Uganda: Ministry of ICT and National Guidance – Restoration of Social Media Services (10.02.2021)

Opinion: Oboth Oboth kissed the ring

The Budama West legislator, Jacob Marksons Oboth Oboth has proposed that the term should be elevated from the present day 5 years to at least 7 years so that the incumbent president Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Museveni can have a ‘honourable’ retirement. In his views, Oboth says ‘Museveni has done a lot of sacrifices for the country and therefore he must be rewarded.’” (Emmanuel Busingye – ’NRM MP tables bill that gifts Museveni 7 year term’ 09.02.2021, Ekyooto.co.uk).

There is always someone who goes another mile to be a supporter of the cause. It is has been made motions praising the President. There been people who has used any means to worship the President. Now, Oboth Oboth MP wants to revise the changes of the Presidential Term for someone who has ruled for 35 years and that means needs 42 years in total in his eyes.

President Museveni doesn’t deserve credit or being rewarded. He came into office with nothing and is richer than God by now. His family and himself owns several of businesses. The whole clan is enriched on his time in office. It is not like the Kaguta’s or any other part of his clan was wealthy. No, he got upper echeloned and gotten massive wealth for himself. It is not like Yoseri was rich before he got into Presidency. If he says so, it is a lie and he has forgotten about his true roots.

That is why its weird to award this man more. Give him more time in office. When he has been in office since 1986. Didn’t have elections for a decade and didn’t have multi-party elections before 2006 after two referendums. So, this man has done what he could to be the sole man on throne. There has never been any context where he has really planned to step down. He has promised a few times to step down, but that has been insincere promises, which wasn’t written in stone.

Now, the MP wants to give him two more years. Because 2028 is such sweeter than 2026. Not like 40 years is enough to finish his mission. Whatever that mission is at this point. Unless, it is enslave the next generation and show them how the predecessors did violate human rights, serve injustice and brutally rule over the Republic. Because, if that is the point of his reign at this point. Then his succeeding perfectly with kidnappings, abductions and arbitrary arrests in the Republic. Also, the sudden deaths and tortured individuals by the state security organizations. A man who needs to do that to own citizens doesn’t deserve to be awarded. A man who orders that deserves to be punished by law and answer for the injustice served on the daily. He doesn’t deserve statutes or praise.

Oboth Oboth is only a crony and hope for a pay-check. He hopes Museveni see him and can give him a plum-job. Become an appointee with a title and allowances. Making this motion now that it was dismissed by the Constitutional Court after Age Limit vote was supposed to do the same. Now, he wants to do something unconstitutional and done to get personal favours.

Oboth Oboth MP hope you will enjoy to linked to Museveni like Magyezi. This is a private motion in favour of the President. That is why he hopes for envelopes and get accredited by the State House. It is nothing else to this…

President Museveni doesn’t deserve to be awarded. He has already taken way to much for his station. Not only wealth, but lives. He has taken so much from so many, which he one day has to answer for. If not in Court of Men, but hopefully to the almighty God in Eternity. Peace

Opinion: OO’s despicable Op-ED

Today, Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo wrote an Op-ED that got published in Watchdog Uganda called ‘OFWONO OPONDO: Bobi Wine, People Power, NUP and the Poisonous Ends of Politics’. I will dissect his piece. Where I go through the most insincere paragraphs from his piece. As I will not go through it all. I will just show his sentiment and willing to distort the truth. In a manner, which isn’t right. It is not a new thing, but something that is done deliberately before.

So, before my introduction becomes to long. Here we go!

There is evidently a disturbing sameness between Kyagulanyi and Besigye of old, seeking to exploit other people’s miseries like poverty and want for their poisonous ends. In political speak, Kyagulanyi now also calls President Museveni, ‘dictator’ and ‘corrupt’ which begs the question how toxic ideas and rogue language have found convergence allowing opportunists, demagogues, and potential fascists to gain entry and influence into mainstream politics” (OO, 09.02.2021).

