Opinion: The President is one-emergency-call away to fix Medical Evacuation for the Elites…

““None of us (government officials) is going to die in Mulago because there is no medicine. If there is no medicine, [we] will call the President and he will put [us] on a plane and take us to America. We are not victims of corruption.” IGG Beti Kamya urges civilians to report corruption cases, highlighting their victimhood instead of top government officials” (NTV Uganda, 02.06.2023).

I don’t know about you… but the Inspector General of Government (IGG) Beti Kamya frankness in regard to corruption or mismanagement of funds within the Ministry of Health is telling. The ability to not see how arrogant and entitled she where. Well, that is astonishing.

Kamya has gone far in this world. She has maybe not able to retain her seat as an MP in Parliament. Nevertheless, she has become a Minister for one term and the IGG after that. The President has appointed her and kept her in high regard. If he didn’t consider her or see any value in her loyalty. He would have dumped her as Senior Presidential Advisor or become a Residential District Commander (RDC) in a god-forsaken up-country district, which she would rarely visit and only be there during certain celebrations.

Alas, Kamya isn’t that wise or considerate. She is just showing what we knew, but she is saying the silent part out loud. We know that the “high above” needs a say in most things. Now we know his the ones issuing orders and being the guardian of the Medical Evacuations of Ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs) or the general elite. The ones who get treatment in India, United States of America or somewhere in Europe.

She said his a call away and get them on a plane. The IGG is practically telling the citizens how Oulanyah got the treatment in Seattle. The way we know others has been airlifted to Nairobi or further away too. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) takes care of its own, but doesn’t consider the rest.

We know the President isn’t a call away from the ones who works within the bounds of the gig-economy or the civil servants who can go months without pay. These have to die in the hospitals without additional help. However, if you are a part of the anointed elite and in high regard of the President. Then you can anticipate the services of the Uganda Airlines and get visa’s or medical passes to get treatment in the West. That’s what Kamya is saying she didn’t see anything wrong in it either.

The public shouldn’t be privy to it. We all know it happens, but it shows how bad it is. It isn’t like these things are new in the Republic either. However, it shows how the state has failed its own and how the President has spend on airlifting patients and pay for their services. This just shows how the Ministry of Health isn’t a concern or even a priority. That’s because the ones in-charge and the ones in the elite can easily get away and it’s one call away.

The President can just a word and a nod. Then he will give them a thumbs up and the sick patient is in the air. That’s not how these things are supposed to work. It shows that the elites, the NRM and the President has already given up on getting treatment at home. They are all just eagerly calling the President and getting it resolved. That’s easier than ensuring the proper people working in the fields, logistics around the medicine and the machinery for all sorts of treatment. No, that takes commitment and investment. It is easier to just fix a ride on a plane and call it a night. Peace.

Opinion: Electoral Reforms are pointless under the current regime…

“I reminded the meeting that we live under a military dictatorship that disregards the rule of law, undermines state institutions, and maintains power through family rule. Gatherings like this one are only tolerated because the regime does not perceive them as a serious threat to its ultimate goal of retaining power. I added that in terms of democracy, Uganda has regressed to 1973, with a more cunning and strategic version of Idi Amin now in control. Thus, discussions on democracy and reforms may occur, but they will likely remain confined to conference rooms and not translate into tangible change until we recognize that our primary duty is to remove the Museveni dictatorship” (Bobi Wine, 01.06.2023).

The push for Electoral Reforms by a Joint Opposition is without merits under the current regime. The elections and the polls are only done to legitimize its rule and the ballot will not have any value. The ballots and the elections are only done to make belief of a democracy, which isn’t there. A way of looking smart and brilliant, but behind the façade the truth is there.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is clear in his stern message. After listening to the speech on YouTube. It was surely obvious the sentiment and the powerful words that was used. Everyone should know by now and there shouldn’t be any doubts either.

Bobi Wine and the Opposition should know by heart that they have “no say or ability” to change things. Even if they change the Electoral Laws… would the NRM and Museveni comply?

