Mr. Updates aka Ssegirinya MP still behind bars in Kigo Prison

The absence of Mityana Municipality Member of Parliament Francis Zaake has caused his Kawempe North counterpart Muhammad Ssegirinya to stay in jail. This is because Zaake committed himself to stand surety for Ssegirinya who is facing murder and terrorism charges but today, he was not available to append his signature on the release form such that Ssegirinya can gain temporary freedom. Ssegirinya was jointly arrested together with Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana on September 7th 2021 and taken to Masaka Magistrates Court on charges of murder and terrorism arising from the recent killings of people using machetes in Masaka. They were remanded to Kigo Prison” (97.8 Kazo FM Omushomesa, 23.09.2021).

We should worry that Muhammad Ssegirinya MP has been behind bars for over two weeks. The MP has been behind bars for 16 days. The MP was also allowed bail or temporary freedom in the Courts on the 20th September 2021. This means he could have produced and freed three days ago.

Who knows why his mate and MP Francis Zaake haven’t showed up today. We could worry that Ssegirinya would have suffered the same fate as Ssewanyana today. As he was picked up by a “drone” and taken to an unknown location.

For now we know where Mr. Updates resides. Yes, this is impunity and injustice at it’s highest order. The state is keeping him detained with no burden of proof of his guilt. There is no strong or credible evidence pinning the MP in the crimes charged against him. That’s why we know this is a political motivated case and not a “criminal” matter. He is just a victim of his allegiance and what he represents, which is differing from the ruling regime.

In some concern it is better to know that Ssegirinya is in Kigo Prison. That knowing he could be picked up by random authorities to unknown locations. He could be taken to ungazetted safe-houses and be tortured. Which is something the MP has suffered from before. Therefore, it is maybe even a sad relief that he is left behind today.

Both MPs will not get a fair trial and neither any serious case against them. This a political hackwork to keep them behind bars. They are falsely charged and the state will prolong the agony of the dissenting MPs. Peace.

Opinion: Nabbanja is carrying on the tradition

“Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has reportedly filled her office with relatives” (Daily Monitor, 20.09.2021).

That the Prime Minister has appointed or recruited her own family to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) isn’t shocking. She is just following party protocol and what the Movement stands for at this given time. You don’t need credentials or qualifications to be part of the civil service or high ranking official. What you need is a connect and a person who knows someone within the parameter of the one running the office.

That is why the revelations of the Daily Monitor in the end of last week wasn’t shocking, but a continuation of it. This is the same Movement where the First Lady is a Minister and the son is a Commander of the Land Forces. Where son-in-law and other family ties has ensured high ranking official appointments and permanent secretaries as well. If not, they have gotten plum jobs in other government entities. Just because they are blood and relatives of the President and his extended family.

That’s why I am not surprised or shocked by what has happened with the PM. She is just following the teachings and the actions of her President. Nabbanja is a fellow of nepotism. Yes, this is worrisome, but she just follows a pattern, which is from the high above. It is not like she hasn’t seen or heard anything about this before. No, no this is systemic thing and that out of the world.

The Movement does this and that ‘s why Gen. Salim Selah is a unofficial minister and with government contracts. Not because his appointed, but his related to the President. Sam Kuteesa have gotten his fair tenders and deals over the years. The same has others who is associated and married into the family. That’s why the PM is just following their example.

We shouldn’t cry havoc here… as this is part of their program and how they run government. Nepotism and corruption are going hand-in-hand. It is giving them life and hope, while other fights for breadcrumbs in desperation.

The PM should lead by example, but she is just one of Museveni’s fishermen and that is evident. She is instead following him and doing his bidding. That’s why she will not challenge him or be an actor of good governance. Instead she will be as corrupt and malignant as possible. Because, she knows that this is her moment to eat and she should enjoy the spoils. While she is at it, she can also assist fellow family members and ensure they get a cut too.

That’s why this is happening, and it is tragic. It is a waste of government resources, but also expected at this point. It is not like the Movement have been sincere about these things. They have it in their slogans and programs, but never act upon it. That’s why this happens, and life moves on. Peace.

Pastor “Mama” Janet Returns: The Honourable Minister is asking for too much…

Therefore, if you would have a little faith in your government and trust that it cares about your well-being, you would know that Government has not left schools closed to punish you, but rather, to protect you from harm” (Janet Museveni – ‘Reopening of Education Institutions’ 13.09.2021).

