Opinion: You can apparently besiege a place, but not open it…

“I blocked NUP from unveiling its Kavule Headquarters because president Museveni shall be in Kawempe tomorrow and you know he needs people to be ferried to his processions. When we allow NUP to proceed, Museveni may not have people to attend his function,”~Kawempe Dep. RCC Ndidde” (The Kampala Journal, 01.11.2023).

Uganda Police and the army earlier today deployed heavily at the have deployed heavily at the new opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) offices in Kawempe Division where the party president Robert Kyagulanyi and other members had planned to officially open today” (STV Uganda, 02.11.2023).

The Uganda Police Force, the high ranking officials and whoever was in-charge of the security detail surrounding the new Headquarters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has lost the plot. Seriously. It is just dumb and the reasoning was foolish.

Telling 48 hours in advance that the NUP had to find another date to get accommodated too. Because, the authorities and the security couldn’t handle it. Alas, here is problem with saying that. When you in advance of the scheduled opening has besieged the plot and the compound. In such a fashion that no entry is possible. That’s what the authorities did today and they had plenty of guards, police officers and soldiers alert. Meaning, the authorities could have ensured the safety of the NUP and let them open the Party Headquarters. However, that wasn’t the order and that’s why the Party was forced to wait to tomorrow.

The authorities aren’t that wise here. Neither are they showing any finesse. The President is making himself look unpopular too. As he knows the people would surround the NUP Headquarters and not at his function. That’s why his appointee had to serve him and block the NUP from opening up their own offices. It just shows the ironies of life and how “one man” rules them all.

This wasn’t to safe-guard or benefit the people. No, this was all done to serve His Excellency. Not to secure and make it right for the NUP. The state and the President had a plan, which was so important that everything else had to stop. Because, if it didn’t he would look humiliated and alone. The state handlers and the servants of the President couldn’t let that happen. Which is why the NUP had to pay a price and open their offices on another day.

It is just really amusing that the RCC and the Authorities stated they didn’t have the manpower to secure and facilitate the opening. When they had enough soldiers and police officers to ensure a rigged election out there. They had enough officers to stop all movement and traffic, if they wanted too. However, the same guards, officers and soldiers couldn’t ensure the safety and the opening. That is just ridiculous!

The emperor is naked. The foolishness of the oppressor has no end. This is the democracy and the freedoms that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) abides by. It is how they roll and people just have to accept it. Peace.

Uganda: PACEID – Statement from the Office of Odrek Rwabwogo, Chair of Uganda’s Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports & Industrial Development (PACEID) – (01.11.2023)

The Disciples of Odrek Rwabwogo letter to the Chairperson of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (30.10.2023)

Opinion: Besigye needs a new home

Today it was finalized, the leadership of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) split itself from the People’s Government and the Katonga branch. This means Dr. Kizza Besigye and his allies needs to find a new home. The people of defiance and resilience against oppression has to start up fresh.

There been speculations that the Besigye fraction would do like Bobi Wine did and “buy-out” a defunct party. Nevertheless, there has no proof of it. The other side has said it should just become a part of the National Unity Platform, as it is already working with and coordinating with the NUP. Because, Bobi Wine and Besigye have a cordial relationship as politicians.

Today’s resolution from the FDC is just crystal-clear. There is no way to return now. No steps for dialogue or talk between Besigye or his former fellows in the FDC Najjanankumbi. These folks has detached themselves from him and called him an imposter. They are saying his wrongly using the FDC logos and posturing as a part of the party. That together with the rest of his allies. Therefore, there is no more between him and them.

This is why the people of the People’s Government and FDC Katonga Fraction has to decide what to do. They will not be taken care off or be favoured in the leadership from within the FDC. That ship has sailed and they have been evicted. Bluntly thrown out of their own party and if they don’t… then well… a disciplinary committee will come and will enforce sanctions on them.

With that in mind… we know there is no return and why should they?

The betrayal was in the city and they took advantage. They ate and has enjoyed the spoils. Now they are running the show and “legitimized” their own existence. While vilifying one of the founders and one of the reasons why the party was as big in the first place.

It is amazing that the party of Besigye has thrown Besigye out. That what happened today. In reality his own party has made him an outcast. That is the truth. Someone who fought for the party and helped building it from scratch. That person is one of them you throw out like garbage. It is just showing what the FDC leadership has become and who they are… when they act like this.

There is no returning back. Amuriat and Mafabi has sold it all and they are willing to do this. They are proud of it and announced it like nothing. Just a formality….

