Kawempe North By-Election: The NUP have picked the former DP counsel as their flagbearer

Erias Nalukoola Luyimbazi the prominent lawyer and counsel are now the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate as the Member of Parliament in the Kawempe North By-Election. It is only last October 2024 that he resigned as the counsel for the Democratic Party (DP) after his disagreement with the DP-NRM agreement. However, that was after a long time, and he waited long to do so.

It is within reason why Nalukoola would pick the NUP. He knows this is the best way to Parliament in the Opposition. The NUP are the current one who was elected to the seat and is most likely the party to get re-elected into. That’s why for him to take this seat is vital. It is the way in and ensuring himself longevity. He can now continue Mr. Update’s work and created his own legacy by doing so.

Alas, herein where the problem is. He is a political elite. This man has been in the upper echelon and is a voice of reason. Yes, he has fought as a counsel for big cases and for prominent leaders. That’s been part of his work and what he stood for. However, that doesn’t make him a man of the people. Only that he has picked to represent as a set of people and they have given him work.

The former DP counsel just mere months after leaving that party of long affiliation. That man decided to stand in the earliest By-Election. He got ahead and even used his nomination of the role as a way of giving rice to supporters, as he presented his paperwork to the NUP Party officials. That’s what he decided to do, and it is telling.

This man is transactional and will leverage his position. He was just a minute ago the DP counsel. We can wonder what the Election Management Committee (EMC) is seeing or reasoning for their decision.

I’m just baffled, especially after the heroics of Mpuuga. The NUP saw what happened and there been other journeymen just using the ticket to get ahead. These people are just seeing a meal-ticket and not there for possible change. No, they are using the party and getting into office. Not caring about the message or the mandate of the party. When you have the likes of Mpuuga leaving the DP to become NUP. Maybe, the NUP should be careful doing the same thing again.

That’s why I am wondering what the long-term plan with this is and what is their endgame. It seems to be a quick fix. He will never fill the void of Muhammad Ssegirinya MP. No one can fill that or become a figure like him. Mr. Update used his whole life and years to become the man he was. Meanwhile, the counsel will takeover from the late MP.

Well, it won’t be that easy. Most likely he will get elected and get a few months in the 11th Parliament before the General Election of 2026. Nevertheless, this seems like a misfortunate choice. The party did this in haste and took a big-name lawyer. Instead of picking a person that could be representative and be a voice of the people.

That’s why the NUP could have used longer time and let this one go for now. However, for the party its more important to retain a seat, than re-assure the population that the party will have their best interests at heart. It seems more into getting another MP, than getting an MP who can be as wholesome as Mr. Update. Alas, that is a forgotten chapter and it’s tragic.

Seeing this now… is just at a loss. The NUP could have made a better plan for this. They have shown some character. Nevertheless, this short-term patch work won’t build a resilient party, but instead find more journeymen to become their flagbearers. Peace.

Opinion: The First Son was allowed to make a statement in the CBD

“Supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) are marching to Parliament in protest against what they view as disrespect towards their chairman, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).  The protest has drawn a large crowd and is being closely monitored by police, leading to the closure of several roads to allow for movement of the demonstrators” (NTV Uganda, 10.02.2025).

“The group of PLU protesters marching to Parliament, who had reached the Lugogo By-pass, have been redirected to Kati Kati, where they were served refreshments and cordoned off. Reports indicate they have been barred from continuing their march to Parliament” (NBS Television, 10.02.2025).

Today we again saw the difference between the opposition and the regime itself. The first son, the senior presidential advisor and CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba own outfit, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) was allowed to go on the streets and demonstrate for himself. It is really ironic and shows the massive difference between him and others.

That the General and his own supporters can run to the streets is telling. The man who let his people run to the streets in his name. Meanwhile, the opposition wouldn’t have started or been on the streets at all. The leaders would have been rounded up or house-arrested ahead of the protest. Therefore, we know the General is allowed to do whatever he likes.

This isn’t shocking and they can act like their rights was taken away from them. As the PLU was guided to Kati Kati instead of Parliament. That is just a minor difference, but the opposition would be in trouble, targeted and felt the punitive action from the get-go. The opposition would be detained and be charged for destroying business on an ordinary day. Alas, that isn’t the case with the PLU.