The First Lady, Pastorpreneur and Minister of Sports and Education, Janet Museveni really shows her lack of skill and understanding of her role. Not like that is new… because she is the royal highness and the first lady. If she wasn’t any of the above… Janet wouldn’t have been considered or even appointed in the first place.

However, here we are and she continues. This time it’s a less of holy text. Neither is it anything profound or a stark message. The writing isn’t inspiring or hopeful. That’s why we should trust her government. A government who uses drones, captives political prisoners and easily sends the army against it’s dissidents. Still, you are supposed to believe that this government would protect you and not harm you. Well, that is easy to say when your in the inner-circle… and not living in the real world. Where the state can send the authorities and kidnap you just for your association with dissidents. That’s enough of probable cause and the state is allowed to charge them without any questions asked.

So, it is really insulting writing what she wrote in that one passage. However, her lack of tact and understanding is also in another passage of her. Where she is boldly saying: “Sometimes, I see the very rude insinuations you send to me in our dialogue, like, “just open schools” etc. Well, when you put a lot of thinking in this puzzle, if it is even a puzzle at all, you can see that opening schools is the easiest thing to do. After all, that is what many of you seem to really want and I can also understand your thinking. So, why then have we kept schools closed?” (Janet Museveni – ‘Reopening of Education Institutions’ 13.09.2021).

It is not rude to want the schools and educational insinuations open. That is a sincere wish, as the years of COVID-19 is fallout time and also lost learning period for massive amount of students. While the state haven’t solved or found proper solutions to home-schooling or educational curriculum to spread to the masses in new ways. Yes, the President has promised village tv’s and radios, but they haven’t been procured and neither delivered. Secondly, the teachers and lectures haven’t been helped or had any sort government programme to save the lost year.

However, she is still the preacher and had to say stuff like this: We are confident that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who is our God will bless the education sector in this unprecedented season” (Janet Museveni – ‘Reopening of Education Institutions’ 13.09.2021).

She is the Minister of Sports and Education. Janet is in-charge and has the responsibility. It is healthy to have faith in higher powers and believe in spiritual beings. However, if we believe those things and still have a sound mind. We know that God has given us a brain and intelligence to serve and also follow the mandates of our roles in society. Therefore, Janet should make sure the people succeed and not just spread hope.

Janet has the ability and the power to get the funding, the equipment and the additional training the teachers might need at any given time. She can order and secure this for everyone involved. That is, if she cares or have the manpower around her. However, she is just saying “put it all to God” and “have faith in the government”.

That is not how things works. The state should deliver and God can intervene, but he has given us wisdom for a reason. So, the honourable minister should do us a service and actually use any, if she possess it. Because, it is about time to stop preaching and actually work. Even the scripture says your faith is dead, if you have no action. Therefore, for someone quoting God on the regular. She better get to work and open them schools. It doesn’t matter if she finds it insulting or not. That’s her job and she’s mandated to do so. Peace.

The dead silence: Otafiire cannot help himself

“You forget that when the NRM dominated Masaka, there were no killings. Someone else is in charge of Masaka politically”Kahinda Otafiire (09.09.2021).

The murders and killings in the Greater Masaka region must be used as a ploy and a decoy. Instead of taking responsibility and go after the culprits. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its regime is on high alert to implicate the National Unity Platform (NUP). Which is obvious.

This is not a new tactic to implicate opposition and activists who are dissidents of the state in serious matters. No, that has been going as long as I can remember. The opposition and its leaders can easily become targets and become enemies of the state. That’s why they are aimed at and accused of the murders now.

We have been here before, the names and the party has changed, but the objective is the same. Implicate leaders and affiliates, claim the party is ill-advised and vilify it. While never ever going after the killers and assassins in question. No they are roaming free without any hesitation and can move to the next target. The ones with machetes and weapons to kill can buzz of into darkness. That what they do… while the NUP is blamed.

Kahinda Otafiire and the politicians blaming the NUP directly better come clear with evidence and proof. As Ofwono Opondo couldn’t help himself either on NBS Frontline yesterday. They were both implicating the NUP and doing a blatant attempt of criminalizing the opposition party and its members. That says it all really.

