Opinion: The Movement apologists has an unforgiving job…

Lest we forget.

We shall never forget their sacrifice and their eternal wisdom, which reflects so abundantly when they speak, write or profess their intelligence to the masses. It is unique and we all should aspire to their craft. As these gentlemen and ladies has a job, which we all should be grateful not to have.

The defenders of the National Resistance Movement and the Government of Uganda has a tireless operation to uphold. It has to make corruption into minor mistakes and make torture into a common occurrence. That’s what they do and they cannot faith in humanity, as they cannot dwell on the consequences of their actions. As the wounded, harmed and extra judicial killings has to explained by someone and the apologists are plenty.

The NRM has government spokespersons, media houses and representatives who is all singing the same songs. They are downplaying the severity and mocking the reality. It doesn’t matter, because they are eating and the plights of others doesn’t matter. The NRM has the power by the grips of the guns and by ruling the whole system with an iron-fist.

We know that the State House and inner-circle decrees, orders ensure the daily operations, which doesn’t follow constitutional order or protocol. That’s why we know that the Presidential Directives often supersedes laws and regulations, which just happen to be ascended into law by the same man. That makes it hectic to follow and also ensure the rights of the people.

As the President and his loyal men are all working to keep the system intact. It doesn’t matter at what cost and which sacrifice. As long as the sacrifice isn’t theirs and the ones in close association. Since, the citizens and dissidents has to pay the price. If it is kidnappings, kept incommunicado, tortured and later charged with bogus claims of criminal intent.

That’s why it must be a hectic mess to defend it. Not only stand your ground, but be flexible with the truth. As we know they have to dismiss and disregard the claims, the alleged and even the inevitable truth. Which flexes on their eyes and the facts remains the impunity and violations of human rights happens on the daily.

Yes, the NRM has instated courts and laws, but they are subjectively used, in a manner, which seems to help the elite, but be a bondage to everyone who dissent to the first family. That’s why it’s must be a brilliant attempt to spread the messages on all sorts of platforms. This is why the GCIC, Uganda Media Centre and all other avenues to ensure the people get memo. However, they cannot blindfold them all and neither will everyone trust their messages either.

That’s because in this day and age. They cannot control social media, the way things goes viral and the way to escape the planned news-cycles. As people can release, publish and even film on videos on their own. In such a way, that the state cannot contain or even get a full grasp of all things online. That is why they have to silence loudmouth critics and use computer misuse act and offensive communications as a tool to silence the ones who dares to speak with contempt.

In this manner, we know the double jeopardy, as the President himself is vulgar and has a vicious rhetoric. He isn’t a soft spoken angel of God, neither is his avenging son. However, the ones going after them is violated. While they are eating lavish lunches in the State House and elsewhere on the public’s dime. Therefore, it is unjustified to use these means against others. When you yourself does practically the same.

That’s why you know the Movement apologists has a terrible job. They have defend the use of bullets, massacres and extra judicial killings. They have to defend the rigged elections and the ballooned state, expensive government expenditure without growing domestic revenue. That’s what they have to do and on a daily basis. These folks has defend medical tourism, while blocking dissidents from getting fit-to-fly papers. That’s what they are up to and that’s the brave world of the NRM’s current Kampala.

It’s disgraceful and distasteful, but the mere reality of what they are willing to do. Noting is untouchable and all things can be corrupted. That’s what they believe in and they hope to catch others in their trap. This is the way they move and inevitably someone will fall for their tricks. However, the brutal reality will catch up on these men and ladies. The moment they fall-out with the unceremonious monarchy of Rwakitura farm.

At that time… the apologists will met the same fate, as the people asked to follow laws and regulations, as they are spared no after thought and goes through the painful adventure of the security agencies. They will taste the blood, the harm and be wounded like all the other people before them. Because, they knew this, but looked the other way. However, if they fall-out and becomes critical. They will meet the makers of their careers and it will not be much of habeas corpus for the courts or concern for the 48 hours before taken to court. As they are assessed in the same manner of which the former dissidents where.

These people could have known better, but they think they are supreme. Because, at this very moment … it might be wealth and fancy titles. Tomorrow might be devastation and utter impunity served their way. Peace.

Opinion: Muhwezi will not fall but if he falls [it will be as soft as a feather]

The Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga is now planing to censor the Minister of Security Jim Muhwezi. The idea itself is good and the intent is honest, but the reality is faulty from the on-set.

Yes, the opposition does the right thing to go after the Minister of Security in the concerns of the torture of civilians, activists and political dissidents in the republic. That is a righteous affair, but it will not change the fact or the system of which has since it’s inception done this.

To take down Muhwezi would be a victory, but it would be as short-sighted as taking down Henry Tumukunde or Kale Kayihura. Yes, you get rid of some leaders who has used their office for their benefit and straight up being loyal soldiers of the State House. Alas, it seems all good, but the next man will be as vicious as the last.

