Opinion: Mzee when is your birthday?

Yesterday, the authorities, the handlers and all the “Yes-Men” was celebrating President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni. However, the 15th September birthdate is a new creation. Not long ago the same man was celebrated on the 15th August. The President has also registered different birth years as well, this being 1944 and 1946. Therefore, he is surely toying around with this.

That’s why it’s hard to celebrate his birthday. He deleted all evidence early in his reign and has since then created his own narrative. The stories of his parents and their existence is all on his memory. Also on the stories and old articles. The origin is also changing just like he has a new name to every single election. So in 2026 expect him to have a new name and for a new reason.

What is clear that the President has done this all deliberately. That’s why I have written about this before, because the documentation on the wedding certificate from 1973 has other dates than on the birth certificate to Muhoozi Kainerubaga from 1974. This is alone putting everything into question and that the man cannot keep his ducks in a row. When he did in this 1970s… what is he able to do when he is in power?

That you can think for yourself. He has been in power since 1986 and has several of times changed things. That’s why he even needed an second edition of “Sowing the Mustard Seed” to revise the stories of the past. This is the sort of man he is and this is why it’s a manufactured date.

We can even look further back and early 2010s on social media. Public accounts and some radio stations was even joking that he was born in 1924 and was already 90 years old in 2012. That says it all really. His age, birthday and everything is natural to question.

Museveni have made this possible and he knows why he did this. He has deleted his past and recreated his own legend. That makes him more puff and glory, because his not proud of his origin. Neither, does he want the truth out. That is why he has manufactured it and it’s dumb.

That’s why it isn’t natural to celebrate his birthday. It is just a hand-picked day and a fixed story, which is based on a lie. This is not the fact or the reality. We cannot know and he has made this happen.

The President was born one day and should have a birthday. Every single person has a DOB. What we do know is that it’s politics and importance when and when. That’s because it is about legality or ability to stand as a candidate. This is why he has to alter this … and change it to make sense. However, at some point the truth will come out and the records from the past will resurface. Unless, he burned them all and destroyed it, as it was reported by others that he did early years of his reign. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s audacity

That’s unfortunate and it is a step backwards. Those military coups are of low value, we had them in the 1960s, and they were part of Africa’s problems. I condemn the coup, I don’t accept the idea of coups, they are not a solution. They should get out, they should be told to go away because they are not a solution to problems of the country” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in a France24 Interview (08.09.2021).

The New York Times Reported this on the 31st January 1986: “Some say they were also caught off guard when Mr. Museveni named himself President right after seizing the capital, while his forces were still fighting in some parts of the country” (Sheila Rule – ‘MAN IN THE NEWS: YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI; WINNER IN UGANDA’ 31.01.1986, The New York Times).

We know that the National Resistance Movement is on the 26th January every year, because President Museveni was sworn-in and officially His Excellency (H.E.) from that day forward to this present day.

What is really ironic about Museveni’s interview today. Is that he did not only intervene and participate in one coup, but several. Museveni participated in the overthrow and military intervention to bring down then President Idi Amin Dada. Museveni helped to bring down President Milton Obote’s second time as President. To further the cause, he deposed Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa and Tito Okello too. So, it is not like Museveni has done one coup, but several of them actually.

That’s why it’s really weird that he has such a stance towards what happening in Guinea. When he made his career and settled the score with the same means several of times. It is not like he did it once, but he did it a few more times too. Until, he was sure to have consolidated and weakened all opponents.

This is why it’s a double standard and hypocrisy. In a true dictatorial fashion. However, he needs to be called out for it. He has boasted about the coups and how he got rid of his enemies in the past.

I hope the ghosts of the former Presidents and their souls will haunt him at night. Hope the forefathers that he brought down will give him nightmares. So, that he cannot rest or sleep. Because, he shouldn’t get away with this.

