Besigye remains optimistic about Uganda’s future despite calling 2016 a difficult year (Youtube-Clip)

“Dr. Kizza Besigye of the Forum for Democratic Change has described 2016 as a very difficult year. The former party president says he remains optimistic about 2017. He spoke to NTV from his home in kasangati, Wakiso District” (NTV Uganda, 2016).

Opinion: Same old song against Besigye yet again #NBSFrontline

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“FDC cannot foster accountability in government when they are not accountable themselves”Andrew Mwenda (29.12.2016 on NBS TV – NBSFrontline).

Forum for Democratic Change Dr. Kizza Besigye is always on the NBSFrontline without showing up, just like his nemesis President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. It’s always make me giggle when people says that Besigye lost four elections and isn’t a credible opposition. Well, to the pundits, the monitoring of Besigye by the Police Force and the harassment of Opposition is why Hon. Norbert Mao from the Democratic Party is also always sitting in the studio speaking his wisdom to the masses. Like it is forgotten the way he was stopped from running as MP in his district during the General Election in 2016. Short term memory is a tricky thing.

Let’s be clear. The Opposition in Uganda isn’t without faults or without deficiency. The Movement have clearly by all means meant for no other ruler than Museveni. Somebody who thinks otherwise is naïve or on the movements payroll. There are clear indications and fantastic results of every single election that massively gives an edge and popularity that even could give way for dead-people to vote for the moment when needed be. Because how is possible to have so many 100% votes and also 100% of all eligible voters in the polling stations. They all like magic shows up, even as the neither death nor sickness stopped anyone in the constituencies to show up and vote for their beloved President.

So that rare coincidence that a certain man, who lost his own credibility and has to clear his own house. Mwenda has been battling the FDC like he has done on Social Media for over 48 hours attacking Besigye with all cylinders, instead of seeing the inevitable. The continued attempts to alter the conversation and blatantly attack FDC for their role in the opposition is a meagre attempt to smear them, instead of asking why the Movement has made it like this!

It’s true that LoP Winnie Kiiza is a fish out of water running wild in dialogue with the President in Kasese, as the man behind the plot is walking scotch free threatening all reports and people asking questions as the decomposed bodies are in the soil. The families without loved ones and the Security Organization, their brigades walk like free-men controlling the district. As the king are behind bar as a common terrorist. So the FDC is the problem and not the Movement who has a militarized attitude of the Central Government itself.

So when Mwenda and other’s says that the FDC isn’t real opposition and really accountable because of the many attempts of Besigye at becoming the President. It’s just wondered how he can try to alter history in this way. That Mao is all smiles and giggles are also weird when his party are weaken and also instead of being a national party has turned more regional over the years.

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“Besigye’s tone is of violence, I think that’s why he has failed to get votes from old people” – Ofwono Opondo

Well, Honourable Opondo, tones doesn’t kill people, the guns of the army and Special Force Command can shoot people into silence and into submission. Just like the monies has done to the Electoral Commission who fixed the results together with the default rigging of leaving ballots behind in districts and all other issues during the Election Road Map of 2016. This is known knowledge still he uses sly tactics to sound smart and useful. Because the Hon. Opondo doesn’t know what defiance means or couldn’t care – he is resisting the knowledge as he only see brown envelopes and bowing his knee to his master Museveni.

The most insulting words of the day we’re demeaning Mwenda saying: “why replace a Museveni you know with a Museveni you don’t know”. Moment of Nostalgia, reminding myself of not being to rash, but this is an insult to Museveni and Besigye. Museveni is the kingpin! He has ruled with iron fist and brutally stomped on anyone with ambition. Sole candidate and unquestioned leader of the Movement; in the deluded mind an elected and team-building candidate in Besigye is the same as the other. That is disrespectful and a disgrace to them both.

Museveni is a militarized political juggernaut who doesn’t gives to crap about anyone’s existence except if his movement can capitalise or use it. Besigye has had dialogue and let the party he was part of creating having two clear fractions. There are no talks and no clear leadership under Museveni has and do controls the NRM Party, without question; whatever Hon. Opondo is just puppet hire to make Museveni look nice. But Mwenda are supposed to be Independent, but is more and more sounding like apologist for the Movement. Which isn’t a great look on the fellow commentator more like stressed phone-calling son of bitch who can’t stall the conversation.

So the insults of FDC should be done with tact, but that isn’t the way of the Movement, neither of any of the apologists if it is the AIGP Andrew Kaweesi, Army Spokesman Lt. Paddy Akunda and Uganda Media Centre leader Ofwono Opondo are all spreading the message of submission to the mighty and tries to do with all force, because their master will send the soldiers to the streets and social media blackouts; Museveni uses them if needed to silence the population in the media. Trying to spin the news and waves as needed be.

As now their tactic as their ways are not steady, their mediocre, even weaker than a twice used tea-bag of Mukwano tea. Bitter water with a little ounces of flavour, but you need to pounds of sugar to be able to drink it. The same is with the words of disarray from the Movement speakers. Don’t be fooled. Don’t buy the ticket to the gig.

Besigye is different, not because I say so, it’s because of the way he is and how he carry himself in the tribulations and the troubles, in the torture and in the massive amounts of arrest that is nearly all unaccounted for by the authorities, where most of them without reasons, without warrants and without charges that could stick in any court. Besigye has had turmoil before because of his stance against Museveni. Still, he continues and wanting to see good governance. It’s a just cause especially the wish for a peaceful transition without guns, coup d’état and without use of any sort of force.

That Besigye is a hot topic is understandable. When you have an unaccountable and walking ATM for President, the discussion about the accountability should be first and foremost be questioned to the one in charge and the one rigged to be there. As Besigye has never ruled or had the ability of the Executive. That has all been Museveni.

As Marie Matembe said so beautifully tonight: “There is no state in Uganda. State is equal to Museveni and Museveni is equal to the state” (NBS TV on NBSFrontline, 29.12.2016).

