Opinion: Mzee have called you sleepy and now your lazy…

“…but we at the equator, we have two rainy seasons that is why these Ugandans are lazy because life is very easy for them. You don’t have to work very hard. Even a fool can survive in Uganda” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (28.02.2023).

A man who has been the ruler for close to 40 years. A man who has held vital positions since the later 1970s and who took power in 1986 is displeased with the citizens. The same man who rebelled, started a war and later coup d’etat to take everything. This guy is speaking ill of the citizens. A man who has had his time and ability to change things, but reluctantly done so…

President Museveni cannot rest, cannot breathe or live properly. Especially, the way he coordinates himself. He must be afraid of his own shadow or any possible illness. His trying to act larger than life but falls flat quickly. All the empty promises and pledges. All the stories of old and supposed development isn’t worth the cost.

Yoweri should have been a retired old man on the farm. He should overlook the cattle and the yields of his labour. Instead, his preoccupied and prolonging the agony in office. The results and the achievements aren’t getting any better. His records is abysmal and certainly getting into a defunct status and where everything is up for grabs. If it can be stolen or cannot be schemed, it will not happen. The system he has created is rotten to its core and the main benefactor of it all. That’s why his complaining, because he could have built something better, but he was more focused on the short-cons, than the long-cons. Therefore, his is bitte and blaming the citizens. The same citizens he has hoodwinked and kept in fear for so long. Those are the ones that his now diminishing abroad.

No one should be shocked by him saying this. Only in 2020 he twice said the population needed to wake up. He called at one point that 68% of the population was sleeping. It is not like he hasn’t offended the people before or said they are not working hard enough. That’s one of the things that is a feature of his reign.

This is just who Museveni is and has been. He just got to tarnish and arrogantly strike at his own. Yoweri just got to be braggadocios and boosting his own ego, while brushing of the people of the Republic. That’s just what he does and it’s one of his sticks. While he can rob, steal and intimidate on a regular basis. It is just what he does and his proud of it too.

Sometimes it is just like he hasn’t been in office or seen what his efforts are doing. Because, why work hard or sacrifice a lot. It is just like he goes into a renegade mode or a opposition mode. When we all know he has had the time and the ability to make difference. One of the men of this earth who has had the power and the resources to implement changes. However, that hasn’t happened, because he was lazy and greedy. He rather eats of the plate of others, than share and contribute to the betterment of society. That’s why his bitching now and maybe in regret because he could have been so much more prosperous, if the Republic had invested time and energy on long term plans, and not short-term profitable schemes. Peace.

Opinion: Mpuuga have to prove his worth

As the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Parliament, you are having an unforgiving job. Your office is to excel and pushback the government. The spearhead of the opposition and the ones that whip the Opposition MPs against the wrongful and injustice of the current regime. However, that cost and is brutal. That’s why the LoP isn’t an office for everyone.

Mathias Mpuuga is feeling the pressure after the negotiations and the release of the two incarcerated MPs. His name has been put in the mud and tarnished for anyone to see. Mpuuga has been the point of subject and chastised from all sides. He haven’t only been questioned from the ruling regime, but also from within his own inner-circle.

That’s why you know Mpuuga and his prominence is costing. Not like the LoP has a majority or any hold of Parliament. A minority leader swimming in the whims of the Speakers and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). They are the ones steering the ship and his words means practically nothing.

The predecessors of this role has also paid a price for their acknowledgement of this. The way and manner which they pragmatically took part of the proceedings and let go of their defiant ways. Mafabi, Oguttu or Kiiza has all been there and tasted the mud. They have all taken their stride and lost out.

Mpuuga is in a position where he cannot win. No one can win in this office. There is nothing to gain. The only thing you can do is to renegade and inspire the masses. That’s the only thing an LoP can achieve. There is no legislative or possible political framework that can be implemented. The NRM is running the show and the State House has the Parliament by the balls. Not like the Parliament is acting without consensus of the “high above”. No, they are just carrying his water and doing his bidding.