It is disgusting and disrespectful. A man who built his career with coup d’etat and deposing head of states. Should be more positive, but we know he lives in fear of someone doing this to him. Museveni has also intervened and deposed leaders in the region too. So, it is not like he hasn’t participated in it for his gains in the Democratic Republic of Congo where he did it twice and in Rwanda too.

We are just supposed forget those things too. Where he got own friendly leaders in-charge and made him a bigger regional power. That’s what he did and he no trouble to do this. This was supporting and participating in coup d’etat elsewhere as well. Using military intervention to overthrow other government and not only doing this several of times in Kampala.

That’s why Museveni is a giant hypocrite and more people needs to call him out on it. He wouldn’t be in-charge or be the President if he didn’t control the army. If Museveni didn’t win the bush-war and took control of Kampala in January 1986. He wouldn’t be there… and have the ability he has today.

That’s why he believes and his whole career was built around the idea of a coup. Because, it is not like he was popular or was a genuine statesmen before he rebelled. This is why he should know better, but he rather lie, which is one of his well known traits. Peace.

Opinion: The entitlement of 1986 Brigade continues with Col. Barija

Yesterday Colonel Charles Barija who sent a letter to the authorities after he was retired this week. The commander and solider has been loyal to the President Museveni since participating in FRONASA. This is why Col. Barija feels entitled for more.

The colonel wants to be upgraded to a Brigadier General so that he doesn’t have to use boda-boda to get home. He feels he deserves the perks of a retirement with a bigger title. Since he has participated in vital parts of the struggle of the National Resistance Army (NRA). Where he has been stationed and been in battles of significance. This is why he should drive an SUV and have more lavish lifestyle now.

He also feels entitled for being a D Coy under Bazilio Olara-Okello and being the escort of Museveni when he was the Vice Chairman in the Military Commission before the 1980 election. The colonel also claims that he rescued the first family at one point.

While he also was hurt and damaged by the bush-war. After that he still was conscripted and part of the army. That’s why he fought in South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and other conflicts too.

All because of this… he deserves better and should get a better life in retirement. Col. Barija clearly feels this way and that’s nothing new. The 86 Generation of the NRA feels this way. They are above the law and can do whatever they feel. These are the “we fought” people and that’s why they should be praised and get the monies.

Nobody should be shocked that he don’t want to be another civilian taking a boda-boda home. He feels he should have a nice car and have a better lifestyle. This because of all the things he did while being loyal to the cause and the President. Since he has been there all along and been associated with them.

This is why he wrote the letter. It shows that some people are “above” and he feels like that. The colonel can act like this and it’s not revolutionary, but shows the heart of this men. They fought for themselves and their pockets. Peace.

Opinion: Obote described Museveni perfectly in 1990

The late President Dr. Milton Obote wrote a pamphlet in April 1990 called ‘NOTES ON CONCEALMENT OF GENOCIDE IN UGANDA’ and it’s viable on the website of Uganda Peoples Congress to this day. It is real gem and people should read the whole thing. What is striking there is how the former President is describing the current day President and we can all still relate to it.

We are in 2021 and a text from 1990 is very relevant. Obote was able to write an explanation and description of a person, which was timeless. Obote and Museveni was enemies, Obote was overthrown and grudges. Still, with that being said. His insights are valuable and he dared to write to his peace in exile in 1990.

Just as his first description of him is so fitting:

Museveni has a thirst for power in its most naked form. He believes intensely in violence as a means of governance and for holding power. He is an accomplished liar and a total stranger to truth. His method of conducting public affairs or his political Party, the UPM, and now his NRM/NRA is a combination of violence and lies. Museveni is an extremely poor, indeed inept, civil administrator. He seeks nor accepts advice from anybody on any matter and detests the conduct of public affairs through discussion, debate or competing ideas; his own ideas must be accepted as the only valid ones and all others are “bankrupt ideas”. Yet he is not averse to steal ideas from others and claim to have been the originator, but often without clear understanding of how to implement the stolen ideas” (Obote, 1990).