As long as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) are in power and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reigns supreme. There will no difference in concern towards torture. Torturing his enemies and dissidents has been Modus Operandi. That’s why going for Muhwezi isn’t solving the issue. It is making one man take some responsibility. However, Tumukunde and Kayihura had to fall over the BodaBoda 2010, but they had no real costs of doing so.

Kayihura is walking around like a free man and Tumukunde hasn’t paid a price as well. Yes, Kayihura was charged but later dropped. Tumukunde did spend some time behind bars, but was later allowed back at the round table. Therefore, there ones who do fall… only does so temporarily and later be back in the good graces.

So, if Muhwezi was to take one for the team. It will only be symbolic and the costs will not be anything substantial.

What is also very profound and real about all of this… is that Muhwezi didn’t invent the system or the modus operandi. No, his just carrying on tradition and doing the bidding, which all his predecessors did. He is just continuing the same methods and security agencies are acting accordingly.

Muhwezi has inherited this one and just following protocol. His not an inventor, entrepreneur or a leader of men. No, his a token soldier of the NRM and a part of the kitchen cabinet. Yes, his useful as a figurehead and a proof that loyalty pays off. However, you don’t have him there out of brilliance or skills of governing. No, then you would have hired an able body who actually could do his job.

Mpuuga is doing the right thing, but it is useless, which is tragic. Not because the 11th Parliament and the Majority MPs will accept the censoring of Muhwezi. Well, its useless, because it doesn’t matter who is the Ministry of Security. That’s because of Lt. Muhoozi Kainerubaga and his father. They are really the heads and the ones running it… and they can do whatever they want. Especially, if someone offend anyone with a working brain-cell within the State House. Then the whole hell will break loose and the tricks of old will return on new flesh.

This shouldn’t shock anyone, but that is the case… Mpuuga could censor anyone with a pulse with the NRM and most likely Museveni would find a knob-head to takeover and the results would be the same. That’s why he has hand-picked fishermen and not people who are in their field or capable of running things.

It is for a reason, so that he can control it and they can catch a check. In the matter of security and the security agencies. If it is UPF, UPDF, ISO, CMI or SFC… you can change the leadership, but the results are most likely becoming the same. As the torturing will not stop and will only cease to buy peace. Just like the newest IGP Okoth Ochola suspended the institution of Nalufenya for a moment, but it returned to relevance later when the blow-back went away. Therefore, the ones believing a change…

Well… Museveni promised you “No Change” and that’s what his giving you on a daily basis. That is the sinister truth in this matter. The blood and suffering will continue. The handlers and big-men is calling it a “mistake” and downplaying the severity of it. That’s what they do and it’s deliberate …

Getting Muhwezi sacked will only give leverage to another NRA historical or trickster of Tumwine fashion. Who knows if Tumukunde could be revived to prominence again… but God knows that the pain and suffering isn’t over.

The torturing will continue as long as the big-men, as the men who decree and orders this isn’t touched. The ones who is in-charge has no price to pay. The only thing happening is musical chairs and the ones tortured is listening to the boring song yet again. They know the hook and the drum-solo. However, the pain and the plight is far from over…

Mpuuga is showing trust in the system and the institution of the Parliament. However, his not battling a system of laws or rule of law. He is fighting a warlord and a tyrant who plays different sort of game. If his trick would work… he would have to weaken the tyrant and he isn’t… only weakening one of his pawns and that one can easily be traded.

Muhwezi will just return. He can go into scandals after scandals. Jim can do whatever he likes and he will return to office. That is just how the things are moving and going after him is futile. Not because it isn’t the right thing, but because this is the system that Museveni has created around him.

That’s why we know Muhwezi will not make a difference and just be a tool of the system. He is inter-changeable, but also useful. Because, he will be loyalty unto death and that’s all Museveni seeks of his comrades. The others haven’t understood that and if you do… he will reward you and even if fail the government. He will offer you another part after it’s all water under the bridge.

The same would happen here and if he was to fall. Then some of the other NRA Historicals could return and with a vengeance… Peace.

Opinion: Minister Mukasa is talking about torture like it is an alleged activity of the state

Torture is not a policy of government nor is it even a method of interrogation. The law on this is very clear. The President has in his own words stated the position and policy of government” – Minister Mukasa (08.02.2022).

Wilsom Muruli Mukasa, the Minister of Justice amd Constitutional Affairs dropped a statement on torture in the Republic. The Minister is just proving how ridiculous and tedious it is to challenge this in the 11th Parliament. As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Security Agencies will not looking into the Modus Operandi of the ISO, CMI, SFC, LDUs, UPF or UPDF. Therefore, we know the statement delivered and spoken about by the minister is initially pointless.

What is released in the government statement is nonsense. It is like the pictures, the witness stories and even the court cases are alleged affairs. We are just to believe the high ranking officials and call it a day. That is just over the top stupid and the hardliners of the state should look into themselves. Because, this is getting really dumb and the dumber it becomes… the more foolish is the defences of the state.