That shows that they are not considering the implications and what it signify. The signal they are sending is clear. The FDC they run are not aligned with the principals and ideals of Besigye. Which means they are more easily corruptible and easy access then ever before. Because, we know that Besigey will fight hard and take the punishment with ease. That’s something he has done for years and paid the price for the cause. Alas, that doesn’t matter to the FDC leadership.

This current FDC leadership doesn’t value Besigye or his kind. That is compelling and is a warning… We now know… and the ones proud party and resilient one is now mediocre and like so many others. Because, it betrayed its own for personal glory.

That’s why one of the founders and his allies has to find a new home. Either make their own or join another one. Since there is nothing left for them to return too….

A Luta Continua. Peace.

The FDC-Crisis Continues: Najjanankumbi detach itself from Katonga completely…

““FDC NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RECALLED THE RESOLUTION THAT CREATED THE PEOPLES GOVERNMENT. After a period of reflection and thorough internal discussions, the FDC National Executive Committee reached a consensus to recall the resolution that established the Peoples Government. With immediate effect, therefore the FDC will no longer participate in any activities associated with the Peoples Government. This may only resume when the conflict between the two is resolved. This severing of relations comes after a series of challenges that the FDC has faced managing two centers of power which have conflicted since 2018 leading to a total misunderstanding immediately before, during and after the 2021 general elections” (FDC, 30.10.2023).

Today was the final day for the current leadership of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and their allegiance to some of their founders and leaders. They have now decided to leave them behind and finalized a break-up. While promising much more.

The leaders from within and who conspired to do this is Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Nathan Nandala-Mafabi, as well as others who has complied and accepted to partake in this quagmire. The FDC as we know it is now gone. The principals and the ideals of the party has been sold on a altar and these gentlemen danced at the wake.

The FDC leadership continues:

Our party has experienced internal conflicts, accompanied by allegations and counter-accusations that have contributed to considerable turmoil within our ranks with resultant negative publicity in the media. Regrettably, some members of the FDC have chosen to adopt a hostile stance against their own party in complete contravention of Article 12 of the party constitution. They have for example continued to posture as the legitimate leaders of the party which matter was settled at the 6th October National Delegates Conference with the election of new leaders. They continue to issue illegal notices using FDC headed paper, use party symbols, slogans and colors and continue to brand themselves as such; and have also abused party documents during unauthorized meetings. The Party is now prepared to take disciplinary action through a well constituted Committee on Discipline against these errant members and we strongly urge them to cease presenting themselves as FDC leaders. We also call on our members to shun these individuals who chose to masquerade as ‘interim’ or factional leaders in order to cause a split in the party for their own selfish interests” (FDC, 30.10.2023).

We can see how POA and the FDC Najjanankumbi fraction is spinning it. It is so obvious, as they are acting supreme and the legitimate ones. While they never took any accountability and only threw stones at the other fraction. The FDC never resolved the matter and the ones in-charge now has practically hijacked it on their own accord. So, it is rich reading this text and knowing how it transpired. These men don’t lack courage to boldly say it and publish it. Because, they don’t mind the outcome or what they have become by doing it.

To further it’s case…

We want to emphasize that there are no factions within the FDC, contrary to how it has been portrayed in the media. Claims of a “Katonga faction” or a “Najjanankumbi faction” are entirely unfounded. There is only one FDC, and it is crucial that the media immediately cease perpetuating these misrepresentations. However, in keeping with the Guiding Principle in the party constitution Chapter 8(e) that relates to peaceful resolution of conflict we continue to extend an olive branch to the FDC members “out there”. This however applies to only those holding corporate or life membership cards and those who are up to date with their membership. For those whose membership expires every year and have not renewed it by registering in their village registers they can only be supporters and sympathizers and not members and accordingly are at liberty to decide whether they want to regain membership of the party or not. For now, we implore all of them to stop masquerading as FDC leaders” (FDC, 30.10.2023).

If they are thinking this is wise… well… it is not and this is a strategic blunder. As they are no disfranchising plenty of members and the ones who sought “shelter” at Katonga or People’s Government. They are the ones that even brought POA into power and he betrayed them. Now he has finalized it and now he speaks ill of them. Trying to downplay them and making it illegitimate. While he sits on a throne of lies… maybe bare-naked, but most likely bare-foot like he was during his campaign in 2021.