What is said here isn’t a lie. Museveni had a thirst for power and used all means to get it. He has always used violence to have power. While his lying about everything and everyone. Obote is also right about his governance and governing in general. Because, we cannot see any of his schemes, 10 point programme or anything succeeding. So, Obote is vindicated and shows that he saw the true Museveni even 31 years ago.

He continues: Museveni prefers militarist (violent) approach in the resolution of problems and issues but would also, at times, put forward a dissembling scheme,while preparing a military solution” (Obote, 1990). We know that the President is using the UPDF to solve everything. He is issuing orders where the army is now doing construction work, targeting illegal fishing, micro-finance and whatnot in the Republic. Museveni is also toying with the army to settle civilian issues as the elections and stopping the opposition from assembling. Therefore, Museveni continues is old school ways of violence and using military to resolve civilian issues.

Not shocking, but very relevant is this: “Museveni is very corrupt and presides over a regime which is equally very corrupt. In fact the nature of Museveni’s corruption is some kind of mania. As already stated, he is acutely uncomfortable with his lowly background, a matter which to a normal person would be of pride. But the mania which he exemplified in 1979 by living at the Palaces of former rulers, has now led him to build with public funds, his own Palace in Mbarara District. The Palace was built and completed within three years. Some of the materials for building it were imported as were the furniture, fittings, carpets, etc. The Palace stands on a huge farm with hundreds of exotic cattle imported from abroad. The cattle, farm implements and tractors and vehicles were all bought with public funds. Workers at the farm are paid by the Office of the President and Museveni is, of course, the President” (Obote, 1990).

He just shows his heart here. The violent and militarism in combination of the corruption. That is what we are seeing and that is eroding the state. As the President is the personification of the state at this point. That’s just shows what his willing to do and how he can live lavish on the public’s dime. We all know this, but Obote exposed that even in 1990 when he was a donor darling and a friend of the West. When the West allowed the prolonged conflict in Northern Uganda and didn’t take issues with the additional extra judicial killings, which his government did to consolidate power. That has been allowed and therefore, he has continued all of it. Since he has gotten of the hook for all of these years, but Obote knew already back then.

This is just small pieces of the pamphlet in question and there is more information, but this is just a about the personality of Museveni. Not all of his mischief way of getting into power, which he wants to be kept a secret and not blasted in public. As he wants a legendary tale of prominence and greatness in January 1986 and beyond. Peace.

Opinion: Muhwezi just needed a hot minute to create a scandal

UPDATE; Minister of Security Jim Muhwezi says, all vehicles and motorcycles will be fitted with a digital monitoring system to curb crime” (91.2 Crooze FM, 22.07.2021).

Government has signed a 10 year deal with Joint Stock Company Global Security, a Russian firm that will see the latter install tracking devices in all public and private vehicles and motorcycles in the country” (Nile Post, 23.07.2021).

The returning Member of Parliament and Minister Jim Muhwezi have just entered the offices and started his new term. As the 11th Parliament swearing-in days are over and the term has started. Just as he does his first deals and programmes as a Minister. He has already entangled himself in a scandal of epic proportions.

The Minister who has a history of wasting public funds in various of schemes. Has started where he has left of in the past. He has bought junk helicopters, robbed resources from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the well-known GAVI Funds as well. All of this while he was in office in the past.

I wrote a piece on his in 2020 named “If you want Jim Muhwezi back as an MP [then don’t cry if his involved in a grand corruption scandal]” published on the 17th August 2020, which was on this subject.

Therefore, the additional information today that he has signed a ten year deal with a defunct Russian company. That says it all and it was a new supposed wind-fall. Where he also had the blessing of the President. The Minister even stated that on one of his tweets while signing the deal. That says it all and he has the blessing of the State House to do this.

He has gotten away with theatrics before and he will most likely get away with it now too. Because, he is in good favours with the President. The in-law and minister surely will walk this one off and continue like nothing happens. The IGG, PPDA, FIA and nobody was in this to vet it the agreement either. That’s why you knows this institutions are idle, as things as foolish like this shouldn’t exist in the first place.