So, in the grand scheme of things, Mpuuga got nothing and it’s deliberate. Just like the predecessors had nothing either. The LoP is a figurehead of a office, which could have a meaning and purpose. However, in the state of affairs it’s only a money-grab and a salute of a honorary title.

Mpuuga can only use this office to leverage public support and be vocal MP against the oppression. He can only stand on the barricades and be in the trenches with fellow allies. Because, he cannot sustain or have any sort of capacity to deliver anything substantial in Parliament. That is rigged against him and the whole opposition. They have no voice and no opportunity to sufficiently win. He and his fellow comrades are bound to lose and that is done by default.

That’s why Mpuuga needs to humble himself and possible atone for the lost time. The arrogance and entitlement is doing him no good. The only favour he has is with the masses, the ones who voted in the National Unity Platform (NUP) and gave him a role in Parliament. They are the ones that given him a chance and he can shine for them. However, will he ever or is he interested in doing so?

We know Mpuuga has fought and been beaten. We know Mpuuga has been active and been a vocal opposition since the Action for Change (A4C) days. So, we know he got it in him. He has been in Parliament now for years and he has to show some finesse. We know he won’t win, but that isn’t the goal anyway. The goal is to undress the king and show his new clothes. It isn’t to implement or directly reform, because that’s impossible. That’s why he got to undermine and make a mockery out of the rulers. That is his job and currently we are not seeing that from him. Peace.

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine: New Years Message (01.01.2023)

Opinion: Endorsing Mzee in 2022 is the same as supporting a relic…

“1

a: an object esteemed and venerated because of association with a saint or martyr

b: SOUVENIR, MEMENTO

2 relics plural : REMAINS, CORPSE

3: a survivor or remnant left after decay, disintegration, or disappearance

4: a trace of some past or outmoded practice, custom, or belief” (Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Relic. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved November 20, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relic).

The ones that are busy semi-campaigning and making endorsements ahead of 2026 is only doing it, because they are hungry and wants to be seen. They are showing their support and using their time to vouch for an election, which is far from happening and years in advance. It is really just a pity, but that’s what they are doing.

In 2022, a year after the General Elections of 2021. The National Resistance Movement and the Government at large is having scheduled meetings or rallies across the Republic. Just to show the support and supporters of the President. That there are people still believing in him and want him to continue to be in office. Which is very rare… and unique in 2022. Especially, considering that his been in office since January 1986.

At this point and time… President Museveni has done everything he can achieve. The President have nothing to prove and doesn’t care. His just going through the motions and excelling at status quo. There is nothing that is triggering him or making him better at governing. No, his just enjoying the spoils, enlarging his entourage and creating more government entities. That’s what his doing while his often scheming, finding tricks and ways to siphoned funds from various government projects or whatnot.

That’s why it’s really blatant and out of touch to vouch for the man in 2022. His a the epitome of the past, neither the present or the future belongs to Museveni. He is the past and that’s why he always encircles it. It is for a reason why 1986 is so important and why he mentions all the predecessors too. That’s because it’s all he got and he has little to show for it. The rising debt, the lack of democratic credentials and the tumbling civil society. In combination of the deficit and lack of tolerance. It is giving him a jaded-vision and not helping the nation forward.

This is why it’s striking seeing supposed youths or other officials throwing weight behind Museveni. That’s because they need to be seen and show loyalty. Since everyone knows that Museveni isn’t serving the public anymore. No, his not a man of the people and the ones defying him is in danger. The ones that opposes him or leaves him… they can easily be accessed and be silenced. That’s happening on the regular and this is why they got to show him love.

