Press Release: UWONET, ACFODE, FOWODE and CEWIGO Joint Press Statement on the recently passed obnoxious Amendments (05.10.2015)

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Ring fencing political posistions not healthy for Uganda’s Democracy and Gender equality: 

On October 2, 2015 the Electoral Commission announced the amendments passed by Parliament of Uganda to Presidential and Parliamentary Acts in preparation for the 2016 elections. Among the announcements was the increment in nomination fees for aspirants in the 2016 elections. Barely two months to the nomination of members of Parliament and Local Councilors MPs passed nomination fees which in the opinion of women of Uganda is intended to bar many upcoming women and youth from accessing political positions of leadership. According to the amendments, MPs are expected to pay nomination fees of 3,000,000/- up from 200,000/- in 2011.

It is a fact that most women and youth are challenged by limited resources and face an uphill task to raise money to contest in an election. The majority of civil servants are teachers some of whom are preparing to contest in the forthcoming elections. On average, a secondary school teacher in Uganda takes home about 450,000/= per month while their counterparts in primary school earn about 250,000/=. The newly passed nomination fee for MPs and local councilors is simply out of reach for the majority of Ugandans who would want to serve the country. It is common knowledge that aspirants must prepare for their election and fundraise.

However, this can be done more easily if candidates are not caught un- aware about critical items they must raise money for like nomination fees especially within an unrealistic time frame. In addition, political parties which at times assist candidates with nomination fees do not have resources since majority hardly receive any funds from their members.

The President of Uganda H.E. Y.K Museveni has on a number of occasions professed the importance of quality men and women in leadership. In 1995, affirmative action was passed by Parliament to give women, youth and people with disabilities an opportunity to participate in leadership by redressing imbalances created by history and tradition. This law therefore goes against these principles and is a back track on the importance of providing equal opportunities for men and women in leadership bearing in mind the limited economic opportunities in Uganda.
We are therefore calling on all political parties to reject this amendment in its totality.

We call for a revision of the amendments in order to enhance participation of citizens especially women and youth in the forth-coming elections.

UNITED WOMEN CAN!

KJE (Kampala-Jinja expressway): As expensive as it could be or more

JinjaRoad Roundabout Kampala

Kampala-Jinja Expressway KJE) the PPP road project that cost the double in 2 Years time:

Today UNRA put out a tender for the KJE or Kampala – Jinja Expressway. That will be a Public-Private Partnership, which means that the government project will be financially funding through the investors that will get back on their investment through the tolling of the commuters and traffic on the road after building the project/road. UNRA has the official follow-up of the KJE and will oversee that the company or companies that they keeps up with the set standards. Though it worrying to see how the numbers has gone up for the project from $ 0,5USD Billion in 2013 to Ministry of Transport set the contract for $ 1USD Billion on the same project. Here is the main quotes from different sources and I myself wonder if this in the re-up for a similar “Project 1034: Mukono-Katosi Road Scandal” with Corruption and also bad practices with financial issues since they did not follow “due diligence” on the contracts on that. But let’s hope, here is what that is out there now.

IMF reports in 2013 saying that the cost of the project would be $ 0,5USD Billions, that funding aren’t made with government money, but through PPP funding. This is all a part of the main issues which is this: “An additional investment of $200 million on the needed connectivity (e.g. roads, bridges) for the start of oil production in 2018 is also anticipated” (…)”Roads. The program mainly includes construction of roads linking Kampala with Jinja and with Mpigi, expected to start in FY2013/14 and be completed in five years at a cost of about $500 million each”  (IMF, 2013).

“According to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) spokesperson Dan Alinange, the government has hired the World Bank’s International Finance (IFC) as advisor to help in the tender process” (…)”The six-lane, 77km Kampala-Jinja road will be the first PPP road project in Uganda and the second toll road in the country after the $470m Kampala-Entebbe road that is currently under construction” (…)”Alinange added: “We want to reduce congestion on this corridor for Uganda. We are aware there is enormous appetite for this sort of project and that’s what gave us confidence to structure Jinja-Kampala as a PPP” (RTT, 2014).

“The project involves the development of a six-lane 77-km road project. The project aims to improve road infrastructure in Uganda, improve road safety and facilitate trade and tourism. The project will be developed on a design, build, finance and operation (DBFO) basis. The total project investment is estimated at around US$1 billion” (Martin, 2014).

“One of the roads is the Kampala-Jinja expressway estimated at about $800m (about sh2.13 trillion). The new road will help decongest the old Kampala-Jinja road that forms part of the Trans-African highway” (…)”Construction of the 80km state-of-the-art road is expected to commence in 2015. About sh200b has been earmarked for compensation of the affected people” (…)Eng. David Luyimbazi said: “The investor will recover the money through charging a toll fee from road users over a 20- 25-year concessional period.” (Ogwang).