This part ends with:

We wish to clarify that during the Delegates Conference held on October 6th, 2023, a new National Executive Committee was democratically elected and sworn in. The conference also took a number of key decisions including extending the life of the Electoral Commission by six months and replacing the Hon. Ibrahim Ssemuju Nganda with Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi whom we congratulate, as the FDC whip in Parliament. The FDC remains committed to its mission and values, and we believe that these decisions are essential to restore unity and cohesion within our party” (FDC, 30.10.2023).

When you want to talk rubbish. This part is over the moon. The stars are aligned and the whole picture is just blossoming. The colours are all there and the flavours of heaven is at your fingertips. However, the reality is much more grim and dark. These aren’t fact or real. If it where… there wouldn’t be this stand-off, which the current leadership never wanted to resolve. They rather wanted it to die out and be forgotten about. However, by their recent action. These people are just proving how they are in the wrong. That’s why they have targeted Besigye and his associates, because they know what they did…

That was just one part of the FDC Press Release today, but I want to end with this one, which was particularly interesting considering everything:

As you are aware the FDC has a new leadership and the new leadership has a big task ahead to give the party a face lift and to enable us to regain our glory in the political landscape of this country. As the new team, we mean business from the very start of our 5 year tenure and we will soon be heading out to the field We urge all our members to prepare for an extensive plan aimed at strengthening the party’s infrastructure nationwide, which includes the redevelopment of the ‘Blue House’ which remains pending from the previous term” (FDC, 30.10.2023).

I hate to be that guy, but by detaching yourself from Besigye and his associates, you are practicality never able to regain old glory. He is one of the reasons why the party had any glory and was built up the way it is. It is his character and message that brought people under the banner. He and others who has also left like Muntu. However, POA and Mafabi can try… but they have burnt plenty of bridges and there will be less goodwill now. Especially, we now know how they operate from within. So who wants to trust them from the outside looking in?

This FDC is broken and in self-destruction mode. It isn’t one you can trust and the leaders are to blame. They should have known better, but apparently the shillings was to juicy to say “no”. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee, the way you describe Amin, we can describe you…

Let that history be forgotten” (Museveni, 05.10.2023).

The President of all the seasons…The President since 1986 and beyond. He wrote a letter to his wife, the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni wrote a letter vetoing the building of a Idi Amin Institute, which was an idea from former Obongi County MP Hon Fungaroo Kaps Hassan.

What is interesting in the letter is reasoning of Museveni. The manner of which he describes and tells why we should not have any sort of thing. He states early: “First of all, Idi Amin’s Government was clearly illegal. It had no right to install itself over our country” (Museveni, 05.10.2023).

Isn’t that poetic coming from Museveni?

Not like Museveni won by a landslide in the 1980 election? Neither was elected when he was a Minister in the Obote II government after the ouster of Amin in 1979-1980. Therefore, it is not like he didn’t use the same means to get office as Amin. Heck, that has been his trademark since 1986. If you look into every election since 1996, you will see a pattern of election fraud, rigging and intimidation, which is similar to the election he contested in 1980. So, Museveni should be careful about talking about “illegal” and “install itself”, which he has done repeatedly since he took office.

He continues: “Apart from his unconstitutionality, he committed a lot of crimes – the killing of the Acholi and Langi soldiers in Mbarara, the killing of prisoners in Mutukula Prison, the killing of Ben Kiwanuka, Basil Bantanringaya and his wife and so many other killings” (Museveni, 05.10.2023).

Isn’t this a bit rich coming from him?

We know what his government been up too and his authorities. He is using the same tricks and there are several of unsolved mysterious deaths, which are never answered for. People are going missing, people are tortured, they end up dead and people are kept incommunicado too. Citizens who are dissidents and activists ends as prisoners of conscience or end up dead. Therefore, the President has enough life on his plate to lecture about Amin’s record. When we at it… Amin only had a few years, but Museveni has decades. Certainly, when the records come out and the proof of orders to commit extra judicial killings, torture and detaining civilians comes out. The record of Museveni will be dark, grim and depressing. Because, his authorities is as brutal as Amin, if not worse, as he had years to perfect it and create enough “safe-houses” to keep them in the dungeons indefinitely.

He ends the letter with this: “Therefore, it is not acceptable to licence an Institute to promote or study the work of Idi Amin. It is enough that the forgiving Ugandans forgave the surviving colleagues of Idi Amin. Let that history be forgotten” (Museveni, 05.10.2023).

Well, history has repeated itself and the lessons hasn’t been learned. That’s why drones are endangering the political active, the system has incorporate punishment before trial and accepts the blunt use of force on civilians. The state can kill at will and the ones following orders get promoted to higher ranks. There are certainly a need for an institute to show the grim reality, but also the effects of the Idi Amin era. As it reflects or gets mirrored in our time.