Peace.

Opinion: We can now see that the Movement has lost touch with Kampala as the Hon. Kamya decree gets into action!

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The proof is there now in the streets of Kampala, that the Police are following the decree of Honourable Beti Kamya from 19th October 2016 and taking down the street vendors around Old Kampala and areas around.

“It was an afternoon of bullets, injuries and arrests as law enforcement officers proceeded to implement orders by Kampala minister Beti Kamya to get the vendors off the streets  Amidst the show down, a number of arrests were made and many left in tears as they saw their means of livelihood taken away from them” (NBS TV Uganda, 25.10.2016).

That they are shooting at innocent civilians because of the words of a State Minister who hasn’t confined her actions through proper process in Kampala Capital City Authority or by any  other leadership. The rules of law are apparently not important because the Honourable can just write a decree and the whole ballad of Police Brutality comes stepping on the doors, citizens, people and ordinary vendors who have been trading in the districts for years on end.

“Police and KCCA officers in running battles with street vendors as they try to enforce gov’t directive to get vendors off the streets, in Kampala” (NTV Uganda, 25.10.2016).

So a Government Decree or Directive doesn’t need any more procedure or decision making in the Parliament, not in the City Council of anywhere else. So the Carte Blanche for Central Government is now that loyalists of the Regime can do as they please. Which is a dangerous sport; if Hon. Beti Kamya find’s it illegal to catch grasshoppers because she hates the taste. Then the electric fetchers are illegal to put-up and the ones that before traded on that can lose all their livelihoods. Just like the men and woman today who we’re torn-out of their trading area and have to from now-on if it persist get enough cash to facilitate inside some market-hall or shops that takes rent. That means the former vendors has to gain capital to rent or buy plots to set-up shop. Something the state doesn’t facilitate. Not even through the SACCO’s which delivers empty 30 years promises that are viable as many of the UPE schools in the northern districts of Uganda or even just up-country; barely walls and books, just a teacher or two who hasn’t gotten a pay-check in months. That is the lovable system and their respect of their citizens.

The Movement have lost all touch with the grassroots and the citizens… when they are even barring the streets for their own benefits as the major banks fails to pay off debts made by the Presidential Election Campaign. The fall of Crane Bank, who is now under management of Bank of Uganda, the Cairo Bank is also on the steps to become controlled by the Central Bank as well. That shows the fragile monetary policies and the weakness of the fiscal policies in general by the Movement, as the self-centred organization it is.

We can also question the financial situation in the Republic of Uganda as the World Bank has suspended their agreed loans for infrastructure projects of Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). So, the same Government who has issues with Multi-National Organization is now targeting street vendors for their trade. That Hon. Kamya has made ordinary citizens criminals for activity that has happen for decades and never been sanctioned.

The Issue I have is that this hawkers, street vendors as they have been there for so long. Not like the government and KCCA has ever done anything for them, but they at least has created to the economy. I am sure by my recon that many sells the Airtime that these big-tax paying cell-phone corporations and the communication industry like MTN, Airtel, Uganda Telecom and all of them needs to keep the citizens occupied with talking and texting each other.

So the needs of public aren’t necessary in the present time and the needy that do what it takes to survive aren’t good enough for the protection of the Police or the KCCA. The Government who has a fragile economy attacks those with the weakest economy and are the entrepreneurs that the Government have been bragging about. The Entrepreneurial Spirit as they we’re entitled to this in February and the Government men we’re all smiles.

This doesn’t matter now, the boda-boda’s, the newspaper sellers and the others who sell used clothes to live even. These people all of sudden doesn’t count by the Hon. Kamya decree they are useless and illegal. Not with an act or a new law, but a directive that set the standard. This behaviour is now the common grounds.

The Hawkers and Street Vendors might create noise and be hassle now and then. They might be distracting and even creating garbage, but nothing that the KCCA has been having issues with before. These sanctions are coming decades after the free market and liberty that came with the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) ushered in by the current President Museveni in the 1980s.

The President has eaten a long while on these sellers and their trade, but now it is not enough. He needs are now for the foreign investors and bigger investments that capitalize more cash-flow from the banks and donor-community that he needs.

So the acts from the KCCA shows the systematic issues that are in Uganda now, together with the wish of splitting Kasese District, because the Ugandan Government has forgotten why they are there. They are not there for the MPs or the Government Officials, but they are there for the people and the citizens. The shooting of the families and street vendors, scaring them of their corners and everything… because a non-voted and non-discussed decree from Hon. Kamya that put this into order.

This is not news in some regards, but the reality is that the Movement has clearly forgotten why they exist and why they are there. Not for the sake of being there and earning monies of the budget or the tax-payers money. They are there for the common-man and to provide for them. Instead they are doing the same like they are doing to the Opposition, using live-bullets and arresting them for being there.

The Decree or Directive is only to show force and strength, the mentality is that sooner the Government has to live by the acts of aggression against civilians something that now will be with them. Not only against political opposition and supporters, but trading civilians who has done legitimate trade in Central Business District and now all of sudden been sanctioned by the regime. They been reasons for the giant companies and importers getting more units sold and the little tax-base that Uganda Revenue Authority has.

So this combined is a strange effort to consolidate the trading of Kampala and make sure the government earns their tax. That the Government and the Movement didn’t’ think about it… or question it boggles me, but the selfish principals of Hon. Kamya is evident as she wants to better than the ones before. An also show the Lord Mayor Lukwago that her words are law while his are worthless, like the acts today show. Peace.      

Footage: “Vendors at the old taxi park in Kampala went haywire as KCCA evicted them today. Police fired live bullets to disperse the angry rioters” (Daily Monitor reports)

Opinion: Hon. Beti Kamya clearly is ready to override the Democratically Elected Leadership of Kampala in her ways of clearing the streets!

