Opinion: New strict campaign finance limits in the new Electoral Reforms…

I got to go at this law one more time, as there is one more consequential thing in it, that cannot be understated. This is real worry, because, this really limits the reach for the candidates, as they have to prepare in advance all the funds and everything before the elections. They have only two weeks to declare how they have raised funds, by whom and also the amount to able to campaign.

That is vital information, as this limits indirectly, the reach of the opposition and their campaigns. This should also stop the National Resistance Movement (NRM) from finding new funds, new money to suddenly have gifts, voter tourism and whatnot, which they didn’t announce two weeks after the nomination.

Take a look!

Section 22:

“(1b) candidate shall declare to the commission, within fourteen days after nomination day, the source of funds for financing his or her election.

“(4) (a) A candidate or candidate’s agent shall not- obtain, solicit or receive any financial or other assistance from any foreign Government, institution, body or person which or who has demonstrated an intention to overthrow the lawfully established Government of Uganda, or to endanger the security of Uganda;

(b) obtain, solicit or receive any financial or other assistance from an organisation which has been declared a terrorist organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2002” (Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2019).

The law is also scary vague on key components like the issue of financial or other assistance from foreign government, institution, body or person, whose intention is to overthrow a legal established Government of Uganda. This means, any sort of organization, whose funding is foreign and who works with governance could get into trouble to finance NGOs and others, which implies in a Multi-Party Democracy, that someone else than the incumbents should actually have the possibility to win. Alas, we know, in an Ugandan election that is impossible. Because, the House always WINS, sort of like the rigged Casinos.

This amendment is clearly stifling the ideas like we saw in the previous election, where the citizens gave gifts and donations all along, as Kizza Besigye travelled across the Republic to give small donations here and there. Clearly, because, the NRM and their allies want to underscore and know how much they have on the books and verify their sources. Since, we know, they will not tell how much of the State House budget, the OPM or others goes directly to the President and his team of associates. No, they will make a way to be the smooth operator, but this law is get more strings attached to the opposition.

By all means, no political party or candidate should be used a foreign party to intervene or to overthrow an government, neither should money or funding play into it. That is fine, but that the Electoral Commission needs to know 14 days after the nomination, are really limiting the scope for fundraising, especially with all the conditions put into play.

The rest of the law is straight forward and understandable by all accounts, it is a measure to secure where the funding is from and not laundering money from unsolicited sources, which can be connected to terrorism and other illegal activity, which is fine. That shouldn’t be the case anyway.

But it’s the rest that put real strains on a campaign and ensures, that the candidates have to have a vault of funds to able to campaign and be running in 2021. That is if this goes through parliament and becomes actual law. Peace.

Opinion: Are the electoral amendments a way of outlawing NRM’s own “Independent” MPs?

Well, the first initial reports of the Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill of 2019 wasn’t accurate, the rumours and speculations wasn’t all truthful. Who knows who leaked it like that and for what reason. That is up to TVO to conspire and show the paperwork off. That is his dish to serve and he does it with such skills.

Alas, this piece will be about independents candidates and their eligibility as candidates. Because, that was also important in the leaks and also the associations between organizations/pressure groups and party members. There are still legal boundaries to this, but now more restrictions, than in the past. Just take a look.

“9A. Eligibility to stand as independent candidate.

(1) A person is eligible to stand for election as an independent if that person is not a member of a registered political party or organisation having ceased to be a member of a political party or organisation twelve months before nomination day; or having never been registered as a member of a political party or organisation.

(2) An independent candidate shall be taken to have ceased to be a member of a political party or organisation under subsection (1) (a), if that person has complied with the constitution, rules and regulations of the political party or organisation to which he or she belonged, that relate to cessation of membership of that political party or organisation and was discharged by the political party or organisation.” (Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2019).

Well, this is straight forward, but this outlawing a practice, which has been done in most parties of late. Most notably in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) where the incumbent loser in any given district or county, have re-run as independent candidates, even while being members of the party. There was even meetings with about 20 Incumbent MPs who lost their Primaries in 2015 at the State House mid-December 2015 ahead of the 2016. Surely, there was also some more who ran on their own accord after losing their primaries earlier in the year. There was also a rise in the amount of Independent MPs in the 10^th Parliament. This means, that this method will not be allowed from neither the UPC, DP, FDC or the NRM for that matter. Especially,as the NRM as they have had the most these type of candidates in the previous election.

