Opinion: Let’s celebrate selective freedom [35 Years and counting]

The victory of NRM in 1986 was not just a victory of the army but also ideas. This was the same situation in the just concluded elections. Ugandans have now just woken up. About 40% are now producing products for sale” – General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 26th January 2021

There was once a man who promised a ten-point programme. A man who said he was growing the mustard seed and that he was bringing a fundamental change. However, with time this has withered and been proven worthless.

The National Resistance Army (NRA) came with so much promise and change. Nevertheless with all the years in power, their promise and what they have delivered is a vast difference. If the NRA and the early Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) pledges had been put into effect. Then the Republic would have been different. If the NRA/M had cared about what they promised and what they have delivered. Then the sights and the state would be different if the President and his cronies had ensured the promises was kept. However, they have been more self-involved and securing their own futures.

That is why over the years. The ones who has opposed the NRA/M have gotten into trouble. The government have abducted, arbitrary arrests, kidnaps and kills. The state is wrecking havoc on the ones willing to question Museveni and the NRM. This being previously people who stood with Reform Agenda, people who supported the Forum for Democratic Change and now also the ones who is supporting in various ways the National Unity Platform. All of these parties are seeing, feeling and getting violated on a daily basis. Therefore, speaking of freedom and liberty is in a limited space.

This limited space is for the ones who is anointed and the “made men” of the Movement. The ones who are part of the close associates and represents the state. These folks are living high life. The ones who are connected and have the “high above” on speed dial can get whatever they want. If you are one of them. You can kill someone and the case will never be investigated.

That’s why its ironic that he said this today: By 1986, we had been in preparation for over 20 years. We lost a lot of people. The problems you see in NRM now wouldn’t have been there if those people hadn’t died” (Museveni, 26.01.2021).

When he said this he was still a FRONASA and a student in Tanzania, as the General was in exile or diaspora. Where we now know he asked for US support for his cause in 1973. So, the General was scheming to topple Amin early. That happened later when he joined Obote and Nyerere in 1979. After that he was installed to be Minister of Defence, but after an election, which he claimed was filled with fraud. He went into the bush and that is why his celebrating this date every year. As this is the day of his victory. Where he was the victor and he has earned his fortune and massive wealth for years now.

He is also blaming the lack of the people who died is the reason. Not that he has been involved in their demise and even targeted the ones who has had ambition. Several of assassination, questionable poisonings and so fourth. So, if the General doesn’t want these cold-cases investigated. Maybe, he shouldn’t mention them. It is a typical blame game, because his initially saying the ones his surrounded by now is nothing in comparison to the ones he used to have. Butchaman, Kusasira and Full Figure should wish they were like fallen NRA historicals.

Well, we know there is little to celebrate today. There is coming reports of NUP supporters and activists either apprehended or ended up murdered. There are reports of violence and use of fatal force by the authorities. This is done to shield the General and his NRM. They said they wanted to come with change, but they are only delivering the same human rights violations as the predecessors.

So, to celebrate liberation today is tragic. The liberation he has delivered is very selective and very limited. The freedom and liberty is for some, but if you dare to question or challenge the General. You either end behind bars, charged or could be terminated. If your unlucky to participate in a rally or a demonstrations. You life isn’t valued and you could become another fatality. The state will not care and will be proud to have killed you even. That is what the General have said since the Kampala riots and Masaka demonstrations during the campaign period before the polls on the 14th January 2021.

General Museveni …. you have not done what you promised and what you pledged. The ones who died in Luweero didn’t die for this. The ones who went to the bush didn’t risk their lives for this. All the citizens feeding you and your rebels wasn’t thinking this would be the case. You might think you can sell this story, but I will dismiss you. Because, the imprint, the stories and the tales are explicitly telling your lying. We know you know better… but you rather live on a lie, than being blinded by the truth. Peace.

As Liberation Day looms: It appears that Gen. Museveni never listened to the Report “Pearl of Blood”

No person should be held or detained in secret, unacknowledged or incommunicado” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

As tomorrow is the “Liberation Day” or the “NRM Day” in the Republic of Uganda. As the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (NRM) celebrates their takeover of Kampala on the 26th January 1986. Tomorrow will be 35 years since that happened.