All the persons in the custody of the government agencies can and will be accounted for in accordance with the law” (Mukasa, 08.02.2022).

Sometimes I wonder, if these high ranking officials and defenders of the state lives in the same country as the rest of them. If they are just living in such lavish mansions and away from the grim reality for the common folk. That they cannot see, touch or even comprehend what is happening around them.

This is not the first time a high ranking official does this and it is not like the state has a clean slate. The state has a long record of human rights violations and torture is just one of them. Yes, the state has laws, which makes it illegal, but that doesn’t stop it from doing it. Neither does it stop it from having “safe-houses” or the usage of torture as technique to intimidate or strike fear into the population. Because, that is what it has done and its deliberate.

A statement like today… is just making it sound like there is a rule of law. When we know there is one law for the anointed ones and another means to an end towards the dissidents. The state can retaliate and use all force to silence or even mute the ones who are in its way. That’s why extra judicial killings been happening and torturing civilians continuously as well. Therefore, the pointlessness … is just staggering.

The ones believing this are naive. What Mukasa should have said was to open up real investigations and allowing the committee to check all alleged “safe-houses” and detention centres of state. As they should be allowed to see and look into it. That is the reality of this here, because he says the rights things, but that doesn’t make it true…

We know better and seen the victims. We have read the court documents and seen the settlement cases of the state. Which shows the amount of people tortured. In some cases a few thousands who has complained about it to the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), but that is just the top of the ice-berg and who knows how many the state has actually tortured over years.

We only know about the few who has been witnessed and the ones catching the headlines. However, we know there is more and that there are people who are silent after the acts of violence towards them. Peace.

Opinion: Sorry wange, but it’s not happening…

“The leadership of Parliament is asking the opposition in Parliament to rescind their decision of boycotting the parliamentary sittings saying their issues can be well addressed on the floor of Parliament. Solomon Silwanyi, one of the commissioners of Parliament, says the continued absence of opposition in the House will not only affect the people they represent but also there will be no platform for addressing their concerns” (NBS Television, 07.02.2022).

This is naïve. It is utterly disrespectful and distasteful. It is like Solomon Silwanyi (National Resistance Movement), the Member of Parliament representing Bukooli Central haven’t seen what his government does and how it stifles the opposition in the chambers of the Parliament.

Yes, the Opposition gets to speak and participate in Committee’s, but the results are dead on arrival. Just in the previous 10th Parliament, the MPs was barred from entering ungazetted safe houses. They we’re not allowed to investigate or look into the practices of state security agencies. Therefore, Silwanyi MP must things people are stupid or obviously having short memory span.

As we know the Ministry of Defence and Minister of Internal Affairs will not indulge or budge on the matter. These are confidential and will not unleash the harsh realities. There is only drip-drop of information leaked through witnesses and little-to-a-few court cases diving into the matter. Alas, Silwanyi MP should be a bit sincere.

We know Mathias Mpuuga MP could have spoken his peace and so could other opposition MPs. However, it wouldn’t materialize or create anything substantial. That’s why Nalufenya is still active and several other entities, which does similar practices across the Republic. Therefore, the NRM MP isn’t talking the truth and we know it.

It is not like the Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga going to listen to a petition or a motion to cease with these sorts of activists. No, his avenging his father on the regular and so is other men too. They are using the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Internal Security Organization (ISO), SIU Kireka and the Special Forces Command (SFC) to silence critics and dissidents all over the Republic.

Therefore, MP Silwanyi. If the previous MPs and Parliamentarians couldn’t investigate or enter buildings, which was alleged “safe-houses” … why do you think speaking in the same chambers now will help the cause? Seriously? Do you think the culprits, the ones ordering or the decreeing these matters will stop?

No, they will continue the human rights violations, the burden of proof will never be delivered, as that is the plan from the on-set. To do the deeds in darkness and not allow anyone to shed lights on the matter. Talks, motions or petitions in Parliament will only get you so far.

It is not like the state has stopped arresting, kidnapping, keeping opposition activists and leaders incommunicado, torturing and even extra judicially killing to silence them. Therefore, why does the MP believe their words matters now? When everything ill is happening, and nobody is stopping it. It isn’t like these practices has ceased to exist and not been active. They have been there all along since the inception of the NRM.

He can get high on his own supply, but it doesn’t make it more real. When we know what they can do and without any warning or charges towards the individual. They can just take you or kidnap you without any sort of justification. While the MP wants the Opposition MPs to talk even more. Like that will settle the score and make any ramifications, as long as the practices continues in darkness.

That’s why his whole premise is wrong, and the nativity should be challenged. Because, it is not like the army commanders, the first son or anyone involved wants the record in public. They only want some revealed to spread and show their force. However, they don’t want people to really look into it or stop because then their methods of brutality has to stop.

Something we know isn’t part of the plan… and the Opposition will not be able to stop with some talks or committee meetings in Parliament. Peace.

