secure that the people is eating. That they have clean water and electricity as well. This is just showing how the state is lacking in 2021.

The President will blame others, but his the Head of State and been so for decades. He could have ordered and directed, gotten the funding and ensured the basics. However, that hasn’t kept his political life at bay or kept the state captive under his reign. That’s been what his life work is and not securing the future of the general public. That is only a an empty, which he has delivered so many of over the years. Therefore, today isn’t a reckoning, but a proof of his inept and lacking government.

Which only survives on handouts. Just like the peasant peers who are struggling too. This is because, his government never used their time or their funds to do the commoners any good. It had the time in peace to be better prepared, but it preferred to do other schemes and looting. Instead of building up proper institutions who could be up to the challenge of a pandemic. Peace.

The Final 18 from the NUP Campaign Team released on Bail after 6 months in jail

Today several members and activists, important parts of the campaign team of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have been released from prison. They have been kept behind bars and charged by the state since 30th December 2020. As they were captured on the campaign trail ahead of the final stretches of campaigns ahead of the polls in January 2021.

Today, the National Unity Platform (NUP) is celebrating the releases of them finally. This is Eddie Mutwe, Nubian Li, Dan Magic and others who have been released. They have all been detained without any reason or proof of their supposed crimes. What is really unique about this case. Was the NUP Campaign Team was arrested and charged for crime, which they couldn’t have committed. As they were already behind bars before the criminal conspiracy or moment could even happen. That is in the paperwork of the charges and trials. Therefore, the state is willing to do whatever to get opposition people behind bars.

The state used the Anti-Terrorist Law and other means to keep them behind bars. Even Court Martial civilians, which isn’t a part of the army or commanders who has misused their office or been deserting soldiers leaving battle. Therefore, the state has willingly kept these folks for so long.

It fits it perfectly that it happens after the Swearing-In and the Parliament is now in sessions. The Members of Parliament is in order. The Cabinet is getting vouched for and is officially appointed. That’s why its happening now and taken this long.

The Election season is over and it’s back to ordinary days ahead. Where the state can run back to normal and not be stressed by the NUP. This is why they are released today. However, they are released on bail. Meaning the case is still “working” and the state can re-issue it. If they are “finding” evidence or “proof” of it. Which most likely be fabricated like the bullets and guns… that was pinned on Bobi Wine back then.

So, expect that the state can suddenly make them return and especially if these people are disregarding court orders or meeting to trials in the future. If they are not posting up in time and for the courts. Then they are “criminals” and could face penalties for it. That is just the nature of things. It is not justified, but the papers are their and the state has these powers. Which is a worry and something the state willing to do.

It is sort of a halfway celebration today. The are partially freed. Just like the cold-cases and the not finished charges and criminal cases pinned on opposition leaders. The new prison of Kitayla have been useful and expect it to be used. The same as Nalufenya and Luzira Prisons as well. These are well-known for a reason. Because, of how the state operates and use the law enforcement for political means. They are more vicious to attack the opposition, than actually catch real criminals and hoodlums. That’s just what it does and it has been known for ages.

So, today someone who was charged and been detained for 6 months for crimes they never committed. The only thing they did was participate in an election and challenged the President. Which is a cardinal sin and they offended the Don. That’s why they deserved this suffering and being behind bars. The NUP has paid a huge price and they are continuing to doing this to this day.

There are more people behind bars and activists who still awaiting their trial and get freedom. However, the state is just pursuing all means to show their power and intimidate the opposition. They want to prove a point and this is what they are willing to do. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s true heart on display

There are so many people I would have killed because they were annoying me. One of them is Hon. Cecilia Ogwal. I used to call her “dako Maracha” – “bad woman”. Because, she had really a bad tongue. But if I had killed Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, she would be a hero now. People would be saying, ” If Hon. Cecilia Ogwal had not died, great things would have happened.” But now I am here with Hon. Cecilia Ogwal. It is really bankrupt to kill people. If had killed Kizza Besigye, he would be a HERO in the memory of the people” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (10.06.2021)

The man, the visionary and the freedom fighter, the self-styled President for Life. The General and the Tyrant, Mr. Museveni. The man of all season and beyond. The only man with a vision and the greatest man of all times. The President since 1986 is speaking his peace and showing his heart.

He is clearly showing his will. We know that President Museveni have ordered deaths. We know that he has had death squads and been in-charge of extra judicial killings. People have lost their lives for their association and for their allegiance elsewhere.

We know that Museveni has the ability to order death. That has been in effect all through his presidency. There been so many lives taken, families scorn and fatalities on the hand of the President. The “high above” ordering by decree or as a commander-in-chief… ordered the army, security organizations or anyone else to do his bidding.