It is very rich of OO calling the “usage” of poverty as an poisonous end. A government who has used poverty and the lack of funds as way of survival over the years. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have promised to enrich and secure the future since its inception. The NRM and the President have promised to be a fundamental change and secure the peasants, which it never did. So, the possible poison in the water is what the government does. Since, they can never achieve to bring wealth and secure livelihood.

Secondly, the political speak is really easy to debunk. The President call people insects, vermin and leeches. The President and states own actions deems him a dictator. When the state arrests people for their political affiliation. When the state abducts political candidates, activists and supporters. They even return dead. So, the government spokesperson should consider the acts of his peers before he name-calls the opposition. If the government was so holy, why are they targeting the opposition in this manner and what would OO call this?

Exploiting economic hardships and unemployment especially among the youths, Kyagulangi and NUP has built networks of riff-raff vigilantes around the country mainly in urban and suburban centres to harass citizens with all sorts of malevolent tactics including physical assault, violent robbery, arson and destruction to property. If left to roam unchecked, these groups could even kill” (OO, 09.02.2021).

He continues to push the use of poverty. That is really insincere from this government. Who has used all sort of tricks and schemes to every election. The state is giving and bribing voters around every election. Not like they are not doling out small gifts, but never seen the rest of year. That he call them riff-raff, is name-calling and making his own citizens into dubious characters. However, the NRM is always proud of getting NUP cadres into its fold. Just like they are proud of getting former NUPer becoming Presidential Advisors. That says it all and the state is the ones coming with guns, violence and tear-gas. So, that appears when the state comes in and use its law enforcement. Therefore, this story is old and is a lie. The protesters are burning tires and blocking roads. They are not directly causing violence. It is the state that kills its citizens and blame the protesters.

Kyagulanyi, initially taking advantage of his music pop stardom built a cult-like following into what the so-called ‘people power’ movement that has now morphed into a political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), which while has a semblance of countrywide presence, in reality, the just concluded election showed it is a tribal sectarian outfit” (OO, 09.02.2021).

It is really strange when one party who can only have one sole-candidate and everyone have to follow his orders. Is saying another candidate is “cult” like. If there was a party who has built a cult it must be the Movement itself. Nobody can challenge or questions the decrees, orders and speeches of Museveni. So, to call Bobi Wine a cult like character is very dubious at best.

It has been proven that the NUP have a nationwide presence. They have been able to field candidates across all parts of the Republic. Even in the short time of inception. The NUP isn’t a Baganda outfit, even if the state tries to portray that. The NRM should be careful with this, as most of the high ranking official is Western and Ankole based. So, OO should not throw stones in a glass house. The Bizonto elite of NRM should be more silent here. They know perfectly well, that the NUP and FDC is a mixed group and collective of all tribes across the Republic.

Like Besigye, NUP leaders tell their gullible worshippers that poverty, unemployment and corruption are creations of Museveni, and not widespread global problems including in wealthier and developed countries” (OO, 09.02.2021).

Who is gullible OO? The ones still believing the NRM saving them after 35 years? The NRM have come with the same recycled promises and still haven’t delivered. That isn’t a global problem, but a self-inflicted and self-destructive economic policies. The state is running on deficits and grants, but not on domestic revenue. That is not the poor peasants fault, but the state who haven’t made it possible to get out of it. The state is the one putting policies and financial stimulus to ensure safety for the citizens. It is where the NRM have failed and haven’t delivered.

Calling NUP out like this only shows the fault-lines and where the NRM failed. It is not an indication of wrong-doing of the opposition. That is not taking into account the years of misrule of Museveni.

The hyped claim that FDC and NUP are the people’s popular choices has been thoroughly disproved by their performance in the just concluded election, and although failure to sell as national brands is evident, FDC and NUP leaders won’t publicly admit, hence them resorting to political slander and smear” (OO, 09.02.2021).