Not that I am shocked by this, but it shows what the state actors and high ranking officials are willing to do. They are doing this for the whole nation and republic to see. While there is no proof and it is deliberate to make a narrative to implicate innocent people in murders in Masaka.

What is tragic about yesterday is that we are supposed to forget when the NRM was running Masaka and when the opposition was campaigning that the Police Force or the army killed civilians following the opposition convoy. The NRM have killed and continues to do so. They don’t spare a life, but rather take it. This is at least how it seems to the naked eye. While they always blame the enemy. If it is Amin, Obote or now Bobi Wine, because it is never the Movement. Well, if it continues to happen… then it must be you!

This isn’t funny but injustice in action. Its obscene and outrageous. A clear aim at a political gain on another people’s tragedy. Instead of taking action to stop it or find the killers. You are making a political stand and assaulting a third party, which wasn’t involved in it in the first place.

We can act a fool, but this is just getting stupid. There is no redeeming factor in this. Only a sinister move to make the NUP the villain. That is the mere reality of this. The NRM isn’t any better and this is what they do. We could wish for better, but that is too much to ask. Peace.

Opinion: IPOD is officially dead

The Interparty Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) was rejected by the largest opposition party the National Unity Platform (NUP). The IPOD was just set-up in 2010 even if it felt like it has been there forever.

IPOD haven’t lived up to its potential and neither is the organization at any use at this stage. Unless, the President and his regime wants positive publicity. If not he tries to intervene and participate to get his will. He has also used to seek opposition and undermine their efforts as well. Where he has tried to find the “Good DP” and the “Good FDC” as well. That is what he does and the manner of which this works is futile now.

That’s why its healthy that NUP isn’t becoming a member of IPOD or participate in the Summits/Councils, which isn’t delivering anything worthwhile. Not at this point in time and been nothing substantial to show for either.

We know Museveni is hurt that the party of Bobi Wine and with a massive mandate in the Parliament isn’t showing up. He is playing with the older parties and the ones who doesn’t have the same relevance as before. This is showing that the IPOD is fading…

IPOD haven’t been a tangible asset or a enterprise for good dialogue either. The President has shown up late and the Summits hasn’t showed any progress. The last thing that happened was that the President promised billions of shillings to party coffers and nothing else.

The IPOD haven’t been used for electoral legislation or reform. Neither has it been used to ensure a level playing-field for campaigns or party work. No, it is only used for a decoy and buying the President time. For some strange reason the Dutch is willing to pay for the parties and meetings. They hopefully enjoy the empty slogans and statements, because it hasn’t paid-off.

The time of the IPOD is over. The IPOD is overrated and it isn’t working. So the Dutch should stop wasting their time and money. The IPOD is just a tool to legitimize the President and his regime. It can look like he has dialogue and a drive for “multi-party” democracy. When in reality he would crash and destroy them at any given moment.

Therefore, someone should do the IPOD a favour and hold a final ceremony. Now that the NUP isn’t part of it. The signal of it’s death bed is final. It should have been the times when FDC in the past boycotted it. However, they always returned …

IPOD should be buried and the casket of IPOD should be held in the halls of Parliament for a week to mourn the deceased. Nevertheless, there shouldn’t be any sorrow or pain in it’s demise. The IPOD never served it’s purpose or objective. It became a wastage of time and funds. This is why the burial would be a nice ending to a tragic story of a futile organization. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP) letter to Interparty Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) – National Unity Platform Eligibility to Join IPOD (02.09.2021)

Opinion: Two Emyooga reports says what we already knew

There are no coordinated guidelines put in place for effective management of Emyooga program” (STATUS REPORT ON EMYOOGA SAVINGAND CREDIT COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN THE RWENZORI REGION, August 2021).

There is really a lack of character, implementation and plans for policies like Emyooga. It is a half-assed project to be unleashed ahead of elections and a new money-making schemes. Before they have even evaluation any of the older ones, which haven’t ended either.

The Emyooga is using “micro-finance” as a trick to create development. However, there is little proof of results or getting value out of it. Both reports states this in different manner. The report from Rwenzori region is much more direct and the report from Lango Sub-Region is more diplomatic. Nevertheless, the reports themselves states what we all knew.

