Omoro County By-Election: The Son of Jacob will not help people out of poverty, but finish his father’s mega-mansion!

We want to express condolence for the death of our son Oulanyah. He had showed good leadership. I’m sorry that we lost him but I am very happy with the people of Omoro. You are civilized people and know how to behave well because you reasoned rationally and said this was Oulanyah’s term. He didn’t finish it, and so let us send his son to finish it. This is Oulanyah’s term” (…) “These people are not sending you but sending Oulanyah back. If you work well, next time they will send Ojok back” (…) “So, I hope Ojok will continue Oulanyah’s work and help people get out of poverty” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (24.05.2022).

The late speaker and former Member of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah wasn’t only the breadwinner of the family, but he also built up a massive estate. Where he had a plan of a vast and huge mansion in Omoro County. That is left behind and unfinished. The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and President Museveni promised to fulfil the mission and deliver the mansion to its glory. While also support the kids and relatives of the late speaks intuition fees as well. Therefore, Andrew Ojok Oulanyah isn’t finishing the mission of his late father, but ensuring that his mansion getting built.

It is hard to say that the late speak did much or anything to combat poverty. Even if the statistics between 1999 (over 80% under the poverty line in Acholi sub-region) and in 2017 (68% under the poverty line in Acholi sub-region). That can just be mere luck or the long effects of the peace after the prolonged war since the liberation war in the 1980s.

What is striking is that the sub-region is one of the most impoverished and lacks government structures. However, the late speaker still saw it within reason to build a mega-mansion worthy of a hotel complex and beyond. A such huge estate, which only benefits the high and almighty of the nation. That’s the sort of thing that the Son of Jacob is inheriting and the state is finishing it for him.

That’s why I doubt he will continue anything. Not like his father did much ado about nothing. We cannot expect much either. His a novice and just a pawn for government majority. Just like the Deputy Speaker was to continue her term and finish it. Now the President wants Andrew to finish Jacob’s term in Parliament.

Again, Andrew just wants to finish where his father left off. In a lavish lifestyle of perks and envelopes. That’s why his father could start to build a mega-mansion. As it seemed plausible to finish and live in a large mansion eventually. Where he could recuperate and chill behind the battles of Kampala. As he could have shade and all sorts of luxuries in the North. Because, that mansion when it’s finishes oozes prestige and glory.

I don’t see Ojok making a difference… but instead just getting a better life for himself. That’s why his indebted to the voters. Because, the party had no choice but to accept his nomination and candidacy in this election. That’s because Museveni decided. Just like he wants the public to follow his choices and his vision. This would be the same…

Do you believe the Son of Jacob? Because I don’t… I expect him to finish the building and cashing in the Parliamentary Salaries. That’s what is expected of him. He will build the mansion and get a vehicle as an MP. Ajok will get perks and kick-backs… that’s just the nature of the game of the current affairs. He will surely enjoy these and ensure the family has funds to keep it’s upkeep. Nevertheless, ending poverty or working to stop poverty in the Omoro county?

No, that’s not happening. It is his turn to eat and continue to build on the fortunes of his father. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye arrested after rallying the people of Arua Park in Kampala

Retired Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye, who was arrested earlier in the city center together with three others have been detained at Nagalama Police station on charges of inciting violence” (Hits FM Fort Portal, 24.05.2022).

Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigire said they would not prefer any charges against Besigye who recently announced a new phase of protest he dubbed ‘Ugandans wake up and we free ourselves’” (New Vision, 24.05.2022).

Streets in Kampala’s central business area remain on high-security alert after opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye beat surveillance to stage a protest against the rising commodity prices. Dr. Besigye was arrested and held at CPS earlier in the day. His reconfigured car was also towed to CPS” (NBS Television, 24.05.2022).

Today, the activist and political leader Dr. Kizza Besigye was able to dip-through traffic from his home and get down to down-town of Kampala Central Business District. As he continues his “Wake Up Call” campaign against the rising commodity prices in the Republic. A cause and a campaign he has worked to kickstart for a while.

To no prevail he was left behind and the authorities arrested him together with fellow activists in the vehicle. The Vehicle is now parked and seized by the authorities. It is now stationed at the Central Police Station of Kampala. While Besigye and his associates was transported out to Mukono and to the Nagalama Police Station.

