Opinion: The PDM is set to destroy the parastatals supplying Coffee and Tea Seedlings…

Rt. Hon. Speaker, as you may be aware, up until FY 202l /2022, Government policy has been for Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) to procure seedlings from certified Coffee and Tea Nursery Operators. However, Government has since decided to transfer funding previously appropriated for procurement of seedlings from UCDA and NAADS to the Parish Development Model (PDM) starting this FY2022/2023” (Statement to Parliament on the Supply of Coffee and Tea Seedlings, 22.09.2022).

The latest revelation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) will by this Financial Year takeover the powers to buy Coffee and Tea Seedlings, which has been done through the UCDA and NAADs. We know that similar activities was also in the past done through the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). Though through those schemes wasn’t delivering the quality or the promised needs of seedlings at any given time.

When we have seen how the OWC and NAADs has failed in this. They are now putting this in the hands of the PDM and the Secretariat, which isn’t even prepared to do the basics of the PDM. The PDM is supposed through SACCOs and through the Local Government ensure Parish SACCOs get’s microfinance loans and funds, which is supposed to help development. However, the authorities, the local leadership and republic wasn’t prepared for it. As it was launched ahead of the polls, just like Emyooga, OWC and now the PDM. This is new minted schemes to be a “trick” to be the “silver bullet” to end poverty, but it ends up in nowhere.

Now in the middle of nowhere is the coffee and tea seedlings. Which are now transferred to an entity that cannot even do it’s core. Money is wasted, money isn’t received and we are certainly hearing about “missing funds” soon.

So, an organization that has been rushed, lacked funding and procedures is taking over something so vital for the supply of seedlings for the cash-crops of coffee and tea. That’s significant and shouldn’t be showed under the rug. This is a move to stop accountability and control of it. As we know the Republic is already under scrutiny with the Uganda Vinci Coffee Company Limited (UVCCL).

It’s just iffy that this happens now. That seems fishy to me and it seems coordinated too. This is clearly taking away power and making the UCDA meaningless. Only a place to put some loyal cadres and giving them a pay-check, but having little power or oversight since the PDM and UVCCL will have monopoly. The farmers just have to produce and the Republic will take care of the rest. This is from seedling to the refined product.

They are even taking away the little powers and ability the UCDA has and doing this is shady. That’s why they are giving it to the PDM, which they know have to much on its hands. This isn’t strengthening the agricultural development, but making another scheme within the scheme. To fit another scheme they have already made. The PDM is now becoming a part of the UVCCL. That’s really interesting move and just shows what the National Resistance Movement (NRM) does at this point.

No one should be shocked, but they should be worried about this move. This isn’t done to make the cash-crop more profitable or better. We know how the OWC failed with the procurement and logistics of seedlings. Do you really think the PDM will be any better? Who are they trying to fool here? Who is the ones who are losing and are the party they are crushing?

Because, there are parties, companies and co-ops that are hurt by this. Since the PDM is taking over and there should be outrage over this. Like the NRM and the Government didn’t learn from the failure of OWC. That’s what is striking… and just shows that it doesn’t care. While it could be a scheme to fit the UVCCL and that makes it even more disgusting. Peace.

Opinion: Mpuuga is a part of the G-Unit now…

Sunday Monitor understands that a NUP caucus of more than 20 lawmakers has pledged allegiance to Mr Mpuuga or at least his ideals. Fred Ssimbwa, the Nakifuma country representative in the House, chairs the caucus that refers to itself as G-UNIT. During an interview with NTV Uganda’s flagship morning show, “Morning@NTV”, Bobi Wine said—without mentioning names—that he is aware of NUP lawmakers who have been “compromised.” It is thought he was referring to the G-UNIT” (Derrick Wandera – ‘NUP split pits LoP against Bobi Wine’ 25.09.2022).

The latest fluff piece in the Daily Monitor is hallow and certainly could have had more meat before serving it to the public. A look at friction or creations of “wings” within a party. There would be no different in the National Unity Platform (NUP). It wouldn’t be surprising if the NUP would have the same challenge as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) was faced with, which was the hardliners versus the establishment or more pragmatic types.