Background from the WB:

“In 2011, PPIAF provided follow-up support to identify and prioritize potential PPP projects. Ten priority projects were identified, including the Kampala-Jinja road, which is now under implementation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) appointed as the transaction advisor” (…)”In May 2014, IFC’s Advisory Services in PPPs signed an advisory agreement with the GOU, through the UNRA, to develop a 77 km greenfield expressway between Kampala and Jinja” (World Bank, 2015).

More from PPIAF:

“One of the priority projects – Kampala-Jinja – road is now under implementation with IFC appointed as the transaction advisor. PPIAF recently approved a grant in partnership with Trademark EA (TMEA) and IFC to support two main tasks: the development of a tolling policy and an investment appraisal guidance tool, and strengthening the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA’s) capacity to implement PPP projects” (…)“In May 2014, IFC’s Advisory Services in PPPs signed an advisory agreement with the GOU, through the UNRA, to develop a 77 km greenfi eld expressway between Kampala and Jinja with a possible extension to include the 17 km Kampala Southern Bypass. Together with the existing Kampala Northern Bypass the expressway would form a ring road around Kampala City. The project, with an estimated capital cost of $1 billion, will seek a concessionaire to design, build, fi nance, and operate the road as a tolled facility” (PPIAF, 2014).

KJE:

“The project involves the construction of a green field dual carriageway expressway between Kampala and Jinja. The road extends from the boundary of the jurisdiction of the Kampala Capital City Authority (approximately 3 km from the city centre) to Jinja town tying in with the proposed New Nile Bridge. Consequently the nominal length of the project road is about 77km. The existing road, which will remain as a free alternative is a class 1 asphalt paved road in a fairly good condition” (UNRA, 2014).

“The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) is the implementing agency for the planned KAMPALA JINJA TOLL EXPRESSWAY. It will link the capital with the important industrial area of Jinja. Past plans have been for four to six lanes for the 77-kilometre road. Cost estimates have also varied from USD 700 million to USD 1 billion. There are reports that the ministry of transport will be floating a USD 1 billion Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) tender and that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will be the lead financial adviser. Construction could commence in 2015 with commissioning in 2020. COMESA has declared it to be a priority Project that is an important component of the Mombasa-Kampala – Kigali northern corridor” (APA, 2014).

Progress on Capacity improvement projects around Kampala:

Kampala – Jinja Express Highway (Funded under PPP), 77km, Detailed Engineering design completed Construction will be financed under PPP. Transactions Advisor (International Finance Cooperation) is assisting in structuring the project into a bankable PPP Project. Tendering for financing and implementation is expected in May 2015″ (UNRA, 2015).

Here is the tender dropped from UNRA today:

UNRA - KJE P1UNRA - KJE P2

Also this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke6DzPQnitY

Reference:

Africa Project Access (APA) – ‘Africa Project Newsletter: Issue 234’ (Nov. 2014) link: https://www.wko.at/Content.Node/service/aussenwirtschaft/NEWSLETTER-234-November-2014.pdf

Martin, Miguel – ‘MegaProject 334: Uganda to tender Kampala – Jinja Expressway next year’ (17.10.2014) link: http://infrapppworld.com/2014/10/megaproject-334-uganda-to-tender-kampala-jinja-expressway-next-year.html

IMF – ‘IMF Country Report No. 13/375: UGANDA FIRST REVIEW UNDER THE POLICY SUPPORT INSTRUMENT’ (Des. 2013) link: https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2013/cr13375.pdf

RoadTrafficTechnology – ‘Uganda plans to float $1bn PPP tender for Kampala-Jinja road in 2015’ (17.10.2014) link: http://www.roadtraffic-technology.com/news/newsuganda-plans-to-float-1bn-ppp-tender-for-kampala-jinja-road-in-2015-4409054

Ogwang, Joel – ‘Govt joins World Bank to build $1.5b road projects’ link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/mobile/Detail.aspx?NewsID=641587&CatID=3

PPIAF – ‘PPIAF Supports Uganda’s Roads PPP Program’ (July 2014) link: http://www.ppiaf.org/sites/ppiaf.org/files/publication/Impact-Story-Uganda-Roads.pdf

UNRA – ‘Investor Teaser June 2014: Design, Build, Finance & Operate: Kampala Jinja Expressway (77km) & Kampala Southern Bypass (17km)’ (June, 2014) link: http://www.inspiratia.com/Content/Files/View.ashx?FileID=cb5ec032-d0e6-4218-a24e-c248fd2c6d19

UNRA – ‘ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE KEY TO DEVELOPMENT’ (2015) link: http://www.eagle.co.ug/ads/UNRA2015.pdf

World Bank – ‘Partnering to Support Uganda’s Roads PPP Program’ (25.09.2015) link: http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2014/09/25/partnering-to-support-ugandas-roads-ppp-program

More arrests of opposition members in Uganda today

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Today there been reported through several sources that certain members of the FDC party has been arrested and taken to the Police. Some of these persons are Mubarak Munyagwa the Mayor of Kawempe, Nasurdin Basalirwa the FDC Youth Chairman for Kampala and Hamidah Nalongo Nassimbwa the VC of FDC Woman’s League in Central Region.

