Opinion: The Convoy is the owner of the Republic

When the President thinks of leaving his home to Kampala, you mean you have no mechanism of knowing when to close the road? He doesn’t pay in the first place, now you inconvenience people who pay and that isn’t to say that the President is less important. I personally appreciate the value of the President’s security that is why I have no quarrel with lining up his soldiers along the entire route, but the President is using one lane, you close even the next one, does it make sense to you whether economic or social sense? Instead, it endangers his security because somehow, he is going to be entangled with people who have been locked up in a particular area and congested” – Medard Lubega (12.03.2024).

Someone didn’t get the memo. I cannot fault the Member of Parliament for not getting it. Nevertheless, His Excellency, the Fountain of Honour and the President is the “owner” of the Republic. It is all in his hands and his words are the law. That’s why he can write a letter and direct people where to go or do. Therefore, it makes sense that in his power to stop traffic and takeover roads.

The President is living the high life. The man, the myth and the legend of Museveni is allowed to whatever he feels like it. His the man who are a demigod and a unique person. The forever Very Important Person (VIP) and Commander-in-Chief. There is nothing that the General and Head of State cannot do.

That’s why roads have to be blocked and the routes his taken has to be sealed off. It don’t matter if citizens or people are getting issues because of it. They are there to serve him and be the servants he needs.

We can see it and we know the President has a massive convoy. That has been recorded and his minions has it too. Cabinet Ministers and other high ranking officials drives like they own the roads too. They have learned that from the head and its shown for everyone.

That the MP is questioning it now shows ignorance to the fact that his the almighty and the others are in his way. Everyone is supposed to know this and his an overlord. The man above society and the one who has all answers. That’s why he was the only man with a vision. Therefore, anyone shouldn’t challenge him and his rights.

When he needs a road. The other commuters and people needs to back-off. It becomes his and he can do whatever he feels like. They can use safety and whatever regulation as a reason for it. However, we know this is a power-move and the President bashes in the prestige.

The MP will never stop this from happening. Museveni will continue with his activity. The people around Museveni will direct and ensure his passage without concern of others. It is only one man that matters and that is the President.

That’s the memo that the MP never got. The State House should send it to him and get him to acknowledge that. Peace.

Yellow Youth Movement (YYM): Response to NRM Youth League Leadership Propaganda Statement titled ‘For Immediate Release’ disregarding the YYM Petition to the Chairman of hte NRM Party and the CEC (10.03.2024)

National Resistance Movement – Youth League (NRM-YL): Press Release (09.03.2024)

Opinion: Honorable Mao, Mzee will never finish anything…

“The reason I accepted to join the government is to oversee the transition process… The President said he needed more time to finish the unfinished projects and then we can discuss the next steps. I believe that he also supports peaceful transition of power” – Hon. Nobert Mao (NTV Uganda, 20.02.2024).

The DP-NRM Agreement is haunting the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao. The Democratic Party President who signed of his political capital and will for a short-change of a plum job in government. Mao now has work with “no surprises” and in “coordination” with the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

As Minister and regarding the agreement, Mao must be vouched for and work directly for the government. Which means he is in the mercy of the government and the NRM Caucus. He is a figurehead of an “opposition” who accepted to be part of the government. However, his just one of them and a technocrat. Because his not an elected legislator, but an appointee for the “fire-sale” of the DP Party. Using the DP Party as leverage for his own political career or whatever that is left of it. Before this, he was more on NBS Frontline than building the strength of the DP Party. That’s why the renegades and the defiant people within DP went to the NUP ahead of the 2021 election.

Now that we are here and Mao is still speaking of a peaceful transition of power. Something that hasn’t existed in the Republic. Museveni took power by the gun and won’t leave it as long as his breathing. The ones believing that… well, it got to be an internal rebellion or Brutus drawing his knife to take away power from old Yoweri.

Mao can believe that he works on the transition or the future of the Republic. Nevertheless, Mao is only self-serving and Museveni has no plan or shown any signs of retiring. Neither has the NRM or anyone in association challenged Museveni to step down. There is no relief or proof of any sort of succession of power. As long as this is just talk and hearsay, nothing will happen.

No one has been able or allowed to step up. Mao will not be able to sell or make it believable that it will happen in 2026. People are already throwing their weight behind Museveni for 2026. They are saying his still their “man” and “flagbearer”.

Museveni will never finish his projects, he will move the goal-post and change the narrative. As long as the East African Community isn’t a federation or a confederacy without him as the Head. He will not retire. As long as the UPE or the 10 Point Program isn’t implemented. The old man has no reason to step down and be absent from the halls of power. No, he will always find an excuse and we all know it.