However, we have now a new sort of vibe within the NUP apparently. 50 Cent should get his group name back, the G-G-G Unit. I am wondering who is the most loyal fella among the G-Unit in the NUP? Because someone has to emulate Tony Yayo. Wonder who is the punchline king or Lloyd Banks? Lastly, who is the one with the poignant bars like Young Buck?

Well, enough fun and play… but it’s interesting reporting of a sort of G-Unit from within. Yes, that is natural in a party to have wings and different groups. Even when the main objectives are the same and their leader is the same. They still will see things differently and wanting to achieve the same thing. These people just thinks there is different way to succeed. Like said earlier there is many paths, but you as a party has to choose one.

We know that as a Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mathias Mpuuga is a pragmatic fellow and not a direct revolutionary. Even if his party has moved in that direction and has had as a signatory programme to “remove a dictator”. Which by definition is a revolutionary act in itself. That’s why a man like Mpuuga will get pushback and essentially from everyone who signed up to the central ideals of the party. Therefore, he would be questioned and wouldn’t always prosper.

Mpuuga could easily get in the space that the likes of Winnie Kiiza or Gen. Mugisha Muntu has been in the FDC. That’s not speaking ill of these, but that is natural progression and act within what is prescribed by the organization itself.

The G-Unit is most likely the former internal pressure group of 20 MP from within the NUP Party. We know that just a year ago Bobi Wine warned the G-20 about creating an internal group or pressure group from within, because that could be the downfall of a new party. That’s what he has stated in September 2021 to the News Editor and reported about in the Entebbe Post around the same time as the “secret mobilizing team”.

The G-20 surely doesn’t sound as intriguing as the G-Unit. Though there is no one who is as gangster or ruthless as 50 Cent. There is no MP or part of the Pressure Group who can compete with the aura and the will of Curtis Jackson. That’s just a fact, but they can surely try. That Mpuuga is a patron of this G-Unit, which is an internal part of the NUP. Only makes things more hectic and possible could question his moves. Especially, if the G-Unit wants to work in another direction than what the NUP wants. He shouldn’t be out of line or cross the leadership of Kamwokya, which he is representing and being elected through. He wasn’t elected on a G-Unit platform, but on a NUP ticket.

This here is interesting times. I’m looking forward to any sort of pushback or recognition of the story published in the Daily Monitor. This is only mere hours after the release. The NUP and the LoP got to respond. It is not a good look and speculations are running wild. In that regard, also jokes of G-Spot, G-String and other fitting rebrands of the G-20, which is currently G-Unit.

They knew the G in G-Unit stood for Guerrilla, right? If not… now you know. The ones giving the same and acronym needs to know. It would be foolish not to right…

Well… Mpuuga and the G-Unit got some answers to give. That is obvious. The NUP also have to deal with this. This isn’t for South Jamaica Queens, but for Kamwokya. Peace.

Opinion: The IPOD is a lost cause

The Interparty Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) who has gotten major funding from Democratic Government Facility (DGF) and Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD). DGF is bound to only last a few more months until December 2022. While NIMD has ceased funding after IPOD has failed to get all parties to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The lasted MoU lasted until February 2022.

Now in September 2022 the IPOD Secretariat might feel at a loss. The ideal of IPOD might seem positive and worthwhile. Nevertheless, the results and the political forum has been more a sideshow than actually being fruitful. The majority party and ruling regime, National Resistance Movement (NRM) has used it more to poach the opposition and have publicity stunts. While the opposition like Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and National Unity Platform (NUP) haven’t seen any sort of dialogue or proper platform to make difference. That’s why they rather distance themselves from it.

The IPOD was maybe made with the best interest in 2010. NIMD and DGF funded the organization to have a place and possibility to meet. IPOD could have been a safe space for the political parties, but we all know this haven’t been in the interests of the Head of State or the NRM. The NRM wants to either intimidate, strike or corrupt their opposition. That’s why President Museveni has himself promised to destroy and get rid of all opposition.