What this also does, limits and restricts the Independents, meaning if they are Independent. They are not even running under an organization. This means, that possibly, running as independent while being part of People Power. Would be impossible, that is if I understand it correctly. That means, someone running for People Power or for Go-Forward in the previous election. Would have to be registered as member and therefore, not really independent. But aligned to the organization or the party. That would limit the ability for certain individuals.

The original law from 2005 stated only this for any candidate:

“9. Sponsorship of candidates by political organisation or political party

Under the multiparty political system, nomination of candidates may be made by a registered political organisation or political party sponsoring a candidate or by a candidate standing for election as an independent candidate without being sponsored by a political organisation or political party” (Presidential Election Act 2005).

Clearly, that law was more liberal, more free and gave way to more various of ways into parliament or into public office. However, this is now showing that the NRM wants stop their own practice and also make the road to the 11^th Parliament harder. Even for the guy himself inflicting this law. Who did use this method, the Minister of Justice Gen. Kahinda Otafiire ran as an Independent Candidate after losing the NRM Primaries. He lost twice, but got the Ministry still, because his one of the loyal subjects of the President.

Nevertheless, expect this to have ramifications. As this law is limiting the people running for Parliament. Unless, the NRM Primaries and others are held 13 months ahead of the up-coming elections. Also, that is if the Electoral Commission allows the parties to hold the Primaries early. Because something got to give. Peace.

Not Breaking News: The Supreme Court Validated the Age Limit Amendment today!

If you ever thought the Supreme Court would allow the appeal on the Age Limit or the abolishment of the Article 102(b) your wrong. The 1995 Constitution is a document that is to change, as the President see fit or as he is in need.

The ones that believed that the Supreme Court would dismiss it. The result 4 Judges to dismiss versus 3 to appeal. Seems more like trying to make it balanced, than it really is. Because, the judges could have just made it 7 to dismiss or even 6, maybe even 5. Since, the result is practically the same. Close, but no cigar.

There are nothing that is changed, only that all legal remedy before the General Election 2021 is gone. The road for the sole candidate of the National Resistance Movement. Nothing will stop him, yet again. Like it is child’s play, which it is. Because, everyone around him plays to his tune. The ones who doesn’t end behind bars for silly reasons like Besigye. That is just life in the republic.

Again, and again, all the remedy, all the legal and Parliamentary steps is taken to secure the Self-Styled dictatorship of the President. In the vision and way of Museveni. If you think it is brilliant. It is not, it is just misuse of state institutions and ensuring one man get everything.

This isn’t validating a constitution or rule of law. This is validating the Presidency and his cronies. There is nothing noble or justification of it. Except keeping the status quo and the misuse of the power, which the NRM and the ones around the President already does.

If you think the verdict of 18^th April 2019 is splendid and worth celebrating. Than celebrate the arrests of opposition members, the assaults on civil society organizations, political rallies ambushed, concerts blocked, journalists silenced, radios losing their licenses and everything else that is used to stop the opposition from organizing. It will only get worse, before it gets better.

For one reason, there is less and less reasons for Museveni to play around. He has everything and all laws is in hands. All the security organizations is following his memos and the Parliament is doing as directed. There is no one questioning or stopping him from doing what he says. Even if it failure and foolish.

Don’t anticipate this verdict to make things better. It won’t, it will just give the President all the reasons to continue his run. To continue his persistence of stealing, dealing and killing everyone else seeking office. Ensuring overpower and control. Giving no way. Just being him. There is no other way to look at it.

This is again, giving all the powers to the same man, that has run the republic since 26^th January 1986. We could joke, may even say Bosco is out of his mind. But he isn’t, his just using the Supreme Court, like he has used everything else for 3 decades.

He just got the final nudge, the final nail in the coffin. He has abolished the term limits, now he officiated the destruction of the age limit. Who knows what is next, but this man will do whatever it takes to be in power. To think otherwise, is a lie or you haven’t gotten the whole picture. If not you are naive and thinks this is a good. Which is not.