Mao can try to forge himself as a man of the hour, but we know a puppet. A nice, handpicked puppet for Museveni. Norbert might not like that, but that is the price for trading your soul for temporarily political capital. When Mao has used up his currency and cannot deliver anything substantial for Mzee. The Old Man with the Hat will drop him fast… and he should be aware of that.

Norber Mao is living on borrowed time and no one will pay his “debt”. Peace.

Uganda Law Society (ULS) – Joint Working Committee on Certificates of Succession – Further Concerns on Judicial Independence and Imparitality (19.02.2024)

Opinion: Nabbanja cannot lie about the Red Berets…

“The issue of berets, I always see people putting them on and I haven’t seen anybody arrested, including MPs here, I see you putting them on, but I haven’t seen anybody being arrested, even Joel Ssenyonyi is usually on berets, have you ever been arrested? Have you ever been arrested?” – Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (07.02.2024).

We have a familiar discussion and it’s nothing new. Not long ago the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) gazetted and made it illegal to wear “red berets” in the Republic. That is public knowledge, that happened as a result of the People Power Movement and the rise of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine in the political sphere.

However, as time has gone on and it has become normalized. The red beret haven’t been used as a mean to target and arrest people. While in the beginning the authorities has arrested civilians, activists and people for wearing it. The authorities even went after Bobi Wine for wearing it years ago. Therefore, the Prime Minister is lying.

There is people behind bars for wearing an attire. They had the “red beret” and that was enough reason for them to arrested and detained. This is why people are reacting when they are seeing Andrew Mwenda and Lillian Arber wearing military uniform. These high-ranking officials within the regime are allowed to wear military attire, but others are charged, arrested, and detained for doing the same.

This just shows there is a difference between the average joe and the ones who is connected. The ones who has a function and a role within the regime can get off the hook, but civilians and others have to beg for mercy. This is the gist here.

It is not funny that the Prime Minister is mocking this. When we know of individuals who are charged and having trials in Court Martial as civilians for wearing “red berets”. Maybe it hasn’t caused headlines in recent time, but in the last few years there are incidents of this. There are times when the authorities have gone after politicians, activists and civilians for wearing that.

This is why the PM in her arrogance forgets the plights and the hardships of the ones on the frontline. The PM can do this, because she is living the fine life now. She has achieved everything and living in her golden era. That’s why the PM can mock it and laugh at the Opposition for questioning this.

While the PM disregard the citizens who are behind bars for this, but her allies are allowed to cosplay as soldiers or uniformed personnel. So, please step your game up. This isn’t it. We should feel sorry for the ones behind bars for wearing the red beret. They shouldn’t be there, but they are.

These people are prisoners of conscience and out of political affiliation. Peace.

Opinion: 38 years of wasted energy…

You would think someone who has ruled a nation for 38 years would have more to celebrate. Someone that has been in-charge and been in office for close to 40 years should be settled. The President and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) should have been revered and popular. However, the only thing keeping it afloat and in office is the total control of the state apparatus. The NRM and the President runs things by force and by decree. That’s why his still there after all these years…

President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni could have retired in grace a long time ago. Then people would have given way and been more forgiving to his shortcomings. They would have seen him as a victor and someone who brought proper change. However, as time moves on, the pain is becoming more dire and the wasted time is evident too.

As the Fountain of Honor and His Excellency, the President has had the ability to make significant difference. He could have made vast policy changes and state programs that would affect society for decades after his reign. Nevertheless, a man who is self-serving and pro-himself. That’s why his wealth and riches are more vital than the needs of the republic.

Museveni and the NRM has had their chances, and they could have done a lot of more. Especially, in the era of being donor darling and being the “new breed” of leaders. That’s when Museveni could have ushered in a new era for the Republic.

Now we see that didn’t matter and he spoilt it all. The lessons and lectures over the years is showing that the President knows what is wrong, but his not willingly dealing with it. Instead, he has institutionalized the problems, bottlenecks and rather looks away from the crippling duplications of the state. While there is a tendency to siphon funds and they go “missing”. The words of “missing funds” have become a proverb in his time. Just like it is common knowledge that ghosts appears on paper across government entities. It doesn’t matter sort of ghost there is, but we know they are there, and someone is eating because of it.

We have seen all sorts of plans, pledges and promises. While the West Nile is left in the dark. The education sector is hurting. The Ministry of Health isn’t in a better state either. Neither is the road networks or anything else the state is supposed to deliver. Unless it is involving the army and the law enforcement. Then it is left behind and that’s what the NRM has prioritized over the years.