Even when Museveni is a relic. He is an item of the past. Even if his living in the present. The bush-war legends aren’t that relevant. Neither is the 1990s wonder-kid and new-breed leadership the saviour of the era. No, the NRM and Museveni are a proof that some things aren’t for 2022. If it was… these sorts of events wouldn’t be necessary so many years ahead of the Election Road Map. The Electoral Commission is usually issuing that and the NRM or the Government is far to early to do this now. Because, there is no way the NUP, UPC or anyone else could pull of these sorts of stunts in 2022. We just know it and it’s clear what the message is…

The message is that Museveni is the one to come, the one that has been and will not change. He will come with “No Change” which he promised the public back in 1990s. That’s all his giving them and no one should expect anything else. Peace.

Opinion: The NRM will miss the DGF

Now that’s it apparent that the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) is closing in December 2022. This after baseless accusations and demeaning insults from the His Excellency President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni ahead of the General Election in 2021. Certainly, he that to control the narratives and in general ensure to silence his critics. While the DGF only did what it always has done, which is to support over 30 CSOs/NGOs who works on governance and civil education, which could have strengthen the society at large.

That’s why the closure of DGF will not only hurt a 100 people who has worked directly in the DGF. No, it will hurt the over 30 CSOs/NGOs who was directly funded by the DGF. Also, government entities and structures, which was also funded by the DGF. The DGF over the last five years has ensured a circulation of Shs. 15 trillion shillings. That’s a substantial amount of currency and monies that are taken out of rotation, which would be there to get domestic revenue for the state and ensure livelihoods of plenty. This will hurt service providers and those who is bound by contracts to the DGF and the entities it provided funds for. It is really compelling the damage the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has done here and it will feel it in 2023.

We know things was bad when the President suspended the DGF in February 2021. While he has lifted the suspension in June 2022. The DGF will not continue now and the regime will feel the losses. Just like the DGF together with NIMD used to support IPOD. Now, there are several other entities that is losing out. That will hurt the government and it’s institutions at large, but we know the President isn’t concerned about it.

The donors who made the agreement with Government of Uganda (GoU) to create the DGF in 2011, which happens to be Austria, Denmark, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the European Union might seek other partners or places to fund. Since, they are not welcomed or has the mechanisms to ensure development goals are met. Because, the donors has again to report to their citizens and taxpayers for the usage of funds. Which means they cannot just waste money and not prove any sort of value for money. That is squandered here, because the DGF was an organization and an umbrella organization, which kept it all organized and good oversight over it.

We know the national budget still needs external funding sources, though the bloated budgets are projecting more domestic revenue by any given year. Though there are common practice of deficits of funds, which leads to more borrowing, either domestically or by other sources. Meaning, the spiral of debts are growing and the nature of financing is becoming more dire. Since, the state has to pay interests and pay old debts to keep up with the programs. Certainly, the state or the republic has no plans to configure or has a back-up for the loss of DGF funding. No, it has lived on these funds for years and thinks the donors are gullible to return the favour anyway.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has gambled a lot of people’s futures here. The current day-to-day operations of both government entities and CSOs/NGOs will be hurting for a long time. They will not have payroll or be able to keep up with contracts, which was signed a time back. We will see both local government and NGOs cry out. Especially, when the DGF finally close and leave.

It won’t be that easy for the donors of the DGF just to donate or use funds in Uganda after this. They have had mechanisms and organizations, which have followed statutes and means of oversight. That is needed and gives good basis for them to continue to donate in the Republic. However, when that is now gone and cease to operate. The NRM with it’s baseless attacks and wanting to interfere. Has ensured this loss. They will feel the pinch and the loss of domestic revenue through this. They might not consider it right now. Neither the ramifications of the CSOs/NGOs, but their activities and such has ensured livelihoods of lots of people. That’s why this is biting the hand that feeds you. Without having any sort of back-up or other revenue to ensure the longevity of the partners of DGF, which are getting hurt by this.

The IPOD is just one of them, but there are 30 CSOs/NGOs and a few government entities that is losing out too. That’s where there will be shortfall in 2023 and beyond. Unless, the Government of Uganda is able to talk and negotiate again with donors to create another body to have similar functions. Which I doubt, because, why do that? When you have seen how the NRM and the President has acted towards the DGF? Peace.

