National Resistance Movement (NRM): The 4th Central Executive Commitee of the National Resistance Movement at its 10th Meeting (08.07.2022)

Opinion: I’m sorry Lumumba, I don’t believe you…

Yesterday, National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Justine Lumumba held a press conference ahead of delegation conference of the party and the road-map for the elections. This being in general campaigning and such.

On key point stood out to me and it was this one:

“6. On the 7th August 2020, CEC sat to consider and approve the regulations that will be used during the Extraordinary Meeting of the 3rd National Conference, including the related NEC and CEC Meetings. Some have been mentioned above. Others include:

a). CEC directed that the Ministry of Health SOPs should seriously be observed to throughout the conduct of all political and electoral activities of the NRM. This shall be done in order to ensure that we protect the population from the risk of infection of the COVID-19 virus.

b). CEC directed that there should video recording of the entire Meetings of NEC and the National Conference, to ensure maximum transparency.

c). CEC has strongly emphasized that any form of bribery, utterance of any sectarian statements and use of inappropriate language, are unacceptable. Such practices are contrary to the values and principles of the NRM (please see Code of Conduct in the Fourth Schedule of the NRM Constitution), and the laws of Uganda. Any breach any shall have dire consequences. I therefore wish to call upon all NRM members to be law abiding, and to also strictly adhere to the MOH SOPs. The law enforcement officers are hereby called upon to ensure members comply with the law” (National Resistance Movement – ‘Media briefing by the Secretary General’ (9th august 2020).

As we see here, the highest organ of the ruling party have directed the party. A party which has flaunted, forgotten or not cared about the presidential directives and guidelines in concern to the spread of COVID-19. That is why the Electoral Commission and Ministry of Health have landed on strict guidelines, which made certain types of gathering illegal, this being processions, rallies and bigger meetings in general.

I doubt that Captain Mike Mukula, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Evelyn Anite, Haruna Kasolo, Frank Tumwebaze or Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng will face the law. I really do, these people combined with the Flag-Bearers to be will be able to get away with rallies and processions. That has happen all across the Republic.

We know this, even sons-of-bush-warriors who is running for Parliament can have rallies. These are all okay in Up-Country. They are either doing supposed launches of government programs or internal party elections. However, these sort of activities would be blocked in a heart-beat with tear-gas, arrests and anti-riot police on the beckon-call of the RDCs. We know this treatment is only for the opposition, the NRM are above that and will not be touched.

That is why Mukula, Kamuntu, Anite, Kasolo, Tumwebaze and Aceng could all during the COVID-19 have rallies and similar types of activities. They can say, its something else, but all is bathed in yellow.

We could laugh about it and just say its a misfortunate affair. However, I don’t believe … the Police Force’s, ISO, CMI or the LDUs will crackdown on the NRM. That is not happening. It haven’t happen in the past neither in the near future. Not as long as the King stays the King.

These are untouchable. The SG of NRM said the right thing, but I don’t believe it. Until I see the bracelets and the charges done in Court. Which we will not see, because that will not be a good look ahead of the elections. Peace.

Opinion: The NRM Rebel MPs bowed to their King

“I met our NRM Members of Parliament who have previously opposed certain party positions, hence being named “rebel MPs”. They called on me at State House Entebbe to seek the party’s forgiveness. Subsequently, I made their case before the party’s Central Executive Committee yesterday which resolved that for the party’s cohesion and discipline, we interact further and guide these MPs” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 17.07.2020).

Today, at the State House, there was a meeting of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament (MP) who have dared to challenge the President and his legislation. These are the ones who voted against the abolishment of the Age Limit and so fourth. These MPs actually dared to question the President and not following the correct line.

The MPs in question was today summoned to the State House to be informed on how to move forward. In an exercise to show loyalty and also settle supposed grievances. The President simmer it down really quick when he writes that they will guided further and follow Party discipline. That is why these fellows should not dare to undermine the President again. They should just vote as they are told and not think.