This here is false statement. If rigged elections are indications of NRM popularity. I would say that pre-ticked ballots and ghosts are the greatest constituencies of the Movement. Both in 2016 and 2021 the rise of the opposition was evident. The same was also shown in 2011. So, it is not like the NRM have been as popular as it was in the mid-80s and early 90s.

The NUP and FDC have proven it, but the announced results always turn in favour. Even when the tallies doesn’t make sense and the Electoral Commission have to botch the numbers. The FDC and NUP amount of MPs in comparison shows how big they become. As the state are stopping them from working as parties and get a greater presence in the Republic. It is just like the NRM are never blocked or stopped. However, the NUP and FDC have a hurdle to do basic party works. That is really important to remember. It is just like we supposed to forget the tear-gas, arbitrary arrests and blocking of venues to campaign. If that had happened to the NRM itself, which is so “popular”.

When reality strikes back as loud noise is not turned into votes, they cry about vote fraud and rigging but will never explain to the public as to why some MPs, LC5 chairpersons and thousands of councilors are returned unopposed on NRM tickets. The presidential election petition is now being used more for publicity stunt, soliciting public empathy and foreign funding than to seek legitimate justice” (OO, 09.02.2021).

The Empire strikes back at every election. Just like previously stated, the pre-ticked ballots and ghosts are always appearing in election time. The NRM couldn’t survive the elections without disqualifying and blocking opposition from attending on a grand scale. The NRM does what the UPC did in 1980s election, every single time. That is why they are fielding candidates everywhere, while the opposition isn’t able, because the state is blocking and ensuring the opposition from getting candidates.

To credit unopposed in the gerrymandering, the vindictive system and use of state machinery to get elected officials. That OO calls it a political stunt shows the disrespect of the opposition. However, his whole piece has been that. The NRM wouldn’t be alive without foreign funding and Museveni was a donor darling. So, the NRM cannot attack the Opposition for foreign funding. When it has been so vital … for the Movement itself.

Anyone who can see the potential dangers these groups pose to Uganda’s politics ought to take a stand so that resurgent fascists are defeated at their nascent stage, otherwise the overlap between legitimate politics and criminality could engulf the fabric of our public life” (OO, 09.02.2021).

This is the last paragraph of his piece and he has already shown his character here. It is all opposition who is in the wrong. Not that the NRM and Museveni. No, it is Besigye and Bobi Wine. They are the bastards and the villains of the political sphere. It maybe feels like that for the NRM and Museveni, as they want to be praised and loved. However, it is hard to love someone who abduct your loved ones. The ones who Court Martial your campaign team and keep them behind bars without proving evidence. Therefore, if you speak of criminality. To use the state for political prosecutions, that is a violation of their rights to assemble, gather and organize itself. Nevertheless, that is never an issue for the NRM. So, to call out criminal activity, they can never state what it was, but they still behind bars. That is the self-reflection of the wrong-doings of the state, which OO defends on the regular.

This here was a despicable piece and deserve to dishonoured. OO should consider the words his using, as it can be easily mirrored back in his face. Which I did already. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Press Release – Hon. Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert Election Petition (08.02.2021)

Imagine if the “Panda Gari’s” went after the NRM.

Now in 2021 it is so common placed that people associated with National Unity Platform (NUP) and opposition parties are suddenly left earth without a trace. The “drones” or “Panda Gari’s” are abducting civilians without charges, warrants or any criminal proceedings. It is happening to an extent that is hard to follow. In such a systemic manner, where you know that, if your affiliated or associated as a mobilizer, activists or a candidate. You can easily be picked up for months, be at a “safe-house”, tortured and held incommunicado without any legal representation or words to loved ones.

With the knowledge of this. The state should rebuke it. They have only made vague nonsensical statements with maligned numbers and stories. Only a few chosen ones and they claim they will do inquiries into it. However, the security organizations are still continuing to do so. Which they have been doing for months. They are taking people away, if it is the Special Force Command (SFC), the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) or Internal Security Organisation (ISO). The SIU Kireka and high ranking officials will act aloof and not be directly about this.