Now in 2022 and after 12 years of IPOD. The NRM is losing one of the few places where Museveni could actually meet the real opposition. Not the “opposition” who is already leaning towards him or co-operating with him. No, the ones defying him or wanting to remove him isn’t now a part of the IPOD.

That NIMD is saying it won’t fund IPOD before NUP and FDC joins is a failure. The parties themselves has decide. They have seen the works of IPOD and what it has “achieved”. The organization don’t have that much to show for it. This is why they cannot even write an MoU, which they cannot agree upon.

The NRM might feel like this is a “victory”. They can point at NUP and FDC. However, that is a very hallow “victory”. The FDC and NUP has done this for various of reasons, but it is clear that the NRM isn’t an honest actor. That’s why activists, candidates and associates connected to the NUP or FDC are either kept incommunicado, arrested or even extra judicially killed. The authorities are monitoring the opposition more than they look into crooks. Therefore, the political prisoners and prisoners of conscience is a well-known phenomenon in the Republic. That’s all because of their affiliation and who they are associated with.

If the NRM really wanted IPOD to work. They would have properly invested in it and not only used it for photo-ops ahead of polls and elections. While also using it more directly to create positive headlines Nevertheless, NIMD and DGF maybe want more for their coins. They want them to actually have inclusive dialogue and talks in a political forum. That sort of thing seems like a thing of the past.

It is not the fault of NUP or the FDC for the end of IPOD. The killer of IPOD is Museveni. Like everyone else it goes back to him. It is his choices and orders, which are reflected here. He is getting his will and certainly not … get a free lunch. IPOD is only destroyed and losing value, as there are no real progress or talks of substance. When an organization like IPOD becomes sub-standard forum and losing all value.

President Museveni cannot be happy with this, because this just shows how flawed his multi-party democracy is. When the one forum he had where all elected parties could meet and talk is now ceasing to operate. The funding of this organization is stopped. Because, FDC and NUP isn’t accepting the conditions of the current MoU. That’s a failure and lacking the general understanding of what it should be.

If Museveni wanted this… things would have been different. Nevertheless, expect the NRM to deflect it or blame the parties for not signing on. Because, why should they sign on to something… when it gives them nothing and only legitimizing the regime. IPOD only gives political currency to the NRM without giving the other parties anything worthwhile. The others are just getting an opportunity to see Museveni close by and be there in his presence. That’s a futile enterprise and if the NIMD see that is an asset. They should just continue to pursuit it. However, it isn’t the product that its portrayed on the tin. It is something else and the ones dismissing it has all the reasons to do so. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni promotes impunity in regard to disregarding court orders..

I would want some amendment to this idea making independence to be a convergence of principles of justice. We should get time and discuss it deeply. Part of the problem they(security agencies) don’t implement court decisions is that they don’t agree(with them). There is need for convergence on what is justice in some of the cases between the courts and sometimes the population. For instance, we have got a problem of land issues especially in Buganda. You have got 5000 people in a parish and a magistrate says all of you must vacate because he has agreed with the landlord. Then the RDC says they must stay on the land. What is the historical position of the Ugandan reformers( NRM), freedom fighters and you the lawyers? If we just accept that court has decided that 5000 people must vacate, the RDC will come in and say they can’t leave. We say rubbish, they can’t go. If you say independence, it is abuse of power. You are making a big injustice to the population which can cause you a security problem” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (21.09.2022).

It is really special and unique for a man that has appointed all judges and has all his cronies in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The President has also appointed the Minister of Security and has total control of the National Army. All parts of Law Enforcement is following his command and is imagined in his idea of security. Therefore, the mannerism of what he said is so at fault. His blaming the same people he has trusted with the Judiciary.

The second part which is really troubling is that the President of over 30 years. He has created a new Constitution and enacted dozens of laws, which images what he stands for. The President has had the power and the majority for over 30 years. That’s why the President has the laws he deserves. Museveni knows this and the laws are there because of him. They are there for one reason. He wanted them and he has amended the laws several of times, as his mind has changed or being a President for Life makes it impossible to keep the old articles.