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I know you’re a former opposition leader who now so loyal to Museveni that its disgust me. Not like Hon. Nsereko who we’re a rebel NRM and turned back to former allies. That is different. You we’re supposed to question the leadership of the Movement and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. You called him even at one point heartless and ignorant of other leaders in the land.

Therefore it’s ironic today that you’re now running wild on the Street Vendors of Kampala, abolishing them without procedure, because your words as a honourable and State Minister have the Authority to control the Capital without question. I am sure Dr. Jennifer Musisi going to question you, though she is loyal to the same master as you are. Than there the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago who is not just a shambolic or a symbolic figure to stand beside the Baganda Caucus and in the Kampala Capital City Authority. Though you wish so, because all of a sudden your words are platinum and are so unique that they can decide the fate of all people of Kampotholo. I am right ma’am?

Just because you make a decision on the 19th October to:

“As part of our effort to improve Kampala City, all illegal street vending activities will not be allowed to continue because they affect trade and cause a security threat, congestion of streets and walkways. They prevent normal operation of licensed business and also create unfair trade competition. They cause littering in the city and make it impossible to maintain and clean the roads and walkways. The KCCA has identified several vending facilities in markets in and around the city as an alternative to vending on the streets. A number of these markets are not fully occupied. The street vendors are advised to take advantage of these markets and work together with KCCA in case they need their conditions in such markets considered or reviewed for purposes of enhancing their business. The street vendors are advised to register at the available markets with the management of the said markets in order to be allocated space. Government therefore directs all street vendors to vacate the streets, road reserves, open spaces, road carriageways and sidewalks forthwith” (KCCA, 19.10.2016).

As you continued on ploughing your way on the 22nd October:

“Yesterday, I met with some leaders of many vendors’ groups and advised them to form SACCOs through which Government can channel financial support that can help their members settle in other places. The Minister of State for Microfinance has been informed of this need and has promised his readiness to visit and inspect existing SACCOs or to help compliant groups to form SACCOs.  As you all know, H.E. the President is very keen to support organised groups. Street vendors and hawkers operating in Kampala Business District are advised to get stalls in markets around Kampala, especially in USAFI & Wandegeya markets where space is currently available. I am aware that H.W. the Lord Mayor has invited the Authority for a meeting on Monday 24th October, 2016 to discuss matters of trade order in the city. I wish to recommend to them that among other measures they will discuss, to consider significantly reducing market rates for vendors in those markets in order to make them affordable to street vendors” (KCCA, Beti Kamya, 22.10.2016).

So I am sure some of Gen. Salim Selah’s ghost money and ghost companies can help out fellow street vendors who struggle to cigarettes, New Vision and napkins. They all can afford to pay to fees to stay into facilities that you now offers and that people will not pop-by other buyers in the meanwhile as you are taking the poors livelihood, because your words matter more than to those who are struggling day-to-day to make enough, but you’re now eating on Mzee’s plate so you have forgot how that was. Certainly the words of you shouldn’t need to be discussed as this is pleasing you and not the people, the street is their boulevard and their place as they cannot afford mansions and big houses in the suburbs like you do. The street and alleys might be their social place and where they naturally congregate because they doesn’t can afford big space, living room or a balcony where they can chill-out like you. That might seem noisy, but the poor-man’s balcony and living-room is the corners. I know your never thought of that did you State Minister Kamya? That didn’t even flinch in your mind?

“I have already made a directive, the council doesn’t discuss the minister’s directive, they simply have to comply” – Beti Kamya on NBS TV on the 24th October 2016.

She proves that she doesn’t care about other than her orders, she is the new Queen of Kampala, she will even order around Dr. Jennifer Musisi as she put the directive and the Lord Mayor, Mayor’s of Kawempe, Nakawa Makindye and so on just has to comply with the will of Kamya; her words is partly law. So the discussion today we’re not needed, the elected leadership of Kampala is totally useless if she can just do as she likes without any consideration of other voices or elected leaders. Is that what she is saying that she is a midlevel-leader who put out decrees on the streets, on the trees and on the markets… when done so the citizens has to comply that her word is the LAW!

If so than the KCCA machinery is a fraud, is a fake and is worthless system of procedure that only complies with the implicated fractions that has no voice and not worth the house they are meeting in. They could just be home and take the pay-check from the KCCA and spend it on Mango’s and Nile brew while waiting for next election in 2021. That is what Hon. Beti Kamya initially saying without saying. Because she doesn’t have the heart to say it, because of her ego and her merciless loyalty to Museveni, now!

We all could see this coming, Hon. Frank Tumbewaze might be spiteful and be conning as can be, but he impeached the Lord Mayor for his sake and for saving grace of the Executive Director Musisi. Now Kamya want to jump that score this time and decree her way away from City Hall, City Authority and all the elected leadership. Since she believes as Minister she is the Queen, the Jean d’Arc of Kampala for showing her diligence to her splendid well-paying Master Museveni. Peace!

Opinion: Can’t Museveni create his One-Party state already? I’m getting tired of this nonsense!

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Today I read and not in aw that the Uganda Police Force have not allowed the Forum for Democratic Change have separate Luuka celebration or celebration or possessions on the Independence day and in the Independence week. So initially the only ones independent and free is the ones following allegiance to the ruling regime and National Resistance Movement. As the others has to follow their program and effort, bow in silence and with relief of their limited liberty.

The ashes and razors of the Movement are now clear. The dusts of past glories are now overshadowing the marginalization’s of the open multi-party democracy that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni never really wanted or in-accurately really wanted to usher in. As the double unknown ballots and elections got it in. Still, the well rigged machinery and securing control of selected men has continued as the skeleton of free democracy has been there, but none in the sense that people really elected the men and woman to rule the nation. Because that we’re chosen from the National Executive Committee of the Movement or from the head itself.