Amin would be proud of Museveni’s efforts. As he has shielded himself by vilifying the predecessors, but never ever taking to account what he himself has done and committed. There are plenty of families who will never see their loved ones again. That’s all because of the orders and the authority of which Museveni represents. In his time he has ended plenty of lives and scorned even more. He has done so over two generations and his words can easily be used against him.

It is rich that he wrote this letter to his wife dismissing Amin. Yes, Amin was a tyrant and had blood on his hands, but so does Museveni too. He shouldn’t throw stones in a glass house. Peace.

Opinion: The Republic is building Ghost Dams…

“What we found was that some of the dams that are being talked about are not even existing, for example Paylong dam which is supposed to help the community of Kotido isn’t even existing. What we saw at the site of Pylong is some pond with weeds grown all over the place and I think that one was constructed by the Ministry of Water. There is also one in Abim district that one isn’t functional at all and I think the work wasn’t completed and those facilities were never handed over to the district” – Janet Okori-Moe, Chairperson Agriculture Committee (27.10.2023).

MPs on Parliament’s Agriculture Committee have discovered ghost irrigation dams and valley tanks in Karamoja and Teso sub-regions, despite Government releasing billions of shillings for the construction of these dams in order to foster agriculture in the two regions” (Parliament Watch, 27.10.2023).

For over a decade I have heard of ghosts. These was “ghost” teachers, civil servants and sometimes even whole “ghost” schools. There been mentioned of “ghost” projects and others too. Where development was paid out and nothing was delivered. In just having additional budget posts or juicing up the stats to “cover a shortfall”. No, it is a deliberate act to siphon funds.

Today it was revealed yet another trick. The Republic is now building ghost dams. The Women Representative of Abim, Janet Okori-Moe MP says so. She knows her district and was re-elected on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket in 2021. This is her second term as a legislator and MP. Certainly, she would know and it’s a compellign story.

This is a systemic problem and manufactured by the inner-circle. Because, the system is creating these ghosts. Both on local levels and on national ones. Where Ministries and others are benefiting. They create these out of thin air and pockets the funds. Because, no one is paid to work, build or make it operational. No, it is just smoke and mirrors. There is nothing to it and the money is paid in full. The funds are allocated and dispersed. While the end-product is non-existing.

Just imagine billions of shillings are paid out and nothing in return. That means someone is eating and having a blast. These funds are spend, but not on the dams or the valley tanks. These projects or development projects was meant for the public good. They were meant to help the people of Abim, Kotido and Karamoja, but they never got to see it.

This is thieving from the ones who has none. Blatant and disgraceful. They get called “ghosts” and made up cute. However, this here is theft and stealing funds from the public coffers. The funds which had an intended purpose, but got spent elsewhere. They just went “missing” and the proverb of “missing funds” is viable in the Republic.

Just as there is missing funds, there are ghosts and these are connected to one principal. That there are money to take and gullible people who will not care if they loose out. The takers take and they are the spenders. Money is taken and used on other things. While the budgets and the Ministry had promised one thing. Suddenly, a need elsewhere appeared and the “ghosts” was created.

They can try to spin-it or make up stories. The fact is that billions of shillings was eaten. Some one within the inner-circle and close ties to power got a pay-day. They used the “ghosts” to fill a void and get paid. That’s just how the day goes and this was a heist. A heist happening in broad daylight and nobody really saw. It was done in the offices and within the elites. Those was the ones benefiting and having a blast.

While the up-country people never got see anything. Peace.

Opinion: When will the West Nile Region really matter?

Is this revenge? Is this petty politics over old sins?

What gives?

Why is the West Nile Region left behind and not on the national grid of electricity?

I don’t have the answers… but we are in October 2023 and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) are out of time. The bush-war and the grievances between the “north” and the “south” should be over by now. The same development served in the “south” should be offered in the “north”. If not… isn’t that sectarian or tribalistic?

Are Museveni and his NRM avenging old sins and going after the “north” because they fought a prolonged war in past. They stood tall in their believes and in their leaders. In which made the National Resistance Army (NRA) hurt for years and took longer time to consolidate power. It is just a perception that this is happening because of Tito Okello, Idi Amin and others. The Nilotic tribes are hit. Moyo, Madi and others are in the cross-fire in 2023… and not getting the ability to switch on a light-bulb.

