Uganda: Museveni directed who got Road Contracts

There is nothing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni doesn’t touch or directs. He can sell land, build buildings or have the army to get rid of an opponent. It is all happening from whatever government housing his occupying or if his relaxing besides his cows at his ranch. The President can always just send a letter and change policy by doing so.

The President has in the past revised laws by directing his ministers. The President has stopped court cases and ensured the results are going into his favour. Therefore, today’s revelations aren’t shocking, but showing a steady pattern.

On the 15th May 2021 he wrote a letter to Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) director Allen Kagina that Zhongmei Engineering Group was getting the tender and agreement to build the road of Kanoni-Misingi-Mityana (37km).

On the 21st June 2021 he wrote a letter to Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) director Allen Kagina that Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO) was getting the tenders and agreements to build the roads of Kabowohe-Kitagata-Rukungiri (65,7km) and Misindye-Kabimbiri-Zirobwe-Wobulenzi-Kapeeka (138km).

On the 29th June 2021 he wrote a letter to Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) director Allen Kagina that Ashoka Buildcon Limited was getting the tenders and agreements to build the roads of Mpigi-Kibibi-Mityana (60km), Kanungu-Hamurwa (47km) and Butogota-Buhoma (32km).

This is giving direct tenders to two Chinese corporations and one Indian one. That is clear that the “Buy Ugandan, Build Uganda” BUBU slogan only gets that far. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President have given away these tenders to please the loan agreements and interests of secret dealing with the President. If he didn’t have that… we would have seen Dott Services or other known companies getting involved.

The expensive roads and the corrupt practices comes from the head. The President breaks the laws himself. As UNRA isn’t having a tender process and neither is companies fighting to get the tender to build or fix these roads in question. No, the President has already secret agreements which is why his directing the UNRA to write agreements with them.

This shows how shady and how the state is micro-managed. When a President with 80 people in his cabinet and still he directs government organizations to follow his will. That is why his the personification of the state. The President of Life shows his ways by writing these letters.

This isn’t a sign of strength. Just like it is not a sign of strength to have the army to fix everything else. It is not sign of good state when the Head of State decides which companies that are building and constructing roads in the Republic. That job should be done by other with other titles and this is why they are created UNRA in the first place to follow procedures and do it correctly by law. Which isn’t following the direct directions of the President.

These three companies are getting a leeway and didn’t have to do their work. Somewhere and somehow they have gotten it behind closed doors. The President has made these deals and therefore the bureaucracy now has to clean the slate for him. They have to legitimize it… and that’s why the UNRA will in end make “agreements” with these companies. However, it was set in stone and the UNRA director knew that there was no choice.

The “High Above” said so and henceforth it is law. Peace.

Opinion: Sudi wants the UDA to become a despotic party

We’re interested in how Museveni runs NRM, because we want to follow his example when it comes to political parties” Oscar Sudi, Kapseret MP

It is now revealed that the Deputy President William Ruto team to Uganda who was blocked and humiliated from leaving Wilson Airport was on a mission and getting ‘intel’ to run a dictatorial party. That’s how this seems and Sudi MP should have known this.

They want to learn how to make Ruto the personification of the state and run the National Resistance Movement (NRM) with an iron-fist. Where there is no succession plan and a family affair. If they want to learn about how to take the small-fish and let the ones who is closely associated of the hook. Surely, the Tanga Tanga will do the same and has all the practice within the two terms within the Jubilee government.

President Museveni is surrounded by wise people who will be vital in this journey. He also has a lot of ‘intel’, which is important in any political game” – Oscar Sudi

Museveni knows how to use his position to his advantage and take account of everyone around him. He either corrupts or incites fear. That’s why it’s never far from the army to the policy board. That’s why he has militarized politics and uses the army for any sort of government program.

