Uganda: Kisembo Ronex Tendo, former EALA MP Candidate letter to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – Re: Grievances Arising from the Recently Concluded Elections for Uganda’s Representatives in the 5th East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) – (03.10.2022)

Opinion: Is it cool that Muhoozi spread harmful propaganda and act scandalous as an officer?

When someone is a Lieutenant General and the Commander of Land Forces in the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), you would think that person or fella would be of sound mind. That person who is the third ranking official and army commander would be a solid person. However, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is acting all out on Twitter. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be worried to go to the Office. They have to downplay and just say it’s the First Son acting out of spite nad cannot manage his Waragin. Whatever it is… it is not a good.

Just to put things in perspective, here is two articles from the UPDF Act of 2005 that could be issued and invoked in the sense of what Lt. Gen. Muhoozi is doing on Twitter. His spreading dangerous or harmful propaganda. Secondly, these sorts of actions can only be seen as a scandalous conduct by an officer. It isn’t like Lt. Gen. Muhoozi is a nobody and have no say. His the son of the President and third ranking commander. When you have that in your shoulders you should act accordingly, but that’s apparently to much to ask…

137. Spreading harmful propaganda

(1) A person subject to military law who spreads harmful propaganda, commits an offence and is, on conviction, where there is failure of operation or loss of life, liable to suffer death or, in any other case, liable to life imprisonment.

(2) For the purposes of this section, “spreading harmful propaganda” means—

(a) discouraging other soldiers from carrying out an operation;

(b) speculation about an operation;

(c) making oral or written statements ill of the Defence Forces or of the Government not being constructive criticism; or

(d) spreading false stories intended to undermine support for or morale of members of the Defence Forces or to incite support for or boost morale of the enemy” (UPDF Act, 2005).

145. Scandalous conduct by officers, etc

(1) An officer who behaves in a scandalous manner unbecoming of an officer, commits an offence and is, on conviction, liable to suffer dismissal from the Defence Forces with or without disgrace.

(2) For the purposes of this section, “scandalous conduct” means the personal conduct of an officer which is generally against public order, expectations and morality, whether or not the conduct directly or indirectly affects others” (UPDF Act, 2005).

Here just a some copied tweets from the Lt. Gen.:

It wouldn’t take us, my army and me, 2 weeks to capture Nairobi” – Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga (03.10.2022).

I’m happy that members of our district in Kenya, have responded enthusiastically to my tweet. It’s still 2 weeks to Nairobi!” – Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga (03.10.2022).

After our army captures Nairobi, where should I live? Westlands? Riverside?” – Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga (03.10.2022)

General Hannibal Barca narrowly missed capturing Rome 2000 years ago. I shall capture it with cows and love” – Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga (03.10.2022).

If he hadn’t been the first son and part of the First Family he wouldn’t be able to get off the hook. Anyone else speaking like this or writing this with an official title would be in trouble. We people have caught charges with the Computer Misuse Act and he could have been in that realm too. However, as an Army Commander, he beholden to the UPDF Act and should act within those stipulations. Nevertheless, we know his above the law, but I just need to remind the UPDF that there are articles in the law, which could have been used against him. Especially, in the sense of his words his spewing out on Twitter. Peace.

Opinion: No one is safe – when the authorities can take you in for “guilt” by association

The “drones” or “Panda Gari’s” never left the Republic. It is clear that abductions, kidnappings, keeping people detained incommunicado, torturing and also extra judicial killing is far from over. The authorities does it in broad daylight, they do it in the middle of the day. They come unannounced and without warrants, take away people and their remaining family or friends are shocked.

This can happen because the family is in exile, associated with the “wrong” political party or has some sort “questionable” behaviour. There can be “intelligence” gathered against the person, but nothing has been in the courts. None of the charges or the reasons to apprehend, abduct or kidnapped has been proven or tested. It is only on a hunch and possibly by association with someone. That’s all it takes and there is no other justification for doing so.

This is being done by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Special Forces Command (SFC), The Flying Squad (Uganda Police Force) or Internal Security Organization (ISO). All of them are doing at different times to various of people. It is just so commonly happening. The only reason why we know about it is because people leak videos and messages from “loved-ones” or family members who has been “taken-in”.

