Opinion: 10 DP MPs cross to NUP [It’s raining tears in the land of Mao]

The Democratic Party is being totally purged by the National Unity Platform (NUP). The DP have today lost 10 MPs. In the 2016 election the party got 15 MPs. So, there is a total free for all. Norbert Mao has really lost out today. This is the biggest purge in a long while.

Norbert Mao must be screeching and teething as his seeing his top shot MPs … going for Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. NUP has a big big blow to the DP today. This here is like aiming at the heart of the DP. This is the supposed third term for Mao, but his not able to keep his ducks in a row.

We can see how his losing. I saw the three earlier today, but now a few hours later. This is seriously rattling the cage. Bobi Wine can smile to the bank. He has raided a party and gotten their biggest MPs. The likes of Mpuuga, Nambooze, Ssewanyana, Kivumbi and Namayanja. All of these will be flag-bearers who can flex for the party.

Just look here!

DP MPs cross to #PeoplePower’s NUP

Mathias Mpuuga from DP

Joseph Ssewungu DP

Medard Ssegona DP

Betty Nambooze DP

Moses Kasibante Ind

Muwanga Kivumbi DP

Allan Ssewanyana DP

Ssempala Kigozi DP

Ssentongo Robinah DP

Veronica Namaganda DP

Florence Namayanja DP” (Uganda Radio Network, 13.08.2020).

This here is insane. Just imagine that the about 66% of the DP MPs crossed today to NUP. That is major blow. This is like a kill-shot. Yes, the DP can field new flag-bearers. In Masaka, Mpuuga might met Bwanika or Mbidde, but that is not heated competition there. The others are having huge bases where they elected.

We can really see that Bobi Wine has taken over Baganda and the DP caucus there. This without being long in the political sphere. This is depleting the DP party. We can just wonder if others will follow too. As there soon final deadlines for nominations in the parties and the tickets are finalized.

Mao should cry today. Either that or raise havoc. He should be fuming, but understand that acting like a big-shot on NBS Frontline clearly isn’t enough.

Bobi Wine is winning. No doubt. The DP is dying and the umbrella is taking over. Evidently 66% MPs switched to NUP. That’s a train-wreck signal of the DP, but also a sign of strength for the NUP. Bobi Wine can wave a flag tonight. His gotten the bag without doing much today. Peace.

The Umbrella swallows three DP MPs

Today, there are three MPs who are announced at National Unity Platform Party Office in Kamwokya. These are Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana and Rubaga North MP Moses Kasibante. All of these MPs are leaving the Democratic Party and becoming NUP Flag-Bearers in the up-coming 2021 elections.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine didn’t even need to join the DP. He got the big-shots and the MPs who are vocally from the party. The DP Block leaders will be happy that Ssewanyana leaves the party. While we know Nambooze haven’t been friendly with Mao of late. Kasibante is seeking a new home and found safety here.

Nambooze have been moving along to elsewhere for a while. She has been part of People’s Government and been close to Besigye. That she now moves to NUP was in the cards. She’s been in Parliament since 2010 for Mukono and have drifted away from DP. We can see that since the 2016 elections. Therefore, today wasn’t a shocker, but was anticipated.

Nambooze have been in too trouble for her stances. Been treated with vile force. House raided, tortured and arrested for her stances. Therefore, she knows the cost of defying the state. Betty knows perfectly well and will continue this part with her change of party.

Ssewanyana, the MP for DP since 2016, the former Sports Editor and Chairman of Katwe United. Who has been arrested, charged and been in to much trouble in his term. A vocal opposition MP. A certain type that makes headlines without even trying. Just by opposing the government and its policies. That’s why this man is the perfect fit for the NUP at this point.

Kasibante have been in Parliament since 2012. Who is a DP MP, but on the pages of the Parliament his registered as Independent. Surely, he has gone more and more away. These are people who has associated themselves with the NUP and People Power.

So that Nambooze, Ssewanyana and Kasibante is all expected at this point. That they would either got to NUP or ANT. These was all individuals who was drifting away from Mao and the DP. They where abandoning the project, one by one.