That is why rebellion in the NRM is so endearing. Such a assumption that these are rebels. They stood up for one cause and now they have to kiss the ring to get the goods again. As long as they show loyalty and blind discipline to the party, which means loyal to the President. Not question his actions, his legislation or his policies. Only follow the President and his steering committee the NRM CEC.

The President can act like this was a day filled with hardliners, questionable MPs who didn’t know better and needed more education. That these MPs are indecent and disingenuous. However, these are already yellow fellows. The only thing they have done is to vote against a President for Life. A person they had no trouble bowing their knees for and asking for forgive. They were asking for mercy. To ensure they could get another term in office and get the positive vibes ahead of elections.

This is all political games. The NRM Rebels wasn’t true revolutionaries. These people wasn’t defiant in the sense of person, just one simple cause. They stood up and said “nay”, when others said “yay”. Yes, they did the good thing at that vote, but they didn’t work to directly undermine the ruler or his associates. They were all along part of the party, following procedures and being their MPs.

They were maybe not invited to the State House for NRM Caucus Meeting, losing out of some envelopes. However, they are neither true opposition or someone who defiantly standing against the President. If they were and not willingly to work with the Self-Styled President for Life. They wouldn’t show up and bend over for the old man.

He also said:

“Our people are waking up. It explains why we have bumper production of milk, sugar, bananas, etc. Leaders must work for the prosperity of their people. That’s the most important thing” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 17.07.2020).

It is really special that he says leaders have to work for prosperity. When he has prospered, while his citizens haven’t done so. That they have to do that now that its really rich in way. Promise wealth, but not delivering it. That is the final message for the rebels. The ones who stood against him on one cause. A cause that was for selfish reasons for one old man with a hat. The one man with a hat, who they shall not rebel against again. That’s why his showing them mercy now. As long as they are following his orders. Peace.

Opinion: NRM queuing in the line of 1989

It was reported that in February 2019, that the National Resistance Movement – Central Executive Council (NRM -CEC) was proposing to have the NRM Primary Elections of 2020. Where all the members and the general public who would participate in these elections would go behind their lines. By that way decide whose the candidate in the up-coming election in 2021.

That was just a mere report from NRM CEC was reported in the New Vision this: “The Central Executive Committee (CEC) sitting in Entebbe on Thursday discussed the proposed amendments to the NRM Constitution and adopted lining up as a mode of voting during party elections” (New Vision, 24.01.2020). That’s a mere year later and they are really sticking to it.

This time they have made excuses for this lax elections too: “The party leaders extensively discussed the advantages that come along with this proposed amendment some of which include reduction in logistical and financial such as procurement of ballot papers, buckets, indelible ink, pens and basins among other electoral materials, provide a desirable party cohesion because it will be open and transparent and elimination of ghost polling stations” (New Vision, 24.01.2020).

Its like they are initially saying, we are so bad at holding these elections and we don’t trust the NRM Electoral Commission. Especially not that rascal Dr. Tanga Odoi. His a useless tool, but our useless tool. So, we have to abolish ordinary elections. The candidates has to put forward like school-kids in the yard and the ones with the most people behind them. Becomes not only captain, but the class-president. This is how it seems.

Just like in 1989, it was the personal merit, which counted in the National Resistance Council Elections. Now, the same will happen. On the grounds on Election Day. Where the polls will all be open. Where the members and the public in general participating will stand in line behind the person they see most fit or feels the pressure to vote for. This is not secret voting, but a public gathering of people and pressuring them.

The NRM CEC and Delegates Conference should maybe give it a three week notice for the elections. Let the President decide the majority of the Candidates and call it a rewind of the RC Election of 1989. They are queuing like the RC1 did back then. So, the NRM CEC and the President wants a Personality Contest.

What is special is that the liberator is going back to his old tricks to get his cronies behind the wheels. His using the same tools he did in the 1980s. Instead of developing, the NRM and its Secretariat is digressing. This isn’t developing the party, but time travelling back-in-time.

So, the NRM want the public to ‘Walk a fine line’. It’s 34 years in power, 31 years since the first election was held and now they want to repeat that. It is internally, but shows their lack of respect for their members and voters. When they want to continue the “art of peer-pressure”.

