On Schedule: Two NGOs targeted ahead of Elections

Before the last General Election in 2016. The authorities raided several of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) headquarters in Kampala. Today, the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) has frozen two organizations accounts. Claiming these two are financing “terrorism”. However, there is no evidence of this and only the theatrics of the state ahead of the polls.

These two organizations are doing important works where the state is failing to support and help NGOs out. If the state had filled the vacuum and served the needs of the communities. It wouldn’t have need for these too be there and do its work.

Because before dismissing it totally as the political hit-job it is. Let’s look at what the Wougnet and NGO Forum does. The ones FIA is claiming that is working or financing “terrorism”. The terror here … is the attack on these organizations and intimidate them ahead of the polls. That is the ironic thing about this move and isn’t a new trick.

Wougnet:

The Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) is a non-governmental organisation initiated in May 2000 by several women’s organisations in Uganda to develop the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) among women as tools to share information and address issues collectively. WOUGNET’s vision is a society in which women are empowered through the use of ICTs for sustainable development” (APC – Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET))

NGO Forum:

The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) is an independent and inclusive national platform for NGOs in Uganda. Its primary constituency and owners are NGOs in their diversity and configurations. UNNGOF is however open to other interest groups within a broadly defined civil society” (Uganda Networks – NGO Forum)

If feel with certainty that both organisations aren’t supporting or financing terrorism. As they are not connected or have the mission to support these sort of activities. That Wougnet whose working for empowerment and gender equality is supposed to trade guns to war-zones or militias somewhere. That’s nonsense at best.

The NGO Forum on the other hand is a supporting organizations for other NGOs. To help out and be a supportive organizations for smaller and local NGOs. That isn’t terrorism, but actually doing an important task. As they are helping NGOs across the Republic. As its mission is to “influence governance” and “development processes” which doesn’t sound like terrorism either. Unless, it is a terror for a civil servant or government official to actually do their job. They are supposed be transparent, accountable and deliver government services. However, that is clearly not worthy of this state and it’s deemed “illegal”.

It seems like a political hit-job hitting these two organizations. WOUGNET and UNNGOF seems like unlikely partners or even participating in terrorism anywhere. Unless, it is terror to wish Gender Equality and better Governance. That seems ridiculous… bonkers and foolish. Peace.

Opinion: The EC summoning Bobi Wine and POA [is hypocrisy at its finest]

Today, the Electoral Commission (EC) released a letter where they have summoned Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Patrick Oboi Amuriat (POA) of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). This the EC has done on the 10th December 2020 and expect a answer by the time of 14th December 2020.

So, they have summoned these two opposition Presidential Candidates over Standard Operative Procedures (SOPs) and COVID-19 Presidential Guidelines through the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Electoral Commission as guidelines for campaigning.

However, if these authorities, government structures and the security operatives are fair in this manner. Then they should have acted toward the President and his handlers too. The National Resistance Movement and its candidates has breached it steadily during the campaign periode. Not honouring the guidelines. Even if he has closed sessions and smaller meetings, which is public. Nevertheless, the processions, gatherings and other public meetings are still breaching the regulations that is causing issues for Bobi Wine and POA.

That is why this is hypocrisy. COVID-19 or the Coronavirus can only be transmitted through opposition rallies and with opposition supporters. The NRM have herd immunity or something we don’t know. If the Yellow colour is having magical healing power, which the World Health Organization (WHO) haven’t said yet. It should call Museveni, Aceng and the whole Monty Crew to get the remedy.

Since they have not given the same medicine and healing powers which the ruling party has. The EC only calls for the two main challengers. As they are the ones that needs to be made an example. If these rules was meant to be honoured. Shouldn’t the NRM and its own ministers be able to honour itself? Because they are not doing that.

If the COVID-19 and guidelines are so vital… why are the NRM breaching it and with no consequence?

That is why this is hypocrisy… Yes, if these guidelines matter. It should also matter for the ones who has issued it. Not only matter to the opposition. Then its not rules or guidelines. Then it isn’t codes or laws, which is made for everyone. However, by the day it seems these laws are only made to be enforced for some, but worthless for ruling regime.

