Opinion: Minister Mukasa is talking about torture like it is an alleged activity of the state

Torture is not a policy of government nor is it even a method of interrogation. The law on this is very clear. The President has in his own words stated the position and policy of government” – Minister Mukasa (08.02.2022).

Wilsom Muruli Mukasa, the Minister of Justice amd Constitutional Affairs dropped a statement on torture in the Republic. The Minister is just proving how ridiculous and tedious it is to challenge this in the 11th Parliament. As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Security Agencies will not looking into the Modus Operandi of the ISO, CMI, SFC, LDUs, UPF or UPDF. Therefore, we know the statement delivered and spoken about by the minister is initially pointless.

What is released in the government statement is nonsense. It is like the pictures, the witness stories and even the court cases are alleged affairs. We are just to believe the high ranking officials and call it a day. That is just over the top stupid and the hardliners of the state should look into themselves. Because, this is getting really dumb and the dumber it becomes… the more foolish is the defences of the state.

All the persons in the custody of the government agencies can and will be accounted for in accordance with the law” (Mukasa, 08.02.2022).

Sometimes I wonder, if these high ranking officials and defenders of the state lives in the same country as the rest of them. If they are just living in such lavish mansions and away from the grim reality for the common folk. That they cannot see, touch or even comprehend what is happening around them.

This is not the first time a high ranking official does this and it is not like the state has a clean slate. The state has a long record of human rights violations and torture is just one of them. Yes, the state has laws, which makes it illegal, but that doesn’t stop it from doing it. Neither does it stop it from having “safe-houses” or the usage of torture as technique to intimidate or strike fear into the population. Because, that is what it has done and its deliberate.

A statement like today… is just making it sound like there is a rule of law. When we know there is one law for the anointed ones and another means to an end towards the dissidents. The state can retaliate and use all force to silence or even mute the ones who are in its way. That’s why extra judicial killings been happening and torturing civilians continuously as well. Therefore, the pointlessness … is just staggering.

The ones believing this are naive. What Mukasa should have said was to open up real investigations and allowing the committee to check all alleged “safe-houses” and detention centres of state. As they should be allowed to see and look into it. That is the reality of this here, because he says the rights things, but that doesn’t make it true…

We know better and seen the victims. We have read the court documents and seen the settlement cases of the state. Which shows the amount of people tortured. In some cases a few thousands who has complained about it to the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), but that is just the top of the ice-berg and who knows how many the state has actually tortured over years.

We only know about the few who has been witnessed and the ones catching the headlines. However, we know there is more and that there are people who are silent after the acts of violence towards them. Peace.

Opinion: Sorry wange, but it’s not happening…

“The leadership of Parliament is asking the opposition in Parliament to rescind their decision of boycotting the parliamentary sittings saying their issues can be well addressed on the floor of Parliament. Solomon Silwanyi, one of the commissioners of Parliament, says the continued absence of opposition in the House will not only affect the people they represent but also there will be no platform for addressing their concerns” (NBS Television, 07.02.2022).

This is naïve. It is utterly disrespectful and distasteful. It is like Solomon Silwanyi (National Resistance Movement), the Member of Parliament representing Bukooli Central haven’t seen what his government does and how it stifles the opposition in the chambers of the Parliament.

Yes, the Opposition gets to speak and participate in Committee’s, but the results are dead on arrival. Just in the previous 10th Parliament, the MPs was barred from entering ungazetted safe houses. They we’re not allowed to investigate or look into the practices of state security agencies. Therefore, Silwanyi MP must things people are stupid or obviously having short memory span.

As we know the Ministry of Defence and Minister of Internal Affairs will not indulge or budge on the matter. These are confidential and will not unleash the harsh realities. There is only drip-drop of information leaked through witnesses and little-to-a-few court cases diving into the matter. Alas, Silwanyi MP should be a bit sincere.

We know Mathias Mpuuga MP could have spoken his peace and so could other opposition MPs. However, it wouldn’t materialize or create anything substantial. That’s why Nalufenya is still active and several other entities, which does similar practices across the Republic. Therefore, the NRM MP isn’t talking the truth and we know it.