Museveni knows he needs LDUs, Soldiers and Police Officers to survive in office. That’s the men and woman who is at his backing-call. They are there in the moments of need and can stifle whoever stands up to him. The authorities and the state deliberately block, intervene, and ensures fear is in the air. They are using violence and brutality to show who is ruling. This is why it is either the “NRM Way” or the possible demise of someone who dares to challenge that.

Museveni and his people can act like this isn’t the case. We have all seen this. The Ten Point Program and all the other fancy plans have been thwarted. They are all in the dust-bin of history and only made to foil donors or the ones willing to cover the tab. That’s how it looks like in 2024.

38 years and Museveni have little to show for it. Unless, he wants to speak about Presidential Advisors, huge cabinet and the amounts of staff at the State House or the Office of the Presidency. I am sure he could say that has ballooned over the years. Just like the number of districts and counties over the years. There is so many and still… there is little to nothing delivered to the communities at large. That’s why you know the system is rotten from the top and it’s a deliberate act from His Excellency.

We can act surprised and shocked, but this man promised to leave after 8 years and never to alter the 1995 constitution. However, he did so twice for his own benefit and ability to rule for life. That’s who he is and his speeches means little when his action is obviously in stark contrast to how he rules the nation.

This is who Museveni is and we can all see it. He isn’t a savior or a man who really liberated the nation. He liberated himself and his inner circle, but the rest of republic is living under his mercy. It is his decision and choices that allows or blocks their liberties. They are either under his wings or in danger of being crucified. That’s who Museveni is and we all have seen it.

He came with massive promises, and he didn’t deliver. His stock has dwindled over the years and he cannot control the masses like he did in the past. Neither can the flow of information be controlled either. That’s why he could be silent about the conflict in the north that persisted for years after taking office in the 1980s. However, he couldn’t have been able to do the same now. We would see, hear or get snippets of evidence of what is going down, which is something His Excellency don’t want you to know.

Museveni has lived on a lie, defended the lie and extended the lie. We can just wonder if he would ever dare to say the truth and be blunt about what he has done. As time goes by and the acts of mischief is clear. We can just wonder if Museveni would care or be concerned about the true legacy he leaves behind.

He won’t beloved or be a hero. For some he will be, but for plenty who has been scorned and felt the iron-fist. They will never forgive a man who wielded the sword the way he did and he could have avoided doing so. Peace.

Opinion: The bad man can play games…

The theatrics continues on the 5th Day of House Arrest for Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. He has already been to church, eaten in the ghetto and used boda-boda to cross the Greater Kampala region.

On the fifth day he was spotted using taxi’s to skirt through road-blocks and pass by the security detail. As he was a fugitive and an outlaw in his own homestead. Therefore, his popularity and the solidarity of fellow citizens have helped him these days. As the law enforcement and the security agencies are supposed to be keep him at home. Alas, they are not capable even with the military presence and with bunch of police officers to in Magere, Wakiso district.

That he was using a taxi and not being spotted says something. As he has used the boda-boda before and could easily do that again. He just shows how he is able move and get around. Even if he is supposed to be under house-arrest.

The ones in-charge of the detail and stationed at Magere must feel foolish. They must feel dumb, as they are bound by orders and sitting by a house. However, at the house isn’t their VIP or the “prisoner”. No he is traversing Kampala and the nearby area like nothing.

Today he travelled to Iganga and proved what he was capable of. It just shows that his not out reach and can “avoid the arrest”. While the state tries to keep him “pre-emptive arrested” for the moment. Which isn’t successful, as he visit restaurants, churches and shrines. Just to prove a point, because his party and allies isn’t allowed to demonstrate or assemble like the constitutional rights gives them. Therefore, his just acting in resistance and defiance of the state.

His acts of going outside his home and travelling like a commoner. Sets him apart from other. A man of his now ranks shows his savvy-ness and ability to be an average citizen. Because, his the former bad man of Kamwokya and everyone knows this. His a kid from the ghetto who rose up to prominence.

That’s why these actions matters, as it is humiliates the state and its apparatus. It shows that it is possible to trick the system and get away with it. That’s what he has done and perfected it too. This is the fifth day and the “house-arrest” isn’t working this time around.

Not to Bobi Wine. He is able to get off the hook and still be at liberty of travelling. Even if it is not in any of his vehicles or personal transport with a driver. He is stuck with public transport and use the means of the common man. That is compelling and tells a story that the authorities and the ruling regime don’t want.

Bobi Wine has enough power and popularity that he can get away with it and people will help him. They are willing and caring to do so. That’s what they are showing and they happy to do so. This is something the state and the security organizations will hate. Because, his popularity and gravitas is helping him along the way. Peace.