We have to see if the people, the citizens and the ones listening to Besigye will take to the streets and demonstrate. If they will follow him in this campaign and protest for the cause. However, that is yet to be seen. Since the state is ruthlessly targeting the man and arresting him. His getting pending cases and charges over this. As the authorities is monitoring him, but at the pockets of time… his still able to get out and be on the front-line after two weeks of battling to get there.

Besigye has been blocked and silenced for trying to convene these messages for so long. It just shows his resilience, as the authorities uses the Public Order Management Act (POMA) and other means within the Penal Code to charge the man. As he never gives up and hopes one day that the revolution will transpire. However, it is hard to see that. As his met with injustice and impunity on a regular basis.

Therefore, time will show how long they will keep in custody and what sort of charges his getting. His used to be in arrest and being detained. That’s something that his well versed in and isn’t anything new. However, it just shows how the state operates and how his a target, because his been the vocal opposition for so long. Peace.

Opinion: The President spends around a billion shillings a day for the remaining days of the Financial Year…

The 2nd Supplementary Budget of 2021-22, which is scheduled now in May 2022, as the end of the Financial Year is soon ending. The FY 2021-22 is only ending on the 30th June, as the next Financial Year is starting on the 1st July 2022. On that date start the FY 2022-23. Therefore, it must be something significant for the state to suddenly spend lavishly in the end of a financial year.

The Supplementary Budget which was voted on recently gave the State House 77 billion shilling in additional funds for “Classified Expenditure”. This is happening days before President tells his citizens to buy “less” and “survive”. As the state isn’t able or it isn’t capable of subsidising or cut taxes on basic commodities, as the prices are rising in the Republic. However, the same state can spend a billion shilling a day on the “classified expenditure” for his august State House.

The President can spend a billion shilling a day just on the supplementary budget. That is not taking into the account the already allocated funds to the State House Budget in the FY 2021-22 or the first supplementary budget, which most likely also had additional funds towards the State House. If not there is plenty of funds allocated and directed to the Office of the President. He has enough options and means to spend vast fortunes on a regular basis.

The latest is just a simple fact of how his beyond redemption. A man who speaks of being a revolutionary, but acts like a kingpin. A man who speaks of surviving and living within our means, but he himself has all the monies of the world. The State House and the President can buy whatever it wants at any given time. The State House can imports, buy and trade whatever it deems fit. It has the budgets and the sudden additional funds to do so. It is a huge enterprise and a growing money tree.

The State House has only by the latest budget a 1 billion shillings a day to spend and that isn’t even covering every single day. The State House would still have funds to spare and use. This just shows how reckless and how how the President is using money like no tomorrow. He might claim it’s for development and other projects. However, what results does it have or what purpose? Why not let other agencies, state enterprises or even ministries directly steer these funds?

We all know why… the President wants to be implicated and directly part of all pieces of the state. That’s why his directives goes into all portfolios and all parts of government. He wants to have a say and order as well.

That’s why his spending like a drunk sailor on himself, but speaking of frugality to anyone else. His office and State House gets huge slush-funds, classified expenditure and whatever else he points at. He can claim it is to save someone in the up-country, but everyone knows it is being eaten mostly by himself. His getting a big convoy, having over 130 Presidential Advisors and whatever else he see fit.

If you believe a man who needs a billion shillings day to live. That his the guy to lecture you about living a simple life. You are being lectured by the wrong guy. The guy who is living hand-to-mouth and selling New Visions on the streets of Kampala can explain how that life works. However, a President who spends more than any other soul of the Republic.

Well, he isn’t the guy to speak of living frugal. No, his the guy to listen to when you want to buy Evian or import expensive relics to his State House. Peace.

Two MPs arrested for visiting Besigye

Just as Dr. Kizza Besigye got arrested for stepping out of his compound in Kasangati, Wakiso district. His detained in a police van outside his home by the Police Force, as he planned to continue his demonstrations and protests against the rising commodity prices.

So, as that happened, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and associates of Besigye wanted to show him support and help his cause. Today this was Anna Adeke MP and Joan Acom Alobo MP who themselves got arrested for showing up. They were apprehended and taken to Kasangati Police Station. Where they are currently detained.

These two MPs was arrested for going to Besigye. They did not participate in any protest, demonstration or an illegal gathering. No, they were visiting a fellow political leader and a party associate. Which they are all a part of. Therefore, this is a questionable arrest at best and should be hard to explain. As they were not violent or came with weapons. Neither did they bring a rowdy crowd. They just came as citizens and fellow politicians.

