Opinion: The people of Karamoja have understood the value of PDM…

In some sections of the community, there is negative attitude towards PDM money as it is compared to other similar government poverty eradication programs which are generally perceived by some people as failures. Some people perceive the PDM as a thank you token from the President for voting him in power and others view it as Personal Pocket Money like I said in (Karenga) Karamoja, some people were reported to be referring to the money as Personal Drinking Money” – Ojara Mapenduzi, Chairperson Parliament’s Public Service Committee (22.11.2023)

We know the drill and we have been here before. Now the Karamoja sub-region and the population, which have been starving and been in conflict. The ones who are used and getting taken for granted. The population of Karamoja isn’t thriving and that’s a result of years of neglect or lack government services. They have been kept this way and for a purpose.

The Parish Development Model (PDM) like any micro-finance scheme the government has created are flawed from the onset and with lacking due diligence. The PDM was launched just in time for elections and making a continuation of the endless programs like these. The SACCOs, NAADs, Emyooga, OWC and whatnot. It is just an endless money-pit and programs destined to fail. The PDM is no difference. Another name of the same scheme, which happens to be re-branded and tweaked just a little bit to look different from the others. However, the core business is the same and in the end… it will amount to little to nothing.

Well, with that in mind. Here we are… and the Karamoja sub-region is speaking fact. They have seen it coming and they spell the rain on the horizon. The people know what the PDM means and why it exists. That it is a cash-grab made around elections and to ensure the regime votes. That’s why they make new ones and with additional “incentives” to sweeten the deal.

It is just amazing to know the PDM is seen as a pocket money and drinking money. That wasn’t the intention, but there been so much shady going on with the PDM money. So, who cares about a little fun around “happy hour” aye?

The PDM was destined to fail and just like the predecessors did too. The NRM did make amends or ensure it’s longevity. That doesn’t matter either, because they just launch another one before the next General Elections anyway. Before their been any serious reporting or oversight into the PDM as a whole.

There been reports that shows how the PDM has failed. These have been very direct and shown how the government have failed this one. There are just to much drive and very little protocol. Neither are there safety-nets or anything ensuring the usage either. This means the money will be spent on frivolous activities and who doesn’t mind a free beer.

I’m sure the Waragin O’Clock is hitting smoothly in Kotido or Moroto for that matter. They are just enjoying the buzz of the PDM. These people deserved the brew and the tingly feeling after all their hardships. When they can get functioning roads, schools or hospitals. At least a free drink and a nice evening is a small bargain. It doesn’t the patch the hurt, but it give momentary relief.

Alas, the mabaati thieves is discussing it, but not seeing the grander the picture. Just like the MPs and Ministers took from the state. The PDM was taken for granted too and they cannot be blamed for that. They are not seeing a concerning government or a service delivery. Instead they are pawns and now they used their peasant power for their own legendary night(s). Peace.

Opinion: Mr. President, it’s your policies from the 1990s that made Busoga poor…

I have been peeping through my car window as I travelled here for this function and I have kept wondering to myself how do these people (in Busoga sub region) live through this sort of poverty? I have screened through all these villages where I have passed but the houses and all the other things I have seen have left me wondering how it’s possible for our people [in Busoga] to survive through these hard economic conditions”– President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (18.11.2023).

We are living in 2023 and the generations that saw the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) are old, bitter or forgotten about. They saw the implications and the costs of doing so. The privatization and liberalization of the economy, which was the stipulations of the Bretton Woods Organizations and getting loans in the 1990s. This was at a time when President Museveni himself was a “new breed” of leadership and even a President that Bill Clinton spoke kindly of.

However, those days are gone, decades later and the grim realities of the effects of those policies are now coming to haunt the government. Industries and the industrial hub of Jinja city died as a cause of this. State owned and operated Cooperatives ceased to exist, sold or just dissolved. The ones thriving industries was sold for scraps and are now a jaded memory. While it was decades one of the points and cities that pumped foreign currency and created wealth.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni earned fortunes on the loans, grants and the SAPs. They got favours and favourable terms for the central government, but the businesses, state owned enterprises or cooperatives had to adjust to new terms. Which inflicted harm and damage, which have never been able to heal.

That why this was reported earlier in the year:

According to the Busoga Development Agenda (BDA), Busoga’s economic collapse is partly a result of the collapse of Jinja’s industrial prowess due to the 1994 privatization policy and weakening of the cooperative movement in Busoga, a disunited political leadership and cultural leadership differences that destabilized the role of the Kyabazingahood as a rallying point for the unity of Busoga after the demise of the late His Royal Highness Henry Wako Muloki” (Busoga Today – ‘Development and Economic Empowerment’, 22.07.2023).