That’s why I am taking the quotes that says it all and shows what the Emyooga programme is lacking. We knew this was a re-launch and rebranding of older government schemes. Even if it is so… the state doesn’t know how to monitor, organize or even aim at the development goals, which it is supposed to deliver. That’s the tragic thing here… as it is a waste of public resources and tax money. The state isn’t serving the public and their needs, but instead has a public relations with these sorts of government programme.

The SACCO funds should be placed under the responsibility of the CAO such that there is better accountability. The RDCs can play the monitoring role” (…) “Communication on Emyooga programme needs to be streamlined to ensure that the information received is clear and implementation uniform across the SACCOs and districts” (PARLIAMENTARY REPORT

EMYOOGA PROGRAMME LANGO SUB REGION, August 2021).

It is equally important to note that for many decades, the Government has made attempts to reach the common person through programs like ENTANDIKWA among others but the mode and manner of implementation has always failed the desired goals and the EMYOOGA is no exception and needs very quick remedial interventions to avert another wastage of tax payers

money” (STATUS REPORT ON EMYOOGA SAVINGAND CREDIT COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN THE RWENZORI REGION, August 2021).

What the reports are saying is very clear. There is a need to organize it better, which means that state officials or appointments should get mandates over Emyooga. These two reports are only from two regions, but I wouldn’t shock if we got similar results from elsewhere. This shows that the programme isn’t properly working and neither done correctly. If it was implemented and with due diligence … the ones that the Emyooga is targeting would actually get the help.

However, the Emyooga is more a vanity project more than actually doing anything sincere. This is winging state programs and not planning how to do it. That is the tragedy here and it is just a waste. A government scheme… not made to deliver but prosper for someone else. Peace.

Pastor “Mama” Janet Returns: The Sermon of Digital Destruction

A report by online retailer Jumia detailing mobile trends in the country by end of last year shows Uganda’s internet penetration has reached 42% with up to 19 million Ugandans now connected to the internet out of the total estimated population of the country that stands at 44.5 million people” (New Vision – ‘42% of Uganda’s population now connected to internet’2020).

Again and again First Lady of the Republic Janet Museveni writes her sermons or speeches. Because, she is a minister and the First Lady. Many will publish this without any question or sincere commentary. The Ministry of Education and Sports should have a ministry to run, but for some strange reasons has time to write these small “articles” boosted with scriptures and lessons for the general.

It is funny that she is talking about digital addiction and such. When the government she represents has blocked several of social media sites, which is only available through the usage of VPN. This is has been the case with Facebook who have been blocked since the general elections in January 2021. The government also have no issues shutting sites down or pages in general. The Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) can easily take away access and licenses to anyone who dares to go to hard on the government policies. Therefore, it is rich reading a text by the first lady… like we don’t know what the state does and is willing to do!

The Pastor starts by: “The problem of social media or digital addiction is relatively new, but it has really reached all over the world. It has been called the modern day addictive drug – like tobacco or alcohol. It leads to poor school performance, breakdown of family communication and delinquent behaviors” (Museveni, 06.09.2021).

Data and internet is an expensive thing in the Republic. It is not like data bundles are inexpensive and something anyone can afford. Especially not in Uganda. Still, the usage of internet is rising and usage is growing. However, the average citizen doesn’t have the network or cash to use the internet for long time. The smartphones has helped, but it’s not like it is steady problem up-country or elsewhere. Most likely this digital addiction isn’t a huge problem in Uganda. Then the data-bundles needs to be affordable and the telecom companies needs to make the internet speed better across the republic.

The Pastor continues: “As you, my young friends devote all your time on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Tik Tok and all other social media platforms, it is very easy for your academic work to suffer. As parents spend lots of time on the same platforms, communication in families breaks down and before you know it, family members are living as strangers under the same roof. As the saying goes, “too much of anything is always bad”” (Museveni, 06.09.2021).

She is right that to much of anything is bad, the same goes to Social Media usage. That me and Janet agrees on. However, the new generation is used to be bombarded with information from several of sources at the same time. Youth are used to having radio, social media and the books in the dorm at the same time. Some have to read in silence to study, but everyone isn’t the automatic book-smart and follows the programme. That’s why students study differently. Social media should never be a wedge between families either, but if it is… then there is usually something underneath that was amplified by the social media. That’s how I see it and then the person or family member should seek guidance somewhere. Not just stop using time on social media in itself.