Who is as bold and brazen to write and sign a ten year deal with a one-year old defunct or bankrupted company from Russia? As a minister … do you have no scruples or morals? I am asking Jim and shouldn’t have asked in the first place. He let people rot in prison to die as the Director General of the Intelligence Services in 1980s. So it is not like he has a heart, but has an appetite for money and power.

Muhwezi was a scandal in the making. However, would have never thought it would have happened this fast. This was Formula One speed and Lewis Hamilton couldn’t even sprinted past Muhwezi on the racing track. That how fast and furious the minister was to seal this deal and ensure a quick pay-off in office.

Because, who would get the money and what sort of arrangements really matters with a company that ceased operations one year ago? That seems like a windfall and the biggest pay-off of the year. That’s how Muhwezi operates, I suppose. He doesn’t fear no man or any accountability. Well, he has done this before and gotten away with it. Why should it have any consequences now?

Peace.

Opinion: The FDC needs to grow a pair

The current Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) high ranking officials needs to grow up and take their losses on the chin. Today’s news of possible dismissal of FDC MPs accepting Shadow Cabinet positions is foolish at best.

This coming from the same party, which have appointed Shadow Cabinets with MPs from other parties. So, this just shows a lack of growth or maturity from the current leadership. Yes, the FDC wasn’t consulted. Nevertheless, the FDC haven’t been willing to meet or greet the National Unity Platform (NUP) on earlier meetings either. Secondly, the FDC have retaliated and questioned the NUPs credentials and their agenda.

Therefore, that Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda is calling out like this. After what Nathan Nandala-Mafabi have done in the post-election. They have both been on the warpath with the NUP. These two have been comrades in talking ill of the NUP and their actions. While never accepting anything its doing. Neither, have it taking it lightly that none of the MPs was appointed to committee’s.

That’s why today’s words was striking. That they went this way. When the NUP have invited FDC. It has been seen as non-important and as a obstacle. This seems to be the same reasons for why FDC can avoid or even boycott IPOD. However, when FDC is appointed as the leader of IPOD. Than it becomes an important thing…

This sort of pattern is tiring. The FDC leadership better grow up. Especially, as this is supposed to the party who has for ages been in the battle and fought the dictatorship. The ones who can educate and show how things are done. They could show some heart and skill.

They should be happy that Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga have considered 7 MPs from the FDC. He could have picked several more from his own party the NUP. He could have filled the ranks. Still, he appointed surely in talks with his own and own their merits to various of positions. However, this is not good enough for the FDC.

Now… suddenly… the FDC wants to meet and drink tea. Who are they kidding here? What sort of game is this? Maybe FDC National Executive Committee (NEC) needs to have an extraordinary meeting to figure out the way to be a ordinary opposition and not the leader of it. Since, this is the first time in ages. The FDC is demoted and they should be gracious to be considered this big.

Even, if some of the big-men and the long-term MPs wasn’t appointed here or in May to the Committee’s. Still, they should just be happy and accept this. Just like the other opposition parties took their part. When they were at the helm and appointed the Shadow Cabinet. That is what the FDC should do now.

Well, maturity is clearly not this party thing. They are not able to show it. Neither, to take things to heart. Everyone is supposed to play after their tune and dance. However, no one else is supposed to counter or try on their own. That’s how this looks. This coming from one of the persons who has attacked the NUP after the elections.

That’s why this is tiring. This part seemed like someone you could look up to and get engaged in. That was just a lie. As they are only in it for their own and play by own rules. Never, accepting what other people does. Especially, the NUP should just follow and do the two-step. Never ever act on its own.

That’s why the FDC cry foul now and even wants to dismiss it’s own. They are so broken and lack moral courage. To even be gracious and move-on. They are not the big-dog anymore. Be leaders, act mature and take it on the chin. Show your character over this term and try again.