They are now boosting the ego of the General. A General and a brute who already thinks to high and mighty about himself. This won’t make things better, as he would think his even more significant. As the bootlickers surrounding him went to the streets and gathered with whoever believes in him. This is just showing the dire need for change and how the regime tries to façade itself for a transition to the son.

The son won’t bring anything better. He made a demonstration because the MPs wants him to be held accountable. He got his political entity to the streets because he doesn’t want to be transparent. If that is your guy or leader. Then I hate to disappoint you, but his a selfish man who only see himself and not the ones his serving. That’s why others have to go to the streets, but he is nowhere to be found. He isn’t leading from the front, but from a back-office or hallow chamber somewhere else.

It just shows that the PLU is the regime, and the regime is the PLU. A real demonstration or protest would have met fire. The PLU would have been ceased-off and their leaders would be behind bars. That’s why we know this isn’t legit. Peace.

Opinion: Muhoozi cannot spot the difference…

“Last week, we were shocked to receive a judgment from the Supreme Court that, in effect, halts all trials conducted by military courts. The UPDF, without doubt, remains the foundation upon which democracy and socio-economic transformation can be realized in our country. The historical mission of the UPDF, which predates the laws being debated today, could not have been achieved without a highly disciplined force. This development (Supreme Court judgment) is very unfortunate and quite unacceptable” – Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba (06.02.2025).

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the brightest of them all?

Well, it surely isn’t the brute or the General. No, he needs some enlightenment and civic understanding. Because his delusion is too strong. He isn’t capable of grasping reality and what is concerning. What is striking is knowing that this man aspires to the highest office, but he doesn’t have the mental capacity to understand the difference between a civilian court and a military one. That’s what I am getting here, and someone needs to throw the book at him.

Gen. Muhoozi isn’t known for being the brightest or the wisest of them all. No, though his supporters and “yes-men” will tell that he has the foresight and the visionary embodiment of all the dead poets, revolutionaries and whoever are revered from the past. That who this man supposed to be, but we know the gist.

It is just proven again when he speak of the Supreme Court judgement, which directly spells out the placement of the General Court Martial (GCM) and the other civilian courts. It specifically says and states things as mere fact. Meanwhile, this brute wants to condemn it and say it’s an unfortunate affair. It’s unfortunate that he throws around death treats like drunk people throws empty bottles. Alas, this is a systemic issue and has to be addressed accordingly.

The victims, the civilians taken to the GCM should either be released or be properly moved as quickly as possible to civilian courts. That’s if the cases have merit or even have any sort leg to stand on. We know that is questionable at best, because the state arrests someone and finds evidence or witnesses later. Especially in regard to its dissidents and opposition leaders. That’s why we know the state needs the GCM to prolong the agony and torment the ones who dares to challenge it.

Gen. Muhoozi doesn’t grasp that or have any idea of that, because it doesn’t concern him. He don’t pay them no mind and they are only pawns to him. The civilians who are captured and having pending cases in the GCM are there for a reason. The reason is to spread fear and intimidate people. It is to show the strength of the army and what it is capable of doing. That’s why people are taken there and not for the betterment of the Republic. No, this is a show and a play of guards. That’s it… and you cannot make up enough mumbo jumbo to make it legit.

General Muhoozi needs some civic lessons and understanding of the different branches of government. Because at the moment he thinks his guns and his title is bigger than anyone else. That he isn’t accountable to anyone and the military is above the law. This is how I interpret it and it’s not a good look. Regardless, we couldn’t expect anything else from him.

That’s just who he is and what has become of him. The General who strikes with no mercy but expect blind praise for standing up straight and breathing. Peace.

Opinion: Opendi MP proposes a 10 million fine or a possible jail time on couples who are cohabitating…

89. Holding out as though married ( I ) A person who holds out as a husband or wife under this Act, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred currency points or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both” (2) Holding out under this part means living together as husband and wife, acquiring or owing property jointly, bearing children together, and taking on the man’s surname by the woman” (The Marriage Bill, 16.08.2024).