They do whatever it takes to retain power and grab it. The laws, the constitutional order or anything else comes second. The misuse of power and oppressive mechanisms are used to silence critics or get rid of dissidents. Therefore, the opposition is within rights to question the legitimacy of the proceedings.

We have seen before that the Opposition and Opposition Leaders has called for Electoral Reforms. The Electoral Reforms that have come in recent years has only benefited the President and his Party. That being the Age Limit or the massive gerrymandering to ensure a superior majority in Parliament.

The elections of 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 is a testament to this. We have seen different leaders who haven’t only challenged Museveni but has beaten him. Still, he has rigged it and ensured the pyrrhic victory every single time. If it Ssemogerere, Besigye or Bobi Wine winning. They all ended up losing because Museveni said so.

You could change the laws and the Electoral Commission at this very time, and it wouldn’t matter. Just like there been other chairpersons and people in-charge of the EC but it hasn’t really mattered. Just like there been other judges and other people in office in the judiciary, but the results or the verdicts are all the same.

No can be surprised in 2023 that there is no hope for victory against Museveni. There is no chance and especially not in his system. This is all incorporated and organized in his fashion. His words are the law and the others are just his servants. Therefore, believing amendments or repealing of laws would make a difference is naïve. The President would only allow that if it served his purpose or plans.

That’s why his allowing the conference and meetings of the Opposition. His not afraid of this and it’s just keeping them busy. They won’t achieve much and it’s only keeping them pre-occupied. Therefore, why bother right?

Well, the ideals are fine. The citizens should have a say and their votes should matter. However, right now it’s only one man who matters and the rest just must follow. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine’s silence is telling…

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Dr Martin Luther King Jr

These days you know who your comrade is or not. We know the game of politics isn’t easy or for the faint hearted. No, you got have heart and a steady mind to play it. That’s why with the recent developments… the deafening silence is killing me.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the leader of the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform (NUP) have remained silent. He hasn’t uttered a word or written a statement. Neither has his party as a whole either. They are clearly looking at it from a populist standpoint and silently moving along like nothing happened.

Bobi Wine is a tactician and have used strategies to gain notoriety. He has been able to use his musical platform and build himself a name with edutainment. While also going into politics to usher in change. He went from being solo MP for his cause and to have about 60 within two or three years. The NUP went from nothing and became the biggest opposition party in the 11^th Parliament ahead of the well established ones. That is a feat and a resounding victory for Bobi Wine.

However, he has a narrow path to follow. His party has to coordinate and make right decisions. That’s why the silence on the Anti-Homosexuality Act is compelling to say the least. Especially, if he wants to stand up against impunity and oppression. Because, this law is the definition of that and doing so against one minority.

Yes, the NUP is oppressed, getting activists and leaders detained, abducted and even extra judicially killed. So, it is not like the NUP has it easy. Neither is the price of being active in this manner without a cost. The burden is enormous and you get little to nothing back.

Bobi Wine knows this and it is a struggle. It isn’t an easy ride and it’s going to get testing. This is another test. I know that several of allies and fellow MPs of the NUP supports the act in itself. Heck, one man he campaigned for is the man behind it, Asuman Basalirwa MP.

Shamim Malende, the Kampala Woman MP and NUP Lawyer has vouched for the act too. It’s not like there isn’t people in his circle who is partaking in it and doing the bidding to enact it. That’s a mere observation and obviously they are behind the harsh and inhumane treatment of fellow citizens. Because, that’s what the law does and will do to a minority. No matter how you cut it or justify it. There will be people scorned by it or possible suffer death as a consequence. They are target for one simple reason and that reason isn’t hurting anybody either.

The NUP and Bobi Wine knows what the state does to its critics. The leader of the Opposition knows it very well. The NUP has seen it and been under fire for their stance. Now it is radio silence from the most vocal leader. His not saying a word… and not even a sound-bite. It is like it doesn’t matter or face him.

Bobi Wine… we are hearing you loud and clear. The silence is compelling. Let me end with the words of late Archbishop Desmond Tutu: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality”.