The amount of this practice is hard to figure. The numbers fluctuate and the accuracy is hard to know. However, with the lack of oversight and no one been able to look into the practices of “safe-houses”. You just know the state has more facilities where they are keeping “prisoners” or “people of interest”. As they are held without their legal rights or after the 48 hours window to be taken to court to be processed. Because, the entities and the security agencies doing it is operating on a flimsy basis. There is little to no “intelligence” or “proof of criminal activity”. If the security agencies had it. They could have produced warrants and justification for the action in the first place.

The ones that is amazed by this have clearly lost a step. This has been done so deliberately over the years. In such a manner, that the state is now and then forced to pay damages to people captured without a legal basis. That’s why the Courts are forced to so, because the laws are stipulated in that way and the state has to fork out funds. This is for a reason and it happens too. The ones that is fortunate enough to challenge the kidnapping, torture, pain and suffering, which was caused on them by brutal force.

This is the legacy that the National Resistance Movement will leave behind. The acts of the CMI, SFC, Flying Squad, ISO and others will be things that has tarnished its reputation. Everyone knows they are doing it and they cannot run away from it. They have their Argentina House and other facilities that does it. There is no way to run away from it now.

There is no clever spin or sort of reasoning that can suggest otherwise. These actions will remain as dubious and be seen as deliberate acts of vengeance. They are not only done on political leaders, activists and random bystanders. It is also done on people by association and connected by blood. They haven’t even done anything, but their kin did a decision either in absentia, in exile or are already captured themselves. That’s how the state operates and they are not even hiding it. Peace.

Opinion: The NRM will miss the DGF

Now that’s it apparent that the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) is closing in December 2022. This after baseless accusations and demeaning insults from the His Excellency President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni ahead of the General Election in 2021. Certainly, he that to control the narratives and in general ensure to silence his critics. While the DGF only did what it always has done, which is to support over 30 CSOs/NGOs who works on governance and civil education, which could have strengthen the society at large.

That’s why the closure of DGF will not only hurt a 100 people who has worked directly in the DGF. No, it will hurt the over 30 CSOs/NGOs who was directly funded by the DGF. Also, government entities and structures, which was also funded by the DGF. The DGF over the last five years has ensured a circulation of Shs. 15 trillion shillings. That’s a substantial amount of currency and monies that are taken out of rotation, which would be there to get domestic revenue for the state and ensure livelihoods of plenty. This will hurt service providers and those who is bound by contracts to the DGF and the entities it provided funds for. It is really compelling the damage the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has done here and it will feel it in 2023.

We know things was bad when the President suspended the DGF in February 2021. While he has lifted the suspension in June 2022. The DGF will not continue now and the regime will feel the losses. Just like the DGF together with NIMD used to support IPOD. Now, there are several other entities that is losing out. That will hurt the government and it’s institutions at large, but we know the President isn’t concerned about it.

The donors who made the agreement with Government of Uganda (GoU) to create the DGF in 2011, which happens to be Austria, Denmark, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the European Union might seek other partners or places to fund. Since, they are not welcomed or has the mechanisms to ensure development goals are met. Because, the donors has again to report to their citizens and taxpayers for the usage of funds. Which means they cannot just waste money and not prove any sort of value for money. That is squandered here, because the DGF was an organization and an umbrella organization, which kept it all organized and good oversight over it.

We know the national budget still needs external funding sources, though the bloated budgets are projecting more domestic revenue by any given year. Though there are common practice of deficits of funds, which leads to more borrowing, either domestically or by other sources. Meaning, the spiral of debts are growing and the nature of financing is becoming more dire. Since, the state has to pay interests and pay old debts to keep up with the programs. Certainly, the state or the republic has no plans to configure or has a back-up for the loss of DGF funding. No, it has lived on these funds for years and thinks the donors are gullible to return the favour anyway.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has gambled a lot of people’s futures here. The current day-to-day operations of both government entities and CSOs/NGOs will be hurting for a long time. They will not have payroll or be able to keep up with contracts, which was signed a time back. We will see both local government and NGOs cry out. Especially, when the DGF finally close and leave.