Still, there is a lot of misgivings in the years of reign during the NRA/M era. The NRM have left a lot of thing to aspire too. For instance the Uganda Commission of Inquiry into the Violation of Human Rights dropped a Summary of the Report – “Pearl of Blood” in October 1994. This report have maybe been left in drawer and forgotten. However, I will indulge you in some vital parts of this. Which the current day regime have totally forgotten.

The report in question is looking into the mischief and violence by the previous regimes. That in itself is a good thing and was helpful to give insights into what the predecessors did. Nevertheless, I am looking into the things the NRA/M have forgotten. I am looking into specific forgotten passages of Chapter 13. Which states significant recommendations… that the NRM never adhered too or haven’t really implemented.

First advice: “Any person who is proved to have violated human rights in the past or will have been convicted of human rights offences should be barred from holding any political, public or civic office” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here should be a given, but we know that Police Officers, Law Enforcement, Soldiers, Generals, High Ranking Officials have been associated or acted with indifference when they have violated human rights in the Republic. The NRA/M have deliberately even promoted officials and secured their passage, if they are doing it on command. Therefore, this recommendation is a stark warning. That the current regime doesn’t care about.

Second advice: “Massive violations of human rights in Uganda have occurred partly because of personalization of powers of the state by Presidents and other leaders. Personal interest became identical with public interest. Consequently, it was difficult to differentiate the state from the individual who was the President” (…) “The Commission therefore recommended for:

(a) separation of powers with checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial aim s of government.

(b) impeachment of Presidents for constitutional and other offences while in office.

(c) a system of peaceful change of Presidents and governments through regular and fair elections.

(d) prohibition of over-staying by Presidents in office after their terms have expired.” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here advice is directed at the President of current day. Who is in-charge and doing just that. It is all the personal interests of the President and his cronies. All parts of government awaits his orders and his words. That is why Gen. Museveni is repeating the human rights violations of the past. As he has become the personalization of the state.

What is also striking isn’t the balance of powers. That should be true, but these are all appointees of the President and loyal to him. The arms of government is working in-coordination with the President on his behest. The President will never be impeached as it would be a death-sentence and “treason” to even consider that.

The (c) and (d) is epic these days. As we know there is no “free and fair” elections in the Republic. The current President has also revised any law to ensure that he can overstay. Ensuring that his “terms” never expires and securing that he is overstaying in office. These two recommendations have been trashed in favour of one man.

Third advice: “One of the major factors which contributed to violation of human rights in Uganda is intolerance” (…) “constitutional and legal prohibition of any person or authority from restricting the exercise of the peoples rights and freedom of assembly in meetings, rallies or other gatherings and of expression and protest, and such prohibition or interference should be made a criminal offence” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here has been an issue that has persisted in the reign of Museveni. The violation of human rights to assemble and gather has been a consistent issue. The state have practically made it impossible or illegal for opposition to gather outside their headquarters. The state have banned protests, demonstrations, rallies and concerts, all in favour of “law and public order”. Which is striking, as the advice here was adhere to other principals and also show tolerance to others. That is something the NRA/M haven’t coped with or had the capacity to do. That is why they have interfered, blocked and haunted the opposition with all sorts of laws, regulations and justifications to stop them from assembling. The NRM have even blocked prayers from happening. So, they have never intended to listen to this particular advice either.

Fourth advice: “it is imperative that in order to encourage tolerance and unity, the system of elections and government in which the winner takes all should be legally discouraged” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here has been commented on before. As the state is personification of Museveni now. He has the whole state and they are all listening to his whims. The system is built in his favour. So as “victor” in any elections. The old man does get it all and there is no separation of powers either. This advice has been discarded too.