If you ever wonder how the process and the sales was done by the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Well, it is done like it has always been done. It has been done with favours and within own ranks, the NRM Way. The way of the President and his inner-circle. They are getting bargains and good deals or a trade for loyalty. That’s what Museveni does and he can sell of anything, if it benefits him and his time in office. He don’t care if a hotel goes bust or gets sold for scraps. Museveni don’t mind if a factory or a cooperative gets locked in and gets worse ownership. No, he sold something and return he got a loyal crony. That’s the business model and that how you destroy industries and production.

Just read this one here from an Academic Paper in 2011:

During the privatization process at least seven (9%) out of 74 SOEs were undervalued and sold to government employees costing government Shs. 4.3 billion (US$2.2) (over US$2,152,000 at US$=Shs.2, 000).xxxvi Undervaluation (AV>SP) was calculated as the excess of asset value (AV) over the sales price (SP). The undervaluation was explained by politics and weak private sector. First, the ruling party supporters included cabinet ministers, presidential advisers, National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters and Members of Parliament (MPs). In order to marshal political support, the ruling NRM either undervalued or condoned default” (…) “Second, undervaluation was expected even before sale if the locals were to buy SOEs. What was not expected, however, was the preferred sale of the SOEs to NRM cadres and family members of President Museveni. Before sale, it was realized that the locals would not be able to buy all assets offered for privatization. Total SOE assets exceeded all the amount of money in the Ugandan Banks. While total SOEs assets were valued at Shs. US$ 1 m (Shs. 200 billion), the entire money supply was just shs. 50 billion and bank deposits stood at shs. 46 billion end of January 1989” (David Kibikyo – ‘Fiscal impact of privatization in Uganda 1992-2007’ July 2011, African Journal of Political Science and International Relations Vol. 5(7), pp. 371-387).

So, when the NRM comes to town and Busoga and says “vote for NRM we bring development”. Well, in regards to the Busoga sub-region. The NRM has brought the opposite. The President and his policies from the 1990s and early 1980s are the destructive means, which destroyed the industries of Jinja. That’s a fact and the sale of SOEs didn’t benefit the sub-region either. It was a drive to keep the inner-circle happy and the enrich his family. That’s what the gist of the privatization, which hurt Busoga and other owned state owned enterprises across the Republic.

The President can act like a visitor and as a stranger to Busoga in 2023. However, it is his will and his choices that put them there. He decided to take the International Monetary Funds (IMF) and World Bank (WB) funds that entailed the SAPs. The President didn’t mind the implications and complied, as he saw positive outcomes… profits internally and externally become beloved. Because, he followed “Washington Consensus” and traded the future of the nation for a few silver coins. That’s what he did and now his blaming the Busoga in part for their poverty. When he can be blamed and should carry a heavy burden for doing so. Peace.

Opinion: Is Norbert Mao living under a rock?

Government has since established that there are those who want to cause political change in Uganda whose human rights activism is from the posturing of changing Government. If your motive is to change Government, I think you better off playing that game from a political party rather than a civil society organization” (…) “You are actually safer in a political party because if you form a political party, your intentions are clear to evict the incumbent government and replace it with yours other than disguising under human rights activism” (…) “It’s not my duty to come here and sanitise the human rights situation in Uganda. I’m disgusted by it myself. I want to tell you that there’s no more image to protect in terms of human rights. The government is stark naked; I can tell you frankly” – Norbert Mao (15.11.2023).

Mirror, mirror on the wall! Who is the brightest of them all?

Well, it isn’t Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao. That is for certain, because his reasoning is falling out of any common sense. It is like we are living on another planet and that there are certain stipulations, which are in place and where rule of law exists.

Because, just reading these sentences from the Honourable Minister is just beyond me. He knows better and his currently serving this government. The Minister knows what is going on and acting like this disingenuous. Mao is insincere and cannot be saved…

When you speak like this and says these things. It is like we haven’t seen it and doesn’t know how the state operates. He acts like were oblivious to the facts and to the modus operandi. That we don’t know about the “drones” and about the sudden “kidnappings” or even extra judicial killings done on orders from the “high above”. This just the day-to-day operation and how they have decided to play this one out.

Norbert Mao can act this nonchalant at the venue. He can speak like this, because he doesn’t have to fear. Right now his a Minister and an appointed dignitary. His entrusted with this office and accepted to serve the President. That’s why he can speak this way and think we are all fools. Which we apparently isn’t and he cannot grasp that.