Opinion: The Use of Torture has been the Modus Operandi of the Museveni era

Amnesty Report March 1989 Page 29

In our traditional societies, torture was commonly used and it was not only accepted but, actually, encouraged. Hence, the proverbs like: “Akabwa kaiba kaihura omugoongo gwaako” in Runyankore and “Akabwa kabbi, kasasula mugoongo” in Luganda. In both dialects, it means that “a stealing dog pays with its back”, i.e. by being struck with sticks (enkoni, emiggo) on the back” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – ‘PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT ON TORTURE’ 16.05.2017).

In these days, the recent torture of Kakwenza Rukira is spinning online and going viral. As he has been through the ringer before and what happened in 2021 isn’t the first time his behind bars or tortured for that matter. The writer and activists has been into legal trouble for his writings and publications. Therefore, he knew what was going on and knew how to tell a story afterwards.

However, most of the ones tortured aren’t high profiled individuals or people in the spotlight. No, they are average citizens who happens to be associated or participate in opposition politics. This being part of any sort of organized political work in association with Dr. Kizza Besigye or Roberet Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Heck, there been torture of members of Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and other party activists as well. Though the most notable and in the press is the one in association with Besigye and Bobi Wine.

Nevertheless, the practice has been going on since the inception of power. Museveni and National Resistance Movement (NRM) have used the same techniques and violent oppression of its predecessor. Maybe not in the Argentina House, but they have perfected elsewhere. Where they are using means to an end and torturing civilians on the regular. The numbers that is reported is only a fragment or maybe just an assumed amount of people tortured. As many doesn’t dare to file a complain or is worried that they would be tortured again for doing so. Therefore, the amount of victims to this practices is unknown and the scale is larger what is known. Because, the security agencies and the NRM will not enlighten the public about this. That is very obvious and clear by how they deny the activities and speaking up against it. While they are continuing the practice…

Here is just a few out-takes from various of reports and articles, which describes what the state has been doing since 1986 till this day.

Amnesty 1986-89:

The elimination of torture was a publicly declared aim of the new government and an early move was Uganda’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which includes a mechanism for hearing individual complaints at the international level. Although the government has succeeded in greatly reducing the use of torture, there is still abundant evidence that the practice has not been eliminated. As with extrajudicial executions, the problem is greatest in those areas where there is armed conflict, although Amnesty International has also continued to document torture in Kampala, both in NRA barracks and in military intelligence and Internal Security Organization headquarters. The best-known and most widely used method of torture under the NRM government has been “three-piece” tying, or kandooya. This involves tying the victim’s arms together above the elbows, behind the back. It can be used as a method of restraint, but it is described as being extremely painful and so can be used deliberately to cause pain and coerce prisoners into making statements during interrogation. Sometimes prisoners tied kandooya-style are beaten at the same time; sometimes their legs are tied up behind their back as well and they are suspended (this is known as “suitcase” or “briefcase “). Unusually, the government has ·acknowledged the use of kandooya, which for a long time was authorized in the NRA as a method of restraint. The government apparently did not accept that it was used as a deliberate method of torture but was convinced, in early 1987, that it was a form of ill-treatment. An order banning kandooya was issued through the NRA chain of command and it is a measure of army discipline that this ban has been widely obeyed although kandooya is undoubtedly still used, especially in the areas of armed conflict” (Amnesty International – Uganda – The Human Rights Record 1986-1989, P:31, March 1989).

Safe-Houses” and the Kandoya technique of torturing:

The types of torture being now committed in Ugandan ungazetted illegal detention places (“safe houses”) include kandoya (tying hands and feet behind the victim); suspension from the ceiling while tied kandoya; water torture or “Liverpool” (forcing the victim to lie face up, mouth open, while the spigot is turned on into his mouth); severe beatings with hands, fists, pistols, metal rods, and wooden sticks with nails protruding; death threats, including putting the nozzle of a pistol into the victim’s mouth, showing him fresh graves, dead bodies, or snakes; putting the victim in the back of a vehicle where his captors sit or put their boots on him; abusive language and threats; and kicking with boots all parts of the body. The torture includes the gang rape of females; and mutilating the male genitalia of suspects, through kicking, beating with sticks, puncturing with hypodermic needles, and tying the penis with wire or weights. The male genital torture cases that Human Rights Watch found are far from the only ones: the UHRC ordered the government to pay damages to a man who was tortured for ninety-three days and who “is not a man anymore.” In many cases, victims are refused medical treatment. Some have died as a result of these and other acts“ (…) “Weakened protections and guarantees facilitate the commission of torture. These unacknowledged places of detention are not visited by outsiders nor by government officials charged with inspecting conditions inside detention cells. The government is provided “deniability” by holding the detainees in secret, and this creates a feeling of impunity among security and intelligence officers. The 1995 Ugandan constitution explicitly outlaws the holding of detainees in unacknowledged or “ungazetted” places of detention, that is, those not published in the official gazette. Police stations are gazetted facilities. UPDF barracks and CMI offices are not gazetted facilities. The other “safe houses” where the non-police agencies hold, interrogate, and torture suspects are not gazetted and are illegal also” (Human Rights Watch – ‘State of Pain: Torture in Uganda’, March 2004).

