A brief memo to Ashburg Katto…

“Ninety-nine problems, but a bitch ain’t one

If you’re havin’ girl problems, I feel bad for you, son

I got ninety-nine problems, but a bitch ain’t one – hit me!” – Jay-Z – ‘99 Problems’ (November 2003).

Some would grief, some people has buyers remorse and some people have the “walk of shame”. Recently you have finally realized what you did and that you betrayed everything that you had built up.

As a blogger and a part of the People Power Movement, you had a voice and a platform. The Ghetto TV was impactful and you could spread message. However, you decided to give that away and turn on the ones that fed you. Instead of holding on and being part of the struggle. You bought into a cheap trick and easy money.

It is striking that the “Yellow Influencer” drive and the “Ghetto Initiative” felt important to you. Though you where just a piece of the puzzle. The President and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) only used you and got “brownie points” by holding you down for a minute. They only needed you ahead of the campaigns and look like they cared about the things Bobi Wine cared about. That’s why they hooked you up momentarily and made you seem important. However, you where a pawn and always where a pawn to them.

Ashburg Katto you where the gig and a cheap bargain. You didn’t cost much and didn’t have much leverage either. That’s why didn’t have to properly appoint you or even give you fancy titles. He only needed a photo-op and make it seem like he listened to your idea. Just like he promised, pledged and talked for decades now.

You believed in the President and his promises. A man who has promised to build bridges where there is no rivers and being a wolf overlooking a hen-house. That man you trusted. This was the dude you would sign off on and expect securing your future with. He was using you and your youth.

The NRM and the President only needed your vibes. They only needed you to stop using your platform to promote Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement. That was easily done and they didn’t need to do much either. You got the short end of the stick and now your punished years later.

It must be humiliating and feel tragic. Squander your future on an old man. A man who have betrayed people’s trust and only gotten his way through the use of force. Museveni isn’t a man of diplomacy or negotiations. No, he uses that to find his advantage and conquer you. That’s what he did to you and you never understood it. He saw you as a stepping stone into the lives encircling Bobi Wine and to weaken his cause. Alas, you didn’t succeed and neither did the President.

Ashburg Katto you are one out of plenty who has fallen for the President’s tricks. Sold out and gotten nothing for it. You think the moment you accept that your dining with kings. Maybe you feel vast importance and that your finally accepted. However, it’s a mirage and the moment your momentum is over. They drop you… and forget about you… and that they did.

You have no betrayed the People Power Movement, Bobi Wine and everyone else over small tokens of silver… and they know you can bought now. A political mercenary you have become… and that was your choice.

Now you have to live with it and accept the journey your now taking. Peace.

Opinion: Ashburg Katto needs a new meal-ticket

He is at it again and in the news. The blogger Ashburg Katto or by his government name Ashiraf Ndagimana Gatto. The former People Power blogger and founder of Ghetto TV. We know he left Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement, as he turned to music promoter Baalam and GCIC Duncan Abigaba. As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni wanted to purge the people around Bobi Wine.

That’s why Ashburg have gone totally YELLOW. He is more yellow than MTN. Making things smell NRM and acting like a forever mascot of the Movement. He has joined the causes of the government and been a vocal supporter.

However, Ashburg have forgotten his place. He has just been in the good graces for over a year. It was last year before the polls the state purged him to hurt the cause of Bobi Wine. They promised him great platform and become a useful person to them.

Nevertheless, Ashburg doesn’t seem to understand his place. He has been useful ahead of the elections and been a good look for the NRM. Now, after the polls and when things turns back-to-normal. His services isn’t that important.

Ashburg Katto doesn’t seem to get this. His services and blogging isn’t that valued by the NRM. It is like he had to be violated and hurt by a police officer to see it. He needed to be beaten by the authorities to know what this government does. Like he haven’t seen how the same government have acted towards its citizens or systematic injustice, which it has been doing for years. Also, how the current regime have acted with the SOPs and COVID-19 regulations. That’s why the blogger should have been careful himself.