In clarity I am tired of the charades of courtship when there ones taken there are for show or for the reason of making it look like rule of law. When the reality seems more following orders, than following laws and the institutions of justice; the elections are more fragile fully fledged money hungry politicians who ask for favours than trying to come with real policies or political framework to change Uganda. The few who do is very few and the Electoral Commission leaves very little circumstance as they cook the ballots to fit the program of President Museveni and by no-chance in burning hell leave the Parliament to other parties than his beloved Movement.

The initial tiredness today is not only because of the House-Arrest of Dr. Kizza Besigye, the knowledge of many FDC Youths lingering in jail, FDC members and leaders with the same faith, Democratic Party Youth and Leaders detained and political activists waiting trial and detained at random. That is just vicious effect of the political space and thin air of judgement from the master on top that want to have total control of monies, power and trying to capture respect.

President Museveni, do yourself a favour, I am tired and those who see what you do is tired. Not as the recess of Parliament is until 14th November, after a lousy-goosy month of September when the Parliament even we’re closed-up for while many MPs travelled to United States on Seminar. No the tired Mr. President comes from one thing, the impunity and the accessibility of liberty and freedom for other than the Movement. It is so limited for the rest like a parade.

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Museveni, the Parade, see what I got, see what I got: I got the Democratic Party, Uganda People’s Congress and so on; though he won’t be proud of FDC and the other defiance chapter of Multi-Party democracy he wished in his heart that everybody we’re as soft as Hon. Beti Kamya of Uganda Federal Alliance or Hon. Jimmy Akena of the Uganda People’s Congress.

So when the Police Force is continuing to disallow a political party to act, to be apart or have their own. They are struggling just to be allowed to have consultation meetings before the Campaign trial of General Election 2016. This is the proof of the little wish the Police Force and the Movement wants them to co-exist. They only let the ones co-exists if they are no threat or just for show. There are times the Democratic Party have been taken by local Police by just campaigning at night, while President Museveni had a car and lights into the late evening on his trail. It’s just a façade of rule of law and multi-party democracy.

And when it is sham, a charade and a façade, because that is what it is at this point. With the main contender, the power-broker behind bars in his own humble home in Kasangati. Besigye is the one that cannot be contained behind his gate and President Museveni knows this. He is creating havocs on his own with the force of his security organizations called the Police.

President Museveni your games should stop. Your nonsense and your misbehaving should stop and you should just close the gates. Something you really never wanted to open. You are not a democrat and never wanted to act as one. This is your only way to rise to power we’re through a Bush-War and devious killings of close allies and enemies to settle score to stay in power.

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You can use all kind of laws to settle the score, to keep them at bay and silence them. That is why the oppressive behaviour and the continuation of deliberate acts impunity and taking away freedom and justice for the ones who allegiance to other than the Movement. This is the proof of the recent act of Luuka preparations. As the FDC did comply with Public Order Management Act to file in the request for a public political event; as they did so the Police ordered it unlawful as they often do.

There we’re rare luck that the FDC and even Go-Forward at some point in recent months could without any consideration act as free parties, they had to comply with the law; while the NRM and their henchmen could file in the last minute and still be allowed. They nearly did it to save face, not because they really needed it; it was on order from the President to have meetings and celebrations at Kololo Independence Grounds or anywhere else for that matter. But if somebody else where to have something going on, than they had to apply and by luck get allowed to have meeting of their party!

This is something that remains a factor and not a relief this continuation and pro-longed fake democracy and fake ballot-stuffing piece of nonsense that keeps the Parliament and the Local Government in the control of the President; nobody else vision matter, they never have that is why he helped overthrow the other and became a rebel. For President Museveni nobody else’s vision for Uganda matters only his. President Museveni doesn’t even trust enough in his heir of Brig. Muhoozi or Maj. Gen. Muhoozi to be able to rule over anything else then the Special Force Command.

FDC HQ 19.02.2016 Police Siege

At this point of time the Movement and their President isn’t really caring about liberty, freedom or justice; if so the FDC wouldn’t be in trouble over a having a citizen travelling back to the homeland. If the Movement and the ruling regime cared for democracy than they would let the FDC and their members be free to congregate and do party work; instead the Movement uses the Police to siege the home of Besigye, treason charge on Hon. Michael Kabaziguruka, besieging the FDC Headquarters of Najjankumbi and all the other Political Activists who are behind bars.

They are all in the Courts, Detained at the Police Posts and the ones awaiting trial for being part of the wrong party at the wrong time. That is not democracy or justice that is the vision and the will of the President who built this system and fragile institutions that cannot even be able to fight corruption; unless they report directly to him so he can fix it. That is 30 years of concrete planning and marginalize the institutions and procedures so they have to go by the President if they ever where to become something or help somebody.

The Movement right now is the only Party and Institution who are allowed to co-exist with the Government. Well, it is the Government and runs the Government so that Ofwono Opondo can spell-out his lies and deceit still getting paid by hour. That is the wishes of this gracious king, sorry His Excellency President Museveni.

So please, please President Museveni does yourself a favour this façade and charade is too old for the world, for your cow-farming and for your tricks of old. Its time relax; continue to thieving of government funds while getting NGOs to feed the starving refugees as you have had. This while foreign donors get to take land for their business and your citizens get into PoC camps. There is time to silence the critics and be your true self. That is being the anti-democratic person who only believes in his own vision. The vision of your own power and rule is the only one that matters; the rest is rubbish and nonsense. Peace.

Opinion: Countering the nonsense of attacking Besigye as there are more dire need reactions from the supporters if they want change!

Besigye Kampala 11.05.2016 P4

The Defiance campaign couldn’t be an easy run; it would be and is a long walk to freedom. There isn’t a short quick and brief change out of thin air. The wish and concern isn’t only on the FDC Presidential Candidate of late Dr. Kizza Besigye. The arrests for Hon. Michael Kabaziguruka of Nakawa and his Court Martial; together with arrest of the ones who dare to protest against the National Resistance Movement in this day and age. Just like the Youth of Democratic Party who demonstrated against the greedy Members of Parliament we’re detained. The oppression of the NRM regime doesn’t go away overnight like morning dew.