Systematic torture:

The state uses torture to wear people down, both physically and mentally, to extort information, confess to a crime or until they become so instilled with fear that they are no longer considered a threat to the regime. In the last 10 years, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has lodged more than 7,500 torture complaints” (…) “Victims are sometimes compensated when their cases are heard at the UHRC tribunal, but the perpetrators are hardly ever brought to justice, and they can rarely be identified anyway, since the torture tends to be executed by plain-clothed security operatives” (…) “Brigadier Henry Tumukunde, who was central in establishing the system of safe houses that is still very much in use today. Tumukunde was at one point head of Uganda´s Military Security Organisation, but fell out with the Museveni regime and was sentenced to a spell of house arrest at the Senior Officers´ Mess in Kololo, Kampala. Tumukunde has since worked his way back on good terms with Ugandan authorities” (Wendy Glauser – Human Rights House – ‘Widespread torture in Uganda, in so-called ‘safe houses’ and elsewhere’ May 15 2008).

Nalufenya:

The practices of torture seemed to have been rationalized. Uganda has since converted the Nalufenya police station into a Guantanamo Bay of sorts. The mere mention by an accused person that he was interviewed from Nalufenya immediately raises a red flag. The mayor for Kamwenge Town Council who had been arrested on allegations of treason was literary butchered as chunks of his flesh were cut off his knees and ankles” (David Baxter Bakibinga – ‘The Role Of Prosecutors In Preventing Torture And Ill-Treatment Of Accused Persons And Proposals For Reform’ 2018).

In May last year, Ugandans were left in shock on seeing the gruesome pictures of Geoffrey Byamukama, the Kamwenge mayor, who had been tortured by the Police over allegations that he had had a hand in the murder of slain former Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Felix Kaweesi. In the days that followed, more pictures of tortured inmates at the dreaded Nalufenya detention facility trended on social media. Ironically, many of them were later freed by courts due to inadequate evidence to pin the suspects. The facility was recently closed by the new IGP Ochola Okoth. However, Byamukama and others were not the first and may not be the last, for torture remains the most recorded human rights violation in Uganda, with the Police accounting for a majority of the incidents. According to a Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) report released last year, a total of 1,658 torture cases were registered between 2012 and 2016” (New Vision – ‘Day Against Torture’ 2018).

As we see, the usage of torture is prevalent and clear as day. The NRM promised a fundamental change of guards, but is openly using the same means and practices of which the predecessors did. They are doing it at a large scale and thousands of people have been scorn by the regime. It is clear that this tactic and usage of violence against the population is deliberate. As a means to an end and a way of getting people into submission. Getting them into fearing the authorities and the state. As you can easily get into the “panda gari” or kidnapped incommunicado by a drone. Just because you associate or work for a cause, which is deemed as fit by Museveni.

That is the case here and torturing will not stop. Not as long as the security agencies are allowed to do so. Not as long as there is no consequences to the ones ordering, acting and punishing civilian this way. The laws are written, the constitution states what is right, but the government and its agencies are obviously not caring about the written words. As long as they can torment and torture civilians on the regular. Peace.

Opinion: The Rebel born out of War is set to create Peace [according to IGAD]

The executive secretary of IGAD requested the President to intervene and help IGAD find a long-lasting solution to conflicts in some of its member states and he agreed to do so, they asked the President to intervene and help resolve the conflicts because of his experience in leadership and conflict resolution but he said he can’t do it as singlehandedly, he needs to engage other leaders in the region” – Mr Faruk Kirunda, the deputy presidential press secretary of IGAD (01.01.2022) – (Stephen Otage & Paul Adude – ‘Museveni to mediate Sudan, Ethiopia conflict’ 02.02.2022, Daily Monitor).

This is actual disbelief. Not that this idea is anything new. They used President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni in the Inter-Burundian Dialogue, which was a travesty of a diplomatic mission and also used his tricks in the 2018 in South Sudan. Therefore, some might say his the right guy, but I beg to differ.

This man has sent soldiers all across the board. This President has used warfare to help his causes. To install puppets and his head of state’s elsewhere. Museveni have used violence, warfare and fierce conflicts to get on top. It is not like Museveni came with peace and peace endured. No, he prolonged warfare in Northern Uganda for years… and he could have silenced the guns earlier.

Museveni has spoken with double tongue so many times. If it was in relations to the genocide in Rwanda and getting Kagame into office in Kigali. The manner of which he took down Mobutu Sese Seko in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Neither will we need to discuss how he used militias and military operations to bring down Laurent Kabila in the DRC. There is also speculations in his involvement in South Sudan founding father Joseph Garang.

