Uganda: Ministry of Information, Communication Technology & National Guidance – Guidelines for the “Nyege-Nyege” Festival, 2022 (09.09.2022)

Opinion: The MPs better have Code

A Man Gotta Have A Code” Omar Little (Fictional Character from the Wire)

In a den of thieves, in a gang or a group of people, the ones who are assembling or gathering together needs codes. A man needs a Code to be a guideline and be a line not to cross. Everyone who lives needs that. It isn’t written in law or a regulated affair, but a moral and a selective reason not to do so.

The Members of Parliament are stopping a music festival on moral grounds and possible sexual immorality. This is from MPs who is living lavish among poverty. It is the elite blocking a yearly event (unless it was COVID-19 Lockdown). This would have been the 7th edition of Nyege Nyege this year.

Alas, a man got to have a code. Is there where the buck stops? The buck didn’t stop with abducting civilians in drones? The buck didn’t stop with extra judicial killings? The buck didn’t stop with grand corruption or “missing funds”?

No, the buck stops with dancing in bikinis and possible youth rebelling against their predecessors, which has been going on since the beginning of time. The MPs who has all sort of questionable behaviours themselves. They are pocketing unwarranted monies, envelopes for serving the State House and getting perks under the table. MPs who are able to get away with theft, land-grabs and other shady business-practices, but it’s morally wrong to have a huge music-festival.

That’s really telling isn’t it? They are like those pastors who speaks against having sex outside marriage. While they are having affairs and side-dishes, which are sitting in the congregation and some are on stage singing in the choir. That’s what the MPs are up too these days. The same sort of hypocrisy.

That’s why we are seeing the former VP Edward Ssekandi having a case with a former mistress over land. This the sort of people who are ruling the nation. We have seen how Bukenya have dabbled in the youth. His not alone doing the boogie. It is happening and they are finding the babes, if they need to be. That’s the game they do in secrets and they hoped it would stay that way.

However, the citizens are supposed to live holier than though. Even when their leaders, representatives are greedy and ghastly in use of power. These folks has no issues and cannot be questioned. That’s why they have titles and fat bank-accounts. They have nice vehicles and entitled to greatness. While the ones their serving are lucky if they can afford the next meal or have a gig to go to. Therefore, the MPs are really lecturing the people like preachers, but not practising it themselves.

Time will really tell how this one goes… but the MPs has some answers to deliver. They are now acting morally superior and extremely judgmental. That is a burden they now have to carry. They have to lift it and prove they are worthy of it. Since, they are putting themselves on a pedestal and that’s why they should shine purely for the city. These should be the examples of the Republic and be the ones you aspire to be….

However, we know the drill. At one point or another. They will take shortcuts to riches, they will accept bribes and they will accept oppression of the citizens with impunity. That’s how they collect their fortunes and get to live like royalty. This is why they are not interested in justice, liberty or freedom for all. They got it all it, but they are worried about the fate of others. No, that’s why they are only concerned with morals in the sense of entitlement and arrogance, but not when it’s concerned with their own actions or responsibilities. That’s when the law is used against you and you will suffer for pointing it out.

A man got to have code… but don’t expect it to be universal. Here is the moral of story, a MP will use rhetoric and ethical reasoning for own benefit, but never use it in context of themselves. No, that’s never happening. They are absolved of that and are to privileged to do that. These people don’t deserve that…. Peace.

Opinion: Immorality and immortality will follow the 11th Parliament… [The Nyege Nyege ban]

Parliament has stopped the ‘Nyege Nyege’ festival, an annual social event scheduled to take place next week in Jinja. Tororo Woman MP Hon Sarah Opendi says the event is a breeding ground for sexual immorality” (Parliament of Uganda, 05.09.2022).

Speaker Anitah Among on Nyege Nyege:

We are talking about morality of this country; we are talking about our children. You are trying to promote tourism at the expense of our children? We are not going to allow this function to take part” (Parliament of Uganda, 05.09.2022).

Hon. Akello Rose Lilly the Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity has informed the house that they had given the following conditions if the event is to happen.

▶️ Children below 18 shouldn’t attend

▶️ Nobody should go to that event naked” (Parliament Watch, 05.09.2022).

