President Museveni’s 2022 Labour Day was all about micro-finance and cassava…

Before our time, no government was giving money to the people to get out of poverty. Getting out of poverty was everyone’s private business. If you wanted to get out of poverty that was your own private issue. But we (NRM) have been giving money [to citizens ] since the time of Entandikwa, then prosperity for all… But all this time, the responsibility was being taken by government officials. That was where the confusion started from” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (01.05.2022).

It is just like President Museveni wants to sound like he invented everything. He speaks like no government have ever had social security nets or unemployment programs. Yes, he claims to be the first one, but there been plenty of governments who has made this happen. FDR in the United States did it through various of programs in the New Deals in the 1930s and several other nations has used socialist programs to get people out of poverty through various of social security schemes. This here is a fraud and a fake. A manner of which you take credit and say you invented the Micro-Financing schemes and the first to do it. That is really foolish, but that is the Ugandan President of 2022. Micro-Financing and Micro-Credit was introduced in the 1990s in Uganda, but it was already a thing from the 1970s. So, it wasn’t only done in Uganda, but done so in Bangladesh and elsewhere before Museveni came into power.

I heard Filbert calling me a chief worker. I’m not a worker; I’m a bourgeois. I’m part of the middle class. You can’t call middle-class a worker. That’s not an ideological definition. Of course I work, but I work as a member of the middle class” (Museveni, 01.05.2022).

This is maybe the first time he doesn’t call himself a farmer or a son of peasant. I’m shocked and in awe. His one of the richest people on the continent and still he describes himself as “middle-class”. Like we are supposed to believe he only earns the millions of shillings he gets through his salary.

We need a workforce of very many workers. There is a way for that. The Parish Development Model should kickstart us to have about 60 million workers” (Museveni, 01.05.2022).

Uganda is estimated to have around 48 million citizens by 1st July 2022 based on projections of United Nations data. Out of this about 30% of these are adolescents, meaning a third of the population isn’t eligible for full-time work since they are not of age to do so. Because adolescence is from 10 years to 19 years old. This is based on data from UNFPA from a few years ago. Still, this all shows that the President have clearly the wrong memo about 60 million workers in Uganda. That means everyone from toddlers to the elderly… will work on the field or become a part of the rampant gig-economy.

Part I:

We want everyone in the Parish who has access to land to join a Parish Development SACCO. It doesn’t matter if they have money to not. They should just prove that they have land to do agriculture” (Museveni, 01.05.2022).

Part II:

If you have agricultural land, do not work only for the stomach. You should also work for the pocket” (Museveni, 01.05.2022).

It is really weird the way this is said on labour day. As the micro-finance scheme is so vital in it. The sort of amplified SACCO and NAADs called Parish Development Model (PDM). Where every farmer has to be part of it and register to have access. So, just like in the Soviets every farmer should be part of a scheme and earn from it. Which is very ironic, as he asks of everyone to work for their pockets. That is initially wanting everyone to be profit driven and incentive by currency. Not be content with having enough food or shelter, but supposed to also strive for surplus funds. However, if it was that easy. His government would have made it happen over the last 35 years or so. It is really tragic that all of the schemes since launching in the 1990s are not working and they continue to relaunch them in new names. Just like they did with the PDM, Emyooga and Operation Wealth Creation. It’s all the same gig, built on the same foundation, but changing its name and partly how it’s operating. Nevertheless, it doesn’t come to anything and is only a money-pit. As its not giving incentives or the ability to create natural growth. That’s why we are seeing this sort of talk and it’s the failure of the President who continues to beg people to think of profits and not of leisure.

Last quote:

If there is no bread eat cassava. Africans really confuse themselves, they are worried about shortage of wheat supply caused by Russian Ukraine War. If there is no wheat, please eat cassava. Myself I don’t eat bread” (Museveni, 01.05.2022).

Do you ever wonder, if someone lives in a bubble and doesn’t see what people are seeing? Because, this man thinks this is splendid advice. The sort of talk that only shows his isn’t concerned and doesn’t feel the plights of the commoner. No, he is beyond that and telling the peasants to be happy with what they have and not strive for more. Which is ironic, as he has spoken of people wishing of wealth, think of their pocket, but they got to settle on cassava.