Because, there is several thousands of civilians taken by this and we don’t know the damage to then. There is already murder cases because of this, but these will never be solved. As the “high above” will be implicated or his closest associates who is ordering these arrangements. That is why they can do this without no fear or retribution. They can avoid the law and be above it too.

So, when you know all of this. Imagine if the state and all of its security organizations would do this to the elite and Movement people. Just consider suddenly high ranking bankers, lawyers, generals and appointees of the President would suddenly go missing.

Let’s say that Gen. Elly Tumwiine suddenly was taken away from his home in the middle of the night. They apprehended him, blindfolded him and dispatched him to another district into a “safe-house”. Where they would keep him chained and in dark chamber. He couldn’t contact anyone and they had “intelligence” of his treasonous acts.

Or they suddenly raided the Bank of Uganda and took the Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile. Early morning as his swinging by his office. They would sprint up with the drone. Be plained clothed and armed. Just viciously sneaking him from the offices into the car before he was taken away to an unknown ungazetted safe-house in Mukono.

Let’s say the honourable minister Frank Tumwebaze was taken from his home. In the middle of the night with gun-fire and fatalities of his guards at his home. They would all of a sudden come with guns blazing and take him by the bulls. Hurt his legs and break one of his arms. Just twist him down the stairs, as he tried to flee from the plain-clothed assailants that night. Alas, they caught him and brought him “justice”.

The likes of Ashburg Katto, Jennifer Full Figure and Butchaman would all be publicly taken away as they we’re planning to go a national event. These was supposed to participate at the rally or ceremony with the President. Just as they were leaving their homes. The drones came and just take them away. No justification. Just pure injustice for their association with the Movement.

That is what they would do. Also, if I would amp it a bit up. Just as the close associates have been taken away from Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. His campaign team and closest associates have been behind bars and also Court Martial by the state. Therefore, we have to imagine the state would take much further then Presidential Advisors, minister and a NRA historical.

The drones would continue to go after people in association with the movement. They would target NRM Central Executive Committee (NRM CEC) who are high ranking officials. Just to plunge the party even more.

They would kidnap the likes of Simon Peter Aleper, Sigh Katongole, Captain Mike Mukula, Godfrey Ssuubi Kiwanda, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Jacob Oulanyah, Rebecca Kadaga and Al Hajj Moses Kigongo. All of these would be overnight taken by the drones. They would be left without a trace. The only one knowing about these are the loved ones. Who without a notice saw plained-clothed men taking them into drones in the night. They jumped over fences and silenced the guards around their houses. Where they took them out violently.

Let’s say suddenly Sam Kuteesa was abducted, taken to a “safe-house” and his newly elected daughter Shartsi Kutesa Musherure MP would be taken shortly after. Even her main competitor in the NRM Aine Godfrey “Sodo” Kaguta would also be kidnapped by the same group. All of them was missing for days and no words. In the same regard, the newly minted MP and former GAVI funds eater Jim Muhwezi was violently taken away from his home. Nobody would currently know where he is, sort of how folks felt with the GAVI-Funds back-in-the-day. When nobody knew where it is, but its supposed to be there for medicinal procurement. All of these people in close association went missing. The Movement and the NRM would go crazy and go to war to get these folks home.

However, the drones and Panda Gari’s are not done yet. They would continue and make sure the vicious cycle continues. Just because they take away the Kutesa and Museveni’s cousin. They wouldn’t be done yet.

Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga would have been taken on the way to office. They would suddenly block his car and tear-gas his car. They would drag him out of his SUV. They would let his car be on the roadside. He would act aggressively and shot against the plain-clothed officers. In the end of the melee, the son-of-the-president would be taken and bruised by the officers. This would alarm the State House.