The FDC seems to lost their vibe and their Mojo. Like they have lost some vital parts and cannot operate in good faith. These folks who talks big. Should also act big. However, that’s to much to ask.

They are all for Democratic Change, but cannot the democratic change that has happened in the Parliament. Which they are smaller and the NUP is bigger. It is time for them to accept and eventually move-on. In 2016 they could act like big-shots in the opposition and in 2011 as well.

Now, the tide is turning and they just don’t seem ready for it. Time for Najjakumbi to visit Kamwokya and speak to the leaders there. I don’t think it would hurt. It would be a lesson of humility and maybe of finalization of maturity. Especially, if the FDC would ever continue to lecture the newcomer and their rise to power. It seems to be the only reasonable thing to do.

Unless, their only game-plan is to attack the NUP and Bobi Wine. Just like the NRM. Peace.

A look into the Shadow Cabinet of the 11th Parliament

Today, Leader of Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) MP Mathias Mpuuga unveiled the appointments of his shadow cabinet. Now the opposition is taking form and the NUP shows maturity in their choices. However, there are some interesting choices.

We anticipated that the NUP would have an majority and it does. What is striking, after all the dust is settled… the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) get several of positions and other parties get it too. This is not a sole NUP operation. No, there are MPs from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Democratic Party and Independents as well. Therefore, things has changed.

On the 28th May 2021 the first list was out and the ones picked for the Committees was mostly NUP and one JEEMA MP. That was a choice made by the NUP and the other parties felt left behind. Now, the LoP have taken them in, but don’t expect that to accept it or be gracious. Because, for instance the LoP have left behind the likes of Nathan Nandala-Mafabi and Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda. These will be foul and cry out loud. We just know this and be aware.

So, now on the 25th June 2021 the LoP have made this list and it’s a total of 30 members. There are 30 people in the shadow cabinet. While the original cabinet is at 81. So, they have slimmed it a little bit, but still giving roles to plenty.

It is a friendly reminder of a rising star in the opposition is to see Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende, the lawyer and MP on the Justice and Constitutional Affairs. She’s one of out of plenty who has been called an “iron lady”. So, it will be interesting to see how she plays this out. As this is her first term as MP and being in Parliament. Been vocal as a People Power Movement lawyer and a critic fo government. Now, she has the moment to prove her skill and use this office for some good.

A person who didn’t need a party primary, but became the party flag-bearer nevertheless was Fortunate Rose Nantongo. Who replaced her deceased mother as the MP. She became the Democratic Party (DP) nominee after a handwritten application to the party. The rest is history and now she’s appointed to the Shadow Cabinet to the Gender, Labour and Social Development.

The Former Presidential Candidate Abed Bwanika is appointed to the shadow cabinet. He has turned into a NUP MP as well. It will be interesting to see a man like this who has been fishing fr relevancy and found his way to get into office. Now, will be in the shadow cabinet for agriculture. The former People’s Development Party (PDP) and who was so close to be part of the DP Block as well. This is why, I will find it interesting, if he will seek for McDonalds to trade in Uganda.

Then you Karim Masaba, the Independent MP for Mbale. Who is NUP Leaning. He is a childhood friend of Mityana MP Francis Zaake. Bobi Wine supported his candidacy directly and he was part of the NUP convoy, which routed across Mbale in 2020. Now his appointed to the Shadow Cabinet for the Tourism and Wildlife.

Surprise appointment at this point was Francis Mwijuke MP of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). We know he has a long history with Mpuuga. They have been together in the struggle since the Action 4 Change in 2011. Mwijuke is on his second term in office and been a vocal critic of the state. Still, he seemed very in favour of Kadaga as a speaker and not just doing it as a strategy. That’s why it’s interesting to see him in the Shadow Cabinet in the Trade & Industry.

