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.

Kampala Lord Mayor Race: Is DP’s Kayanja a wild-card?

Now, the Democratic Party have finally fielded a candidate to become Lord Mayor of Kampala. This being Beatrice Kayanja, a businesswoman who has resided in the United Kingdom and visited the farms of the President in the past. She is now the one taking over for Erias Lukwago on the DP Ticket.

That happens after Jose Chameleone is running on the National Unity Platform (NUP) for Lord Mayor of Kampala. He was previously the DP candidate for this slot, but he moved to NUP instead of DP. That is why the DP needed to find someone else.

As well, as Erias Lukwago officially entered the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and will be for the first time running for the Lord Mayor on this ticket. While Nabilah Nagayi Ssempala MP, the former Kampala Woman MP for the FDC is running in the same race.

While the NRM might field Ragga Dee again or former Lord Mayor Nasser Ntege Ssebagala. The race is already heavy packed and with Kayanja. Will it make a difference? Has the DP found a successor?

Because, Lord Mayor Lukwago is the incumbent and a respected leader in Kampala. He has a standing and you need to be special to beat him there. That is why the DP needed something refreshing and new to pick up the ante.

This is why they wanted first Chameleone, but he ditched them. Even as he was appointed mobilizer for the DP, but still wasn’t seeing enough options there. That is why he fled to the NUP and has bigger hope for his candidacy there.

While Lukwago was lost… he had already moved on and only made it officially. That is why the Independent Running candidate Kayanja could become a DP Flag-bearer. She officially started her campaign in July, but is announced in September. Meaning she has been campaigning and building up her team for months before Mao rubber-stamps her.

That is why its a race with many characters, but the voters and the public has to see who they will trust. The DP is for the ones who are willing. The FDC got a winner, the NRM might field former losers or even stalwarts of the party. Because, the opposition has a stronghold of the capital. That is why the President has disrespected the leadership there for so long.

Kayanja is a wild-card. Do I believe she will win? No, but she is a fresher in this field. She has to make herself relevant in the eyes of the nation and in the capital. The DP have captured someone who has already started and can build on that. However, they are also showing that they didn’t have any internal candidates to field. As they just snapped and communicated with an “independent” to make them officially part of the team. That should worry the ones who are behind the DP banner.

Enough for today. Still a long time to the polls. Peace.

Opinion: DP had to retaliate against Nambooze…

From 2017…

The Democratic Party and Chairman Norbert Mao have this week lost 10 MPs to the National Unity Platform (NUP). Which is the biggest raid on one single party in a long time. Mao should be shattered and devastated as his party has deteriorated in front of his eyes.

The DP could have aimed at anyone. However, they picked Mukono MP Betty Nambooze, which have taken shots at Mao before. So, its fitting that they retaliate now that she has left. It wasn’t shocking that she found a new home. She’s been on the move and it was bound to happen.

So, that the Party releases a long statement on her. Not on Mpuuga or anyone else. Shows that the party bears special grudges to her. I am wouldn’t be shocked if others got into the firing line too. However, the blend of old spats and blistering words have clearly ruffled some feathers. Mao and the Party had to answer one of them and they just had to pick Nambooze.

That’s why they said this about her:

“Hon. Nambooze Betty has attempted one of the biggest hit-or-miss maneuvers in Parliament, crossing the aisle from the Democratic Party at a climactic moment in Mukono Municipality.

The shadow minister for Local Government in the minority government of Leader of Opposition in the 10th Parliament and also Spokesperson for the People’s Government made her switch to National Unity Platform (NUP) on Thursday 10th August 2020, returned to a TV show on the same night declining to formally cross to the new Party” (…) “Madam Teacher has long had a difficult relationship with many Democrats in her home district, based in part on her support to fail development programs in the area. But during her years in the Parliament , she has was an important opposition vote for the bill against “Tojikwatako” 102(b) which saw her back almost broken by the junta” (Democratic Party, 15.08.2020).

You can see how they are already in it to kill. There is no soft spots. They are taking quotes from the NBS Frontline too. Nevertheless, seeing the whole picture. While also in the same article using the new flag-bearer for Mukono as a centre-piece. Mr. Fred Kagimu is sounding like saint in the same article. Just fitting, when she has left the fold. That he is dismissing her and her journey.

What is really rich is how limited the scope of this is. How little it really says and how its not about why she really left. However, that would have hurt the pride of the Chairman and the historical party. Mao don’t want to look like a fool, even as he lost most of his team.

Nambooze and Mao has fought in public. They have gone after each other. Because, Nambooze been part of People’s Government and that have triggered Norbert. However, the same man never didn’t grieve when his people joined the cabinet of Museveni. So, this is a continuation of attitude towards her. They really like to paint Nambooze in a ill picture.