If any of this happened. There would be a vast outcry. It would be shocking. The whole NRM world would be in haywire. The state would have started to attack and use its power to fence these people down. They wouldn’t have slept at ease at night while people innocently or uncharged got taken away. The NRM would maybe been more in fury and been acting with more force. If these actions happened to them. Alas, it is happening to the opposition and their associates. That is why it doesn’t matter to them.

This is happening on the daily and to regular to not be spoken out about. When about 3000 people have been taken this way. When so many civilians with political affiliation is abducted, kidnapped, tortured and detained indefinitely without charges, court trial or due process. It should worry anyone, as well, as people are ending up dead as well without any justice. It is infuriating and injustice at its highest form.

That is why I wrote it this way. To make you imagine, if it happened to the big-men, the ones who is high ranking and close associates of the President. If these was touched like the NUP associates. Maybe it would cause a bigger outcry and also condemnation. As the civilians are taken by the drones or “Panda Gari’s” and its worrying. The state is looking the other way, but other state operatives are ordering it. If the state didn’t support it or wasn’t doing it. It wouldn’t happen, because they are the only ones who has the structure, manpower and ability to do this at this scale. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee now thinks civic education equates to destabilizing the country…

Part of this money is to support and facilitate various groups and entities in Uganda to conduct what they called deepening democracy in Uganda. The President and government think that this money was brought to distabilise the country. So that is the gist of the concern of the President and the investigation will tell us the money trail and what it has done” – Ofwono Opono in an interview (Ali Twaha – ‘Government links DGF suspension to politics’ 05.02.2021, New Vision).

The suspension of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF), which is directly funding over 70 Civil Society Organization/Non-Governmental Organization and also their various of programs was suspended by the President in January 2021. As the President and the government was preparing to go to the polls and it had already hold grudges towards civil society for so long. This is the latest attempt to crucify and assault the ones working for a better governance in the Republic.

We know that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni doesn’t want to listen to others. Neither does he want the input from anyone else either. However, he don’t mind free-money and slush-funds to spend as he see fit. That is why he goes after the DGF as it is a fitting “enemy” which he cannot directly control or have his hands in the cookie-jar.

Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo is saying it deliberately. They are calling it destructive. Because, they are undermining the “personification” of the state, which happens to be the President. The DGF’s civic education and programs are working indirectly to build sufficient institutions, policies and reforms, which in the end will weaken the power of one man. It would in the end be for good governance and accountable state organizations. Not just be ordered from “high above”. That is why OO and President is speaking ill of this. This will in the end weaken their drive and total control of the state, in the manner, which things are done today.

The “destabilizing” effort is indirectly weakening his reign and rule. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have no troubles getting direct aid and grants for their government to run. However, they have trouble having the same donors paying for salaries, programs and civic education across the Republic. That shows a double standard and that the President have no trouble eating of the plate directly, but doesn’t want to be told how to be accountable for his eating. He wants to spend money, but don’t want to show recites. That is the memo I am getting from this.

It shows that his a weak man. The President and the government have had no issues taking money from Western donors like the ones who funds the DGF. If they are so afraid of the independence and the questions of usage of funds. The government shouldn’t accept any funds with possible sting attached. The state shouldn’t take loans or grants from the outside. If the donors cannot sustain organizations (CSOs/NGOs) who works with other ideals than the President at this current day.

That is the reality of this all. There is no free lunch. It has never been so. There is always something attached and expectations of an outcome. If you borrow money to build a road, the lender hope you build the road, but also repays the loan with interests. If you take a donation or a grant, then its expected to go to a certain organization or work, which is beneficial for the ones receiving it. That is just a mere reality we all know.

Now, the ones receiving it wants to directly control the funds and how it is spent. When it was funds, which wasn’t his in the first place. They are worried of the efforts and effects these organizations have in the Republic. However, we all know that the President just want to eat and don’t bother with questions. This is why he has retaliated, because he can and he want to show strength. Nevertheless, these acts are an act of a coward. A coward who has taken money all his life, but now cries foul. It is a bit late when you been eating for over three decades and never caused a fuzz. Peace.