For those of you who thought this would be easy. Yes I had hope in February that the FDC and Dr. Kizza Besigye would win, because of the men running he had the best agenda and the needed remedy. The NRM has involved the Central Government in a way where the directions of the fiscal policies and the cash-barred MPs to beg for greed instead of dropping policies and laws that matters. The NRM machine are more caring about skinny jeans, short skirts and porn than having working equipment in the hospitals and steady delivery of needed medicines. This is the proof of the rigid brown-enveloped system blessed by the almighty at the State House.

While that is happening there people with hope and see that the brown-envelopes won’t create any common good, but only for the current elite who eat the spoils of foreign donors and the secretive agreements between government and businesses. Getting mansions and luxurious SUVs before riding to the closest mall where even the Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo stole underwear. It’s just how the system is made to blatant regard the men who in all their honour bow their heads to the Mzee on the top. They are allowed to do anything and get away with it. Therefore the ones who counter this paradigm get whipped, detained or even disgraced in public.

FDC Youth 14.03.2016

Still, with this in mind the blames that the current embattled Besigye is at fault. Not because he hasn’t tried and done what he could empower the opposition with vigour to assemble in Power 10 (P10) Structure and other to counter the NRM Poor Youth or any other group that the Government used to silence the FDC. The FDC mobilisers has been detained as common as the roads development has been bribing state officials; it is so common that the news of detaining a FDC Youth or Mobilisers are day-to-day acts of the Police Force. So it is not like Besigye and the FDC haven’t had heavy-water to carry.

The assurance that the Defiance Campaign wasn’t made in fear of repression from the NRM or the Government; should have been well known as the NRM Regime has since it establishment done what it could to harass and disrupt the rallies of Dr. Paul Ssemogerere and so on. The ones forgetting that is currently forgotten the past. I am sure even the current leader of DP Norbert Mao has had issues under the last Campaign Trial in 2011/2012. Norbert Mao we’re even detained during the campaign in this calendar-year because the UPF cannot help themselves to make life hard for real opposition.

So with that knowledge of this and even after the 10th Parliament have started and the Plenary Sessions begun. This is the start of the new breed of MPs, who wish to get more funds and more salaries then the former legislators. They want to be rich quick and get that on the public funds. They don’t have ideas of their obligations to represent their citizens and not eat of their citizens. Even if they just follow what the ‘Old Man with the Hat’ has teaches them as he came with empty pockets to the Parliament and now decades later are richer than god.

Ready to Move with Sevo Music Campaign for 2016 P4

So if the ones caring thought the Defiance Campaign would succeed on its own like a marching band making noise on the gates when it past and everybody enjoying it. You’re wrong because some hates the marching band and other wish they just went down more street. Defiance of Besigye had to get public support and truly be invested in it to get the change happen. The fear of the repression of the regime and their sanctions might be a reason for why it has partly failed for the moment. Because if they wanted they should do more than quickly after thinking of boycotting the “Tubonga Nawe” artists who campaigned for the Cow farmer.

Besigye had #KigwaLeero wishing for a brighter future and make a difference. He asked for a government with accountability and we’re there for the public. Not like the ones that is there now who is there for former rebel who takes the riches for himself and leaves scraps for the elite who is loyal to him.

Defying the regime could not be done by him alone in Kasangati, it could be only be the hardliners who stood by Besigye in his hardships. It has to be made the ones who really want to get rid of the regime of present. It will not be easy and get there easily. Some has spoken of violence and using the tactics of old, like the ones that Mzee used himself to get power. If you do so wouldn’t you be the same as him? If he used guns and guerrilla warfare to get into power and you use the same doesn’t that make you a rebel who dreamed of power and not a true democrat? Even if Ghana’s Jerry Rawlings made it and ushered in a positive political system, that doesn’t necessary work for Besigye.

I doubt that Besigye want to use violence and rebel through the rifles and assassinate his opponents. As he was parts of the NRA and doesn’t want the change to be of the old ways, only through guns and on the battlefield. There is precisely in history that none President or Executive in Uganda has been changed peacefully through the ballot, instead through the bullets, which makes sense at least to those of us who believes in peaceful transitions.

VPN 18.02.2016 P2

That means that this is not alone on Besigye, this is on the supporters and the opposition itself. That means that struggle of the opposition has to defy the current regime. With means that hurt the regime and that discontinue the fiscal funding of government, that counter the legitimacy of the institutions and the opposition has to build strong grass-root movement that has most of the base in the population. So that you have all corners on the knees and weak; so that the actions of government can be countered by people’s sanctioning them. The best acts of the defiance during the Election period were the use of VPN to counter to Social-Media Ban of the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC). So the people have it naturally in them when they feel betrayed and knowledge of ways to stop nonsense from all-controlling government.

It’s that kind of defiance that is needed. That kind of acts that hurts the MTN and the others who practically funds the regime and keeps the taxation without representation going. Besigye can be blamed, but he is the spokesman and the one who is tormented by the regime already. So the man has done and continues to do his part. The people behind have to use their wisdom and ways to destabilize the regime by peaceful means and even risk their freedoms. As so many youths and people associated with FDC has been during the years. Also other political parties have also felt the pain of being opposition. So the ones blaming Besigye has lost the basic component of it all: the key is always the people! They, the people have the fate of the government in their hands; the Government lives either on the trust from the public or of the fear of the people going against it.

The people decide not only through secret ballots, but through their faith and their assessment of the situation of how they believe they should govern. Some might accept the current regime in silence because of the fear and the belief if they go against it they lose it all. But if those all thinks like this than the organizing against the current regime will not become of anything.