Fifth advice: “intelligence organizations should never be personalised, set and/or tolerated for the purpose of maintaining particular regimes or Leaders in power. They should not be partisan in politics of Uganda. Intelligence organizations should never be used for witch hunting or for political, ethnic, religious, gender, social or economic persecution or harassment” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

Another one where the state have made plenty of entities all run by the men of the President. All in favour of his causes and work. Not looking for criminals, but monitoring and surveillance of opposition members, activists and human rights activists too. Therefore, this one has been overlooked as well. That is why ISO, CMI; ESO and other entities are working without concern of violating human rights.

Sixth advice: “No person should be detained or imprisoned without trial by and before independent and impartial courts of law whether there is a state of emergency or not. No person should be arrested detained or imprisoned except in respect of criminal offences known to the law” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This sort of idea and legal remedy is used so much these days. That the ideal of it seems to be forgotten. If you are associated with the opposition. It is justified to abduct, arrest and torture them without court orders or criminal charges. Not even thinking of taking the “culprit” or “criminal” to court, but without justice served take it all into the hands of the Law Enforcement and silence the opposition on the spot.

Seventh advice: “Murder of individuals, mass murders, arbitrary deprivation of life or extra judicial executions is a violation of the right to life. The Commission has found that such atrocities were committed by members of the military, intelligence organisations, certain Police Units, party activists, etc.” (….) “Obedience to superior orders should never be a defence to charges of crimes of murder, torture and others that violate human rights. Detention of civilians in military barracks, or establishments should be prohibited by law and offenders thereof severely punished” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

Here is a sad part. That this regime doesn’t value life or the lives of anyone. They can easily stop doing these things, but they are continuing to do so. These sort of activity should have ceased, but we do know they continue to do so. The regime doesn’t value life… and that is evident with concern of opposition activists, members and the ones who is close to demonstrations or convoys of the opposition. This is proven and sadly activity the state continues with.

Eight advice: “Mechanisms for making public leaders and officials transparent in and accountable for their conduct performance or work will keep in check the temptation to act in breach of the law or in abuse of their powers or offices” (Pearl of Blood, 1994).

This here hasn’t been listened too. The Cabinet Members, the ones appointed and the ones n close association of the President can get away with anything. There will be some headlines, but the ones looting, stealing and breaching laws can a get away with it. That is why there is no law for the ones in close associate of the President. They are above the law, because the “high above” is shielding them.

I think this is enough and proves how little the NRM have cared. They have had time to fix these things. However, the state and General Museveni haven’t cared. He has had the sole power and enjoyed all the perks. That is why there is no sanctions or punishment for him. He can get away with all these violations of human rights. This should worry, but it shows what sort of authority and power he does have. As this report is old and from 1994, but it’s viable today. Peace.

A Renewed Uganda: Press Release (27.12.2020)

Opinion: Museveni is repeating the oppressive means of Obote II

The man who promised a “fundamental change” and be a different from the ones before him. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni promised a lot, but however these days it shows no difference between him and the second Dr. Milton Obote II regime. He is using the same means against opposition and activists.

The abduction and suddenly detaining of Nicholas Opiyo yesterday proved it. As he was taken by law enforcement in plain clothers from a restaurant in Kamwokya. Later it was reported that he was at the Central Investigation Division (CID) at Kireka. However, they have suddenly charged him with money laundering and such. That is just an easy way freeze accounts and find excuses to have behind bars.

It wasn’t only Opiyo who was abducted yesterday. His team was also taken-in. These was Simon Peter Esomu and Anthony Odur. Which shows that anyone can be taken by the state operatives for no apparent reasons these days.

There been reports of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leaders and candidates who has been taken and in-custody without any warrants. The National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters have been attacked by soldiers as they were preparing for rallies. They were wearing red and posters of Bobi Wine. That was enough to get either brutally hurt by them or arrested to unknown locations.

These days the regime doesn’t have the State Research Bureau (SRB) which was a torture dome and where people was taken too. Today the Internal Security Organization (ISO), Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) and other outfits are using not only CID Kireka, but also ungazetted safe-houses for the ones that is abducted by the state. This sort of operation have gone on for long and court cases proved it. However, the election is only showing the lack of space for opposition in the Republic.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is acting like Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) under Dr. Milton Obote II did to the Democratic Party in the 1980s. Where MPs was arrested, gerrymandering and abduction of people. There is no difference there. Only new names and parties, but the parties are clearly acting alike.