You thought the games of late Reverend Simon Lokodo is over. In 2022 the late one has been revived and his sort of play gets a renaissance. The 11th Parliament just mere days ahead is banning and blocking a popular music-festival in Jinja. The first since the COVID lockdowns and the supposed 7th Edition of it.

Alas, the reasoning for the banning is striking. They are claiming it to be immoral. A morality is a hard standard to set and even to define. Because, what is morally right or wrong?

The Police Act has the rights to regulate assemblies, as gatherings or processions in concern to music festivals. They are regulating the festival in the accordance and only stopping it if its disturbing the peace. It is the Inspector General’s role to write the person who organize the event and a notice to prohibit the convening of the assembly aka music festival. That’s what is stated in the Police Act.

With this in mind… is the Parliament even morally objective or the right persons to ban this event? Because, it isn’t like there isn’t questionable characters, immoral people there or people who used illegal means to get into office. Like are we supposed to forget how MPs are rigging primary elections, paying-off opposition candidates and using the authorities to intimidate the voters to vote on them. That’s morally questionable actions, which have been supported or benefited the ones in question. Secondly, many MPs have been in martial troubles, side-dishes and corruption scandals themselves. So, some of these people shouldn’t lecture others on how to be righteous. When their whole private affairs are questionable and their working career is known for alleged criminal behaviour. That in addition to the regime and how the state operates in concern to the citizens, which can also be seen as immoral. Because, who has the rights and liberties to suspend other people opportunities and rights at any given moment. Yes, the MPs and the majority party does that on a regular too.

That’s why when I hear there is moral objections to the Nyege Nyege festival from the MPs and the Parliament. The Parliament and the MPs should ask themselves if they can fit into the same program. If they can be vindicated from questioning of their moral and righteous actions. Yes, there been questionable acts done at Nyege Nyege and sexual activity, which are a part of a music scene. That is clear, but these MPs have also their sins to atonement for too. This is why they shouldn’t be so high and mighty. They are not priests, pastors or reverends for that matter. The MPs are representatives of the people and they should represent them all. Not only like Mama Janet and try to be morally superior, when she’s clearly not…

Well, the MPs and the Parliament is playing a high stakes game here. Yes, what is the threshold for nudity and when is a person naked? Is it a fashion statement? Is that differentiated between the genders? Because naked is subjective at one point. Yes, some fashionable attires especially for musicians is very revealing. When is it nude and when is it cloth? I don’t have the answer, but when the MPs are setting a standard. They better be equipped to have reasons for it. Especially, since this is a moral concern and not a legal one. There is no law here about it.

The reasons for banning people under 18 years is fine. Parents should be parenting and kids shouldn’t be part of all sorts of music festivals. That is sensible and have nothing to add here.

However, the precedence here is striking. The idea of banning it so few days ahead. As the organizers have booked the artists, gotten the stages and the pre-planned the festival from all sorts of logistical standpoints. The Parliament is legit destroying it and their financial muscles to sustain. They are practically “killing” it and doing it without a warning.

Seriously, the MPs have to answer for their own moral judgments and they better be pure. They better be like saints and act holier than thou. Because, if they can do this all of a sudden. They should have a clean slate and not a single issue. Their hands should be clean and never ever breached what was morally right. Especially, if that’s the grounds for banning a music-festival like Nyege Nyege. Peace.

A look into Gen. Sejusa’s retirement speech

Today I will talk about and address a recent speech by someone who has stood tall, who has been in trouble and been attacked the by system. This is General David Sejusa aka Tinye aka Tinyefuza. A man who has warned the nation about “Project Muhoozi” and went to exile about it. This week after over two decades waiting for his official retirement. It finally happened and he even held a speech like Nobel. He could have walked out in spite or in anger. The General would have all the reasons to do so. His been violated, cascaded and been maliciously treated for his rebellion.

On the 31st August 2022, the day was finally there for Gen. Sejusa and he held a powerful speech. I will not look into all of it, but only a few titbits of it. He really spells things out, but in a manner of which is to be expected of a man who is held in high regard.

