Uganda Law Society (ULS) – Radical New Bar: Statement on the Abduction and Torture of Eddie Mutwe (02.05.2025)

Opinion: Tororo becomes the gerrymandering capital ahead of 2026

Tororo leaders have reached a consensus to elevate Tororo Municipality to city status and creation of two districts marking a significant milestone in resolving the administrative structure of the district. This decision was made during a high-level meeting with Vice President Jesca Alupo, on Tuesday, 22nd April, 2025 at her office in Kampala where leaders from Tororo County and West Budama agreed to use the municipality’s current boundaries for the new city. The Vice President proposed creating three administrative units: a city for Tororo Municipality, one district for Tororo County, and another for West Budama” (Henry Okello – ‘NEW DAWN! Tororo Leaders Resolve on Tororo Municipality City Status, New Districts’ 23.04.2025, East News Uganda).

Another election, another creation of and carving out districts. This play is getting old. Just like the old man with the hat. The play that is played here has been done for ages. That’s why the nation has so plenty of districts, sub-counties and parishes. The amount has skyrocketed and the amounts has also become vast. In such a fashion that everyone cannot participate in the Plenary Sessions either. That’s just the issues of the MPs sitting and doing their job. Not the costs, the burden and even the standard each district is supposed to have.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have no fiscal responsibility or idea of fiscal discipline. That is their way and passion to spend money they don’t have on unfulfilled promises. These created districts will lack everything and lack the standards that are there by law. That what happens every time. The only thing they will have is National Representation and elected officials, but not the service delivery or even the components of a running district. That will come long after and the government won’t have the funds to carry the newly acquired expenditure. This sort of cycle we have seen repeatedly.

The NRM and President Museveni don’t mind. His getting easy bought allies and he gave them practically nothing. They are getting smokes and mirrors. The Electoral Commission and the ones making the elections would have new created districts and constituencies. Therefore, it is easier to erase history or voting patterns. As the civilians are shifted and under new entities. That’s just a gift to riggers and to the ones who will-fully toys around numbers.

This is just the practice of gerrymandering and adding more deficit financing. As the state has to cover the deficit and find the funds to operate these district. That will also add more stress and more costs in general. It is by definition a fools enterprise. As it isn’t giving the public anything or really getting the government closer. It is only ensuring a loyal individual is voted in or several to secure the majority of the President. That is the game here and the citizens of Tororo are the ones believing in the game. They are in for a reckoning and this will only give them more headaches, as the state isn’t prepared or has anticipated the needs of these districts. Those funds won’t be there and we all know it.

This was just done for 2026 and for the new “silent” majority of the NRM. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye: Open letter – Happy Easter Holiday (17.04.2025)

Uganda: Norbert Mao – Presentation of a Statement on the Impementation of the Supreme Court Rulign on Civilian Trials in Military Courts (17.04.2025)

Uganda Law Society (ULS): In the Besigye Bail Case, Judge Kania Broke The Law (14.04.2025)

A look into the Museveni’s defence of the 100 million shillings for the MPs

Last night, on UBC, I saw a cluster of Opposition MPs, led by a one Kivumbi, expending a lot of energy, on the supposed sh. 100 million per person given to MPs through classified Funds, etc. In this campaign, these Opposition MPs are supported by the anti-Ugandan newspaper known as “Monitor”. We, the FRONASA–NRA combatants, fought from 1971 to 1987, i.e. 17 years, without pay. Since 1987 until about 3 years ago, the UPDF has been fighting but being paid very low salaries. Until 1st July, 2022, a General was being paid sh 2,029,152, equivalent to about USD 560. Therefore, with FRONASA–NRA–UPDF, the motivation for contribution, is patriotism, Pan-Africanism, etc. Actors, in the wider Ugandan Society, have different perceptions. Those who listen to us, we try to guide them and they make good contribution when they listen” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – Statement on the 100 Million shillings for the MPs, 11.04.2025).

President Museveni could not help himself, but has to insert himself and be visible on a scandal in the Republic. The Republic and the state of affairs that is created by him. It is his interests and how he has cannibalized and commercialized politics, in such a fashion that the wheeler-dealer August House is just another random Tuesday of doling out additional shillings to Members of Parliament for favourable votes. That’s what they do and we know that the President believes in this.

As he wrote in this piece of the defence of it: “Those who listen to us, we try to guide them and make they make good contribution when they listen”. That is an admission of the corrupt behaviour and quid-pro-quo which is apparently legalized and normalized. It is very compelling to listen to someone, when you know you will get a treat after. Sort of like when you an as kid visited your grandparents and hoped they would give you either candies or a small contribution for visiting them. Therefore, we are seeing the same sort of familiar treatment of the MPs here.