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They got jailed after being active activist going to the Parliament to ask the Parliament to implement Electoral Reforms. That seems like a sin in the country when you go against the man with a vision and the only revolutionary in the country. Then you’re allowed to be imprisoned for their opinions and wish to make change. Also to demonstrate against NRM regime and the laws set for the General Election in 2016. Peace.

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Statement By H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni President of Uganda as the Co-Chair of the Summit for the Adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda at the U.N. (25.09.2015)

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At UN Summit for the Adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda

New York 25 September, 2015

Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government,
Your Excellency Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Denmark and co-chair of the Summit,
Mr. Secretary-General,
President of the General Assembly,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to co-chair this important Summit as we gather as a community of nations to adopt a new development agenda that will guide our development efforts for the next 15 years.

This historic Summit is the culmination of months of tireless efforts and unprecedented commitment by Member States and stakeholders to formulate a universal, inclusive and transformative development agenda.

I would like to pay tribute to H.E. Sam Kutesa for his leadership and accomplishments as President of the 69th Session of the General Assembly and thank all of you for supporting Uganda in that responsibility.
I also congratulate and convey appreciation to the President of the 70th Session, H.E. Mogens Lykketoft and the Secretary-General, H.E. Ban Ki-moon for their leadership.
Today heralds the dawn of a new era in our collective efforts towards eradicating poverty, improving livelihoods of people everywhere, transforming economies and protecting our planet.

Together, we are sending a powerful message to people in every village, every city and every nation worldwide ─ that we are committed to taking bold steps to change their lives, for the better.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which we will adopt today, is ambitious in its scope and breadth. In the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development are addressed in an integrated way. The agenda also carries forward the unfinished business of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Over the last fifteen years, we have attained significant achievements through implementing the MDGs. Globally, more than one billion people have been lifted from extreme poverty and improvements have been made in access to education, health, water and sanitation, advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

In Uganda, we have been able to reduce the percentage of people living in extreme poverty from 56% in 2000 to 19% currently. We have also attained universal primary education, promoted gender equality and empowerment of women and continue to reduce child and maternal mortality. From our experience, it has been clear that to sustainably achieve the MDGs we must have socio-economic transformation.

It is, therefore, refreshing that in the successor framework, the SDGs, key drivers of economic growth, have been duly prioritized. These include infrastructure development especially energy, transport and ICT; industrialization and value-addition; human resource development; improving market access and greater participation of the private sector.

While the SDGs will be universally applicable, we also recognize national circumstances, different levels of development and the needs of countries in special situations, particularly the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and African countries.

Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its severe impacts is also prioritised in the new agenda. We should redouble efforts towards reaching an ambitious legally-binding agreement on climate change in Paris in December that promotes the achievement of sustainable development, while protecting the planet.

The new agenda also rightly underscores the important linkages between development, peace and security and human rights. We have to intensify efforts to combat transnational crime, terrorism and the rise of radicalization and violent extremism around the world.

We should reject pseudo ─ ideologies that manipulate identity (by promoting sectarianism of religion and communities) and eclipse the legitimate interests of peoples through investment and trade. Where identity issues are legitimate, they should be expeditiously handled.

Museveni UN 25092015 P2

Excellencies,

We should all be proud of what has been accomplished so far as we usher in this new development agenda. However, the critical next step will be to ensure its successful implementation on the ground.

In this context, integrating the SDGs into our respective national and regional development plans, mobilizing adequate financial resources, technology development and transfer as well as capacity building will be critical.

We have to ensure full implementation of the comprehensive framework for financing sustainable development, which we adopted in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda to support achievement of the goals and targets of Agenda 2030.
One of the major challenges many developing countries continue to face is accessing affordable long-term financing for critical infrastructure projects.

In this regard, it will be vital to promptly establish and operationalize the proposed new forum to bridge the infrastructure gap and complement existing initiatives and multilateral mechanisms to facilitate access to long-term financing at concessional and affordable rates.