“A proposal in the Marriage Bill 2024 has sparked outrage among female activists in Uganda. The bill, authored by Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi, suggests imposing a Shs10 million fine or a three-year jail term on individuals found cohabiting. Rose Wakikona, Deputy Executive Director of the Women’s Probono Initiative, strongly opposes this provision, emphasizing that cohabiting is a social issue, not a legal one, and that punitive measures won’t resolve it” (91.2 Crooze FM, 06.02.2025).

It is now becoming evident that Sara Achieng Opendi MP of Tororo district wants penalize couples who decides to live together before marriage. The MP have created a stipulated article under a new law to not only fine the individuals who does this, but also possibly send them to prison.

That is really telling a tale of its own. The morality and the judgement of the state to interfere in this manner. That the government should have a say and decide who people lives with and how they are organizing their lives. Because that is the endgame here.

They either have to be by law, or they have to face the law. There is no trial or no testing. There is one set of rules, and the citizens has to comply. The “living in sin” would be codified and be law. Meaning the ones that dared to do it and act within the range of this could possibly face legal jeopardy. However, will the government start to register who is a couple and who is not? Will the government have a registry of everyone cohabiting and having deadlines on when they have made it official?

Because this is a bureaucratic hurdle. This is directly interfering in people’s love life and how they decide to live. It is the bureaucratic reform that enlarge the government and its possible forms. There is a need of registration and a follow-up of it. Since the state has to verify and justify the punitive actions on the couples that does this. Meaning they need to have it in their books that they did live together as a couple and was “holding out as though married” for a set amount of time. That is a story in itself and someone has to follow up on that on a regular basis. Before the bureaucrats are building a case and penalizing someone with either a fine or a charges broad enough to give the person jail time.

Alas, that is the big problem here. Where should the state start doing this? Where should the citizens comply to this and what is their motivation to do so?

This isn’t solving a problem, but criminalizing it. Instead of looking into the social factors and the reasons for why people decides to cohabiting instead marriage. That should be the question. The state and the authorities should wonder why they decide to lie the way they do and not legalize their union. That should be the question of the state and if that is the given that the state wants. Maybe it should try to figure out ways to make it more feasible, make it more easy or give it perks, which gives the reason for a union in the first place. Not only make a legally binding between two individuals, but also gives it perks that is advancing. So, that the ones that are cohabiting wants to move from just that to become married too. That’s what the government should do. It shouldn’t come with a strike of vengeance and with fear. No, it should come with solutions and possibilities so the citizens can assess their status and what is the best for them. Peace.

Kawempe North By-Election: The FDC Flagbearer is practically ‘Yellow’

“In the first remix that leaked online, Aganaga was heard calling Bobi Wine ‘fala’ with words ‘tolonda oyo fala’ however Aganaga denied owning the song. However the singer has now openly come out and acknowledged the song as his adding that a remix version with President Museveni is getting released and the video is coming soon. “As you know that am good at making old people sing hits in this industry , as a producer, best song writer, a sound engineer & a business man, I have landed on a collabo with the Current President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri K Museveni” Aganaga said as he describes his next move as Music for Business” (Nasa Tushabe – ‘Kalifah Aganaga In a New Song Collabo with Sevo, Kiboko Fire Remix’ 25.09.2020, Blizz Uganda).

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has now launched the candidacy of Afro-dancehall artist Sadat Mukiibi aka Kalifah Aganaga as the flagbearer in the Kawempe North By-Election. It is just shocking and showing how far the FDC has fallen.

“We have today successfully concluded the internal process of identifying candidates who will hold our flag in the upcoming Kawempe North By-election. The Party Electoral Commission has officially presented the following candidates:

  1. Mr. Sebunya Sharif – Councilor, Kazo Angola
  2. Mr. Mukiibi Sadat – Member of Parliament, Kawempe North” (Forum for Democratic Change, 05.02.2025).

The pick of candidate, a person who sold out and dipped out from the National Unity Platform (NUP) ahead of the General Election of 2021. That’s when he started to campaign for Museveni and became a National Resistance Movement (NRM) member. This is who he is and what he become.