It is not surprising. This is typical election season, but also a matter of making advances ahead of the polls. This is to score relevance and be part of the right team. They are fleeing DP to get more suction. This is Baganda MPs leaving the DP party.

Norbert Mao knew he would loose Lukwago and Nambooze. That was just a matter of time this time around. That he laso looses Ssweanyana is a loss, but the allies within DP Block will be happy if the rumours are correct. Give way to others to run on the DP ticket in Makindye West. Kasibante leaves Rubaga North and opens for another there too.

They are fleeing a sinking ship… to a party, which is on the rise. Bobi Wine has scored a victory with these folks in his team. While DP is even more weakened. The DP should start to reconsider their methods, as the ones vying for re-elections are abandoning them.

This are all vocal MPs and are people who are popular in their areas. These are not just some random MPs who nobody knows. Nambooze and Kasibante has been defiant for so long. They have suffered for it and now they are becoming NUPs.

This is a blow today for the DP and worth to celebrate for NUP. However, let see how this unfolds in the up-coming elections. Peace.

Opinion: Vilify the opposition to save face …

We know there is elections on the horizon. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is busy sending its troops to social media and media houses. They are trying to make People Power Movement – National Unity Platform (PPM-NUP) looking like rising monster. While still continuing to ridicule and mock Dr. Kizza Besigye and his Defiance campaign of 2016.

That they are aiming at Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and his new party and movement. That is to be expected. Just like they went full gong-ho on Besigye and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). The same people doesn’t even mention the UPC; JEEMA, DP, ANT or anyone else from the opposition. That’s because they are not a real threat.

They are going after Bobi Wine and Besigye for a reason. Their supporters are hoodlums, scum and anarchists. That is because of the message and their will to have a peaceful transition from the current status quo. The Modus Operandi is to make them look like a villain. They are the equivalent to Disney villains, who are there to destroy and cause evil. Even when there is no proof of that and to the contrary, the state does the evil towards them.

The Movement and their men are calling them fascists and intolerant. While they are not tolerating their existing in the firs place. Which is ironic, as these two groups of opposition struggles to open party offices and hold party meetings. While the Movement are doing internal party elections and holding rallies. Meanwhile the opposition have to act “scientific” about the same elections. Still, the opposition is the problem.

Do you see what they did there?

With this in mind. The predetermined discussion is really showing the lack of merit they have. They got to paint the opposition as crazy dictators or autocratic leaders. As they are themselves into the same. They are following the Movement and accepting what it does. They are following the sole candidate since 1986. These people are defending the ones who send the army, abduct and arrest the opposition. While calling the opposition bad, despicable and the next path to destruction.

That is why they are calling it cults… the opposition, while not looking into the mirror about the Old Man with the Hat. The man of the mustard seed and the failure of the 10 Point Programme. They will say the man needs time, another term and haven’t neglected his supposed mission.

Because of that, the use of the military, the police and all entities of the state to bend the will of the public. The apologists and defenders need to make a vision, an image of the opposition as dangerous. They will turn into worse and be beasts of men. Because, you see how Museveni and his folks is now. And you don’t want anyone worse then them, right?

However, there is no proof of this and they misuse sketchy words to address them. While not seeing how they are calling civilians derogatory words, because of their affiliation with them. If the same people suddenly turned to the Movement they would be sensitised and be directed to right direction. That shows the cultish behaviour at home, but they are casting that net to trick the world of the opposition.

This is why, there is a need for a conversation, as the People Power and FDC is made villains. While they are doing this to stop looking the deeds of the Movement and how they control the state. Because, we are instead dissecting the ones who are the challengers and the rising stars on the political field. The ones who sounds and wants change to what’s ruling the republic.

It is right to look into them and question them. However, maliciously attacking them and using the words fitting yourself isn’t a good look. When they call the ones Bobi Wine a cult, well, the sole candidate for 34 years have built his own church in his Movement. While Bobi Wine is promising to deliver a change, just like Museveni did in his early age. Therefore, you cannot dismiss him and say he will turn into Museveni. That is a false narrative and cannot be proven until he turns (if he even does).