The efforts of developing countries to improve domestic resource mobilization, boost economic growth and address major challenges such as unemployment should be supported by development partners as well as international financial institutions and regional development banks. We also need to do more to promote Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), support entrepreneurship especially for women and youth and enhance the contribution of the private sector and other stakeholders to sustainable development. Through prioritization, the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) themselves can also contribute to their own infrastructure development.

In order to build effective, inclusive and accountable institutions at all levels, we have to ensure that the voices of developing countries and regions are heard and that they are treated as equal partners in multilateral decision-making. At the international level, we need urgent reform of the United Nations ─ particularly the Security Council ─ and other multilateral institutions to reflect the current geo-political realities.

We need a renewed global partnership for development in which all the commitments made, including on Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), trade and investment are fulfilled.

While the Agenda represents the collective aspirations of all peoples, its success will hinge on its ability to reduce inequalities and improve the lives of the most vulnerable among us, including women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

After months of intense negotiations and steadfast commitment, we have before us an Agenda that represents our best opportunity to transform our world.

We have heard the voices of people spanning the globe; from eager children asking for access to a quality education to young women seeking better maternal health; from rural villagers whose farmlands have been ravaged by droughts to the coastal fishermen on Small Island States who fear their entire existence will soon be swallowed up by rising sea levels.

We continue to witness the influx of refugees and migrants into Europe from Africa and the Middle East, which is partly caused by conflict and lack of economic opportunities.

These voices may speak many language and dialects, but in the end their message is the same ─ please help us to live happier, more prosperous lives, while also protecting the planet for our children and grandchildren.

After adoption of this Agenda, it is incumbent upon us all to take the development aspirations laid out in this document and turn them into reality on the ground; for our people, our communities and our nations. This agenda will create global prosperity different from the past arrangements of prosperity for some through parasitism and misery and under-development for others.

I thank you for your attention.

TDA picked the Joint Presidential Candidate and now changes are coming!

AmamaNRMElection2016

Amama Mbabazi of the Go-Forward Ticket became the Joint Presidential Candidate in the coalition of TDA. As a lightning strike it’s has had an effect on the parties and candidates.

Instead of bring unity and strength as I and other people hoped the retaliation and movement of the parties has shambled the idea of a strong coalition against the NRM and the Mzee, head of state and long-time ruler.

First the UPC Mr. Jimmy Akena took down the UPC flag at the compound of the TDA. Olara Otunnu said the party where in the spirit and taking down the flag wouldn’t make a difference. As Akena has also denounced the Amama Mbabazi and make even the UPC camps go against each other.

Secondly the FDC has pulled their Flag-Bearer and leader Dr. Kizza Besigye after the decision to pick the other leader after a long wait for the stalemate in the coalition.

TDA Logo

The main issue is that UFA, DP, PPP and UPC in general are following the picked candidate though that some of the parties have issues. Norbert Mao of the DP is following and supporting the candidature, the same with Gilbert Bukenya. Gilbert Bukenya while still go on his own independent candidature instead of being a part of the TDA. DP will follow Amama Mbabazi and hope to regain a bigger crowd with loyalty to the coalition.

FDC is big and biggest party except for the NRM. Mugisha Muntu and Dr. Kizza Besigye got big crowds and support in the land. Also a loyal staff and a hardworking party, that has run campaign for a long while on their own. So that Dr. Kizza Besigye has send in again his own nomination form to the Electoral Commission and standing with his party shouldn’t be seen as strange move after being snubbed by the TDA.

Though this makes a lot of the wishes and makes the opposition a bit fractioned instead of a strong unity. With the movement in the UPC which also shows to faces after the recognition and placing the bets on Amama Mbabazi. This have now showed frictions and weakness in the strength of it all. It could be for seen that Amama Mbabazi had gone out of the TDA if he wasn’t picked as the leader and Joint Candidate for coalition. So that the FDC does the same shouldn’t be seen as a wrong move. It’s right for them! But it gives the opposition less strength into the 2016 election against the Mzee. It has now two fractions with different programs and even if they both work for getting NRM regime out of power.

Amama Mbabazi deflection from NRM and into independent candidate turned TDA has really made the coalition weaker in some ways. Especially losing the FDC and also making the UPC’s own issues to the surface. That he can bring more issues up from is if the DP will struggle with Norbert Mao after taking over from Paul Ssemogerere. And that JEEMA Asuman Basalirwa hasn’t made any noise! Jaberi Bidandi Ssali of the PPP has also been silent. Ken Lukyamuzi of the CP hasn’t said a word either.  Beti Kamya of UFA has not been anywhere worth mentioning more than seeing she is somewhere and maybe in recent days signed a paper.

