MinBane
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Archive for the tag “NRA”
Lt. Gen. Tumukunde: Another NRM big-man aiming at the throne
Today, Lieutenant General Henry Tumukunde has unleashed his will and determination to stand as a Presidential aspirant in the upcoming election of 2021. This is not new that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have some big-men falling out. However, they have usually gotten back into the fold and gotten new chairs to fill..
Lt. Gen. Tumukunde is a long-term NRA/M, who has served in various of positions and held a high regard in the circles around the President. He has failed, gotten sacked and gotten into trouble. However, always had the ability to return and get in the good graces. In May 2018 with his latest role was being the Minister of Security. Also, we know something is up, when the aide to Tumukunde is releasing the information of him loosing military guards at his house in Kololo. That happened about a week ahead of the letter to the Electoral Commission on the 28th February 2020.
With regards to this, I’m not fooled. There been plenty of decoys in the past too. Even NRA historical of John Nagenda have been critical of the President, but still in good graces in the end. Surely, Tumukunde following a long line of Presidential candidates, who in the end looking for a new avenue for work after the elections. We are even seeing Amama Mbabazi returning to Museveni and getting closer like kin. Surely, Tumukunde wants those perks too.
In 2011, the former Local Government Minister Jaberi Bidandi Ssali was a Presidential Candidate as an opposition candidate. His the father of Bebe Cool, so we know that the NRM loyalties aren’t far from each other. Even as Ssali was known for talking against Museveni for never retiring, still he wasn’t anything the President feared in the polls. He was a former Minister who wouldn’t dare to insult his former master.
In 2015, there was two former high ranking NRM leaders who suddenly stood as Independents. This being Gilbert Bukenya and Amama Mbabazi. Both of these we’re high ranking officials. Bukenya went straight independent and even tried to swing the The Democratic Alliance (TDA) his way. Mbabazi tried to get a position in the Primaries in 2015. However, that is not how the game in the NRM works. That is why Mbabazi was clipped of his wings, both as the Secretary General of the NRM and also of his powerful role as the Prime Minister.
Now, Tumukunde is doing the same, as Ssali, Bukenya and Mbabazi has done. Some says its daring and inspiring. Some says its special for these men to aim at the king. Well, there is no succession and no parts to play internally. So, they got to be loose canons to ever try. However, these gentlemen knows that the President rigs and they will never achieve the goal. It is a battle they are bound to loose.
So, why do it? Is it to get the attention and possible be a part of the NRM NEC or something? Do they want a perky position and get back in the good graces? Is that it all?
Does Tumukunde want the cool headlines, that he visited the President at his farm? Is that all he wants out of life?
We all know, he has no shot to win. There is no winning in this, unless he wants to become the next Beti Kamya or something. If he wants a minor role in a mushrooming cabinet after 2021 elections. To be paid-off handsomely…
Well, this is not a drill, but is a curiosity. It will be bloody, it will be tested and he will be in trouble. However, in the end, he will kiss the ring and go back to his master. That is what they do.
Lt. Gen. will need to eat after 2021. He will return, it is just a matter of time and what he is on the menu. Peace.
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Gen. Benon Biraaro the loyal cadre of the NRM
“In 1996 I told President Museveni that the 10 years he had been in leadership were enough and advised him to leave power for others” – Gen. Benon Biraaro in November 2016
Maj. Gen. Benon Biraaro is one of those guys whose loyalty is not questioned. As he joined the Bush-War in 1982 and stayed the course. He has served several of high ranking positions, even as the Chief of Staff in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and been in the inner-circle of military commando, both as a rebel and as an armed commander.
The man of honour, the man who served so diligently for so long. Still, had one more rebellion in him to defy the bush-war General he previously served. As the Luweero Triangle Medal and others faded. Retired from the army in 2008 after serving it since 1982. He started the armed service after finishing studies at Makerere University. He formed in 2014, the Peace and National Unity (PNU) before relaunching himself again with the Farmers Party ahead of the General Election in 2016. Which was the party he used to stand as a Presidential Candidate in the last election.