As he was thinking about his role after being beaten. He questioned himself and actually stated “I thought I was of a little value to my government. I was wrong”. I hate to break it too you. You don’t add much or is important. If you were anything of that kind you would have been appointed or even got a bigger role.

The President and NRM used Ashburg. The sad part is that he didn’t get it and whatever he does now. He sold out and cashed in… the blogger wasted his potential and what leverage he had. That was traded and now he got nothing.

The launching of a Bloggers Association is fine. Nevertheless, that seems like another scheme to deserve precious funding. Just like the Yellow Influencers and whatnot before the polls. Ashburg should know that his value hasn’t added, but tragically decreased. Since the polls are over and his role as a pawn to hurt Bobi Wine is sort of over. The state can use other means to hurt his party and his platform now.

They don’t need people like Ashburg. They have moved-on, but Katto cannot do that. This is all he got and he got to find a way. Unless, his able to get hired by Abigaba, anyone in the GCIC or elsewhere on the propaganda outlets of the state. As the blogger has pandered to these for months now. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni wants the second generation to do his bidding [and the DRA is here]

“I have been discussing with my children, who are now senior adults, the timeliness of creating the DRA (the Descendants’Resistance Army I) to take forward the work of the original NRA of their parents” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, State of the Nation Address on the 04.06.2021

We know things are off the hook. The State of the Nation Address yesterday was a snoozefest, but I still had to drop two points, which stands out. Not the other obnoxious and obvious lies. Neither, the ordinary boosting of his ego and supposed achievements, which he directs back to the stone-age. Just like the old President invented the wheel and was the first man to create fire in the caves of Luweero. That is just how this saga goes.

Now, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have spawned in every direction. Every term and every year, they are adding additional organizations and units underneath it. They have the Poor Youth, SOMA, Youth-League, Woman’s League, Youth Power, Yellow Brigade and everything else. There are so many creations… and initiatives, you can wonder if they can keep it all up.

The NRM has done this always as an reaction to one or another opposition party, which was mobilizing one part of the society. Therefore, the NRM needed to have something draw attention and look like it cared about the same demographics.

Now, they have gone into descendants. That is surely more sexy and more feasible, than trying sell NRA Historicals on the regular. Making the old school and the loyal soldiers of old getting perks in the current day. Now, they are working or the kids and the next generation.

MacMillan Dictionary describes descendant as: “a relative of a person who lived in the past” (MacMillan Dictionary – ‘Descendant’). The funny thing here is that Museveni and the NRA didn’t all live in the past. This is securing and making it feasible to sell the next generation. Having the sons and daughters to takeover. They are preparing and initiating reasons for the second generation of NRM to have control.

This is like the wet dream of Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga and his naked ambition. He and all the others wants to ensure the party continues. They are afraid of losing the empire and the ability to control the State House. The Museveni’s and their associates wants to have an excuse for the next generation.

That is why the Descendants are suddenly a thing. The Historicals is losing out and they will be dimmed with time. Their work and legacy will not be as valued, since they are processing ways to usher in the sons and daughters. Kuteesa have already been able to do so. His daughter (Shartsi Kuteesa Musherur), is in Parliament already.

Museveni wants to ensure he gets enough token soldiers of the current grown generation to fight the same battles as before. Just to continue on the foundation and be in the battlefield for him. It is not like he can be in battle or jump between skirmishes in the bush. He needs the perks and will not give that away anytime soon.

This descendant thing is to secure the future of the elite and the ones in-connection to the President. Maybe the first step into succession and dwelling into the truths that was leaked by Gen. David Sejusa back in the day. Only done more as a sideshow in the SONA of 2021. Project Muhoozi never died, but it is multiplying apparently. Peace.

HTTP 404: NRM Apologists not found on Facebook

This week an anomaly happened. The ones supporting and actively supporting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) on Facebook got blocked by the site. The Online Company and Social Media platform has de-platformed several of NRM associated bloggers, pages and groups on Facebook. Some of them has lost their profiles and been suspended from there as well.