Academic work can suffer from everything. From noisy neighbours, friends wanting you to join social gatherings and other social pressure as a student. Social media only shows it and makes it public, if so… and should open the students mind to do the right thing. However, a university student on a grant or little subsidizes doesn’t have the funds to be constantly online. Especially, not with the taxes and the costs that comes with it. Unless, the student has “blessers” or “sponsors” to cover the bill.

The Pastor continues: “Time is one of the greatest resources God has given to us, to waste time is to waste your life. Apostle Paul cautions us in Ephesians chapter 5, verse 15 that, “Pay careful attention to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil”” (Museveni, 06.09.2021).

It is ironic that she speaks of wasting time and how your are wasting life. When she is the wife of the President for Life who has little to no achievements to prove of after years in office. The husband of the Pastor hasn’t delivered what he promised when he came in and still delivers the same suffering, which was rampant during previous regimes. Therefore, she shouldn’t throw stones in a glass-house or the State House for that matter.

Janet should teach this lesson to her husband Yoweri before she speaks of this again. Because, its distasteful that she does this in 2021 after her husband being in-charge since 1986. That says it all. The ones she is lecturing was most likely not even born or thought of when her husband took power. He could have left a legacy of achievements and policies to study for eternity. Nevertheless, the greed and will to oppress have depleted this. That is something the Pastor should repent and confess about herself.

She continues with calling it a “sin”, that you need “discipline” and put a “set time”. The sinner and sinful part is weird. Just like Social Media only is foolish and a waste. Not that it has a possibility to broaden perspective or get new inspiration from either people you know or people far-far away. The discipline and set time is to be anticipated. However, plenty cannot afford to be constant online with the pricing and discipline only matters pocket-wise. Only the little elite and lower middle-class has ability to be online 24/7 but that is not for everyone. So, this lessons are a waste in itself.

Janet should fix the problems of the Ministry instead of writing pointless lectures like these. The Pastor should become a minister in a church and retire from government. Especially, when she writes stuff like this on the regular now. Peace.

The dead silence: Terrorism charges on the horizon for the two “suspected” opposition MPs

“Murder (Huh), mur—

Murder (Talkin’ ’bout a murder), mur—

Murder (Huh), mur— mur—

Murder (Check it out)” – UGK – ‘Murder’ 1996

We knew already last week that the gig was up. The state had already found their targets and the fall men. They just happened to be National Unity Platform (NUP) Members of Parliament. These are just framed for crimes they have not committed, and the Police Force just found the perfect excuse.

Because of the seriousness of the crimes, these will not be able to be out on bail or avoid prosecution. Even if it is all pinning crimes on innocent civilians like these gentlemen. This is the state using crimes they cannot solve to get dissident behind bars. That is all it is and it is just fitting. That’s why opposition leaders have been charged with treason and other serious counts of crimes. Alas, there has never been any resolve or proof of that matter. Still, the state has used its powers and kept them under leash with the charges pinned on them.

That why we know the drill and here is the latest:

“ Police have said some of the suspects arrested recently over the gruesome murders in Masaka sub-region have implicated MPs Muhammad Ssegirinya and Allan Ssewanyana of planning the terrorism acts” (…) ““The suspects indicated to us how they were promised wealth and this was under the command of the two politicians. We are going to record statements from the two MPs who are behind the murders,”Enanga said.“The statements from suspects indicate that in a meeting at Ndeeba, they were recruited and all was done under the command of the two politicians. We want explanation from them.”” (Kenneth Kazibwe – ‘MPs Ssegirinya, Ssewanyana planned Masaka murders in Kampala, says Police’ 06.09.2021, Nile Post).

This here shows that the Police and the Authorities was predetermined to pin the crimes on the individuals in question. Doesn’t matter, if it is true or not. What matters is to get them behind bars and that they must fight for their freedom. Even when there is no proof or evidence of their involvement in the matter. It is just hearsay and rubbish, which the state uses to forge it all. They are creating more injustice, instead of finding the culprits and the ones who are behind the murders. That says something about the current affairs and what the state is willing to do.