That Patrick Oboi Amuriat are launching the campaign of Khalifah Aganaga is telling. FDC as we knew is falling. The reputation and how it looks is just maligning itself. POA deciding on the artist just shows what he wants to do. They are trying the populist approach with someone who is hunting for a home. The musician is already a journeyman and someone who has no trouble working with the NRM. So, we don’t know if he has revoked or distanced himself from NRM. A party he campaigned for before the 2021 election. Alas, that shows his character and what he was willing to do.

A man who is proud of having a “bad character” and running a corporation in that name. That’s who POA believes in and anoints. This is just so compelling…

The FDC fielding someone like this. That is just a story in itself. They are trying to prove a point, but it is futile. Just a mockery of People Power and the NUP. They are serving the NRM by doing this, as he was just in their midst and working for them a hot minute ago. That’s what Najjanankumbi tries to achieve here.

It is just tragic and a sad sight to see. This is what the party has become, and everyone should watch what Katonga Road does. Because that is where the trials and tribulations against the struggle continues. It has left the offices of Najjanankumbi, apparently. Peace.

Besigye behind bars for 76 days [on the 3rd of February 2025] without proper trial as a civilian…

“There is a heavy presence of the military and police at the Makindye-based General Court Martial, where four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye is expected to appear, as indicated during the last sitting of the court. However, sources confirm that the Court Martial will not sit today following the Supreme Court’s ruling last Friday, which ordered that all cases involving civilians before the Court Martial should cease immediately and be transferred to civil courts with competent jurisdiction” (Daily Monitor, 03.02.2025).

Well, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The General Court Martial of Makindye Barracks is upon us. The case pending for Dr. Kizza and his associates are still on schedule. Meanwhile, the verdict on the 31st of January 2025 have certainly had no barring or powers to stop the continuation of the GCM.

The ones that is shocked or in awe. They haven’t seen how the state acts and doesn’t comply with orders. The President’s words are law, and his orders are the ones that matters. The Executive or Commander-in-Chief can decide, and he has the final word.

We all should know that the Supreme Court could do the citizens and civilians a favour, but that is worthless when the High Above has another idea. That idea is to use the GCM and target his dissidents there. As he can order and have a direct involvement in their decisions. The manner of keeping people detained and defer the case. Therefore, keeping the suspect behind bars, but without a proper trial or even prove any evidence on the charges pinned on the civilian. That’s what the President wants, and he is supportive of this practice.

President Museveni needs the GCM, and it is a vital tool or mechanism of his oppressive regime. It gives a lifeline and ability to try civilians without any sort of proper function. Meanwhile, skim the top of the activists, leaders and whatnot, which him and his allies deems unfit to be in public. These citizens can be pawns and be the poster-boys of the opposition. That’s why they are there, and he keeps them there.

Dr. Kizza Besigye isn’t new to all of this. He has been touched by the authorities or faced the law more than anyone else in the Republic. Besigye should be released, because a civilian tried in the GCM. However, we know the words of Museveni is law. So, with the knowledge of that. We can just expect that Besigye, and his associates will linger in jail.

Today in this case alone, Besigye have been behind bars for 76 days. That is what has happened to him. Neither is there any real hope of release nor be on bail. No, the state is making an example of Besigye. Even if Besigye if the person who has all knowledge of how the state operates and how they use the law against the innocent. He knew this long before they kidnapped him in Nairobi, Kenya.

The GCM is a tribunal made for disciplining soldiers or commanders in the army. Nevertheless, Museveni wants it to be used as a tool of oppression. That’s why his defending the usage of the GCM and will not stop the practice.

I wouldn’t be shocked if this case continues and is pending. There is nothing… that is shocking about it. If he is released… we should expect him to be re-arrested and if lucky… his again house-arrested or something similar. Because Besigye will be followed, monitored and be in legal jeopardy. That is just the nature of thing. I wish it could be different, but that is mere reality of everything. Peace.

A look into Mzee’s Statement on the General Court Martial Judgement of Yesterday

However, on getting back to Kampala, I was sorry to hear of the wrong decision by the Supreme Court in the matter of the fire-arms armed civilians being tried by the Military Court Martial. This is a method which we the freedom fighters support because it reinforces the Civilian Judicial System to defend the lives of our People against Criminals armed with guns. If you are not a soldier, why do you arm yourself with guns and, moreover, for criminal purposes and illegally, that are a monopoly of the Armed Forces? If you voluntarily acquire these guns, why should you complain when you are tried in a forum that deals with those matters when soldiers are involved?” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (01.02.2025).