This is a pre-emptive arrest without any justification or reasoning. Only showing what sort of state of affairs the Republic is in. As two MPs are so easily apprehended and taken into custody. Without them doing any other thing than planning to drop by Besigye. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye arrested outside his home as he attempted to resume his “Wake Up Call” Campaign against the rising commodity prices…

Police has blocked Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, as he attempted to resume his ‘Muzukuke’ campaign aimed at reawakening Ugandans to stand up and protest against the skyrocketing commodity prices” (NBS Television, 23.05.2022).

UPDATE: Dr. Kizza Besigye blocked by Police again. The former FDC presidential candidate was planning to resume his “Wake Up Call” campaign in protest of high commodity prices” (NYCE TV, 23.05.2022).

We are seeing it again and again, that the activist and political leader Dr. Kizza Besigye is violently and brutally arrested outside his compound in Kasangati, Wakiso district. This is a common occurrence and only shows with the swift impunity the state authorities reacts to his every move.

They will cite the Public Order Management Act (POMA) and say it’s illegal gatherings, demonstrations and whatnot. That is what the state does and they claims it to be pre-emptive arrests. As they have certain intelligence to prove a worry or a possible destruction of public order. Alas, that is never proven or the alleged possibility doesn’t happen, because his not allowed by the Constitutional Order to protest or demonstrate, which the POMA law is countering.

Former presidential candidate Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye has been arrested after he attempted to leave his home in Kasangati, Wakiso district. Dr. Besigye is currently detained in a police van. Dr. Besigye, who is currently the People’s Front for Transition leader, was heading to Kasangati town to resume his protests against the high commodity prices” (NBS Television, 22.05.2022).

So, right now his behind bars inside a vehicle close to his home. Just because he wants to fight for righteous prices and worried about people not affording basic commodities. That is clearly illegal by the state and the oppression is on high alert.

This is just tragic … that Besigye is treated this way and it’s never ending story. His fighting for just causes, but met with a brutal force of injustice. Peace.

The Rise of the Cassava Republic: A look into President Museveni’s “National Address “On the State of the Economy”

To use frugally these imported items (kukekereza, kwereembareemba) or kubyesonyiwa (get alternatives)” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (22.05.2022).

Cassava. Cassava. Cassava. Well, here we are and things are not changing. The Head of State came with his history lecture, but he says he fixed everything since 1986, but the problems are always returning. Things are never stable enough or ability to permanently find solutions. That’s why even the “revolutionary” man and His Excellency is living large. The same does all his cronies and it’s really unique that a man who has all the wealth and all the power. To say to the citizens to not by imported items and switch to cassava.

Just read these lines in 2022:

The struggle between the two lines, therefore, was as follows: the revolutionary side (our side) pointed out that what was primary was to avoid death (massive death – ekyorezo), all other problems notwithstanding. The reactionary line was to emphasize the loss of jobs, loss of businesses, loss of school time, pregnancies of young girls, etc. Our line was that ebizibu (problems) are not equal (comparable) to death (okufa). Death is irreversible, while problems are reversible at the appropriate time. “Ekitatta Muhima, tekimumalako ente”, we say in Luganda (if a Muhima does not die, even if he loses cows, he will, in time, recover them)” (Museveni, 22.05.2022).

He is speaking well of the lockdowns and the stopping of society as he did for months during the global pandemic of late. Where the state had no emergency or contingency plans to help their citizens. There was a lack of support and the price of survival must have been really hard on the citizens living hand-to-mouth. As there is only one elite who could work from home. The day-traders and the ones living of their hands couldn’t do that directly. That was why so many was hurting.

Now, he speaks of the revolutionary line, as the NRM is far from that now. They have become the elites and the bourgeois who is eating of the plights of the rest. The President will not say that, but his staleworths, associates and all in collective is living large while the rest is struggling. That’s why his speaking like this. Because, it is so easy on the throne and when you especially doesn’t come with solutions, but let the people fix it for themselves. That’s the “revolution” his bringing… and he is clearly not on point with the needs of the people anymore. As their plights and the trouble to afford basic commodities isn’t going away and he choses to nothing about it. Since it is only a problem, but he don’t won’t to solve it. As it is not about survival…

He continues:

Again, here, we confront the struggle between the two lines: the revolutionary, patriotic line of the truth and seriousness on the one hand and the reactionary line of populism, cheap popularity and lack of realism of: prices-control by Government, subsidies, tax cuts on the other hand. Although this is not as serious as covid-19, the choices here, are also with serious implications. It is a choice between okubandama (collapse) of the economy on the one hand or survival (kwetaasa, kuhonoka). The real medicine for high prices and shortages, is increased production. Produce more, if you can” (Museveni, 22.05.2022).