It won’t be that easy for the donors of the DGF just to donate or use funds in Uganda after this. They have had mechanisms and organizations, which have followed statutes and means of oversight. That is needed and gives good basis for them to continue to donate in the Republic. However, when that is now gone and cease to operate. The NRM with it’s baseless attacks and wanting to interfere. Has ensured this loss. They will feel the pinch and the loss of domestic revenue through this. They might not consider it right now. Neither the ramifications of the CSOs/NGOs, but their activities and such has ensured livelihoods of lots of people. That’s why this is biting the hand that feeds you. Without having any sort of back-up or other revenue to ensure the longevity of the partners of DGF, which are getting hurt by this.

The IPOD is just one of them, but there are 30 CSOs/NGOs and a few government entities that is losing out too. That’s where there will be shortfall in 2023 and beyond. Unless, the Government of Uganda is able to talk and negotiate again with donors to create another body to have similar functions. Which I doubt, because, why do that? When you have seen how the NRM and the President has acted towards the DGF? Peace.

Opinion: The “drones” never left

The “Drones” or the Panda Gari’s never ceased their operations. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have only reconfigured things and made it their own. The same resistance group and rebellion, that promised freedom and liberty. Alas, security for all and no fear of sudden arrests, which would happen according to law. However, with the time that has withered and its now obvious that this was a lie.

The NRM wants to rule on intimidation, fear and strike vicious vengeance towards the ones that is defying it. That’s why people are ending up missing. Cheiftancy of Military Intelligence (CMI) is known for suddenly abducting, keeping people incommunicado and some even end up dead.

It is various of authorities who does this activity, not only the CMI, even if that is the one who is most recognized for it. The army own branched Special Forces Command (SFC) has been doing and so has other agencies like Internal Security Organization (ISO). It is not like the Uganda Police Force (UPF) or Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) haven’t worked in tandem on this.

There is a reason why “safe-houses” exists and they are used for keeping people unknowingly. They are there, usually tortured and battered. The authorities using violent means, which are supposed to break the spirit and get them to tell stories. However, this is only showing the brutal side of the government. As these people are detained, tortured and in harms way without any due process. The civilian are taken there and kept without warrants or court order. They are not deemed felons or people who has breached any statute or law. These people just happens to be caught, captured and be maligned for a crime they didn’t do.

That’s the sort of activity the Parliament is condoning, but never acting upon. No, the government isn’t stopping it. The Parliament haven’t been allowed to investigate and the authorities will only give progress or cliff-notes on the few that is mentioned in Plenary Sessions. The vans are coming to a street near you and someone is going to be at the mercy of the law.

When someone is saying it’s hard to spot the difference between a bloody gang and the people running the “drones”. That is saying something about how they operate. There is the same sort of acts that goons or street thugs do. They come silently and strike powerfully. The victim can be taken brutally away from the location and be kept at unknown location indefinitely.

With the usage of these means, it is hard to separate who is criminal and who is law enforcement. It is the same sort of violent approach and it’s no difference then in Amin’s time, which Museveni has said to be different too. He is actually using the same means and intimidation. His security organizations are using similar means and they not even concealing it. That’s why the Penal Code haven’t been revised and the authorities have the same colonial laws to pin civilians in. Heck, the same government is using military court to detain and charge civilians. That is just showing how far the authorities has taken it. There is no boundaries and the state is willing to do everything to silence the ones in its way.

The drones never left. They were prevalent in the year and months in advance of the 2021 elections. They have been active since then too, but now they are targeting more people. It is happening so often and with such haste. You know the government is trying to do a point. Just like it did with the Flying Squad and the Black Mambas. Things are just coming back and we can rest assured that the LDUs will soon kick-it off too.

This sort of government don’t come in peace, but it comes in resounding viciousness and no one is left untouched. That’s the justice and liberty that the NRM serves the public. You have to be careful. One day it might be you. Just because you were associated with the wrong people at the wrong time or the CMI/SFC has grudges against people like you. Peace.

EALA Elections: NRM wins 8 out of 9 [and DP get the final seat]

UPDATE: The elected EALA representatives and the votes attained.

