Opinion: Where is Muntu?

Now that the election is over and soon the 11^th Parliament is soon in full effect. The opposition is in a new state and got to work out the hurdles. As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) will stream-roll ahead with no question or stop. They are continuing like status quo and will not accept anything from the opposition. That is how things are looking.

What is striking to me. Is that the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) is sort of gone from the map. Paul Mwiru is fighting for his MP position in Jinja, but other than that. There is no news or any sort of flair.

Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu who went out to be on his own and create his Third Force or ‘New Formation’ with the launch of ANT. With his stature and his pivotal role in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). You would have thought he would have gained so much more popularity and support in general.

Muntu should be bigger or have the ability to be in the headlines like Norbert Mao. I knew he would fall in between Tumukunde and Mao in the Presidential Elections. What was even more striking was the lack of results of the party. The National Unity Platform and Bobi Wine won the opposition and FDC retained its strength at the same time. DP and UPC didn’t do much, but is more of the same.

While ANT and Muntu is like non-existent. The ANT party had the time from 2018 to January 2021. While NUP only had like a half-year and still overcome it. Muntu has been in the political space for ages and should be more beloved, but for some reason his falling flat.

Muntu is maybe the pick of the elite. Muntu’s pragmatism isn’t selling as much as he made it seems. Muntu who never professed to civil disobedience or defiance. Now, his pragmatic view is showing lacking results. Because, his slow working and way of progress will take forever to get there.

It is still shocking that ANT gets so little results. They are not getting MPs and not even having someone in the 11^th Parliament. Would think ANT would retain the MPs who crossed over expect for Winnie Kiiza who had decided to step down as a candidate.

I just don’t get why Muntu is on the sideline and silent. It is just like his trying to phantom the defeat or even trying to seal his next option. The New Formation of ANT was surely not the thing. Not like he could muster or gain enough popularity to become the viable candidate. Neither … any of his MPs either.

That really says it all. Muntu should have maybe just stayed in the FDC. Even after the loss of the Party Presidency. He could have still amassed a huge following and been a character of more importance. Now, he is on the flank himself and fights in the same space as Asuman Basalirwa. The difference with Basalirwa is in Parliament and re-elected there. The only MP for his party. While Muntu got no one there.

Muntu is only talked about because of his history and because he used have influence. Now, Andrew Mwenda didn’t even support him properly. Which he promised ahead of the elections. Therefore, we know Muntu is hurting. That is maybe why his silent. Though ANT isn’t seen as relevant or place to go. This is really tragic… and a loss of potential.

Muntu could have done so much better, but when you are pragmatic in a field of oppression. The ones who goes head on will be listened too. While the ones who thinks they can negotiate and resolve things with the ones whose armed to their teeth’s. Like the ones using the army and rigging elections will discuss things and act accordingly. That is why his mission was a fool’s errand. He is smart and a clever man, but his actions wasn’t matching his opponent. A former army man should know that. He didn’t plan how to work against the oppressive regime, but what could have worked in a fairer society.

Muntu can achieve big things. Though at this current stage. His invisible … and not seen anywhere. The ANT party is also gone missing. They are become as relevant as a Ugandan VP. That says it all. Muntu should be aware and maybe rethink his stances. Because, his not winning hearts this way. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni is the misleader

“I am very happy to have attended this summit. We discussed some serious issues, including the issue of the disappearance of people. I have information about the disappearance of people. The security forces also have some information on this same and this will be made available in a disciplined way. I will ask the DPP to review the charges and organize a soft landing for some of the suspects in security detention because they have helped us to learn the schemes of their misleaders” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni at the IPOD Summit on the 5^th March 2021

One definition of misleader is: “someone who leads astray (often deliberately)” (misleader – link:https://www.thefreedictionary.com/misleader). The old man with the hat is a man who does this deliberately. He says and acts like he doesn’t know, but everyone knows that he knows. Therefore, the IPOD Summit today and his speech is intentionally deceiving.

President Museveni can speak of peace, but wages war instead. He speaks of democracy, but detains his opposition. Therefore, the biggest misleader is himself.

By all means, he wants to look at Robert Kyagulanyi, Kizza Besigye and elsewhere as the misleaders, but he himself is the biggest one. Like for instance, as the Commander-in-Chief. The old mans knows who has ordered and who has kidnapped, abducted and been in-charge of the atrocities in the Republic.