He should say something. His a great orator and writer. Bobi Wine can spread a message and get heard. However, the deafening silence is “killing me”. Peace.

Church of Uganda: Church of Uganda grateful for Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 (29.05.2023)

Opinion: Now the authorities are allowed to be policing in your bedroom

“President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assented to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in accordance with Article 91 (3) (a) of the Constitution. Parliament passed the returned bill on Tuesday, 02 May 2023” (Parliament of Uganda, 29.05.2023).

Now that the President of the Republic has assented the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. We can rest assured that the authorities, the law enforcement and the bodies governing the state can officially police the bedrooms of the nation. This law is enforceable towards on minority the LGTBQ+ community. However, it is opening up the floodgates of other questionable behaviours.

This law was based on morals and religious codes. When you break the barrier of this and codify it to law. You can easily ascertain or ensure new avenues for restrictions. Because, why should only the indecency of the gay or the homosexuals be targeted?

There other transgressions, other misbehaviour and lack of moral judgements that can be deemed as “unnatural” or immoral. Therefore, why cannot the Police Force and the authorities target more people in the same manner, which it will with the LGBTQ+ community.

When you have started there and stopping them from their love-life. You can certainly do similar things. Especially, if you are concerned with upholding the value of family-life and traditional structures. Because, why shouldn’t there be a law that makes it illegal to be a slay-queen?

Why isn’t there a law that makes it a sexual offence to have sex outside of marriage? Why isn’t there a law against having side-dishes or being unfaithful to your significant other? Why?

Why is it only a sin against nature with the homosexuals and not all the homewreckers of society? Seriously, when you have open up the gates. Better come correct and shine a light. Because there is a lot of darkness and little light in nearby area now.

I just beg to question it. The ISO and UPF should suddenly come knocking in student dorms and in lounges of professors who are enjoying their slim pickings outside of marriage. They should answer for the screwing for grades. We know its going on and it’s common knowledge. There is a reason why slay-queens and sugar-daddies are established “roles” in society. We could kid ourselves, but then again… we know it’s going on.

If you are afraid that one day the officers will come knocking. Well, you should… because there are morally bankrupt politicians willing to sell you out for political capital. That’s what is going on and they are taking down one minority possibly at the time. They are not even seeing it themselves, but they are…

With the reasoning behind the recent legislation. Similar ones can easily be drafted. Just like the idea of legalising a couple for “living in sin” without being married. So, if two people are co-habiting for too long. The law is sealing the deal and the two are married by law. That’s what I have read the other day. Another proof of policing the bedroom and the lives of the citizens.

The Anti-Gay law is only a start. Sooner or later they will find you or someone close to you. They are maybe starting with the rainbow, but after that they will go after the wedding-crashers or the playboys of the city. If not they will take the hustlers or the slay-queens. Someone else will be tested and will be punished. They have just put forward the baseline and now we know where they can go. Peace.

Uganda: One minority is now a criminal offence in the Republc…

“President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assented to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in accordance with Article 91 (3) (a) of the Constitution. Parliament passed the returned bill on Tuesday, 02 May 2023” (Parliament of Uganda, 29.05.2023).

The ones cheering.

The ones celebrating.

The ones who are participating and calling it a good day.

They are naive and foolish.

These people are forgetting one thing. One vital thing. That if you give the state and a government the rights to violate, silence and stop one minority from existing. The same reasoning, the same justification and the same legal basis can be used against you.

Right now it’s the LGBTQ+ Community that is targeted. Together with haywire of messaging that this an answer to the collective West. However, the 11^th Parliament and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in their populism is forgetting one fact. That gay marriage was banned and the sanctimony of marriage was already legalised in the 1995 Constitution. Therefore, this law in itself is partly redundant.

Alas, the most vital thing isn’t the gays here. Yes, they are the minority and the victims. These are the ones that are losing their rights to live and love who they deem fit. That is wrong on all accounts. Landlords and media houses can get into trouble. There so many more who will be hurt and if you conspire to a “gay activity” you could also get punished. Meaning, if the state thinks or considers that one might take part. Well, the state can not only charge you but they can make you felon.