There is always costs in politics. You win some and you loose some. Sometimes you have to let things go. However, Mao and his team is bearing grudges. They are bitter at Nambooze. That is why they dropped this hit-piece. There is no other reason to do so.

Also, make her opponent from the party look like a rising star. The new King of the Hill. Because, that is what is needed. Now, that she left. They need to usher in a new star and make him look shiny. While burying the old. That is what this piece was all about. As they picked the first defector they took a shot at.

Who can wonder whose next. Maybe Mpuuga, as the DP will either field Mbidde or Bwanika to get his spot in Masaka? Peace.

Opinion: Museveni can sleepwalk into the elections [as the opposition only aim at their own]

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) who are not caring about the guidelines or the regulations for COVID-19 or Coronavirus. Who are busy scheduling all activities ahead of the General Elections of 2021. also settling the final flag-bearers of the party. Which sometimes are the same-old, same-old and dozens of sole candidates. The NRM looks solid ahead of the elections.

At this point, as the President Museveni is busy preparing for this 8^th Term since 1986. The man, the legend, the dictator and the President for Life. The supposed Fountain of Honour and His Excellency can just sleep. He can be lazy, he can squander around and even have a few scandals on his hands.

The opposition are busy scheming tearing each other apart. The Uganda People’s Congress is the NRM-Light at this point. The big-man Akena and his wife is both in the sphere of the President. They have traded perks and agreement with the NRM .The UPC is only viable in small pockets and doesn’t have the organization nor trust in the public. Because of the trade-off that Akena, Son-of-Obote did in the last election cycle.

Democratic Party have been raided, taken by everyone. Norbert Mao should by crying at home this weekend. The day of betrayal was this week and he lost his MPs. He got none of the big-men and the party is weakened. There is little left and the promise in the months ahead can’t be much. Not like they can muster such voices and cadres over night. To take the space, which these MPs left.

Forum for Democratic Change are also weakened, also many questions about where they are turning. The ghost of Besigye. While Lukwago only created questions of protocol and validity of the nomination process. No matter what it does, it has lost plenty of the faction belonging to Muntu. The pragmatic part of the FDC has left and the defiance of Besigye lingers on. We can wonder what it will do and how it will become the biggest opposition party again. It needs to show flex and muscle ahead. Needs to drop heavy hitters of flag-bearers and show it isn’t just a punchline.

One of the newcomers, who has shown new strength is Muntu and his Alliance of National Transformation (ANT). Most of this has come by weakening the FDC. The ones who was supporters and allies of Muntu is the ones that left the FDC. There are very few independents who has come, except for Kassiano Wadri. Who is also a former FDC, but had left the party already. Muntu got some good people around him, but he seems like his trying to do the same thing he always does. Saying the right things, but not really challenging status quo.

The second newcomer is the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform. Where Bobi Wine have really scored big and creating headlines. A man who is getting support from all parties and independents. He raided the DP party and gotten several of MPs standing for the NUP. Right now the momentum of the opposition is in his hands. He even got the nudge of the DP Block and the Justice forum for the Presidency. However, JEEMA will field own MPs and not do that under the NUP flag. Showing, there are a balance of sorts and there will be honest competition.

The DP is losing big, FDC is weakened and creating uncertainty, as the biggest party and the one historically challenging the President. Museveni must be giddy that the FDC is lingering like this. Instead of having a steady line and showing resilience. The up-hill battle that persist must be tiring and that’s why its showing some fatigue.

ANT and NUP are revitalized, but they are still not that big or organized like the FDC. Bobi Wine has momentum, but he needs support from everywhere to get the final push. He got friends all around, but with purges like recently in the DP: There might be fear that does happen elsewhere too.

The NRM should be joyful that the opposition looks like this. The message is distorted and the opposition is busy seeing whose deflecting and whose staying. Not to talk about finding out who is the flag-bearer and who gets the nominations. There are so much in-fighting.

There is more talk about what’s happening between the parties. The new and the old. If the old parties have the push or if they are out of steam. We can wonder ourselves. If this is all meal-ticket politics or actual battle for change.

Museveni is lucky with this. They are not pin-point at his failures, at him tanking the economy, taking up more loans and continuing his impunity in power. He can walk free of that. Only touched a small amount of time. Instead of being the target, the one people are aiming for and proving his recklessness. That is what they should do. Expose and show the intolerant and the state sponsored brutality, which is the image of this state.

Except he gets away with that. As he visits factories, radio stations and hold speeches on the regular. He walks and travels at ease like a bird. While the others are in cages and they are not even allowed to sing. Peace.