Opinion: The UPF should just launch the “Operation Red Beret”

The Uganda Police Force came out with a statement to the grand public after they raided the National Unity Platform offices in Moroto today. This just show how far the state goes against and their expression of their party colours and clothes. That they are wearing military fatigue and the red berets. This the state is clearly targeting, as they have already raided the offices in Jinja and in Kamwokya, Kampala for the same reasons.

Today’s statement says this:

This morning (05th November 2020) at about 0714/c, a joint security intelligence led operation succeeded in arresting one suspect identified as Angulo Andrew Lokong, the NUP coordinator in Karamoja. The operation was carried out in the area of Camp Swahili South division in Moroto municipality. This follows a series of videos that were seen making rounds on social platforms this week, showing youths dressed in clothes similar to government stores (military attire). The suspect has been charged and is detained at Moroto Police Station. A search has also carried out following his arrest. Further investigation into this matter is on going to bring all the perpetrators to book. Military uniform or clothes similar to it, or any other government stores for that matter are a prerogative of the government and should no be abused in any way” (Uganda Police Force – ‘ABUSE OF GOVERNMENT STORES’ 05.11.2020).

The state is clearly targeting the NUP and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. There is no other way to look at it. Just like the state has made a Joint Committee with security organizations and media houses. This is all acts done to stop the party from campaigning and able to get more grass-root support.

The UPF cannot deny the fact. They have never arrested any NRM with a yellow similar looking military attire. Never had any issues with NRM members wearing fatigue or even military inspired clothes. The President have even wore it in Parliament and for speeches to prove a point. The NRM at Kyankwanzi is copying the UPDF to a tee.

Therefore, it is easy to state how the Police Force is a partisan organization. Just like the NUP is targeted this time around. The UPF have gone after dr. Kizza Besigye and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

They are clearly targeting the NUP with a purpose. Just like they did arrest a 70 year old lady for wearing red clothes. The same way they arrested some T-Shirt makers for making it with a picture of Besigye. The state is doing the same sins, but has another target this time around.

It is the colour red, the NUP and Bobi Wine. The message and the powerful signal of their clothes is raising alarm for the authorities and the “high above” who has to prove a point. Because, nobody is supposed to really challenge him. This is why he goes so hard against Bobi Wine and his associates.

They are daring and aiming at the King. They best not miss. Bobi Wine have to be strong, because the state will not let go. The UPF and NRM are doing this to scare and intimidate. This is what they do. Just prove that they are the oppressors, who has one law for their own and another for others.

This should be codenamed as “Operation Red Beret” … that would be fitting. Because this is just going after that. That is the message the UPF is telling the public. At least the memo I am getting by the deliberate actions made by the authorities in the cases concerning the NUP. Peace.

A look into Bobi Wine’s Nomination Speech

I take this opportunity to announce that what we are witnessing right now is the launch of a very critical phase in our struggle to liberate ourselves from a dictatorship which has crippled our country for more than three decades!”Bobi Wine (03.11.2020)

Today on the 3rd November, the National Unity Party President and now nominated Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine held his speech at Kyambogo University Cricket Grounds. This I have overlooked today, because of the actions made by the authorities. They showed their fierce manner and didn’t do honour to the Presidential Candidates. Not only Bobi Wine, but also Patrick Oboi Amuriat.

However, this story will be looking into the speech made by Bobi Wine. Where I will take passages and discuss these briefly. Just to bring some reflection into his speech. There is also a vast difference on the manner, which it was made. In comparison to the President announcement of Manifesto and launching his campaign with a warning. That is why it needs a little dive into it.

A really touching start to his speech with these lines:

Countrymen and women, I come before you not as the most experienced person, but as the most committed person, ready to lead the mission of turning a new page in the history of our country. For the last 58 years, our nation has suffered so many problems, key amongst which have been dictatorships, each trying so hard to outdo its predecessors in violence, looting and plunder. We have not witnessed a peaceful transfer of power from one government to another” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

Here is following the parallels to what Dr. Kizza Besigye have been saying for ages. This isn’t new, but his way of inserting himself into the same struggle. This show maturity of him. As his acknowledging the same issues as previous freedom fighters has fought for.