Now the green of the DP isn’t the deadly sin, but wearing the red or blue is the problem. If you are associated with NUP or FDC you can expect legal trouble. You can get abducted for weeks without warrants or charges. The people who is abducted is able to get access to get attorneys, neither are they freed after 48 hours without a trial. They are just keeping them indefinitely and hoping nobody is blowing the whistle on the injustice.

The NRM is repeating the ills of the previous regimes. They are using the military, expanded the Presidential Entourage and finding new measures to suppress the public. The President is blaming the victims and using words that even Obote did in 1983.

Where Obote said: It is convenient for them to make allegations in order to hide the effect of losing support and the lack of policies to put to the electorate” (Leon Dash – ‘Violence Poisons Political Process Within Uganda’ 01.12.1983, Washington Post).

We can hear the NRM saying similar these days. They are deflecting and hoping people are forgetting the ones abducted and arrested politically during these times. That would be very convenient for them. As we are following the campaign trail and what’s happening to the main candidates. While the lingering supporters and smaller candidates… can be behind bars without anyone defending them. Some can even be at a safe-house and their families have no clue where they are taken. The ones abducted to unknown locations. Just because the state can do so… Peace.

Opinion: Tumukunde proving his entitlement with his dismissal of Bobi Wine

Being a president is a challenging task which calls for advanced experience which the NUP leader does not have” Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde in Bubulo East, Namisindwa district on the 15th December 2020.

From a man that has failed in several position in government. The high and mighty, the man who thinks his ego and his entitlement is sky-rocketing. It is like these NRA historicals and NRM stalwarts thinks only the ones going in the school of Museveni have the edge or ability to take over. Because they have sit around the round-table or taken out the sword of the stone. So, these folks have followed the personal cult of Mr. 1986.

It is like these NRA and NRM big-men thinks they have the secret codes to the treasure chest and can only open it up. Not like anyone else can ever succeed the President. Tumukunde is mocking Bobi wine, as he thinks you need a certain skill and entail on thing. Heck, if this is like that. Why haven’t anyone in the ranks of NRM succeeded Museveni?

Well, he doesn’t think anyone of you are good enough or popular enough. It is a reason why Bobi Wine is mentioned. They use his profession … and his past. Not like the same folks saying this hasn’t skeleton in the closet and proven failures. Like Tumukunde himself. It is a reason why he gotten sacked and axed by the President. However, he still dismiss someone else.

It is like these guys needs a special training. It is not supposed to be institutions, laws and a constitution that the President have to uphold. That he will have advisors and have people around making him better. Not like he will rule supreme alone. That is if he cares about governance and service delivery. As it shouldn’t be a one man circus, but a government governing. This is if the incoming President.

However, that is not something Tumukunde thinks off or considers himself. Because, everyone is on an island running the state. A President is supposed to be the “Fountain of Honour” and “His Excellency” without any safeguards or oversight over. This is what the NRM is used too and that is why the President at this point is untouchable.

Tumukunde is mocking the wrong man and showing ignorance. That is not new. That is why his bitching about the state crashing his rallies and blocking him from campaigning. The man who took a chopper and crashed Mbabazi at one point. This man is a token loyal NRM cadre. He will be that, because he hopes for a plum-job when this is over. That is why he says this. To prove to his master that his still one his guys.

Tumukunde is showing his loyalty. As he see no prospect of a Bobi Wine presidency. However, Tumukunde would have most likely said the same about anyone else. Initially stating that Museveni is the only man. Therefore, just showing his a pawn in the game of the Entebbe State House. Peace.