The first paragraphs that caught my eyes was these:

As it is normally the case many may wonder, the Gen Sejusa who has had runs in with the system and so on, how does he now represent these gallant officers? The answer is simple ; It’s because he belongs to the family and the family never breaks no matter the disagreements. There are four types of family which maybe summarised; The human family; The one of Adam and Eve and I, and the African Family, the Ugandan family and then the biological family under which all of us fall. The UPDF/NRA family falls under the Uganda family. The essence of family as a unit is for the survival of a species or that subject or object and for that family to survive, it must have the capacity to manage and withstand the disagreements and the contradictions within no-matter how fundamental they maybe or they may appear to be” (Sejusa, 31.08.2022).

Here the General is stating a vital point, but it’s like he haven’t seen what has happened to other dissidents. The General of the ages, a man I admire and aspire to his finesse of rebelling from inside. He surely have seen how costly it has been to disagree wit the NRA/NRM over the years. Gen. Sejusa must have seen that… and he must known the practices from the inside too. That’s why the ideals his speaking of is valid and sincere. However, we know damn well the practices towards outsiders and popular dissidents. It was for a reason why he only felt safe going into exile too after deciding to leak “Project Muhoozi”. The General didn’t do that out of nowhere, but because he knew what was waiting him…

Gen. Sejusa continues:

Freedom fighting is not a simple smooth enterprise where the lion may lie with the lamb as the bible says. It is a terrain that can be bumpy, thorny, deadly, meandering and dangerous. That’s why leaders who take on the role of fighting for freedom of the African peoples need ideological grounding to navigate this difficult terrain. Mr President, I thank you for the years we have been in these wars and nation building to see the strives which have been made. The African survival will depend on the leadership who acquire capacities to manage the difficult bottlenecks and contradictions” (Sejusa, 31.08.2022).

The words here is really compelling too. Gen. Sejusa says this with all of his heart. We know that he has challenged Museveni and his credentials. That’s why he stood by the side of Dr. Kizza Besigye at one point too. Gen. Sejusa knows what cause he fought for and what sort of state the Republic is in now. It is also obvious that he says the freedom fighting isn’t over and has to be fought for to this day. Because, he says there are bottlenecks and possible contradictions. Therefore, Gen. Sejusa states the mission isn’t over and to say that is an assessment of how the President has failed.

He further says:

I wish to thank the leadership who have since held this country together. It’s not easy for African countries to remain peaceful for 40years. It’s not easy. So it shouldn’t be lost anywhere despite our disagreements. As times change and political differences crop up, we get many revisionists. History must never be altered or rewritten and absolutely I am no revisionist my self. The NRA leadership, the chairman of the high command, Yoweri Museveni who led that war and the commanders who served under him achieved the un-imaginable. It was not easy” (Sejusa, 31.08.2022).

This here statement can be questioned, what sort of peace has there been since 1986? The North was burning for ages after the NRA took-over Kampala. Further, there been several of conflicts and usage of the army in civilian manner ever since. That’s why the peace that has been created is fragile and not really sustainable. The centre only holds because of the army and not only defending the nation against invaders. It is there to attack and intimidate the citizens. That is not revising history, but assessing the realities. The NRM cannot hold without the UPDF. That is a truth and this is why the President invest most into the UPDF. This is his bread-and-butter.

The last part I will quote is this:

Those still serving the UPDF, the mission to liberate Africa has never been greater and more urgent. So much has been achieved and a lot is yet to be achieved. We have like it is a case everywhere, new challenges, some are existancial; I pray that the leadership God gives it wisdom to navigate these hardships. Therefore continue training, use the opportunities being provided. Make sure that you deepen your ideological horizons. But above all love your Nation and always honour the people of Uganda. They are special people” (Sejusa, 31.08.2022).

Well, the mission of UPDF is this: ”To defend and protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda, and the Constitution that encapsulates people’s sovereignty through popular will”. That’s why the liberation of Africa isn’t UPDF mission or the NRA in general. This is just the wording, which comes to play when you want to galvanize and make the causes more vital. While the UPDF is the national army and the army of nation, which makes the purpose to defend the integrity and the borders of the Republic from invaders. The UPDF isn’t there as tool or a means to salvage others. No, that is what leaders and envision other purposes for it.