The yellow colour … must be special. Can someone call WHO up asap. They needs to know this asap. So, they don’t need to stress with vaccines or anything else. Since, the COVID-19 is immune to the colour yellow. The world needs to know this and Ofwono Opondo, Andrew Mwenda etc got to spread the message. ASAP! Peace.

Bobi Wine blocked from accessing hotels in Nwoya district

Tonight as many other nights. The Police Force are blocking the gateway or the entrance into a district or town. As Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine had scheduled a rally in Nwoya town, which didn’t happen. Neither the accommodations in Nwoya as well.

Again the District Police Commander blocking the roads and ability for the campaign to pass. Also, the Residential District Commander Beatrice Akole not allowing them. As they have used tear-gas and ammunition. They have even hurt a citizen by doing so.

Another day, another injustice served in the manner, which is disgraceful and distasteful. As the campaign of Bobi Wine is hit with new hurdles everyday. It doesn’t matter where he goes or what he does. The trouble comes to him and aimed at his people. His guards and associates are charged with foolish charges. Spending time behind bars, while the culprit behind the state sanctioned violence are let of the hook.

The NUP convoy and caravan is blocked from accessing venues, but also hotels. This is the latest edition of this. After another long day for the Presidential Candidate. As his blocked to get access to hotel, yet again.

These authorities have no scruples and no care. Not even give a man a shelter and a few hours on the eye. No, they letting him sleep roadside and telling him to move-on to the next district. Like they are likely to house him. This just show the despicable acts of this government. The continued impunity and misuse of power. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine shouldn’t go too Yellow

NUP Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Bobi Wine has asked the people of Koboko to vote for NRM’s Dr. Charles Ayume as Koboko Municipality MP, saying that he has been following him for some long time and he is a good person” (91.8. Boona FM, 08.12.2020).

Just mere days after he anointed Rebecca Kadaga, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) loyalist and two term Speaker of the Parliament in Kamuli district. He has now in Koboko vouched for Dr. Charles Ayume.

Yes, he does this deliberately and yes it’s sending the wrong message. Yes, his peers and allies say he vouches for independents and FDC candidates too. Because, the National Unity Platform (NUP) isn’t able to field candidates for MP everywhere.

However, this political gambit is only limiting the space between him and the President. The change his supposed to happen. Yes, some can say this is a sign of unity and working together. Nevertheless, has the NRM worked that together? They have only worked to weaken the opposition and their parties!

That’s why the Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) have made arrangements and had their MPs taken by the NRM. These have been in cabinet positions as members of the other parties. Still, after a term they have gone yellow. So, it is all beneficial for the NRM.

Now that Bobi Wine is speaking well of NRM. He is initially vouching for the incumbent by doing this. He can speak well and endorse whoever he pleases. The message he sends by doing it isn’t all about unity, but more a mixed message.

As he speak of delivering the removal of the dictator, but accepting his comrades and vouching for them. The ones who are abiding the dictator and being vocal supporters. These folks are working for the party and for the President. Therefore, cheering them on isn’t a good look.

Even if the NUP or the allies aren’t able to field candidates in the districts his holding rallies and campaigning in. Since, the opposition and NUP has a disadvantage from the get-go. They have less time, less resources and structures to compete. They cannot canvass or organize without meeting the Police or the army. Therefore, the opposition are bound to fail and lose by mere participating.

Now, we know this and the NRM has rigged the game this way. That still doesn’t justify and gives reasons for him to support NRM candidates. Because, if his removing the bead. He should also seek to remove the system that keeps it alive. The MPs and the candidates beneath the President is enablers and the ones keeping it at bay. They are interested in seeing NRM succeed and not seeing Bobi Wine winning. Feel me?

The ideals of Dr. Ayume might be fine. We all enjoyed to see Hon. Anite loose in the primaries. However, that isn’t enough to give him credit. His still apart of the unholy alliance of people sucking up and abiding the principals of the dictatorship. Have a hard time seeing this making a difference.