Opinion: Diet-Mbabazi better chill [addressing Lt. Gen. Tumukunde]

I am not being properly covered in the media. I’m told some people think I am not serious. If there was no rigging, I would show you that I have the capacity to move votes” – Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde in Lira City on the 7th December 2020

In the 2016 General Election the National Resistance Movement (NRM) member and Independent Candidate Amama Mbabazi went through the elections. Mbabazi had a flair for the theatrics and made a big name for himself in the headlines. As he challenged the President first within the party and later as an Independent through the Pressure Group – Go Forward and as the Presidential Candidate for the Opposition Coalition – The Democratic Alliance (TDA).

This year and campaign Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde is running his own campaign called Renewed Uganda (RU). He tried to become the Presidential Candidate in a smaller party, but they ditched his chances.

Tumukunde might cry about media coverage. However, his not as important as Bobi Wine, Mugisha Muntu or Patrick Amuriat Oboi. These have more of candidate. The Lt. Gen. is just getting the traction of his character and his candidacy. The media is just covering him as much as his relevance.

Henry will not hit the headlines or be the big-shot. The man might think because of his ego that his more important than he really is. Since, the man might think … his as vital and in the conversation as he was in government. However, compared to other opposition candidates. His not stirring the conversation or getting the relevance.

Tumukunde can act like a big shot, but he isn’t at this point of time. This man is just another one. One in a crowd and his message isn’t pertinent. The man better chill and take it easy.

Henry should consider his way of portraying himself. Tumukunde thinks that his still a Minister and one of the loyal assets of the President. However, his a light version of Mbabazi. A man looking like his defying the crown. When his really not doing it.

This diet version of Amama isn’t going anywhere. His just fishing for a position post-Election time. Another meal-ticket politician thinking his all of that. However, this campaign only shows that his not all that and only would have a slot if his loyalty to the kingpin pays-off.

It is because of his years of loyalty. That’s why his not really an opponent, but yet another candidate that will enter the fold when he gets a chance. Peace.

The 2021 Elections can be Museveni’s final 1980 Election

On the 14th January 2021 is the Presidential Election in the Republic. As things states the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is automatically winning. That is why the election is continuing. Because, he has put everything forward for a total victory. The rest is just procedure and pawns on his chess-set. His waiting to take everyone out, one by one and in the end up as the victor.

In regard to the 2021 elections nothing seems out of the ordinary in this fashion. Just like Dr. Milton Obote ordered full loyalty from all civil servants to his party. He appointed the Electoral Commission and District Commissioners. There was clear indication of gerrymandering, shut down public counting of the votes and suddenly announced the results over the radio.

Some of these things are not yet to happen, but knowingly how the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is working. We shouldn’t be shocked if some things are bound to happen in 2021.

First, the President has appointed loyalist and cronies into all institutions. They are directly involved in all government organizations. This being the Electoral Commission, Residential District Commanders, Judiciary, Police, Army and all other security organizations. Therefore, the President’s Men will be loyal and serve all his wishes.

Secondly, the state has been busy gerrymandering. That is why the extension of MPs never been higher between the 10th Parliament to the 11th Parliament. This is clearly done to able to fixate the voter registry and secure incumbent NRM friendly MPs. Just like the gerrymandering under Obote was to secure more UPC MPs in the Parliament.

Now, the President these days are offering a febrile and violent atmosphere, which could describe the days now. Museveni controls it all and orders everyone to his bidding. There is no difference from 1980 election. The election that brought him to the bush and made him overthrow the government at the time.

He is using the force to silence opposition. Using techniques of intimidation. His even arresting his main competitors. Like he arrested Patrick Oboi Amuriat and has still Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine behind bars as we speak. Therefore, the rules are rigged. The man does it differently. The names has changed, but the end-game is the same.

President Museveni is pushing on. Even as the army is on the streets. The scores of dead citizens is rising, the amounts of injured is on the rise too. This is the game the President is playing.

The 1980 election can teach us something. President Museveni felt scorned and was bitter. He felt cheated and used that as a reason for war. Now, his using the same means again. However, his the culprit and the head who spoils the polls in his favour.