President Museveni can act a fool, but we know that he knows. He knew who did it and who ordered it. Even if he ordered the arrests, the detentions in “safe-houses” and tortures of civilians participating in the opposition. He also knew if opposition activists and leaders was court martial as civilians in a military court. Also not getting bail or getting evidence of their supposed “criminal offence”. So, the political charges and injustice continues.

That shows hows insincere the old man is. That he thinks people cannot think for themselves. As the President appoints and delegates these roles in the Security Agencies and Organizations. The President has his men who does his bidding. If it is Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI), Internal Security Organization (ISO), Uganda Police Force (UPF) or Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). Any of these are all following his command and his orders. So, if he feels like it and would like to hurt Bobi Wine. He could easily order the murders, the abductions and the kidnappings of it. While his Ministers acting dumb or stalling the truth from being released to the public.

President Museveni knows who is ordering the “drones” or “panda gari’s”. It could be even himself. Museveni could easily order the take down of Boda Boda 2010 and other organizations to connected to former IGP Kale Kayihura. That is why we know, that he wanted the atrocities to stop. He could just say the word and the activity would cease. However, the old man want to spread fear, intimidate and silence the opposition. As he doesn’t want a real challenge to himself. He knows he isn’t popular anymore and needs fear to boost himself in public.

It is really rich that he himself said this: “We are always ready to explain and also listen to the explanation of others. Unfortunately, some people have abandoned dialogue” (Museveni, 05.03.2021). Mr. I didn’t Respect the Nairobi Talks and the Dialogue in 1985. Mr. I rather bury my enemies and consolidate power, than actually have the full popularity as the mighty General. Talks ill of other people leaving a dialogue. When the state is not really showing any remorse or care for the acts its does. That shows the deceiving ways of Museveni and the NRM. When he thinks people are this stupid and eating of his hands.

Not like he will care of fix this. Unless, he feels in control or been able to silence the opposition. The President cannot expect the parties who has been scorned and hurt by the acts made by his men. Will suddenly talk and speak of peace. When there is no action towards all the lost and the ones suffering. Just because they are political active in the opposition. The President only wants to have them there for a publicity stunt. The IPOD didn’t happen today to make a difference, but it would have made more impact if the FDC and NUP had showed up. However, they knew what was up.

That is why the President is unhappy. He wanted them there as token pieces and show his “multi-partyism” but he didn’t care about that during the campaigns, the rallies, the road-blocks and all other activity to stop them from doing their political work ahead of the polls. The President is never accountable for that, but expect the same opposition who is blocked from sleeping in hotels to show up for his PR stunts. That is how insincere he is and he deserves to be rebuked.

If the President believed in dialogue, why did he block the internet and social media? Is that a manner of someone who let people talk? No, his mindset is only for his own selfish gains and not caring about the others. He would never accept the conditions he put on others. If he went through what the FDC has done over the years or what NUP went through this campaign. He would have run to the bush and waged war against himself. That is just a mere fact in all of this.

The biggest misleader is Museveni himself. He may not know it himself, but someone got to tell him that. Right now, it just happens to be me. Peace.

Opinion: An IPOD-Summit in 2021 is just a publicity stunt

That today, the Inter Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) isn’t that relevant or have the finesse. It hasn’t had that for years. It’s been a waste of time and space. Only relevant for the President to have some “opposition” spectacles and mirage of multi democratic ideals. While we damn know he doesn’t aspire to does or work for it either.

President Museveni gets photo-op with Opposition leaders and write a small useless communique from a Summit. Not like it will amount to anything. Other than a few headlines and moving-on to the next unresolvable issue.

IPOD is as relevant as Apple’s own IPOD. Just like the tape-deck had its time. So did the Ipod too. The IPOD is irrelevant and it has happened, because the state and authorities haven’t cared for it and neither has the President.

The opposition parties in question ditching out is just wise of them. Just to prove a point. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) will name-call and call them useless. No matter what they did. They would call them that and ridicule them. Therefore, the dialogue is a waste of time. When the premise for it isn’t set or have any sort of fruitful agenda. It is just a puff piece and a PR stunt.