Seriously, today is a sad day. That a “human rights advocate” made this law is more insane. A man who professes “human rights” Asuman Basalirwa… his name is stained for eternity. An MP who knows how vicious and vindictive the authorities of the nation are. Basalirwa is already seeing how Law Enforcement and the Authorities are targeting the opposition. With that knowledge and modus operandi. His giving these people now the laws and justification to go after another minority.

That’s the tragedy here… now people can say and claim that someone has partake or is promoting these activities. By definition and by law they can be charged, detained and thrown in prison. Heck, if you only house a brother or a sister who is. That is enough to get you arrested and in legal jeopardy.

You can like I do… by religious beliefs and dogmas the activities are wrong. However, so is having side-dishes, thieving and fornicate outside of marriage. Nevertheless, only thieving is deemed wrong by law. The acts of having a mistress or having sex itself outside of holy matrimony is still legal. So, why only go after one thing and not the whole spectrum?

Well, the MPs don’t want to stop themselves. They are not the kind to enforce laws that are limiting their rights or freedoms. These folks prefers to get more things and more shiny objects. That’s why they are pushing for laws like these. Without thinking about the implications and how it can be used.

One day… one day soon. An Opposition MP will be deemed gay and will be punished by law. There will be no need for proof or evidence. That person will go through fire and will be burned by it. It is just bound to happen. There will be activists, leaders and civil society members who will haunted by this law too. They will target the ones that is critical and doing civic education. These are the ones that are in trouble soon.

Sooner or later this law will backfire. The donors and international community will be resentful. These might suspend and stop funding of projects or direct government aid. That wouldn’t be shocking either. However, that isn’t the most troublesome here.

What is more troublesome is how this law can be applied and that innocent people can be hurt by it. Not only the minority that is targeted, but people who they deem “fit” for the bill. Peace.

Opinion: Kyambadde don’t want to be in the wind…

The likes of Amalie Kyambadde are used to be close and have vast influence in her office. That’s why being a Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry since the 2021 is daft to her. However, she chose this path and lost her elected role after 10 years in Parliament.

When you play the game, you either win or lose. That’s how it goes, and MPs are automatically elected or selected, unless they are the sole-candidate, and no other party is fielding in the same constituency. Therefore, Kyambadde was humbled after being in Cabinet and in Parliament for a decade.

She should have followed the advice of her master. The one that she served and kept secrets for. Kyambadde been the Personal or Private Secretary to the President since 1986 and worked close with him since 1997. So, when she decided to go out galivanting into an elective role. She should have known that it could cost, and the constituents could send you packing, which they did…

We know that she had massive influence and could keep the President distant from people in the years as his secretary. She must surely feel totally out of the loop. Now that she only has a marginal role and salary. Kyambadde is just one of a “100” Presidential Advisors, and they tend to only meet to be enlighten by His Excellency every blue moon. So, she isn’t as relevant or within the realm of power as she used too.

It wasn’t surprising to read or hear that she was dismissing the person who won over her in 2021. That was to be expected and that she would retaliate with harsh words. She got too and say something to sound like a viable candidate. However, will the constituents by into it?

Because she was in Parliament for 10 years and did, she do so much for them? Well, I don’t have the answer, but certainly that is questionable. Alas, she can only sway as much her swing as she wants too.

While it is a hard bargain to try to return now. The only thing she can hope for is help from the “high above” and settle the scores locally. There was a reason why she didn’t get a third time in Parliament. The people hadn’t seen or heard much from her. It is arrogant to think you are duty bound to be there. However, knowing that she was a staple in the State House.

She surely must feel entitled and that’s what she does. Kyambadde is victim of her own whim and arrogance. This is a mere reflection of her character. The reason why she is a Presidential Advisor and still at-large. Is because of her connection not only through the family of Kuteesa, but also her longevity in the State House. That’s the reason why she still matters and the secrets she knows.