His just stating what we know. That he can order to kill. His not denying that. The President has sure tried to get rid of his enemies. It is mere luck at times that the likes of Besigye and Bobi Wine haven’t paid the final price for their causes. Since the guns, the tear-gas and the use of heavy weaponry has made it very close at time. That they haven’t paid the ultimate sacrifice, but surely the President considered it.

This is not shocking news. The President has wanted to crash and crush the opposition. His a General and enjoys the spoils of war. The tyrant, the army commander and his allies knows how to use the bullets in their favour. Therefore, the sudden demise of fellow opposition leaders wouldn’t be shocking. Especially, how easily the state and its operatives can order a killing. They have their assassins and contract killers who are obeying their command. Therefore, if the opportunity arises the President and his men will ensure someone in their path stops breathing.

He calculate the risks and the public outrage. That’s why he picks the victims with care. The President ensures it doesn’t cost to much or even makes a fuzz. The targets will not cause a revolution or anything. It is a mere outcry and its ceases. There is deceased political activists, members and even some politicians. However, not the ones that are beloved or have enough popularity within the general public.

The President and his men isn’t saints. We all know that and it’s not even a secret at this point. However, with age he shows his heart and he is not even containing it. The brutal honesty and it reflects his heart. That he isn’t generous, but calculated. His also saying he kills people who annoys him. Maybe it wasn’t Besigye, but who knows of all the other extra judicial killings over years that annoyed him. If a person bugs the President. He can suddenly with a snap of finger ensure someone’s last supper.

That’s why this quote isn’t a funny one, but a sinister one. Where the President says he can decide if people dies or lives. It just depends on how he see it and whatever criteria he has in his mind. Peace.

Opinion: The bloated structures of the Cabinet [and just showing a few ministries(!)]

The newly minted 80 Cabinet Minister’s is an overkill. When you read that people are representing a government and being Ministers. You can wonder? How does that work and what is the gist of this? It is really a messed up system. A frustrated one.

Just to put things in perspective. There isn’t just one President, one Vice-President and one Prime Minster. No, these three has offices directly underneath it. Which is the start of the hectic structure, which President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni have created over the years and is only making bigger after each election.

That is without counting the people hired, working and being civil servants. Neither looking into all the Presidential Advisors, which by 2017/18 was about 163. He has appointed others since then and in 2020 was about 170. Now there is appointed a 5 more. Meaning the amount of Presidential Advisors is about 175. We can only know the exact of this, if a Ministerial Policy Statement ahead of the budget drops the full figure and the salaries for all of these appointees. Who is cashing in their checks on the regular.

Now, let’s return to the cabinet and it’s hectic structure.

Begining with the President.

There are 3 directly ministers under the President. These are the Minister of the Presidency, Minister of Security and Minister Serviced by the State House Controller, In-Charge of Science, Technology and Innovation.

However, this is not enough, there is two State Minsters under the President. Minister of State for Election Monitoring and Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity.

Therefore, just underneath the Office of the President there is three (3) directly under him and two (2) who “junior” ministers. This means there is five ministers with various of portfolios under the Presidency and in-connection directly to the President.

Secondly the Prime Minister has it even more of structural issue. Not only does the Prime Minister have three (3) direct deputies underneath. It has two (2) Ministers in the Office of the Prime Minister, this is the General Duties and the Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees. In addition there is five (5) “junior” ministers under the Office of the Prime Minster. Meaning there is a collection of 8 Ministers with various of portfolios and roles. These in combination to the 3 deputies. Totally being 11 officials, which all are under order of the Prime Minster. This must be a hectic mess.

Thirdly, the Vice-President on the other hand has only one (1) “junior” minister under the office of the VP. Who just seems to be the Deputy of the “Deputy” President too. With no specific role, but being a minister in the office of the VP. That must be a chill role.

When we look at Ministers directly in Ministries themselves. Then it makes more sense, but also shows how they operate and how many people the President is really employing to this.

Just looking at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. There is one (1) minister, but three (3) “junior” ministers underneath. The Juniors are directly having one for each part of the ministry. Meaning one junior for Agriculture, Animal Industry (livestock) and Fisheries. How to make it a bother and employ four (4) persons to run ONE Ministry!

Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs have one (1) minister, but two (2) “junior” ministers. These are one for each side. Meaning one is working for Defence and the other for Veterans Affairs. This has secured the state three (3) ministers.