Akol Rose Okullu 422

Namara Denis 415

Kakooza James 405

Odongo George Stephen 403

Paul Mwasa 401

Kadogo Babirye Veronica 383

Mugenyi Mary 367

Amongin Jacquiline 338

Siranda Gerald 233” (NilePost, 29.09.2022).

My prediction got hit with one seat in the East African Legislation Assembly (EALA) Members of Parliament (MP). The one I thought was a go was the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Fred Ebil. He didn’t get his seat and the UPC lost their seat in the EALA this period. Now, there is only National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Democratic Party (DP) who has EALA MPs in the 5th Assembly.

Today, the NRM got their 6 candidates, which was anticipated. They got in addition two more “independent” candidates. So, in the numbers they got 8 out of 9. Jacqueline Amongin is a member of the NRM and a Pan African Parliament (PAP) Member too. So, she has represented Uganda on a NRM ticket already. Now she ran as an “independent” but everyone should know that she is associated and a member of the NRM.

The second “independent” Babirye Veronica Kadogo was the Woman Representative in the 10th Parliament for the NRM in Buyende District. She lost her re-election bid in the General Election in 2021. She ran as an “independent” but certainly is connected to the NRM as well. To think otherwise is naive at this point.

That’s why it’s only Gerald Siranda who is from another party, the DP. The DP who had this in their agreement with the NRM. The DP-NRM Agreement had this stipulation and Siranda takes over the seat after two terms for Mbidde. Therefore, the DP gets a seat and an EALA MP.

While we saw a boycott from the National Unity Platform (NUP). The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) had a candidate that was bound to loose. Justice Forum (JEEMA) also lost, which was also scheduled to happen, as it is associated with the NUP. However, the shocker was that UPC lost their seat and didn’t get Ebil elected. Especially, since the NRM was supposed to back the UPC with this seat, but that was hallow.

The opposition didn’t really loose much. They had nothing to get to begin with. The NRM was bound for a pyrrhic victory, but today was just a painful exercise. The Speaker decided to have an early poll before the deliberations in the plenary session. This is creating the possibility for “pre-ticked ballots” and open rigging. Which is just foolish, because the NRM got the majority in the 11th Parliament and this would be a walkover.

The ones that should feel betrayed is the UPC. They are surely not valued and isn’t getting real support. That is the party which has made agreements with the NRM. Now, their dialogue and such isn’t considered. That is saying something. We can see that Mao and DP got their way. However, the UPC was kicked out by NRM leaning “independent’s”. Peace.

Opinion: The PDM is set to destroy the parastatals supplying Coffee and Tea Seedlings…

Rt. Hon. Speaker, as you may be aware, up until FY 202l /2022, Government policy has been for Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) to procure seedlings from certified Coffee and Tea Nursery Operators. However, Government has since decided to transfer funding previously appropriated for procurement of seedlings from UCDA and NAADS to the Parish Development Model (PDM) starting this FY2022/2023” (Statement to Parliament on the Supply of Coffee and Tea Seedlings, 22.09.2022).

The latest revelation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) will by this Financial Year takeover the powers to buy Coffee and Tea Seedlings, which has been done through the UCDA and NAADs. We know that similar activities was also in the past done through the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). Though through those schemes wasn’t delivering the quality or the promised needs of seedlings at any given time.

When we have seen how the OWC and NAADs has failed in this. They are now putting this in the hands of the PDM and the Secretariat, which isn’t even prepared to do the basics of the PDM. The PDM is supposed through SACCOs and through the Local Government ensure Parish SACCOs get’s microfinance loans and funds, which is supposed to help development. However, the authorities, the local leadership and republic wasn’t prepared for it. As it was launched ahead of the polls, just like Emyooga, OWC and now the PDM. This is new minted schemes to be a “trick” to be the “silver bullet” to end poverty, but it ends up in nowhere.

Now in the middle of nowhere is the coffee and tea seedlings. Which are now transferred to an entity that cannot even do it’s core. Money is wasted, money isn’t received and we are certainly hearing about “missing funds” soon.

So, an organization that has been rushed, lacked funding and procedures is taking over something so vital for the supply of seedlings for the cash-crops of coffee and tea. That’s significant and shouldn’t be showed under the rug. This is a move to stop accountability and control of it. As we know the Republic is already under scrutiny with the Uganda Vinci Coffee Company Limited (UVCCL).