Opinion: Besigye was on fire today!

How did Mr. Museveni get here? does he think he is the only one with a monopoly over war? But we have been very clear that our plan B is non-violent. And this is not because we fear war. I don’t think there is a gun I can’t manage. But war can’t create democracy” – Dr. Kizza Besigye (04.02.2021)

The 14th January 2021 General Elections happened and today was the first big presser by the Forum for Democratic Change leader and renegade Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye is an inspiring fellow and a man who is resilient.

The leader is still as focused as ever. The FDC leader deserves credit for his words. His speeches and relevance is as huge as ever. There is nobody who is so incorporated and decisive. Besigye knows what is needed and told what is needed to topple the regime. However, the regime have been able to control him and stop his work.

Besigye is a big-man and a man on the frontline for freedom fighters and the ones for a peaceful transition of power. Today is no difference. Just these three quotes says it all.

Here is two key one:

We must not sit back and watch when our young people are being kidnapped and tortured. All of us must be united in saying this must stop. And to stop it means that we must all act” (Besigye, 04.02.2021).

The money they are using to hunt and torture us has been borrowed on our behalf. We are sending a strong message to the lenders of the regime that what they are doing is giving Uganda an odious debt” (Besigye, 04.02.2021).

Besigye was dropping facts during the Presser. The speech was powerful and is needed. There is a need to inspire for change. Besigye is a man that never let that goes. Bobi Wine has his message and his ways. He is the young generation who inspires as well. They both can use each other and galvanize the public.

Today Besigye proved his statute and his role again. Not that he never let that go. Besigye shows why he matters. Not that he went away, but his words are important. He has the ability to step aside and let others be the person. Because, the cause are bigger then the person. That is the proof of Besigye’s leadership.

Besigye is a man who continues to show his finesse and what he stands for.

Just like he also said: “An Election through the ballot cannot remove the Junta” (Besigye, 04.02.2021). This is something many of us has said and its true. The election that has happened now is evident of that. That is why his message is important.

Nevertheless, people are tired and not caring as much. They maybe got tired after the last failed attempt in 2016. Who knows, but he still is in the game and shows his character, which haven’t missed a beat. That is why his a wiser elder with wisdom and knowledge that people should tap into. Especially, the ones who wants to liberate the Republic and who wants to challenge the President. Peace.

Uganda: Deficit financing is creating an evil circle financially [72% of revenue spent on debt repayment!]

By implication, if sh15.7 trillion for debt service-related expenditures is subtracted from the sh21.9 trillion the Government will have generated in revenue collection, it means that 72% of the country’s revenue collection would be spent on debt repayment. The committee raised concern that the high rate at which government is borrowing is not commensurate with the low level of increasing government revenue collection and, therefore, violates the country’s charter of fiscal responsibility. The report indicates that as of June 2020, Uganda’s public debt had reached $15.27b, which is equivalent to sh56.9 trillion. Out of this sh38.9 trillion is external debt and sh17.9 trillion domestic debt” (Moses Mulondo – ‘Govt earmarks sh15.7 trillion for debt repayment ‘ 03.02.2021, New Vision)

The news on how the state got to repay old loans is coming out. As the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) have put forward the budget for the Financial Year of 2021/22. This is initially telling stories on the revenue or tax base, which will be preoccupied or used for paying debt repayment.

Just to put things in perspective. This is the definition of ‘Deficit Financing’:

Deficit financing, however, may also result from government inefficiency, reflecting widespread tax evasion or wasteful spending rather than the operation of a planned countercyclical policy. Where capital markets are undeveloped, deficit financing may place the government in debt to foreign creditors. In addition, in many less-developed countries, budget surpluses may be desirable in themselves as a way of encouraging private saving” (Encyclopaedia Britannica – ‘Deficit financing’ (25.08.2015).