The only thing this does is to spark confusion and also wondering how deep his will of change is. Which it shouldn’t be… it is unnecessary and only causes “propaganda” victories for the NRM. As they are seeing the rising star is endorsing their candidates. That is not the look he intends or are interested in.

Mr. Bobi Wine aka Robert Kyagulanyi … please for the love of God not support men like these. Then your tricked by the hustle of Tinkasmire and others who only uses the NUP and People Power as meal-tickets. These folks are only getting the bashing glory, but singing songs with Jajja/Bosco/Mzee at the first given moment. They are even awaiting their next envelope and suit. That is what they does…

Be smart and think ahead. These cheap stunts will not cover in the long run. Its a Segway, but not a solution. It is giving gifts to the dictator and he doesn’t deserve a damn thing. Peace.

Bushwhacked Otafiire uses “We Fought” against Bobi Wine

I like Kyagulanyi’s songs, but Kyagulanyi can’t lead me. I did not fight in Luweero for Kyagulanyi to lead me. We went to Luweero and fought, then now you tell me to be ruled by Kyagulanyi! No! Can he take us anywhere?” – Gen. Kahinda Otafiire on the 8th December 2020 (Kelvin Atuhaire – ‘I didn’t fight in Luweero for Bobi to be president, says Otafiire’, Daily Monitor).

Some things should get old. Especially playing this narrative about the Bush-War to the younger generation. That was either born after or in the early 2000s. They will not even consider or think high- and mighty about the National Resistance Army (NRA). The inception and the rigged 1980 election.

However, it has been the bread and butter for the National Resistance Movement. Which have used it fuel the fire, again and again. The “We Fought” paradox that enters the building at any election and at any time. Always to undermine the opponents and opposition. Because, your only good enough if you fought. Some who even fought isn’t good enough because they came late or was a doctor. That is stories we have heard in the past.

So, that Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine isn’t credible, of the good LUWEERO stock… We shouldn’t be surprised. No one is… and what they fought is long deceased. The ideals and the Republic, which the NRA promised is far-fetched. These folks and “leaders” will never deliver that. If that did, they wouldn’t still hang around in the high offices and be appointed at any given time.

Not they would have ushered in successions, plans for the future and re-established the 10 Point Programme. However, that was never the dream or the real ideal. It was meal-ticket politicians and misuse of office, which was the drive. That is what has been catapulted to the main “staple-food”. They are eating, so if you oppose that, you better watch yourself, because this plate is all for the NRM to eat.

The NRA/NRM fought so they deserve to eat. This buffet and this feast is all theirs. They were in the bush. They went to battle and sacrificed. So, they can eat plenty and get fat. That is the reason for all of this.

And an upstart like Bobi Wine should make his songs and sing a few anthems. However, he should walk the tight-rope and pledge allegiance to the party. He shouldn’t think or consider himself ready to lead. He didn’t fight or fought for the cause. His not man enough, because he didn’t carry a rifle in the bush.

That is the insane thing. That the NRM is still sloganeering on this. As their liberation battle is only beneficial for a chosen few. The rest is still not seeing the benefits after three decades ruling supreme. They are still not tasting the fruits of “we fought”. No, that is only for the patronage and the cronies. Who are still bashing in glory.

That is why they have to undermine Bobi Wine. Even when the argument is flawed. For one simple reason: His not one of the anointed and one of them. Therefore, they cannot phantom his reign. However, even if it was one of them. Nobody dares to challenge the head or the “high above”. Since, they are all eating because of him. That menu and those tasty slices of meat is for them get. They fought for that and shouldn’t share the spoils. No, that is their privilege and nobody should dare to question that. Peace.

Bobi Wine blocked from accessing hotels in Maracha and Arua

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have held campaigns in three district in Northern Uganda today. After a long day he travelled to Maracha, where the authorities would not allow him to enter or go to the hotels as scheduled. This meant he drove for one and half hour to Arua town instead. However, there another RDC have blocked him from entering town and access a resting place for the night.