The latest part of the paragraph is something that all in the UPDF should listen to, because it’s the other reason why they are there in the first place. The UPDF has to serve and love the nation, as they are defending it. That is just obvious, but a very nice sentiment.

Secondly, honour the people, meaning don’t extra judicial kill, torture or be part of the oppressive agenda, which we know the UPDF have been. If the soldiers and the ones serving is listening to Gen. Sejusa than they should actually stop doing this things, because there is no honour in injustice or impunity. Neither is it serving the people, if they are violating their rights and liberties. Therefore, the words matters and the UPDF should really honour the special people of Uganda.

Gen. Sejusa deserve praise and honour for his service. Also, for his defiance and his open rebellion against the state. That’s why the state punished him and didn’t let him retire for so long. This is why I have a soft spot for him. Even if he spoke in such manner towards Museveni yesterday. While I understand why he did it… Peace.

Opinion: Parish Development Model (PDM) won’t eradicate poverty but it will become someone’s heist

The newly minted eradication of poverty model in the Republic. That was launched ahead of the polls in 2021. Now in 2022 it is obvious that scheme is bound to fail. It was inevitable… because none of the previous ones had any change or luck either. They have been doing this since the 1990s and nothing has worked.

So, now that the Republic is using 1 Trillion Shillings on it. You would think they had the magical point and the right tools to make it legit. While that is far from the truth. All the things that has been uttered and stated about is an epic failure. From the onset, there was no true organization, framework or even policies at its disposal. Even when the PDM is using similar means as in the past.

The recent weeks of arrests in Mitooma, Kabale and Kitgum over it only shows how badly it is going. In addition to the news of lacking disbursement in Masindi. This is just very compelling of the problematic approach to government spending or even institutionalize these sorts of government programs. When local government officers and employees are part of the gig and get caught slipping.

Certainly, the PDM was supposed to be another “magical bullet” to solve the issue of poverty. Until proven otherwise… I doubt it and there is no sign of improvement. Especially, considering the reports in combination with the reports that is already out. The statements of the Minister of Finance isn’t making the situation anything better either.

When you are spending like a drunk sailor and telling people to sober up. While inviting the sailor to a pub. You know what will go down and what the sailor will do. The sailor will get drunk and be on his merry way. That’s the same thing here… and it’s so in the open.

This PDM is bound to be a big-man’s heist. As there are no protocols, possible oversight or even systematic approach to safeguard the spending. The open corruption, mismanagement and impunity isn’t helping either.

Surely like in so many other instances there been giveaways, kickbacks and planned efforts to circumvent the rules to gain funds from the state coffers. This is happening as the state claims this is the way out. Nevertheless, it begs the question, why will it work now?

When we are so easily seeing the cracks. Reading the reports and the statements from high ranking officials. Heck, the few assessment reports on the PDM that have been released are grim. It is daunting that this won’t be it. Just another heist of the high and mighty. This won’t solve anything else than empty coffers and excuses for the ones in power. No, this will not help the ones in need or the ones it is intended to help. No, they are pawns for the kings and queens. They are the first to go out and loose anyway. This game is rigged and the PDM is no different.

Not like that is anything new either. “Missing Funds” is a proverb in the republic. The elites and the ones in the inner circle are eating. That is clear and the systems are made for them. This is why this latest scheme will be beholden to them too. They will find ways to disburse and ensure them a hefty pay-off.

So, expect someone to run with the bag and the State House looking idly by, because they have already a deal. This PDM is just the latest one to trick the public that they will initially do something. However, don’t be fooled. They will not do anything sincere, but only find a way of earning profits on the poverty that does exist. That’s been their trick and it continues to be so. Peace.