It is not like the Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga going to listen to a petition or a motion to cease with these sorts of activists. No, his avenging his father on the regular and so is other men too. They are using the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Internal Security Organization (ISO), SIU Kireka and the Special Forces Command (SFC) to silence critics and dissidents all over the Republic.

Therefore, MP Silwanyi. If the previous MPs and Parliamentarians couldn’t investigate or enter buildings, which was alleged “safe-houses” … why do you think speaking in the same chambers now will help the cause? Seriously? Do you think the culprits, the ones ordering or the decreeing these matters will stop?

No, they will continue the human rights violations, the burden of proof will never be delivered, as that is the plan from the on-set. To do the deeds in darkness and not allow anyone to shed lights on the matter. Talks, motions or petitions in Parliament will only get you so far.

It is not like the state has stopped arresting, kidnapping, keeping opposition activists and leaders incommunicado, torturing and even extra judicially killing to silence them. Therefore, why does the MP believe their words matters now? When everything ill is happening, and nobody is stopping it. It isn’t like these practices has ceased to exist and not been active. They have been there all along since the inception of the NRM.

He can get high on his own supply, but it doesn’t make it more real. When we know what they can do and without any warning or charges towards the individual. They can just take you or kidnap you without any sort of justification. While the MP wants the Opposition MPs to talk even more. Like that will settle the score and make any ramifications, as long as the practices continues in darkness.

That’s why his whole premise is wrong, and the nativity should be challenged. Because, it is not like the army commanders, the first son or anyone involved wants the record in public. They only want some revealed to spread and show their force. However, they don’t want people to really look into it or stop because then their methods of brutality has to stop.

Something we know isn’t part of the plan… and the Opposition will not be able to stop with some talks or committee meetings in Parliament. Peace.

Opinion: The Use of Torture has been the Modus Operandi of the Museveni era

Amnesty Report March 1989 Page 29

In our traditional societies, torture was commonly used and it was not only accepted but, actually, encouraged. Hence, the proverbs like: “Akabwa kaiba kaihura omugoongo gwaako” in Runyankore and “Akabwa kabbi, kasasula mugoongo” in Luganda. In both dialects, it means that “a stealing dog pays with its back”, i.e. by being struck with sticks (enkoni, emiggo) on the back” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – ‘PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT ON TORTURE’ 16.05.2017).

In these days, the recent torture of Kakwenza Rukira is spinning online and going viral. As he has been through the ringer before and what happened in 2021 isn’t the first time his behind bars or tortured for that matter. The writer and activists has been into legal trouble for his writings and publications. Therefore, he knew what was going on and knew how to tell a story afterwards.

However, most of the ones tortured aren’t high profiled individuals or people in the spotlight. No, they are average citizens who happens to be associated or participate in opposition politics. This being part of any sort of organized political work in association with Dr. Kizza Besigye or Roberet Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Heck, there been torture of members of Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and other party activists as well. Though the most notable and in the press is the one in association with Besigye and Bobi Wine.

Nevertheless, the practice has been going on since the inception of power. Museveni and National Resistance Movement (NRM) have used the same techniques and violent oppression of its predecessor. Maybe not in the Argentina House, but they have perfected elsewhere. Where they are using means to an end and torturing civilians on the regular. The numbers that is reported is only a fragment or maybe just an assumed amount of people tortured. As many doesn’t dare to file a complain or is worried that they would be tortured again for doing so. Therefore, the amount of victims to this practices is unknown and the scale is larger what is known. Because, the security agencies and the NRM will not enlighten the public about this. That is very obvious and clear by how they deny the activities and speaking up against it. While they are continuing the practice…

Here is just a few out-takes from various of reports and articles, which describes what the state has been doing since 1986 till this day.