That says a lot. There been a sudden purge on their position on Facebook. A place where views, perspectives and spread of information is happening steadily. What is ironic here. The NRM is crying foul. The same supporters and activists, the same bloggers and associates of the NRM has had no issues blocking, hacking or violating pages of the opposition. The same NRM associated people have taken over opposition media houses pages and even deleted them. That has been during the campaigns. Therefore, maybe the same fellow breached “community standards” by inciting these acts and the opposition just notified the company.

That wouldn’t be shocking here as Ghetto TV and others been under fire on the same site. It is just a mention in the quest of things happening to the opposition. However, these sort of things doesn’t tend to happen to the NRM. The NRM is usually above these things and acting untouchable.

Now, the NRM SOMA, GCIC and Uganda Media Centre is losing its grip. As Facebook is an important platform on Social Media. They are not getting the venue for their space to spread their message in the final days to the polls. That is an act that backfire. Especially, if the NRM plans to act upon the “Scientific” campaigns. However, we know how that has worked of late.

I do feel sorry for the inconvenience, but they are just tasting the blunt action made towards them. As the NRM can easily block radio-stations, take away broadcasting licenses and stop publishing of newspapers in the Republic. That is if they are having high ranking opposition as guests on air or even getting their messages across for a long time. They are only lucky if they get short windows and limited space. While the NRM covers most of it.

This is why in the traditional media, the NRM and the President is covering most of it. His owning it in practice. Though on the social media and on newer platforms the opposition has an edge. This is why the recent actions of Facebook to de-platform the NRM groups, pages and persons are really hitting home.

What Facebook is actually doing is what the NRM does to the Opposition at home. They are blocking and making it impossible for them to speak. How many times has a opposition candidate tried to access a radio station and been blocked? Countless of times. The same is now happening to the NRM. In a manner, which they cannot control…

That is just karma in my view. They are tasting the same spirit, which they have delivered on a daily for years to the opposition. The men loyal to Museveni and his cause. Is now seeing the effects of their actions. These folks are tasting their own medicine.

Yes, they have a right to free speech. Yes, they have a right to express it and that is all justified. However, there is no human right to be part of Facebook. Secondly, if your part of Facebook. Then you have signed an agreement to uphold certain standards. However, if those is breached. The company can suspend or de-platform you, which they have done here. That is all natural.

The NRM apologists, activists and bloggers can find other avenues now. They can use other platforms and other places to spread their message. However, there are few sites who has more people connected and people accessing on the daily. Therefore, the blocking to the site is hurting them.

The NRM could start to mediate with Facebook. The NRM could try to talk and figure out how to get access again. What sort of amends and promises they need to get re-activated. I am sure they would let it happen. Alas, they rather cry foul and be victims.

Nevertheless, these folks aren’t that much of victims. These folks aren’t in danger of prison, abductions, arrests or torture even. No, these folk are in danger of house-arrests or fatalities. No, these folks are safe and surrounded by the elites. These people are eating. That is why it’s hard to feel sorry for them. Peace.

Opinion: Three Stooges and One State House

At this point, we are hearing so much about the conflict between Andrew Alfonso Mukasa a.k.a Bajjo Events, Balaam Barugahara Atenyi and Cathrine Kusasira within the State House. It had to even be addressed by Ashburg Katto on NBS Television. That is how low these people are taking it.

They have all reached the upper echelon for one reason. To hurt the campaign of Bobi Wine and have some useful ghetto people. This is all to counteract the standing Bobi Wine has as the “Ghetto President”. Before this, the State House and the President wouldn’t even given these people the time or the day.

That Balaam is supposed to block Kusasira from accessing the President. Balaam who has also been coordinating as a “Social Media Coordinator” together with Gen. Salim Selah. As they together was giving food to the NRM Friendly “Media”, the “Yellow Influencers” and Vloggers. That happened earlier this year in May 2020.

So, the Presidential Advisor Kusasira is suddenly blocked from the President. By a guy who has suction to the President. Balaam clearly has powerful friends and not just a simple appointment. This is why Ashburg Katto is speaking today as well. Since, he got covered by the NRM and the State House. When he went from Bobi Wine to the NRM.