And three years ago, this greed caused him to act in the most shameful manner, and the last safeguard in form of age limit was removed. Museveni, like Idi Amin declared himself president for life for our country. Little did he anticipate that this generation would stop at nothing to put an end to his regime! And so today I have news for Gen. Museveni- since you have failed to control your greed and lust for power, our generation is determined to save you from yourself and stop your life presidency project” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

Here he aims directly at the heart of the regime and the self-styled President for Life. Where he shown his character and fierce tone. Where he goes for his title and also the way he runs things. In a way undress the truths that everyone knows. It is not like this isn’t common knowledge, but he says it directly.

I present myself not as a boss, but as a servant of you, the people! While our detailed plan of action towards a new Uganda will be presented to you in our manifesto, allow me to state that we will run a people centered government which will focus on these areas” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

Here is was contrasting himself to the President. The President is usually bashing himself in glory and is doing this all for himself. That is something he has stated in interviews as well. That he doesn’t work for the public, but works for himself. This is something the President said on several occasions. Therefore, here Bobi Wine played a smart card to prove how his different to the President.

Fellow Ugandans, there are many other things we plan to do for our nation, some of which are entailed in our manifesto. Gen. Museveni has destroyed so many dreams of Ugandans. But today we say to you, dare to dream again. We can and shall transform our nation. A nation that has been reduced into a laughing stock shall once again rise to the top and be the true pearl of Africa” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

This here is the words of a statesman wishing people to dream and wanting to make a vast difference. Where he wants to be the opposite of the President. That is very clear and he got to be different to matter. This is why the words like this is so powerful and touching. Because his heart is in a good place.

He ended with a real salvo:

To all Ugandans out there, we rally you to treat this not as a usual election but as a revolutionary election. The stakes are so high. The transition stares us in the face. We have entered the ring and we shall not come out. This is it. It is a battle between the past and the future. The old and the new. Power is now in the hands of the people of Uganda and they can choose who to trust it with. For all those who have been waiting for the time, it is now. Tusimbudde paka Entebe mu ntebe. This is a mission to Freedom. We are removing a dictator” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

These words are the ones that triggered Lt. Gen. Kainerubaga Muhoozi earlier today. Where he said he would destroy Bobi Wine. We have seen what the state does and how they are targeting him. Arresting him and re-arresting him. Therefore, the words of a revolutionary elections is needed. Because, the polls is only a tool or a weapon. As the system is working directly against Bobi Wine. The NUP will not win by the ballot, but will win by a popular uprising. This is what his saying here indirectly, which is true. That is something the National Resistance Movement (NRM) fears, as they have seen other dictators fall for the same reason.

Bobi Wine held a great speech. One for the books. This here should have been a watershed moment. A speech that would be discussed. However, the brutality of the arrest and re-arrest have been the talking-points. That is for a reason. Naye, we should not forget a speech like this. Peace.

Two Days of Nominations: As different as night and day…

On the 2nd November and 3rd November 2020 we noticed two very different Presidential Nominations. This was an deliberate act of the state. They are showing who is the accepted ones an the ones who are targets. At least that is the signal the state is giving these days.

Yesterday, everything was peaceful. The town was Yellow. The Presidential Convoy could pass and he could have as many people as he wanted to his nomination. He could be joyful and warn other candidates. The President could use all the time in the world and the supporters could gather everywhere.

The President bashed in glory with his friends and associates. The Media Houses was all there in peace. Looking at the events and following the party to launch the Manifesto. The same happened to all the other candidates. There was no real fuzz or issues. They could all pass in their convoys and go for their nominations without any big whoop.

However, the Police Force besieged Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Headquarters already on the Second November. They were there and guarding the offices there. As they anticipated the FDC and their activists to prepare for the next day.

On the 3rd November. The Police Force arrested several of people in and around the FDC Headquarters. This being the arrest of the FDC Spokesperson Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju. Also other activists was taken away and whisked into police cars.

In the same morning the police officers and such had put on road-blocks from Wakiso to Kyambogo University Cricket Grounds. They used tear-gas on the public. The authorities used violence and pre-emptive strike against the citizens supporting Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. That was evident all across, as the police officers and soldiers was on the streets using all means to disrupt and scare people away. This also slowed the convoy down towards Kyambogo.

On the other hand. Patrick Oboi Amuriat wasn’t followed to Kyambogo by the authorities. He was brutally taken into the police van. The Presidential Contender for FDC was taken even without his shoes and nomination documents to Kyambogo. He was blatantly taken without his entourage and his papers. They just arrested him and dropped him off.