The President has confided and trusted her in the past. Certainly, Kyambadde knows more than most. If someone knows the inner-works and the inner-circle it’s her. She has not only knowledge, but first-hand experience with it. Therefore, it is no surprise that she wants back and wants the perks coming with it. Peace.

Opinion: Baryomunsi is a sorry excuse of a man…

“As the government, we know what we are supposed to do, whether you post it on social media or not. I will not lose sleep because a picture of a pothole has been posted on social media” (…) “As a government, we wake up and go to the office early because we have to work for the people of Uganda. We know that there are some external activists that pay people to blackmail the government” – The Minister of ICT, Information and National Guidance Chris Baryomunsi (16.05.2023).

The Minister and Member of Parliament Chris Baryomunsi is a government apologist and brands himself like that. I will digress the statement of his with a proverb. Just to show how arrogant this man is:

“To fear the Lord is to hate evil;

    I hate pride and arrogance,

    evil behavior and perverse speech” (Proverbs 8:13).

The bible and wisdom aren’t the calling of the Minister. Anyone who has heard or seen this fella knows that. A man who is willing to digest and sell all sorts of impunity. He has excelled in arrogance and entitlement. That’s why his even saying these words on TV for everyone to hear. That’s why his talking like that on NBS Television.

Therefore Baryomunsi is and his proud of it too. Even if the Lord hates evil, the Minister bashes in it and glorifies it. He has not time or concern with the misgivings of his government. Neither does he want any accountability. This man doesn’t care if people die or is dying. As a leader and representative, he clearly doesn’t value the voices of the people. The people his supposed to represent and act on their behest. Seriously, a disgrace of a man and a sorry excuse of a MP. Even worse as a Minister and Appointed High Ranking Official. No one will be sorry when this man has his demise. Because he didn’t care about people suffering while living the high life.

His pride and arrogance is of another level. It just shows what sort of character he is and what he stands for. It is really tragic that he is like this, but it is the mere reality we live in. Baryomunsi isn’t acting responsible or accountable. Instead, he acts like transparency and accountability isn’t important.

It isn’t blackmail to show the lacking of performance and how the government isn’t acting righteous. The Government of Uganda, which the Minister represents… that’s why his a sorry excuse of man and a representative in general.

Not that Baryomunsi have ever been a likeable character or a man to look up too. His the man that defending the state lack of treatment for cancer patients in 2016. A man who said they were dying anyway. So why be stressed that the cancer machine wasn’t working at the Cancer Centre at Mulago. That’s the sort of fella he is and people should recognize that.

Baryomunsi is the embodiment of pride, arrogance and fraudulent prestige. There is nothing good about him and especially not in the way he behaves in public. He is just epitome of everything wrong with the regime and the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

This man will not like his legacy and neither how he is remembered. That’s all himself to blame and nobody else. Peace.

Opinion: BM7 is a sign that Mzee will be on the ballot in 2026

“President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday met the National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth leaders from Buganda sub-region under their movement – Buganda For Museveni (BM7) led by Ms. Hellen Seku. The discussions held at State House Entebbe, focused on opportunities for the NRM party in Buganda and challenges that need urgent attention to further strengthen the party’s support in the sub-region” (Watchdog Uganda – ‘President Museveni launches Buganda for Museveni Youth Movement’ 10.05.2023).

The old man with the hat is preparing himself for another term in office. He is preparing himself for the 9^th term since 1986. That is the message I am getting, and this is done because his losing support in the Central Region or Buganda Kingdom. This has been obvious, and the opposition has massive support by the National Unity Platform and the Forum for Democratic Change. Therefore, Museveni is only trying to counter-act to that.

We have already seen plenty who has signed off and held ceremonies vouching for his 9^th term. That has happened on the regular and loyalist has already showed their support of the President. This is just a mere fact and has been seen for a long time.

The ones shocked or feel this is breaking news… well… it is not. This is just continuing where the President left off and preparing himself for another contested election. When he knows his popularity is dwindling. The tiredness of the “no change” and lack of service delivery get so clear. The militarism of politics and tactic of short-sighted schemes doesn’t pay off either.