Amnesty 1986-89:

The elimination of torture was a publicly declared aim of the new government and an early move was Uganda’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which includes a mechanism for hearing individual complaints at the international level. Although the government has succeeded in greatly reducing the use of torture, there is still abundant evidence that the practice has not been eliminated. As with extrajudicial executions, the problem is greatest in those areas where there is armed conflict, although Amnesty International has also continued to document torture in Kampala, both in NRA barracks and in military intelligence and Internal Security Organization headquarters. The best-known and most widely used method of torture under the NRM government has been “three-piece” tying, or kandooya. This involves tying the victim’s arms together above the elbows, behind the back. It can be used as a method of restraint, but it is described as being extremely painful and so can be used deliberately to cause pain and coerce prisoners into making statements during interrogation. Sometimes prisoners tied kandooya-style are beaten at the same time; sometimes their legs are tied up behind their back as well and they are suspended (this is known as “suitcase” or “briefcase “). Unusually, the government has ·acknowledged the use of kandooya, which for a long time was authorized in the NRA as a method of restraint. The government apparently did not accept that it was used as a deliberate method of torture but was convinced, in early 1987, that it was a form of ill-treatment. An order banning kandooya was issued through the NRA chain of command and it is a measure of army discipline that this ban has been widely obeyed although kandooya is undoubtedly still used, especially in the areas of armed conflict” (Amnesty International – Uganda – The Human Rights Record 1986-1989, P:31, March 1989).

Safe-Houses” and the Kandoya technique of torturing:

The types of torture being now committed in Ugandan ungazetted illegal detention places (“safe houses”) include kandoya (tying hands and feet behind the victim); suspension from the ceiling while tied kandoya; water torture or “Liverpool” (forcing the victim to lie face up, mouth open, while the spigot is turned on into his mouth); severe beatings with hands, fists, pistols, metal rods, and wooden sticks with nails protruding; death threats, including putting the nozzle of a pistol into the victim’s mouth, showing him fresh graves, dead bodies, or snakes; putting the victim in the back of a vehicle where his captors sit or put their boots on him; abusive language and threats; and kicking with boots all parts of the body. The torture includes the gang rape of females; and mutilating the male genitalia of suspects, through kicking, beating with sticks, puncturing with hypodermic needles, and tying the penis with wire or weights. The male genital torture cases that Human Rights Watch found are far from the only ones: the UHRC ordered the government to pay damages to a man who was tortured for ninety-three days and who “is not a man anymore.” In many cases, victims are refused medical treatment. Some have died as a result of these and other acts“ (…) “Weakened protections and guarantees facilitate the commission of torture. These unacknowledged places of detention are not visited by outsiders nor by government officials charged with inspecting conditions inside detention cells. The government is provided “deniability” by holding the detainees in secret, and this creates a feeling of impunity among security and intelligence officers. The 1995 Ugandan constitution explicitly outlaws the holding of detainees in unacknowledged or “ungazetted” places of detention, that is, those not published in the official gazette. Police stations are gazetted facilities. UPDF barracks and CMI offices are not gazetted facilities. The other “safe houses” where the non-police agencies hold, interrogate, and torture suspects are not gazetted and are illegal also” (Human Rights Watch – ‘State of Pain: Torture in Uganda’, March 2004).

Systematic torture:

The state uses torture to wear people down, both physically and mentally, to extort information, confess to a crime or until they become so instilled with fear that they are no longer considered a threat to the regime. In the last 10 years, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has lodged more than 7,500 torture complaints” (…) “Victims are sometimes compensated when their cases are heard at the UHRC tribunal, but the perpetrators are hardly ever brought to justice, and they can rarely be identified anyway, since the torture tends to be executed by plain-clothed security operatives” (…) “Brigadier Henry Tumukunde, who was central in establishing the system of safe houses that is still very much in use today. Tumukunde was at one point head of Uganda´s Military Security Organisation, but fell out with the Museveni regime and was sentenced to a spell of house arrest at the Senior Officers´ Mess in Kololo, Kampala. Tumukunde has since worked his way back on good terms with Ugandan authorities” (Wendy Glauser – Human Rights House – ‘Widespread torture in Uganda, in so-called ‘safe houses’ and elsewhere’ May 15 2008).

Nalufenya:

The practices of torture seemed to have been rationalized. Uganda has since converted the Nalufenya police station into a Guantanamo Bay of sorts. The mere mention by an accused person that he was interviewed from Nalufenya immediately raises a red flag. The mayor for Kamwenge Town Council who had been arrested on allegations of treason was literary butchered as chunks of his flesh were cut off his knees and ankles” (David Baxter Bakibinga – ‘The Role Of Prosecutors In Preventing Torture And Ill-Treatment Of Accused Persons And Proposals For Reform’ 2018).