Now with this the FDC and Besigye have to show Defiance and be upfront as they have to use their support to weaken the NRM and their henchmen’s. This is not only defying in court and going from kangaroo courts and smiling on NTV. That is to directly counter the regimes acts in Parliament, demonstrate and boycott. Use other ways with even stronger force and more success than Walk to Work. That will not be easy and that can only happen if the momentum and belief together with the peoples. The Peoples or the Citizens can only act when they are sure they will conquer the regime, if not they will demonstrate and lose the little they have. They lose their hawking job and their voice where they were. That is not acceptable.

Kapwocha FDC 080116 P1

What Besigye has to do is not to give in or give up. He is the voice of hope and a brighter new day. But to get the brighter new day for the Ugandan people under a new government who have other belief in institutions and service delivery than the people has to support Besigye and his cause. Not because Besigye is only one who can do this, but because he is the ones who champion it through defiance on his own.

The ones who attacks Besigye for his campaign hasn’t understood it; but is more worrying is that people can only stand behind their voice in the wilderness or leave the belief of regime change. And giving up a 30 year regime and an Executive that has been there since 1986 is hard. Because of the ways the draconian laws and fiscal policies are set-up. That should give reason for the citizens to react with demonstrations and peaceful mobilizations in the ways of the VPN to defy the all-eating NRM and their in-accurate methods of silencing voices which isn’t their own. Peace.

NRM claim victory in recent elections in the new districts; it was expected, but how long can they rule on borrowed time?

NRM30082016

It is just one of these days, where the result of the recent election; to be frank another one of days after the ballot is casted and things are just back to normal. It is just one of these days. Where the news of the National Resistance Movement picking up most of mandates and representatives from the newly created districts in Kibaale, Kagadi, Rubanda Omoro and Kakumiro.

The ones that are surprised that there do exist a voting apathy and low turnouts has lost the plot since the rigging generation under the current administration. As there are clear reports of Pre-Ticked Ballots even in this minor election. Where the good news we are that the Electoral Commission was actually prepared and had some sense of delivering Electoral Material. Though late at some polling stations as 10:40 but still closing the Polling Station at ordinary time, which is an insult to injury.

It was not strange that the Movement got most of the candidate in a race where the locals anticipated bribes to decide their votes. Something the CCEDU clearly saw and reported in the districts. Where the Police and Crime Preventers was guards at the Polling Stations, but the good news was no clear violence during the election. The only one where the certain individuals where caught planning to put fire on one radio-station. While it were reports that other Radio Stations had focus on spreading the news of the Movement and let the others, just run astray. This is a proof of malpractice and maladministration as the ruling regime does not care about the freedoms of assembly of the fellow citizens.

Together with FDC Mobilisers who tailgated NRM initiators who we’re bribing locals to vote for them and in the end ended up serving time in jail for questioning the behaviour of the Movement. This proves that the fate is already sealed and that the election is not a necessary arrangement for picking leaders since the Movement have already done it for you. The FDC did not get any mandate, but still had more campaigns that the other parties who really put their soul into the campaign of Omoro, where the NRM captured the representative. In all the new districts all but one person outside the Movement got a position and that was an Independent Candidate. The system obviously made ready for this kind of outcome. As the registered leaders of other parties where in Omoro and the contests as the newly formed districts where the function was clearly a horserace to bribe the men and woman to give them vote and let them be for the rest of the term.

The Forum for Democratic Change lost this one, but the contest of bribing; the Movement won it. Certainly, the Uganda People’s Congress and Democratic Party must feel hurt by losing Omoro District to the Movement, but their way of bamboozling opposition continues and it is a reason why Hon. Jacob Oulanyah still is an MP and Deputy Speaker in the 10th Parliament. Not because of his ethics, but because of the Movements acts to stay in Power.

The initial outcome was set from the get-go. The reality is the same as yesterday. The Movement the shallow creature it is ask Selah. Sorry, ask Sevo. Not ask Dr. Ruhakana Ruganda and not Hon. Edward Ssekandi. Remember ask Selah, he can answer why the Movement in shallow in the chambers of the hotel he is lodged in eating on government salaries.

It is reasons why the elections in the newly created districts ended this way; the signs in the stars and moons was smiling about it. At least what the cow farmer is concerned. The Movement continues to linger on and cheat their way to happiness and further acts that are more corrupt and behaviour into oblivion. Still, they wonder why there are voter apathy and uncertainty of value of their ballot unless they get some shillings to buy soap or millet.

The Movement can celebrate these wins like a victory of their glorious movement who is a people’s movement, as they did with the double celebration at Kololo after both the ballots, the rigging and the Supreme Court validate the Movement and its leadership yet again. But the reality is that is on borrowed time as the apathy proves the dissolution of the current leadership. The tiredness and current instability of the ones above. The silence and contempt will surface, but when it boil over is not something you can say.

The only way for this to end well is if the apathy turns into pleasure of the current status quo and that the people, the citizens are contempt with keeping the militarized Movement there. If not, then there are something else brewing; that is something Sevo and Selah doesn’t want hear. They might swallowed and paid through the hurdles for this one. Made it peaceful and organized it to an extent well, but the tarnished reputation, the violent Police Force and the abuses cannot last forever. You cannot keep your opposition in prison and still legitimize your rule. Just like the wise men of Nakawa in Kampala these days tries to defend.

The Movement and their supporters might believe they won this one and got it. But they didn’t. They bribed it and took it. They didn’t win it. They didn’t because it wasn’t rhetoric or policies that won, but who pays who for their vote. If the locals expect always to be paid for their vote, then the coffers won’t sore but be tore. As proven with the recent expensive campaign trail of Mzee and the empty bank accounts of the State House right before the opening of the 10th Parliament.

So enjoy your victories and pleasures of emptiness as the borrowed time and for every minute counting the expected payback will come. How and when is not up to me to say, but the grave danger of missteps and loosen control will widen the spectrum and the disfranchised citizens might want their justice back. Peace.