That’s why I have hard time believing in a man that couldn’t even honour the Nairobi Peace Accord of 17th December 1985. It was just the next month and a momentum, which brought him into power. Therefore, he celebrated NRM at 36th Year Celebration on the 26th January 2022 in honour of the takeover and coup d’etat on the 26th January 1986.

So, that man… who used military means and conflict to rise to the top. Is the man that the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) trusts to mediate and help solving conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia. This man is the wrong one and the most insincere one.

Since, during the mediation in South Sudan in 2018. He sent snipers and was the arms-dealer of the state. While trading arms to them not only during an arms embargo, but holding talks at the State House with various of fractions within the conflict there. That is the sort of fella Museveni and that shouldn’t be forgotten.

Museveni supports para-military groups and insurgencies, when it benefits him and his allies. He has done it countless of times in the DRC and it will not stop. That is the sort of President he is. So, I have a hard time to believe him to be neither neutral or seeking peace. He will find ways to make the current leaders free and ensure the big-men in their respective strongholds. Just like he supported President Salva Kiir Mayardit in South Sudan and only held a few meeting at the State House with other parties.

Therefore, having Museveni to play parley and peace is the wrong person to do so. The President hasn’t been sincere and a known liar. So, this man shouldn’t be trusted and his objectivity is usually questionable at best.

The IGAD should seek more qualified and less questionable leader to mediate in conflicts, as this man will not solve anything. Alas, he will only prolong the agony and find ways to benefit from the things happening himself. That’s the sort of man he is and Museveni shouldn’t be anywhere close to the stakeholders in Sudan or mediate in the conflict in Ethiopia.

If Museveni was supposed to do so, I would expect him to gracefully get visit from Transitional Sovereign Council at the State House of Entebbe and bash in their glory. While accepting all stipulations and ideals of army commanders of Khartoum. As Museveni wouldn’t challenge or seek talks from Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) or any of the other civilian Resistance Committee’s, which is on the streets demonstrating for a civilian elected government. Therefore, it would be half-assed and a lie. Where the President and his Vice would get play, but the others wouldn’t even be touched…

If he would be like this in concern to Sudan. How do you think he would be, in consideration with the stakeholders and the parties of the conflict in Ethiopia? Secondly, who believes the Prime Minister Abiy will even talk or negotiate with Tigray/Oromo leadership, which he has fallen out from. Therefore, Museveni … will not be the guy or the mediator the world needs.

Museveni will not solve or resolve things. No, he will only make a splash, hold hands and sing Kum Ba Yah around the tent-fire. However, don’t expect him to single-handedly make a difference. No, he will just find ways to profit from the situation himself. That is what he does… and that’s the sinister truth in all of this. Peace.

Opinion: The Master of Coups – Speaks up against it! Yet again…

“I would like to invite African leaders to sit down and exchange views on how to build strength in Africa. We (in Uganda) have some experience but what is happening now is going to take us back.  Civilian leaders have failed to build strength through strong armies, the problems happening in more parts of Africa today started with the attack on Libya by people (the West) who could not listen to Africa. All terrorist groups who were in Libya are now spread up in the whole of Sahel, those soldiers (coup leaders) are not accountable to anybody. Nobody elects them. How can they do a good job for people?” – Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (26.01.2022).

There is a saying, that a man shouldn’t throw stones in a glasshouse. However, President Museveni don’t mind being selective about history or by his own actions. It is not like he was elected through the popular vote or had the ability to be civilian in office. No, this man rose through the ranks with the usage of heavy weaponry and militia tactics. He used rebellion and insurgency to his own benefit and when he entered office; the man never let go and that’s why he celebrates 36 years in office today!

His Excellency has not only brought down several of predecessors with the guns. He has done so across the board and has successfully brought down head-of-state in the region too. It is not like he has been the voice of democracy or the will of the people. No, this man prefers his way and having his allies all over. He doesn’t want anyone who stands in his way or can take away some assets. Because that is the gist of things.

Museveni fears for a coup d’état and a revolution at home. This man should know perfectly well. The moment the soldiers aren’t eating or having a field day. They might stir mutinies and start to renegade against the state. The President should fear for that.

Since Museveni haven’t fostered a fundamental change at home. No, he has offered a “No Change” and little to nothing for progress in the Republic. The same ills and bad governance are growing in his state. As he has a patronage as big as a stadium and a bloated government with little to no proper oversight. He has dozens of organizations and commissions, but they are just handpicked elites who are there to eat and not spoil the party. Therefore, nothing is moving forward, and the President has little to show for it.

He speaks of strong armies will counter this, but because of the strength of the militaries in the West Africa. Is partly the reason for the coup d’états. As they have the manpower and the wits to succeed. Just like Museveni did in the past. As he could take down with his allies’ other former heads of state. Where he could win and conquer with all means at his disposal. He didn’t mind or didn’t care about the consequences, since well, he took charge, and he got the throne.