Continued house-arrest of opposition leaders… [on the fourth day]

Since 18th January 2024 there been opposition leaders put under house-arrest in the Republic. These are Erias Lukwago, Dr. Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Even if Bobi Wine has on three occasions been able to slip out and enjoy the resistance.

The facts remains that in Kasangati and in Wakiso District where Besigye and Bobi Wine lives have been put up road-blocks and facilities to keep them under siege. In Magere though, the law enforcement struggles to contain Bobi Wine as he slips out and gets to see the ghettos of Kampala even.

While Besigye have been locked inside and the same has Lukwago. This is pre-emptive arrests and they have been kept for four days now. It is the double of the 48 hours rule before being arraigned in court. They are just continuing the norm of acting outside the laws and skirt them to justify detention of opposition leaders.

No one should be surprised by this in 2024. This is the democracy and the multi-party democracy that reflects the vision of Museveni. It is his mannerisms and his vision that is actively followed. The orders from the high above and the acts of impunity towards the ones who defies him. That’s why these leaders are in trouble and in legal jeopardy, yet again.

Certainly, the NRM and the Uganda Police Force will come with excuses. Surely, the safeguarding of the national security and endangering of society will be one of the reasons for arresting them on the spot. Keeping them detained in their own houses and taking away their liberties.

While Bobi Wine has to flee from his house like a common crook and hope he isn’t captured on his expeditions or adventures across the Greater Kampala region. As he visit Kampala and Wakiso through his journeys.

There is reasons for everything, but we have seen this game being played out before and nothing new under the sun. The reasons now was to contain them while Museveni had visitors and not humiliate him to much with resistance and defiance against the state. That’s why they did this and had to use the military and police to keep them at bay.

This is what we know, but we all see the quagmire too. As the Republic, the officers and the authorities has to make things up to make it “believable” and secondly there is no good “case” or justification for the continued arrest. It only shows what sort of state of freedom and liberty the state serves the nation. How it can easily take it away and don’t even bother to have proper reasons for doing so. Peace.

Besigye and Bobi Wine under house-arrest on the second day…

It is now official that Dr. Kizza Besigye home in Kasangati, Wakiso district is still under siege, as the authorities and the law enforcement are even putting up mobile toilets there to stay. This means the movement and the liberty of Besigye is yet again put on hold. He is blocked from moving outside his compound and for the time being house-arrested without charges or warrants. Therefore, it is a pre-emptive action, which the Police and Military cannot directly explain.

In the same fashion, in Magere the house of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is besieged by the Police and the Military. He was able earlier in the day to whisk himself out and be in the city. However, returning later and the same procedure is there. There is a limit to his freedom and liberty to move. The house-arrest is still on and he was luckily and able to move out earlier in the day.

We are seeing a familiar pattern as the opposition planned protests and peaceful demonstrations. The authorities answers those pleas with house-arresting the leaders to silence the protest. That stopped it to a point, but there was some defiant politicians and civilians who followed up on the call. They went to the potholes and planted matooki studs. That’s a sign of how bad the roads are and that the government have to act upon this.

We have seen the authorities and state answer to this. As the humiliation of seeing matooki studs in the roads and in the middle of urban areas. This is certainly the most peaceful means of doing, except for the potholes exhibition, which was done by activists online last year. This is a continuation of this and materializing in the neighbourhoods of the citizens. Therefore, a very influential way of showing dissent without harming anyone.

Still, with that in mind, the authorities and the state doesn’t see it this way. As it is happening in the middle of an international conference and this is defiant action, which isn’t showing the beautiful and perfect side of the republic. While that is far from true, it isn’t a propaganda goal to see opposition leaders house-arrested and roads filled with matooki studs. It is an action of desperation and lack of control. Therefore, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) must feel humbled by these acts of defiance.

While the leaders are stopped in their tracks and silenced, but only able to mostly address the public on social media. It is still signs that the public and citizens are listening to the opposition leaders. As pictures of streets filled with matooki studs has come up. Most likely will the engineers and others take these away in the coming days. However, it is a sign of tiredness and of rebellion. As the public is tired of the lacking works on the roads.

The President and his Yes-Men needs to heed this call, but we shouldn’t expect anything. There is no reform or money coming this way. There is a massive need and overhaul of the roads, but that isn’t a priority. That is well known… but the opposition leaders are able to show by the dissent and the act to undermine the regime. They have by doing this shown character and finesse.

Bobi Wine and Besigye have proven skill and ability to navigate the hectic means of the state. As they have used one tactic to undermine and humiliate the state. They have lost their freedom and liberty by doing so. However, they have both been in this situation before and most likely won’t be the last. As the NRM and the regime of Museveni is unforgiving towards the ones who defies it. Peace.