This is validating the corruption, the arrest of democracy and also the ability of others to compete. As it is yet another fixture ready for the victory of Team Museveni. Peace.

Age Limit: The value of the Life Presidency is now about two Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita!

What if I told you that, based on the incoming numbers from today’s reporting and last year. We can establish the certain cost of the Age Limit Bill and how much the National Resistance Movement (NRM) or the NRM MPs has cost in total. An amendment of the Constitution, which in purpose have given President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Life Presidency.

With that in mind, I have calculated what each of the NRM MPs have gotten in payment. As it first was the cost of Consultations and the total value of that, later I have taken the direct payment for passing the bill. So take a look!

Latest report on the payment:

“The first installment of Shs 40 million was paid before the amendment was passed in 2017 with another installment of Shs 100 million coming immediately after the passing of the Bill. The final installment of Shs 60 million was to be paid on November 30 last year. At the beginning of this week, the MPs received telephone calls from the leadership of the NRM Parliamentary caucus to go for the money but instead of the Shs 60 million, the MPs received Shs 45 million” (Kabuubi, 2019).

Lets do some calculations:

Each of the 317 Members of the NRM Caucus have gotten in total Shs. 85 million shillings or offered this, as it is reported. I will look at the whole sum for everyone, as it is to hectic to calculate the ones that didn’t receive it all, as they wanted the whole sum of Shs. 100 million, but the proof of cost is still up-to-date. As it shows how much the state anticipated to pay for the whole operation to the MPs in question.

So the sum for passing to date is about Shs. 85 million Ugandan shillings doesn’t say so much internationally, so if your using the foreign exchange today. Each MP would get in about $22,740 US Dollars. That is in both instances with the total fee, however, today, they got equlent about “only” $ 12,041 US Dollars or £9,415 Great British Pounds.

This is the payment done for the bill itself, but for the ones remembering back in time. This isn’t the first fee, these honourables got for doing so. The MPs got a consultation fee each. Which I stated like this in October 2018, when the MPs got Shs. 29 millions each for consulting their constituents.

To put the 29 million in perspective is about $ 8000 United States Dollars or £ 6000 Great British Pounds (With the exchange rate in October 2018). So it isThe whole cost of the consultation of the bill was $ 3,553.660 or about 3,5 million United States Dollar. That is the cost of the MPs consultations is equivalent of 13 billion Uganda Shillings or about 3,5 million US Dollars.

That was then, but now with the revelation, there are more money at play. Making the calculation more interesting. As the whole freaking project is getting under wraps. Because, we should calculate all the millions spent on these MPs, to prove the value of Life Presidency in the eyes of Bosco. As he sees this sums fit to give life to his dream of ruling until eternity. The $ 3,5m USD was premature. Since there was even the direct payments to the 317 NRM Caucus MPs. Which was revealed today.

With that in mind, lets do the Math:

Shs. 29m + Shs. 85m = Shs. 114m or $ 30,501 USD or even £ 23,844 GBP each.

That is what the MPs gotten each in Consultation Fees and Direct Payment. We should still look at the whole shindig. Therefore we have to look into how much Shs. 114m are times 317 MPs. That is about Shs. 36 billion or into $ 9,6m USD, or about £ 7,5m GBP.

To put that in perspective how much that really is. In Ugandan Perspective, it is as much as the Namugongo Museum Development Committee planned in 2016 to spend on Anglican Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo, as they would develop the museum, build a conference centre, guest house and a library.

To do another one, the value of the Age Limit bills as of today, it is about the value of two Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita, which is valued about $4.8m USD. Which is an upgrade, as in October last year, the value of the Age Limit was valued to one single Aston Martin. Which is fine itself, but a bit low, considering the value of the Presidency and its perks. The Presidency should cost more and be more expensive. This is still cheap, even if two Koenigsegg is a costly affair.

We should expect more, as we know how the prices on good players are in the Premier League, they are through the roof and a slot of the Presidency shouldn’t be sold for cheap, it should be some Gareth Bale, Christiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé or Neymar. The Ugandan President cost as much as the transfer of Nottingham Forrest Michael Antonio to West Ham in 2016, which in the schemes of things. Is nothing in comparison to the trade of Age Limit. The gift of extension of Presidency and being the Head of State, the Commander-in-Chief and so-on. That should be valued more.