That’s why when the rebel of the 1980s speaks up against the military government of West Africa. A real hypocrite. As he could never cease power with the ballot. That’s why he had to cheat the current day Archbishop Ssemogerere even in 1996 after failing even worse in 1980. Therefore, his was the political amateur who thought he was God to Men at an early age.

He wants armies loyal to the throne and to people like him. The old man fears that the armies would be deemed loyal to the state and the republic’s themselves. As his selfish interests lay in the control of the armies and the power of the militaries. He don’t want to see his own general or anyone conspire to do the same to him. That would be the picturesque copy of what happened to Al-Bashir or Mugabe for that matter. He would rather lay in coffin, than see the demise of his own reign while breathing.

We just know the hypocrisy and it’s needed to be called out. Since it would make no sense to be silent about it. Especially, when his serving such a militarized state and misuses government offices on the daily. It is not like he has tools or the concern for the betterment. No, that is just empty pleas and lies of old. The old man shouldn’t speak of coup d’états, even if he fears them like disease.

Well, he wouldn’t be here and be the commander-in-chief today, if it wasn’t for a successful coup d’état in 1986. Peace.

Opinion: Mr. Sunday has still not repaid his dues to his combatants

As the celebrations to mark 36 years of President Museveni’s reign draw closer, several veterans are still demanding their compensation. We have talked to some of them who want to meet the President and tell him how his government has neglected them. The Ministry of Defence is on a countrywide verification campaign for the veterans. However, in the Rwenzori region, some veterans with missing documents claim they were washed away by River Nyamwamba that flooded recently” (NTV Uganda – ‘Ex-combatants stuck over missing discharge certificates’ 22.01.2022).

We are in January 2022 and these combatants was participating and fighting the liberation war, which the President and his patronage have been living large on for years. The National Resistance Army/Movement (NRA/M) have held power since 1986 and had the opportunity to pay and help the NRA war-veterans. However, they have clearly failed in doing so.

The Ministry of Defence has the biggest budget posts and huge war-chest year-upon-year. It is like the Veterans Assistance Program of the early 1990s didn’t catch up or was properly built to help the ones who fought. The Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) and Ministry of Defence has the sufficient funds and manpower to make things happening. As well, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was funding the establishment of VAP, because it was a paid planned for demobilization and disarmament. Therefore, the Government of Uganda had a plan and issued programmes to secure their compensation. However, even with IMF and donors giving funds back in 1992. The combatants was lost in the web and forgotten.

The ex-combatants was supposed to get a setting-in package. That is what many has never received. This is empty promises to the ones who made it possible and fought with the President. These was the ones who risked their lives in the bush and could easily been killed in the war. However, he haven’t appreciated them or valued their role. That is why they have been paid to this day.

It is really tragic, when you know the Government of Uganda and IMF had set-up programs and phases of unleashing this. Not only to silence the weapons and the ex-combatants, but give them a future beyond the battlefield. However, the greed of Museveni never cease to amaze me. As he wants even the ones who fought to beg from him. Instead of paying their dues and with added cost.

This just show how little other people lives matters to the NRA/M. When they cannot even take care of their own. So, many of the ones who deserved the setting-in package and be secured with the VAP. Nevertheless, that was too much to ask for and he wouldn’t even do that for them. That’s the sort of fella Yoweri is…

It feels even absurd when you know… the IMF and donors was about to help the Republic to facilitate it and give the ex-combatants what they needed and deserved. However, that was clearly too much to ask. Peace.

Opinion: Is the PM promoting defiance?

“I want to advise Ugandans to go to petrol stations that have not hiked the prices. Two companies have not hiked their prices. Go and buy from those ones. These others will also follow suit because it’s now not necessary for any company to hike the price above Shs5,000” – Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (Job Bwire – ‘Ugandans should boycott fuel stations that keep prices high- PM Nabbanja’ Daily Monitor, 20.01.2022).

We remember just mere years ago when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government was going after “defiance”. Everyone was targeted for supporting defiance and planned corporate boycotts of businesses connected to the regime and it’s high ranking officials. There was an outrage and disgust.

The regime apologists defended going against defiance and civil disobedience. Now, the Prime Minister of the 11th Parliament and this term is speaking well of boycott. As the fuel-crisis is deepening and the state isn’t doing anything directly to help it out.

Another minister has challenged the need for arresting the fuel-station operators who is sky-rocketing the prices. As it is not a cause-and-effect scenario, as the needs for petrol is bigger than the imports of it. That’s why the prices is going up and the stations are struggling to serve the nation. Therefore, the crisis is a border issue and a supply issue.

Its not the petrol stations fault… it is the whole supply-chain from importers to the producer. As the landlock nation has made it hectic on the border and the border-post has stifled the imports. Even with the temporary stop of testing for COVID-19 on the Ugandan side of border. The Republic haven’t directly patched the hurt. No, it continues to damage the Republic and everyone in need for petrol.