The President continues saying this: “Regarding the classified funds, they have two purposes: to buy classified equipment and also to promote activities that help in defeating the enemy schemes in Uganda and keep the peace of the People of Uganda” (Museveni, 11.04.2025).

Here his saying out the silent part loud. It is so telling and this sort of sentiment should have been kept in the drafts, but the old man thinks this is so clever. Alas, we know this is just a dribble to defend the UPDF Act and get it voted in as a way of “securing the peace” but its really just a way of silencing his critics. That’s the “enemy schemes” that he wants to resolve and shut down. This can only be done with civilians tried in military courts or General Court Martial. Those that he directs and controls without any independence. That’s why he wants to use Confidential Funds to soften the hearts of the MPs and get them to trade their souls and vote blindly over it. It is just compelling really and the argument is just foolish, as everyone can see why he does it and why he justifies it.

He ended the text with this: “PS: Congratulations Ugandans. Today, the 11th of April, 1979, is when the Ugandan freedom fighters and our Tanzanian brothers, captured Kampala and Idi Amin fled” (Museveni, 11.04.2025). I just find it funny that is this is a side-show and a byline. He doesn’t see it as that important, as it is isn’t a public holiday or anything like NRA/M Day in January 26th. No, this day isn’t important enough for him, as that would give Obote some shine and we know he cannot share with the dead. The supposed “father” of the nation cannot share anything and his the man whose only one has a vision. We see that again and again.

That’s why he defends open bribes and a bonanza of cash to the MPs. A man that all the time professes to combat corruption has no trouble defending it. Just like he defended tax-holidays for investors and a presidential handshake to civilian servants. That’s just who he is and the old man cannot change. He can only change wearing a hat or not. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye returned to the High Court [after being behind bars for 142 days on the 11th April 2025 without a proper trial or due process]

“The High Court found the sureties presented by Dr Besigye and Hajj Lutale to be substantial and noted that they had met the other bail requirements. However, the presiding judge declined to grant bail, citing the grave nature of the charges and the fact that investigations are still ongoing” (Daily Monitor, 11.04.2025).

“Therefore, although, I find that the applicants have satisfied all the relevant requirements for grant of bail such as proving that; they have fixed places of abode, have substantial sureties, are first time offenders with no criminal record and are of advanced age, the application for bail is denied for the following reasons;

(i)The charges against the applicants are amongst the gravest if not the gravest on our statute books, the offences are alleged to have been committed in various locations in Uganda and in other countries requiring more time and resources to conclude investigations than is normally the case in offences alleged to have been committed only in Uganda.

(2) Owing to the fact that the investigations are ongoing, the interests of justice at this point dictate that the application for bail is denied on this occasion because there is the likelihood that the applicants if released on bail while investigations are ongoing, owing to the grave nature of the offence may fall prey to the temptation to interfere with the investigations” (Judge Rosette Comfort Kania – ‘Besigye and Another v Uganda (Miscellaneous Application 113 of 2025) [2025] UGHCCRD 16 (11 April 2025), 11.04.2025).

Oh Lord have some mercy on our souls, they don’t know what they do. They are just continuing the case and just pushing him to stay behind bars indefinitely. That’s just the reality of the case that is pending, the lack of evidence or proof. We haven’t seen any witnesses or proof to keep Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Lutale, as they are political prisoners who has been kept behind bars since November 2024.

Dr. Kizza Besigye and fellow associates has now been behind bars for 142 days and will continue to be so. The Bond and the Bail has now been blocked. The state who has made up the charges and done so to justify it to the courts. The authorities and the state is using the instruments they have to keep him behind bars.

This is just political prosecution and doing so to send a message. As they want to criminalize and penalize someone without any proof or justification to do so. They have pinned him with these charges and keeps him behind bars. Just to tell the citizens that this can happen to you and they are doing so into the run-up for the 2026 elections. It is all well schemed and planned. So, we can all get the gist of it.

They are just telling everyone that if you dare to challenge, speak up or even organize against the state. You can end up in prison like Besigye. That is the memo, and we should all be resolute about this injustice. As he is standing tall and is a victim of his own enterprise. Since he has dared to be a voice of reason and that’s why they charge him with treason. Peace.

Opinion: Another envelope for the MPs

“A section of Members of Parliament (MPs) from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), independents, and opposition parties have reportedly received 100 million shillings each from President Museveni as a cash gift” (Signal FM 88.1, 08.04.2025).

The 11th Parliament isn’t any different from the others. The Members of Parliament who already have a huge wage-bill, allowances and perks within their offices. They are paid for everything and every sitting. Their job is the most paid position and for the hours of work they have to put in.

This isn’t the first time the MPs are getting 100 million shillings to sway the vote. The MPs are trading their integrity or ethical backbone to vote for two legislations, which is what the President and his inner circle wants. That is giving the state the legitimacy and legalising the use of Court Martial to try civilians. Also, other issues that fits the bill too. That’s who they are and what they have become. If the President wants something, he will get, even if he must pay these people to do it.