Dr.-Kizza-Besigye-speaks-to-NTV-Uganda

Now that the decision has been made and FDC has pulled their power move. Amama Mbabazi has made a coup in the opposition and gotten a prize of rising as a head of the rest against Dr. Kizza Besigye and Mzee. There are now three horses running for the Head of State. The ruling party and Mzee must enjoy this fraction instead of hearing of strengthen the unity toward NRM regime!

So if Gilbert Bukenya goes a single unit as well then it will be four people race for the Presidential Candidate, with three big men in the driving seat for the election in 2016. The NRM ticket, the Go-Forward/TDA Ticket and FDC ticket! Which is three swords with different edges into each other during the campaign while supposable being able to show power against the reigning power which seems a losing battle. With two pieces going against one big-man will be battle of noise instead of the unity that they could have been.

We could see something different and a positive note into the campaigning of the presidential election in 2016.

Instead we have now the same old instead a weak unit, FDC party with its own strength and the NRM party with the Mzee who use every tool in the book to keep his position in place and let everybody else scatter. Destroy and conquer is working its magic wand without pulling the string. He has pushed Amama Mbabazi out of the NRM and used him as pawn in the opposition that he could never achieve himself. Because his actions could bring the opposition could bring them back together, but the question if the FDC see the legitimacy of Joint Presidential Candidate who is not from their party. This is a slap in the face of those who trust in the Go-Forward ticket as the main ones of the rest of the opposition who is a part of the coalition!

The only winner of this tale now is the ruling leader. Mzee has yet again a fragmented opposition and not a collected force against his reign. His Excellency can smile wherever he is and know that Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye will go against him, also each other so he can steal the whole dime and leave scraps for the rest as always. Because like Joseph Stalin said: “it’s not the ones that cast the ballots, but those that count them that matter”, I know I am paraphrasing the quote. Still the meaning is there and we know the Electoral Commission and its track record in the sense of how it pleases the NRM regime.

The now TDA Joint Candidate will have a mountain to climb in the new landscape he is in. He has always been a NRM candidate and lived in the shadow of his master. Now he is alone in the wilderness, but has support of many minor parties so he can say he is not totally alone. The biggest fellow supporting his candidacy in TDA is DP and Norbert Mao. Who would not have grasp or ability to reach in the Uganda! That is something that the TDA parties have recognized. So that it would be late comer Amama Mbabazi or Dr. Kizza Besigye was natural. Gilbert Bukenya couldn’t also have the reach of the two main candidates. This has beaten the opposition into a weird shape instead of strong unity, me and other people wished. So they could have moral and ethical leader to be something else then Mzee. Instead we have three parts rally for the Head of State and beat the NRM regime.

So know the People’s President will still be the man the integrity, but not with the support of all the other parties, though parts of the UPC wanted him as chief of the TDA it seems. Jimmy Akena has already tried to split the UPC so that Olara Otunnu would lose his margin in the party; instead it shows the fractions there.

This all leads weakness of the opposition… and the crater of the FDC are now showing what is left behind. FDC created a real vacuum and should be worry for Amama Mbabazi Go-Forward ticket. As the race against Mzee can they now be seen as a soft teams instead of a having combative strength together. Mzee can smile and relax a bit. The cracks in the TDA might happen even further if Gilbert Bukenya will branch out himself on a later stage. If the UPC continues to struggle with themselves and if they following the words of the Jimmy Akena or Olara Otunnu!

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Mzee! Mzee will have a field day after today. The TDA has lost a piece of it integrity and edge as the FDC deflects and the stages of the UPC and other parties place will further imbalance the opposition coalition and we can wonder if the TDA will be totally fragmented into the campaign of the 2016 Presidential elections. Peace.

Uganda – TDA is to be TBD!

TDA Logo

Today was the day the result of the Flag-Bearer for the coalition of the oppisisiton parties in Uganda. The Presidential Candidate of the TDA is supposed to go against the big shot, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his NRM party. The machine that also controls the Parliament and the Electoral Commission of the country!

So the candidate that is running against the machine and manufacture of the modern Uganda has to be strong. Have to viable, have a moral code and some integrity to pass on the marshes to corruptness in a political landscape where the parties and fellow politicians has been bought or brought into shambles. If you don’t follow the codes of ethics of the man with a vision you can be played out and lose your career in a hot minute. If you don’t follow his words and the main cronies of the nation then your left behind. If you try to be independent and thinking in the NRM party then you’re pushed to the side and clipped your wings. If the Mzee fears that you have ambitions to take his slot, then he will leave you behind as he has done to Hon. Gilbert Bukenya and Hon. Amama Mbabazi.