In May last year, Ugandans were left in shock on seeing the gruesome pictures of Geoffrey Byamukama, the Kamwenge mayor, who had been tortured by the Police over allegations that he had had a hand in the murder of slain former Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Felix Kaweesi. In the days that followed, more pictures of tortured inmates at the dreaded Nalufenya detention facility trended on social media. Ironically, many of them were later freed by courts due to inadequate evidence to pin the suspects. The facility was recently closed by the new IGP Ochola Okoth. However, Byamukama and others were not the first and may not be the last, for torture remains the most recorded human rights violation in Uganda, with the Police accounting for a majority of the incidents. According to a Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) report released last year, a total of 1,658 torture cases were registered between 2012 and 2016” (New Vision – ‘Day Against Torture’ 2018).

As we see, the usage of torture is prevalent and clear as day. The NRM promised a fundamental change of guards, but is openly using the same means and practices of which the predecessors did. They are doing it at a large scale and thousands of people have been scorn by the regime. It is clear that this tactic and usage of violence against the population is deliberate. As a means to an end and a way of getting people into submission. Getting them into fearing the authorities and the state. As you can easily get into the “panda gari” or kidnapped incommunicado by a drone. Just because you associate or work for a cause, which is deemed as fit by Museveni.

That is the case here and torturing will not stop. Not as long as the security agencies are allowed to do so. Not as long as there is no consequences to the ones ordering, acting and punishing civilian this way. The laws are written, the constitution states what is right, but the government and its agencies are obviously not caring about the written words. As long as they can torment and torture civilians on the regular. Peace.

Uganda Law Society (ULS): Statement on Torture of Suspects under Detention by Security Forces (05.02.2022)

Opinion: Yoweri, you should have named your son Emirembe [instead of Muhoozi]

I’ve been quarreling about this issue of bail. It’s a provocation. In my culture, when you wrong me, my clan has a duty to avenge. That’s why when my son was born, I named him Muhoozi which means vengeance, such that when someone wrongs me he avenges” (…) “Among the Banyankole, if you insult me we fight. But according to other cultures, provoking and insulting is free speech. Free speech by insulting me and my mother?” Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (04.02.2022).

Clearly there is a reason why Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga got his name. Not that his named “Uhuru” which means freedom or amani (Swahili)/emirembe (Luganda) which means peace. No, he is named Muhoozi, which means the “avenger of the innocence”.

Just to put things in perspective, an avenger means: “a person who exacts punishment or inflicts harm in return for an injury or wrong” (Oxford Languages). To be more blunt, a man who plans and intends to revenge someone. That is what is at stake and meaning of it all.

I know Mirembe is a name for a baby-girl or a woman, but the meaning is still profound, as it says something of the intension of the parents. Instead of wanting more warfare and someone to be the vigilante for you, which is why the father named him Muhoozi.

As an intent of revenge or to avenge a cause, Museveni named his first son just that. Like the good “Christian” man he is and brutal rebel he is known to be. We know there is one rule for the His Excellency and another for the general public. That is well-known and been stated over the three decades his been in power.

Therefore, saying this in 2022, as the father is ageing is making it very clear. He doesn’t intend to go out in peace or harmony. No, this old man doesn’t plan to create a space of liberty and freedom. No, he will avenge and use his son to do his bidding. It all makes sense, why the man who took power by the guns. Is issuing his son to carry the same. That’s why Muhoozi is carrying the weight, using the guns and ushering in suffering on the dissidents of the state. It all makes sense and it’s a brutal one at that.

We know now why he was trained as a warrior, sent to military school and became a military commander. It was all to serve a cause for the old man with the hat. That is the lesson here and his just a weapon of destruction to the ones that is in the way of Museveni. Muhoozi is there to stifle, destroy and silence the ones who does the father any wrong. It is that simple and his purpose is really described for all of us. Not only in the name, but in the actions as well.