So with that in mind. Museveni should let the Courts judge in according to the laws and their judgements after their interpretations of these laws. Museveni has ensured the Judiciary are living within these limitations and scope of enforcement. The Law Enforcement and the Authorities are bound by the laws and how they are coded. That’s why the Courts cannot order differently or act against certain laws. This is because the President and his majority party has enacted these laws. As long as these laws are active and not repealed. The Courts have to follow them and judge accordingly. That is a very simple reasoning.

A man who has held power for so long and not willing to follow the Courts. It is just disgusting. Just shows the contempt of the same laws that he has enacted. He wants the Law Enforcement and Authorities to be above the law. In such a manner, that the laws are only mattering to civilians, but not the authorities, which are supposed to following it too. This is impunity and a double standard. One law for the people, another law for the security organizations that follows my orders.

The President wants his orders and directives to be more powerful than the laws. It shows that he don’t want rule of law or constitutional order. He wants to rule by his whims and direct orders. That’s what Museveni wants and this is why he defends defying court orders. This he does because it doesn’t fit his political alignment or his tinkering at that very moment.

The President surely defies court orders as a way of punishing his enemies or dissidents. He doesn’t care about not following the law in any concern. Museveni rather have his way than actually following the laws he has enacted. As a President his wording and pompous Head of State who clearly doesn’t value the legislation he himself has ensured or enacted it. In the years in office, he could have repealed or gotten his MPs to write laws that fits his current state of mind. If he had done that, the Judiciary and the Court would have ordered things differently. However, that has never been the issue, because if he did that. He would have higher stakes with the donors and with the ones who is supporting his reign. It would be draconian and be totally disregarding the values he came into office with.

That’s why Museveni is conflicted… and the President just shows contempt of the same laws he has enacted. This is disgraceful and distasteful, but its the epitome of how his ruling the nation at this very moment in time. It is also why he never wants accountability over the “safe-houses”, the drones or any sort of misuse of power. The President wants the fear and intimidation. He wants the ability to order tyranny and use the security organizations to his advantage. That’s why he don’t value the laws or court orders. Peace.

Bank of Uganda (BoU): Government has not failed to pay Bank of Uganda (20.09.2022)

The CMI is involved in a civilian matter: In the arrest of blogger Kasagga Matovu

To understand the current affairs, you need to know that the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) is a branch under the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), which could be called the National Army. The CMI is the intelligence branch of the UPDF. Now that you know these facts and has that under wraps.

Let us read this story from earlier today: “The Directorate of CID and CMI, have charged to court a blogger known as Kasagga Bashir aka Kasagga Matovu, with 4 counts of Unauthorised Modification of computer material, under the Computer Misuse Act. The facts gathered indicate that during the month of August and September, 2022, while in the Kampala, the suspect, with requisite intent and knowledge, used his social engineering techniques to create, obtain and modify tweets and screenshots of twitter handles of the Defence Spokesperson @UPDFspokesperson, Uganda Police Force @PoliceUg, Annita Annet Among @Anita Among and Balaam Barugahare Ateenyi @Balaam 1980” (…) “The suspect has been the leader of the network of social media abusers. His communication matrix is linked to thousands of group members. It also clearly shows selected individuals and political groups, that have been glorifying and sponsoring his offensive behaviour, towards government officials and institutions. We have retrieved some of the deceptive posts, charts, accounts and pictorials, which he has been sharing with 6,588 followers on Twitter and 5,625 Facebook followers” (…) “The suspect has been charged with 4 counts of unauthorised modification of computer materials C/S 14 (1) and (6) of the Computer Misuse Act, 2011” (Uganda Police Force – ‘BLOGGER CHARGED WITH 4 COUNTS OF UNAUTHORISED MODIFICATION OF TWITTER ACCOUNTS’ 19.09.2022).

The Law itself:

14. Unauthorised modification of computer material

(1)

A person who—

(a) does any act which causes an unauthorised modification of the contents of any computer; and

(b) has the requisite intent and the requisite knowledge at the time when he or she does the act,

commits an offence” (Computer Misuse Act, 2011).