This is apparently the “Correct Line” and the NRA Way. This is who the National Resistance Movement (NRM) are and NRM leaning Independents are joining the team. Also, the opposition MPs who has already sold out and are prepared to jump ship as well. There are a plethora of MPs accepting the 100 million shillings for services rendered.

It is really unique when MPs are sneaking in at night to pick up the 100 million shillings. That just shows their heart. As they know the price and cost of doing so. They are accepting the fate and being a token soldier that is paid off. That’s who they are and what they have become. Just awaiting their next payment and additional pay for voting in the right direction. That’s who the MPs are, and this is paid out of the “confidential funds” of the State House. Just showing why they needed additional funds and don’t care about doing their actual work.

The MPs aren’t abiding to principles or anything like that. No, they are willing to get bought and enjoy the perks of voting in favour of the President. They are just people are bought and subjects of the President. That is who they are and what sort of legislators they are.

The NRM showing who they are… and the MPs are purchased for a reason, and they are serving the interests of the Head of State. That’s all. Peace.

Opinion: Tinkasmiire MP says the silent part out loud about Mzee

“We, as NRM, have unanimously agreed that President Kaguta Museveni will become our flag bearer in 2026 and beyond. What soul-searching do you want us to do?” – Barnabas Tinkasiimire MP (07.04.2025).

The reality is here and now they are open about it. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) are now mentally preparing for yet another term of President Museveni. Not like that is breaking news, as his been in office since January 1986. This is just a scheduled programming and default setting. The whole state and authorities are just preparing for ordinary general elections in 2026, and the results could just be printed tomorrow.

Nothing is new under the sun. Museveni running again… that is just what we all expect. We know the NRM and their leaders will act like they will have primaries or whatnot. However, the results are already there, and the Presidency was ringfenced in the bush.

“Whether the Opposition has a credible candidate or not, we in NRM have a heavyweight candidate (Museveni) He is much better than whoever he has ever stood against” (Tinkasmiire, 07.04.2025).

Tinkasmiire MP is just fishing for relevance and proving his loyalty to the State House. His not a wilding out or speaking out of terms. This here is just kissing the ring. He is just proving that his one of them and wants to be acknowledged for it. The MP is just showing the inner circle that they can depend on him and wants to keep him after the 2026 elections.

The NRM will do their dance and act like they have a Presidential Primary. Nevertheless, there is no competition, and no one will really stand for this role. As we seen how Gilbert Bukenya and Amama Mbabazi was treated for doing so. Also, how Henry Tumukunde was beaten for doing it too. Therefore, the whole party has to follow in line and just act accordingly to the correct line. That’s it.

No one will challenge Museveni and everyone in their right minds knows this. He wouldn’t have changed the Constitution twice for selfish reasons. A man that is willing to do that for himself personally. He won’t make a transition or change the Head of State. Museveni will die in office. That’s the only way his leaving the office. An election won’t do it and we all know it. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye returned to Nakawa Court [after being behind bars for 135 days on the 4th April 2025 without a proper trial or due process]

“Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court has adjourned the hearing of a case involving Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale, to April 30, 2025, at 10: 00 AM. The case revolves around the State’s application seeking authorization to access and extract data from their mobile phones as part of ongoing investigations” (NBS Television, 04.04.2025).

The veteran opposition leader and activist, Dr. Kizza Besigye’s prolonged treason case continues, as the courts are adjourning the case and pending further investigation into the matter. Meanwhile the man is awaiting his return to freedom and liberty. That won’t come anytime soon.

This man has now waited since 20th November 2024 and are destined to return to Court again on the 30th April 2025. By this action alone, the state is keeping him captive for a long period without any changing in the process or the needs to release evidence, proof or even have a witness of the alleged crimes committed by the civilian. Alas, this is just a ploy to keep him behind bars.

Besigye will go from 135 days to 161 days of incarceration would a sentence or proof of the charges pinned on him. That is just telling of how insincere and how the state delivers injustice towards its dissidents. This is the message it sends and what it is willing to do. They are criminalizing and penalizing Besigye without proving any of it. Secondly, there is no proof or evidence of the criminal conspiracy and the supposed treasonous actions. Therefore, we know this is an political action and done for another purpose of the state.

We shouldn’t be hopeful that is over any time soon. No, the state will continue to target him and keep him detained. That’s what it does, and it is proud of it too. They are cheering each other on for doing this. Therefore, the reality is grim, and we know this is how the state plays this one out. It is their way of saying the inevitable and spreading the narrative that anyone who dares to challenge the state will eventually taste the punishing hand of the government. Peace.