This is why Special Forces Command (SFC) has acted like it does. That’s why the army is under his wings and his a high ranking official. It’s all to do what the father needs and retort with blunt force. Initially, the role of the avenger of the ancient rebel. Peace.

Opinion: Remember to praise Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba

It is one vital thing for humanity and especially for the ones living in the Republic of Uganda. There is a need for a daily reminder. Just like we needed a daily reminder that former Vice-President Edward Ssekandi was still walking on this planet earth. We now need to remind ourselves, that it’s about time to worship and sing songs of appreciation of the great wonder-boy Lieutenant General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. If we don’t do that… someone will crush your soul and your bones will be eaten wild-beasts. I have now warned you … and I am sorry for being so late about it. However, we still have time to do the right thing.

Because, he needs red-carpets, long convoys of cars and fabulous woman to chew (which happens to be side-dishes and not his official wife). The Lt. Gen. needs to be humoured and get well written articles about his achievements. If he speaks or acts like a diplomat. Make it seems like his a seasoned statesman and solved world hunger.

The first son is the salvation of mankind. It is just like he has risen from the dead on the third day. After getting born in Tanzania in the 1970s… and being a refugee until his father took power in 1986. Alas, his greatness manifested in the flesh. His the next Kofi Annan and Nelson Mandela. No, his the second coming of Christ. That’s how the gig-workers makes it seem and his saving everyone along his way.

The Lt. Gen. isn’t the Special Force Command or uses any of his authority to torture people, keep people incommunicado or harm civilians who offends him. No, the people get hurt by themselves, they get scars on their own and they shouldn’t question the magical vessel of human inspiration called Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

I am writing this… because I am already tired of the praises, the songs or rejoice and grandeur of a man who only is in the spotlight, because he happens to be the son of the old man with the hat. He is only having the authority and office, because of birth. He would be another bottom-feeder and slum-dweller, which not a single soul would have paid no mind. Unless, he suddenly was able to strike gold and found a path out of poverty.

However, Lt. Gen. will be the golden boy and the Project Muhoozi is active. Just like Gen. David Sejusa aka Tinyefuza aka Tinye warned the world years ago. Now, The Independent Magazine and the East African is writing about his prominent rise. As if his coming out the ashes like a phoenix. However, he just came out with a silver-spoon from the Entebbe State House after listening endlessly to his father and the sermons of mama Janet. It must be tedious, but someone has to listen to these two on the regular.

So, if you expect this to die down. No, this will only amplify until Muhoozi has a church and a cult in his name. They might call it a political party or movement, but we know the drill. These folks will make the fans of Taylor Swift or Beyoncé look like innocent school-children. The ones following and sings psalms of the Lt. Gen. will be much worse…. and it will be far from holy.

He will be their deity and demi-god who is saving mankind. That is who he is and the air that he breathes can heal the sick. This the sort of narratives and rhetoric that is coming your way. Heck, Lt. Gen. will even guard the gates of heaven and secure entry of the fellowship of Rwakitura Monarchy and Church of the M-Sevens.

If you don’t know, now you know. Peace.

Opinion: The Rebel born out of War is set to create Peace [according to IGAD]

The executive secretary of IGAD requested the President to intervene and help IGAD find a long-lasting solution to conflicts in some of its member states and he agreed to do so, they asked the President to intervene and help resolve the conflicts because of his experience in leadership and conflict resolution but he said he can’t do it as singlehandedly, he needs to engage other leaders in the region” – Mr Faruk Kirunda, the deputy presidential press secretary of IGAD (01.01.2022) – (Stephen Otage & Paul Adude – ‘Museveni to mediate Sudan, Ethiopia conflict’ 02.02.2022, Daily Monitor).

This is actual disbelief. Not that this idea is anything new. They used President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni in the Inter-Burundian Dialogue, which was a travesty of a diplomatic mission and also used his tricks in the 2018 in South Sudan. Therefore, some might say his the right guy, but I beg to differ.

This man has sent soldiers all across the board. This President has used warfare to help his causes. To install puppets and his head of state’s elsewhere. Museveni have used violence, warfare and fierce conflicts to get on top. It is not like Museveni came with peace and peace endured. No, he prolonged warfare in Northern Uganda for years… and he could have silenced the guns earlier.