Two fantastic Koeningsegg or a Championship transfer to the Premier League isn’t capturing the seriousness in the trade. To get the opportunity of becoming President for Life, should cost more. We all should agree on that. Peace.

Reference:

Gyagenda Kabuubi – ’Cash bonanza in Parliament as MPs get paid age limit balance’ 09.01.2019, link: https://intelpostug.com/2019/01/09/cash-bonanza-in-parliament-as-mps-get-paid-age-limit-balance/

Uganda Police Force: Public Security Warning ahead of Independence Day Celebration (28.09.2018)

If Bosco thought this Security Presser was reassuring, it wasn’t!

“People say I’m a dictator but I don’t know how I dictate. I must be one of the best dictators in the world” – Yoweri Kaguta Musveni (15.09.2018).

Today, speech or Press Conference on the 15^th September 2018. That wasn’t following his intention or whatever reason he decided to hold this. Because President Museveni are really on the bounds and feels hurt by the pressure preceding because of the Post-Arua By-Election aftermath.

“Of course, we knew that these items were growing in number. However, we did not anticipate that evil minded people would want to kutokooza (Runyankore ─ for something bad like a fly falling into one’s food or drink) this success story, to turn something good into an instrument of killing Ugandans” (Museveni, 15.09.2018).

This speech and this sort of affair today is more forged spin from the President. As he is trying to look better than he really is and people has seen it all before, but more like he has to because he knows Bobi Wine aka Robert Kyagulanyi are pressuring him from Washington D.C. The quotes and pledges are not trustworthy.

Not like he couldn’t help himself lying to the public:

“The NRM is expert in using guns. There are few organisations in the world that can use guns as well as the UPDF but we never kill people extra-judicially” (Museveni, 15.09.2018).

As we know perfectly well, how the NRM, the Army (UPDF), the Special Force Command (SFC) and the Police Force (UPF) have been killing extra-judicially around the nation. In Arua there was the driver of Bobi Wine, in Mityana after and also in Rukungiri. That is just a few of the people the NRM and the soldiers has killed over the year, extra-judicially. What is new, is that the international media actually cares, as Abiriga, Kaweesi, Kirumira and the other big-shots have also been taken out without anyone charged for these assassinations. Together with the killings of woman in Entebbe and the Muslim Clerics. There are so many killings and so little results to show for, other than the intimidation and the usage of force against civilians have appeared without any consequences. That is the worry and the speech of Museveni today, haven’t changed that.

So after hearing stuff like that, that can so easily be debunked as a solid lie.

That is why I have hard time taking him seriously, as he thinks he can sugarcoat everything. As he can put a few numbers, a few name-calling and also speak ill of the opposition. Also, the continued pressure on the CCTV cameras that will solve everything, even more micro-management of the Security Operations in Uganda.

We can really see, that he is just trying to damage control, thinking this is wise. I don’t know whom of the Presidential Advisors or in-charge of his PR that thinks these recent speeches has spread his message. If has done it on his own, he has really shot himself in the foot. As the reality is that the trust in the authorities isn’t built in his speeches, but actual feeling of safety and also seeing less of the military intimidating presence in the streets. However, that is most likely not happening in the era of Museveni.

The man trying make people feel safe, was actually not long ago ordering sharp-shooters for the Members of Parliament, which they have recently said “no” too. Therefore, it is ironic that Museveni have been talking about amounts of cars, motorcycles and cellphones in his Republic, as well as the method of communication of the Police Officers. As the micro-management continues from the President.

“The pigs that have doomed their future by shedding the blood of innocent Ugandans, have only themselves to blame for their eternal damnation” (Museveni, 15.09.2018).

Surely, if Bosco thinks these Pressers are wise, it is not. The President has to act differently, but most likely he will not. The Perfect Dictator will not deliver anything, he rather lie to the public and try to peddle it in his favor. However, people shouldn’t let that happen, as we know the Security Organizations are not working for the people, but for him. That is why he will not find out the reality of Arua or the extra-judicial killings. Because that might hurt him directly and his cronies. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni goes bananas in his defense of the Bugiri By-Election loss!