So, this is a sideshow from the reality, as the Movement and their defenders doesn’t have anything good to prove themselves and needs to make the opposition look ungodly. Because, they are neither saints nor nuns coming with salvation, but instead a gospel filled with hypocrisy. Hoping nobody calls them out for it. Peace.

Opinion: Everything is rigged against the opposition [doesn’t matter if it’s “Scientific” or not]

The opposition in the Republic will not win at this point in time. It isn’t because of their lack of swagger and viable candidates. This is simply, because of the status quo and the whole state machinery is working against them. There is no chance that the President and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) will give way. That’s not happening anytime soon.

The Forum for Democratic Change and National Unity Platform (People Power) parties are the most high regarded opposition. The FDC has the history, while NUP and People Power are the new renegades. This is the Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine coming to full force as challengers to Museveni. They will gain attention and get popular. However, in the grand scheme things this will not matter. These two might win the election, might even be hugely admired by the population. However, the machinery will not let Museveni loose.

That is why the rigging will close the doors for the opposition. It is reason why I don’t mention Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Mugisha Muntu and Democratic Party Norbert Mao. Neither is Uganda People’s Congress, James Akena or Justice Forum Asuman Basalirwa. Or whoever is running the Uganda Federal Alliance, Farmers Party or People’s Progressive Party. These lastly mentioned have enough to get an MP elected into Parliament. Not even thinking of challenging the throne.

Muntu and Mao might want to be in the big-league, but we both know they don’t have it. Neither does Akena, he is cahoots with the regime with a deal. So, when your dealing directly with NRM. You cannot anticipate the brother will do anything about it.

This is why in reality it is a battle for the FDC and NUP. These two are the parties that has to challenge and show force towards the NRM. Not, that through the ballots will make a difference at this point. The Electoral Commission, the NRM is busy scheming and preparing the results. We know who will win and that is all in the cards. To think otherwise is either naive or foolish.

The NRM will conquer, they will use all means. There is a “scientific” elections going on. That is used on the opposition, which is stopped from campaigning. While the NRM candidates are doing so, either in secret or by using government programs as a shield to allow them to meet people. That they will use the state as tool to not only campaign, but also rig the elections. This is why the opposition has no chance.

NUP and FDC knows this. They will show flex, but will they dwell on the inevitable. The ones whose moderate and pragmatic, will only benefit a small group. While the big-men of the opposition got to stand up in the midst of oppression and hardships. Knowingly they will loose, but it is a matter of how much they willing to loose in the end. Not because of lack of popularity or having backing in the public.

However, because the NRM and the state uses all means. Every single piece of intimidation and scaring tactics. Also, the use of arbitrary arrests and other means to stop the public from gatherings and organizing. Except, if you have suction or a anointed by the Movement. Then you can set-up tents, set up rallies and meetings in churches. However, the opposition is not allowed to do the same. This is another proof of the whole charade, which is going on into the polls in 2021.

If your thinking this going to be free and fair. Forget about. The state is embedded. The Police is more into politics, than actually catching thieves.

This is all just a game and we all know who is going to win. Not because the public loves him, neither that its justified. However, that is how this is played out. We can act like its not, but then I would be disingenuous. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t be fooled and just play along, but call out the nonsense as it is. Peace.

Opinion: Mao is loosing to Bobi Wine [and needs his umbrella]

Right now Party Chairman and Presidential Candidate Norbert Mao needs Bobi Wine’s umbrella. Mathias Mpuuga, the Masaka MP are an ally of People Power. Betty Nambooze, the Mukono MP who has been elected in the last election on a DP ticket is going over National Unity Platform. While Medard Lubega Sseggona, MP Busiro East are today stating the DP block is endorsing Bobi Wine as their Presidential Candidate. While the leaders of the Masaka Chapter has also gone over the NUP.

Mao is clearly loosing. Not only has he lost other high ranking officials to National Resistance Movement. Now, the DP is missing others to People Power and the NUP. The leadership is failing and doing it horrifically.