Even if you do start a political party and have the vision of a new government. Certainly, that party and the leadership will meet the authorities. They will be kept under surveillance and be on the radar of the intelligence community. The security apparatus will be on guard and suddenly attack, silence or even get rid of activists associated with the party. Because, that is what we have seen and continues to see. So, it doesn’t matter if you join politics or not. As long as you dare to question, stand-out and speak out. You endanger your life, no matter where you affiliate or assemble with.

As a Minister in the Republic. He should know this and have some privy information about it. However, he acts like there are special stipulations or rules, which the state abides by. When we have seen, heard and gotten the whiff of how they operate. There is nothing hidden in the realm of darkness. The lights are already cast over the shadows and we know the murky acts of the state. They have been revealed and the Minister cannot spin that.

Mao wishes he could act surprised or unknowingly. While he tries to be defiant and act as an opposition while serving in the government. His words aren’t that clever and we can see it for what it is.

Norbert Mao tried to outsmart someone, but it isn’t working on everyone. We know what his saying isn’t true. If it was so… why are so many kidnapped, arrested, detained, extra judicially killed and such who happens to be associated or a part of one political party, aye?

Mao, can you tell me? I need to know why? Why are the ones associated with People Power and National Unity Platform a target of the state? Why? What reason for it? When there supposed to special laws or reasons to allow political parties to exist? Why?

Answer me that riddle. Because, it doesn’t add up and then I know it isn’t legit. Peace.

Opinion: Kasolo needs a lesson of humility…

In future, government could pass a law in parliament whereby all the lazy-poor people would be given strokes so that they can also learn to work and become rich because we have discovered that some Ugandans need to be pushed into wealth acquisition,”– microfinance state minister Haruna Kasolo (Daily Monitor, 14.11.2023).

The two term minister for Microfinance and one term Member of Parliament, Haruna Kasolo have not understood or grasp humanity. There are levels to this and reasons for why people are the way they are. Everyone aren’t in the inner-circle or have options. Plenty of people are stuck in a rot and have very little wiggle room.

So, as a Minister who is lucky to retain his office after being defeated in the General Election in 2021. He should understand the plights of people. As a Minister he should find ways to inspire and get people active. Instead he wants to give them a capital punishment and incite more fear. That will certainly not give them incentive or reasons to change their lifestyle. It will only backfire and cause more resentment. As on top of their struggling day-to-day, the government would come with sticks and beat the living crap out of them.

Does the Minister have conscience or heart?

I hate to ask, but it only makes sense. He should try to use his office to reform and give people ways to get out of poverty. As a man of power and an office, he could actually help people out and make a difference. However, it is easier to be judgmental and practically lenient on your own watch. Surely, he decided when to show up and how busy his calender is. Not like he has to answer to anyone or if so… show up to a Committee and a Plenary Session every blue moon. So, he can take it easy and is off the hook.

That’s why it’s interesting that he says this. A man who spoken of the “prosperity gospel” so many times. A man who tried to speak and spread the message as he was told. However, it has apparently gone nowhere and he feels lost. That’s why his considering mental gymnastics and use of force.

To use brutality and violence will not give people the spirit or the drive to succeed. The state has to offer a lot more and plenty of other measures to make it possible. There is a need for change and reform, but not more violence. That is not a solution, but a way of showing the total disregard of fellow citizens or civilians for that matter.

The minister is forgetting who his serving and why he has an office. His there to serve the population and not be an intimidating figure. Neither be a man who orders pain or suffering. He should ensure the Microfinance schemes are working and actually helping the borrowers. Not only to serve and collect. Because, certainly this isn’t a good look…

Hon. Kasolo need to rethink his strategy. He needs another way and try to understand the minds and the spirit of people. Right now… his just one of them and his forgetting why people are in their situations. There is reasons for it and a beating will not help them. Neither is the humiliation or the pain, which they would suffer from it. They will only be more troubled and struggle mentally after it. Since they got beaten and they really don’t know why… and for what reason. That is a hopeless situation and one that could have been avoided, which means the Minister should have found another solution.

He should consider to implement reforms and open up the floodgates of bottlenecks, loopholes and other mechanisms to ensure people get out of poverty. However, his master and the inner-circle won’t do that… because that takes away their means to earn on a daily basis. Peace.