While Bobi Wine came late to Kyabogo and went through the Nomination. However, he was brutally arrested right after. Taken first to unknown location, before he was dropped at his home in Magere. He planned to leave and launch his Manifesto in Kyamwokya. What happened was that he was re-arrested and the general public stood their grounds for hours. The Police Van where he was arrested in and sitting in. While awaiting move away from his home. Instead, the police was blocked from taking him from his compound. As he was for hours arrested in a car on his own compound.

Today was as dark as night and yesterday was as sunny as the morning. Yesterday the sun was shining, but when today happened the sun was blocked from appearing. That was an deliberate act by the state to cover the sun. They enjoyed to bash in glory themselves, but just bring pain and suffering to the ones that oppose it.

Today the authorities, the state and the law enforcement are partisan groups working directly for the President. If they were there to shield the general public and be there for all citizens. It would not look this and they would not come out with statement’s like they did. Because, nothing like this happened yesterday. Today could have been as peaceful and been a celebration of the ones aspiring to be Presidents today. However, that wasn’t a case.

Today could have been a good day, but instead it was a dark day. A grim day. A day where the state again showed its true face. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: The Joint Task Force Strongly Condemns Acts of Violence during Nominations (03.11.2020)

Renewed Uganda: Press Release (03.11.2020)

Bobi Wine Nomination Day: Muhoozi oozes entitlement from far away

“I told you my young brother, that you can NEVER intimidate us. We are much stronger than you can ever imagine to be. If you want to fight we will simply defeat you. We want peace! But if you attempt to fight us then Bring it on!” – Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga on 3rd November 2020

This is a clear sign of what’s to come. The same sounding like his father, the President. Muhoozi wouldn’t even have a voice or be taken serious. If it wasn’t for being in the family. That his one part of the First Family. If he wasn’t? He would be the drunk uncle or nephew that no one would take serious at any time of day.

Muhoozi is just entitled. Instead of seeing an election and the struggle of Bobi Wine. He instead goes all gun blazing. That he cannot reckon the moment of Bobi Wine and the opposition. Says it all. That he cannot be silent for a minute and let the things sink in.

The brat and braggadocios man. A man who thinks his so darn important. That he should be the next in line. He has flaunted the “Project Muhoozi” and been vocal about too. Now, he addresses Bobi Wine like he has the authority. This man is only something because of his kin. Not because his smart, brilliant or have any sort skills.

Muhoozi wouldn’t be anyone if it wasn’t for his ties to the First Family. If he was a random citizen. Nobody would have bothered to care. However, his the son of the President. Therefore, his words matters..

He got to incite fear and intimate. Just like his father does. It runs in the family. Because, he cannot run on morals, ethics or even policies. The man got non worth mentioning at this point. Only glossy propaganda and fanfare of his father. That is what he does.

Muhoozi doesn’t bring anything to the table. Only hot air and that is it. Peace.

Bobi Wine arrested at Kyambogo and re-arrested hours later in Magere

The National Unity Platform Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was arrested in rare moments after his nomination at Kyambogo. This after the Police Force and army followed his convoy. Where they tear-gassed and blocked roads from Magere in Wakiso across Kampala to Kyambogo University Cricket Grounds.

The state was clearly prepared to act swiftly, as they didn’t want a public cheers and joys over the new Presidential Candidate. The man of People Power and NUP. The way the authorities handled Patrick Oboi Amuriat. They intended to do the same to Bobi Wine after the ceremony was over.

We are clearly seeing one Republic for the President and another for anyone else. The ones who really opposes him get’s a violent hand. At Magere the Presidential Candidate was re-arrested hours later there.

Now his on the way to unknown location together with Eddie Mutwe. The NUP and People Power candidate is clearly in the eye of the authorities. As he has no time to manoeuvre or react before getting brutally taken by them again.

This is the second time in a day that Bobi Wine was arrested. This after his own nomination. That says a lot about how the state is intimidating and using force against him. They are doing the same bidding as they did to Besigye now.

Bobi Wine will go through the same hell or similar one that Besigye did. It is just the beginning of the campaign. And he haven’t had a second to act or to state a fact. Before the authorities again use force. There is even reports of one man killed in Magere by live-bullet. Therefore, the state kills their own, because one of their own aims to peacefully transfer power. Which is something the President in his ally’s stifle by any means. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine and POA got a harsh ride to Kyambogo

Yesterday was a peaceful fanfare of sorts, the sort where everything was allowed and everyone participating could be filled with joy. As the Presidential Candidates travelled to the venue of Kyambogo University Cricket Grounds.