If this was the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) the NRM would swerve all around the carcass and dance. There would psalms played in the New Vision, tales of mischief all over the Daily Monitor and questionable tea in the Observer. However, this will play out more next week if this continues.

Mao is clearly missing Nambooze, Mpuuga and Ssegona. Who are all showing loyalty elsewhere. Just like the State Minister Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi crossed over to National Resistance Movement (NRM). While Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago made his party too.

Norbert is clearly not running the show. He can only keeps Fred Mukasa Mbidde circulated around him. The rest are fleeing apparently. Mbidde who even went to NRM to get the approval and positive vibes to become EALA MP. So, Mao clearly doesn’t control his troops.

It is really clear that umbrella is eating the party from within. He is not only loosing the ones who has been shifting away from some time. However, the stronghold of DP in Baganda, Masaka is all turning to Bobi Wine. This being Sseggona and Mpuuga. Mbidde must be wondering what is going on, as the team is turning on him and Mao.

DP Bloc is not behind Mao, but behind Bobi Wine. That must hurt the pride of Norbert. Seeing his own visions turning against him. Also, the MPs under him undermines his drive to relevance. Not like he can act educated on NBS Frontline and hours later being humiliated by his own elsewhere.

Soon, there will be a battle cry. However for someone calling other serial looser. This here is a sign, that use of DP is falling. DP isn’t a flagship of importance. When Mpuuga needs to associate with other entities to be relevant, like has always done with A4C, TDA and now PPM.

Mao should know this, when his losing DP Bloc too. It is really time for Mao to take up the umbrella too. His friends is abandoning him. Maybe Abed Bwanika will show him some love to become an MP candidate in Masaka too.

This is not easy for Mao, but then, its raining and he needs to shield himself with an umbrella. The rain doesn’t seem to stop and he needs it. That’s if he wants to be relevant himself. Unless, if his happy with being a staple on NBS Television and doesn’t care about his party deteriorating in-front of his eyes. Peace.

Opinion: Mao’s candidacy is “hot-air”

People are saying that I won’t even get 1% . They are saying I don’t have supporters but when I say I am going to contest for the president, there is a lot of discussion on the matter. I don’t know why”Norbert Mao (02.07.2020)

It is official, the long awaited, the brutal honesty and the 2nd Time Candidate for the Presidency of the Republic, Norbert Mao of the Democratic Party. The steady guest on political talk-shows and often in the media. Trying to reign in rebels in his party and also seeing his high ranking officials cosying up the NRM.

Still, this is his third election. He stood as a candidate in 2011 without succeeding. For some uncertain and weird reasons. Mao wasn’t on the lists and registered in 2016. However, now he has come up and said his the Presidential Candidate of the Democratic Party in 2021.

That is not shocking, that is to be expected at this point. He has been here before, but was behind Amama Mbabazi in the last election cycle. So, don’t expect him to back neither Besigye nor Bobi Wine. DP wasn’t part of the IPC, but was a mate in the TDA. Don’t expect him to join forces in the UFC.

Mao is also very cynical about everyone else than himself. He can judge another candidate back to oblivion. Norbert can scrutinize and assess the others. However, not look at his own flaky actions. The DP has been moving in circles. Neither grown stronger or become a powerhouse.

Mao has tried to reign in the smaller DP brotherhood with Bwanika and Mabikke. However, we know these will not bring an electoral victory. Wonder if Abed Bwanika wants a place of honour, if the DP Block is still a thing. You can in the same regard wonder if the DP SPV with Muntu have done wonders too.

He can claim other opposition candidates doesn’t have tactics or strategies. Nevertheless, it is not like he has the magic potion or the successful method to overcome the dictatorship. He is just wandering around remembering old-age wisdom and theories. While not using the same intelligence on his own campaigns. It is easier to bring heat to others, then looking into his own work.

There got to be some real magic to change the end game. It would be enough for this man to stand as an MP in Gulu. He got that in him. Just like James Akena of the UPC to be an MP and not a Presidential Candidate. Be a leader of a party and still be in Parliament. That is cool, but Mao wants to honour of the top slot.