The old man with the hat had to way in and in his military spirit. The Head of State has profited of the usage of the General Military Courts (GMC). The GMC is serving the interests of the President and his inner-circle.

The ones believing or hoping the Supreme Court judgement would change things. I hate to be bearer of bad news. The Executive and the Commander-in-Chief has no mercy. The President has plans to sufficiently make it legal and ensure the usage of the GMC this way. Therefore, the ones believing the civilians will be freed or released. They are wrong. Expect the NRM MPs start singing and come with Private Motions to sing the psalms of the President. That will happen after a NRM Caucus and a NRM CEC meeting guiding them all. Why do I say that…

Well… the old man said it himself, but in other words: “Anyway, the country is not governed by the Judges. It is governed by the People –all of us Ugandans, that are old enough to vote. In the matter of the Constitution and other legislations, we govern ourselves by having Referenda or Constitutional amendments or amendments of the laws by Parliament” (Museveni, 01.02.2025).

We are just seeing how he moves and what he will do. The President has the final say and whatever he thinks goes. This is the way he operates and everyone is at his whim. That’s why his words is the law. The Constitution can be pigeon-holed and become a wrecked document. Just so it serve any interest or ideal that the President has. Not for the betterment of the Republic, but to serve his needs and whatever he deems fit.

He really thinks his own army courts can deal with everything: “Back to some of our Judges, the rape, corruption, etc., cases are tried in Military Courts to protect the institution of the Army. The guns armed illegal operators should be tried, initially, in Military Courts to protect the Society” (Museveni, 01.02.2025).

It just shows his mindset and pattern of behaviour. The ones who is in shock or awe. They haven’t followed the militarism and the junta government acts of Museveni. This is just who he is and what he has become. The army is the nation and the nation is at the mercy of the army. The President don’t need the people or the civilians, but he does need the army. That’s why he entrust the army to deal with any civilian manner anyway. Therefore, he just wants the absolute power and control any decision made.

President Museveni is just showing his true face here. There is no middle-ground on this. He just says what everyone knows and proves where his mentality is at. The man who lives by the gun. Will die by the gun. A man who took power by the gun. Will leave power by the gun too. That’s who he is and he intends to use it. Nevertheless, the ones defending this impunity and infamy is foolish. They could get caught in the same web the moment they fall out of favour or is useless to the General on top. Peace.

Opinion: Hon. Kabaziguruka deserves his flowers

The former Member of Parliament, Michael Kabaziguruka deserves credit and accolades for what went down at the Supreme Court today. That he stood tall and persevered through the adversity. A man who has faced legal jeopardy and trouble.

The newly elected MP was facing charges of Treason and was supposed to behind a scheme to assassinate the Head of State, General and President Yoweri Kaguta Musevei. That’s why the authorities and the state tried this case at the General Court Martial of Makindye Barracks. Just like others has been since then.

Hon. Kabaziguruka pushed for it and has waited for. A man who could have given up and given way. No one would have judged him after all these years. Yes, his vindicated today, but the hurt must be alive for the man. As he knows the acts of the state at first hand and tasted the brutality of it. Not like he was walking off easily or even without a touch from it.

He got there because he won over a favoured candidate. The man became an MP and conquered one of the anointed men, Fred Ruhindi. That’s why he faced doom and was in dungeons of the SIU Kireka at one point. As the state schemed on how to prolong the pain and suffering. Making up charges and fabricating allegations to make sure he wouldn’t be released. That’s why he ended up it the General Court Martial. Just so the civilian courts couldn’t touch him or have him under their jurisdiction. That way they could keep him detained and make him a poster-child of the unfortunate who was more popular than the state’s own candidate.

Today’s verdict is a vital one and an important one. Nevertheless, this is just one stepping stone. Hon. Kabaziguruka took us here. Now others has to lead on to take it further. He has taken this journey and allowed for this door to open. Now others have to follow suit and challenge the other discrepancies and misuse of power, which is rampant within the authorities and the law enforcement of the Republic.