Another interesting choice from Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) was Anna Ebaju Adeke. She is the former Makerere Guild President and has a Bachelor of Law. Other than the public known things, she has incorporated an foundation in 2020. This was the Anna Adeke Foundation Limited on 25th February 2020. In 2018, she was part of the deflecting MPs to the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). However, that had to be short tint and only seeing if the ticket was viable. Since, by the times of elections she has gone to the FDC.

The one and only People’s Progressive Party MP Santa Okut have been appointed as well. She has represented the PPP before in the Parliament that was in the term of 2001 to 2006. The return is after a third try and never losing hope of returning back to Parliament. So, it will be interesting to see what she does and what ever she will do. As she’s alone in Parliament for a party founded in the early 2000s. Time will tell and she is appointed in the Shadow Cabinet for the Special Regions.

My last appointed that I find interesting… was Forum for Democratic Change Gilbert Olanya MP. He has been an Independent MP, but he become a FDC MP over time. He was another FDC MP who vied for Kadaga as speaker. Still, he been a resilient opposition MP. Who has been arrested for demonstrations in his district. This man hasn’t had it easy and put his work in. Still, it was interesting to see Mpuuga choosing him. In the Shadow Cabinet he will be working on the East African Community (EAC).

Just as we comments and look through the vast lists of Cabinet Members. The Shadow Government needs to be addressed as well. Not just praised, but wonder of their credentials too. This is why I do this. This is the first cabinet of Mpuuga. He has shown great heart, but let see how this plays out. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s true heart on display

There are so many people I would have killed because they were annoying me. One of them is Hon. Cecilia Ogwal. I used to call her “dako Maracha” – “bad woman”. Because, she had really a bad tongue. But if I had killed Hon. Cecilia Ogwal, she would be a hero now. People would be saying, ” If Hon. Cecilia Ogwal had not died, great things would have happened.” But now I am here with Hon. Cecilia Ogwal. It is really bankrupt to kill people. If had killed Kizza Besigye, he would be a HERO in the memory of the people” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (10.06.2021)

The man, the visionary and the freedom fighter, the self-styled President for Life. The General and the Tyrant, Mr. Museveni. The man of all season and beyond. The only man with a vision and the greatest man of all times. The President since 1986 is speaking his peace and showing his heart.

He is clearly showing his will. We know that President Museveni have ordered deaths. We know that he has had death squads and been in-charge of extra judicial killings. People have lost their lives for their association and for their allegiance elsewhere.

We know that Museveni has the ability to order death. That has been in effect all through his presidency. There been so many lives taken, families scorn and fatalities on the hand of the President. The “high above” ordering by decree or as a commander-in-chief… ordered the army, security organizations or anyone else to do his bidding.

His just stating what we know. That he can order to kill. His not denying that. The President has sure tried to get rid of his enemies. It is mere luck at times that the likes of Besigye and Bobi Wine haven’t paid the final price for their causes. Since the guns, the tear-gas and the use of heavy weaponry has made it very close at time. That they haven’t paid the ultimate sacrifice, but surely the President considered it.

This is not shocking news. The President has wanted to crash and crush the opposition. His a General and enjoys the spoils of war. The tyrant, the army commander and his allies knows how to use the bullets in their favour. Therefore, the sudden demise of fellow opposition leaders wouldn’t be shocking. Especially, how easily the state and its operatives can order a killing. They have their assassins and contract killers who are obeying their command. Therefore, if the opportunity arises the President and his men will ensure someone in their path stops breathing.

He calculate the risks and the public outrage. That’s why he picks the victims with care. The President ensures it doesn’t cost to much or even makes a fuzz. The targets will not cause a revolution or anything. It is a mere outcry and its ceases. There is deceased political activists, members and even some politicians. However, not the ones that are beloved or have enough popularity within the general public.

The President and his men isn’t saints. We all know that and it’s not even a secret at this point. However, with age he shows his heart and he is not even containing it. The brutal honesty and it reflects his heart. That he isn’t generous, but calculated. His also saying he kills people who annoys him. Maybe it wasn’t Besigye, but who knows of all the other extra judicial killings over years that annoyed him. If a person bugs the President. He can suddenly with a snap of finger ensure someone’s last supper.