We are living in 2020, but the NRM CEC is still in 1989. Maybe, the NRM CEC should buy a Nintendo Gameboy or even watch Lethal Weapon again. So, they can reminisce about that long forgotten time. Instead of pushing old tricks on the public now. The Party of a ruling regime, which is getting closer to 4 decades. Should be able to run a proper election. Not do the same as it did in their inception.

That’s what’s you do when your lost and you got no where else to go. Peace.

Opinion: The ‘NRM Rebel MPs’ proves the democratic deficiencies within the party

When Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Justine Kasule Lumumba barred 30 Members of Parliament for the Party to be delegates at the NRM Delegates Conference on the 25^th January 2020 at Mandala Stadium (Namboole). Because, these 30 MPs voted against the abolishment of the Age Limit in defiance of the President, the Party Chairman and Supreme Leader. Therefore, SG Lumumba and the President have directed them not to come.

It is funny that a party made out a rebellion is sanctions its own rebels. I always find that endearing of the NRM. That the ones who should understand and support this behaviour. Since that is how the party got made to begin with.

What we are seeing is a President, his party and his secretariat not accepting other things than the party line. Everyone is supposed to follow the guidance and the beliefs of the President. Everything else is out of question. In addition, if you dare to go against it, there will be sanctions, ramifications and consequences.

So today this news broke out: “Oscar John Kihika, the Director Legal Services NRM Party has said the 30 Party MPs who opposed the lifting of the Presidential age limit have a right to attend the Party’s Conference as per Article 11(2) (i) of the NRM Party Constitution” (91.2 Crooze FM, 15.01.2020).

That is why, the NRM own constitution doesn’t ban them, but the President and SG wants to do it. They might show up then, but don’t expect celebrations or huge relief. These MPs might get into trouble by defying that too. These people might just end up like Muhammed Nsereko, NRM leaning Independent, which will vote in accordance with the party, but as “independents”.

What we are seeing is singling out the ones who doesn’t following the program and the regime of Museveni. The ones inside his own camp whose daring to oppose him and his self-styled President for Life. Which is his memo and life work. They are defying that and because of that. The President are initially saying they have “no say” and “nothing to offer” in his party.

If they did, they would come with open arms, discuss why did what they did and talked it out. Instead his banning them and closing the door shut. No way to return, no mercy, no justification. Just, you didn’t do as your told. Therefore, now you got to suffer, outside alone and not allowed to play us friends inside. Real kindergarten stuff, not a grown up party with proper measures and protocol.

It is so endearing, the NRM Rebels, but the party doesn’t think so, apparently. For them, they are nuances and a reminder, that not everyone follows one man blindly, but that they can on their own. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s endearing view on “NRM Rebels”

The rebel without an cause, has an issue with comrades or the fellow Yellow MPs in Parliament, who suddenly rebel against him. That is so endearing. It is so sweet, that he struggles and beats on the NRM Rebel MPs. It is like a beautiful fan-fiction. That he even remind that the Constitutional Court got the case changed by the Supreme Court on the interpreted article of 83 out of the Constitution.

The President is really rich in this manner. Museveni thinks his smart, but he isn’t that clever. Since, there are no place where the law says a NRM MP has to vote with the party. Only a certain quorum and rules for how the MPs can vote. If it is by voice or secret voting. There are stipulations for that, but not statutes nor articles, saying that you have to follow party line and be loyal to whatever cause or law the NRM see fit. That is not put in any law nor code, as such is foolish at best.

That is why yesterdays defence for getting people registered to vote is a weird text at best. I am only discussing the NRM rebellion and why he has a hissy-fit. Because, the President is only fool and nothing else in this matter.

President statement yesterday:

“In our own Parliament we have had that problem of the “Rebel MPs”, elected as NRM but conduct themselves like they are not NRM. The Constitutional Court made a mistake because when we asked them to interprete Article 83 that we deliberately put in the Constitution to solve the problem of the 1960s, they interpreted it in such a manner that the MP can do what they want. That the MPs do not have to get permission from those who elected them to do what they are supposed to do. It is a very dangerous disconnection, that of non-accountability” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – ‘PRESIDENT URGES UGANDANS TO REGISTER FOR 2020/21 GENERAL ELECTIONS’ 19.12.2019).