Therefore, he must start a fresh and do it early. Even if its years in advance of 2026. This is also a message to his son and daughter. That the father has no plans to sign off and not stay in office. Museveni don’t plan to retire.

So, for Muhoozi and Natasha, the family dynasty, the President is obviously signalling that the MK Movement and the others can slow down. They should back-down because the old man of the clan will run again.

I am not surprised, but this is steady programming. Museveni seemingly will be on the ballot until his last breath. There are no signs of him relenting or giving way. I doubt he would do that even to his own kin. He will only do so when his buried and dead and gone. Peace.

Commends Fox Odoi MP for his bravery [and quoting his Minority Report on the Anti-Gay Bill]

Yesterday, it was a National Resistance Movement (NRM) Member of Parliament that made his own Minority Report on the amended version of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023. This was Hon. Fox Odoi of Budama North East County. He was the only voice of reason, as the 11^th Parliament for the second time passed the Anti-Gay law and did so with the blessing of the President.

I am amazed that Odoi was alone in this. Because his assessment is right. The law will be used as a tool and people can easily be deemed “gay” and therefore be in legal jeopardy. That’s the sort of play and this law is directly targeting on outcasted group of society. This is the LGBTQ+ community. I would have never thought a NRM MP would write a dissenting Report and be the only signatory of it. However, yesterday was such a day and its baffling.

Just read these parts of the Minority Report and you should be concerned to about the usage and the limitations of the law. It shows the disregard of justice and impunity of which it possibly serves. The law itself is draconian and can be a tool of oppression. Not only against actual gays or LGBTQ+ people, but also people who can be accused as such.

Just read these parts, which I have taken from the Report itself…

“The proposal of the President to the extent that it saves the criminalization of consensual same sex relations in clause 2 is self-defeating since on one hand it recognizes their existence and on the other, it punishes their acts. Like the Bill, the proposal by the President will still leave room for the abuse of the rights and freedoms of LGBTQI+ community by legislating the discrimination of such persons, the perpetuation of inhuman and degrading punishments, the invasion of their privacy, the denial of their right to health, housing as well as the right to seek and obtain justice and remedies at law for wrongs committed against such persons. The proposal by the President does not protect, in a comprehensive manner, any of the rights and freedoms enshrined and protected in chapter four of the Constitution” (Minority Report P:4, 02.05.2023).

“The minority fear that this provision will be abused by law enforcement agencies who may label persons homosexuals, without being denied by courts of law. The will require such persons to defend themselves, thereby reversing the burden of proof from the prosecution to the accused person. It is trite criminal law that the prosecution bears the burden to prove the offence against the accused. This burden of proof does not shift to the accused to prove their innocence as the Bill proposes. The burden of proof always rests on the prosecution. The prosecution must adduce evidence to discharge its burden of proof” (Minority Report, P: 5, 02.05.2023).

“The minority has examined the proposals by the President and is of the considered opinion that they are insufficient to salvage the Bill. The unconstitutionality of the Bill cannot be remedied through a partial and ineffective recognition of the existence of LGBTQI+ community while at the same time criminalizing the enjoyment of their constitutional right and freedoms” (Minority Report, 02.05.2023).

Hope to God that after the President accents the law and it goes into effect. That someone petition the Courts and tests its true limitations. Because, the Minority Report even states that its unconstitutional, meaning it goes against the cornerstone of the laws in the Republic. You cannot create new laws, which are in disregard of the Constitution. That makes the law “void” or unredeemable. Therefore, the Anti-Homosexual Act of 2023 could be dismissed or ruled against. If someone would petition it and if so… they would return the favour, which happened to a similar law in 2014.

The NRM and the MPs are apparently going in circle and never learning. The 11^th Parliament repeating the sins of the 9^th Parliament. When they can write a law like this against one Minority of Society. They can easily do the same against others. That’s what I fear and what people should be worried about. The Minority Report itself states another worry on the implementation and usage of it, which are despicable and a possibility. No one should be shocked if an opposition figure or activists is deemed “gay” and thrown in prison. That is just a given in the current state of affairs. Peace.