This Statute or Article of the Law is punishable up to 15 years in prison. That’s if the Courts or the authorities finds it fitting to give him the full extent of punishment for his actions. They are using the Computer Misuse Act of 2011, which has been used against dissident in the past. It has been a favourable tool. Even more so than certain parts of the Penal Code to pin crimes on the ones speaking ill or with malice against the state.

Now, we are seeing the army is involved in the prosecution. That isn’t new in the Republic. It is a staple around Election and in the Post-Election. The CMI have been used and directed to apprehend, kidnap and keep civilians incommunicado. That has been done by several of authorities and by other law enforcement as well.

So, with that in mind, it isn’t weird that the CMI is involved in making a case against a blogger. The CMI has also been used and have training for cyber crimes. That means the CMI is going into civilian matters Just like when the Court Martial is used as a tool to oppress civilians. When the civilians are neither soldiers, serving in the army or affiliated with the UPDF in any shape or form. Therefore, these sorts of practices isn’t new, but showing how the state operates at this point.

Now, that the Computer Misuse Act is used again. Expect it to be more relevant in the time ahead, as it has been amended and is more broad to capture even more people in the net. That’s why this year will be filled with cases like these and no one should be surprised by it. This is what the authorities has ordered. Peace.

The Government own 11 trillion shillings to the Bank of Uganda [and out of that 3 trillion shillings in advances from the last financial year!]

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) are ruining the economy. They have a deficit financing that is revealing to deplete all funds and all sources of revenue. That’s why in the Leader of Opposition statement published on the 13th September 2022. The Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga MP in his statement is showing a staggering issue of fiscal nature.

The Government of Uganda (GoU) or the National Resistance Movement (NRM) are now owning 11 trillion shillings. Out of those 11 trillion shillings, there is 3,03 trillion shillings it got in outstanding advances in the Financial Year of 2021/2022. Because of this, the Government of Uganda lacks fiscal funds to repay their own National Bank, the Bank of Uganda. It has taken money from one post to cover other posts, in advance, but it has no plan of returning these advances.

The addition trouble with this is that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stopped releasing funds or loans to the Government of Uganda until these advances are paid. That is again hurting the funding of the Government and the operational funds of the state. Since the IMF will not cover the deficits or the lack of funds in the GoU. The GoU is running so low that it’s not able to repay their own advances, which it created from the BoU.

This just shows how dire things are… this is only talk of 3,03 trillion shillings. The GoU budgeted itself with a 25,78 trillion shillings in domestic revenue in the budget of FY 2022/23, but we can wonder if the GoU has any of funds to recover or to spend on the advances in question.

If you wonder what mismanagement and how destructive a debt-cycle is… it is becoming very eminent that the NRM and the GoU has stretched it out. They are not able to get or find sources for fresh funds. The state is not able to get enough domestic revenue to even cover the basics. That’s why they are even shortfall on 3 trillion shillings to the Bank of Uganda.

This should be depressing and be worrying, but it is just another day in the Republic. The Value of Money is gone. The money and funds are just missing. Loans for development projects, day-to-day activities are just gone in thin air and they have no plans to repay them. If the NRM and GoU does this to its own Bank. What is it doing to the Multi-National Banks and Monetary Instruments it loans from on the regular?

That should put shiver down your spine. This is a sign of a financial downturn, a sort of financial self-destruction and possibly re-structuring of old debt. Because, the state cannot even carry the advances it took out in FY 2021/22. Peace.

UNRA is adding interest charges on it’s debt amounting to 235,6 billion shilling per day….

The Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA), which is a government entity under the Ministry of Works and Transport is clearly not fit for purpose. The whole government is showing how it’s failing it’s governance, by not being solid and considering the costs of it’s operations. The Republic and their financial muscles are clearly not aligned. That’s why the State Budget isn’t only filled with deficit financing, but other parts of the state is run by it too.