They are willing to create political prisoners out of a tragedy and a massacre. The state is willing to pin these murders and call them conspirators of it. While the men and leaders behind it is roaming free. They rather shield the assassins and killers, than capture them. That’s what the state is doing and show how sinister it is. This is no joke and all the victims are mocked by this. The trial, the charges and the whole charade is a mockery of rule of law. As it is penalizing innocent men to damage the hurt of a state who cannot capture the real criminals.

They rather let the gangs of machetes, the gang on the boda-boda’s and the mercenaries of the state run free. Than actually try to find  them and put them behind bars. It is easier to take down two MPs who are dissidents and make them felons. That says a lot about how far the state goes and how little it takes to become a criminal in the state. When you are a target and it’s justified to arrest you over nothing. Just because you associate and work for the opposition. That is enough grounds to pin other people’s crimes on you. The murders of Masaka is now on these gentlemen. Even when they got nothing to do with it. It really says it all about the lack of professionalism and care for the law within the ranks of authority. When they are willing to do this and use their force in this manner. It isn’t shocking, but a tragic result nevertheless.

The ones that has died and their remaining families are also insulted in this. As they remain and lives are connected to innocent civilians who shouldn’t answer for the crimes committed against them. The dead cannot speak and neither has the families of the deceased any resolve to make a difference. Alas, this is a farce and forgery. It is targeted ploy to get two MPs behind bars. Nothing else and the dead is served even more injustice, as the culprits and the ones who sanctioned their demise is running free. Peace.

Opinion: Greetings Mwenda

It’s been a while since the Independent Editor and Magazine owner Andrew Mwenda has written a “Last Word” and on the 5th September 2021 he released another edition in this series called “To Whom It May Concern”. Fittingly I feel the need to respond to this.

In the starting paragraph, he really sets the tone for the article: “section of the Ugandan talking heads have made a fetish of “credibility”, particularly the sort of “credibility” purchased by denouncing President Yoweri Museveni as a murderous tyrant who has destroyed Uganda. To preserve such “credibility”, opposition leaders like Dr. Kizza Besigye and now Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), take very extreme positions that make it difficult for them to grow their political appeal beyond a significant and loud but, numerically, a minority of opposition activists” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

Well, where do I begin. It is just like Mwenda doesn’t want to go to the heart or the cause of the problem. Only reflect on the opposition and deflect from the creator of the current affairs. That’s because his carrying the water of his master and wants to salvage his legacy. Therefore, he demeans and distort the pleas and the causes of the opposition. Calling it a minority and saying it has lack of appeal. While there is no dancing in the streets or jubilation for the lifelong Presidency of Museveni.

First: “It should therefore be obvious that if any politician wants to command a political majority, they need to build a supra partisan base who appeal is trans-group.  I think this has been Museveni’s greatest strength. He appreciates that you cannot seek any form of purity in a diverse country in Uganda and succeed. He has, therefore, made himself flexible and adaptable. He does not demand purity – whether of ethnic, religious, ideological or policy nature. Instead, he is willing to work with anyone even when they don’t agree on many things” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

It is just like we don’t know the man he speaks of or what he has done in office. Yes, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is across the Republic and has members from everywhere. However, the base and the ones in-charge are from one tribe and one ethnic group. That’s why the President has his family all close-knit and a kitchen cabinet, which rules beyond the powers of the offices in government. We are just supposed to forget that and think, because the NRM has a representative from Karamoja. That it is a national party and for everyone. This is just a place and a façade… not the mere reality as the NRM CEC and anyone with power comes from one area. If they differ with him or his ideals, which is changing after what is profitable can easily be expelled or lose their offices. That has happened to, everyone is supposed to follow the “correct line”.

Second: “For someone interested in influencing public policy, whether through mass media or private meetings, there is more to be achieved engaging Museveni than in denouncing him. In my engagements with him I have been impressed by how open-minded Museveni is; he is always willing to listen and to take advice; especially when backed by facts and based on sound research” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

When the personification of the state is supreme it all has to go through one man. In this instance, it just happens to be Museveni. That is the only truth Mwenda spills here. However, for the only man with a vision and self-serving individual like Museveni will not change his mind. It is only changed when he sees no benefit or profit out of the policy or order. Therefore, believing in sitting with him and discussing will bear fruits are naïve. It is like thinking you can sway a stubborn and self-righteous man. Well, that won’t happen and it’s a delusion. If you work with Museveni, you are willing to compromise and play into his games. Then there is no difference between you and the other foes his connected too. That is where Mwenda is wrong.