These are all useful idiots, stooges or even chumps. They are all thinking they are so special and unique, because the President has appointed them or given them a role. However, that is only for a short time. They are not elected, not hand-picked, but only done to damage an opposing candidate.

IF Bobi Wine hadn’t run for office or challenged the President. Their political career wouldn’t have existed. These people wouldn’t have been close to the State House. Unless, they were suddenly having concerts and entertainment for dignitaries. If not making another gig-song ahead of the election year.

These people aren’t winning anything. It is just about how much they are not loosing. Sooner or later they will loose relevance for the “high above” and will be left crying. If they are already bickering and complaining. It will get much worse, as bigger men and more vicious who has been left behind by this man.

The President could easily make them “honourable” and as easy make them a “civilian” again. That will happen with time. Neither, if these ones like it or not. They are getting a short-time in the spotlight this way. These people will not suddenly be granted all their wishes and become big-men. They might think so themselves. However, these stooges are being used by one State House.

If you know, now you know. Politics are a cold cynic game and these ones are prepared for the reality. If they bickering about small stuff now. It will become much harder… it is just a matter of time. Peace.

Opinion: You need to pay 200 shillings to use Mzee NALO App

“This app will enhance the Presidents communication to the people. It will showcase achievements of NRM, profile of H.E. the President, and spread to the young people the knowledge that the President has been passing on including video messages” (National Resistance Movement, 28.09.2020).

It is really inspiring that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) launched the NRM App on 8^th August 2020. That was clearly not enough, that is why the President and his team has launched a second one ahead of the General Elections in 2021. The “Scientific” ones, which is digital and that is why the governing party is doing all of this.

In 2018 the Republic introduced the Over-The-Top Taxes or the OTT Taxes. This was 200 shillings per day to access apps and social media. That means the same government that issued a high cost for digital content has launched two digital apps after that. Which the citizens has to pay a separate tax to the government to use.

So, if the citizens are supposed to access and use these “free apps”. They got to pay 200 shillings to use it. That is how misfortunate they are. To get the information in this way. They got to pay the state to get government information or access content, which is produced to praise the President.

Today on the 28th September 2020, they launched the Mzee NALO. Just like they launched the NRM APP earlier in August 2020. These both made to do the same, apparently. It is really ironic … because it is not like the NRM and the state doesn’t have a few avenues for information to the public already. They already have the NRM Social Media Team (NRM SOMA), New Vision, Uganda Media Centre, Various of Media Houses, Radio Stations and TV Stations too. Therefore, the President and NRM have plenty of places to spread their “vision” and “manifesto’s” to the world.

In 2018 the President wrote this about Social Media: “Social media chatting is a luxury by those who are enjoying themselves or those who are malicious” (Museveni, 04.07.2018).

Now, he wants to get the ones who uses that luxury and he intends to spread his message on these platforms. That is why he should make it free. Especially, if he wants the public to access to it. Since, some people couldn’t afford it.

For someone who says people are malicious on social media. The man surely uses lot of funds to promote himself there. Just like he recently “re-invented” himself on Instagram. We are just waiting for him to have a WhatsApp account and be on Tinder. That is what is missing.

The President should reconsider the 200 shillings of doom …. the OTT Tax and the Social Media Tax, which it is. If he believes everyone should be on the same page, then the platforms and apps should be free of access. Alas, that is not the case.

Yes, they are most likely propaganda … since they are praising the NRM and Mzee himself. We all know that, but propaganda should be free. Especially, if the ones it is intended to brainwash is supposed to read it or see the content.

Mzee should be proud of himself… OTT Tax and now this. Taxing people for propaganda. The man who called social media a luxury to begin with. Peace.

Opinion: You can’t 1986 everything…

I don’t know if the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its self-styled President for life Yoweri Kaguta Museveni thinks its a wise move to always point at the state of affairs in 1986.

How many pupils who went to school in the 1980s? How many cars on the roads in 1980s? How many bureaucrats who was paid in the 1980s?

Is that viable as a argument for how things are today?