That is why his reluctant to work with other major opposition members. He don’t have the leverage to reign them in. Mao wish he would, but he doesn’t. Neither has his party. That is why the ones who become Cabinet members in the 10th Parliament left the fold. He knows this, he knows Mbidde could easily turn NRM. He would rub his hands and ditch Mao in a heartbeat.

So, Mao wants to be the big-man. He claims others doesn’t have the credentials or the plans, but his nothing coming with that either. It is a solo run, that will end dolo.

He can act like it is different. Come with some flex. Show some attitude and fancy queens English. Non of that will further the cause of the Mao. This is a repetition of 2011 in 2021. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine’s ideal is commendable, but his warning to Mzee will not be followed

Today, the People Power Movement hold a Presser in the home of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine in Kyadondo East, Wakiso District. This is not the first time he has held a press conference there. That is just the way things are in the Republic. Today’s Presser is an answer to the “Scientific” elections in the revised road map for the General Elections in 2021.

We know Bobi Wine is a fierce speaker and he proven that yet again today:

Museveni, like all dictators before him, is determined to keep in power at any cost. He does not care what happens to the people of Uganda, as long as he is in State House! Fellow Ugandans, Museveni is at it again. He recently met with the Electoral Commission and gave them orders to organize what he called a scientific election. Using the coronavirus as an excuse, he is banning public rallies and other aspects of an election as we know them! No Ugandan should be fooled into believing that Museveni is doing this for the safety of Ugandans. As we speak now, most urban places are filled with people going about their usual business uninterrupted. No social distancing, no nothing. If anyone has any doubts, please visit Kikuubo, or any other urban place. Therefore Museveni and the Electoral Commission should not take Ugandans for fools” (Bobi Wine, 22.06.2020).

What he said here is the truth. Bobi Wine just said what’s needed to be said. Many wouldn’t dare saying this and with his platform he still does it. Plenty of more people will listen, because he said it. Kizza Besigye has said similar before, in other instances, but now that Bobi Wine says it. It might have more flair to it. As it yet another leader of the opposition who sees it.

But let me use this opportunity to put President Museveni on notice. You might have forgotten what you said in 1980 but we have not forgotten. On the eve of the 1980 election, you, Museveni, put Obote on notice. You said that if he rigged that election, you would go to the bush and fight against him. We have come to that point yet again. We are telling you that you either organize a free and fair election or step down peacefully, but if you continue provoking the patience of the people of Uganda, they will rise up against you and you will end up in the dustbin of history like your friend Ghadafi, like your friend Mobutu and like your friend Omar El Bashir” (Bobi Wine, 22.06.2020).

Here is revisiting history, a history that the President has been proud of and repeated so that all generations and walks of life knows. The President cannot hide that. Museveni is so proud of how he got to power and all the people he finessed to get there. We all know this, as it has been blasted for years and years to the public. He has even walked twice in the steps of the bush-war to celebrate the civil war he was the victor of back-in-the-day.

Bobi Wine’s notice is noble idea. It is righteous step. However, there is no way in hell that Museveni will hold a free and fair elections. President Museveni wouldn’t win in a free and fair election. He knows this and the whole Republic knows this. That is why he has total control of the Electoral Commission and all other authorities needed to own the state.

The opposition are right and justified to ask for a free and fair election. Anyone who takes a stand and wants to challenge for public office should be able to do so. Where everyone has the same opportunity for everyone. Where everyone has the same difficulties and everyone who becomes a candidate can win and can challenge the results without interference in the elections. However, that is not how its in the republic where the state and the incumbents of the government has an upperhand with resources and control of the Electoral Commission.

Bobi Wine and everyone else is allowed to say their grievances towards this system. A system built for Museveni and his cadres. The 2021 election will not differ from 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001 and 1996. All of these has been rigged, just like they have tried to do with every single by-election too. This is not news, but a reality that the President has created over the years.