It is really clear that his trying a balancing act, but it’s far from revolutionary at this point. It is being relaxed about the trouble and issues of the people. Instead of supporting and finding means to an end for the mwannachi. He prefers to look silently by and hoping the resilience of the people will linger on. Neither is his fearing uprisings or major demonstrations. Because, the “bread and circus” is working. Secondly, there is enough to keep people content with bare minimum. While the people should afford a bar of soap or cooking oil. The loaf of bread is just a proof that the society is weakening and the middle-class is dying too. There is only the rich who is connected to the government and their inner-circles. The businesses are thriving because of connections and suction from associates of the state. The rest has to fight and struggle.

He speaks of producing more, but who is buying and how are you selling that? When people cannot afford things to begin with. That will only benefit the traders who are exporting and not the people who cannot earn enough to pay the increased prices. Especially, when the state isn’t planning to help to regulate or subsidies imports of certain products. Neither, can certain products be produced at a massive scale for a reasonable price over night either. So, the President here is really naive or if not. Ignorant on the facts and what this really do. Its more Cassave and less wheat all over again…

In conclusion, I repeat that the only, really, serious dangers to our future are: reliance on only rain-fed agriculture; damage to our environment; and a nuclear-war among the mistake-makers” (Museveni, 22.05.2022).

Well… there you have it. This is the vital parts of the speech, because the rest was more history lessons and not relevant for today. That’s why I have only these paragraphs. He just shows what his asking for the public. You have to figure it out and if not use less soap. If not someone has to start production in Namanve or Luzira for that matter.

Museveni promised a “Steady Progress” and “Securing Your Future” but in this speech. He never really meant these things. Because, he is leaving people to fight for themselves. Since he has no incentive or reasons to do things. That’s for a simple reason. He don’t fear retribution or a revolution against him. As the President for 36 years… he hopes he has dozed people off so much. That they will never care to turn against him in the streets, avenues or in the villages. Even if they can’t afford basic commodities. Peace.

Omoro County By-Election: NUP Mobilizers and Activists kidnapped and kept incommunicado…

Police Mount Checkpoints to Screen ‘Strangers’ In Omoro Ahead of By-election. According to the Aswa River Region Police spokesperson, David Ongom Mudong, the checkpoints will help Police to screen people.…especially those who are strangers and entering Omoro District at the time campaigns are ongoing. But NUP Candidate, Simon Toolit Akecha says the checkpoints being erected in the constituency are targeting their campaign teams and supporters” (Unity FM 97.7 Lira, 22.05.2022).

This here was reported about yesterday. Now it is verified from the radio station in Lira. The By-Election in the Acholi Sub-Region we knew would be contested. The authorities and the state is using all their means to succeed.

The checkpoints are clearly made for arresting people associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP). As there are reports of both well-known activists and mobilizers in the area that is kidnapped and kept incommunicado.

As reported underneath:

I’m told the army arrested NUP supporters and members on the campaign team last night in Omoro. Some were picked from their hotel rooms” (Kelvin Omukungu, 22.05.2022).

This brother uses the profile name Maush Mo on Facebook, alongside some others he is said to be held incommunicado in Omoro by the Police. The leadership NUP is making efforts to establish reason for the arrested” (Kato Festo, 22.05.2022).

There was also reports yesterday that the Special Forces Command (SFC) was using violence, beating and brutally arresting people who was associated with the NUP. Therefore, this is a continuation of that and just shows what the NRM is willing to do to “win”.

There is also reports that the NRM is giving away money to villages and their team is spending millions of shillings to buy voters in the Oromo County By-Election. So, the NRM is not “wasting” any resources on the prestige of getting the Son of Jacob elected. Peace.

Omoro By-Election: Bobi Wine and the Campaign Team released after hours of arrest under military supervision…

The latest report from Omoro By-Election is that Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and his Campaign Team has been released. They are now returning back to Kampala. As the Special Forces Command (SFC) has released them after keeping them under arrest.

This is directly stopping the National Unity Platform (NUP) from campaigning and using their national figures to gain voters in Omoro County By-Election. It is just a proof of how the state intimidate, incite fear and uses their means to “win” an election.

The arrests today and the military supervised arrests of civilians, activists and political leader Bobi Wine. Only shows what the state is wiling to do. Just so their candidate can “win” and nothing else.