This here is telling the story, which the state media and others isn’t telling. Because, they are borrowing funds to cover up for the deficit. The deficit is created as a result of the rising cronyism and misuse of funds. These funds have to cover the bloated government and its staff. That is why deficit is created to fix the shortfall between the needed revenue and the expenditures of the state. They are using loans to cover and fix the lacking revenue of the state. If the state had enough funds through its tax-base, the state wouldn’t need these loans in the fist place.

However, the state have prolonged with this game over years. The state has used loans to cover its baseline and usage of funds. They have went out for foreign creditors to get enough funding. That shows that the state haven’t been fiscal responsible. They have misused the authority of the state and taken up loans, which now accumulate to over 70% of yearly revenue. While this is happening. The state and the Parliament is still issuing new loans and creating a bigger debt burden. That is what they are doing… and that cycle must stop.

Soon, all revenue will go directly to debt repayment. We know the state wants to have debt relief, but this is self-created by the regime, as they are borrowing for basic commodities and necessities. They are always loaning funds to build development projects and infrastructure, which will be costly. As funds are lost and misused in the building of these. That is why the price of road is so expensive and also projects in general. Therefore, the state is crewed over more than it can swallow.

That is why the state is deficit financing and its become a burden, which it cannot carry. The debt is not sustainable. When 72% revenue is spent on debt repayments. That shouldn’t be a thing, but that is fiscal policy of this regime and apologist cannot hide the fact. They have run down the state and taken up loans they cannot carry. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni suspending the DGF is biting the hand that feeds him

Now that the letter from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija is out. The infamous letter where he suspends the accounts of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF). This is important, because the DGF supports programs and organizations across the Republic. The DGF is sole funder of several of civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations. There are atleast 70 of them that is hit by this and would cease operations, as the funding and lack of funds to pay staff. That is all happening, because Museveni wrote a letter in early January 2021.

President Museveni have targeted CSOs and NGOs around election time. That is common. That he claims they are up to “no good” and supporting “terrorism” or any other objectively bad enterprise they can. That has been common for decades. However, ceasing their funding totally and blocking a multi-national funding scheme like the DGF. Only undercuts the ideals of the givers, the donors and the ones who monetary support the government and people in the Republic in general. This isn’t government funded money from the tax-base. No, these funds are given from outsiders to support governance and other organizations to strengthen democratic institutions and educate the masses.

The DGF is a collective fund donated by the European Union, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden to support programs and CSOs/NGOs in Uganda. They are partnered with at least 72 organizations across the republic to different capacities. All working in various of fields and for causes to better the Republic. They are all civil society voices for good governance and creating a freer society. However, that is clearly not the beacon that the President believes in anymore.

The donors that see this action by Museveni should shun him and cease all direct donor-funds and also block all loans through multi-national organizations, which the donors are funding as well. That would make it harder for the President to operate and he would seek funds elsewhere. If he wants to be free of stipulations and not have any oversight. This cutting funds to International Monetary Funds (IMF) and World Bank (WB). Also others where the Government of Uganda is seeking loans for development projects and government programs.

The National Resistance Movement was able in the late 1980s and 1990s to have progress and financial backing to pursuit the government programs, which is it so proud of. The state also saw debt relief and cuts from donors. Now, the NRM is gaining more debt, but also putting in obstacles with the donors in regards to the DGF. The ones funding DGF should suspend all other funds and funding that goes towards Museveni. As a retaliation to this, as these projects, programs and NGOs/CSOs are working for ideals that Museveni once stood for, but with lingering in office despises.

We are clearly seeing the punitive action made by Museveni. He wants to prove supremacy, but does it in a mockery of a way. This is only showing the donors what sort of little man he is. That he has to go to this step. Take away the securities of the CSOs and NGOs. Instead of actually serving the general public. If the President really did that. He would haven’t have the need for all these CSOs/NGOs to cover where the government is lacking. The state is fluid and lacking institutions. That’s why the state needs them to cover the basics and civic education. This is still needed after over 30 years in power. That shows the weakness of the Presidency and his reign.