Final Election Observation Statement in Kakumiro, Kibaale, Kagadi, Rubanda and Omoro Districts (30.08.2016)

Kagadi 29.08.2016

The Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) was launched on 19th August 2009. CCEDU is a broad coalition that brings together over 850 like-minded civil society organizations and over 25,000 individuals to advocate for electoral democracy in Uganda. The CCEDU secretariat is hosted by the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI). CCEDU’s vision is to realize a Uganda where the principles and practices of electoral democracy are upheld. Its mission is to advance integrity and citizen participation in Uganda’s electoral process. CCEDU carries out its work in all districts and regions of Uganda. Since its establishment, CCEDU has been a leading player in advocacy for electoral reforms, observation of general and by-elections and civic/voter education campaigns.

CCEDU has a special mandate to observe Elections in conformity with the relevant international instruments governing election observation and the Constitution and National Laws of the Republic of Uganda.[1]

This statement presents the overall observations of the conduct of Election Day process of the CCEDU Election Observation Mission in the five districts.

 Summary

CCEDU finds that the Election Day processes were relatively peaceful and better organized from an administration perspective. Polling officials knew polling day procedures and generally followed the legal provisions on opening of the polling station, set up, voting, closing and counting. However, there were some challenges during the polling process notably some voters who were not permitted to vote. Additionally, although the election procedures allow for assisted voting, CCEDU noted cases of voters who were assisted to vote in many of the polling stations observed.

Set Up and opening

 Although many polling stations opened after 7am, the polling officials generally followed the laid out procedures for opening and set up. Additionally, the few incidents of missing materials mainly indelible ink were also resolved.

Voting

During the voting process, polling officials at most polling stations followed procedures and the Biometric Voter Verification System (BVVS) relatively functioned well.
In 84 of 100 polling stations observed, voters were checked for ink before receiving a ballot.

  • All polling stations observed had the BVVS. In 84 of 100 polling stations observed the BVVS functioned properly. Among the 16 that malfunctioned, 10 were fixed and 3 were replaced.
  • Polling officials instructed voters on voting procedures in 89 of the 100 polling stations observed
  • In 86 of the 100 polling stations observed, voters were able to vote in secret.
  • In 66 of the 100 polling stations observed, there were no unauthorized personnel present inside the polling station. However, police and crime preventers were present in 19 of polling stations.
  • High numbers of voters were assisted to vote. In 78 of the 100 polling stations observed some (1 – 14) voters were assisted to vote. In 6 of the polling stations observed more than 15 voters were assisted to vote. Unidentified people assisted voters in 67 of the 100 polling stations observed, while election officials and party agents assisted voters in 16 and 14 of the polling stations respectively contrary to the law.

Chart 1 representing number of voters assisted to vote based on data from 100 polling stations observed by CCEDU

District Polling Stations with CCEDU Observers Polling stations with between 1-14 voters assisted to Vote
Kagadi 33 28
Kakumiro 22 16
Kibaale 12 9
Omoro 14 11
Rubanda 19 14

NRM party agents were present in all the 5 districts (in 99 of the 100 polling stations observed), Independent candidates agents present in Kagadi, Kakumiro, Omoro and Rubanda (in 85 of the 100 polling stations observed) and FDC party agents present in Kagadi, Kibaale, Omoro and Rubanda (in 78 polling stations observed.) However UPC, DP and PP party agents presence is limited to Omoro district.

  • In 84 of the 100 polling stations observed, all voters in queue by 4pm were able to vote.

Omoro Election 2016

Counting and Declaration of Results

  •     In 99 of the 100 polling stations, polling officials opened the ballot box and sorted ballots in full view of the candidates’ agents.
  • 62 of polling stations did not have unauthorized personnel present during counting. However, 23 of polling stations observed had police present and 22 of polling stations had crime preventers present.
  • Party agents are useful in an election because they can deter fraud especially if they are vigilant and loyal to their candidate/party. During counting NRM party agents were present in all the 5 districts (in 98 of the 100 polling stations observed), Independent candidates agents present in Kagadi, Kakumiro, Omoro and Rubanda (in 82 of the 100 polling stations observed) and FDC party agents present in Kagadi, Kibaale, Omoro and Rubanda (in 74 polling stations observed.) However UPC and DP presence is limited to Omoro district. PPP party agents were not present during counting in any district.
  • Where party agents of NRM were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 94 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 5 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where agents of FDC were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 72 of 100 polling stations. Where FDC agents were present, they refused to sign in 4 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where party agents of UPC were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 15 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 0 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where party agents of DP were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 15 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 2 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where party agents of PPP were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 6 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 0 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Where party agents of independent candidates were present, their agents signed the Declaration of Results form in 79 of 100 polling stations. They refused to sign in 8 of the 100 polling stations observed.
  • Election results were posted publicly at 86 of the 100 polling stations observed and in all the polling station observed the presiding officer sealed a copy of the DR form in the tamper evident envelope for transmission to the Returning officer.

Critical Incident Reports

CCEDU received 22 critical incidents and verified 17. The highest number of incidents reported from Rubanda (7) and Kakumiro (6) Kagadi (2) and Omoro (1) had the least number of incidents reported.

  • Vote buying/voter bribery was the most reported incidents in Rubanda, Omoro and Kakumiro
  • Incidents of violence including disruption of voting were the second most reported in Kakumiro, Omoro and Kagadi
  • Incidents of unauthorized persons assisting others to vote were the third most reported critical incidents reported in Kakumiro.
  • In Rubanda there was also a case of impersonation of voters reported.
  • In Omoro voting ended at 5:00pm but voting materials from the polling stations arrived at the tally centre at 10:40pm.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that there were a few incidents of violence reported, CCEDU applauds voters in Kagadi, Kakumiro, Kibaale, Omoro and Rubanda for maintaining peace and calm during the elections. However, CCEDU is concerned that voters are increasingly demanding for bribes from candidates which is a point of concern in our electoral processes. CCEDU urges voters to desist from demanding for bribes and urges candidates to desist from buying voters.