The man who is now deceased. Claimed he opposed Museveni before Besigye. However, that doesn’t add up, as the man claimed he was against Museveni in 1996, but he was promoted several of times since then. Therefore, the man was clearly not that vocal before he retired. That is evident, because if he were. He wouldn’t gotten higher ranks and been promoted like he did. President Museveni wouldn’t have done that.
Some are claiming he was a syncopate and a stooge as an opposition candidate. As he didn’t have the recognition nor the flair to stand-up to Museveni. Only empty words, but not like crowds would surge around him. Therefore, Benon was a former Bush-War Veteran who seemed like a possible catch, but not of something that would aim for the stars as a candidate in the 2016 elections. The man who has held lectures for armed personnel, been a teacher and one whose loyalty haven’t been questioned.
Not like he ran against Museveni like Gen. David Sejusa aka Tinyefuza, who had to go to exile because he wanted to retire. No, Benon could just retire and start his own party without any interference or big question. That’s because Biraaro wasn’t anything Museveni feared nor had any issues with. Even if Benon during the campaigns and after it, as warned the President and the NRM of a possible Zimbabwe moment. In regards, that Museveni might get the same treatment, as Mugabe did in his final stages. However, that has happen without any fanfare.
What we do know, is that Benon Biraaro is now deceased. His no longer among us. A man who fought, who started on its own and is no longer amongst us. What he leaves behind is a fringe party, which is the Farmers Party. He leaves behind a weak attempt for a peaceful transition and post-Museveni.
He leaves behind a life in the armed forces, in the higher ranking position and where he was loyal to the core. Biraaro might wanted more for his legacy, but this is what it is. We know he went together with others after the General Elections in 2016 to the house-arrested Dr. Kizza Besigye and tried to offer a power-sharing agreement, where Besigye would be Museveni’s VP. But we know that this was dismissed in February 2016. Therefore, the General wasn’t always able to serve, even when he was trying his hardest.
Benon might want to remembered for more, there isn’t more I can say. He trained people in the Bush-War, he did it after the Bush-War and was a high-ranking official, and gotten medals for his service. Therefore, its not like he didn’t get accolades while living. Now, he is gone, but his legacy is loyalty, but not greatness. That is more than what some will be remembered for. He was loyal to the NRA and the NRM, to the President and to that cause. Peace.
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NRM Liberation Day 2020: Museveni is playing tricks on you
“Our position, however, has always been clear. If you play tricks with us, we shall play tricks with you; if you are honest with us, we shall be honest with you; If your violent against us, we shall be violent against you” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni excerpt from inauguration speech from the 29th January 1986
We are all seeing the gleeful celebration. The smugness of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The Party that took over the Republic 34 years ago on the 26th January 1986. The history has been written about this and the last victor writes it the way they like. While were never getting the answers for all the skulls of the Luweero Triangle. Clearly, there are some murky past of the bush-war, that hasn’t been released.
Still the NRM wants this day to bashed in glory. While I have found some pieces of articles from the same year. That shows how they did it. Even if the all the promises, the pledges and the supposed liberation haven’t been followed. Unless, internal peace is the only real thing to celebrate after 34 years. Because, the 10 Point Programme haven’t been ushered in.
Because, Museveni promised a mere change of guards. But he just became another tyrant, than the ones in the past. He might want to think well of himself. However, the next history writer will see the blood, the pain and suffering he has caused. The cronyism and the grand corruption, the systematic “high above” order. Where people are directed to the President and State House before things are happening locally. That is the Republic after 30 years under his reign. The promise and hope has been distorted, one day at the time and in 2020 there is no return.
Here’s a few out-takes from some articles:
“KAMPALA, Uganda — Rebel forces seized control of parts of the capital Friday in fierce house-to-house fighting with government troops, and Western diplomats said Kampala is on the brink of falling to the insurgents. “I think we will have a change in government soon,” one diplomat said. By nightfall, the National Resistance Army guerrillas had managed to silence the transmitters of Radio Uganda–the East African country’s national radio–but failed to dislodge all government units in the downtown area after a full day of fighting” Los Angles Times – ‘Fall of Kampala Reported Near as Troops Fight House to House ‘ 25.01.1986).