The IPOD is the radio-single nobody is asking for but is now overplayed. It has no value. Other than a catchy hook and headlines but will not be remembered for anything in 5 years’ time. Heck, nobody will remember the one-hit- wonder anyways.

President Museveni can show off and be proud that his meeting Mao and Akena. His loyal token opposition. The ones who has allies in his huge cabinet. Men who attacks the staunch opposition and see them leaving the folds. DP has lost so many over the last year and UPC is far from greatness.

IPOD is a useless enterprise with nothing to offer at this point. That is deliberate by the President and his men. His not investing in it or caring about the outcome. He just want to show-off opposition to outsiders and backers. To give it a self-belief of “multi-democracy”. While we are supposed to forget about the horrific actions, arbitrary arrests, abductions and extra judicial killings done to opposition activists, leaders and members.

The President and IPOD cannot overshadow the drones, the massive assault on the opposition and the hardships it is in. Some few kind words and poetic injustice cannot be flattered, but only amplified by the misgivings of the state. Therefore, IPOD at this day and age is totally useless. It got nothing to give and there is no interests in it.

It is insincere and living on a lie. The lie that the President cares and wants dialogue. When we know that he rather bury his enemies, than actually talking with them. Peace.

Mbidde the Meal-Ticket Politician

The folding his hands like “birdman” is Mbidde on the NRM Celebration of their 31st year in Masindi recently!

Fred Mukasa Mbidde, the man seeking the office of Member of Parliament in Masaka City, the former Masaka Municipality. Where the incumbent and former Democratic Party MP Mathias Mpuuga is running for another term under the National Unity Platform and directly supporting Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Something Mbidde does now suddenly too, even as his boss Norbert Mao is running for Presidency too.

It is like Mbidde is trying to act like he cares about the People Power and NUP. When in reality, the man couldn’t give an rats ass. This man only gives his support for Bobi Wine for clout and chasing relevance. That is why he lost to Mpuuga in the last election too.

Let’s be clear. Mpuuga is a honest fighter for justice. Not because he jumped ship early to the NUP. No, because he has fought the good battle since the days of Walk to Walk (W2W) and been part of Action 4 Change (A4C). That all happen before he became a MP and someone of leader. Therefore, if Masaka chooses principals and true leadership. Than I vouch easily for the likes Mpuuga.

However, Mbidde is a man who seeks glory of others and wants a easy way out. This is why he searches and throws his support to Bobi Wine. That because the man knows his popularity is much more than of Mao.

Just like Mbidde knew it was wise to throw support and join the ranks of Museveni in the days before the EALA elections. That is why he was at the State House at the NRM Primaries and guested the festivities there. Just to ensure he could be the DP candidate for EALA. Which in the end he did.

Now in 2020 his fishing again. This time in a city and a municipality where he last before to Mpuuga. A man who is directly associated with Bobi Wine. Alas, it seems very fishy that he does it. Now that he starts campaigning.

This is the sort of political gambit, which is done only to benefit his cause. Mbidde doesn’t care about the Presidency or the battle against Museveni. This man has eaten with Museveni and gotten a good job in the EALA Assembly. Therefore, this man is just looking for another sweet-job with all the perks.

That is why he does this. Mbidde isn’t trustworthy in this. He has dined with the NRM and enjoyed the gifts he got. Now, he hopes to do this here too. Just much easier and hoping the public is gullible. However, they shouldn’t forget.

This man does whatever to get a meal-ticket, be relevant and have a office to go too. What happened now is just another twist. Another turn, which he hopes he doesn’t get exposed. Nevertheless, people shouldn’t forget how he became an EALA MP in the first place. That was because of his affiliation with the NRM and because in the end.

We all know his an “Good DP” who now tries to associate himself with the “Bad DP”. So, who is he kidding here? Only but himself… Peace.

Opinion: The lost ones [who is only putting their names on the ballot]

There are a few lost ones ahead of the Presidential Elections of 2021. Not like the result will be any different. The results will be in favour of the incumbent since 1986. The ones thinking otherwise is either naive or haven’t gotten the memo. There are some who causes a stir and fuzz, but they will not change the outcome.

The National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will linger on. Unless, there is a public outrage, uprising and a revolution of the general public. If that doesn’t happen… things will continue like they have done and without stop.