Uganda-Rwanda Tensions XXX: Joint Statement on the Ministers of Foreign Affairs during the Bilateral Diplomatic and Political Consultations held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Kigali Rwanda (01.09.2022)

Opinion: Museveni is the sort of politician he would have hated in the 1980s…

Because the politics of the past have been politics about intrigue, about subterfuge, this has been the politics of the past. This politics has not concerned the population. It has been about job-seeking on the part of the politicians. But now for the first time, we are going to talk about the population, their life, their political rights, their economic interests. That will be the centre of gravity of what we are doing” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (TV Interview in 1986)

Today is one of those days where I wonder if history will ever catch up to Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni. The man who re-invent himself ahead of any election. The sort of man that changes to whatever there is. A man that is willing to give up everything for the inch power and prestige. The man that doesn’t dwell on the circumstances, but swiftly regroup to get ahead. That’s all he does and this is why his tone changed over the years.

First part of his reign. He wanted to be seen as the new breed. The one you could count on for political changes, transform society and give hope for a better future. However, with time that was a smoke-screen to keep himself in power and by enough time to avoid any sort of accountability for his actions. Since, he has distorted, disrupted and ensured total control. That’s why Presidential Directives and letters matters more than legislation now. This is why his a sole-President without the burden of transparency or even checks-and-balances. He is just ruling supreme, the dictator and the man who uses vicious means to get ahead.

Secondly, Museveni knows perfectly everything ill with the previous regime. He even stated that in his first speech as well after taking power in 1986:

There is, in philosophy, something called obscurantism, a phenomenon where ideas are deliberately obscured so that what is false appears to be true and vice versa. We in the NRM are not interested in the politics of obscurantism: we want to get to the heart of the matter and find out what the problem is. Being a leader is like being a medical doctor. A medical doctor must diagnose his patient’s disease before he can prescribe treatment. Similarly, a political leader must diagnose correctly the ills of society. A doctor who does not diagnose his patient’s disease adequately is nothing but a quack. In politics we have also got quacks – and Uganda has had a lot of political quacks over the past two decades or so. I also want to talk about co-operation with other countries, especially in our region. One of our weaknesses in Africa is a small market because we don’t have enough people to consume what we produce” (Museveni, 26.01.1986).

Thirdly, he even wrote this in an article in 1985:

We are convinced that some of the post-independent African leaders are the ones that are just hopelessly out of depth and have got to look for scapegoats. Africa, since independence, has been tossed between, on the one hand idiotic quislings that are mere ‘caricatures’ of the worst aspects of the European middle class and, on the other hand, muddle-headed ‘revolutionary’ ideologies of Fabians, murderers and a variety of other opportunists, who spent more time putting people in preventive detention, when they are not murdering them … That is why African independence has almost begun to look as if it is a non-viable proposition” (Yoweri Museveni, Selected Articles on the Uganda Resistance War, 1985).

When you read these texts and quotes from Museveni in the past. You see that he knew what was wrong in the past. However, for him to stay in power and be in office for all these years. He has done exactly the same himself. His used these vicious means to stay and never leave.

It is just so striking after all these years. Museveni has backtracked… and become the same as he fought against. All the things he has used to describe the predecessors can be used on himself. Everything he has pinned on someone… can be said about him now.

After over 36 years in office he has turned into the leaders he didn’t respect or did rebuke in past. The man in the bush and after taking power… he promised a fundamental change. Nevertheless the “No Change” slogan of the past… is his true testament and what he has served the public.

The misuse of power, injustice and impunity which is what he is known for now. If you read these things today. It is so easily to pin it on Museveni. He is the epitome of the leaders he despised. The rhetoric and message that he used. Can now be used about him. Just the thought of this… shows how far he fell and how power corrupts. He wanted this and he thrives on it.

All the pieces of the puzzle fits Museveni. It is all him. He should know this, but clearly he will deflect this. If people remind him of older statements. He will say the times has changed and it isn’t important. At this very moment and time… he would have gone to the bush to fight himself. Museveni would have had tried to do a coup d’etat to get rid of this leadership. That’s what is so striking in 2022. Peace.

Opinion: The 27 Guns will not be celebrated in 2022

The death of Gen. Elly Tumwine at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya this week only shows what sort of sentiments are out there these days. The original 27 “freedom fighters” or “liberators” of 1981 will not be celebrated or be acknowledged in the manner that they wish they did. The “we fought” tribe has been entitled, gotten wealth and estates to live lavish one. They are a part of the new elite, which came up after the 1986 coup d’etat. Since then the “we fought” tribe has held power and lived beyond ordinary means.