“Uganda’s rebel commander, Mr Yoweri Museveni, ‘whose five-year bush war culminated with the capture of Kampala last weekend, was sworn in as Uganda’s President. A s Mr Museveni finished the oath of office from Uganda’s British-born Chief Justice, Mr Peter Allen, thousands of onlookers cheered loudly. Life is returning to normal in the Ugandan capital following the overthrow of General Tito Okello’s military government by well-disciplined guerrillas. Kampala residents rejoiced at the takeover, which took place just six months after the last coup, and they appeared generally, confident the New National Resistance Army rulers offered real hope of ending the turmoil that has wracked Uganda for the post 20 years. NRA guerrillas captured Kampala on Sunday and western diplomats said they had also taken the country’s second largest town, Jinja, after a fierce lunchtime battle” (The Nambian, 31.01.1986).
“Museveni asserted would represent far more than “a mere change of the guard.” The absence of looting on the streets of Kampala after the takeover— in marked contrast to the aftermath of earlier coups— provided striking evidence in his favor. Young NRA soldiers guarded buildings and provided civilians with assistance. Intensive training while in the bush instilled in them The belief that they are to be “servants of the people.”rather than tyrants” (Africa Report – Volume 31, Number 2 P: 37, March-April 1986).
We can see, that people had a hope in 1986. We cannot take away from that. They had hope in Museveni and his cause. They had hope his rebels and their discipline would make a difference. However, that has been squandered.
The NRM didn’t become the servants of the people, they became the new tyranny. The ones whose rigging like the ones they overthrew. They are using “safe-houses” like the predecessor. The NRM are using arbitrary arrests, colonial laws and methods of past regimes to hold an iron grip on the opposition.
The NRM haven’t gotten rid of poverty, neither have they developed the nation in a fashion, which they have promised over the years. They should be sky-rockets to Mars by now, by all the pledges and promises. The state haven’t delivered the hope of 1986. Instead it has betrayed it and betrayed the ones dying for that cause.
That’s the worst thing. The ones who fought on the sideline of Museveni. The ones risking it all in the bush-war. Would be horrified by what has done. The other NRA historicals, and cronies now. Are acting as they are above the law and entitled to riches. Even, if they are supposed to serve. Instead, they turned the same tyrants they were supposed to get rid off.
That’s why the bashing in glory today is distasteful and disgraceful. The Republic deserves better. This was a false liberation. One man got liberated, his cronies got liberated, but the ones daring to play tricks on him, they will play tricks you too. Peace.
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The Long Walk to False Liberation: “Africa Kwetu” by President Museveni
“President Yoweri Museveni’s trek code-named “Africa Kwetu” through the seven districts of Wakiso, Nakaseke, Mityana, Kiboga, Kasandha, Mubende and Kakumiro has been brought forward to January, 4th 2020. The trek is scheduled for six days and is meant to retrace routes used by the NRA fighters during the liberation struggle” (NBS Television, 01.02.2020).
Well, it is a long time ago when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni took power. He took it and never left. The reality is that there was promise in this man, his words and his speeches resembled hope at one point. However, that point was a false flag, it was just an empty promise. With time he would prove that he was just like the previous masters, only more conning and willing to use all tools to stay in power.
Now, he works on his image, he tries to act as an elder statesman. Even though it is more lecturing and forged history lessons, than actually being an respected leader. If he would have joined this regarded people, who is seen as elder statesmen. He would have actually groomed someone before he had changed his own constitution to abolish term limits and age limit. You can be longer and older President, than what your allowed to as working-class, blue-collar civil servant in the state apparatus.
That is the Republic of Museveni. He wants to celebrate his legacy, his biggest victory, unleashing his National Resistance Movement and the renegades of 1980s. But they have become fat, entitled and enriching themselves on the benefit of the public. They are taking the land, the industries, the exports and the monetary wealth. While the rest is only getting the cold-leftovers. And with every election a small token of soap, a few thousands shillings and a free t-shirt if they are lucky.