I have faith that Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde will go the whole distance, but the man does know his a lost one. The man knows he got no chance and is only forcing himself through the motions. The man has no aspiring qualities or moral turpitude to gain recognition in the general public. His campaign is bound fail and be a lost chapter even before the possible books on it is written.

Pastor and Activist Joseph Kabuleta can cause friction on the Social Media. The man can write and speak wisely, but gain public interest? No, that’s not happening. Not will his campaign make the government fear or get intimidated. The man is way above his league and the interests will fade. Especially, as the fortune-seeking policies isn’t dangerous to the NRM.

Pastor Fred Mwesigye will not be pushed or get traction. His just there to be a post-boy for something, but Gods knows what. I cannot think of him to get any possible reach, unless he wants to get more members to his congregation.

Businesswoman and former Reality Star Nancy Kalembe will not get anywhere either. She looked stunning on nomination day, but haven’t had funds to campaign. The days ahead will not be easier. There will be questions and you can even wonder. How she could afford to run, but not to campaign. That is just a weird state in itself.

The youngest candidate John Katumba is aspiring to the highest office, but doesn’t have the capacity to launch a proper campaign. He couldn’t even reach his manifesto launch. This sort of erratic behaviour. Nice to run to the Kyambogo to get the Nomination on Nomination Day and the glow of youth. However, he will be a punchline like Elton Joseph Mabarizi.

Mao, Mr. Norbert Mao of the Democratic Party came in as a nomination at the last minute. There was no warning really, except sudden tweets. The DP Party President is running for the second time, but hasn’t really ravished the Republic or tried to campaign with a proper team. Seems more like a mismatch of ideals and words, but no true campaign on his behalf. The 2011 campaign of Mao will look more professional, then the one his doing as a “seasoned” politician. That says a lot. The lost one with one of the oldest parties of the Republic.

Last and least of these is Eng. Willy Mayambala who wants to cut down the days of campaigning, who believes the manifesto will appear in front of the voters minds and will not afford to get everywhere to campaign. Yet, another candidate with lack of resources, but still had the ability to raise funds to be a nominee.

This just shows the characters who are running, in manner where their names on the ballot, but their candidates are shallow. They are not even trying and cannot afford to try. Still, they resolved the issues to be able to run in the first place.

These candidates will not manage anything. They will not cause friction or a stir, unless they are able to violate the minds of the President and his associates on social media. These folks will not make a difference in the scheme of things.

The real candidates which can bring hope in different ways are Mugisha Muntu, Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Robert Kyagulanyi. These three has a vision, a party and a program of change. These are people who are canvassing and trying to spread their message. Not just being on the ballot.

The other names get recognition and get accredited, even discussed in media. However, they will be as pivotal as Abed Bwanika or Maureen Kyala after the polls. Just wait and see… these folks are making some talk, but they will not make any change. It’s not happening now nor tomorrow. These doesn’t have what it takes. These are the lost ones, they might not know it yet, but it will appear in front of their eyes eventually. Peace.

Opinion: Mao is in a losing battle [even before he starts]

The Democratic Party President Norbert Mao seemed a little minute like they were not fielding a Presidential Candidate. This because the Electoral Commission didn’t have the candidate on the list. Just like other parties who was not on the listed to be verified and cleared. This is why it seemed like he wasn’t running.

Mao haven’t looked strong and his politicking ahead of the General Elections 2021. The Democratic Party looks more shallow and more of a side-show, than a well governed machine. This with a Party President in his third term.

The DP has already lost their trying out of DP Block or the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). These two combination have lost out. Mao have tried to become more important and a bigger star. However, it has fallen flat. He has lost his own MPs to both other opposition parties and to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Now, we have a sudden letter of intent from Mao and the DP Party. After everyone else have been open and vocal. It seems like he has waited as long as possible to unleash it. To make a flash in the pan.

Mao at this point has to battle the same moderates as Muntu. The thing is that Mao never have been directly challenged by a man like Muntu. They are in the same space and with similar behaviour. Mao have been out there on his own more than Muntu. However, Muntu is more respected and credible. Even if he will negotiate and have dialogue into oblivion, instead of actually make a change, which is needed asap.