Article 83 of the 1995 Constitution:

“83. Tenure of office of members of Parliament.

(1) A member of Parliament shall vacate his or her seat in Parliament—

(g) if that person leaves the political party for which he or she stood as a candidate for election to Parliament to join another party or to remain in Parliament as an independent member;

(Constitution, 1995).

Supreme Court judgement of 2015:

“The continued stay in Parliament of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents as Members of Parliament after their expulsion from the NRM Party on whose ticket they were elected is contrary to and inconsistent with Articles 1(1), 2(1), 2(4), 29(1)(e), 69(1), 72(4), 78(1)(a), and 79(3) of the Constitution” (…) “To conclude on this ground, we are of the view that the majority of Justices in the Constitutional Court erred when they interpreted Article 83(1)(g) to mean that members of Parliament who are expelled from their political parties have to vacate their seats in Parliament by virtue of that Article. It was, therefore, wrong for the Constitutional Court to order the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th appellants to vacate their seats in Parliament on that ground. Accordingly ground 4 must succeed” (Supreme Court – Constitutional Appeal No. 01 of 2015, October 2015).

So we have seen the train of thought. That the President has set and fixed a narrative. He has to speak in third person, even as they are supposed to follow him and he uses the NRM as a prefix for that. That is why if a NRM MP vote with the opposition, they are wrong, even if it might be in the interest of the constituents.

He has a problem, that the Constitutional Court interpreted the article wrong. That he cannot expel an MP and get a by-election. This would be a proper tool to ensure the right loyal cadres would be harness and he wouldn’t have to pay them to vote his way. That is why his mad at the Courts, though if he remembered correctly, the Constitutional Court was in-favour of the President, but the Supreme Court validated the rebels.

The expelled MPs didn’t leave, but was forced to go by no action of their own. Except doing something to get expelled. If that was acting like a punk at Kyankwanzi or voting against the interest of the State House. The President wants the magical wand to either have pro-NRM, super-loyalists, who follow him blindly and who doesn’t think.

The rebels are maybe wrong in the eyes of the President. But they are allowed and free to vote, write statements or acting accordingly to their own conscience. They are not children, who need parental advice and guidance to act rightfully within the August House. That is why Museveni has a problem, as the paternal godfather of the Republic.

This is really endearing of the President. As he thinks this is wise to say, as he cannot even pick the right court to blast. The Constitutional Court did a wrong, but rebels are not aliens, which the Court Judgement of the Supreme Court states.

If Museveni really believes his still a freedom fighter, how come he has an issue, that his own MPs has the liberty to accordingly to their own conscience?

Enough bullshit. Peace.

Opinion: The Wealth Creation Tour is all about Museveni being the sole candidate not Wealth Creation!

Well, lets settle this ONCE and for ALL. That the trip paid by the taxpayers, by the state to usher in the Operation Wealth Creation Tour, which is a big hoopla by the State House and the President himself. Where he has stages, convoys and sign-offs on projects all across the Republic. Isn’t for the betterment of the state, the citizens or financial growth.

This is all to boast the ego of the President and seal his “victory” internally in the National Resistance Movement to become the SOLE CANDIDATE for NRM and be the eternal guiding star of the “movement”, which isn’t really moving. What the movement is really doing is repeating itself and hoping no-one notices it.

The President is going on a overdrive to campaign for himself, because he needs to settle the score. Even if he is saying exactly the same thing he did 20 years ago in a godforsaken district, which he has split twice since taken the reign. He has maybe said the same for 30 years ago, but who are able to follow all the pledges and promises of the promise-land. Everybody is just busy praising him and ensuring that they will be counted for after the next election.