Today is another bargain. The police have been heavy, using tear-gas and arresting FDC leaders at their Najjakumbi headquarters. They even arrested Presidential Candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat as he entered the HQ. The Police Force have no subtle ways, but only intimidation and force against the opposition. He is taken to an unknown location together with other FDC leaders. Later they dropped him off at Kyambogo after the arrest at Kyambogo to prepare for candidacy, but because of the manner they did. He didn’t have shoes, because they just bundled him into the car and drove off. Neither, does he have any of his nomination documents, because they just took him from Najjakumbi…

On the convoy of the National Unity Platform, Bobi Wine aka Robert Kygulanyi. They been following him from his homestead all through Kampala. They have been tear-gassing and using force against people. In a manner, which we didn’t see yesterday.

There was still massive crowds around Bobi Wine and his convoy. In such a way, that the President and his people couldn’t gather. However, we do still see the vast difference on how the authorities acts towards the FDC and the NUP.

Both have arrived to Kyambogo. The journey will now continue, but it shouldn’t be this hard. No need to be this hard, but the state is doing it. Just to prove a point, because they know how popular them both are. Therefore, one got the harsh treatment and the other got shielded. Though his supporters got tear-gas, as long as the state could contain it. However, at some point it became to many and to big of a crowds.

That says it all. This sort of drama even before the speeches and the manifestos. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni gave the world a history lesson instead of explaining his manifesto

Today on the day of the nomination. The President who already had a small speech at the venue of the Electoral Commission (EC). He later held another one as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni launched the Manifesto ahead of the 2021 Elections. Instead of showing pledges, promises and also what he himself has done in power. He went on a rant nearly going back to the big-bang theory.

Just as an example: “I pointed out to the country how the human being, initially only living in Africa until about 100,000 years ago, used his unique characteristics of his big brain, a hand that can shape things by holding and working and his bi-pedalism (walking on two legs), to make tools (stone, hammer, chisel, etc.) and use those tools to do work for purposes of producing or catching food (hunting, fishing, agriculture) and improving his quality of life” (Museveni, 02.11.2020).

Because, what use has the characteristics and the historical factors of human existence? I would expect that the President would talk about his own achievements and grandeur. That he has delivered and brought peace. Not that we as humans has evolved and learned techniques to make life better. That is for the Universities and the Humanities to explain. Not a supposed Presidential Candidate. His supposed to sell another story.

However, the President continues: “This ability of man to discover new technologies, reached a watershed point (a revolutionary boundary point) in the year 1440, when a German man by the names of Johannes Gutenburg, invented a Printing Press. Most of the previous tools were powered by human muscle” (Museveni, 02.11.2020).

It is just like the President wants to go on a historical journey. The President are using his time on events that changed humanity, but not things that he got to offer. This is because he has less of that to offer after all the time in office. Why is he going on lecturing like this.

The history professor continues: “Our chiefs, had misused the 400 years, fighting one another; but the Europeans, had used those 400 years to discover answers to our only reliable defenders: the long-distances of Africa and its jungle, rivers and forests; the mosquitoes and the tsetse flies; and the ferocious-tribesmen, but poorly led by the chiefs, poorly armed and isolated from one another by the same myopic chiefs but also by the difficult terrain” (Museveni, 02.11.2020).

The President continues and continues, lingers on historical pieces and anecdotes, which would make sense if he was lecturing at Makerere, Kyambogo or UCU even. However, the President is supposed to bring a Manifesto launch. Not a speech for a History Society. The Yes-Men says it shows his great sense and reasoning, but for me it’s rambling a long story. Because, he has to talk about other things… than what he and his party done over the years.

When his finally done with the history lesson, one of the minor passage on the manifesto is this: “Once we grasp that the NRM insists on Patriotism to deal with our prosperity and Pan-Africanism to deal with both prosperity and the strategic security of Africa, we cannot forget to remember that that prosperity will not come, until our society undergoes social-economic transformation as alluded to earlier. How will this come about? It will come about as a consequence of everybody going to school, having good health and entering the money economy by the masses invading the enclave economy and entering the four sectors for wealth and for jobs” (Museveni, 02.11.2020).

Where his using the same old stick and things we have heard before. The Prosperity gospel of this President. That apparently never gets old, but only get new versions at every season. He also continued on one of his pet peeves: “Since 1986, the economy has recovered and expanded. The colonial enclave has been restored after the destruction by Idi Amin” (Museveni, 02.11.2020).