UNRA director Allen Kagina is to blame her, but we know she has been directed and told to follow up on agreements in letters from the President. Presidential Directives are intervening and stopping a fair judgment of the tenders and the contracts signed. That’s why the whole blame cannot be put on her. As we have seen that the President has directed and told who is getting the bid. Therefore, the Ministry and UNRA has less powers.

That’s why the report published on the 6th September 2022 called: “REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ON THE DELAYED PAYMENT TO CONTRACTORS, BY GOVERNMENT OF UGANDA, LEADING TO UNBEARABLE INTERESTS” is very important. That signals what is missing and how the reoccurring debt is appearing. The UNRA and Ministry of Works and Transport cannot compete. No matter how Gen. Edward Wamala structures or do his job, or even tries to configure within his means. The Presidential Directives and the current leadership structure is eating his ministry up alive. That’s why this report is earth shattering and shows how badly this is run.

The UNRA is becoming a loss-loss operation and the contractors are now losing money. They are losing money in such a way that the state has to pay with interests and add more costs. As they are already run on deficits. This is practically eating the roads and the supposed “integration” to markets, which the President always promises during campaign rallies.

Just read the quotes here… it is really tragic…

On 4th May 2022, Hon. Richard Sebamala, MP, Bukoto Central in Masaka District raised a Matter of National Importance regarding budget suppression particularly in the Road Sector with its attendant accumulation liquidated damages to a tune of UGX. 334,000,000 per day in the case of debts accumulated by Uganda National Roads Authority(UNRA). The Rt. Hon. Speaker directed the Committee on Physical Infrastructure to investigate the matter” (Report, P: 2, 2022).

The Sky Rocketing Interest Rates arising from Government’s non-fulfillment of its obligations to Contractors amounts to foreseen trivial costs to Government. It is improper for the Country to incur foreseen trivial costs to a tune of UGX. 235.6 million per day in interest charges” (Report P: 9, 2022).

Failure to pay the arrears will continue to cause Government to incur trivial expenditures including interest expenses, idle equipment and reduction in the works by Contractors” (Report, P: 9, 2022).

The Committee considers that MDAs, specifically Ministry of Works and UNRA are the main contributors to the deficit of the UGX 573.5 billion with accruing interest rate of 15% per annum, and the resulting interest charges amounting UGX 235.6 billion per day. The non-payment of Certificates arose due to the shortfall in funding and the 40% budget cuts across the board” (Report, P: 11, 2022).

You can really see the key aspects of report by just reading these few quotes. That says it all. It shows what the state does and how the UNRA is run. The Government have failed the Ministry of Works and Transport, and in-connection to that the UNRA as well. This is from the top-down who haven’t acted righteous. It isn’t the direct fault of UNRA director or UNRA itself. The Ministry of Finance and the State House should answer for their faults too. They haven’t looked into the numbers and what things has cost. The President has directed and ordered certain projects and taken out loans to build them too. That’s why the UNRA only trying to cope with the work. While the MoWT only has to follow up and do it’s bidding too.

That’s why the new debt and added interests is only making every project more expensive. The state is only adding more debt. While it should have ensured and finance the projects it already has. This shows the the failure of the state and how badly it is run. The UNRA is bankrupting itself. The state cannot afford it and doesn’t have fiscal funds to cover debts. That’s why it’s gaining even more debt as the time goes. The daily interests and costs should worry the state… because this is just bad or going to worse even. Peace.

The state ordered to pay in total 400m shillings in damages to 2 URA employees after illegal detention and torture of them in March of 2021…

(i) The affidavit evidence of A1, A2, Capt. Isingoma, AIP Kisa Claire and Mr. Kabagambe when considered in totality look that like a movie. A1 and A2 are arrested through the use of trickery as if they were on the run whereas not. A1 is deceived that he was reporting for deployment on an operation. When he reports at the appointed time and place he is literally abducted. He is made to leave his vehicle unattended at a fuel station as if he was a terrorist.

(ii) A2 was called by a fellow driver at midnight claiming he needed help having got a mechanical problem. He is lured in the middle of the night and arrested like a terrorist” (High Court, 12.09.2022).