Opinion: Mpuuga is a part of the G-Unit now…

“Sunday Monitor understands that a NUP caucus of more than 20 lawmakers has pledged allegiance to Mr Mpuuga or at least his ideals. Fred Ssimbwa, the Nakifuma country representative in the House, chairs the caucus that refers to itself as G-UNIT. During an interview with NTV Uganda’s flagship morning show, “Morning@NTV”, Bobi Wine said—without mentioning names—that he is aware of NUP lawmakers who have been “compromised.” It is thought he was referring to the G-UNIT” (Derrick Wandera – ‘NUP split pits LoP against Bobi Wine’ 25.09.2022).

The latest fluff piece in the Daily Monitor is hallow and certainly could have had more meat before serving it to the public. A look at friction or creations of “wings” within a party. There would be no different in the National Unity Platform (NUP). It wouldn’t be surprising if the NUP would have the same challenge as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) was faced with, which was the hardliners versus the establishment or more pragmatic types.

However, we have now a new sort of vibe within the NUP apparently. 50 Cent should get his group name back, the G-G-G Unit. I am wondering who is the most loyal fella among the G-Unit in the NUP? Because someone has to emulate Tony Yayo. Wonder who is the punchline king or Lloyd Banks? Lastly, who is the one with the poignant bars like Young Buck?

Well, enough fun and play… but it’s interesting reporting of a sort of G-Unit from within. Yes, that is natural in a party to have wings and different groups. Even when the main objectives are the same and their leader is the same. They still will see things differently and wanting to achieve the same thing. These people just thinks there is different way to succeed. Like said earlier there is many paths, but you as a party has to choose one.

We know that as a Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mathias Mpuuga is a pragmatic fellow and not a direct revolutionary. Even if his party has moved in that direction and has had as a signatory programme to “remove a dictator”. Which by definition is a revolutionary act in itself. That’s why a man like Mpuuga will get pushback and essentially from everyone who signed up to the central ideals of the party. Therefore, he would be questioned and wouldn’t always prosper.

Mpuuga could easily get in the space that the likes of Winnie Kiiza or Gen. Mugisha Muntu has been in the FDC. That’s not speaking ill of these, but that is natural progression and act within what is prescribed by the organization itself.

The G-Unit is most likely the former internal pressure group of 20 MP from within the NUP Party. We know that just a year ago Bobi Wine warned the G-20 about creating an internal group or pressure group from within, because that could be the downfall of a new party. That’s what he has stated in September 2021 to the News Editor and reported about in the Entebbe Post around the same time as the “secret mobilizing team”.

The G-20 surely doesn’t sound as intriguing as the G-Unit. Though there is no one who is as gangster or ruthless as 50 Cent. There is no MP or part of the Pressure Group who can compete with the aura and the will of Curtis Jackson. That’s just a fact, but they can surely try. That Mpuuga is a patron of this G-Unit, which is an internal part of the NUP. Only makes things more hectic and possible could question his moves. Especially, if the G-Unit wants to work in another direction than what the NUP wants. He shouldn’t be out of line or cross the leadership of Kamwokya, which he is representing and being elected through. He wasn’t elected on a G-Unit platform, but on a NUP ticket.

This here is interesting times. I’m looking forward to any sort of pushback or recognition of the story published in the Daily Monitor. This is only mere hours after the release. The NUP and the LoP got to respond. It is not a good look and speculations are running wild. In that regard, also jokes of G-Spot, G-String and other fitting rebrands of the G-20, which is currently G-Unit.

They knew the G in G-Unit stood for Guerrilla, right? If not… now you know. The ones giving the same and acronym needs to know. It would be foolish not to right…

Well… Mpuuga and the G-Unit got some answers to give. That is obvious. The NUP also have to deal with this. This isn’t for South Jamaica Queens, but for Kamwokya. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni promotes impunity in regard to disregarding court orders..