That is why every village NRM chairman, every LCV and district representative is signing off on charts and on posters, proclaiming Museveni as the SOLE Candidate for 2021. Like it is a secret, like this is a mysterious cult of leadership, where only he can lead them. Because that’s how it seems. They are not even trying to have delegates and an internal election held by Dr. Tanga Odoi. Odoi is in this picture the ugly duck, just catching a envelope for being the chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission. His role there is pointless in concern, as by visiting Mubende district, the President has visited 15^th districts to boast his ego.

He has his ordinary agenda, his speech and his loyal cronies following him there. They are blindly putting out the same statements and tokens of representation. These old same-old, same-old stories and proof of what the public need to do. Because, the old man is guiding them, while his campaign on behalf of himself. That is what he does. This trip is all about him. Not about Wealth Creation. That is just the mask of it, the usage of expression for what it really is. To make him look vibrant and ready, to usher in the 9^th Term in office and ensure that none one will question him.

That is what the President is doing on his Wealth Creation Tour. He isn’t guiding people into wealth or earning a fortune. No, his ensuring his own position and using the state reserves doing so. He will continue to do so. Because he can and he will. Surely, there will be more than opening roads paid by the World Bank and other donor agencies. Yes, there will soon be gifts doled out to village chiefs, RDCs and whatnot to ensure their loyalty. That is what he does. Peace.

Opinion: Why not just endorse Mzee for 2026?

Well, the Museveni Wealth Creation Tour of 2019 is continuing and the stories, the endless endorsements in every creek, corner and by everyone breathing is there. I am anticipating a vote for the almighty by the association of goats, wild boars and guinea pigs by the end of next month.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is preparing for 2021, but cannot he just start to do so for the 2026 or the next after that? Since his already doling money and asking for favours like he always do. The President can offer more City Statuses and create more districts. So, that we all can be confused and also the Electoral Commission, so that it cannot see the difference between a previous sub-county and the new district in Kaabong. That is just what is up.

The National Resistance Movement and Government of Uganda, acts like this the new normal. That the President is running around like it is no tomorrow, even when the EC have told that no one should campaign before the Elections Road Map, which is a saga in itself. Not that Bosco or Jajja listens, but we couldn’t expect that from a man with advanced age. These people usually doesn’t listen to younger folks, but gives them lectures. Just like this president does all the time.

That is why the NRM, if it was honest, if it was sincere, would already endorse Museveni for 2026. Even if it many years in advance. Well, 2019 is only two years in advance of the General Election of 2021 and by this count its only 7 years ahead. A little over one term and a bit. Just like it’s a bit and then its polls again.

Well, we know this will not happen, because that would be foolish. Even if it foolish to have the same sole candidate, the same flag-bearer as chairman for 33 years and counting. Well, his the guiding star, the only one close to God and the only one with an vision. So, forgive me for not understanding his place on planet earth. No one can pass his being, his position nor his grace. That is why his the eternal fountain of honour, the one mere mortals only shall ask favours from.

Therefore, if the mere mortals are wise, they could start endorsing him for 2026 to ensure and show loyalty 7 years in advance. That will show the world, the district, the sub-county and their baby mama, that they are genuine supporters of the President. Not like these other fools, who only pledge two years in advance. The people had better show support and now, as they need to get the golden touch, the vision and enlightenment from his almighty now.

No time to throw away. Time to do it now. Peace.

Opinion: [Nothing to see here] Museveni is not campaigning folks!

“President Yoweri Museveni has urged the people of Wakiso to avoid opposition politicians come 2021. This as he presided over the 30th Heroes day celebration in Kasanje town in Wakiso District” (NBS Television, 09.06.2019).

Well, the Electoral Commission has confessed to the public, that unless politicians are campaigning before the Election Road Map, they advice them not to do so and the authorities are allowed to strike with terrible vengeance upon them.

However, the President and his convoy are allowed to travel everywhere. His fellow comrades and supporters are saying this Operation Wealth Creation Tour, the Manifesto Week and such is just spreading the news of his achievements during this current term. However, the President have become the SOLE CANDIDATE and has been ENDORSED in every village and hut his past by. He has hold political rallies and used his usual voter tourism strategy.