It is really striking that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) wants to learn from Museveni and the NRM. Yes, the NRM has lasted long, but Museveni also has botched party like the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM). So, he needed a bush-war and use military force to win. Since, then he has used the same army to incite fear and violence to control the public. The NRM has used the monopoly of violence to its advantage and targeted the opposition. That’s why main opposition has been charged, detained and killed for their activism. There been charges of treason and detained without trial and with misuse of military courts. Therefore, it is hard to see if they will learn anything useful, except for tactics to undermine and trick the opposition.

Ruto is clearly envision himself as a future tyrant, if he wants to learn from Museveni. It is not the sort of character or leader you should look up too. When he wants to aspire to be President. However, he is the hustler and one of the most corrupt leaders in our life time. He has done while he was in favours of the President and his allies. That’s why they have accepted his ways and they have all lived lavish on the public’s dime all these years.

If UDA wants to copy the NRM. Than Ruto will become the Kenyan Museveni. A modern version of the Moi era and unleashing a new long dictatorship. That doesn’t sound like a bargain and Sudi should have thought of this. It isn’t like people lingers for the times of oppression and challenges to be outside the favours of Moi. Now, Ruto wants to learn from the NRM says it all. Peace.

Opinion: Ipads for MPs Volume 3

UPDATE: Parliament has procured Ipads for all Members of Parliament to ease their work, Deputy Speaker Anita Among has announced” (Daily Monitor, 29.07.2021).

This isn’t new… it seems like every parliament since 2013 have gotten this. The Parliament have ordered, procured and delivered Ipads to all MPs. This means the 527 MPs will get each one. The MPs have also in the past gotten computer equipment as well. Therefore, don’t be shocked if they are getting everything they needs.

This is an issue since the 9th Parliament. Where the same MPs haven’t even been willing to return the borrowed equipment, which they was only getting because they elected to represent and had as a part of the office. So, when they were leaving the office, the stuff needed for that should be returned.

The procurement of Ipads isn’t the biggest one. It is neither an essential either. This is a luxury for the MPs. Who are getting allowances, sitting fees, cars and whatnot. Including new Ipads as well. That is said to help the Parliament in its work and the plenary sessions, as the Ipads are instead of the documents the MPs need to form an argument and follow the minutes of the session. However, the MPs could have afforded this easily with their salaries and all the incentives they already have.

The Ipads just like the vehicles is a lack of priority. It shows that the expenses of the MPs is covered. These folks can easily eat and get luxurious items as a part of their office. For being the representatives of the people. They are getting electronics and vehicles. Huge salaries, allowances and all the other perks. Surely, we have heard MPs complained about the lunches and dinners provided to them in the past as well.

The MPs are used to get things for free and allowed to give themselves big raises. So, expect that to happen in the 11th Parliament as well. They are just continuing with the same schemes and agreements. They are getting huge pay-offs and a big pay-day for their job. While the state cannot afford to do the basics. That’s why the public outrage over these expenses is reasonable. Peace.

Opinion: Another Kaveera ban….

We have been here before and its a déjà vu. The polythene bag or kaveera ban have been a thing in the past. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Government of Uganda have proposed this before. They have enacted and said the ban was happening. It is nothing new …. and the 11th Parliament aren’t doing anything different than others.

The 9th Parliament did it too. It is most likely that the 10th Parliament did something too. The cabinet who did this recently is following up where the previous people left-off. The NRM and the Cabinet isn’t revolutionizing things. They are just re-issuing old policies, which the state and the authorities haven’t been able to implement.

That is the tragic here and not the final of these. During the next few months. Don’t be shocked if the Cabinet or the NRM is re-issuing other old pet-pees as well. We can soon see something we have heard before, because the government haven’t had the ability or the priority to the implement it.

It would be a possible step, but the government, the traders, importers and everyone needs a another alternative. There is a need for something else… and that’s not happening. The NRM and the ones who says it’s happening will not do anything about it.

It’s so easy to print a statement and come in bold letters. Have a cool title and be vibrant. The fresh words and be within the dogma of the climate change era. However, all of that has no value, when the logistics, the traders and everyone in the food-chain isn’t changing patterns. Nothing will ever happen and the consumer will need to pick up another kaveera at their local shop.