If so, why in a Republic filled with youth under 30s years old. In a republic run by an administration living a bubble of the year of salvation in 1986. Where all results are in comparison to the incept of power. The day of the Coup d’etat in 1986 and everything circles back to this. Using the liberation and taking control of the Republic.

It is really unique that 34 years in power, you have to look at the starting point to show your greatness. All the pendulums points back to 1986. Which is such a magical year when everything started.

The NRM continues to spawn out how much more roads they have built since 1986. It is how you prove your governance. The amount of gravel you have carried and put on the ground. Not like there is other ways to prove it. For instance, if the roads adds value and the costs of keeping them operational or built to the needs. That is an issue that is never released, neither is the loans for building the roads and how much of it was paid by grants.

The NRM and the President can drop comparison numbers. However, they will do that every day with some glossy pictures of infrastructure and propaganda postures. That’s what they do. If it is Uganda Media Centre, Government Citizen Interaction Centre, NRM SOMA and the State House. This is what they do. Making mediocre results looking brilliant.

They will pin point back to 1986 as the proof of the amount of work they have put in. Not like they are just showing what they did in the 10^th Parliament. No, they will go back to Obote and Okello. They need to bring back Idi Amin Dada and the whole brigade of dead people to show the living their greatness.

This is why they should find new ways of proving their achievements. Because, how relevant can it to go back close to 4 decades to prove your worth? How great are you, when you look two generations back?

Also, the reality is that most of the people living in the republic is born since 1986. They are the youth of the generation who did the bush-war. These are not familiar with that time and therefore, wouldn’t be touched by this. They are only seeing what they are living in now and hopes for a promising future. Not repeating the past, but instead building for the future.

Going back to 1986 is just a grave the NRM doesn’t need to dig. If they do, then they are putting up tombstones and praising weak results. If the NRM was sincere they would prove their abilities and use of time. Instead, they are going historical and bringing back nostalgia.

A nostalgia that isn’t for the times of today. Unless, Mzee plans to drop a few history lessons and mesmerising the past. Peace.

Opinion: Ashburg gone Full Figure!

Again, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni plots a big stunt on Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Last time it was Jennifer Nakanguubi aka Jennifer Full Figure who went from a vocal People Power activists onto a Presidential Advisor in October 2019. Now, its gone a few months and the National Resistance Movement and the President continues to scheme.

This time its the Ghetto TV founder (since 2017), the blogger (since forever) and social media activist Ashburg Katto. His been been called an local attention seeker. His been using his platform for all sorts of reason. However, his been known as a supporter and activists for Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement.

So, his known and during last year he saw the dark side of the regime. As he was arrested, detained and gone missing for while. Therefore, its not like the man doesn’t know what sort of characters they have and what sort of action it does to their enemies. His seen what the authorities done to other People Power activists, leaders and members. Not like he haven’t seen it and spread the word about the impunity against it.

That is why today its more hurtful. It’s like he knows the ills of society, but still joins forces with the ones who oppress the public. Instead of holding on and pushing for change. His going into “steady progress” and getting a quick pay-off from the NRM. He gets a few cows, gets his name in bold with big-men, but at the same time loosing his edge and personality.

He becomes the Ghetto TV personality who went all red into yellow. That is a move and a decision. Just like he showed some of it with him joining forces with Duncan Abigaba, Deputy Head of Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC). The man behind the NRM Social Media Task-Force. Together with him and Promoter Balaam he decided to cover “Yellow Influencers” with food during the COVID-19 Lockdown now earlier in May 2020. This supported by son-of-the-president Muhoozi Kainerubaga.

So now, its taken further. Ashburg isn’t only associated with “Yellow Influencers”. His gotten cows from the President. Spent time with the President on his farm and said his joined the NRM. That means the man whose supposed to be behind Bobi Wine. Has signed off to the President and his team. All it took was the play of some food deliveries to loyal social media influencers, writers and bloggers.

We knows his on the bus now. His a yellow and not a People Power Movement guy. His even praising Sevo and going for Mission 2021.