Opinion: Otaala fears transparency… [and we need to know what stipulations there are in the Vitol agreement]

MP Emmanuel Otaala (West Budama South) mocked Jimmy Akena (Lira East Division) for behaving like his father (Milton Obote) who was a dictator, after the former First Son refused to switch off his microphone in a heated Committee meeting at Parliament.

Akena: Don’t overrule everything and not listen to others, the point here is very critical, I am going to continue. I am not switching it (microphone) off.

Otaala: Your dad was a dictator and that is on record

(…) ”Earlier on, the two had disagreed over attempts by Otaala to block media from covering Committee proceedings on the scrutiny of the contract signed between Government and Vitol (company hired as sole importer of fuel and gas products into Uganda) over claims that the agreement had confidentiality clauses. Akena questioned Vitol’s business ethics citing the US$135m the company was fined by US & Brazil Gov’t on bribery allegations” (ParliamentWatch, 08.11.2023).

Today we heard a story as old as time, a Parliamentary Committee wants to hide or keep things private. Even when their hearing and inquiry is public. The Committee Chairman Otaala must be ordered and wanted to adhere to it. While Akena pushed for openness, as the citizens should know the details behind Vitol and the Government of Uganda (GoU).

It is bad when the government is hiring a company to do one, as they are creating a monopoly and the stipulations of the agreement should be made public. The agreement should be known … and what it details. However, we are now aware that Otaala as a part of the government doesn’t want the truth out. Meaning the reasons for not unleashing it must be bad and the core parts of the deal might be shady. That’s why the dissent and opposition pushed the edges…

Otaala can call Obote whatever he wants and Obote has to live up to his legacy. Just like Otaala will live up to his own. His actions today isn’t good looking and now I want to have more insight into the Vitol agreement, which has monopoly of imports of fuel and gas to the Republic. That is needed to be public and not be kept in an achieve.

That Akena pushes the Chairman and gets him on “edge” is good for the Republic actually. Because, then maybe the truth can come out or if not be able to set a date for further inquiry. As the stakeholders and the ones signing the agreement should meet the committee in question. There is a need for more meat on the bone and the “hot-air” is solving anything.

The agreement was apparently also made in darkness and now Akena or others has to shed a light on it. As the citizens needs to know what is going on and why the GoU did this. Peace.

The Misadventure of Samuel Walter Mukaaku Lubega…

I wasn’t invited to the NUP headquarters unveiling, but I guess they just forgot. However, my input in the formation of People Power was immense. If NUP has a mother, I am the mother” – Lubega Mukaaku (07.11.2023).

Sometimes, someone should be happy that they were that close, but they were still that far. There was a reason why Mukaaku Lubega was an aspiring Member of Parliament for Rubaga South Division and ended up running on a Social Democratic Party ticket. He wasn’t the flag-bearer for the People Power Movement or the National Unity Platform (NUP). No, he ran on the SDP and the Democratic Party Block (DP Block) ticket of sorts.

He really thought he was special and had a unique role. A somewhat “main character” syndrome and being the character of your own movie. Where you are the one who makes the changes and who has the ability to make a difference. Alas, that wasn’t the case and he even caused a stir from within. Not only is his barking and tongue twisting rhetoric, after Bobi Wine didn’t follow-up or care to join the DP Block. He saw it for what it was and left it behind. While Mukaaku Lubega was already invested in it and had a role. Regardless of the pressure group standing or even possibility of gaining a momentum.

We can understand that the man wants to be seen as vital person. He desperately wanted to a MP and be respected by the NUP. In the People Power Movement he wanted to be seen as an achiever and become a voice. However, his own blind ambition and lack of self-control possibly destroyed it all.

You know it is bad when the NUP sacks you outright and take your out of a race. There is something shady then and something not acting right. It had to be the character and smelling trouble. This is why the NUP fielded Mukasa Aloysius Talton Gold who won with over 49,000 votes, wile Lubega himself got only 719 votes. Therefore, the NUP did the right choice and picked a more suited candidate.

When you write this in July 2023 to Bobi Wine: “The public has many doubts and is asking many questions. It needs answers. There is a growing feeling that the struggle is off the rails rendering no hope for change. There is need to have a frank reflection and evaluation of the past period, if possible correct mistakes and clarify the above unsettling developments in order to regain public confidence . We in the DP BLOC too need clarity on these issues to adequately inform our decision on our next course” (Lubega, 2023).

We can just see where he stands and what role his playing. A man who sought distrust and trying to discredit the NUP and the People Power Movement. It was within reason that NUP in their time did sack him outright. Maybe not in the best manner, but the way they saw fight. Because, they knew he was a liability. That’s why he wants to be of vast importance now.