This is why this new edition of kaveera ban is without substance, unless they plan another alternative, which doesn’t seem plausible. Peace.

National Unity Platform: Statement on the 200m Grant to MPs for Motor Vehicles (23.07.2021)

Opinion: MPs 200 million pay-off [and who cares about the pandemic?]

This week it has been revealed that the 529 Members of Parliament is receiving Shs. 200 million shillings as a one time “envelope” to purchase a new vehicle. Because, it is such an important prospect and bargain to pay the elected officials with cars. They have already hefty salaries, allowances and perks in office. This is just one of these one-time offers that they can eat quickly off.

Every single MP gets 200 million shillings in July 2021, months after the elections in January 2021. That’s become a custom in the Republic. After an election and swearing-in, the new MPs and the old ones gets a huge pay-off in the millions of shillings to purchase a vehicle. This isn’t new, but its still insane.

Especially, considering the state have taken up huge loans to cover deficits and loans to cover the recovery from after the pandemic. The state isn’t using these vast funds buying vaccines, PPE or investing in the Ministry of Health. No, they are using more money on a car-fleet. A fleet given and paid for by the state.

This is 105.8 billion shillings spent on cars or vehicles by the state. That is how to misuse government and wasted spending. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President does this to buy loyalty. Because, for some strange reason… no MP is complaining or returning these funds.

It is not like the MPs are having an outcry or asking to refund the pay-out. The MPs should ask why they are getting this and why now?

We know the MPs are scheduled to get funds for the vehicles, which it does … in the beginning of the term. The 11th Parliament isn’t doing anything new… and nobody is shocked by this. The MPs are just following tradition at this point.

However, now as the state cannot afford to buy vaccines or has the ability to invest in the Ministry of Health. Nevertheless, the MPs are the priority and their wealth needs to be taken care off. That’s why this is happening. Just to ensure the MPs will be loyal to the President and his causes. They have already accepted the 200 millions shilling envelope.

If the MPs had a trouble with this. They would do like with the Age-Limit Consultation Money. The MPs would cry havoc and made a fuzz. That’s something that’s not happening at this point. This is just ordinary programming and no-one want stop it, apparently.

The MPs are just to accept this and clap along. They are dancing to the tune and hoping to have a party. Because, the feast is already covered by the state and they have huge payouts in the making. This is just the beginning. Peace.

Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF): Press Statement (16.07.2021)

A very brief look into the recent appointments of Permanent Secretaries

Yesterday, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has had his little reshuffle of Permanent Secretaries to the Ministries and Offices of the State. There wasn’t much juice to see. It wasn’t like he offered yet another Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader or stalwart to a position. No, Museveni just did more of the same.

Plenty of the secretaries retained their roles and continues to be “permanent”. This being Lucky Nakoybe and Dr. Kenneth Omona who is kept in the same office. Someone who is lucky and in good favours of the state is Keith Muhakanizi who went from the Minister of Finance to the Office of the Prime Minister.

The appointment of Dr. Ramathan Ngobi, the aide of Salim Selah, the brother of the President has been appointed to be the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). A clear indication of how family affairs mattes and this is why Muhakanizi was moved to another office.

The one that sent a begging letter recently to the President after losing in the election and not being appointed to a Ministry. The forever in the public eye, Adolf Mwesige was appointed as a Permanent Secretary as a Clerk in Parliament. So, the President has him still in his good favours, as he knows he will be loyal for yet another appointment.

All of the President’s appointments are more of the same. These are just the few I see worth mentioning. Museveni is recycling most of the same people. Just a few new faces, but these are known for the general public.

The NRM doesn’t change and neither does the President. This is just more of the same. It is just some changing chairs, but not appointing more qualified or better equipped people. No, these are hired after loyalty and not after merit. That’s why these folks continues to get retained and work like they do. Peace.

Opinion: The General believes the army can solve everything

It is now a new directive of the 1st July 2021 that the Army Brigade will start to construct buildings for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health. Who cares about the random engineers or the National Planning Authority (NPA). No, the President, His Excellency and the General of all ages have directed the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) to be involved in building buildings too.