This shows how out of touch the President is and it’s not shocking as his ticking closer to 40 years in power. The President has lived in his bubble for all of these years and with more and more yes-men. People are just complying and not giving him any good advice. He orders, directs and tell how everyone is supposed to move. This speech was no difference. That is very obvious. As he believes in this 1990s mechanism and thinks the PDM will make a difference, which will be far from the truth. If the PDM would work, the Emyooga, the PDM and all the Micro-Finance institutions would have ushered in a new era already. However, it haven’t and that’s because the Republic and the nation isn’t built for it. The markets, the people and the structure isn’t ready for it. This is just a fact and it’s been proven time, and time again.

There is a need for a new direction and aims, which will improve people’s lives, as these short-term incentives only takes a few people that far and when the cash is low. They are back to nothing and with a loan to pay-off in their name. That’s why this is going nowhere and fast. It doesn’t matter how many times the President says people should work for their pockets. When there is few too little jobs, low salaries and rising prices, running inflations and lack of development in general. That’s all the fault of the President and his government who hasn’t served the community and citizens.

Nevertheless, the President will never take any accountability and he will blame everyone else. Now people should chew cassava, join a SACCO and think about their pockets. However, it isn’t that easy and when you cannot get your produce to the market or even have an ability to earn. Why should you or even be concerned with the pleas of the old man?

Well… he just wants to be right, but at this his wrong. His doing the same trick, as he promised in the 1990s and think it can work in 2020s. Well… the old man is late and he should reconfigure and find tricks that fits the vibrant markets of this era and not continue with the schemes of the Structural Adjustment Programs. Peace.

Opinion: “Pastor” Kasolo’s prosperity gospel … Part II

Spend only when you must. I teach you this so that you save. Saving is the major point. For anyone to become rich, you must have a business that gives you money every day. If you are a man or woman, and you wake up to do nothing, I don’t what to call you. Every human being must save money every day. Even beggars on the streets earn money every day, but for you, you are not earning anything. Vend sugarcanes or fry chapati, but to get out of poverty, you must have a business that earns you money every day. Other than that, you are off track” – State Minister for Microfinance Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo (Kenneth Kazibwe – ‘Spend less, save every day, you will soon become rich- advises Minister Kasolo’ 30.04.2022, NilePost)

Yet again, the Minister and Prosperity Gospel provider, the reverend of promising wealth, Haruna Kasolo has returned. Because the end goal in life is to get wealthy, rich and living large. Not living within our means or having stability. No, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) cannot ensure or secure social security. Neither can the NRM ensure policies or markets of which is stable enough for businesses to thrive in. That’s why the prosperity gospel is sickening.

The NRM and Kasolo’s party has soon had 4 decades in power. Nevertheless, there isn’t any growth or possible change, which is significant. The public isn’t the GDP growth, but they are eating accordingly to their pocket. The NRM has created a gig economy and a get-quick-rich schemes as state programmes, which I can promise you will not last. It isn’t far from a pyramid-schemes to the Operation Wealth Creation, neither is it far to Emyooga or the Paris Development Model. The state is just giving short-sighted monetary programmes without the institutions or the markets for the public to trade. There isn’t a natural growth and neither is there a framework to make it possible.

The NRM is artificially funding small pockets of society and without a long-term plan. There is only incentives and programmes, which is made within the road-maps of elections, but not having protocol or ideals on how to implement. That’s why today’s message is insincere.

Yes, savings are good and people should save money. They should be able to pocket and have money for rainy-days. As every day isn’t sunny and the sun doesn’t always shine. However, when you live on gigs, hands-to-mouth and barely scraping by. Its a lot to ask… those people to save and able to put money away. When they are not having enough food for electricity, airtime or food for that matter. It is really showing the hubris and lack of code, as the poor cannot save, because they are already prioritizing what they have and spending it as they see fit. To ensure their basics is met and needs of their loved ones.

As he continues:

Salary earners who don’t have daily income generating activity always forms long lines at the bank to withdraw money at the end of the month. They are badly off. A salary can never make you rich. A person’s wealth is determined by their daily saving. So, if you don’t have a business that earns you money every day, after here, go and start it. Stay home women, make sure you have a project at home that earns you money every day” (Kasolo, 30.04.2022).