We could just stand idly by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni driving to every stage up-county like its nothing. Spending money like it is no tomorrow. But we all seen this before, as he launching 0,9 km roads and speaking ill of competitors. That is just the way he is and has been for ages. Even if he claims to be longer in opposition, than in government. Someone, please do the Math.

Alas, here we are again, short run up to the elections. No serious electoral reforms, the same rigging machinery in place another blown-up budget and surely there will be a second coming for that. As there is one more calendar year and fiscal year before the polls. There will empty state coffers and the will be several of supplementary funds, which comes to the State House. As they need extra funds for water, wages and whatnot at the State House. Not that its spending on the campaigns, t-shirts, buses, foods, entertainment and a box of Arua Stones. No, no, no, it is spend on the furniture of the President and his Presidential Advisors, all the hundred of them.

We can lie to ourselves, even if the NRM Party says his not campaigning as the sole candidate and getting endorsed. The NRM can say this doesn’t matter, because his not stipulated officially yet by the NRM CEC or NRM internally. However, this will just be rubber-stamped and move along with a photo-session where he runs and goes to the NRM EC and gets the paper by Dr. Tanga Odoi. Dr. Odoi wouldn’t dare to field another candidate against him. That would be the end of Odoi’s career and he would have to flee to Europe as quickly as possible.

Therefore, the NRM and Museveni can lie saying they haven’t been campaigning and only championing the Steady Progress paradigm, while traversing the Republic. But we all know what it is and what he does. If not, he wouldn’t need to be ENDORSED in every village by every goat, man and fellow matooki branch, but apparently he does. Peace.

NRM MPs Kyankwanzi Resolution: Shows there is no free thought in the Movement!

“Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front” – Nelson Mandela

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have resolved nothing during the Kyankwanzi Summit in 2019. They have implemented the resolution, which honours the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), which had already on the 19^th February 2019 endorsed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the sole candidate for the General Election in 2021.

Today, the NRM MPs or Caucus at the Kyankwanzi have resolved that the future needs the leadership of Museveni, not only for the 2021 Election, but also beyond. That is two months apart, that the NRM MPs shown their token and loyalty to the almighty President. The President for life. That they are now promoting and directly saying:

“We need Mzee more now, than ever before”, also to top it off, like anyone who is blind and not having ability to think freely, the NRM MPs states: “We need his firm guidance in mentoring and growing ideological, political and technical cadreship for protecting the gains of our revolution, as well as securing the future of the Ugandan and African people”.

That is what these people are able to say, they are Members of Parliament, the lawmakers and the elite of the Republic. Still, they are as worshipping their leader, like he is a cult leader, a deity, who has to guide them and lead them to redemption. They are awaiting his teachings and knowledge, because they don’t know where else to seek it. They are just awaiting the enlightenment from Mzee, the Bosco, the Mr. Sunday or Yoseri even.

Now they are waiting to get a vision, a sight and clear themselves from the desert and into a mirage; they want him to save them from hell and bring them into heaven. Because, that is the initial message from the latest NRM Kyankwanzi Resolution of 17^th March 2019.

These MPs cannot ever be taken as free thinking individuals after signing off to this document and accepting the wording. They are all blind slaves, all minions of the President, these people doesn’t have any idea of leadership, neither what guidance is.

The NRM MPs doesn’t have the capability or mind to cope without the President. Since, they are just existing because the President. Therefore, they got to show him submission, praise him and be his servants. That is who they are, if they claim otherwise, just show their resolution. Nothing else matters, that is their ideas put into print. That is their life, this is their leader for life and they cannot see anyone else. This is why they are blind as bat and cannot see anything, not even how this sort of resolution or decision to again make the President a Sole Candidate.

Nothing is showing progress, nothing is showing excellence or integrity. They are just showing, that they cannot function or see a future without Museveni. Like there have been no Uganda before him. That is cult like behaviour. If the MPs don’t like it, that is fine, but this how it seems.

Mzee can do whatever, say whatever, act like whatever and still these people will praise him. No matter what happens, he is the guiding star, the man who has the answers. That is why they are never wearing hoodies and wanting snipers in their cars, as they drive through Bombo Road in Kampala. Peace.