The state sponsored torture story of Robert Asiimwe Akanga (A1) and Kalemba Stevens (A2) is nothing new, but it needs to be told. These two gentlemen won their case against the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). This case just shows how the state uses torture and keeping people illegally detained without producing them to the courts within the 48 hours deadline. That happened to the people of this case and it is significant, but not shocking.

This sort of case should be spread, because it shows what the state does and how it operates. The authorities are acting like this on the regular. They are allowed to operate like this and it has no consequences. The state is paying damages and costs of the case, but the officers and the authorities will not clean up their act. This is how they are and it’s only a few of these stories that ends up in the Courts. Most of the torture cases are happening in silence and the victims cannot or have no options but to stay silent.

Just read these quotes… and it should make you shiver…

It all started with this: “The allegation is that on the 28th day of February 2021, Al and A2 being employed by Uganda Revenue Authority as a customs officer and driver respectively stole USD 410,000 the property of GAK Express Co. Limited. The two deny the charges” (High Court, 12.09.2022).

So, this all starts with alleged criminal behaviour, which is directly false. The authorities have pinned two men and because of their role in URA. They were easily targets as the work of Customs Officer and a Driver. However, there was never any proof or evidence of this crime.

That didn’t stop the state from doing this to them, which is quotes from the Court Ruling…

About the Arrest and Torture methods used on A1:

In his affidavit in support dated 25th March 2022 A1 stated that on 3rd March 2021, he received a phone call from Paul Karatunga, the In-Charge Operations Team 1 informing him of a planned operation along Entebbe road. Karatunga assigned A1 to lead the team. They met at Total Petrol Station, Kajjansi at 6.30 am. Karatunga was in company of two soldiers namely Captain Charles Isingoma and Captain Winnie Kusiima plus two armed escorts. A1 was instead arrested under gun point and pushed him into a vehicle. He was taken to URA offices where he met other UPDF and Police officials attached to URA. He was handcuffed. Lt. Col Zaakye informed him, the arrest is in connection with theft of money belonging to a Sudanese national. He denied participating in theft” (…) “Col. Cassette Ignatius Wamundu asked him to confess to the theft of money or be tortured by the Joint Anti -Terrorism Taskforce until he does so. That he was denied a right to contact his lawyer or make any phone call. On 6th March 202l at 7 am was picked by a team from CMI, blindfolded and taken to CMI Hqrs at Mbuya where he was subjected to torture” (…) “It was executed by 10 well-muscled men using weapons such as guns, sticks, batons, metal bars, pliers, chains, ropes and electric wires. He maintained his innocence as they demanded for the money he is alleged to have robbed. He lost consciousness due to prolonged torture. He regained his senses to realise he was in a corridor. He was bleeding and still chained. He was taken back to Custody at SIU Kireka during darkness. He could not walk” (High Court, 12.09.2022).

About the Arrest and Torture methods used on A2:

A2, in his affidavit of 25th March 2021 states that on 2nd March 2021 at around midnight, hg received a call from Sekweyarna, a fellow driver at URA, claiming to be stuck near his home and needed help. A2 responded only to find army captains who put him under arrest at gun point. Col Cassette Ignatius Wamundu asked him about the money. He denied knowledge of where the money was. He punched him in the right eye and as he fell down. He was kicked in the ribs at gun-point before his children and wife who cried and shouted. He threatened to shoot him unless he admitted having stolen money on 28th February 2021. Present were Captains Isingoma. Diana Museveni and Winnie Karugwara. They took him back to his home” (…) “That on 6th March 2021 he was taken to CMI offices in Mbuya and taken to a room where four muscled men had assorted weapons including guns, sticks, batons, metal bars, pliers, chains, ropes, electric wires among others. He was undressed. He was badly and severely beaten using the electric cables, hang on hand cuffs up the ring as his legs were tied down and suspended in one position for a whole day as he was being beaten” (…) “He was tortured again on on 8th March 2021. His body became swollen with wounds on the legs, back, hands, ribs and abdomen. He did not receive any medical attention or have access to a lawyer or family members. Further mistreatment went on until he was produced in court after an ordeal of 16 days in detention” (High Court, 12.09.2022).