This MP and Minister has clearly forgotten the plights of the citizens and poverty. It is not like these has the time or ability to start a business. Families with kids, housing and rent to pay, rampant inflations and lacking concern to the devalued salaries in comparison to the prices on necessities, which is growing by the day.

The ones that is living on salary and has a stable job. As long as that is paid out on time can ensure some stability and give a person the ability to get by. Plenty of people don’t want to be rich, but just live and be content. Salary can also be a result of the education and the profession a person has. Therefore, the Minister is forgetting how people are earning money as civil servants and government workers. Everyone cannot be farmers and wait for the prices from traders buying their produce. Neither can everyone have a hobby or a plot where they can grow a cash-crop. Therefore, the Minister should be sincere about this.

His speaking like there is a middle class and people can afford to save money. That everyone has the dream and the vision of getting wealthy. Most people want a house, food security and have a good life with family. That is more enriching that fat pockets and lack of integrity. Alas, that is why the Minister has become a Prosperity Gospel peddler and not an honest politician. The Minister has spread this message for at least two years now. Last time I commented on it was in 2020. So, this is his stick… Peace.

Opinion: Yoweri always blame others for his bad governance…

The problem is our people who do not listen, they are always sabotaging our programs. When political leaders fight government programs, it’s the people who suffer” (…) “Religious leaders please help me to expose bad politicians because they are causing problems to all of us” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (29.04.2022).

It is never Museveni’s fault… it is never his fault. As long as I can remember, it is always other people’s fault. In the past it was Obote fault, Amin or even you can trace things back to that. If not it’s the pastoral culture or villagers way of living. At this very moment and time, President Museveni is never at fault. He doesn’t do mistakes, act wrong or trespasses anyone. No, his always righteous and correct on a regular basis.

He maybe believes that, but that is far from the truth. The handlers and appointees around him will never challenge him or even say so. Because, if anyone said that His Excellency was wrong or acting badly. They would be dismissed and sent packing. No one in their right mind is risking their meal-ticket or losing their office.

So, this follows a pattern and he hopes because his giving or donating funds to religious leaders. That these will speak and whistleblower on leaders, which isn’t following party-line. This is what his saying without saying it. He wants religious leaders to snitch on his behalf.

While the President is blaming unceremoniously “bad politicians” without naming them. We know this would be defiant opposition leaders or people who are directly in defiance to his rule. The Self-Styled-President for Life is saying this now. It really shows his sentiment and how he directs thing.

Museveni is yet again blaming others for the failure of his government. He claims bad politicians is the reason for government programs to not work. While Museveni haven’t always done the background work or even stress-tested government programs. Neither is he initiating programs without evaluating the previous ones. That’s why things are failing and not working.

The intention is a get-rich-scheme for his cronies and allies. While the government program is a shell-company or even a nice body to siphon funds. The state and the government officials had no plans in implementing or even succeeding the program. The program was just an excuse to get money and not execute it. That’s how it looks… and the ones behind it is able to run away and never get caught. Because, this is happening again and again. If not the programme is launched, but never really running. Neither is there any plans, protocol or care for how to do it. That’s why the programme is a wasteland and money-pit without any results. While countless of officials and cronies are paid-off…

So, it is striking that Mzee or the President is blaming bad politicians… those bad politicians must be the appointees or elected National Resistance Movement cadres across the Republic. Since they never seem to achieve anything substantial. Because, if it was always other people’s fault. Why is Museveni micro-directing and putting in directives and decrees on all parts of government?

If he does that… isn’t he at fault for directing and ordering people to comply to his wishes? While he has issued these programs without proper work before launching it. So, it is not strange it’s not working. Neither is he funding or securing the secretariats to be prepared to actually implement it. That shows how is a bad politician and maybe the religious leaders should give a memo about him. Peace.

The Saga of Kongulu – Is that the next chapter for Muhoozi?