It is only 5 days to the 26th May and it shows the dire distress the NUP causes to the National Resistance Movement (NRM). That is so clear as the NRM has all their people campaigning in the election, but the NUP is blocked from doing the same. Just another proof of the “free and fair” elections in the era of the NRM. Peace.

Omoro County By-Election: Bobi Wine and the NUP Campaign Team arrested

Tonight, as the violent and brutal arrests of National Unity Platform supporters have been occurring in Omoro County ahead of the By-Elections there on the 26th May 2022. There are several of other reports of which shows the fierce force of the authorities in the area.

As the road-blocks and checkpoints are put up to stifle any movement or any sort of possibly public outcry of the residents there. There is reports that the NUP Campaign Team has all been arrested. This includes Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, as well as Noah Mutwe, Maush and others too. That is happening as they were campaigning for the NUP flag-bearer Simon Toolit.

The Special Forces Command (SFC) of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) is said to be deployed and using force today. These are the ones that is behind the arrests and taking them to unknown locations. This is similar to what happened in the Arua By-Election of 2018.

Now it is repeating itself and the arrests are occurring before the polls. Even before the NUP is able to canvass and campaign whole-heartedly in the county. That shows what the state is willing to do and how it uses it’s resources to stay in power. As they are fighting for the Son of Jacob to “win” this election.

Bobi Wine is reported to be under military supervision after the arrest hours ago. We don’t know where and with what charges, but everything is up for grabs here. Over the weekend everything will become clear. As we will here the UPDF drop a statement and the UPF as well. That is just happening whether we like it or not.

Alas, this just shows that the NRM doesn’t believe in their own candidates and own political platform. When they have to arrest the opposition and use military force to stop them from campaigning. That’s because the NRM and the army fears to lose even more influence in the Parliament. Even if it just a means to regain a seat the NRM already had.

A By-Election shouldn’t be bloody, vicious and need the usage of brutal force like this. However, this is the only way the NRM knows how to win and it shows. The Son of Jacob should feel weak and be praying to the Gods that the almighty forgives them. Because, his campaign is the reason for other people’s plights. The authorities are doing this on his behalf and he should remember that. Peace.

Omoro County By-Election: The Son of Jacob will only win by force and not by “winning hearts”

It is only 5 days to the polls in the Omoro County By-Election, which is scheduled for the 26th May 2022. The campaigns will last to the 24th May 2022. However, things are already spiralling out and the price of the politics is clear.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) are acting like everything is going after normal programming, as they are campaigning to retain the seat in Parliament and get the son of the late speaker, Andrew Ojok Oulanyah elected. However, that couldn’t be harder from the truth.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) had to change their candidate in the last minute before registration, because the NRM had bribed their candidate and instead nominated Justine Odong. Therefore, from the on-set the NRM is using all means to win.

Just like today it’s reports of beating up and direct arrests of National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters in the county. There is also reports of checkpoints and authorities putting up road-blocks in the area too. So, like before… the state is making an election into a war-zone to ensure total victory.

There is reports that the Special Forces Command (SFC), which is a part of the Uganda People’s Liberation Force (UPDF) that is behind the brutal arrests and detaining the opposition members in the county. So, if he NRM believed this was a certain win and a walk-over. They wouldn’t need to do this…

As NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong was earlier in the day proclaiming that they had turned about a 100 NUP Members in Omoro County into NRM. Nevertheless, that is just the ordinary propaganda and most like a photo-op to sincere. As this is a way of people getting free t-shirts and possibly a cash-donation to “vote” for the NRM. So, yet another grand scheme.. because the real supporters of the opposition is meeting a blunt force. Not smiles and greetings from the comrades of the likes of Todwong.

If Andrew Ajok Oulanyah thinks his campaign is solid and great. He should have asked the authorities to not use these means. Because, this is just showing that the barrel of the gun and the use of violence is what the NRM needs to get votes. The NRM needs the blunt force to beat people into submission. Not because of a manifesto or a political programme.

That is the message the NRM is sending here. As they are targeting the opposition. While sparing no concern or mind for their own campaigns. It is all smiles and joy for Oulanyah, but I can tell you. There are plenty others who suffers. This campaign isn’t friendly, free or fair.

There is one campaign for the NRM and another for the rest. That isn’t just and the world needs to know.

The Son of Jacob isn’t winning because of his charisma, character or political promises. No, if his winning… its because of how the government and the authorities targets everyone else who dares to challenge him. Peace.