Mao is neither ruthless or brash. Neither does he has the finesse or the ability to score high. The man has failed in two elections already. First in 2011 and totally abysmal in 2016. Now he returns for the third time and second time Presidential Candidate.

He has not seasoned like wine. Mao haven’t gotten better with the years. To be honest he was better in the early 2010st than he is now. It is like he has lost the spunk and the flair. Mao is running the same game and hoping it will give returns.

However, the main challenger isn’t Muntu, even if he is the man in the same space as Mao. Mao got to challenge Bobi Wine, which he cannot. The People Power Movement and National Unity Platform (NUP) have rocked the opposition. In a manner, which haven’t happen in a while. Besigye had popularity and people behind him. Bobi Wine has the same for this generation.

That is why Mao got nothing to give. His a lucky loser here. He will play, but will only loose. A nice mantle and fun games, but the cards he has is only good enough for bluff. As a Presidential Candidate in 2021 he can never win.

Mao could become someone in Gulu, even an MP representing Gulu. Nevertheless, he aims at the throne. A place where he got nothing to entertain and nothing to offer. Other than being a man who fights for the same secure space as Muntu.

Mao wants to be more. He wants to be the educated and wise brother. The former Guild President wants to be the elite and the modern nobility of the Republic. However, he got nothing to gain or to win. This is a losing battle, even before it starting.

It’s a tragicomedy and the main act is Norbert Mao himself. Peace.

Opinion: DP and UPC doesn’t aspire for the highest office anymore

You know something is up… when the oldest parties are not aiming at the highest office. Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and the Democratic Party isn’t trying to aspire to the highest office. Because, on the list of 19 candidates for the Presidency in 2021. There is no one entering the race from these two parties.

That shows a sign of weakness. Yes, the UPC have been working in direct alliance with the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It has had MPs becoming Ministers in the Cabinet and they are running for the NRM as aspirants in 2021. The DP is clearly doing the same, as there been MPs and candidacy.

That some parties has gone behind others isn’t new. However, that UPC and the DP have no gone twice without a Presidential Candidate. If these parties wants to aim for relevance and trying to make a difference. Why are they so subtle and safeguarding so much?

Is Party President James Akena afraid to ruffle the feathers with his deal with the NRM? Since they are not fielding an aspirant and not even himself. Since the last UPC candidate for the Presidency is now Olara Otunnu. That begins to a long while ago.

The DP haven’t fielded anyone since the first time with Party President Norbert Mao in 2011? Because, last time it went behind The Democratic Alliance (TDA) Amama Mbabazi. Now, in 2021, who are you backing?

The UPC is backing the NRM and because of the agreement between them. While the DP haven’t said or that. We cannot anticipate who they favour or who they support. As it could be whoever really this time around.

What is still striking is that there more independent candidates running for the Presidency. Than from the old parties. This is really shocker. It is victory for Museveni to see his old enemies are losing at this rate. They are not even competing with him. That is the mere reality of that.

The UPC and DP is losing relevance. They are losing their edge and uniqueness. When they are not even trying to challenge on the top, but only from the bottom. You would think these people who are so proud of their parties. Should go to their Party President and be baffled that they are not even trying. Because, that is how it seems. They are settling with becoming MPs and not even trying to go against Museveni.

That is weak tea. The ones who is fighting for these parties must be dismayed and feel belittled. As they are even conquered by newcomers and independents. They are not even able to be in the same regard as them. Peace.

Opinion: The “Scientific Elections” will unmask the brutal truth

As we are beginning the campaigns and the run-up to the elections of 2021. The reality will hit the public. We will see the truth about how the authorities and law enforcement act upon the dissidents and opposition. The regime will show it true colour and cannot act surprised. The way they do and what happens will clearly show a significant pattern. That cannot be judged on sudden reaction to an rally or a consultative meetings.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have before the campaigns already shown unfair the society is. As they have had the capacity to hold rallies and be in the general public. While the opposition have been blocked from radio stations and holding consultative meetings. This being the pre-equal to the General Election next year.

As well, as the same rules are allowing rallies, processions and so fourth for the aspirants of the NRM. While opposition cannot even be nominated or have a press conference without being directly arrested a hot minute after. That has happen to so many, that its total obstruction of their justice and rights to campaign.