That’s why this quote isn’t a funny one, but a sinister one. Where the President says he can decide if people dies or lives. It just depends on how he see it and whatever criteria he has in his mind. Peace.

Opinion: The bloated structures of the Cabinet [and just showing a few ministries(!)]

The newly minted 80 Cabinet Minister’s is an overkill. When you read that people are representing a government and being Ministers. You can wonder? How does that work and what is the gist of this? It is really a messed up system. A frustrated one.

Just to put things in perspective. There isn’t just one President, one Vice-President and one Prime Minster. No, these three has offices directly underneath it. Which is the start of the hectic structure, which President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni have created over the years and is only making bigger after each election.

That is without counting the people hired, working and being civil servants. Neither looking into all the Presidential Advisors, which by 2017/18 was about 163. He has appointed others since then and in 2020 was about 170. Now there is appointed a 5 more. Meaning the amount of Presidential Advisors is about 175. We can only know the exact of this, if a Ministerial Policy Statement ahead of the budget drops the full figure and the salaries for all of these appointees. Who is cashing in their checks on the regular.

Now, let’s return to the cabinet and it’s hectic structure.

Begining with the President.

There are 3 directly ministers under the President. These are the Minister of the Presidency, Minister of Security and Minister Serviced by the State House Controller, In-Charge of Science, Technology and Innovation.

However, this is not enough, there is two State Minsters under the President. Minister of State for Election Monitoring and Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity.

Therefore, just underneath the Office of the President there is three (3) directly under him and two (2) who “junior” ministers. This means there is five ministers with various of portfolios under the Presidency and in-connection directly to the President.

Secondly the Prime Minister has it even more of structural issue. Not only does the Prime Minister have three (3) direct deputies underneath. It has two (2) Ministers in the Office of the Prime Minister, this is the General Duties and the Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees. In addition there is five (5) “junior” ministers under the Office of the Prime Minster. Meaning there is a collection of 8 Ministers with various of portfolios and roles. These in combination to the 3 deputies. Totally being 11 officials, which all are under order of the Prime Minster. This must be a hectic mess.

Thirdly, the Vice-President on the other hand has only one (1) “junior” minister under the office of the VP. Who just seems to be the Deputy of the “Deputy” President too. With no specific role, but being a minister in the office of the VP. That must be a chill role.

When we look at Ministers directly in Ministries themselves. Then it makes more sense, but also shows how they operate and how many people the President is really employing to this.

Just looking at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. There is one (1) minister, but three (3) “junior” ministers underneath. The Juniors are directly having one for each part of the ministry. Meaning one junior for Agriculture, Animal Industry (livestock) and Fisheries. How to make it a bother and employ four (4) persons to run ONE Ministry!

Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs have one (1) minister, but two (2) “junior” ministers. These are one for each side. Meaning one is working for Defence and the other for Veterans Affairs. This has secured the state three (3) ministers.

In the Ministry of Education and Sports, there is one (1) minster, but three (3) “junior” ministers. There is one (1) for Higher Education, Primary Education and Sports. Clearly, the main could have hold on to three (3) of these jobs with the education, but the sports could be totally separate. Still, this shows how the President is creating posts for his Movement. This is another 4 to run one Ministry.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has one (1) minster, but two (2) juniors. You can guess the structure. One “junior” for Energy and another for Minerals. Therefore, to run this Ministry is three (3) ministries.

Again, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) have one (1) minster, but four (4) “junior” ministers. The “juniors” are posted in General Duties, Planning, Privatization and Investment and Micro-Finance. This is having five (5) ministers to run this ministry alone.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have one (1) minister, but has two (2) “junior” ministers. One is posted at International Affairs and the other at Regional Affairs. What is striking here and shows the lacking structures and how they entangles each other. Is that the 1st Deputy Prime Minster is for the East African Community, which would have been fitted under the MoFA, but for some reason is breached out of here.