After the recent weekend, the big bash and concert in Kampala. The questions are obvious and unleashing of the First Son to the public is evidently clear. There is no secret letters or General David Sejusa aka Tinyefuza aka Tinye leaking intelligence anymore. No, it is all in the open and the signs on the horizon is clear.

Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is aiming for the throne and wants to be the next in line after his father. Which was announced and proclaimed in the 2013 letters to the press by Sejusa. These are now relevant, but told a vital story. A story that is now not only returning, but the authorities and the state is trying to normalize. That the unelected son is the one for the next term. His the guy and the big-man. A man who has never been tested, tried or held any official capacity outside of the army. That this man is able and ready to become the next head of state.

However, President Yoweri Tiburhurwa Kaguta Museveni isn’t the only one who did this to his son. The dictator that he deposed with Rwandan forces in the late 1990s, Mobutu Sese Seko had a son, which was made Captain and trained military, Captain Kongulu Mobutu. He was also in the reigns and in arms reach. As President Mobutu didn’t trust or see other military leaders fit. That’s why he trained his son and used him to violently go after the ones who was in his way. Just in the way Muhoozi is cleaning the slate and doing the dirty jobs of Museveni these days. Museveni who ironically said he would be different, than the old guard and come with a “fundamental change”. Alas, he just copied and created his own regime.

A document from Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada states this about Mobutu’s son:

Information on Kungulu, a high ranking military official in Mobutu régime is scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. However, attachments refer to a man named Kongulu as former president Mobutu’s son who served in the Zairian Presidential Security Division (DSP) with a rank of Captain. Please note that some sources refer to him as Mobutu Kongulu (The Detroit News 19 May 1997; The New York Times 18 May 1997) while others as Mobutu Kongolo (AFP 29 May 1997; ibid. 20 May 1997; Reuters 23 May 1997). Early reports place him in Brazzaville (AFP 29 May 1997) and Lomé, Togo (ibid., 20 May 1997). In November 1997 Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported that Mobutu Kongolo was living is Morocco (11 November 1997). According to Jeune Afrique Magazine, some of former president Mobutu’ s family members live in Paris, France and in Rabat, Morocco (17-23 March 1998,18)” (IRB – Dokument #1112226, 21.05.1998).

This here doesn’t say much more than what I stated. However, there are more sources on the son of Mobutu, which might become even more interesting. Since, Muhoozi is trading the same waters and with old dictator as a father.

Wire reported this: “Well after President Mobutu’s departure, his youngest son, Capt. Mobutu Kongulu, 27, an officer in the Presidential Guard – and a man feared here as Zaire’s own “Saddam Hussein”- sought to rally other guardsmen in a last-ditch attempt to stave off a rebel capture of Kinshasa and avenge his father’s defeat, Zairian officers said Saturday. From the moment he learned of his father’s decision to leave power, they said, he plotted how to punish those he felt had abandoned the president. On Friday night, Capt. Mobutu was seen entering the military camp where his father kept his final Kinshasa residence. Moments later, the army chief of staff and defense minister, Gen. Mahele Lioko, was shot in the head and killed. Mahele’s associates said that word had leaked out that he was planning to travel to Lusaka, Zambia, Saturday to negotiate a cease-fire with the rebels and that Capt. Mobutu had decided to prevent it” (The Spokesman – Review – ‘Mobutu’s Son Suspected Of Killing Moderate General’ 18.05.1997).

While the CNN reported this as he was fleeing: “Meanwhile, his eldest son, Kongulu, and 109 members of the deposed leader’s extended family were stuck across the river from Kinshasa, in Brazzaville, Congo, because a flight crew refused to fly them out. Kongulu, a senior army officer, was the son most closely associated with his father’s brutal excesses. Zairians trashed his house on Sunday” (CNN – ‘Mobutu in Togo as Zaire rebels assume leadership’ 19.05.1997).

This is from the past, as well, as there was reports that he died in exile in Monaco. The father and the son died in exile. As the new regime was placed by the invading forces and nations. Which just happens to be Uganda and Rwanda. The current Ugandan Dictator was behind the downfall of Mobutu Sese Seko and his son. Now, we are discussing it over 2 decades later.