He wants glory and tell tales of old. Since he was in meetings and interviews. He was canvassing votes and trying to drum up support. Yes, he did so, but so did plenty others and they didn’t try to aim for roles or titles. However, you sought for that and got that in the DP Block. A place where you belonged and where you had history as a Young Democrat of sorts. Therefore, this tale today is bonkers and beneath you.

Lubega should know better, but apparently his not. Well… main character syndrome is powerful and can distort someone vision. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee’s arrogance towards AGOA…

I need to advise you not to be over-concerned by the recent actions by the American Government in discouraging their companies from investing in Uganda and on removing Uganda from the AGOA list” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (05.11.2023).

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is an opportunity for the businesses in Uganda to export products or produce, raw material and others to the United States of America on unique terms. Which has been beneficial for other nations. While the National Resistance Movement (NRM) haven’t been able to develop or follow the terms or conditions for such is another matter. As we know the Kenyans are much more thrifty and has set the standard on these matters. That’s maybe why the President is so arrogant and brushes it off.

A key aspect in the letter from U.S. President Joe Biden on the 30th October was this:

Despite intensive engagement between the United States and the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda, these countries have failed to address United States concerns about their non-compliance with the AGOA eligibility criteria.” (Biden, 30.10.2023).

The key term here is “non-compliance” and meaning the Ugandan authorities or government itself is breaching the agreement, which is reason for the opportunity to trade within the framework of AGOA. The Ugandan government might disagree with these conditions or terms, but has to comply to be eligible in the first place. That’s the rule that AGOA sets on anyone and they just have to comply. It is as simple as that.

However, Museveni wants it his way…

Uganda, under the NRM, is and will succeed, regardless of what some of the external actors and internal detractors do. The further good news, is that not all the Western Countries’ actors are of the same arrogant attitude. Many, actually, either agree with us or believe in the correct principles of live and let live. Even in the colonial times, some Western actors supported our anti-colonial struggle. People like Fenner Brockway, Dingle Foot, Olof Palme, etc., supported us” (Museveni, 05.11.2023).

The U.S. legislation of AGOA is a “new” one in some senses, as it only dates back to 2020. It isn’t a colonial relic or a mechanism from the days of slavery. No, it is a modern one, which has one important aspect.

That is explained like this: “The legislation significantly enhances market access to the US for qualifying Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. It does that by allocating a special program indicator (‘D’) to approximately 6,800 tariff lines in the US tariff schedule, which allows US importers to clear such goods – sourced from eligible African countries – duty-free under AGOA” (AGOA – About AGOA).

This explanation is stating one fact, which the businesses of Uganda misses out on. They will loose out on favourable tariffs when exporting to the U.S. Market. Meaning the prices of exporting will go up and the viability to enter the market will be much tougher. On the short-term its only the ones supplying and exporting the U.S. under these terms that is hit today. However, in the long run… the ones who wants or have a chance. They will either be to expensive or to much red-tape to get there. Which isn’t better for development or trading in general.

The AGOA and principals of AGOA could be beneficial for Ugandan businesses. Especially, if export businesses and the ones who has value-added enterprises wanted to significantly enter a capitalistic market and ensure possibility of selling on a large scale. Because, that what you do, if you get a shot.

We see that the President doesn’t value this and for his often speaking of value-addition. This here is the opposite and it isn’t clever. Neither using arrogance or colonialism. The AGOA is about an opening to a market and ability to trade without to many hurdles. The AGOA has stipulations, but if you adhere to them. You get prospects of entering a market, which gives you possible profits. Therefore, you are foolish to let this one slide. However, that is what the President does and he doesn’t mind.

Actually, the President isn’t concerned… and that is telling. Peace.

The United States Trade Representative – Executive Office of the President letter to Ugandan Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Hon. Francis Mwebesa on “AGOA” (31.10.2023)

Opinion: Mzee has become a colonial overlord grabbing land in the North…

Government land- Anybody occupying government land (Aswa ranch, Lakang, land acquired for the Madvhani group, etc.) must leave with immediate effect but in any case not later than 3 weeks from today” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 03.11.2023).

Today, we can acknowledge with certainty that the Government of Uganda (GoU) lays claims to land and expropriate it without any consideration, hesitation or plans for the ones living on it. This after years of stalemate and clashes. Because, the state has no answers and only beholden to the companies or foreign investors who “bought” the land.