Four Men standing up for being the Joint Presidential Candidate in the TDA: 

So we are here today when many has followed this Ifs in different equations and with various formulas that ends in the result of losing out on their place in the ruling party. An makes you lost in the opposition. Certain people has gone out after finding the words of the Mzee to be going back on the principals they fought for their freedom in the Bush. This is the likes of certain FDC historical’s and the famous Flag-Bearer of the FDC Dr. Kizza Besigye. Who have been a pawn and a man who has gone for title and grand position election after election and lost after rigging and harassment!

The second man who also wants to be the Flag-Bearer in the TDA is Hon. Amama Mbabazi who has gone from being a loyalist to the Mzee and recently fallen from grace. Even tried in the preliminaries to go head to head and be the Presidential Candidate in the NRM. He sure lost that one to Mzee, not surprisingly; only one man’s vision can rule the NRM! So that the Mababazi is a runner for it was after signing the deal to be a part of the TDA only 12 days ago and independent candidate through the Go-Forward Ticket in the hierarchy of the coalition.

The third ones was Gilbert Bukenya as another former loyalist in the NRM regime that fallen from grace, but didn’t have the strength and support from others in the coalition therefore hasn’t been issue of his place. Still it proves that the fallen ones have a place and their knowledge can be used in a coalition to defeat the NRM and Mzee.

Last candidate was Norbert Mao who has had a viable position up North and been long in the politics. But still hasn’t the whole nation behind him. Especially with his bickering back and from acting as opposition candidate to speaking like he was a part of Mzee’s team. So that the parties didn’t see him as serious flag-bearer in the coalition wasn’t really a newsflash!

The other parties didn’t send their front men or woman to being Presidential Candidate. Like the CP, PPP, UPC and JEMA. That is Olara Otunnu of the UPC, Jaberi Bidandi Ssali of the PPP, Ken Lukyamuzi of the CP and Asuman Basalirwa of the JEEMA. Leaders who could easily gone forward and also filled the nomination form and justly so.

TDA Adress

So that it’s natural and would be worrying wouldn’t be issues between Amama Mbabazi of the Go-Forward Ticket and Dr. Kizza Besigye of the FDC Ticket. The issues will be on who is most fit. Then that the parties also vote differently on who they believe is most fit as the Press Statement from TDA told today. That certain parties went for the People’s President and the other went for the Go-Forward Ticket. It’s natural that people choose differently. Even if there is only one man with a vision – the Mzee! But he is not really the issue the here, only that the candidate as Flag-bearer has to beat the Mzee. Therefore the coalition can’t be fragmented and weaken since the approach as single units against the NRM ruling party hasn’t been fruitful before. Therefore this is the time to stay stronger together then weaken alone. Especially since that hasn’t worked before.

The NRM has the machine and power. That should be reason to stay united and prove the Mzee that they have an edge. Alone they will be disfranchised and played out. Some can be bought and run to show off so it seems as the country has a multi-party elections and democracy. The elections has been well-rigged and Electoral Commission has placed loyal men of the regime, with the same in courts that has verified the results in the past and given rulings in favor of the ruling party and the Mzee. While the world and nations accepting the rulings and not pressuring the regime to change ways.

With this in mind and with the knowledge both men has Dr. Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi has together with the supposable strength of the opposition parties and the protocol of the TDA to prove guidance and integrity to the Presidential Election in Uganda this coming 2016 that the world has never seen before. That can they do if they have the courage and vitality take the pressure and malice from the NRM regime for a few more months. If so that person should step up and try. Not that there is great chances of succeeding as it looks today, but the opposition has to give it hard nudge in the right direction. As they want to show the citizens and public in Uganda that they want to rule for real as a coalition willing to change and rebuild. Make structures for more free and fair society not only for the cronies and nepotistic Movement Men that want to follow the words and monies from the Mzee. That is not an easy act to change when so many are eating of that plate, even if it is breadcrumbs their better than nothing. But they would be proud if they learned how to fish and catch it themselves and may be even earn enough to actual buy the bread fair and square.

dana-mcclintock-quote-those-are-tbd-to-be-determined

So that the TDA who has been for too long TBD: To Be Determined! Time to determine the place and actions as simple as the Joint Candidate for the TDA! And have a man who can rein this coalition and honor the codes and protocol, with diligence and fight through the coming election which will be full of struggles and not easy ride. If the run-up and months of preliminary meetings has proven anything, then this will be more arrests, more loss of personnel, some more people vanished, preventive arrests, teargassed meetings, sieged town where the oppositions has meetings and so on!

Please all men of TDA take a minute be wise. You all know you go up against and has tasted the bitter taste of being opposition against the NRM regime who will use all the tricks in the world to regain their rule and therefore the opposition got to show heart and prove that there are noble men in the land. Please show that and be different then Mzee who only cares for his coffers and his vision, and has forgotten the words he stood for long time ago. Which is a reason why so many people has deflected from the NRM and from Mzee. Peace.