Muhoozi should consider the end of Kongulu. Kongulu Mobutu didn’t become 30 years old. However, he got recognized and known like Muhoozi. It isn’t like Muhoozi haven’t a bloody record and trashed his reputation before he even tries to be elected or be a representative. That’s because of what he did as the Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC) and as the Commander of Land Forces in the UPDF.

The Maj. Gen. and later Lt. Gen. has shown his fierce actions and how he is the avenger of the President. When you know this and what he has used his power to do. Muhoozi could easily fill the shoes of Kongulu. I know that Muhoozi hopes to be the next Uhuru and be a Kenyatta of Uganda. That’s what he hopes for, but the brutal reality is that he isn’t and never will be.

Muhoozi might have a brutal and a reckoning of ancient warriors, which will not be at ease or accept what his trying to do. There might be enough enemies and people who are double-crossed over the years. That they might address it with a spear and with a dagger. When you answer with fire and blood to settle every decree. Sooner or later, blades will come back and maybe even from within. So, Muhoozi will never be safe… that’s because of the choices he has made and done in service of his father.

The son should learn from Mobutu. As his father is the Ugandan version of Mobutu in 2022. They might dismiss this, but everything Mobutu did… they are currently doing and how it is governed. There is plenty of similarities and Muhoozi should be worried. Because, the future isn’t that bright.

The NRM and Museveni will not say that. They need Muhoozi to be the future and be a promising agent of hope. However, his possible another Kongulu and he should learn the lessons of the past. Nevertheless, his arrogance and his ignorance could easily make it possible to repeat the sins of past again. Instead of in Kinshasa and such, it would be in Kampala and anywhere within Uganda.

Muhoozi should consider his every step. The same should everyone in his team. Every step he takes will be crucial and people will ask for accountability for all things he has done. The blood on his hands… and the warfare under his command.

So, will Muhoozi learn from Kongulu or will he repeat it? That’s a question we all can ask and time will only tell. Peace.

Opinion: The army is involved everywhere Mr. Muntu

Gen Muhoozi has his own right as a Ugandan citizen to exercise that right as a Ugandan and run for any political office. The only problem I see if he is really interested in running as a President of the country, Gen Museveni who should be more experienced in these matters, should have first released him from the army because the moment you let Gen Muhoozi who is in uniform, a serving officer, trying to project him for politics, you are literally trying to drag in the whole national security apparatus, something which has its own problems” – Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu (25.04.2022).

The sentiment the leader of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu is right… but it’s faulty. The Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) is already involved and participating in every part of life. The UPDF and the authorities are inside and part of politics, because that’s how the regime rolls and continues to thrive.

The UPDF is building roads, construction of public buildings, giving away mosquito-nets, killing army-worms, going after rouge fishermen on Lake Victoria and participate directly in politics. The ones who don’t believe that… should be reminded that the UPDF have 5 MPs elected into Parliament. These are supposed to be “non-partisan” but we know they are towing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party line. They would never double-cross the State House or the NRM Caucus. That’s not happening…

The UPDF and all of it’s agencies are used to intimidate, keep civilians and activists incommunicado. The UPDF and the other agencies has kidnapped, tortured and even used Court Martial as a means of silencing opposition leaders. The UPDF is so embedded that it’s a tool of oppression and using vicious impunity to strike the dissidents hard. The CMI, SFC, LDCs or UPDF are all involved and makes the state more powerful in comparison to everyone else.

Muntu saying Muhoozi is problematic because his an army-man and a commander is right. That is an observation, which is truthful, but at the same time. The militarization of the NRM and politics is just proven every time they are holding conferences at Kyankwanzi. When you are seeing ministers and MPs wearing military fatigue. Heck, the President either wears a yellow shirt, a suit or military fatigue. That’s his whole closet and it’s evident how important the armed forces are for him. Because, everyone knows that the NRM and the regime isn’t living on its popularity. It thrives on intimidation and fear… that’s when the soldiers and military is useful.

We all knows this and Muntu should know this as well. The NRM and the state has been this for a long time. Muhoozi is now more involved, but that’s by entitlement and not by his achievement by any means. The Lt. Gen. is only there because his the son and nothing else. He got no skills, charisma or ability worth a damn. He can only live on the wealth of the inner-circle and the power of the army. That’s why he had to wear a military fatigue and be like his father.