That is what Museveni has brough them. If not, he changed the district they live in several of times, there been some Prime Ministers, some Vice-Presidents and even a few ministers. But, the President stands put, while everyone else comes and goes. Some NRA historicals are in the inner-circle, others are still having influence and matters locally. That is just the way it is.
So, the walk that is upcoming is more a propaganda show. It is to show how the NRA liberated the NRM, but didn’t liberate the public. Because, everyone else has to ask permission, get licences and so-on. The others has to be able and have the right connections to be able to do their thing. Not like everyone is allowed or have the ability to speak free, have the freedom to assemble and even communicate without consequences. That is because the President and his men wants everyone behind him. They cannot have rebels, even if they came out a rebellion themselves.
The walk towards “home” isn’t all that. It is a walk and a side-show, a long procession of finenessign the circumstances. However, the costs and the mockery of the events will happen. As the grandeur, the display as the latest victor will happen. The undermine every single other actor in the past. Every single one who lost and who was discarded will either be dishonoured or false claims upon. That is because Museveni and his men conquered and they WON.
President Museveni might do this as a display of power, history and call it liberty. It made him free, his associates, but it didn’t free the shackles of society. It just changed the master, made a more sinister ruler, who knows the ills of the past and uses those to his advantage. He knows the remedies, he spoke of them in the past, but he has instead revamped them and used those himself. That is the sort of leader he is.
So, for him in walk of celebration of greatness, of grandeur and prestige. Is just an attempt of selling his story to the next generation. Hoping they buy into the false promise and the false prophet of 1980s. The man for the peasants, the man for the villager, but instead became the man for himself. Peace.
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Opinion: Rukutana MP as an Minister is another scandal in the making…
Mwesigwa Rukutana, the Rushenyi County MP since 2001, who now has gone from being the Deputy Attorney General to be appointed yesterday as the Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations. His been within the upper-echelon since the 1980s, as he was a Minister of Lands between 1986-88. Therefore, his a man whose served in various position during the era of National Resistance Movement (NRM). So, that his returning from the Office of the Attorney General isn’t shocking.
Rukutana was implicated in the CHOGM Money Scandal, Land Commission Scandal, Commissioning the “Presidential Handshake Report”, Green-lightening the “Coffee-Scandal” of Salim Selah and so-on.
Rukutana is one of the most corrupt gentlemen in the Cabinet now. He would be close to Amama Mbabazi of historically corrupt gentlemen. Surely, Jim Muhwezi, Sam Kuteesa and Salim Selah would be part of the top 10. But, Mwesigwa Rukutuna would join them. His now in-charge of labour and surely will find some ways to find kick-backs to pocket. If he doesn’t he isn’t real to himself nor his mission in life, which is to eat.
Now, even just months ago since he was kicked of a land probe after “misconduct”. And you know something is up with the guy too, when he advices the state not to Audit the Uganda Telecommunication Company (UTL).
Therefore, his something else, his an corrupt soul, who know has more power. Since, his gone from being the Deputy Attorney General to become a minister again. Surely, there will land scandals in the foreseeing future. As his been entangled in plenty and there are more to come.
We would be shocked if he wasn’t rocked by more scandals in the future, especially now that he hold yet another office in the Republic. Peace.
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Opinion: Museveni used to be a darling of the West…
When I read that people have trouble that Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is liked in the West for his ideals and his vision. They shouldn’t forget that the West named President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as a “new breed” together with President Paul Kagame in the mid-90s. It is a few decades ago and seems like a lost time. But, it is not so far away from the current time were in now.
When I read that National Resistance Movement (NRM) hard-liners and apologists says Bobi Wine is to loved in the West. The NRM wouldn’t have stabilized the economy, wouldn’t have had some economic growth or ability to built successive big-programs back-in-the-day, if it wasn’t a donor darling. The NRM wouldn’t have done this on Qaddafi funds nor the North Korean training of military brigades.
If Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and other Americans like John McCain didn’t have a soft-spot for the proxy armies of Museveni. He wouldn’t get as much funds, military support and so-on over the years in power. That’s why the same gentlemen fuzzing about Bobi Wine amplifying the diaspora, going and getting support in North America.
Should remember how Janet Museveni was stuck in Sweden during the bush-war. How the NRA tried to get support from the United Kingdom during the Bush-War. They finally got some help, reluctantly from Libya. They will not speak highly of that today, but that is a fact.
That’s why its hypocritical of Museveni and the NRM to say Bobi Wine isn’t legit, because he has support from the West. That’s because Museveni isn’t an donor darling of the West any-more. He was during the battle against the Lord Resistance Army (LRA), countering HIV/AIDs and so-on. Also the build-up of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) in the 1990s. This is all well-known now.
However, the NRM people will come with daggers, swords and harsh words for endorsements from Americans now. But they was all praise and giggly like teenagers around pop-stars, when their President and the NRM was praised by the West back-in-the-day. For all achievements, the following of policies pushed by the World Bank and International Monetary Funds. Therefore, the NRM and Museveni should look at Bobi Wine and wish it still was them. Not act like they didn’t enjoy the limelight back when.
So, when people bitch about the endorsement. Just look back at how Museveni enjoyed the love from Bill Clinton and others. It was fine when he did it and even postponed elections while being praised. Even supported the insurgencies in the DRC and Rwanda, by the same foreigners. Therefore, the NRM and Museveni should remember they used to be the darling, but is now a bitter EX.
They are like Kenzo, who still wish they had the love of Rema. But they have lost it, because of the cheating and lies. The deception and playing the guards wrongly. Even as long as the NRM and the army fights the battle the US doesn’t want in Somalia. They are still not as loved as they used too. That’s why Bobi Wine is a threat there too. Because, his a new darling and the NRM cannot accept that. Peace.
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Opinion: The same obituaries written for Mugabe can be revised to fit Museveni!
I know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) will be shocked to their core, as they have been eating the propaganda and the spoils of the unfinished revolution of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Whose since the inception in the early 1980s of the NRA. Has spoiled his legacy, destroyed his victories and sealed his fate on this here earth.
The NRM won’t accept this, that is why the former freedom fighter, the liberation activists and current head-of-state. Will be remembered in the same fashion as Mugabe. They have both similarities, even as the Ugandan one has even more wars in the near area, than his counterpart.
They both have gone from being liberation heroes to become oppressors. They have both destroyed the legacy of positive change, because they lingered in power. They are both known for patronage and misuse of the army to control the population. Both men have rigged elections, silence the opposition, wrecked the economy and tried to act as big-men everywhere else.
President Museveni has also been involved in conflicts in and around the East African hemisphere. Even his soldiers have been hired as far away as the Equatorial Guinea. His been involved in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Museveni has supposedly helped and gotten rid of Juvenal Habyarimana of Rwanda, Mobutu Sese Seko of DRC, Laurent Kabila of the DRC and John Garang of South Sudan. Therefore, his legacy will live on, not because of the men stopped in the Republic, but also elsewhere.
Still, his actions in his own Republic will be calculated into the same fashion as Mugabe. As a man who had the Republic and had a promising start. Was loved by both the West and had the public behind him. Over time he lingered and gotten more and more sinister. His killing of allies, getting rid of generals and the acts of previous leadership. Shows, that the President didn’t really come with the promised change, but instead just changed the head.
When, big-men in and around the President dies. When kings and other noble men are in exile, when people are randomly kidnapped, tortured and killed. As the troubles of the past is coming back. The lawlessness and rampant injustice is ruling, because the patronage and the security outfits are loyal to the President, but not serving the public. This is why, the President will be remembered for that. For the deaths in Kasese, the assassinations, arbitrary arrests, the torture of opposition leaders and the usage of military to let the NRM stay in power.
These sort of things, make the similarities between him and Mugabe go away. That the same sort of story can be told. The same sort of obituaries can be written, just to Ugandan context with some more flex of power in the closer hinterland of Kampala.