It’s just iffy that this happens now. That seems fishy to me and it seems coordinated too. This is clearly taking away power and making the UCDA meaningless. Only a place to put some loyal cadres and giving them a pay-check, but having little power or oversight since the PDM and UVCCL will have monopoly. The farmers just have to produce and the Republic will take care of the rest. This is from seedling to the refined product.

They are even taking away the little powers and ability the UCDA has and doing this is shady. That’s why they are giving it to the PDM, which they know have to much on its hands. This isn’t strengthening the agricultural development, but making another scheme within the scheme. To fit another scheme they have already made. The PDM is now becoming a part of the UVCCL. That’s really interesting move and just shows what the National Resistance Movement (NRM) does at this point.

No one should be shocked, but they should be worried about this move. This isn’t done to make the cash-crop more profitable or better. We know how the OWC failed with the procurement and logistics of seedlings. Do you really think the PDM will be any better? Who are they trying to fool here? Who is the ones who are losing and are the party they are crushing?

Because, there are parties, companies and co-ops that are hurt by this. Since the PDM is taking over and there should be outrage over this. Like the NRM and the Government didn’t learn from the failure of OWC. That’s what is striking… and just shows that it doesn’t care. While it could be a scheme to fit the UVCCL and that makes it even more disgusting. Peace.

Opinion: Mpuuga is a part of the G-Unit now…

Sunday Monitor understands that a NUP caucus of more than 20 lawmakers has pledged allegiance to Mr Mpuuga or at least his ideals. Fred Ssimbwa, the Nakifuma country representative in the House, chairs the caucus that refers to itself as G-UNIT. During an interview with NTV Uganda’s flagship morning show, “Morning@NTV”, Bobi Wine said—without mentioning names—that he is aware of NUP lawmakers who have been “compromised.” It is thought he was referring to the G-UNIT” (Derrick Wandera – ‘NUP split pits LoP against Bobi Wine’ 25.09.2022).

The latest fluff piece in the Daily Monitor is hallow and certainly could have had more meat before serving it to the public. A look at friction or creations of “wings” within a party. There would be no different in the National Unity Platform (NUP). It wouldn’t be surprising if the NUP would have the same challenge as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) was faced with, which was the hardliners versus the establishment or more pragmatic types.

However, we have now a new sort of vibe within the NUP apparently. 50 Cent should get his group name back, the G-G-G Unit. I am wondering who is the most loyal fella among the G-Unit in the NUP? Because someone has to emulate Tony Yayo. Wonder who is the punchline king or Lloyd Banks? Lastly, who is the one with the poignant bars like Young Buck?

Well, enough fun and play… but it’s interesting reporting of a sort of G-Unit from within. Yes, that is natural in a party to have wings and different groups. Even when the main objectives are the same and their leader is the same. They still will see things differently and wanting to achieve the same thing. These people just thinks there is different way to succeed. Like said earlier there is many paths, but you as a party has to choose one.

We know that as a Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mathias Mpuuga is a pragmatic fellow and not a direct revolutionary. Even if his party has moved in that direction and has had as a signatory programme to “remove a dictator”. Which by definition is a revolutionary act in itself. That’s why a man like Mpuuga will get pushback and essentially from everyone who signed up to the central ideals of the party. Therefore, he would be questioned and wouldn’t always prosper.

Mpuuga could easily get in the space that the likes of Winnie Kiiza or Gen. Mugisha Muntu has been in the FDC. That’s not speaking ill of these, but that is natural progression and act within what is prescribed by the organization itself.

The G-Unit is most likely the former internal pressure group of 20 MP from within the NUP Party. We know that just a year ago Bobi Wine warned the G-20 about creating an internal group or pressure group from within, because that could be the downfall of a new party. That’s what he has stated in September 2021 to the News Editor and reported about in the Entebbe Post around the same time as the “secret mobilizing team”.