Neither is there enough clean-water and development projects are lacking. There isn’t even a concern of the major roads or the infrastructure the districts needs. That’s why transports are endangered and could get stuck on muddy roads. Certainly, the NRM proudly speaks of roads and development, but that hasn’t been made here.

We can wonder why he haven’t done things for Nebbi, Koboko, Arua, Moyo, Yumbe or Lira. The President has come with pledges and promises in elections since 1996. However, the citizens have returned empty handed. If it is building roads or electricity. Sometimes even their micro-money lending schemes aren’t even arriving either. It is just like the West Nile is cursed and isn’t allowed to enter a new era.

That’s why I believe now its is deliberate. The President fears the West Nile. Because he has seen with his own eyes the leaders of the West Nile in the past. When the West Nile and their people stood tall and together. That’s when they were saying something and taking charge. This is why it became a “north” versus “south” thing in the past. Because of the origin of leadership. A leadership that Museveni fought and conquered.

Museveni don’t want to repeat and loose his footing. That’s why he comes lurking and promises during campaigns. Speaks high and mighty, but never returns with the pot of gold. Instead his doing the bidding of “south” and ensuring his inner-circle are eating. That’s why the region is left behind. The districts are struggling and nothing is granted them. Only the predecessors built them things and planned real development.

The current status quo is only harming and continuing to give it “nothing”. They have had decades to fix and care. However, they are not concerned and the elite of West Nile can be bought. They can be corrupted and be enlarged by titles in “south”. In such a fashion, that they forget the needs of their constituents. That’s how this cycle of “nothing” continues.

All big “hot-air” words, but never ever anything substantial implemented. Peace.

Opinion: The “drones” haunts the chambers of Parliament…

There is no amount of legislation that can atone for murders and disappearances, whether we are able to legislate and pass a bill on a daily basis, while the targeted beneficiaries of these legislations are being abused by Government and some of them are killed, then we are legislating in a void and we can never claim to be serious legislators” (…) “Lawmaking and legislation must be consequential and we can’t engage in inconsequential actions as legislators from the opposition, therefore, I want to assure Ugandans that these demands are legitimate and they constitute a top priority for us as the Opposition” – Leader of the Opposition Mathias Mpuuga (26.10.2023).

As the National Resistance Movement or the Government of Uganda wants the world to believe. That nothing shady or murky is going on. That the opposition is only making up fictional tales and has records of missing persons, but they are never revealed or re-appearing. There are unknown amount of people associated with the opposition that is kept incommunicado or without trial as political prisoners.

The “drones” or “panda gari’s” comes in the shadows and without warrants. The security agents just picks up people and take them away to unknown destinations. While family and friends has no clus for why. They are partaking in politics and activism, and that’s the sole reason for their demise. This is the state and how the authorities operates. People are gone for years without proper court cases, put in trial sometimes by court martial and some left in the dungeons (“safe-houses”). That is a well known “secret” and ungazetted ones are there too.

The security agencies are operating in the shadows and are happy to oblige to orders. Heck, reports are that high ranking officials that is offended or displeased with citizens has paid of agents to kidnap and silence critics. That’s how the system works now and the law enforcement is happy to do the dirty work.

Therefore, the words of Mpuuga is needed to be said. The boycott was necessary, but calling it off before anything substantial was done by the NRM is futile. The Deputy Speaker gave Gen. David Muhoozi a month to come and address the Parliament again. Meaning the Minister and General can ease off and have bought him time. In such time that people forget this and hope another scandal arrives. While the political prisoners continues to linger in prisons or dungeons like they currently do.

The LoP is in between a rock and a hard place. He has little to no space to manoeuvre, as the minority and it has little consequences what he does. That’s why the government spokesperson and others call it drama. I understand that… when they are so softly returning to the plenary and the boycott called off so quickly. The leader of the opposition could at least tried a bit longer and piled on the pressure.

Yes, his statements and addresses in parliament is fine. However, the NRM, the authorities and the “high above” won’t care. They will continue like yesterday and the yesteryears. There is no reason for them to stop. This system is functioning and the ones suffering is the dissidents. The elite and the ones eating don’t mind. They are not seeing the price and the sacrifices. These are only enjoying the perks and privileges of being on “top”. So, why should they bother about the dark side?

Well… Mpuuga is in a battle he cannot win. The NUP and the other opposition parties is in the same realm. The authorities and the NRM can just play around and continue with their persistent impunity and injustice. That’s what they do and that’s what keep the regime alive. Peace.

Uganda: Office of the Prime Minister – Press Release (25.10.2023)