The arrogance and the expecting it all is showing itself. The families of the “liberators” and “freedom fighters” expect to honour their memory and absolve them of all their actions. While they had over 30 years in power. Alas, the new elite has had over 3 decades in power, but they cannot die in hospitals or even trust the Kings Hospital, Mulago to get treatment. Heck, the person they toppled Milton Obote even could trust it at his second reign. Therefore, you know the 27 guns and their families has lost the plot.

The 27 guns, the NRA liberators and freedom fighters has lost their way. They expect glory and fanfare. However, they liberated themselves and their own tribe, but they didn’t make it happen for the rest of the Republic. That’s why maids are exported in massive ways to the Middle East. This is why there is known brain-drain and lack of development. The state is crippled and the schemes are only self-destroying itself. While the braggadocios and hubris of 27 guns still thinks they deserve credit.

The 27 guns deserves credits for buying into the lies and the deception. They traded their integrity and their soul for power and wealth. The NRA promised a lot of things and the 10 Point Programme was a vital part of their era. However, now in 2022 we can say that is a utter failure. In addition, to the hallow promises of Museveni himself; which has been so soulless and recklessly forgotten about. Like the NRA promised the end of extra judicial killings and other pockets of insecurity, but their own security organizations has ever since perfected these techniques and used them to incite fear. Therefore, the freedom and liberation they promised… is far from the truth and only for the chosen few.

That’s why in the year of 2022… there won’t be as much love for the 27 guns as it was in the end of the 1980s or in the 1990s. Heck, the same men would have been legends if they all retired and stepped down from being high ranking officials in the 2000s. The NRA/NRM could have been a game-changer, if they had earlier on and after the re-launching of multi-party elections to retire and let someone else be the head of state. However, we know that Museveni never intended to give up on power and had to revise or amend the 1995 Constitution twice to fit the bill or fit his self-styled President for life.

That’s why the NRA or the 27 guns won’t be as admired or looked up too. Even if the NRM and the ones in government has tried to make them heroic. It is hard to admire or look up to people who has ushered in a regime, which is violent, oppressive and brutal to it’s dissidents. A ruler who has no issues with silencing, intimidating or use force against the ones who opposes him. The man has no trouble monitor, wire-tap or keep people incommunicado without trial or conviction. Therefore, the liberators or freedom fighters fought for their liberty and freedom; but they seemingly didn’t fight for everyone’s rights. That right has only gotten to them and the ones in the inner circles. The rest has to beg or hope they don’t get caught in the web of deception or be bystanders to anyone rebelling the actual power of the state.

Like I said earlier, if the NRA/M had given way and been actually more democratic. The public would have validated them and believed their causes. They would have forgiven them for their mischief and violations earlier in their reign. However, with time the trust has withered and they have disregarded them over so long time. The men who “fought” for them has neglected them and the nation as a whole. The liberators has been in-charged and violated the public with impunity. That sort of acts was supposed to be over because of this bush-war. However, it was done under another name and with another head of state. Nevertheless, even with all of this in mind.

The families, the ones left behind and close associates of he 27 guns still expects glorification. They were vital and one part of the “revolution” that ushered in a new beginning. A new beginning that has turned into a false start. When you do that and linger on…

You cannot expect or think that people will show you or your cause any love. They start to despise you and want to distance themselves from you. That’s what is happening and they have seen what your kind was willing to do. The 27 guns and the NRA waged a war… that they claimed was legit and had the people in mind. Though we can say after all these years. The 27 guns got the best deal and got all the possible perks. Meanwhile the ones who they liberated never got the bargain they asked for. The sons and daughters, well, even the grandchildren of the 27 guns never got to see the promised land. They only got hear about it and the empty promises, which comes out on the regular. Peace.

A Parliament Report states the government wasn’t prepared to launch the PDM

The now released March 2022 Parliamentary Report: “REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON THE STATUS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION Of THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT MODEL IN THE FY 2021/22” is stating a lot of facts, which is damning to the 1 Trillion Shilling Budget Post this Financial Year 2022/23. As the launch and the start of the Parish Development Model (PDM) is lacking basic government structures and even policies. This means the state is risking the whole 1 trillion shillings on a hope and a prayer. That’s the gist of it and it’s tragic.