That is the act that Obote did with the use of the mechanisms left behind by the colonial administration. Where the “administration” appointed the Electoral Commission, which is the same practice done today. This is why its loyal to the President and not to the public. Like so many of the other institutions who serves him, but not the public. They are all in the working for his end game. This is why there are MPs going directly into the next election without any polls. These are given the advantage before things are really starting.

That is why Museveni wants another 1980 election. The one reason for his reign and why “they fought”. When he has to rehash the sins of the past to get into power. In spite of giving reasons for others to become like he did. He walks into the same pitfalls, which he was supposed to liberate the people. An assertion we can all with time dismiss and know that he clearly haven’t regarded to fix. As that would make it impossible for him to win.

It is just a mere fact. In a free and fair election, where all candidates has a shot of winning. Museveni would never win. He wouldn’t have a half-chance. The old man wouldn’t even be reckoned with. So, if it wasn’t for all of his appointees, control of the state and intimidation. The man would have nothing and even less than Norbert Mao. Just think about that. Nobody in their right mind would elect that man can easily order the death or your son, daughter or nephew without a flinch of an eye.

That’s what he does and this is why the deaths of citizens doesn’t face him. Because, if it did. He would have acted differently. Like most of the time to show power he got to intimidate the public. Not that its enough with soldiers on the streets, para-military groups around and even armed people in plain clothes.

The 1980 election should be our lesson. As it shows where he gets the flair and bravado from. Museveni knows the Commonwealth and United Kingdom signed off the rigged election. There will be someone else doing his bidding this time. To ensure the election is legitimized in favour Obote. Now, in 2021 there will be someone else doing the bidding of Museveni. Surely we can expect Museveni wins by secure numbers and have total control of Parliament. Anything else is a shocker and a result the President wouldn’t accept.

Museveni doesn’t win elections, but he rigs them. Peace.

Opinion: Tumwebaze, you don’t want us to look into Sevo

Hon. Frank Tumwebaze stated on social media that we should “….Lets us deeply interrogate electoral promises of every candidate on the basis of logic & reality….” That’s not a joke, but the reality we are living in. A man of the cadres, a man who has been appointed and been a loyal servant of the President is saying this.

Like do the man wants us to undress President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni?

That would be very easy, as the old man with the hat has said everything and nothing. The man has been in the public sphere since late 1970s and been in office since 1986. He was even Vice in the Military Council before the 1980s Elections.

So, since FRONASA, UPM and NRA days there been countless of promises and pledges. The President has promised wealth, security and development in all corners of the Republic. This President has said he would fix everything and ensure greatness. However, that has never appeared. As the state has only delivered patchwork and some sort of achievements, but never to the extent of the promises. This is why the President and the NRM have come with big plans like the 10 Point Programme, but haven’t implemented it. The same with the Uganda National Development Programme I, II and soon the III. Also Vision 2020 and Vision 2040.

Therefore, the President and his pledges are falling short. It seems like these programs and plans are shortlists for hopes that foreign donors and multi-national organizations can foot the bills. So, that the government and President can take the possible glory of achieving it. This is just like the big ceremonies for opening minor roads in urban areas of late, which was funded largely by development program from USAID.

This is why the President and Tumwebaze shouldn’t interrogate other campaigns. When the President and the party have never followed their own pledges. That is throwing stones in a glass house. It is not a good look Frank… really a shoddy and weak tea.

Tumwebaze should know better, as all big promises comes with all publicity and the flair, but the delivery falls flat. Just like the garden hoes of 2015 and the sanitary pads too. We can await the village radios and TVs. The state couldn’t even finish or properly give food to people staying home during lockdown.

The NRM should look into itself and what they have said an done. They always expect the opposition to be better than them. The state and the NRM expects the opposition to deliver and be totally direct. That they are supposed to balance the budget and be fiscal responsible. When the NRM is driving the economy to a halt and lacking funds to pay salaries for the civil servants.

So, please Tumwebaze clear your own shop before dissecting other people’s campaign. Yes, people should look into the opposition and what they pledges. However, Frank knows perfectly well that he wants to dismiss and disregard the opposition.