However, Muhoozi is just the symbol of how the military is needed and a reason for the current status quo in government. The NRM cannot survive or hold power without the army. The army and their agencies gives them an edge and can silence the ones they need to stop. That’s why Muhoozi doesn’t distance himself and wants to be looked like a powerful General. His boosting his ego on twitter and being part of campaigns when he can like in the DRC, Karamoja and even Kasese. That’s why he got blood on his hands and no one is even questioning that.

Muhoozi just think he can walk from one office into another one. He thinks he can occupy and takeover without merit from his father. The officers and the ones hired for the gig will praise the man, but everyone knows that his useless. The ones saying otherwise has little to nothing to prove. The NRM and such will ensure he gets a soft landing. “Project Muhoozi” has been in the works and that’s evident by now.

Muntu is right, but the UPDF is everywhere and isn’t going anywhere. Peace.

Uganda: State House – Presidents’ Museveni, Kagame discuss regional peace, stability (24.04.2022)

Opinion: Muhoozi is representing the past before even having a promising future

This weekend the Republic was supposed to be on fire. The time was supposed to stop and everyone was supposed to dance to the songs of the next in line. The regime was making a statement with the 48th Birthday Bash of Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the first son, Senior Presidential Advisor and Commander of the Land Forces in the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF).

This was the opportunity to make a flash and create an epic moment. However, it didn’t really do that. The handlers and everyone is busy selling it. Like it was a unique and brilliant event. As people ate the rice and listened to all the artists on stage. They were not there to listen to or concerned about the Lt. Gen. No, they were there for the entertainment and the free food. That’s it.

That’s why close to nobody was running in the marathon and the roads that was sealed off. Was a tragic event and showing the regime cannot muster real crowds for the man. He needs the artists and the popularity of their tunes. Need the free food and the musicians, because Muhoozi himself got no character and no charisma worth mentioning.

Muhoozi is already old before his even starting. His not a young blood. Compared to his father most people are young. Nevertheless, his not in the middle, but just a decade or so away from the age of retirement as civil servant himself. Public Service laws states that civil servants has to retire at the age of 60 and being 48 years old this year. The first son has little to no time, as the clock is ticking and his closer to retirement than his youth.

So, when his tribe and propaganda peddlers are selling him like the future. Know that the Youth Leaders of the NRM has more years in the trenches and trying to seek relevance. Than whatever Muhoozi has done over the years. The state has prepared for his time and place since “Project Muhoozi” became a thing in 2013.

That’s why nearly a decade later the NRM is trying to sell him and make him likeable. However, it is hard to make someone genuine and caring. When he promise to bring the guns and bibles by the barrel of the gun to Karamoja sub-region. Or saying that his army is the best and flex his ego on the regular. While trying to cosying up Kigali and Nairobi. Therefore, Muhoozi isn’t that loveable of a fella.

For some reason without even trying… his the old guard and the lost era. Muhoozi represent the takeover and the NRA without even shooting the guns of Luwero Triangle. He has tried to sell himself like a hardcore “Tony Montana” kind of character, but his never that clever or able to manipulate the masses. There is little to look for or even care about this man. His just known because he was born and happened to be the son of the President.

Muhoozi has shown he has the system behind him. As the authorities and everyone else went in line, as the birthday and marathon was issued. However, even if the authorities and the army is behind him. The people and general public is not. They are not behind him or believing in his future. A future that isn’t promising, but very grim. His an entitled and born with the silver-spoon. Not like Muhoozi has accomplished or achieved anything worth a damn. Unless, the skulls, massacres and vicious avenger has chewed some socialities we don’t know. Maybe he ate some special kimchi in North Korea, but we cannot know about that.

Muhoozi thinks his the future, but his a symbol of the past. He might not know that, but the way he acts and speaks shows it. His not a bright future or a change worth mentioning. No, his just a cadre of the NRM and continuation of the dictatorship of his father. It is not like his a revolutionary or a man of progress. If things are falling apart and self-destructive, it will accelerate with the reign of Muhoozi. Things will go into pieces and become much worse. Because, a man who is like this and his arrogance is louder than words. The mannerism and the way he takes the Republic for granted. He will not make things better, but only more destruction… Peace.