This is not new… the UPDF have looked over fishers in Lake Victoria. The army have been involved in delivering out mosquito-nets and they are participating in the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). There is nowhere where the army is not implicated or not an active role. Just like they have 5 MPs in the 11th Parliament too.

The army just needs to be involved in civilian matters. Soon these folks will have marriage counselling and such. Since the Court Martial, the Military Courts are already a useful pawn to address and silence political operatives of the opposition. Therefore, the UPDF and the army can be used for everything.

For the heavens sake, the same army was in-charge of beauty pageants as well. Where they we’re deciding and nominating who became “Miss Uganda”. There is nothing this army will not.

The General can order these soldiers and his army to do whatever it takes. They can not only, but use their boots. These armed personnel are used to fix anything, because these are the only one he trusts. Even if he has hundreds of government entities to trust and work with. He will always turn to the UPDF. Where he has the loyal subjects willing to do whatever work they are ordered to do. Even if it means looking at skirts, shirts or now load trucks full of bricks.

The President really shows his intent and that he only have one safe haven. These fellows can be directed and ordered around without any issues. They will just show-up and follow up orders. It wouldn’t be shocking, if the UPDF will dab into the future vaccination programme or soon start to build roads in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) together with Dott Services. Nothing would shock me anymore, but just be a proof of how useful the UPDF is at this point.

The General needs his army and this is visible everywhere. Soon, if you go to the dentist. A soldier is there. If you go to the doctor. A soldier is there and if God forbid. You go to Church(!). A soldier will be there too. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni won’t retire…. [and we have heard this all before]

Please you people, I want to go and look after my cows. Create a centre of gravity, I push you there, then I go and look after my cows” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the 6th July 2021

We have heard this all before… this is not shocking or anything sincere. This President is unofficially in his 8th Term. President Museveni have ruled the nation since 26th January 1986. He has been the supreme moolah since the 1980s bush-war. That’s who he is and there is no real signals for a succession or him slowing down. There speculations into the “Project Muhoozi” and the continued promotions of Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is a possible sign for that. They want to build a dynasty and run Uganda as a family enterprise.

Well, this President have abolished the term limits, the age limits and “won” six Presidential Elections since 1996. Not like this man is retiring. There been more people of his generation actually dying than him stepping down.

The young nation of Uganda is run by a man of the advance age. Who has total control of the army, but sooner or later something got to give. His in his 70s and ageing. Not like he has found the fountain of youth or become more likeable. No, his the same old tyrant coming with empty promises.

This man has promised greatness, pledge everything under the sun and haven’t delivered much. His most significant state programme, the 10 point programme hasn’t even been delivered and the ones picking up from where he left. Has not only a devastation debt, horrific atrocities and human rights abuses. With the lack of laws and protocols, as the state is personalized to Museveni. Therefore, the next Head of State have to fix that and ensure the state is sharing power. Not having all power within one office and one person. Because, that is one of the main reasons why things aren’t moving forward, but backwards instead.

President Museveni would not retire, even if the East African Confederation became a thing. Because, he would only accept that, if they crowned him king of East Africa. That’s what he dreams of and wants to be the ruler of all. He believes that everyone is more dumb and naive. That he needs to guide us all. Deep in his heart, if the United Nations was more powerful. He would have tried to be the Secretary General of the UN. However, he knows it isn’t that big of deal and that’s why he hasn’t tried to become that…

President Museveni will not retire. He will either die a natural death, be assassinated or get toppled in a coup d’etat. There will be no peaceful transition. As long as this man has the arms and guns on his side. Everyone else is just to bow to their king. That’s all he needs and he isn’t concerned about others.

He just hopes he can corrupt enough hearts and minds to continue his reign. That will continue until his heart stops. There is no official end… it will just happen sporadic and there will be certainty after his fall. That’s because the President made things like this and his ego couldn’t give way to anyone else. Peace.