The G-20 surely doesn’t sound as intriguing as the G-Unit. Though there is no one who is as gangster or ruthless as 50 Cent. There is no MP or part of the Pressure Group who can compete with the aura and the will of Curtis Jackson. That’s just a fact, but they can surely try. That Mpuuga is a patron of this G-Unit, which is an internal part of the NUP. Only makes things more hectic and possible could question his moves. Especially, if the G-Unit wants to work in another direction than what the NUP wants. He shouldn’t be out of line or cross the leadership of Kamwokya, which he is representing and being elected through. He wasn’t elected on a G-Unit platform, but on a NUP ticket.

This here is interesting times. I’m looking forward to any sort of pushback or recognition of the story published in the Daily Monitor. This is only mere hours after the release. The NUP and the LoP got to respond. It is not a good look and speculations are running wild. In that regard, also jokes of G-Spot, G-String and other fitting rebrands of the G-20, which is currently G-Unit.

They knew the G in G-Unit stood for Guerrilla, right? If not… now you know. The ones giving the same and acronym needs to know. It would be foolish not to right…

Well… Mpuuga and the G-Unit got some answers to give. That is obvious. The NUP also have to deal with this. This isn’t for South Jamaica Queens, but for Kamwokya. Peace.

Opinion: The IPOD is a lost cause

The Interparty Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) who has gotten major funding from Democratic Government Facility (DGF) and Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD). DGF is bound to only last a few more months until December 2022. While NIMD has ceased funding after IPOD has failed to get all parties to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The lasted MoU lasted until February 2022.

Now in September 2022 the IPOD Secretariat might feel at a loss. The ideal of IPOD might seem positive and worthwhile. Nevertheless, the results and the political forum has been more a sideshow than actually being fruitful. The majority party and ruling regime, National Resistance Movement (NRM) has used it more to poach the opposition and have publicity stunts. While the opposition like Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and National Unity Platform (NUP) haven’t seen any sort of dialogue or proper platform to make difference. That’s why they rather distance themselves from it.

The IPOD was maybe made with the best interest in 2010. NIMD and DGF funded the organization to have a place and possibility to meet. IPOD could have been a safe space for the political parties, but we all know this haven’t been in the interests of the Head of State or the NRM. The NRM wants to either intimidate, strike or corrupt their opposition. That’s why President Museveni has himself promised to destroy and get rid of all opposition.

Now in 2022 and after 12 years of IPOD. The NRM is losing one of the few places where Museveni could actually meet the real opposition. Not the “opposition” who is already leaning towards him or co-operating with him. No, the ones defying him or wanting to remove him isn’t now a part of the IPOD.

That NIMD is saying it won’t fund IPOD before NUP and FDC joins is a failure. The parties themselves has decide. They have seen the works of IPOD and what it has “achieved”. The organization don’t have that much to show for it. This is why they cannot even write an MoU, which they cannot agree upon.

The NRM might feel like this is a “victory”. They can point at NUP and FDC. However, that is a very hallow “victory”. The FDC and NUP has done this for various of reasons, but it is clear that the NRM isn’t an honest actor. That’s why activists, candidates and associates connected to the NUP or FDC are either kept incommunicado, arrested or even extra judicially killed. The authorities are monitoring the opposition more than they look into crooks. Therefore, the political prisoners and prisoners of conscience is a well-known phenomenon in the Republic. That’s all because of their affiliation and who they are associated with.

If the NRM really wanted IPOD to work. They would have properly invested in it and not only used it for photo-ops ahead of polls and elections. While also using it more directly to create positive headlines Nevertheless, NIMD and DGF maybe want more for their coins. They want them to actually have inclusive dialogue and talks in a political forum. That sort of thing seems like a thing of the past.

It is not the fault of NUP or the FDC for the end of IPOD. The killer of IPOD is Museveni. Like everyone else it goes back to him. It is his choices and orders, which are reflected here. He is getting his will and certainly not … get a free lunch. IPOD is only destroyed and losing value, as there are no real progress or talks of substance. When an organization like IPOD becomes sub-standard forum and losing all value.

President Museveni cannot be happy with this, because this just shows how flawed his multi-party democracy is. When the one forum he had where all elected parties could meet and talk is now ceasing to operate. The funding of this organization is stopped. Because, FDC and NUP isn’t accepting the conditions of the current MoU. That’s a failure and lacking the general understanding of what it should be.