That’s why we should cheer for the outcome, because of the significance of it. However, I am not hopeful for the civilians tried in the General Military Courts. No, these are still in legal limbo and will face a continued pursuit of justice and freedom in civilian courts. These people won’t be freed on a whim and the state will make cases for continuing the persecution elsewhere. So, don’t think the political prisoners will be freed because of this verdict. No, if it is adhered too… the state only have to move dockets and chambers, but the game plan will be the same. The game is rigged and Hon. Kabaziguruka knows that well too.

This is why today is a good day, but not the end of the matter. It is just one step. One important step, but not the end. There is a lot more to give. Hon. Kabaziguruka did his part and now others got to step up to clear the courts, yet again. That to stop other practices that is unlawful and breaching with the codes or articles of the constitution. It is about time to end these actions and make them obsolete. However, that won’t happen over night and neither will the political prisoners be released without remedy or justification, which gives the state leverage to do so. These will not be free or at liberty tomorrow. No, they will linger in jeopardy and within the realm of the law. As long as they are in custody. They are endangered and the state can just find new allegations or criminal conspiracy to pin on the victims. That’s what it does… and we have seen that movie before. Peace.

Opinion: The General Court Martial is deemed unfit – but I won’t celebrate to early…

There is breadcrumbs and certainly if the authorities and the state was to abide by the Supreme Court, the civilians on remand and awaiting a proper trial at the General Court Martial. These are now celebrated and expected to get justice. The justice being released and getting their freedom again. However, I wouldn’t run that fast and be jolly.

The Supreme Court did the right thing, but it doesn’t let the buck stop. These cases will be moved civilian courts and the authorities will apprehend and re-arrest the ones that is pending judgment or sentence at the GCM. The ones believing in anything is naive.

The regime isn’t imposing these instruments of power and chambers for fun. They are using any aspect of the law and legalities to ensure the demise of its dissidents. That’s why I have little to no faith in the system. This system is rigged against the individuals caught in it. This is why they will not get justice or the freedom they are supposed to have. They have already lost their liberties and possibly the privileges that an ordinary citizen has. Because they have dared to question, act within the space of opposition politics and been public in their dissent. That’s why they are behind bars and awaiting trial and sentencing at the GCM.

We haven’t seen people being released or civilians being issued paperwork to get off from these cases. No, the state and the authorities will find technicalities and measures to continue the prosecution and persecution for the foreseeable future. They are now under the mercy of authorities and they aren’t forgiving. No, they will use all means and find all tricks of the book, which they will use to throw at these fellow peers.

The ones believing the National Unity Platform activists or supporters behind bars will be released. Nah, it won’t happen. The ones believing Dr. Kizza Besigye or fellow associates of him will be released. Nah, it won’t happen. These are there for a reason and to tell a story to the citizens of who is king. That’s why they are there in the first place and their master won’t release them just like that.

Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe is now famous for his operation at the General Court Martial of Makindye. He is now infamous and will forever be known for his actions within his chambers. The tribunal that acted like a prestigious court…

If I assess things in order. The civilians which are currently in custody. They might possibly get a release, but quickly will be picked up by drone or “Panda Gari” which later schedules them for another civilian court and will prolong the agony. They will either be there within the 48 hours or will be put into safe houses. Only the high profile cases will be put under jurisdiction of well known courts and be on public display. Meanwhile, they will be kept in prison and be under remand. As these “investigations” and such will prolong the agony of the ones who are state property.

That’s why I am not celebrating today’s verdict in the Supreme Court. There is no time for that. The state will use it and find ways of keeping these political prisoners, regardless of the verdict. That is bound what the Supreme Court even said today. It is just moved from entity to another. This is buying the state time and reasons to keep them detained. That’s why I am subtle and clear.

The ones that wants people freed from this torment. They have to target the tormentors and find ways of weakening it. Because right now they can install fear and use the rules of law as a weapon against the ones who dares to challenge its authority. That’s why they are in the slammer to begin with. Peace.

Uganda Law Society (ULS): Supreme Court Ruling on Civilian Trials in Military Courts: A Victory for Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law (31.01.2025)