Frankie Frank, should chill and this only shows the dire need for change in the Republic. When someone wants to do this to others, but never be accountable for own shortcomings. This is a government who has run the Republic for 35 years. Still, promising the same things as it did when it took power. That shows weakness and not greatness.

The NRM and Museveni is a failure. It is just a matter of how much you want to see … or how much you want to forget. Peace.

The Museveni Paradox: If a miracle happens, then we might see a peaceful transfer of power

The National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni promised a fundamental change. It wasn’t a mere change of guards, but a new government built on other ideals and ethos. Which was supposed to be in vast contrast to previous rulers of the Republic. Alas, the President should start a new era on the 26th January 1986.

However, there has been plenty of water under the bridge since late January 1986. There been so many opportunities to make a difference and changes within the Republic. However, the NRM and the President has squandered that. The President could have become a legend, he could have been seen as a liberator and someone who would always ring in a positive light. Nevertheless, that isn’t the case anymore.

The reasons for his bush-war and for his liberation in the 1980s is the same systemic issues lingering with his reign. The electoral rigging and the hectic gerrymandering. The elite from one tribe and the military leadership, which is most of the ethnic group that the President trust and from the same region. All these issues was reasons for the bush-war and he has done the same.

The same is the elitist eating of the public coffers and misuse of grand corruption. Where a small infringed group can access all perks and allowances. While the general public is only getting scraps. The state is all in the vision of the President and his closest allies. This system isn’t for the grand public, but for the chosen ones.

This is why the lingering problems that caused the bush-war is now in effect. Where there is one law for the ruling regime and another one for the opposition. The NRM is the ones who get can away with murder, while the opposition struggles to gather and hold public meetings. This is the reality within the republic.

When someone has this amassed power and can micro-manage from his State House. When he got lodges, farms and estates across the Republic. It is like we know he cannot live the wealth and the accounts behind. The President has so many schemes and therefore, he just needs to stay in power a while longer. Just to ensure he gets to profit from the office a while longer.

The President and his allies has changed the Constitution several of times just to ensure he can run. Abolishing term limits and the age limit. The state has made laws, which favours him and his fellow comrades. This is all the ideal patronage around the Presidency and it just continues to push it to the world.

This is why the President cannot transfer power. He will loose everything, his family will not have a foothold and the possible investigations into his reign might issue some time and even cost his achievements. The President could possibly be transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and answer for War-Crimes elsewhere like in the Democratic Republic of Congo or in Rwanda for that matter. This President have been connected and implicated in shady deals elsewhere.

So, with the knowledge of all of this. I have a hard time seeing him stepping down in 2021. It is more likely of another rigged election with fierce use of armed forces and media blackout. Where all opposition is behind bars and his inaugurated with fellow dictator buddies. Because, that is what is awaiting 2021. There will be no fanfare of opposition victory. If 2016 wasn’t a sign of that. Then nothing is…

Museveni will not transfer power. Yoweri has no reason or profits himself to do so. He will lose everything and he cannot afford doing that. No matter how he has destroyed his legacy and how he lied to get to power.

He promised liberation and promised to step down before. However, his still here and has no intention of leaving. If he can he will rule until his last breath. It is not a just act of the old man, but that is all he has. Also, if the public doesn’t love him. He doesn’t care as long as the army, security organizations and the police is obeying his command. As long as he have the guns on his side. The President knows you cannot do anything about it.

The “High Above” and the Self-Styled President for Life will linger-on. It would be revolutionary for him to transfer power. However, I doubt it will ever happen. The only way he will transfer power, if his soul has moved on and gone into second life. Because, at this present moment and as long as his breathing. I don’t see any play that suggest him resigning or give way. Unless, there is a military coup that topples him. Nevertheless, that isn’t a peaceful transfer of power, but continuing the long line of successors coming to power by the gun.