“My Reflections on Age Limit and Election in new Municipalities” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the 30th July 2018

There are something striking about the defense of the loss in Bugiri Municipality, would think there was warfare and additional cult-like obsessions from the opposition who won. That they we’re tricking the Electoral Commission and that they had the economic capacity of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

When he claims the losses of the recent by-elections are on voter tourism, have he seen many buses hired by the Forum for Democratic Change? Have he seen or heard reports of dodgy caravans crossing one district to another on polling?

This is the whirlwind of nonsense, as a mad-man using all methods to capture the lack of finesse and use of message from him. President Museveni are using fear and intimidation towards the public, that is why everyone isn’t biting and he cannot manage that. He is now seeing that the opposition if they have the right amount of power behind them, they can actually galvanize popularity. However, he calls it sectarianism and pseudo-ideology, nevertheless, the first I don’t even care for answering, but second needs to be addressed.

By a man of recycled promises, an empty treasure chest, 32 years of rule, less and less results to prove of his ideology or even governance. He shouldn’t claim of others, he should keep his mouth shut and walk-on. Museveni is an empty headed buffoon, whose place is on the farm rearing cows and not being an executive. The defense of the loss in Bugiri proves it.

He call it these things, when they don’t follow the Correct Line, the “Follow My Guidelines”, that is how he is and he cannot help himself. That is part of the lost cause, the man with the old hat. Thinks everything should be focused around and his reign. The ones who doesn’t listen or being servants to his orders, are sectarian or following a pseudo-ideology, if you feel that sounds like hogwash? Your absolutely right.

President Museveni, you have overstayed your welcome, people are tired of you and your lies. You have promised the world, but not even given them a glimpse of honest leadership. That is why people become your enemies, when they are not listening to you or following your commands. Which is sort of a bugging narrative to repeat, but the reality, nevertheless.

You still have the majority, still sitting secure in the State House and controls the army, so right now, Mr. President, you have no need to fear. These elements will always be out there, because everyone will never follow your every command and every word. Because that wise your not and that level of expertise in every field, you have not.

You might have taxed the Over-The-Top Service, but your delivering Down-At-The-Bottom Services to your people. Time for you to relax and figure another way to rule. I know it is to late, but someone has to say it. Best would be to retire and hang-out with Mugabe. Peace.

Mzee says “Follow My Guidelines” and expect everyone to tag-along!

Repeatedly, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni cannot help himself. He just have to throw someone else under the bus. He is riding the bus, put up all the protocols for the bus, he has made the legislation and even made the entire legal framework since 1986 and still he complains about the judiciary. It is as if the man forgets his place and that his own role as the sign-offs of laws, the ones that put them through Parliament is himself.

How stupid does Museveni think people are? That should be an important question at this point, because he always blame others for his short-comings, if it wasn’t him; it was the British, the Obote’s and the Amin’s, but never the high and mighty Museveni. No, that cannot happen, he is perfection and the greatest ever gracing the blue planet of ours.

“But in a statement issued on Monday, Museveni, who is in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, said the judges fell short of understanding the importance of a long term for the elected leaders but concentrated on theatrics. “Unfortunately, our judges in Uganda spend more time on form and not substance, on procedure and not substance,” said Museveni. “My freedom fighter’s sense of justice, in this matter (the age limit ruling) focuses more on the convenience of 7 years rather than 5 years. With the 5 years, a lot of time is spent on electioneering and less time on development; the first two years settling in, the third year some work in the constituency and, then, by the 4th year, electioneering again,” he emphasised. Museveni said, in the end, however, “the judges are not the ones in charge of the country.” He stressed that, “If the NRM MPs follow my guidelines and bond closely with the people, through wealth and job creation, we can, together with the people, make the necessary Constitutional reforms, judges or no judges.” The President said the Constitution should “facilitate the modernization of Uganda and the economic and political integration of Africa for the survival of the people of Africa as free people, not just the theatre of democracy of form without addressing substance.” (Kim Aine – ‘Museveni on Age Limit Ruling: Judges are not in Charge of Uganda’ 30.07.2018, link: https://chimpreports.com/museveni-on-age-limit-ruling-judges-are-not-in-charge-of-uganda/).