Then you have the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development have one (1) minister, but has five (5) “junior” ministers. This is one (1) for Gender and Culture, Youth and Children Affairs, Employment and Industrial Relations, Disability Affairs and Elderly Affairs. This means six (6) ministers are running this ministry.

The ironic thing about this ministry in one fashion and additional representation is that the Parliament has five (5) Youth MPs and Five (5) Elderly MPs as representatives as well. Plus the 5 Workers MPs as well. This means there 15 MPs who works and are there directly for the causes of the Ministry. This should further add to the structure and shows there is 21 High Ranking Officials who are there for these specific reasons and not picked on a random.

I could continue, but I feel I am getting the point across. There are other ministries who are bloated and have to many hands. There are already a flex of people who are appointed and works in the Ministries. This is just the ministers and the “junior” ministers aka State Ministers. Therefore, we are not looking into the Permanent Secretaries and the other civil servants. All the other organizations in the hierarchy or within the Ministry itself. Where they are also covering the same mandate and working towards the same goal.

This just show the brutal truth of how the government is made for hacks, cronies and the extended entourage of the President. His hiring his folks and allies. Secures jobs for the ones he can from the opposition as well. Just to spite these parties and show his “victories” over them. Peace.

The new cabinet isn’t that sharp [Museveni’s most intriguing Minister’s for 2021-26] Part III

This is the third and final instalment in the series after the announcement of the 80 members big cabinet. Where President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni appoints the new ministers. Where he retains a dozens, but also shuffles a few. That is visible too, but I am only looking at the ones who is appointed and their past.

The first is General David Muhoozi. The Commander of the Defence Force (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) aka the army. The highest command of the army is appointed as the Minister of State for Internal Affairs. Another General into the Cabinet and shows how militarized the politics are. Not enough with 10 UPDF MPs in Parliament and the other army commanders and retired generals in appointments. This fella needs to be there too. That is really a bad precedent without even looking into his history or what he has done as a commander. That says a lot.

Another who has retained his office is Peter Lokeris. Who has been a State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development with focus on Minerals. A man who is not open for transparency and being open with the agreements of extraction of the mineral resources in the Republic. This must be a gem for Museveni to retain. Have him to wheel and deal, while not leaking or being open about the agreements made with the various of companies and licence agreements.

A man who gets a new ministry, but has been there for years is Obiga Kania, the State Minister for Urban Developments. Former Internal Affairs and he has really a bad record. A man who serves the President well, but not the general public. As long as Museveni are in office. It seems like this man will have a safe haven.

We have the former opposition and turned yellow, Beatrice Anywar. She went from Mama Mbira to become another autocrats best friend. She lost in both the Primaries and the General Election in 2021. This is her second office and ministerial office, State Minister of Water and Environment in-charge of Environment. Clearly her newfound loyalty is paying off. Though she is like Evelyn Anite only living on mercy from the President. Since both of them couldn’t get re-elected into Parliament this time around.

Another one who is well known in the cabinet is Musa Ecweru. Who before politics was an accountant and worked for years as a Residential District Commissioner which he did between 1998 to 2006. Where he was working in the districts of Nebbi, Gulu, Kasese and Soroti. Before joining politics. He has been in Parliament since 1996. Before his appointment now as a deputy to Gen. Wamala. Ecweru was a State Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness. Still, the mudslides and landslides haven’t stopped and the state haven’t had anything prepared in the hour of need. This man is an inept minister. Who is lucky to have the good graces of Museveni. If he didn’t have that. He wouldn’t be near any ministerial post.

So, with this third edition I have now described and taken 25 of 80 appointments. That is more than enough. This is all people who will serve diligently. The President will direct and object to their actions. The NRM Caucus with everything will direct their moves. There are so many players. So, they are not chefs alone. They shouldn’t expect much freedom or liberty. However, they are granted a huge pay-check and allowances. They are the high ranking officials of the state. Peace.