The PM is showing her character her, instead of acting and finding solutions… the PM is speaking of boycotting and avoiding the petrol stations, which has to high prices. The PM should address the rises prices and the reason for it. It isn’t the companies or the stations itself, which is directly at fault. As they are based on the imports of petrol and the possibility of getting steady supplies as well. Because, if it goes empty and such … just proves the reason for the rising prices, as the needs are bigger than the current supply.

The PM should address that and the words of defiance is what an opposition leader should do. The opposition should act in defiance and ask for civil disobedience. Ask the public to boycott and stop using certain services. As that is even possible elsewhere… and when your low on fuel, your low on fuel. Then you need to buy and get more to be able to drive…

So, the PM knows this, as she has 4 wheel-drive and an SUV. She drives around and enjoys the perks of her office. Her office and her title covers for everything. There is no worries and it’s all paid for. The fuel-crisis doesn’t hit home and neither does it damage any of the elites in the government either. They are living lavish and don’t have to worry about pricing or inflation for that matter.

That’s why the defiant and defiance against certain fuel-stations is a foolish move, as it is a populist selection or trick. The state should secure the supply-chain and proper reserves to stifle the prices. Instead, the state is asking for civil disobedience, which isn’t a vibe your supposed to get from high ranking officials. Good luck doing that on the road from up-country to anywhere. So, the PM should reconsider, but don’t expect so. She’s high and mighty, which means she will not face any real consequences for this. Except for writings like mine… Peace.

Opinion: Will the NRM and their MPs drop the advice of the Odoki Report?

Ugandans power to vote won’t be taken away by indirect voting. We are saying vote the right Member of Parliament who will vote for the right President. The reform is not for Museveni. It is for all Ugandans. We are the citizens of Uganda thinking for Uganda. If you are popular as a party, send us more Members in the Parliament. In Parliament, things are clear, the strength of your political party in Parliament will be your vote for Presidency. We are spending a lot of money on elections. Let that money be sent back to strengthen the party at grassroots level. We are not a Muhoozi project. Muhoozi is a serving officer in the UPDF and cannot engage in politics”Felix Adupa President Transformer Cadres Association of NRM” (NBS Television, 06.01.2022).

We know there is a cause to take away the popular vote and the universal suffrage as a method of voting in the President in the Republic. This is a clear intention of changing the Constitution and Presidential Elections Act. As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni is gearing up for another constitutional amendment to fit his narrative.

That is very clear, just anyone else done in the past. Now, the President doesn’t want to participate in the general election or be on the ballot. Instead, his selected peers of the Parliament will vote him in. That is the initial trick here.

Here is the recommendation from the Odoki Commission Report, which was made with the initial draft constitution in the 1990s. Where there was certain legal thoughts and ideals, which should be relevant in 2022 or any other year.

Just take a look!

Excessive concentration of power in the executive:

28.27 People agreed almost unanimously that the 1967 Constitution had concentrated far too much power in the hands of the executive arm of government, and in particular in the President. There were no other institutions which could effectively check on executive and presidential power. As a result, those exercising such power had little concern constitutional limits, and tended to feel free to set aside the Constitution or parts of the Constitution which did not suit their interests” (Odoki Report, 1992).

78. Method of Voting

(a) Voting in presidential, parliamentary and district council elections as well as referenda,

should be by secret ballot.

(b) The electoral law should require that the same ballot box is used for all candidates in a

constituency. The box should be placed in the open rather than a closed booth.

(c) There should be clear symbols and/or photographs against each candidate’s name to

assist illiterate voters.(10.143)” (Odoki Report, 1992).

We are seeing the problems of past getting back into order. If the NRM and President are willing to risk everything for one man. The NRM has been risking that twice already and now they will not even make charades of elections, which it has done since 1996.

The President trying to avoid the problems of lack of integrity and legitimacy, as the elections are made and prepared for him to “win”. That is what people know and it’s evident by how they are run by the state. The same about the gerrymandering, the blocking of opposition parties and ensuring several of unopposed candidates across the Republic. In such a fashion, that the NRM will gain a majority no matter what and the President got “yes-men” in the Parliament. The game is rigged and the opposition only gets a small token or parts of the political landscape.

We are clearly seeing that the Odoki Commission is vouching for what the people wants and have a representative democracy. Not having a council sort of system, which is having the President elected in Parliament. Yes, the Local Government and Parliament will be elected by secret ballot still… while the Head of State is hand-picked by a few merry men and woman in the National Assembly. That’s ditching democratic ideals and the trust in the will of the people.

Yes, the rigged elections of January 2021 or any other year isn’t changing things, but it is much harder to cheat the whole system and trick the results in as they do. It is also adding additional stress on a man who is in advanced age. This is changing the laws to fit him again and his pigeon holing his own Constitution for his benefit. Which is the power the Odoki Commission warned us all about and now it is happening right in front of our eyes. Peace.