The challenge is healthy, the challenge is needed, but hopefully not just words. But a STERN WARNING about what Bobi Wine and the United Forces for Change (UFC) will deliver. I don’t believe a second that the National Resistance Movement or the President will not rig these up-coming election. That would be a lie. A big FAT lie. This regime knows only how to win by pre-fixing the results to their advantage. To say otherwise is naive and stupid.

Bobi Wine did the right thing, but the state will not steer the wheel differently. For the simple reason: They are not willing to loose, because this is all they have. Peace.

Digital Campaigning: Expect opposition candidates to be blocked from the air-waves during the campaigns…

The Electoral Commission released the Road Map for the General Elections of 2021 today. This is so everyone involved, every stakeholder and party can adjust their programs. They can work towards the deadlines, deliver their nominated candidates and prepare for impact. We can all assume this is done for some transparency. However, there been no legislation nor any changes of substance since the 2016 General Elections. So expect another rigged race and outcome, which is already pre-fixed by the buddies within the EC.

To think otherwise in 2020 is naive and deluded. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) will own the Parliament, will hold the stranglehold on the Presidency and will only give breadcrumbs to the Opposition. That is what it does to show sympathy and also prove to donors that it has some sort of democracy. Even when all know it isn’t real and there are no level playing-field.

The Road Map today was striking and COVID-19 based, as the EC is preparing for digitally campaigning for all the parties involved. The Electoral Commission stated today this: “Mass rallies will not be allowed but campaigns will be conducted mainly through media” (EC, 16.06.2020).

With this in mind, the candidates on various of levels has a short span of time to hit the airwaves, online outlets and on the TV screens. This is coming as the state has enforced the OTT Tax and made it expensive to be on social media. The state also known for blocking opposition leaders to on the local radios. If they are sincere in this election. They will open up the radios, let the opposition candidates have conversations and appeal to the public through there. As the rural areas isn’t fully operative with internet to every village and home. There are not even electricity to every home. That is why this strategy will backfire and someone will not get the whole gist from all candidates.

We can also expect that the President and the NRM blocks the airwaves for the times of the speeches of the President. Especially in the time frame of the digitally campaigns. That is just inevitable. He will block Besigye and Bobi Wine from speaking out at the same time. He will not accept that. That is hurting his fragile ego.

There are just something we can anticipate. There will be self-made sessions on Facebook and Live Taping, which is not needed with any media house. However, if the people want to reach far and wide. Than they need to hit the airwaves, needs to be on the TV stations and be able to speak across the platforms. We have seen in the past that the Uganda Communication Commission has sanctioned Radios, TV stations for having Bobi Wine on. They have also blocked Besigye, even RDCs has blocked Besigye for appearing on Radio shows. So, we anticipate a hurdle and destructive patterns here.

The system and control from high above will be visible here. I don’t expect it to really change. However, they should if they want it to look good. I expect arrests, house-arrests and other things. Just as the opposition are trying to travel to radio stations and such. That is just the sad reality Also expect police to block stations and stop from transmitting. This is just something that will appear. Later the UCC and RDC will have an excuse and do it for “safety”. Even if the Opposition is supposed to be allowed on the airwaves. While the NRM candidates and Flag-Bearers can do whatever they feel.

This is just my imagination, but I don’t think its far fetched from the possibly reality in a few months time. Unless, they suddenly opens for rallies and then venues will be closed. Where the Opposition will be chased by the authorities and sometimes end behind bars. Peace.

Another Opposition Coalition (UFC) to beat Mzee: Will it work this time?

There was once upon a time the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) for the 2011. This was a coalition of six parties, while three parties later had a fall out with it and its choices. Therefore, the Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) both went out and ran on their own. DP and UPC wanted to run their own Presidential Candidates, while SDP was furious that the mayoral choice for Kampala. We know that this didn’t work at this General Election. The coalition in the end was a mix of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Conservative Party and Justice Forum (JEEMA).