Museveni will be seen as a former freedom fighter turned oppressor. Someone who went from having the promise and possible change the Republic needed. To become like so many others, be hooked on the greed, the power and the eternal faith that your the selected one to rule.
Yoweri went from being the humble servant to become the King, His Excellency and fountain of honour. The man who went from being the popular and promising executive, to become the self-styled President for life.
Mugabe ruled for 37 years, Museveni is at his 33 years. With so many similarities, that is why Mugabe was usually attending the inaugurations of him and likewise did Museveni visit Harare. That is just the way it is, they were brothers from different mothers. They chose this path.
Their intentions doesn’t matter now, what they used their time and their lives. Created lot of hurt, damaged a lot of peoples lives. They used it for personal gain on the cost of others. Others might salute them, but the victims, the ones who lost it all. Should be remembered, as they are not written in the sky. They will not have lavish burials or even a grave to go to. These people will die like and vanish like banana leafs, while these big-men will have ceremonies and tales written about them. While the people they made suffer, will not be heard or even have the ability to speak.
This is why, we know that the day of final destination is coming to Yoweri or Yosri. His last breath will come eventually. We don’t know when, but that is destined to come. We don’t know when, but Lord knows. Then, we will write in similar fashion and certainly not escape the truth of what Museveni did. Peace.
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Opinion: NRM Diehards [Don’t read this] – Here is a side note
The ones whose die-hard and Museveni loyalists. Well, my page isn’t for you. Unless, you will eat your heart out. Because, there is so much proof of his mismanagement, his utter misuse of power and patronage.
“Never forget 1986” [NRM narrates].
That if I didn’t have a day-job, didn’t have a personal life and wouldn’t like to enjoy it. I could write articles upon articles and express the dire reality.
Alas, the National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Are using propaganda, so many platforms and has a big team behind him to massage his message. He has TV Stations bowing their knees, newspapers and online outlets. All praising him.
As well, as all his advisors, all his puppets and the ones not wanting to someone else power.
“I tell you never forget 1986” [Museveni speaks].
However, there are enough shady going on. There is enough decisions being made. That even the Lady In Red in the supposed Ziggy Wine footage can bring. To change the narratives the way Canary Mugume or Andrew Mwenda wants. They have to get some Hollywood Producers to alter some tapes, because what the Uganda Police Force released wasn’t for-real.
Maybe, you can call me radical, FDC extremist or whatever. That is fine. I take it. But I will also tarnish any FDC MP or anyone who doesn’t act right or do the right thing. Just check my track-record.
“Don’t you dare to forget 1986” [NRA Historical tell you].
I am just tired of spin-control, damage control and utter spin. Where the tales of the forgotten, the lost men and women. Who deserve their credit and deserve justice. They are forgotten. They have fought for freedom. The liberators are now eating the kids of the revolution. They are now using the same mentality as the ones they was supposed to liberate the people from. The NRM who fought for supposed liberty, freedom and justice for the peasants.
Are now using the same tricks against their own. It is tiring to repeat it. As so many big cases are unsolved. So many people lives and livelihoods are taken away. The landgrabbing, the injustice and impunity. Done day-in and day-out. The NRM knows this, but they don’t want that out.
“You cannot breath, if you don’t remember why we fought in 1986” [Museveni speaks again]..
I’m just tired of it and the ones defending it. Because, everyone are supposed to be blind and follow without a conscience. Everyone is supposed to fry-their-minds like fries and hope that it doesn’t get burned.
So, if your a NRM die-hard. Think of this. What if your land is taken away without compensation, that your business is not accepted and the you cannot pay the school-fees. The civil servant position want pay your salaries on time and the presidential pledges to your area never comes. Will you still care? Will you still love this government, because it doesn’t love you. Your just a tool and someone they can use. When they don’t need you at the rallies, at the function, your gone to them. You could be a ghost like the ones in budgets, like the ones getting your supposed salaries and government tenders. But you don’t because your just a supporter and a loyal subject to His Excellency. Peace.