In the Ministry of Education and Sports, there is one (1) minster, but three (3) “junior” ministers. There is one (1) for Higher Education, Primary Education and Sports. Clearly, the main could have hold on to three (3) of these jobs with the education, but the sports could be totally separate. Still, this shows how the President is creating posts for his Movement. This is another 4 to run one Ministry.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has one (1) minster, but two (2) juniors. You can guess the structure. One “junior” for Energy and another for Minerals. Therefore, to run this Ministry is three (3) ministries.

Again, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) have one (1) minster, but four (4) “junior” ministers. The “juniors” are posted in General Duties, Planning, Privatization and Investment and Micro-Finance. This is having five (5) ministers to run this ministry alone.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have one (1) minister, but has two (2) “junior” ministers. One is posted at International Affairs and the other at Regional Affairs. What is striking here and shows the lacking structures and how they entangles each other. Is that the 1st Deputy Prime Minster is for the East African Community, which would have been fitted under the MoFA, but for some reason is breached out of here.

Then you have the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development have one (1) minister, but has five (5) “junior” ministers. This is one (1) for Gender and Culture, Youth and Children Affairs, Employment and Industrial Relations, Disability Affairs and Elderly Affairs. This means six (6) ministers are running this ministry.

The ironic thing about this ministry in one fashion and additional representation is that the Parliament has five (5) Youth MPs and Five (5) Elderly MPs as representatives as well. Plus the 5 Workers MPs as well. This means there 15 MPs who works and are there directly for the causes of the Ministry. This should further add to the structure and shows there is 21 High Ranking Officials who are there for these specific reasons and not picked on a random.

I could continue, but I feel I am getting the point across. There are other ministries who are bloated and have to many hands. There are already a flex of people who are appointed and works in the Ministries. This is just the ministers and the “junior” ministers aka State Ministers. Therefore, we are not looking into the Permanent Secretaries and the other civil servants. All the other organizations in the hierarchy or within the Ministry itself. Where they are also covering the same mandate and working towards the same goal.

This just show the brutal truth of how the government is made for hacks, cronies and the extended entourage of the President. His hiring his folks and allies. Secures jobs for the ones he can from the opposition as well. Just to spite these parties and show his “victories” over them. Peace.

The new cabinet isn’t that sharp [Museveni’s most intriguing Minister’s for 2021-26] Part III

This is the third and final instalment in the series after the announcement of the 80 members big cabinet. Where President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni appoints the new ministers. Where he retains a dozens, but also shuffles a few. That is visible too, but I am only looking at the ones who is appointed and their past.

The first is General David Muhoozi. The Commander of the Defence Force (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) aka the army. The highest command of the army is appointed as the Minister of State for Internal Affairs. Another General into the Cabinet and shows how militarized the politics are. Not enough with 10 UPDF MPs in Parliament and the other army commanders and retired generals in appointments. This fella needs to be there too. That is really a bad precedent without even looking into his history or what he has done as a commander. That says a lot.

Another who has retained his office is Peter Lokeris. Who has been a State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development with focus on Minerals. A man who is not open for transparency and being open with the agreements of extraction of the mineral resources in the Republic. This must be a gem for Museveni to retain. Have him to wheel and deal, while not leaking or being open about the agreements made with the various of companies and licence agreements.

A man who gets a new ministry, but has been there for years is Obiga Kania, the State Minister for Urban Developments. Former Internal Affairs and he has really a bad record. A man who serves the President well, but not the general public. As long as Museveni are in office. It seems like this man will have a safe haven.

We have the former opposition and turned yellow, Beatrice Anywar. She went from Mama Mbira to become another autocrats best friend. She lost in both the Primaries and the General Election in 2021. This is her second office and ministerial office, State Minister of Water and Environment in-charge of Environment. Clearly her newfound loyalty is paying off. Though she is like Evelyn Anite only living on mercy from the President. Since both of them couldn’t get re-elected into Parliament this time around.

Another one who is well known in the cabinet is Musa Ecweru. Who before politics was an accountant and worked for years as a Residential District Commissioner which he did between 1998 to 2006. Where he was working in the districts of Nebbi, Gulu, Kasese and Soroti. Before joining politics. He has been in Parliament since 1996. Before his appointment now as a deputy to Gen. Wamala. Ecweru was a State Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness. Still, the mudslides and landslides haven’t stopped and the state haven’t had anything prepared in the hour of need. This man is an inept minister. Who is lucky to have the good graces of Museveni. If he didn’t have that. He wouldn’t be near any ministerial post.

So, with this third edition I have now described and taken 25 of 80 appointments. That is more than enough. This is all people who will serve diligently. The President will direct and object to their actions. The NRM Caucus with everything will direct their moves. There are so many players. So, they are not chefs alone. They shouldn’t expect much freedom or liberty. However, they are granted a huge pay-check and allowances. They are the high ranking officials of the state. Peace.