These “Scientific elections” are supposed to be like this because of the danger of COVID-19 or Coronavirus. The pandemic that are upholding social distancing and PPE. The reality is that, we will see a double standard, which will be common. The opposition not allowed to rural radio houses and up-country. While NRM can campaign both within media houses and on the streets, The posters of opposition will be taken down. The NRM can even spread posters through Bukedde, Daily Monitor and so fourth.

The Uganda Communication Committee (UCC), Uganda Police Force (UPF) and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) will all work directly for the NRM. These will order media houses to not have opposition leaders on-air. Neither, will the UPF and the UPDF allow the opposition to greet the public. While the UCC will not block the NRM from appearing on-air and neither will law-enforcement block the NRM for greeting the public. The UPDF and UPF will walk side-by-side with the NRM aspirants.

That is why we know the game is rigged. The NRM will have all favours and always have a helping hand. The authorities and all part of the state apparatus will work for them. They are serving the NRM and not the general public. It doesn’t matter if it is DP, UPC, FDC, NUP, JEEMA or anyone else. They are troublemakers and will be hit by the state.

These elections and campaigns will not be fair. The state and all of its actors will use their mandates to put hurdles in the way of the opposition. The NRM will have a soft landing, while the others has to go on a crash-course and hope for as little damage as possible. Because, no matter what the opposition does. It will be countered and there will be resistance. The NRM will not offer any goodwill and will only cause havoc.

The NRM will use the state as their partner in crime. Every possible way to act will be punished and there will be no remorse. The state will have no sympathy and show no heart. They will not condone and not beg for forgiveness. That is because, the NRM and the state believes you where stupid to challenge it and to stand up against it. You were supposed to be blind and submissive.

The NRM will have all the perks, all the opportunities, while they will undermine and mock the opposition for their troubles. The NRM wouldn’t be able to run, if they had the same hectic mess the opposition has. The NRM would malfunction and be on self-destruction, if they met the same obstacles, which it serves all opposition. They are used to have no way, while the NRM has the big high-way and a free way of opportunities. That is a luxury, which nobody else have. This is why the “Scientific Elections” only will amplify this and expose this rotten game. Which is rotten from the head to the grassroots. A system blessed from “high above” to the lowest civil servant. Peace.

Opinion: Chameleone is now without a home

Yesterday, the National Unity Platform picked their nominee for the Lord Mayor in Kampala. That happens not to be Joseph Mayanja aka Jose Chameleone lost that one to Latif Ssebagala, the MP for Kawempe North.

Now, Chameleone have gone from National Resistance Movement (NRM) to the Democratic Party (DP) and finally to the National Unity Platform (NUP). Yesterday was a final blow to his campaign. The NRM have picked Ragga Dee, Democratic Party have picked Beatrice Kayanja. Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have incumbent Erias Lukwago and now the NUP have picked Latif Ssebagala.

The race is settling in now. There aren’t many places to go. Only one will win too. The race is hardened too. There is also the independent Nabilah Naggayi Sempala, who was the Kampala Woman MP for FDC. Chameleone might have to follow the same route now. As all the doors and venues where he had friends is closed.

Chameleone have toyed around in every circle and gotten opportunities, except for the NUP. Where he was barred from entering. He surely should regret leaving the DP and the steady home of Mao. A place where he was a mobilizer and prepared for him. Still, he left that one for the NUP and lost.

Now, we can wonder is his plan ahead. Since, he doesn’t have a chance in the NRM, neither in the DP or in the NUP. Not likely that he joins the Justice Forum, Uganda Federalist Alliance or anything else. I don’t think they have open arms to him either. They have seen how easily he has ditched a party to greener pastures…

Chameleone played the political game, he gambled and apparently lost. This is not shocking, but for someone who has invested in it. He clearly haven’t got much left for his work. The man are now without a home and a base. Just another “independent” candidate in heavy contested field over one seat and one title.

The Lord Mayor of Kampala is only one of. All of these running for it. Only one will get it. Not like they can get various of councillors seats in a local council. It is only one mayor. Chameleone have to beat not only Lukwago, but the rest of the candidates too. Which would be a magical feat in itself. Alas, he will most likely lose no matter what party he represent.