President Museveni isn’t showing strength here. His showing weakness and lack of control. That he got to act like this. This is acting a villain and hurting own citizens, because he can. So, the donors should act upon this and not just take it on the chin. They should show force too. Just to prove him what he has done. It is about time and not just “condemn” and move-on. That is not making any changes or challenging the old man. You need to meet him head-on. He plays games and these are with the lives of all these organizations. It is not the money of Museveni and neither funding from the state either. That is why his sour, as he got to loan to pay his cronies salaries. This is why he attacks and confronts, instead of talking and negotiating with the donors.

What he does with this is putting himself in corner and making less friends. If he wanted more support and legitimacy. He should have acted differently. However, he rather picks the trick of the pariah, instead of the friendly grand-pa, which is what he tries to act in the media. That is clearly not working and that is why this letter is undressing his motives. Peace.

Opinion: The NRM celebrates a false victory [with the Youth MPs]

The last few days there been the regional elections of Youth – Member of Parliament. That consistent of a Central, Eastern, Western and Northern Youth MP. There is also the National Female Youth MP as well. So in total there is 5 seats up for grabs and these are all elected through an electoral college. However, it is never that easy. Last time in one of these Electoral Colleges there was guns, glamour and graft.

Now, it has been reported that the rigging of elections been taken much further since 2016. The state and its allies are amping here too. In the Central region they disqualified the National Unity Platform (NUP) contestant on a hearsay and rumours. That is how low the bar is sunk in this manner. Not even trying to prove it or act upon it. While the Eastern and Northern candidate for NUP was abducted the day before the polls.

This is all a set-back but proves how much the majority in Parliament matters to the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Even in elections like these, they are willing to use the state machinery. They are willing to rig and fix the results in their favours. That is how they got the Central Region MP by disqualifying them without any particular reason. While the same issues is clearly prevalent within NRM too.

In the Eastern Region the NRM candidate had forged academic papers and have been claims of usage of bribery in the process of elections. People want NRM’s Eastern Youth MP Benard Odoi to be disqualified, as he sat on O-Levels at the age of 8 years old, which is impossible. He won because of clear cheating and rigging. That is why NUP’s candidate has been behind bars since end of January on the 31st January 2021. NUP candidate Julius Menya are still detained while this is all happening.

The same happened to the NUP Northern Youth MP candidate Boniface Young as well. He has been abducted and nobody knows where he is held. That shows how rigged this is. When the opposition cannot even field 3 candidate in 5 of the races. That is directly blocking 60% of race before its even starting.

If the NRM really believed in their superiority and greatness ahead of this special group poll. Why are they targeting the NUP like this? If they believe the Electoral College is in favour of their candidates from the get-go, why are they doing this?

Yes, we know these special groups MPs is a way to control the Parliament. That is all it is. It isn’t about true representation or voices of the segment of the people. No, they are just pawns in the game of power. That is why this election is so important, as it settles scores and secure the NRM more power. This is how things are and that is why the NUP was targeted like this. Because, the NRM needs this and they do it by any means.

The Youth Elections is just a microcosm of the big one. The way the NRM is blocking candidates of the other parties. The way the other candidates cannot stand or being blocked from participating. As the state is abducting and taking them away the day before the polls. The other tricks is the open bribery and misuse of power at these electoral colleges. So, for the NRM to celebrate getting them all is a bit bitter. As, they know perfectly well, if they didn’t trick it… they wouldn’t have it in the first place.

However, the NRM doesn’t trust the delegates or the ones involved in it. That is why they have to rig and use the state machinery just to secure 5 more seats in Parliament. It is not story of a big victory. Because, your not a true victor when your opponents couldn’t even stand or have the ability to challenge you. When they are using law enforcement to win and that is a false victory. However, they can celebrate, but deep inside their hearts. They know perfectly well that this was rigged and in their favour. The NRM couldn’t even stomach a free and fair election over an electoral college. That is how sad they are in 2021. Peace.