That’s how the National Resistance Movement (NRM) operates. They are now giving Apaa Village three weeks to move. Others will follow in the Acholi sub-region. As the interests of Kampala/Entebbe is more important than the livelihoods or the pastoralist societies of the North. That is the message I am getting from the President.

He gives the citizens three weeks to relocate, but offers no securities, no basic ways to find new homes or land to settle on. The President is relocating families and villages all for the benefit of a few chosen ones. That’s what his doing and he has no plan or structure in place to give them shelter or a way to make a living.

What the President is now issuing is a case for the Madvhani Group, which have made agreements with the state back in the mid 2000s or around 2006 to be exact. There been plenty of setbacks and pushback on the deal. However, the state has continued and persistent that the group was to takeover 40,000 hectares of land in Amuru district and build Amuru Sugar Works.

While the mentioning of Apaa Village was to sell it to a South African Investor Bruce Martin so he got his own gaming reserve and hunting ground in the area. That was done in 2005 and continued to this day.

Another mentioned case was the sale of Aswa Ranch to the Libyan government in 1998. That’s why we know the state has worked on these cases for years and now suddenly only give a staunch warning.

That’s deliberate and a scare tactic, as there are no mechanisms or anything in place to safeguard the civilians here. Everywhere that the state has sold land. They are only becoming internally displaced people (IDPs) with nowhere to go. While the investors get prime real-estate and get huge chunks of land. That is hurting to know and the President should know better, but he has promised and the investors wants their loot. Therefore, he has to do something, because his not winning by the years going by. His not getting younger either, so he cannot enjoy the spoils if the assets and the land isn’t sold.

That is something we have to consider here, as the President just directs and orders like a colonial master over the sub-region. Where the public are just supposed to listen and if not… they will suffer consequences. The ironies of that, if they do listen… where should they go? Where and what has the state to offer them?

They have just lost everything and what they knew… so that some foreign investors could grab land in Acholiland. That’s the gig here and its infuriating. It just shows the arrogance and the entitlement of the government. As it just takes, take and doesn’t question its own behaviour here.

Acholi deserves better. They do… they are being sold for shiny objects and left out with nothing. While the President and his inner-circle is getting a piece of the action. Peace.

Opinion: You can apparently besiege a place, but not open it…

“I blocked NUP from unveiling its Kavule Headquarters because president Museveni shall be in Kawempe tomorrow and you know he needs people to be ferried to his processions. When we allow NUP to proceed, Museveni may not have people to attend his function,”~Kawempe Dep. RCC Ndidde” (The Kampala Journal, 01.11.2023).

Uganda Police and the army earlier today deployed heavily at the have deployed heavily at the new opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) offices in Kawempe Division where the party president Robert Kyagulanyi and other members had planned to officially open today” (STV Uganda, 02.11.2023).

The Uganda Police Force, the high ranking officials and whoever was in-charge of the security detail surrounding the new Headquarters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has lost the plot. Seriously. It is just dumb and the reasoning was foolish.

Telling 48 hours in advance that the NUP had to find another date to get accommodated too. Because, the authorities and the security couldn’t handle it. Alas, here is problem with saying that. When you in advance of the scheduled opening has besieged the plot and the compound. In such a fashion that no entry is possible. That’s what the authorities did today and they had plenty of guards, police officers and soldiers alert. Meaning, the authorities could have ensured the safety of the NUP and let them open the Party Headquarters. However, that wasn’t the order and that’s why the Party was forced to wait to tomorrow.

The authorities aren’t that wise here. Neither are they showing any finesse. The President is making himself look unpopular too. As he knows the people would surround the NUP Headquarters and not at his function. That’s why his appointee had to serve him and block the NUP from opening up their own offices. It just shows the ironies of life and how “one man” rules them all.

This wasn’t to safe-guard or benefit the people. No, this was all done to serve His Excellency. Not to secure and make it right for the NUP. The state and the President had a plan, which was so important that everything else had to stop. Because, if it didn’t he would look humiliated and alone. The state handlers and the servants of the President couldn’t let that happen. Which is why the NUP had to pay a price and open their offices on another day.

It is just really amusing that the RCC and the Authorities stated they didn’t have the manpower to secure and facilitate the opening. When they had enough soldiers and police officers to ensure a rigged election out there. They had enough officers to stop all movement and traffic, if they wanted too. However, the same guards, officers and soldiers couldn’t ensure the safety and the opening. That is just ridiculous!

The emperor is naked. The foolishness of the oppressor has no end. This is the democracy and the freedoms that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) abides by. It is how they roll and people just have to accept it. Peace.