Anxious and bickering about tomorrow’s decision to know who runs as the TDA Flag-bearer!

Amama Besigye

The Democratic Alliance has postponed the decision to decide the matter of whom of the big-men from all the parties and independent men will have the ability to run as flag-bear under the opposition against the long-serving President Museveni.

We all knew all along that this would be a grand finale; it was just the matter of whom the lucky contestants would be. It would be natural the one of the main candidates for the position would come from the FDC, DP or UPC, even JEEMA if he had some character or flash behind him.

The unexpected one is the one that makes the decision harder is that Amama Mbabazi turned away in the last minute from the NRM, because he knew that he would never beat Museveni in the NRM. The power-move to be independent where in the cards when he wanted to be the new Mzee! Well, he had to fall a bit more out of the party. It was already starting when he lost his position as the PM.

There will be reasons why he is not fit and the Go Forward Team not matching the standards of the parties that has run for ages against the NRM Regime and the Election rigging lobby. As I has said before there has to be a strong candidate to prove the validity of the opposition, somebody that has the unique character that can bring the citizens together and prove that there is more than one man in the land with a vision.

There will be coming accusations after the result when the TDA has picked their man from both camps. That Amama Mbabazi is a theif and corrupt fellow and you can question his loyalty. We all knew that already, but his coffers must sure be a blessing to the newfound operations and organization who plans to campaign against the machinery and well-oiled crony system that leads to the Mzee winning with big margin over who ever who goes against him.

The attacks that will be on Dr. Kizza Besigye for not being suited is that he has run three times before and have lost those. We all knew that also, for those who didn’t should have checked the Peoples President track-record from before 2011. But I guess you didn’t?

We have to candidates in the TDA with rich history, what should matter is what their beneficial line is in the run-up? Can one of them actually go through the harassment and still look like a Nobel Presidential candidate?  The candidate that will run for the TDA in the race will he get support from all the parties in the coalition? If not, will he have a majority support? Last question will the candidate actual have a moral point and place against the Mzee?

Because if the candidate that runs against Mzee has no moral or ethical back-work and knowledge, if the candidate doesn’t be real change from the current leader. Than it would be a lousy election. It would be in general just switching names and titles. And Uganda need more than that in this day and age.

We have heard the accusations from the JPAM camp towards the FDC camp and so on. That should not be visual things going into the main choice of Flag-bearer of the coalition. Because that is futile and not worth a hot damn! So my point is, who is suited to beat Mzee in a fair fight? If it ever was – I am sure that it will be more or same wrongdoings as in the Commonwealth Report after the 2011 election in the 2016 election.

So if it will be same, than the issue of who the other candidates will just be mockery. If it wasn’t so and it was a pure multiparty system, then the upcoming election would be interesting. And the TDA candidate would be a man on fire since he has all parties from the Opposition under one umbrella against the ruling party. Which in any ways would be a interesting move of play. So the like in Chess, the King stays the King, and the pawns just get lucky to switch if they comes to the other side of the board. I don’t expect the TDA candidate to get to the other side of the board. Only to capped early and left astray. That’s my fear that will happen again. We just get to see the opposition as pawn on the chess set so that Mzee can show the world that he has opened elections for many parties, but the counting get controlled by his men in the Electoral Commission and by his laws that is beneficial for NRM.

But I hope that the TDA does a wise choice and pick somebody that has the honor and pride of the people, not just the monies and quick fix. The elections don’t need that flag-bearer! Peace.

President Museveni is officially the NRM Flag-bearer (We already knew it in a way)

Museveni Odoi EC Flag Bearer P1

NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Tanga Odoi verifies aspirant Yoweri Museveni’s documents!

Museveni Odoi EC Flag Bearer P2

President Museveni arrives in the company of First Lady Hon. Janet Museveni for nomination as NRM Presidential Flagbearer!

Museveni Odoi EC Flag Bearer P3

“NRM is the only party that does not plead with any one when fighting corruption. It is therefore only NRM that has got the capacity to end corruption” – H.E Yoweri Museveni

Afterthought

Really? The only one? Interesting thing to say… What about UNRA and all the other recent stories? But good luck with your continuation of fear campaign until the 2016 election! We all knew you would run again and run the party a little more with you first lady. We all will know you was running! Nobody was like – did he? Did he? No! So welcome to yet another term. We sure has a feeling you will rigg this especially with the reports of UPDF guys put into the Electoral Commission! Peace.