“I would want some amendment to this idea making independence to be a convergence of principles of justice. We should get time and discuss it deeply. Part of the problem they(security agencies) don’t implement court decisions is that they don’t agree(with them). There is need for convergence on what is justice in some of the cases between the courts and sometimes the population. For instance, we have got a problem of land issues especially in Buganda. You have got 5000 people in a parish and a magistrate says all of you must vacate because he has agreed with the landlord. Then the RDC says they must stay on the land. What is the historical position of the Ugandan reformers( NRM), freedom fighters and you the lawyers? If we just accept that court has decided that 5000 people must vacate, the RDC will come in and say they can’t leave. We say rubbish, they can’t go. If you say independence, it is abuse of power. You are making a big injustice to the population which can cause you a security problem” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (21.09.2022).

It is really special and unique for a man that has appointed all judges and has all his cronies in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The President has also appointed the Minister of Security and has total control of the National Army. All parts of Law Enforcement is following his command and is imagined in his idea of security. Therefore, the mannerism of what he said is so at fault. His blaming the same people he has trusted with the Judiciary.

The second part which is really troubling is that the President of over 30 years. He has created a new Constitution and enacted dozens of laws, which images what he stands for. The President has had the power and the majority for over 30 years. That’s why the President has the laws he deserves. Museveni knows this and the laws are there because of him. They are there for one reason. He wanted them and he has amended the laws several of times, as his mind has changed or being a President for Life makes it impossible to keep the old articles.

So with that in mind. Museveni should let the Courts judge in according to the laws and their judgements after their interpretations of these laws. Museveni has ensured the Judiciary are living within these limitations and scope of enforcement. The Law Enforcement and the Authorities are bound by the laws and how they are coded. That’s why the Courts cannot order differently or act against certain laws. This is because the President and his majority party has enacted these laws. As long as these laws are active and not repealed. The Courts have to follow them and judge accordingly. That is a very simple reasoning.

A man who has held power for so long and not willing to follow the Courts. It is just disgusting. Just shows the contempt of the same laws that he has enacted. He wants the Law Enforcement and Authorities to be above the law. In such a manner, that the laws are only mattering to civilians, but not the authorities, which are supposed to following it too. This is impunity and a double standard. One law for the people, another law for the security organizations that follows my orders.

The President wants his orders and directives to be more powerful than the laws. It shows that he don’t want rule of law or constitutional order. He wants to rule by his whims and direct orders. That’s what Museveni wants and this is why he defends defying court orders. This he does because it doesn’t fit his political alignment or his tinkering at that very moment.

The President surely defies court orders as a way of punishing his enemies or dissidents. He doesn’t care about not following the law in any concern. Museveni rather have his way than actually following the laws he has enacted. As a President his wording and pompous Head of State who clearly doesn’t value the legislation he himself has ensured or enacted it. In the years in office, he could have repealed or gotten his MPs to write laws that fits his current state of mind. If he had done that, the Judiciary and the Court would have ordered things differently. However, that has never been the issue, because if he did that. He would have higher stakes with the donors and with the ones who is supporting his reign. It would be draconian and be totally disregarding the values he came into office with.

That’s why Museveni is conflicted… and the President just shows contempt of the same laws he has enacted. This is disgraceful and distasteful, but its the epitome of how his ruling the nation at this very moment in time. It is also why he never wants accountability over the “safe-houses”, the drones or any sort of misuse of power. The President wants the fear and intimidation. He wants the ability to order tyranny and use the security organizations to his advantage. That’s why he don’t value the laws or court orders. Peace.

UNRA is adding interest charges on it’s debt amounting to 235,6 billion shilling per day….

The Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA), which is a government entity under the Ministry of Works and Transport is clearly not fit for purpose. The whole government is showing how it’s failing it’s governance, by not being solid and considering the costs of it’s operations. The Republic and their financial muscles are clearly not aligned. That’s why the State Budget isn’t only filled with deficit financing, but other parts of the state is run by it too.