If Museveni wanted this… things would have been different. Nevertheless, expect the NRM to deflect it or blame the parties for not signing on. Because, why should they sign on to something… when it gives them nothing and only legitimizing the regime. IPOD only gives political currency to the NRM without giving the other parties anything worthwhile. The others are just getting an opportunity to see Museveni close by and be there in his presence. That’s a futile enterprise and if the NIMD see that is an asset. They should just continue to pursuit it. However, it isn’t the product that its portrayed on the tin. It is something else and the ones dismissing it has all the reasons to do so. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni promotes impunity in regard to disregarding court orders..

I would want some amendment to this idea making independence to be a convergence of principles of justice. We should get time and discuss it deeply. Part of the problem they(security agencies) don’t implement court decisions is that they don’t agree(with them). There is need for convergence on what is justice in some of the cases between the courts and sometimes the population. For instance, we have got a problem of land issues especially in Buganda. You have got 5000 people in a parish and a magistrate says all of you must vacate because he has agreed with the landlord. Then the RDC says they must stay on the land. What is the historical position of the Ugandan reformers( NRM), freedom fighters and you the lawyers? If we just accept that court has decided that 5000 people must vacate, the RDC will come in and say they can’t leave. We say rubbish, they can’t go. If you say independence, it is abuse of power. You are making a big injustice to the population which can cause you a security problem” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (21.09.2022).

It is really special and unique for a man that has appointed all judges and has all his cronies in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The President has also appointed the Minister of Security and has total control of the National Army. All parts of Law Enforcement is following his command and is imagined in his idea of security. Therefore, the mannerism of what he said is so at fault. His blaming the same people he has trusted with the Judiciary.

The second part which is really troubling is that the President of over 30 years. He has created a new Constitution and enacted dozens of laws, which images what he stands for. The President has had the power and the majority for over 30 years. That’s why the President has the laws he deserves. Museveni knows this and the laws are there because of him. They are there for one reason. He wanted them and he has amended the laws several of times, as his mind has changed or being a President for Life makes it impossible to keep the old articles.

So with that in mind. Museveni should let the Courts judge in according to the laws and their judgements after their interpretations of these laws. Museveni has ensured the Judiciary are living within these limitations and scope of enforcement. The Law Enforcement and the Authorities are bound by the laws and how they are coded. That’s why the Courts cannot order differently or act against certain laws. This is because the President and his majority party has enacted these laws. As long as these laws are active and not repealed. The Courts have to follow them and judge accordingly. That is a very simple reasoning.

A man who has held power for so long and not willing to follow the Courts. It is just disgusting. Just shows the contempt of the same laws that he has enacted. He wants the Law Enforcement and Authorities to be above the law. In such a manner, that the laws are only mattering to civilians, but not the authorities, which are supposed to following it too. This is impunity and a double standard. One law for the people, another law for the security organizations that follows my orders.

The President wants his orders and directives to be more powerful than the laws. It shows that he don’t want rule of law or constitutional order. He wants to rule by his whims and direct orders. That’s what Museveni wants and this is why he defends defying court orders. This he does because it doesn’t fit his political alignment or his tinkering at that very moment.

The President surely defies court orders as a way of punishing his enemies or dissidents. He doesn’t care about not following the law in any concern. Museveni rather have his way than actually following the laws he has enacted. As a President his wording and pompous Head of State who clearly doesn’t value the legislation he himself has ensured or enacted it. In the years in office, he could have repealed or gotten his MPs to write laws that fits his current state of mind. If he had done that, the Judiciary and the Court would have ordered things differently. However, that has never been the issue, because if he did that. He would have higher stakes with the donors and with the ones who is supporting his reign. It would be draconian and be totally disregarding the values he came into office with.

That’s why Museveni is conflicted… and the President just shows contempt of the same laws he has enacted. This is disgraceful and distasteful, but its the epitome of how his ruling the nation at this very moment in time. It is also why he never wants accountability over the “safe-houses”, the drones or any sort of misuse of power. The President wants the fear and intimidation. He wants the ability to order tyranny and use the security organizations to his advantage. That’s why he don’t value the laws or court orders. Peace.