For the 2016 General Election there was another Opposition Coalition in play. This was the Democratic Alliance (TDA), which consisted of various of opposition parties too. However, here the parties that pulled out of it was the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to field their own Presidential Candidate. The ones remaining was the pressure group Go Forward (Amama Mbabazi), Pressure for National Unity (PNU) Gilbert Bukenya, Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Justice Forum (JEEMA). We see here that DP and UPC didn’t ditch it, as Norbert Mao couldn’t run and James Akena didn’t run for the Presidency this time. Because these parties challenged with Mao (DP) in 2011 and Olara Otunnu (UPC), but this round they couldn’t or wasn’t fit. That is why they supported the candidacy of Amama Mbabazi (Go Forward). We know that Amama and the TDA flame fizzled out quickly.

So, when I heard today that the Pressure Group People’s Power Movement (PPM), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Justice Forum (JEEMA), Truth and Justice (TJ), Conservative Party (CP), Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) are all involved in the United Forces for Change (UFC) for the 2021 General Elections.

The main leaders this time is Dr. Kizza Besigye (FDC) and Robert Kyagulanyi (PPM). Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Mugisha Muntu has opted out and at this time his right not to join. His reasons are clear, but it’s a bit funny. Because he had no issues with joining the Special Utility Vehicle (SUV) of the Democratic Party (DP) and the union of similar parties. So, in this regard it might be spite, because he would still be in the shadow of former leader and party president of the FDC. That is just how it looks from the outside looking in. When leaders from all the other opposition parties are joining. Not that its shocking, but don’t expect everyone to join the ride.

Expect the DP to fall out, as Mao has grudges with Besigye. JEEMA, TJ and CP will be on the ride the whole time. They only gain positives by it and have a bigger platform during the election cycle. However, with the past history. The grinding questions of how close the UPC is to the NRM. There will only be fringes of the party to join the UFC. Akena will not ditch the money train of the NRM Alliance to be part of UFC. Also with all the things Mao has done behind the scenes, I don’t expect him to run behind Besigye and Bobi Wine. His already a bit mad at Besigye for some unfortunate reason. So, we can only imagine that he will ditch out here for the DP Block and whatever he calls it. So, I anticipate the UPC and DP to tell its members to come home. If they don’t than they are betraying their parties. That is why Lukwago is a TJ and not a DP anymore.

Let me clear after all that said: Yes, I want change, but if you cannot see a pattern here. These platforms, these coalitions aren’t making it. There is a reason there is a need for many challengers. The strength, their vision and their manifestos comes out and can change things up. To beat the NRM by the polls, by an election is futile. That has been proven since 1986. Not because of lack of trying. Not because there haven’t candidates suitable or popular to beat Museveni. No, because there haven’t been the will to give way for a peaceful transition. Museveni will not loose now either. He will rig the election into oblivion. No matter what the opposition throws at it, the results will be about the same. Just different faces, unless they want to show civil disobedience and actually attack the heart of the government. Break it down to its knees and ensure its downfall. That will cost, but through the polls. I can assure you, nothing will happen. The status quo continues and the same party reign supreme. They got the guns and the authorities to send the others packing.

The UFC will have the same fate as IPC and TDA. Maybe more finesse behind Bobi Wine than a insider and friendly NRMer in Amama. Still, the UFC will only have a fools hope. Just like Frodo in the Lord of the Rings. As Gandalf said in ‘The Return of the King’:

Tell me,’ he said, ‘is there any hope? For Frodo, I mean; or at least mostly for Frodo.’ Gandalf put his hand on Pippin’s head. ‘There never was much hope,’ he answered. ‘Just a fool’s hope, as I have been told. And when I heard of Cirith Ungol–‘ He broke off and strode to the window, as if his eyes could pierce the night in the East. ‘Cirith Ungol!’ he muttered. ‘Why that way, I wonder?’ He turned. ‘Just now, Pippin, my heart almost failed me, hearing that name. And yet in truth I believe that the news that Faramir brings has some hope in it. For it seems clear that the Enemy has opened his war at last and made the first move when Frodo was still free. So now for many days he will have his eye turned this way and that, away from his own land. And yet, Pippin, I feel from afar his haste and fear. He has begun sooner than he would. Something has happened to stir him.”- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King

In the same way I look at this UFC. Not because I don’t want the junta, the militarized government and the oppressors out the Republic and into a proper civilian government. I want all of that to happen. The injustice has been going on for far too long. However, using similar tricks to beat the same dragon. I doubt it will have affect. Even if it has a new potential leader and could be the Frodo who gets the ring to Mount Doom to change history of Middle Earth to break the power of Sauron and Mordor. Still, that is a fools errand to believe that, even if the hope is there. Just like it was plenty of times with Besigye.