NRM EC

Uganda – Road to 2015: “High Level Scenario-Building Colloquium on the Run Up to and Beyond the 2016 Elections”

Uganda - Road to 2016 P1Uganda - Road to 2016 P2Uganda - Road to 2016 P3

FDC Youth Forum reacts to the TDA approval of Amama Mbabazi and want Dr. Kizza Besigye out of the coalition

AmamaNTV

The saga continues. The race between the Amama Mbabazi new position in the TDA has set things on fire. The same is with the FDC and FDC Youth Forum whom has rights to question the position of their flag-bearer which they wish to have as the leader of the opposition and not the fallen out of grace from the NRM which the other guy has.

Pretext:

“The group of FDC youth have raided storm Royal Suites Bugolobi, the venue for the TDA summit meeting demanding for their party’s withdraw from the opposition alliance” (Odongo, 2015). “The youth who were armed with placards demanded that Besigye leaves the summit and announces that FDC has quit the Alliance. Despite hesitating, Besigye came out of the meeting to address the rowdy youths. He advised them to go to the party headquarters in Najjanakumbi where he would address” (…)”The Youth were lead by MPs Odongo Otto, Geoffrey Ekanya and Jack Sabiiti who some days ago petitioned that FDC withdraws from the Alliance” (Waiswa, 2015). “The National Candidates Selection Committee of the Opposition coalition, The Democratic Alliance, recommended Mbabazi as the most favorable to joint presidential candidate. Not long ago Mbabazi as prime minister was being faulted by the opposition for stifling democracy in the country” (Waiswa, 2015).

Dr. Kizza Besigye 170915

This is what really went down:

“Dr Kizza Besigye, the FDC flag-bearer in the 2016 presidential elections has called for restraint and calmness after a group of radical party youth dragged him from a meeting of The Democratic Alliance on Thursday” (…)”The youth warned that FDC would not accept TDA’s endorsement of Amama Mbabazi as the alliance’s flag-bearer in the 2016 election, as alleged in the media” (…)”The youth claimed that while they did not have anything personal with Mbabazi, his alleged “involvement in the suppression of our struggle are still fresh in our minds, he is responsible for our continued suffering” (Aine, 2015).

Dr Kizza Besigye said this: “Our people are concerned by this alleged unfairness” (…)”They are saying the process is unfair. The people are right, it must be questioned. The process must fair” (…)”NEC must sit and discuss concerns of unfairness. People are confused that how can a coalition of opposition support Hon Mbabazi who is an NRM member” (Aine, 2015).

Afterthought:

Well, with the recent actions from the FDC Youth Forum proves that the issue of whom is running for the flag-bearer post in the TDA. That will also create issues between the parties in the alliance and coalition. The frictions that it takes when a independent man that was the former menace to society is now the front-runner of the opposition. Now he is the man to run for office after being split from the mothership or the party he was a poster-child in.

Dr. Kizza Besigye was the same for the NRM, but went out earlier and was involved also from the Bush to the rewrite of the constitution so that President Museveni could sit until indefinite and not leave the office. So after that Dr. Kizza Besigye has lost elections in 2006, 2011. Who even made the issues with the government over the famous ‘Walk to Work’ riots!

That’s why the FDC Youth Forum reacts when the opposition candidate to fight the NRM sole candidate who has been there since 1986, which everybody already knows. The issue that is concerning is the reaction, not from the Youth Forum since they already has addressed their plea. It’s the reaction from FDC flag-bearer Dr. Kizza Besigye who is the people’s president. That has addressed the matter and how it changes the power struggle in the coalition of the TDA. But it’s frightening if this is the way that Dr. Besigye is now addressing the procedures of NEC in the TDA. If this is now really weakening the coalition then it will hard to go back, that the issue becomes a struggle between Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye, instead of a unity going to show strength towards NRM regime. They need to stay strong against it, if not the fractions and frictions will always be in a coalition, but the way it’s turning isn’t making a solid effort to achieve the changes in electoral reform and also making sure of giving an honest fight against the NRM party. If they go back to scratch then the time was a wasting in a unity that didn’t leave a trace in the 2016 race other than failure. That Dr. Besigye or any of the other opposition party leader want to see happening. Peace.

Reference:

Aine, Kim – ‘Besigye Calls Crisis FDC NEC Meeting as Youth Denounce Mbabazi’ (17.09.2015) link: http://chimpreports.com/besigye-calls-crisis-fdc-nec-meeting-as-youth-denounce-mbabazi/

Odongo, Otto – ‘Otto, FDC youth stir chaos at TDA meet’ (17.09.2015) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/otto-fdc-youth-stir-chaos-at-tda-meet/

Waiswa, Baz – ‘Youth Storm TDA Summit, Force Besigye To Withdrawal From Alliance’ (17.09.2015) link: http://news.ugo.co.ug/youth-storm-tda-summit-force-besigye-to-withdrawal-from-alliance/