Opinion: 36 years as the First Son… [The 48th Year Birthday Bash]

Today was supposed to be the day of greatness and Kampala was supposed to be turned on it head. The streets was supposed to be filled with people celebrating and cheering as Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba celebrated his 48th Birthday bash. There was a marathon planned and birthday concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

All the stops was made. Roads was blocked and venues cleared. The state spared no mind and the greatness was supposed to be shown. However, the marathon was a major blow to the self-esteem of the first son. There was only a few people running in it and they where running on sealed of roads in silence. Must have been a tragic site. The birthday run is the definition of flop.

While there maybe be a few thousands at the Lugogo Cricket Grounds. That’s because thestate and the First Son has a free entry to a massive concert with dozens of artists. At today’s birthday celebration it will have Cindy, Bebe Cool, Jose Chamelone, Fik Famica, John Blaq, Azawi, Afrigo Band, Kalifa Aganaga, Quexx, Romeo Odong and Bruce Martins Masaba. While there are socialities, celebrities and high ranking officials in attendance. The ones who are in close association with the state and with the National Resistance Movement are sitting at the VIP tables eating good.

That’s why the free tickets and to such an event is getting people there. They are getting to see musicians and people who are on the radio. It is easy to see why people are gathering and showing up for that. Not because the Lt. Gen. is popular or have a massive following.

If the Lt. Gen. he would have had people following his every move. In other parts of Kampala today people followed and gathered around Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine as he went for an interview with BBS Television today. The boda-boda’s was encircling him and people was cheering him along. That shows true popularity and honest support, which the Lt. Gen. cannot buy.

Today was the big gig. Today is the day he needed to prove his worth. As he made this bash into a national event and of vast importance. While it is only his 48th year of living as the first son. It is a celebration of him being the son of the President. There is no other reason for today’s gatherings and birthday bash.

We should wonder where the money for this bash is coming from. This isn’t the only one either. There been celebrations earlier in the week in the Greater Bushenyi. So, the state has outspent itself here. I doubt all of the event organizers and the procurements made will be for free. This is not a donation or a charity event even. It was an a series of events to boost the ego of a 48 year old man who has forever lived in the shadow of his father.

Muhoozi wants to become the big-shot. The Lt. Gen. wants to have all relevance and be the next in line. This is to officiate his public persona beyond his UPDF title and Twitter handle. He wants to be more the errand-boy and avenger of his father. His ego wants so much more and we wants the love other leaders are getting. However, his not getting that and his learning the hard way. If he has learned anything from today even.

The Lt. Gen. has hired plenty for this gig and expected a full-blown party from Kololo to Lugogo. But this man only getting chicken-wings and very little meat. His not getting the praise or the love that he anticipated. This isn’t how the public went around Besigye when he nominated himself ahead of the 2016 elections. Neither anywhere near the love and compassion the public shows Bobi Wine. That’s why today is a depressing day.

Fake Love and gigs can only take you so far. There is no where in a realistic world that he will be able to gain real popularity and rise to power. However, his whole career and lifestyle has been infused artificially. His only known because of his father and cannot avoid that shadow now. That his trying to get out of it is making sense, but that’s impossible.

So, today he celebrated that he has been the First Son for 36 years with a big bang, but also with a blow. His not the Kabaka and neither is he a beloved character. Neither does he have any personality or broader spectrum of brilliance, which would get people to gather around him. His just the big ego of a man who is soon turning 50 years old and has achieved little to nothing on his own. He wants to be grand, great and the next big-man. Right now his just toying around and acting a fool.

This will end in tears. It will not be as he anticipated. If it had been that… it wouldn’t be lonely fellow running in the closed off streets of Kampala today. No, there would be people encircling his convoy and boda-boda’s showing him love. Which didn’t happen, but happened elsewhere in town. Peace.

Opinion: The gig stays the gig, Mr. Muhoozi

The Commander of Land Forces in the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), the third ranking commander in the Republic, the first son and senior Presidential Advisor, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba can believe his own hype around his lavish and big enterprise of a birthday bash.