UNRA director Allen Kagina is to blame her, but we know she has been directed and told to follow up on agreements in letters from the President. Presidential Directives are intervening and stopping a fair judgment of the tenders and the contracts signed. That’s why the whole blame cannot be put on her. As we have seen that the President has directed and told who is getting the bid. Therefore, the Ministry and UNRA has less powers.

That’s why the report published on the 6^th September 2022 called: “REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ON THE DELAYED PAYMENT TO CONTRACTORS, BY GOVERNMENT OF UGANDA, LEADING TO UNBEARABLE INTERESTS” is very important. That signals what is missing and how the reoccurring debt is appearing. The UNRA and Ministry of Works and Transport cannot compete. No matter how Gen. Edward Wamala structures or do his job, or even tries to configure within his means. The Presidential Directives and the current leadership structure is eating his ministry up alive. That’s why this report is earth shattering and shows how badly this is run.

The UNRA is becoming a loss-loss operation and the contractors are now losing money. They are losing money in such a way that the state has to pay with interests and add more costs. As they are already run on deficits. This is practically eating the roads and the supposed “integration” to markets, which the President always promises during campaign rallies.

Just read the quotes here… it is really tragic…

“On 4^th May 2022, Hon. Richard Sebamala, MP, Bukoto Central in Masaka District raised a Matter of National Importance regarding budget suppression particularly in the Road Sector with its attendant accumulation liquidated damages to a tune of UGX. 334,000,000 per day in the case of debts accumulated by Uganda National Roads Authority(UNRA). The Rt. Hon. Speaker directed the Committee on Physical Infrastructure to investigate the matter” (Report, P: 2, 2022).

“The Sky Rocketing Interest Rates arising from Government’s non-fulfillment of its obligations to Contractors amounts to foreseen trivial costs to Government. It is improper for the Country to incur foreseen trivial costs to a tune of UGX. 235.6 million per day in interest charges” (Report P: 9, 2022).

“Failure to pay the arrears will continue to cause Government to incur trivial expenditures including interest expenses, idle equipment and reduction in the works by Contractors” (Report, P: 9, 2022).

“The Committee considers that MDAs, specifically Ministry of Works and UNRA are the main contributors to the deficit of the UGX 573.5 billion with accruing interest rate of 15% per annum, and the resulting interest charges amounting UGX 235.6 billion per day. The non-payment of Certificates arose due to the shortfall in funding and the 40% budget cuts across the board” (Report, P: 11, 2022).

You can really see the key aspects of report by just reading these few quotes. That says it all. It shows what the state does and how the UNRA is run. The Government have failed the Ministry of Works and Transport, and in-connection to that the UNRA as well. This is from the top-down who haven’t acted righteous. It isn’t the direct fault of UNRA director or UNRA itself. The Ministry of Finance and the State House should answer for their faults too. They haven’t looked into the numbers and what things has cost. The President has directed and ordered certain projects and taken out loans to build them too. That’s why the UNRA only trying to cope with the work. While the MoWT only has to follow up and do it’s bidding too.

That’s why the new debt and added interests is only making every project more expensive. The state is only adding more debt. While it should have ensured and finance the projects it already has. This shows the the failure of the state and how badly it is run. The UNRA is bankrupting itself. The state cannot afford it and doesn’t have fiscal funds to cover debts. That’s why it’s gaining even more debt as the time goes. The daily interests and costs should worry the state… because this is just bad or going to worse even. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni is the sort of politician he would have hated in the 1980s…

“Because the politics of the past have been politics about intrigue, about subterfuge, this has been the politics of the past. This politics has not concerned the population. It has been about job-seeking on the part of the politicians. But now for the first time, we are going to talk about the population, their life, their political rights, their economic interests. That will be the centre of gravity of what we are doing” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (TV Interview in 1986)

Today is one of those days where I wonder if history will ever catch up to Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni. The man who re-invent himself ahead of any election. The sort of man that changes to whatever there is. A man that is willing to give up everything for the inch power and prestige. The man that doesn’t dwell on the circumstances, but swiftly regroup to get ahead. That’s all he does and this is why his tone changed over the years.