He is blaming the judges for stopping the extension of the time of MPs, even if the legal framework doesn’t abide to it. Meaning, that if the President really cared about this and about the laws. He would ensure they were passed properly, even if I have a hard time believing his blast of them. Since, the same laws that ensured the passing of the abolishment of age limit, didn’t need to be fulfilled when concerning him. However, the laws was applied when concerning MPs, that was the need for a referendum and also more public consultations, not just rubberstamping the law and call-it a day.

The judiciary have their place, as they are following the rules of law put in front of them and abide by the set of framework the politicians put together in Parliament. As the pass the laws, it is not like the judges makes these laws and orders. Not in theory, therefore, the whole blasting of them is just weird. When the one law applied to MPs and their extension, but not to the President. He should be more careful with his wording, because why didn’t the same laws apply to him and with the consultation of the extension of his time in office?

Why?

Because the judges are appointed by him and they are working for him, they don’ won’t to bite the hand that feeds them. The key thing out of this was: “follow my Guidelines”, meaning, his words is law and the way forward. There are nothing else to state on the matter. Museveni have the guidelines and the rest have to be in submission and follow, there are no but, if’s or what. It is just follow me and than you can rest assure. That is it. Peace.

Age Limit: Erias Lukwago statement after Age Limit Judgement on the 26th July 2018

The frustration and disillusionment many of you and I feel this evening cannot be gainsaid. But I believe it has not been an exercise in futility, for the luganda adage that “nkuwaabidde takuvirako awo” has come to pass.

I am glad that the the Constitutional Court has embraced and incorporated in our constitutional jurisprudence the novel doctrine of “Basic Structure”; a very instrumental tool that informed judicial activism in a number of commonwealth jurisdictions like India, South Africa, Belize etc. I’m only disappointed that they shied away from applying it to all the provisions of the impugned age limit Act and strike it down. Nonetheless, it provides a firm foundation for the next course of action.

We shouldn’t loose sight of the fact that even leopards sweat. We should not despair. Step by step, brick by brick we shall build the Uganda we want. Remember that dictatorships world over do not fall by gravitational force like ripe mangoes, but through sustained struggles and concerted actions of right thinking people.

We must harness and seize every available lawful means to push on with the struggle for rule of law and Constitutional governance. My sincere gratitude to all Ugandans who have walked with us in this strenuous journey. Aluta continua.

For God and My Country.

Opinion: Not shocked that Museveni get another day!

The Age Limit Saga seemed like it would never finish in Mbale today. The Constitutional Court today has given a postponed verdict. This was the finalization of the petition to withdraw or to get the Age Limit “null and void”. However, that didn’t happen and isn’t surprising, that out of the five judges, four judges voted in favor of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. So the life presidency is established by the Constitutional Court today.

This was expected. This wasn’t breaking news. This is just what to anticipate by the National Resistance Movement and the regime of Museveni. Nothing was shocking about it. That one man was against it, seems like a clever way of masking difference of legal opinion, but not making the charade more real. This result was to be expected, just like the lawmakers was supposed to deliver this law and ensure that Museveni got another day as the almighty ruler.

It became 4 to 1 in favor of Museveni becoming the life president, while the judges was agreeing, that the MPs are not allowed without a referendum to go from 5 years to 7 years referendum. Clearly, showing the lack of balance and also a back-slap from the Court to make it sting. This is sending the message, that the State House is deciding matters and not the Parliament. They are only loyal followers of the President. That is why the President is allowed to rule beyond his Age Limit, but the MPs are not allowed to give themselves more time in power.

This here should be seen as another day in the regime of Museveni. Where he has secured himself, used the institution in favor of himself, the MPs are just tools of his reign. If the MPs doesn’t understand that by now, then they are blind fools who has succumbed to the greed and opportunities of the office. They have been self-serving and shown that with their actions and voted for the President in hour of greed.

That is why Museveni knows even as he punish them and stings them, he takes the crown and secure himself. He doesn’t care, he got what he need and has validated himself, by his appointed judges, who delivered what he needs. That is not surprising. That is just to expect.

The ones saying this is a victory for anyone but Museveni. Is lying directly in your face. They are doling out a big fat lie. The winner took it all, took the bride and the kingdom, left only breadcrumbs for the guests. That is what happen today. Peace.