Again, the President has pulled a trick. Giving a very little and taking away someone from the opposition. Instead of having Ashburg Katto as a credible voice in the opposition. He will turn into the new Canary Mugume or Andrew Mwenda. Don’t expect any genius attempt of reasoning, only self serving enigma now. Where he will be the victim if he gets called out.

Since his supposed to be allowed to change party and change his views. However, that is allowed and people are changing parties with time. Nevertheless, this man knows how far the NRM and the state uses the authorities to quell opposition. So, to join forces with them after being an ally to the rising star Bobi Wine. He should know better, but instead he does this.

Just because he has Ghetto Initiative. Another ghetto maverick the President strings along to Bobi Wine. Like this man will destroy the support and the message of Bobi Wine. It won’t, but what it does. It shows how little the President has to give to make people switch sides.

Not like the President offered him a lot. No, he didn’t give him a title or a official salary. Just some cows and listening to his Ghetto Initiative. His not a Presidential Advisor, nor appointed to be part of the NRM SOMA or anything. No, just small tokens of silver. Even Judas Iscariot got better paid for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

So, we now know. It was already shady that he was part of the joint venture this month with Balaam and Abigaba giving food to “Yellow Influencers”. Now its official. Peace.

Opinion: NRM “Youths” apparently cannot stage a proper demo!

Clearly, there are some mismatching information, as there various reports already. Most of them is about how the authorities sudden cracked down on them, as they were illegally marching in a procession towards the British High Commission in Kampala. This being the supposed National Resistance Movement (NRM) Youths. What making me fuzz more?

Are this affiliated group parts of the NRM Youth League or even NRM Poor Youth. It is something else. It is the newly made NRM Social Media Activists (SOMA), who started their Facebook Group at September 3, 2017. While some claimed it was them, their own Twitter handle has said the people being arrested deserved to be it. As today’s action was deserved. Which is rare too.

NRM Soma:

“That’s not how they petition @Parliament_Ug !

They adorn themselves in our T shirts but they’re not part of us! Their demonstration is not know within the circles of NRMSOMA. Let them be arrested by police” (NRMSOMA_Official, 14.01.2019).

NRM Group Paid:

“The NRM group of people are being paid by the member of state house to demonstrate the UK parliament ruling on the democracy in Uganda. This group of people meets up in the morning at the state house official’s house where they get paid and served with breakfast before they set off to the planned destination. We are being told that each participant gets 100000/= for the day and so far they have been in two places the first being UK embassy and today they went to the parliament” (Nile Post, 14.01.2019).

NRM Youths Arrested:

“Police have intercepted NRM youth as they marched towards parliament, they’re now detained at Central Police station. Kampala metropolitan area deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire has warned protestors to seek police clearance first. About 50 youth affiliated to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have been arrested and detained at Kampala Central Police Station for allegedly participating in an unlawful procession” (91.2 Crooze FM, 14.01.2019).

Whatever happen today in Kampala, is that a group associated with the NRM wasn’t lawful. They were illegally demonstrating and arrested several of them. Which group it is associated with are still unclear. Because earlier this month, the NRM SOMA demonstrated for the same cause, the Anti-UK involvement in Uganda. This because the UK Parliament has gotten a wind of the actions against Bobi Wine and other MPs post Arua By-Election last year.

So, what happen today, is yet another ripple effect of the Arua Stone, of the Abiriga assassination, it is all connected. As it just continues to unfold. It is like the President and the whole NRM doesn’t see it. But everyone should know. That they are just playing the worlds for fools.

It is weird if any affiliate of NRM, didn’t know how to notify and how to ensure the legality of any demonstration or rally. As the NRM are usually on time and on point, if not they are forging the document to make it look legal. That is what we know, we who follow it.

Today is a anomaly, it bends the ordinary fashion, the M.O if you may. That is why all the reporting it doesn’t make sense either. But with time, usually the facts come to the surface and the realities behind it all. But the pictures of the demonstrators doesn’t look to youthful. So, something is up, but what? I don’t know.

However, if any GROUP or any POLITICAL PARTY in UGANDA should know PUBLIC ORDER MANAGEMENT ACT, it should the NR Fucking M! I’m just saying. Peace.