First part of his reign. He wanted to be seen as the new breed. The one you could count on for political changes, transform society and give hope for a better future. However, with time that was a smoke-screen to keep himself in power and by enough time to avoid any sort of accountability for his actions. Since, he has distorted, disrupted and ensured total control. That’s why Presidential Directives and letters matters more than legislation now. This is why his a sole-President without the burden of transparency or even checks-and-balances. He is just ruling supreme, the dictator and the man who uses vicious means to get ahead.

Secondly, Museveni knows perfectly everything ill with the previous regime. He even stated that in his first speech as well after taking power in 1986:

“There is, in philosophy, something called obscurantism, a phenomenon where ideas are deliberately obscured so that what is false appears to be true and vice versa. We in the NRM are not interested in the politics of obscurantism: we want to get to the heart of the matter and find out what the problem is. Being a leader is like being a medical doctor. A medical doctor must diagnose his patient’s disease before he can prescribe treatment. Similarly, a political leader must diagnose correctly the ills of society. A doctor who does not diagnose his patient’s disease adequately is nothing but a quack. In politics we have also got quacks – and Uganda has had a lot of political quacks over the past two decades or so. I also want to talk about co-operation with other countries, especially in our region. One of our weaknesses in Africa is a small market because we don’t have enough people to consume what we produce” (Museveni, 26.01.1986).

Thirdly, he even wrote this in an article in 1985:

“We are convinced that some of the post-independent African leaders are the ones that are just hopelessly out of depth and have got to look for scapegoats. Africa, since independence, has been tossed between, on the one hand idiotic quislings that are mere ‘caricatures’ of the worst aspects of the European middle class and, on the other hand, muddle-headed ‘revolutionary’ ideologies of Fabians, murderers and a variety of other opportunists, who spent more time putting people in preventive detention, when they are not murdering them … That is why African independence has almost begun to look as if it is a non-viable proposition” (Yoweri Museveni, Selected Articles on the Uganda Resistance War, 1985).

When you read these texts and quotes from Museveni in the past. You see that he knew what was wrong in the past. However, for him to stay in power and be in office for all these years. He has done exactly the same himself. His used these vicious means to stay and never leave.

It is just so striking after all these years. Museveni has backtracked… and become the same as he fought against. All the things he has used to describe the predecessors can be used on himself. Everything he has pinned on someone… can be said about him now.

After over 36 years in office he has turned into the leaders he didn’t respect or did rebuke in past. The man in the bush and after taking power… he promised a fundamental change. Nevertheless the “No Change” slogan of the past… is his true testament and what he has served the public.

The misuse of power, injustice and impunity which is what he is known for now. If you read these things today. It is so easily to pin it on Museveni. He is the epitome of the leaders he despised. The rhetoric and message that he used. Can now be used about him. Just the thought of this… shows how far he fell and how power corrupts. He wanted this and he thrives on it.

All the pieces of the puzzle fits Museveni. It is all him. He should know this, but clearly he will deflect this. If people remind him of older statements. He will say the times has changed and it isn’t important. At this very moment and time… he would have gone to the bush to fight himself. Museveni would have had tried to do a coup d’etat to get rid of this leadership. That’s what is so striking in 2022. Peace.

Opinion: The 27 Guns will not be celebrated in 2022

The death of Gen. Elly Tumwine at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya this week only shows what sort of sentiments are out there these days. The original 27 “freedom fighters” or “liberators” of 1981 will not be celebrated or be acknowledged in the manner that they wish they did. The “we fought” tribe has been entitled, gotten wealth and estates to live lavish one. They are a part of the new elite, which came up after the 1986 coup d’etat. Since then the “we fought” tribe has held power and lived beyond ordinary means.