Third: “I believe that Museveni, like many of his contemporaries in Africa, is genuinely committed to transforming Uganda, just like Besigye and Bobi Wine are genuinely committed to liberating it. For Museveni to achieve his goal, he needs power – he cannot transform Uganda when he has been overthrown (and therefore in jail or exile) or been defeated in an election (and therefore in Rwakitura grazing cows). However, retaining power involves navigating a treacherous terrain of coup plots, internal intrigues, making compromises and giving concessions; especially in an ethnically diverse society, that often undermine the pace at which leaders can realise their goals” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

If Museveni would “transform” Uganda that would have happened ages ago. There is no reason to believe that now. He is not interested and not serving even the ideals of his 10-point programme. Yet along any of the other fancy development programmes he has unleashed on the general public over the years. These are just cannon-fodders to the UN organizations and multi-national development organizations to find ways to get grants and donations.

Yes, nobody can “transform” anything when they are overthrown. That is a bargain that Museveni has asked for, since he doesn’t believe anyone else can run the Republic. He has retained power, but not built structures or institutions worthy of their names. It is all a reflection of his hackwork and lack of statesmanship. Museveni rather spoil and grind every dime out of a project, than build something sustainable. If he wasn’t the personification of the state… he wouldn’t worry about treason or compromise. Because, all politics and politicking are to one extent compromise between two parties seeking their objective goals. Alas, Museveni rather destroy the other party, than working with them, unless he has corrupted them.

Fourth: “Neither Besigye nor Bobi Wine is a radical extremist by character. But to keep their base happy they have to act as radical extremists; using language uncharacteristic of them. They are strategic radical extremists” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

He has called both People Power/National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) all sorts of name. Andrew has called the supporters extremists, hoodlums and other derogatory names. That’s why this is no shocker at this point. Just a mere reflection of Mwenda is. Because, he cannot understand the activists, members and whatnot who wants to end the Museveni era. They are “militant” and maybe willing to use defiance as a means to an end. Since, Museveni and his regime gives no way to other ways of a peaceful transition. Not, like the NRM or Museveni has offered any other way out or bargained to secure the future. No, his just lingering in power by the gun, using the authorities and even killing the opposition, if he has the opportunity too. And Mwenda wonder why people get “radical” or get organized in various of ways. Museveni is lucky that his opposition haven’t started their own bush-wars, because they have had the same reasons to retort, in the same fashion as Museveni did in the early 1980s. Not that I want that, but Mwenda is surely not selling his point. With the knowledge of the system, the militarization of politics and the usage of arms to bend the will for one man.

He ends with: “I am not willing to purchase “credibility” by mutilating myself. Besigye and/or Bobi Wine can afford to because the price of self-mutilation is the presidency. So, to the many people that write to me or about me almost demanding that I become a spokesperson of their grievances, with the hidden blackmail that I have changed, and therefore not what they knew, here is my message: I do not want to be anyone else’s version of Andrew Mwenda. I want to be Andrew Mwenda’s version of Andrew Mwenda” (Mwenda, 05.09.2021).

It is funny and tragicomically way of ending this article. As he speaks of selling itself for the Presidency. While Mwenda is trading his own name and reputation to safeguard the current status quo. He rather defends the tyrant and the tyranny, than oppose the oppression. Mwenda calling them “sell-outs” for the Presidency. Because, they dare challenge the man who charges, kidnaps, detains, attacks with weapons and even kill their supporters.

We know Mwenda changed, alas he will not resemble the man who was a speaking fire at the KFM Radio days. Maybe, that was just a front and he was faking it. If that is true, then a sorry excuse of a man. More than just trading off his career to be a spokesperson for this presidency. His just a “finessed” OO and that’s not a good look by the way. Well, we can never know, but what we do know. Is what he has said and done over the years. That is already been published and therefore recorded too. Therefore, he can never save or return to the promise, which his career looked like in the past.

That’s why he must undermine and mock the opposition. These folks still have some resemble of hope, which he doesn’t have. They can speak the truth and be blunt about it. While Mwenda got to trade carefully and mind his manners. Because, he can never challenge the Throne again. Peace.