This is happening again and again. The state is making Bobi Wine suffer on the road. As they are not allowing him to seek shelter at night and get proper rest. This would never happen to the President or any of his huge entourage.

There is no law that prohibits Bobi Wine from sleeping in these hotels across the Republic. This is just injustice and impunity served day- and night. The National Unity Platform Presidential Candidate is blocked from venues, roads and whatnot during the day. And at night his blocked from accessing hotels.

If you ever believe in democracy the National Resistance Movement (NRM) way. Your not believing in democracy, liberty and justice at all. Since that is all selective and only for the anointed ones in movement. Not for the ones outside who is opposing it. Which an democratic state would have accepted. Nevertheless, that isn’t the vision of the Self-Styled President for life.

That is why Bobi Wine is blocked from accessing hotels in Arua tonight. Just like he has been in Mbale and elsewhere too. It is just becoming the norm that his not allowed to sleep in a bed at night. That is apparently illegal and the state better come equipped with the laws, statutes and the reasoning behind it. Because, it doesn’t make sense. The pre-emptive strike against the man is just vicious and filled with malice. There is no justification for this. Only slow torture and suffering as his on the road campaigning.

The NRM cannot defend this. They will and they do. However, they would not wish to have this treatment on their own. If they did, they would cry havoc and cry crocodile tears. As they know this is wrong and is impunity. Peace.

Opinion: Kasaija MP unopposed [by the help of cronyism…]

The current Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija are now running unopposed as Member of Parliament in Buyanja County after Paul Kyalimpa dropped out. Kyalimpa already lost in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Primaries earlier in the year. However, he said he would still run as an Independent.

That happened until today. As the news are out that the sent his letter to the Electoral Commission dropping out of the race. Meaning that Kasaija MP is the only one running and automatically returning to the 11th Parliament.

It is not shocking that this happens, as President Museveni apponted Kyalimpa the Deputy Commissioner of Uganda Investment Authority (UIA). This gives reasons for Paul to give way. As he doesn’t need to become an MP to have a job. His appointed and become a crony himself. He gets a pay-check and meal-ticket politicians continues to run in the NRM.

Initially this sort actions are making sole candidates a real thing. It is just issuing the results even before the polls. Ensuring the NRM an advantage before the others can even start. As they have several of MPs even month(s) ahead of the polls. Because, they are able to field and have the whole electorate secured. In these districts they cannot even chose anyone. It is prefixed, Matia is their guy whether they like it or not.

This is how the NRM operates and they are proud of it too. It is their modus operandi. They even bought this space and this office. So, that Museveni has a loyal cadre to run the Ministry in the next term too. If Matia wasn’t that important. This wouldn’t have happened. However, the man is important enough.

Therefore, to make easier in 2021. Kasaija could do a walk-over and easily return to Parliament. This is cronyism. Making Kyalimpa a Deputy just for the simple reason of getting Matia in again. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine you don’t need Kadaga

I will give Rebecca Kadaga a position when I become President because I respect her and she is my aunt” Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine in Kamuli district on the 6th December 2020

This here shouldn’t be a thing. I don’t know of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine had moment of clarity or an epiphany in Kamuli district. As most famous and lingered Member of Parliament is Rebecca Kadaga.

Kadaga has been the Woman MP for Kamuli since 1989. She has resided in Parliament over the years and is contesting for another term this time around. Kadaga has been the Speaker of the Parliament in two terms too. Also served in various ministries before too. So, this woman is loyal to the bone and the objectives of Museveni.

So with the knowledge of her character and loyalty to Museveni. Why do want a person like that to serve your administration?

Bobi Wine you should select people who wasn’t associated with the folks your trying to topple. You are removing a dictator. However, it is not enough to get rid of the head of state. Bobi Wine, you need to revise the system and uproot it. Yes, that will cost, but if you want change from the current status quo. Then your appointing or giving plum-jobs to cronies of the regime.

This is a bad decision and not a wise statement. Kadaga might be educated, experienced and have proven herself. Still, if she wasn’t a Yes-Men and a Crony. She wouldn’t ride the helicopter and get all the perks of being a part of regime of today.