We need the hope and have fate that someone will bring the ring to Mount Doom. However, is this the team and the pacifier to stop the NRM? I don’t have the answer… I really don’t, but I just want them to challenge the authorities head-on and not play games that has been fought before. The names changes, but the end game stays the same.

Bobi Wine is maybe Frodo here, but that is only a lucky guess. Then Besigye is his Samwise Gamgee. But we don’t know that and Sauron continues to deploy his troops and ensure that no one gets unscratched by his army of Orcs. Right? You get the drill?

I don’t have the answers, but I just feel we are repeating history without crossing the authorities with enough power and finesse. We are doing the same old thing and getting nowhere. Stalling awaiting for the lucky brother to find the Ring in the river and get turned into Gollum. Instead of being a Frodo going into a journey, which will change everything, but will also cost. Peace.

Opinion: Norbert Mao is on a mission of self-destruction

Those rebel party members are survival seekers who only intend to achieve re-election and maintain a fertile salary in the upcoming Parliament. DP was the first to give Bobi Wine the audience when the others were not sure of what to do. We gave him space starting with the reunion conference but they started saying that I am a sadist and I pity those masqueraders. That’s why I was saying that am sorry for the young man because the crippling plants want to use him. For us in DP we say that we have been pushing Museveni like a car for 35 years but it has refused to start and when a young man like Bobi Wine come we should give him some space”Norbert Mao on the 17h March 2020

It’s like the President of the Democratic Party (DP) Norbert Mao who has had two terms and preparing the party for the General Election of 2021. His supposed to get elected for his third term and also run for office himself. However, he has not run a smooth operation.

Mao is now playing this the wrong way. He tried to play Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine for clout himself. He tried to be associated and work with the People Power Movement (PPM) for extended popularity. Its not like Mao and the DP haven’t earned on it and trying to act like they have invested in it too.

With that regard, they didn’t create the PPM, they were a part of it, but it was Bobi Wine and his associates who started it. They initiated this, the DP would surely preferred that PPM and Bobi Wine participated in the Special Purpose Vehicle and the DP Block. That is because, even Bobi Wine can see a dead fish floating in the water.

Mao will not say it, but he wants to be relevant and be vibrant. That is why his working with Mugisha Muntu, all the other briefcase parties and whatever it takes to look significant. This is why he needed and used Bobi Wine. Now, with time he see that it backfires. The swift of loyalty isn’t following him, but instead follows Bobi Wine. That is hurting Mao. Making him look foolish.

That he attack the ones who now aspire to follow Bobi Wine is now self-serving. However, wasn’t it the same when you invited him and trying to fish him into the fold in the first place? Wasn’t that your game drive not going well?

Your aim and goals wasn’t that Noble, neither was you doing charity. Neither, do I believe it would be sincere, if your acting its like that. Which your doing now by all means. Bobi Wine was building and also showing his true face to the republic. As you invited him. Now your taking credit, but also blaming your own for starting to follow him. As they see more in him, than they see in you.

Mao, that is surely hurting your pride and your ethos. It hurts your being and therefore, your now doing this and telling this. What is your problem is that you open the gate, but doesn’t want to participate now that the game is happening. You want people to still follow suit…

That is a mission … of self-destruct. Self destruction is clearly the memo and the message his sending. If he had these issues with People Power and Bobi Wine in the first place. Why inviting him and clearing him for your events? Why even entertain him?

However, you did and willingly. You let your people participate and be apart of the movement. Bobi Wine is just a grenade for you. He exploded in your face and you wasn’t prepared for the explosion. You should have seen that you took out the splint, but you forgot that, apparently. KA-BOOOM!. Peace.