The damages they are getting for all of this:

Taking all these factors into consideration I award A1 as the main target and focus of torture a sum of 200 million as compensation for pain, suffering, and physical injuries. I award another 50 million to A1 as punitive damages for subjecting him to humiliation and embarrassment. I Award a sum of 100 million to A2 as damages for pain, suffering and physical injuries. I award another 50 million to A2 as punitive damages for subjecting him to humiliation and embarrassment. A1 and A2 are also awarded taxed costs of this consolidated application” (High Court, 12.09.2022).

We know the state will only condone but not act upon the mischief. These sort of cases never cease to exist. There is no retribution or stop of the practice. This has been going on since the inception of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and done by the government before it too. The NRM promised to end it, but they never will…

The damages of 400m shillings won’t make a difference in the grand scheme of things. The officers, the men who did the torture and the authorities will not go after the ones who did it. No, the mentioned high ranking officials and others will walk free. The only thing happening is that the gentlemen who was arrested, harmed and tortured will get damages. The system will not change… and that’s how the story goes.

A1 and A2 are reminders of how the NRM and the Authorities are working. This isn’t a one of or an isolated case for that matter. No, this is how they move and allowed to work. It just happens that this one ended up in the High Court. Peace.

Opinion: Parish Development Model (PDM) won’t eradicate poverty but it will become someone’s heist

The newly minted eradication of poverty model in the Republic. That was launched ahead of the polls in 2021. Now in 2022 it is obvious that scheme is bound to fail. It was inevitable… because none of the previous ones had any change or luck either. They have been doing this since the 1990s and nothing has worked.

So, now that the Republic is using 1 Trillion Shillings on it. You would think they had the magical point and the right tools to make it legit. While that is far from the truth. All the things that has been uttered and stated about is an epic failure. From the onset, there was no true organization, framework or even policies at its disposal. Even when the PDM is using similar means as in the past.

The recent weeks of arrests in Mitooma, Kabale and Kitgum over it only shows how badly it is going. In addition to the news of lacking disbursement in Masindi. This is just very compelling of the problematic approach to government spending or even institutionalize these sorts of government programs. When local government officers and employees are part of the gig and get caught slipping.

Certainly, the PDM was supposed to be another “magical bullet” to solve the issue of poverty. Until proven otherwise… I doubt it and there is no sign of improvement. Especially, considering the reports in combination with the reports that is already out. The statements of the Minister of Finance isn’t making the situation anything better either.

When you are spending like a drunk sailor and telling people to sober up. While inviting the sailor to a pub. You know what will go down and what the sailor will do. The sailor will get drunk and be on his merry way. That’s the same thing here… and it’s so in the open.

This PDM is bound to be a big-man’s heist. As there are no protocols, possible oversight or even systematic approach to safeguard the spending. The open corruption, mismanagement and impunity isn’t helping either.

Surely like in so many other instances there been giveaways, kickbacks and planned efforts to circumvent the rules to gain funds from the state coffers. This is happening as the state claims this is the way out. Nevertheless, it begs the question, why will it work now?

When we are so easily seeing the cracks. Reading the reports and the statements from high ranking officials. Heck, the few assessment reports on the PDM that have been released are grim. It is daunting that this won’t be it. Just another heist of the high and mighty. This won’t solve anything else than empty coffers and excuses for the ones in power. No, this will not help the ones in need or the ones it is intended to help. No, they are pawns for the kings and queens. They are the first to go out and loose anyway. This game is rigged and the PDM is no different.

Not like that is anything new either. “Missing Funds” is a proverb in the republic. The elites and the ones in the inner circle are eating. That is clear and the systems are made for them. This is why this latest scheme will be beholden to them too. They will find ways to disburse and ensure them a hefty pay-off.

So, expect someone to run with the bag and the State House looking idly by, because they have already a deal. This PDM is just the latest one to trick the public that they will initially do something. However, don’t be fooled. They will not do anything sincere, but only find a way of earning profits on the poverty that does exist. That’s been their trick and it continues to be so. Peace.