The warnings has been there on the horizon. It isn’t like people haven’t seen it coming. This follows a long list of poverty eradication programs, which are mentioned in this report. While the state or government has never changed their approach. They have just re-invented the same of micro-finance scheme and rebranded it since the early inception of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

That’s why it’s tragic that they have spent fortunes since the 1990s and still haven’t cracked the code. Certainly, the administration of it has been lacking, secondly the lack of policies and oversight. In addition, the NRM haven’t gotten proper results either. So, this report just shows where the failure is this time and the NRM launched a program and scheme without the proper due diligence. They haven’t even taken care of the basics and spending like a drunk sailor on this. This will end up on hookers and booze in the next safe-haven for the veteran seaman. Therefore, this will not end well…

Here is quotes from the Report:

Currently, there is no clear policy that sets the overall tone of the implementation of the PDM. Some of the closest policy frameworks on which the PDM is premised include; the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995 as amended) under article 176, 2b, d and e) and the Local Government Act Section 95, 96 and 97. Unfortunately, these are not sufficient in setting the basis for developing the guidelines, development of a clear and realistic implementation roadmap for the PDM. The Decentralization policies presented by the Minister do not regulate certain pillars like financial inclusion, infrastructure and mindset change under the model. The Committee further observed that a clear policy framework for PDM will provide a vision, goals and principles to guide actions and implementation. The policy framework would clearly spell out the roles and responsibilities of each and every MDA, The governing framework on PDM, the oversight function, monitoring and evaluation and many others. Without the policy it will be very challenging to address some issues that may impede the PDM implementation and could lead to duplication of funding and services and further disoriented the public perceptions of the PDM” (Report, P: 9-10, 2022).

The Committee observed that, though there were previous government interventions to improve citizens’ socio economic conditions, the issues of building the entrepreneurial capacity of the population adequately has been locking. This is been identified as one of the reasons for the poor performance of some of the previous interventions. The committee further observed that many enterprises identified by some of the beneficiaries under the previous interventions were not within their knowledge and ability, leading to poor performance and in most cases collapsing of the enterprises. This is one of the causes of poor recovery of previous funds” (Report, P: 15, 2022).

Since 1987, Government hos implemented various interventions to reduce poverty in Uganda. These include; the rural farmer’s scheme (1987), Entandikwa scheme (1996), the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) (1990), Kulembeka (To tap) (2001), Prosperity for All programme (Bonna Bagagawale) 2007, Operation Wealth Creation (201l), Emyooga 2020, Youth Livelihood Programme and Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme. The Committee observed that those interventions have not positively impacted on the long term poverty situation in the rural and urban communities. Poverty levels continue to be high at 39% despite the interventions. There is a need to appreciate the fact that poverty eradications a responsibility of the poor themselves and government programmes only supplement their cause” (Report, P: 17, 2022).

These quotes from the Parliamentary Report of March 2022 states certainties that can be detrimental for the whole scheme and the PDM itself. The NRM should know better and be professionals, but instead they have just started a fresh without the tools, which is needed. That is what the Report says and it’s damning.

The NRM and the Government of Uganda should have more structure before spending like crazy. However, here it is clear that the various parts of the PDM wasn’t prepared. Neither the main ethos, policies or the procedures wasn’t prepared. The state only had prepared budget-posts and planned spending. However, they haven’t built the structures or the mechanisms to make it work. That’s really foolish, but on code or modus operandi for the NRM.

So if this falls or fails miserably… well… everyone could see it coming. There was no reason for it to work. The only reason why it could work is the people it is actually reaching and making a difference. However, that’s just a fools luck and not based on prior work before the launch. It is like a brother going to bar and gets lucky. Not because he knew a lady was ready there or his charm would be enough. He just went anyway and got lucky. There was nothing saying he would get lucky, but he did… because he was at the right place and at the right time. That’s what the NRM is trying to do here and they are throwing one trillion shillings at it. Peace.

Uganda: Ministry of Defence & Veteran Affairs – Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces – Press Statement (25.08.2022)