The arrogance and the expecting it all is showing itself. The families of the “liberators” and “freedom fighters” expect to honour their memory and absolve them of all their actions. While they had over 30 years in power. Alas, the new elite has had over 3 decades in power, but they cannot die in hospitals or even trust the Kings Hospital, Mulago to get treatment. Heck, the person they toppled Milton Obote even could trust it at his second reign. Therefore, you know the 27 guns and their families has lost the plot.

The 27 guns, the NRA liberators and freedom fighters has lost their way. They expect glory and fanfare. However, they liberated themselves and their own tribe, but they didn’t make it happen for the rest of the Republic. That’s why maids are exported in massive ways to the Middle East. This is why there is known brain-drain and lack of development. The state is crippled and the schemes are only self-destroying itself. While the braggadocios and hubris of 27 guns still thinks they deserve credit.

The 27 guns deserves credits for buying into the lies and the deception. They traded their integrity and their soul for power and wealth. The NRA promised a lot of things and the 10 Point Programme was a vital part of their era. However, now in 2022 we can say that is a utter failure. In addition, to the hallow promises of Museveni himself; which has been so soulless and recklessly forgotten about. Like the NRA promised the end of extra judicial killings and other pockets of insecurity, but their own security organizations has ever since perfected these techniques and used them to incite fear. Therefore, the freedom and liberation they promised… is far from the truth and only for the chosen few.

That’s why in the year of 2022… there won’t be as much love for the 27 guns as it was in the end of the 1980s or in the 1990s. Heck, the same men would have been legends if they all retired and stepped down from being high ranking officials in the 2000s. The NRA/NRM could have been a game-changer, if they had earlier on and after the re-launching of multi-party elections to retire and let someone else be the head of state. However, we know that Museveni never intended to give up on power and had to revise or amend the 1995 Constitution twice to fit the bill or fit his self-styled President for life.

That’s why the NRA or the 27 guns won’t be as admired or looked up too. Even if the NRM and the ones in government has tried to make them heroic. It is hard to admire or look up to people who has ushered in a regime, which is violent, oppressive and brutal to it’s dissidents. A ruler who has no issues with silencing, intimidating or use force against the ones who opposes him. The man has no trouble monitor, wire-tap or keep people incommunicado without trial or conviction. Therefore, the liberators or freedom fighters fought for their liberty and freedom; but they seemingly didn’t fight for everyone’s rights. That right has only gotten to them and the ones in the inner circles. The rest has to beg or hope they don’t get caught in the web of deception or be bystanders to anyone rebelling the actual power of the state.

Like I said earlier, if the NRA/M had given way and been actually more democratic. The public would have validated them and believed their causes. They would have forgiven them for their mischief and violations earlier in their reign. However, with time the trust has withered and they have disregarded them over so long time. The men who “fought” for them has neglected them and the nation as a whole. The liberators has been in-charged and violated the public with impunity. That sort of acts was supposed to be over because of this bush-war. However, it was done under another name and with another head of state. Nevertheless, even with all of this in mind.

The families, the ones left behind and close associates of he 27 guns still expects glorification. They were vital and one part of the “revolution” that ushered in a new beginning. A new beginning that has turned into a false start. When you do that and linger on…

You cannot expect or think that people will show you or your cause any love. They start to despise you and want to distance themselves from you. That’s what is happening and they have seen what your kind was willing to do. The 27 guns and the NRA waged a war… that they claimed was legit and had the people in mind. Though we can say after all these years. The 27 guns got the best deal and got all the possible perks. Meanwhile the ones who they liberated never got the bargain they asked for. The sons and daughters, well, even the grandchildren of the 27 guns never got to see the promised land. They only got hear about it and the empty promises, which comes out on the regular. Peace.