CCEDU remains committed to improving the integrity of electoral processes in Uganda.

For God and my country.

Preliminary Election Observation Statement in Kakumiro, Kibaale, Kagadi, Rubanda and Omoro Districts (29.08.2016)

Kagadi 29.08.2016

The Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) was launched on 19th August 2009. CCEDU is a broad coalition that brings together over 850 like-minded civil society organizations and over 25,000 individuals to advocate for electoral democracy in Uganda. The CCEDU secretariat is hosted by the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI). CCEDU’s vision is to realize a Uganda where the principles and practices of electoral democracy are upheld. Its mission is to advance integrity and citizen participation in Uganda’s electoral process. CCEDU carries out its work in all districts and regions of Uganda. Since its establishment, CCEDU has been a leading player in advocacy for electoral reforms, observation of general and by-elections and civic/voter education campaigns.
CCEDU has a special mandate to observe Elections in conformity with the relevant international instruments governing election observation and the Constitution and National Laws of the Republic of Uganda
This statement presents the preliminary observations on the opening and setup process of the CCEDU Election Observation Mission in the five districts. CCEDU share a more detailed report with once more information has been received from our observers.

SUMMARY

In August 2015, government approved the creation of new districts. Subsequently, the EC, on 30 June 2016, announced the programme for Parliamentary and Local Government Councils election in five of the newly created districts namely Kakumiro and Kagadi curved out of Kibaale district; Rubanda curved out of present day Kabale district and Omoro curved out of present day Gulu district. The offices for election are: District Woman Member of Parliament, Local Council V chairpersons and Youth representative.
In line with its mission to enhance integrity, transparency and active citizen participation in Uganda’s electoral processes, CCEDU commissioned an election observation mission in the five (5) districts, to observe the pre-election, Election Day and post-election periods.
CCEDU has deployed 100 polling station observers distributed proportionally in all the 49 sub counties that make up the five districts. These have been stationed across all the 49 sub counties to observe and report on the Election Day processes at the polling stations. (See Annex of CCEDU Observer Distribution in the 5 districts). These 100 observers are supported by 5 district supervisors, one in each district. Additionally CCEDU members and staff of CCEDU secretariat are on ground supplementing reports from the stationary observers.

PRELIMINARY ELECTION DAY FINDINGS

The conduct of the elections was guided by the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, the Parliamentary Elections Act 2005, the Local Government Act 1997 as amended and the Electoral Commission Act 1997.

This statement is based on observer reports and incidents filed by all the 100 observers deployed in the 5 districts as at 11:40 am focusing on the opening and setup process.

Kibaale District 29.08.2016

Findings on Set-up and Opening Process:

On the opening and set up process, CCEDU has observed the following:

• Polling officials had arrived only in 28 polling stations of the 100 polling stations by 6:30am. Although Omoro had a higher presence of polling officials, on the contrary, polling officials in Kakumiro, Kagadi, Kibaale and Rubanda districts were not present at polling stations by 6:30 which affected the opening of most polling stations.

• The Presidential and Parliamentary Elections Acts as amended provide for polling to begin at 7:00am and end at 4:00pm. By 7:00am, only 10 polling stations out of the 100 polling stations observed in the five districts had opened. Although most of the polling stations (72 of 100 polling stations) observed had opened by 8:00am. 27 polling stations opened after 8:30am.

• Although 91 of 100 polling stations observed had all strategic materials, 5 polling stations in Kagadi, Kakumiro and Rubanda were missing indelible ink and 1 polling station in Rubanda was missing the voter register.

• In line with Objective VI of the national objectives and directive principles of state policy, which provides for gender balance in all government institutions, out of the 4 polling officials in the 100 polling stations observed, at least 2 of polling officials were women.

• In most of the polling stations observed, polling officials followed procedure by observing the presence of at least 5 registered voters in 95 of the 100 polling stations observed. Additionally, polling officials in 95 of the 100 polling stations observed displayed ballot boxes to be empty before voting commenced observed and in 93 of 100 polling stations observed polling officials followed the set procedure of sealing ballot boxes before voting commenced.

• CCEDU observers have also noted the presence of party agents across all districts. NRM party agents were present in all the 5 districts (in 96 of the 100 polling stations observed), Independent candidates agents present in Kagadi, Kakumiro, Omoro and Rubanda (in 75 of the 100 polling stations observed) and FDC party agents present in Kagadi, Kibaale, Omoro and Rubanda (in 58 polling stations observed.) However UPC, DP and PP party agents presence is limited to Omoro district.
Critical Incidents:

The following critical incidents have been reported and confirmed by CCEDU observers between 7:00am and 11:40am:

• Biometric Voter verification systems malfunctioned in Kibaale District, Buyanja County, and Matale A Sub-county and at Nkooko B polling station, Bugangaizi East County, Kakumiro District.
Voter bribery has been reported in Bubare C polling station, Rubanda county East in Rubanda District.
• A fight between agents of an NRM candidate and an agent of an Independent candidate were reported and confirmed at Birembo A Sub-county, Bugangaizi West County in Kakumiro District.
• In Kyanyi Polling station, polling station code 01 in Nyamarinda Sub-county, Kibaale district, it was observed that 4 people known to be deceased had their names ticked in the voter’s register as though the deceased had voted.
Kakumiro community radio was reported to have been campaigning for an NRM candidate in Kakumiro town council, Kakumiro district.
• Agents of independent candidates were said to have manhandled an agent for the NRM candidate at Kakindo sub-county, Bugangaizi West county, Kakumiro district.

Omoro Election 2016
Conclusion

CCEDU remains committed to objectively observing and reporting on the elections as they unfold in the five districts. We shall provide a comprehensive statement on the polling and closing, counting and tabulation processes tomorrow August 30 at 10:00am.

We urge voters to remain peaceful and come out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote.

For God and my country.