How can Bobi Wine trust her?

That is what I don’t get. Maybe I am built as a different breed and thinking the ones who helped the previous regime. Will not be good to rebuild and develop the Republic. Because, the had no issues with the personification and total control to one man. The lack of transparency and accountability of the current regime. That those persons are suddenly changing? I’m not buying that. They had the time and the ability, but chose to be loyal to one man. The one man Bobi Wine is working to get rid off.

So, why pick one of his henchmen and loyal cadres? Like Kadaga is willing when she is earning all her points and wealth through serving Museveni. Why should she bounce and change ship? She wouldn’t switch that safety over something uncertain. No, that is not happening.

Neither is this a good look for Bobi Wine. It might sound wise and smart to tell the crowds of Kamuli. However, the implications are not anything substantial. It is not consistent with his message.

If you want to get rid of a dictator, you should not hang on to his henchmen and his allies. No, these will not rock the boat and will investigate into the wrongs done by the previous regime. They will continue the same-old and only change titles.

Kadaga will not bring change…. That’s not happening. Bobi Wine should rescind this… and rethink this. It is not looking smart. This is not the winning formula, but hoping for the “stomach-politicians” to take the bait. Peace.

Bobi Wine blocked from accessing hotels in Mbale

After his first day on the road. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is officially undermined and blocked from doing his campaigning.

As the National Unity Platform convoy was coming too Mbale after campaigning in three nearby districts. Where the Presidential Candidate had seeked lodging for the night. The District Police Commander Abraham Asiimwe is blocking Bobi Wine into town.

Bobi Wine is stuck on the North Road accessing town or any hotels for the night. As he has travelled across three districts earlier in the day.

This is clearly another signal how far the authorities are taking it. As they are using all means to weaken and block the man. They are not even letting him rest his head before another day of campaigning.

The NUP Presidential Candidate had booked himself into Masaba Hill Top Hotel at Republic Street in Mbale. Alas, his not allowed to access that one at this current time. The roads are blocked for him to enter by the DPC and the Police Force.

This is the sort of game the authorities and the Police Force are doing. Certainly, there is no law that justifies this or any proper justification. Only that’s it’s retribution for his courage to stand up to the President and challenge him.

Bobi Wine is a target and the state uses all means to assault and attack him viciously. This is not the first nor the last time he will struggle to find a place of refuge or rest for the night. No, these people in-charge got no heart or care for rule of law. These people only follows orders and wants to soldiers of impunity. As there is no law that can be used for these pre-emptive and acts of injustice. Which is served Bobi Wine today in Mbale. Peace.

Bobi Wine on the road again

This time Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have taken care of himself. He has gotten a new security detail. However, his also wearing bulletproof vest and a helmet on the campaign trail as he was heading for Kibuku, Budaka and Manafwa districts today after ceasing campaigns for a day and having a meeting with the Electoral Commission.

Seemingly, the Police Force haven’t acted as brutal and stopped the campaign of yet. Still, there have been tear-gas and other measures in place in Kubuku district. We don’t know what is happening in Budaka or Manafwa district yet.

Bobi Wine himself states: “We have been able to reach and address our people in Kibuku. Like it has become the norm on our campaign trail, the regime militia again tear gassed us along the way and even shot a tear gas canister into our ambulance injuring two of our nurses in it! It’s a pity the brutality we face! Our next stop is Budaka and later on Manafwa” (Bobi Wine 03.12.2020).

Today’s story is far from finished and God knows what the authorities has in stall for the NUP Convoy. But we know they will answer somehow. Maybe even parlay for a day, but this moment of peace will be short. It is not like this will last.

Bobi Wine knows this and so should his supporters. There will be besieged arenas, closed radio stations and whatnot. The Police Force isn’t ceasing their activities. That is not happening. Have little faith that they will cooperate and make things at ease.

No, they are just buying time before the they set-off a fuse again. Don’t be shocked but expect more hurdles to come. These folks are relentless, and it is only a matter of time. Peace.