The new cabinet isn’t that sharp [Museveni’s most intriguing Minister’s for 2021-26] Part II

This is the second edition of the articles on he 80 people the President has appointed to various of Ministries lately. President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni continues his extended government and additional offices. This term 2021 to 2026 is no difference. I will look into further of the appointees and what I can find that is significant.

What is very important to say. Is that many who has been retained or gotten appointed are there out of share loyalty to the President. They voted for the Age Limit and fought for it as well. It is a gratitude and proof of loyalty. Nevertheless, that’s not the whole thing, but an important… one nevertheless.

For some reasons beyond me. The inept and sorry excuse of an MP. Chris Baryomunsi is appointed as Minister for Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance. That means several of people have a new boss. The man who will control and have the UCC under his Ministry. The man who said people deserved to wait and die when the Cancer Machine didn’t work at Mulago. A person who didn’t understand why the standard and lack of investment into the education sector, as he visited a school. This man will now run the ICT and have this role. He will be a token soldier and run wild here. Not the fella who will make it better, but silence critics and be vile on TV. Just watch out!

The forever young Gen. Kahinda Otafiire. A man who is always selected and has a natural vibe of a Ministry. The previous Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister. Has now the prestigious Ministry of Internal Affairs. He will truly assault on the ones who is in the way of this Presidency. He is the sort of man who will try to corrupt an election to win and ensure his opponent linger in jail. So, this man isn’t that great, but entitlement is a bitch and the General will continue to pursuit it to the end of his days.

Raphael Magyezi, the one who is the definition of a autocrats best friend. The man who is willing to trade away his soul. Just for some pocket-change and benign trust that it will pay-off in the end. For now his at the mercy of the President. Who has retained him after “private” billing the Age Limit. Still, this man has nothing now. If it isn’t for the goodwill of the President. He knew he isn’t loved and therefore, he isn’t even an MP anymore either. An appointee with no future, except for the blessing of the State House.

Judith Nabakoba MP have perfected the unadulterated press releases in her last term in Parliament. Nobody gave out more information and more statements than her. She was steady with them and parroting the narratives of the state. This is why she was retained and will have another role. She is now appointed as the Minster of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Where she might be more silent and be more knocking-on the doors of the State House for a safe journey.

One Independent NRM “leaning” MP Agnes Nandutu is the former ‘Point Blank’ reporter and journalist turned politician. Who lost in the NRM Primaries but was able to become MP in the General Election. She is now appointed as Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister in-charge of Karamjoa.

Evelyn Anite returns to the Cabinet after double loses in the elections. She lost in the Primary and in the General Election. Still, the President is appointing her as the Minister of State for MoFPED in-charge of Planning. She has been a minister in the last term into business. The President is putting her as a deputy under Matia Kasaija. That will be good for her in one way. As she is proven as a soft-weight last term. Even if she is bold, brash and out of line. Going full steam ahead and the President have to clear out her mess like he had to with Uganda Telecom and other saga’s pertaining to Anite. She is living on the mercy of Yoweri and should count her blessings. Also, let us not forget that she is the “gateway to Koboko” and has the army behind her. Please. Remember that. 

Henry Okello-Oryem is another one of them who just has to be retained. His a State Minister of Foreign Affairs, in-charge of International Affairs. This is a role he has kept for years. Even as his boss Kuteesa is gone. His retained miraculously. We can wonder why, because it is not like he has worked magic or done anything significant in the previous of years. His there because Museveni trust him and nothing more than that.

Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke MP, the daughter of Dr. Philemon Mateke ran for MP in 2021 and won. She has been in Parliament in 2011-2016, but lost in the last term, but returned as this one. Ironically, she ran as an independent in the 2016, but lost to the the NRM candidate in Kisoro. She is one out of 6 Ministers appointed from the Kigezi Sub-Region.

Another forever Minister is Sam Okello Engola has been in good graces since he was appointed as a member of the Constitutional Assembly in 1995. Been in Parliament since 2001 and held various of posts since then. He is just one of those spirits on the wall that keeps getting retained and delivers exactly what the State House wants. This is why his such a fellow who get appointed and keeps getting high ranking official work by the President.

A giant shocker is Owek Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) politician. Who has been the National Chairperson of FDC and a former minister in Buganda Kingdom. She was part of a team who worked directly with Patrick Oboi Amuriat in the negotiations and talks with Muntu after the former Party President lost the previous election. She’s such a integrated part of FDC. It is astonishing that she accepted the appointment and now becomes a State Minister of ICT and National Guidance. Working directly for Uganda Media Centre and other entities spewing out propaganda for the state. That’s such a epic downfall from grace. A betrayal of the cause and a former confidant of Besigye going rouge for Museveni.