Museveni has spoken with double tongue so many times. If it was in relations to the genocide in Rwanda and getting Kagame into office in Kigali. The manner of which he took down Mobutu Sese Seko in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Neither will we need to discuss how he used militias and military operations to bring down Laurent Kabila in the DRC. There is also speculations in his involvement in South Sudan founding father Joseph Garang.

That’s why I have hard time believing in a man that couldn’t even honour the Nairobi Peace Accord of 17th December 1985. It was just the next month and a momentum, which brought him into power. Therefore, he celebrated NRM at 36th Year Celebration on the 26th January 2022 in honour of the takeover and coup d’etat on the 26th January 1986.

So, that man… who used military means and conflict to rise to the top. Is the man that the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) trusts to mediate and help solving conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia. This man is the wrong one and the most insincere one.

Since, during the mediation in South Sudan in 2018. He sent snipers and was the arms-dealer of the state. While trading arms to them not only during an arms embargo, but holding talks at the State House with various of fractions within the conflict there. That is the sort of fella Museveni and that shouldn’t be forgotten.

Museveni supports para-military groups and insurgencies, when it benefits him and his allies. He has done it countless of times in the DRC and it will not stop. That is the sort of President he is. So, I have a hard time to believe him to be neither neutral or seeking peace. He will find ways to make the current leaders free and ensure the big-men in their respective strongholds. Just like he supported President Salva Kiir Mayardit in South Sudan and only held a few meeting at the State House with other parties.

Therefore, having Museveni to play parley and peace is the wrong person to do so. The President hasn’t been sincere and a known liar. So, this man shouldn’t be trusted and his objectivity is usually questionable at best.

The IGAD should seek more qualified and less questionable leader to mediate in conflicts, as this man will not solve anything. Alas, he will only prolong the agony and find ways to benefit from the things happening himself. That’s the sort of man he is and Museveni shouldn’t be anywhere close to the stakeholders in Sudan or mediate in the conflict in Ethiopia.

If Museveni was supposed to do so, I would expect him to gracefully get visit from Transitional Sovereign Council at the State House of Entebbe and bash in their glory. While accepting all stipulations and ideals of army commanders of Khartoum. As Museveni wouldn’t challenge or seek talks from Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) or any of the other civilian Resistance Committee’s, which is on the streets demonstrating for a civilian elected government. Therefore, it would be half-assed and a lie. Where the President and his Vice would get play, but the others wouldn’t even be touched…

If he would be like this in concern to Sudan. How do you think he would be, in consideration with the stakeholders and the parties of the conflict in Ethiopia? Secondly, who believes the Prime Minister Abiy will even talk or negotiate with Tigray/Oromo leadership, which he has fallen out from. Therefore, Museveni … will not be the guy or the mediator the world needs.

Museveni will not solve or resolve things. No, he will only make a splash, hold hands and sing Kum Ba Yah around the tent-fire. However, don’t expect him to single-handedly make a difference. No, he will just find ways to profit from the situation himself. That is what he does… and that’s the sinister truth in all of this. Peace.

Opinion: The Budget for the FY 2022/23 lacks 2,6 Trillion shillings!

We know that the state during the recent years have been running on deficit financing. This means it takes up loans to pay up for new loans to pay recurring expenditures. The state follows up this negative spiral of lacking of funds to ask for more expenditure than it has funding for. This means, the state is fiscally indisciplined and misusing funds, as they have to later find sources of revenue or take up more loans to fulfil the voted expenditure it has.

That isn’t a sign of a growing economy, but a way to further more loans and add more debt, which has to be paid back with interests in the coming years. As the parts of the government budgets are becoming more expensive, as the state has to fulfil and repay on the debts it has already taken out over the years.

The Minority Report states this:
“The government contradicted itself when it indicated that there would be limited supplementary budgets in FY2022/23 but at the same time elaborately articulate unfunded priorities or additional expenditure needs of UGX 2.62 trillion. Unfortunately, the majority report is silent on this fiscal indiscipline. The indiscipline of supplementary budgets is bound to continue and government hos sent indications that a minimum of UGX 2.62 trillion will be sought in due course” (A MINORITY REPORT ON THE NATIONAL BUDGET FRAMEWORK PAPER FOR FY 2022/23 -2025/26, January 2022).