So, you see? Museveni will not leave. He will be there forever, unless a miracle happens, which is no where in sight. That is why its called a miracle too. Since there is no prewarning to those sort of events. Until then, there is no one who has a chance to see peaceful transfer of power. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni will start his campaign with war stories

That the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is starting their Presidential Campaigns in Luweero says everything. This is to remember the Bush-War and the legacy it has left behind. Even if for most of the youths. That was isn’t relevant in 2020, but for the President and his allies it is the reason for their rule.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is starting there for a reason. Just like Lt. Gen. David Tinyefuza have explained the reason for the NRA choice of Luweero. They decided it as a base in the 1980s because of the close proximity and it was easily for rebels to be blended into the population. Therefore, the reason for its existence is it strategic position.

It is rich that he wants to be here, as there was by 1985 estimated that over 300,000 civilians died in the Luweero Triangle and most likely the numbers was much worse. That is why the choice of doing it here is very obnoxious. The NRM has done it before and even dropped ads on television and online with the skulls of Luweero.

While the NRA non-combatants of Luweero have never gotten what they were promised. Neither, has the local government gotten the recognition or the needed government services. The former councillors have complained to Radio Sapientia in June 2020. Therefore, the NRM has the audacity to celebrate it now and calling it’s it Mecca. Nevertheless, the NRM haven’t invested in the region or tried to pay back it’s sacrifice for the cause.

We know this is also a sore point of the NRA/NRM as Olara Otunnu asked for Inquiry and Investigation into the killings of civilians in the Luweero Triangle in 2010. Something the NRM dismissed, Gen. Tinye did that at the time as well.

Like Tinye stated in April 2010: I counted 217 bodies of civilians who had been killed by Obote’s forces in Buhimba, Kasunga the and Busiisi in Hoima alone. The NRM didn’t kill its people and anybody making such remarks should stop” (Tinye, April 2010).

We know there was massive battle between both the NRA and the UNLA. It wasn’t a one-sided battle-zone. This is why, by most certainty that the NRA has caused fatalities of civilians during the Bush-War. To think otherwise is naive. That is the way of propaganda. Where only one party is doing evil, while the other is saints. Meanwhile the truth is in the middle. That both are killing in the midsts of war and in the cross-fire, civilian lives are lost.

If we believed differently, then it would be flying unicorns and spider-monkeys flying about to forget about the current reality we are living in.

The Luweero Triangle is significant for the NRM. Nevertheless, they should also take responsibility and not only cherish the sacrifice of the civilians there. As this could never be repaid and the tab is still open. Since, if it wasn’t for making that a base for the NRA. The Presidency and the NRM wouldn’t had the ability to take power in 1986. This is why the NRM should make the place special. Not only have ceremonies and some small tokens to a chosen few.

Even if this battles are less of relevant for the struggling youths and growing up generations of the Republic. The NRM needs to prove it was worth it. Since, the NRA is indebted to Luweero, which they have never cared about. After they took power, which was 34 years ago. It has only been symbolic gestures, but not shown true responsibility to the region.

This is why the choice of picking Luweero Triangle as the Campaign hot-spot and the start of Presidential Campaigns in 2021. Is to not only tell war-stories again. Try to earn more political capital by the loss of lives in 1980s. This is what is happening and the NRM needs to re-issue this. Because, their track-record in power isn’t that great. That is why it has to go back to the roots and continue to linger on the reasons, which isn’t relevant in 2020.

The trouble for the President isn’t to bring back history, but not repeating it. He is using power with force, ensuring he can reign supreme. Even when people are tired of his reign. The NRM is rigging elections like the ones they toppled. Therefore, the same reasons that was viable in 1980s is now relevant for the opposition and not the other way around. As the same sins that made sense for the NRA is now making sense for Bobi Wine’s and others. Which is why NRM is going back to its roots.

To prove for themselves that their liberation was just. Even when it wasn’t and only for a chosen few. So many are left behind and that has been deliberate. The NRM cannot run away from the legacy and the lack of progress after.

President Museveni can bash in glory, but that will only be for himself and the few NRA historicals, which is still in his sphere. However, the general public is under his iron-fist and lucky if they are getting a taste. That is the sad reality and shows the blatant disregard of the public. As the NRM thinks they can sell the same story again ahead of 2021. Peace.