However, he could have someone behind him and make him relevant politically after the race in 2021. Which will not happen now. Now his a single running candidate in a sea of candidates. He might be a known character, but not a trusted one. He has shown his savvy ways and how easily he could shift camps.

Chameleone was a fool for this one. Even if he build parallel structures while aiming at the NUP seat. His still a looser before the race begins. He had a safe bet in the DP. As Lukwago was leaving already. Something that went official. Alas, that wasn’t enough for him and he wanted a bigger flag-ship. Which wasn’t his anyway… Peace.

Opinion: Is the DP dying since they cannot field candidates internally? [Mayoral Aspirant of Kampala]

As of today, the Democratic Party under Party President Norbert Mao has fielded an “independent” candidate on the DP ticket. This is happening for various of reasons. The DP as a party have lost vital members, leaders and lawmakers to other parties. The boat is leaking and there is no intent of stopping the leakage, apparently.

Mao has chosen a person who launched her own campaign back on the 22nd July 2020, Beatrice Kayanja to run as the DP Lord Mayoral Flag-bearer for Kampala in the 2021 General Elections. That is fine in itself. Her acumen as a businesswoman and entrepreneur speaks for herself. Her role as an activist for development and leading a conference to bring business to Uganda speaks for herself. Alas, Beatrice as the person isn’t the issue.

It is the supposed grassroot mobilisation. The party structure and the lack of potential new leaders, which should worry. As the man has dissolved the DP Block, the coalition ahead of the General Election. As it didn’t get the spark and the needed juice to become a TDA or IPC. It just became “hot-air” and got forgotten.

It must be a reason, why the party are picking out a person who has been vocal online and in social media. A person who has already retained her own aspiration for the Lord Mayor and would stand alone doing it. The DP must really be weak to do this. That they cannot find anyone of their members, inside the party and within the DP Kampala to stand as the Lord Mayor.

That is how it seems. Since, they we’re already pushing Joseph Mayanja aka Jose Chameleone as the Lord Mayor, but he ditched the party for NUP. Their previous and incumbent Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has gone to the FDC. Therefore, the two big-shots, the ones who has a big platform and would be recognized would not stand as the Flag-Bearer this time around.

The fallout of Chameleone must really hurt Mao. As he offered appointments and political capital to him before he went to NUP. It was just the ambition and the meal-ticket politician who left DP for NUP. That wasn’t shocking, but shows that even Mao’s offerings wasn’t that sweet. If it was, a man like Jose would stick around.

You can wonder, why does the oldest party of the Republic got to pick a random candidate of their own? If their was picking outside their own party, why not start negotiations with Nabilah Naggay Sempala, the Woman MP for Kampala? She cannot stand as MP and have been blocked from the FDC. She has a name and is well-known, why go for Beatrice?

That is why the DP is weak. The decisions seems to be short-sighted at best. Yes, it is better to field someone like Sempala MP. If they are believing in the race and wants to invest in it. Use a familiar face and re-issue her as a priced deflector. That would be a bet and show some political game. Not that Sempala MP has any positive reputation and is another one of those who does what it takes during campaigning, but is never seen after the elections. Still, she would have some character into the mix. Not sure what Kayanja will do…

It only shows that the DP doesn’t trust their own and doesn’t promote their own. At least not to the positions that counts. The ones with prestige and honour. There they need the names, the shiny diamonds and the ones who can spark interest. Instead, of considering using own machinery and vet their own. It might have failed in the first run, maybe even in the second. But, when a man or woman campaigns enough and proves their pedigree to the public. They could easily get elected, as they know this activist and this politician isn’t all talk, but actual game too…

Mao seems to have forgotten that and wants to do the quick fix. His fielding someone new. Someone who hasn’t the grand stand, his fielding an “independent” as his own and apparently deliberately so. He has picked a quick fix, gotten Kayanja’s blessing and a agreement to make it happen. Before they did launch it and now made it official. Still, it’s more a gain for Kayanja, than it is for DP. It just makes DP look weak and lack of internal candidates to back-up the needs of the party. Since, they had to pick someone from the outside again to be fielded.

It was first Jose and now Beatrice. Who knows how they fix others, but this is surely not from a place of strength, but of weakness. Peace.