Here was another 10 more appointments and my comments. My research and looking into the cabinet for 2021 – 2026. This is very interesting and shows what sort of people Museveni appoints. It is a clear sign, but also a shocker. That Owek and Mateke get’s picked is weird. The others are more accepted, but needs a gist of their past and show how long they have been in the game.

The President drops a few appointees that you couldn’t expect, but also some staple. There is some who just have to get a Ministerial Post and be a High Ranking Official. That is just their livelihood and expectation. Peace.

The new cabinet isn’t that sharp [Museveni’s most intriguing Minister’s for 2021-26] Part I

When you have 80 Members of Parliament or the ability to appoint 80 people for various of Ministers. You should have a field day in appointing the geniuses and the wise to any of these ministries. There should be a capacity and ability to hand-pick the ones who are fitted to various of ministries. However in 2021 that’s a saga long forgotten.

President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni have now released the whole cabinet yesterday. I looked into to the two high profiled roles last night. However, I had a series last term, but doesn’t see it fitting this time to continue with the “Royal Court” series.

It is clear with this Cabinet that the loyalists, the ones who sought and fought for the Age Limit is still getting appointed. The ones who are close and abide the principals of the State House. They are getting rewarded and getting retained. That is clear here and it is visible.

Clearly, Gen. Moses Ali can never do anything wrong. He is just a forever presence. The agreement he made with the National Resistance Movement in 1986 must give Museveni reasons to retaining him. That agreement must give him a office and be viable character in government. In the year of 2021 and beyond.

The former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga was demoted, but still got an office. She is the First Deputy Prime Minister and will still have some power. Also, be the Minister for East African Community Affairs.

Wife(y) Janet Museveni retains her control of the Ministry of Education and Sports. We know it is buy peace in the Middle East. Oh wait, it is to give her a Gucci bag and call it a day. This is her slush-fund and we are not seeing teachers or lectures getting a better life in their profession.

Then we have the return of Jim Muhwezi. His a forever stagnate fellow within the NRM. His gotten the Minister, Office of the President of Security. A man who was sacked several of time. The ex-Spy have gotten into scandals and been part of grand corruptions cases. This man is as corrupt as it gets and he will eat this term.

The former Secretary General of NRM, Justine Kasule Lumumba have now gotten appointed as Minister in Charge of General Duties/ Office of the Prime Minister. This is a smaller role and sort of unofficial “spokesperson” for the government and will not handle anything serious. Not like the previous person there had a lot of things to do.

Then you have Thomas Tayebwa, who has been an MP since 2016. Other roles than in Parliament is the Director of Cholmat Investments. His appointed as the Government Chief Whip. Last year he got known on social media for beating a UMEME staffer. Who happened to work on a line or transmission, which was illegally connected to the MPs house. Therefore, Tayebwa MP have some answers to give and not only ask forgiveness after. Especially, if the praise of Don Wanyama is true. That Thomas is a Christian and being generous. He should have shown that generosity towards the contracted worker of the UMEME. Not only show up at public functions and showing his giving hands.

Frank Tumwebaze MP had to be retained. He has had several of Ministries and he gets another one now. His a loyal man and was elected without any polls. As he was a unopposed MP in the General Election of 2021. This man is the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. He will have three Minister of State underneath him. This is giving him vast power…

In no surprise Matia Kasaija is retained as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). He surely must have a strong grip on the Ministry and the President trust him blindly on this. Since he has had this for years and continues to stay in office.

For some strange reason, which I cannot phantom. Gen. Jeje Odongo is becoming the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Somewhere is Sam Kuteesa laughing and wonder what happened to him. That the sanctions on his corrupt ass finally hit home and took away one pay-check from all the others his getting. Gen. Odongo is the most defensive minister that’s appointed. His so defensive and willing to defend the indefensible. That this man will blame the pen, but not the ones shooting the bullets. He will dismiss the ones writing about extra-judicial killings, but defend the ones shooting the innocent civilian. That is the sort of man Odongo is and expect that in his work this term.

This is enough for now. There will be a follow up. There is enough characters to make your mind implode on the spot. The Cabinet of 2021-26 will not generate greatness …. It is there to serve Museveni and that’s it. These folks are there because of their loyalty and they will follow him until he pushes them overboard. That’s why people get used and dropped like nothing. Expect someone to cry havoc in the coming days. It is inevitable. Peace.

PS: Part II is on its way, but will dig for every soul mentioned … just like always.