That sort of statement is a broken record and been told so many times. It is lingering within the radios that haven’t worked since Ronald Reagan gave Museveni a handshake. While the President has a dream: “The most inclusive effort we are making to change the structure of the Society, is abolishing the culture of subsistence farming” (Museveni, 02.11.2020).

But trust me, the man doesn’t invest properly in the dream and therefore, it will be another of his nightmares. He talk big game, but will not deliver. Just like with all of promises during the lockdown. This one here is no different. Not like he will offer mechanical farming or even ensure the state properly gives subsidies to the farmers. That is a cost the state cannot carry and isn’t interested in doing. That is why this is a dream.

The ironies of his reign came in his final words after the long history lecture and anecdotes of the manifesto. A Manifesto of over 300 pages and still he needed to bring a lesson of human development.

The final words was: “We need to budget properly” (Museveni, 02.11.2020). The President is right about that. The man should know about this, but he always ensure his things are covered and that he has contingency funds, also confidential funds to secure funds for what he needs. Therefore, the state cannot fix the roads, schools and whatnot.

The history lesson was a wasted opportunity… the man could have explained his case and shown character. However, he rather wanted to speak about historical achievements of others. Trying to put himself into context of the ones who has been long dead. I don’t know why, but that is maybe his ego thing. Peace.

Opinion: It’s either another rap or another lie [the Mzee Akululu Saga]

There been stirred controversy this week as the former People Power singer and National Unity Platform (NUP) Ronald Mayinja released his song ‘Mzee Akalulu’. As song which praises the President and the National Resistance Movement. Today, there is even more ripple effect.

As Mayinja states this: “I said that I am not going to contest. Now that I am a musician, I got a client from NRM who asked me to do for them an advert and that is what I did” (…) “Just like a TV station like NBS TV will play an advert for NRM and in the evening they play an advert of an opposition party and we can not say that it is partisan, I also just want to work” (Jonah Kirabo – ‘Mayinja: I am still in NUP, I just recorded an advert for Museveni’ 31.10.2020, Nilepost.co.ug).

This here clear the air right? Well, it isn’t that easy. Since he wants to say his a bought musician and did trade his political affiliation. Only got used for a few tokens and a few silver coins. However, there is certainly more to this.

As Secretary General of the NRM Justine Kasule Lumumba said this: “We welcome musician Ronald Mayinja to NRM, but I must say, NRM didn’t pay him for the song. He did it on his own as a musician” (…) “This is a sensational hit that will boost the party’s mobilization for President Yoweri Museveni” (David Lumu – ‘We didn’t pay Mayinja for ‘Mzee Akululu’ song – NRM’ 01.11.2020, New Vision).

This seems like a prequel to this campaigns ‘Another Rap’ or last campaigns ‘Tubonga Nawe’. The NRM and the President surely has that prepared to fill the airways with their song. To hopefully go viral and have a clip that people talk about. Have the right amount of popular musicians and get the verses that sings of glory for the regime.

Ronald Mayinja did right on his song. He dropped the dime and showed the supposed “greatness” of this President. Put him into video-clips of big-man leadership. It wouldn’t be shocking if someone connected to NRM hired him to sing this. The song is a gig-song. The song is made to fit a campaign. Maybe, the NRM haven’t paid directly, but through a middle-man.

There is always some straw-men working and maybe Lumumba doesn’t know. It is also possible that Mayinja is lying and tried to get suction with the President. That wouldn’t be shocker either, but because of the backlash. He needed to back-track the tune and make it look otherwise.

Therefore, it is a lie here somewhere. Everything is speculations until the bank-accounts and the pay-offs are proven. Until then, there is only allegations and hear-say. Mayinja should know best, but he might come with a little fig to get off the hook. Lumumba might lie, because she either don’t know or had any prior knowledge to it.

There is also been reporting on giving a car to the musician, which wasn’t stated why. That shows there been some monetary gains for the artist. However, your not getting a vehicle for nothing. So, there is a possibility that Lumumba doesn’t know about the transaction composed with the Land Rover Model 2018 in question.

That is why the song have a questionable history. The origin and the reason for its existence is already questionable. This is before it has even hit the airways properly. We know what the songs presence and what it does, but if it was ordered by someone connected to the President.

That is why we can state that there is a lie here and someone is lying. We just don’t know who does it. To be frank it is just a song… a gig song and not the first nor the last to praise the “old man with the hat”. Peace.