This here should create headlines, because this is planning to take out loans to cover the current debt, which this will be. Since the state needs borrow or take up loans to cover these expenses. This just show how reckless the state is carrying it’s budgets.

As it can create 2.6 trillion shillings without having any sort of funds or revenue to ensure it. Which means someone else has to foot the bills currently. A creditor will take the debt and make sure the state can pay for the expenses. However, the future citizens has to repay for this and that is fiscal indiscipline and deficit financing. As the deficit needs financing and the shortfall has to be covered, which tends to be covered by debt.

This is unserious of the government and a sign of worry. As they are doing this on the first budget for the financial year and we can know additional supplementary budgets will most likely become bigger than two trillion shillings. We should expect more and the shortfalls might become worse, as all revenue isn’t recovered or the estimated tax-base isn’t as huge as earlier estimates and therefore the state couldn’t perform or have fresh funds to pay for the reoccurring expenses. Peace.

Opinion: Is the PM promoting defiance?

“I want to advise Ugandans to go to petrol stations that have not hiked the prices. Two companies have not hiked their prices. Go and buy from those ones. These others will also follow suit because it’s now not necessary for any company to hike the price above Shs5,000” – Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (Job Bwire – ‘Ugandans should boycott fuel stations that keep prices high- PM Nabbanja’ Daily Monitor, 20.01.2022).

We remember just mere years ago when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government was going after “defiance”. Everyone was targeted for supporting defiance and planned corporate boycotts of businesses connected to the regime and it’s high ranking officials. There was an outrage and disgust.

The regime apologists defended going against defiance and civil disobedience. Now, the Prime Minister of the 11th Parliament and this term is speaking well of boycott. As the fuel-crisis is deepening and the state isn’t doing anything directly to help it out.

Another minister has challenged the need for arresting the fuel-station operators who is sky-rocketing the prices. As it is not a cause-and-effect scenario, as the needs for petrol is bigger than the imports of it. That’s why the prices is going up and the stations are struggling to serve the nation. Therefore, the crisis is a border issue and a supply issue.

Its not the petrol stations fault… it is the whole supply-chain from importers to the producer. As the landlock nation has made it hectic on the border and the border-post has stifled the imports. Even with the temporary stop of testing for COVID-19 on the Ugandan side of border. The Republic haven’t directly patched the hurt. No, it continues to damage the Republic and everyone in need for petrol.

The PM is showing her character her, instead of acting and finding solutions… the PM is speaking of boycotting and avoiding the petrol stations, which has to high prices. The PM should address the rises prices and the reason for it. It isn’t the companies or the stations itself, which is directly at fault. As they are based on the imports of petrol and the possibility of getting steady supplies as well. Because, if it goes empty and such … just proves the reason for the rising prices, as the needs are bigger than the current supply.

The PM should address that and the words of defiance is what an opposition leader should do. The opposition should act in defiance and ask for civil disobedience. Ask the public to boycott and stop using certain services. As that is even possible elsewhere… and when your low on fuel, your low on fuel. Then you need to buy and get more to be able to drive…

So, the PM knows this, as she has 4 wheel-drive and an SUV. She drives around and enjoys the perks of her office. Her office and her title covers for everything. There is no worries and it’s all paid for. The fuel-crisis doesn’t hit home and neither does it damage any of the elites in the government either. They are living lavish and don’t have to worry about pricing or inflation for that matter.

That’s why the defiant and defiance against certain fuel-stations is a foolish move, as it is a populist selection or trick. The state should secure the supply-chain and proper reserves to stifle the prices. Instead, the state is asking for civil disobedience, which isn’t a vibe your supposed to get from high ranking officials. Good luck doing that on the road from up-country to anywhere. So, the PM should reconsider, but don’t expect so. She’s high and mighty, which means she will not face any real consequences for this. Except for writings like mine… Peace.

DRC: Joint Press Release from UPDF & FARDC – Sinister plans to discredit Operation Shujja (10.01.2022)