The 48th Birthday will surely be a memorable event and with a lot of high ranking officials participating. The socialities, the elite and the ones who wants a favour from the state will show up. The hired brigade of singers, dancers, hookers and whatnot will all sing songs of praise and dance until the Sun-down. However, it won’t be genuine and neither should you think so either.

The Lt. Gen. is hiring Balaam, Ashburg Katto and whoever else he can to boost his ego. He has peddlers on social media calling him a “visionary leader and the future President”. They are all bootlickers of him and he should see it. Alas, I don’t think his that bright or reflective. No, he needs handlers with a vision and with finesse. His a brutal, torture and a depressing man. That’s why he comes with the guns and bible while re-colonizing Karamoja in 2022.

This man will not know real love. He either knows fear or only knows how money can influence men. The Lt. Gen. knows maybe how to corrupt and get people dancing. He knows how to spring the steps of power and get into chambers of power. These doors has all been opened because of his father. If it wasn’t for his father. He would be a lost soul, either on a battlefield or on a shamba grazing some goats. He wouldn’t be near the State House in Entebbe, eating on the hills of Nakasero or enjoying all the perks of the Republic.

No, he would just be another fella trying his luck and possibly struggle at it. Since, his social media isn’t that awesome and neither is his hot-takes. Those takes could have caused a stir, if a Minister or MP dropped these tweets. However, because of his blood and vanity. His able to get off the hook and continue business like nothing. Even when he offends people in Addis Ababa, Kigali or anywhere else for that matter.

The Lt. Gen. can hire the people for the gig. Have his huge bash and get the whole social media team. He can create traffic-jams and issues all through Kampala tomorrow. The headlines and the stories can run large. Just like the stories of his conquests as a soldier and flamboyant ladies-man. However, we know both comes with huge ego and possible over exaggerated…. which shouldn’t shock anyone and particular not the general public.

Muhoozi might take the public for fools, but this will be his loss. He is underestimating the value of his pockets and guns. The guns and glamour can only take you that far. You cannot torture, silence the opposition and pay for small gigs. While expecting that is enough to usher yourself in as the next cringe-lord or baby dictator for that matter.

You will only be a glass half-full or half-empty. Lt. Gen. will only get that fake-love, as there is no reason to really love him. He is not a man of solidarity, hope or change. His the second generation of a dictatorship and a son of the current one. Why should be people be behind a man like that? A man who comes as the avenger and acts as his guard dog? Why would people want more of that?

It is only fools and ignorant people who believes Muhoozi is any good. His not and the ones who believes the people hired for the gig. You have been fooled and should reconsider your sources of information. It is not good and the deceased people of Kasese and Karamoja can attest to that. The people who has suffered because of the Special Forces Command (SFC) should be heard. These are the people who has gotten harmed and is damaged for life. Just so he could flex his title, his rank and his balls for dissidents and the likes. That’s what he does and he enjoys the pain of others.

That is why tomorrow isn’t a real celebration. It is the ushering in of the second coming of the son of Kaguta. The next in line and the one who aspires to be like his father. Another bloodthirsty goon with a title. That’s what it is… and it’s despicable. It is a charade and a big feast of nothingness. A story built on sand and the waves will take it all away.

When the money and power is gone. This man will have no respect. He will have nothing to chew and will be begging for mercy like the kids of Karamoja have done in the streets of Kampala. The orphans of war and the conflicts that he has caused too. He will be no different.

Right now his a Lt. Gen. and a man who hires people to dance to his tunes. He will think they enjoys and have fun. However, it is only a day-job and when the money dries out. They will not return or be beside him. No, they will find another master and another Lt. Gen. to play for. These aren’t the people who loves him or appreciate him. No, these IG Models, socialities and musicians will find other venues and glamorous events to attend too.

One Brother will say: “Muhoozi? Who?”, another brother says: “That’s so old-school. That’s the baby dictator. I only went because I got paid”, a sister: “his pockets was fat and he impregnated my bank-account, but I didn’t care for the brother”. That’s what will happen and he should know it. However, I don’t think he can see it or reflect in this way.

Well… why do I say that? Well… it isn’t in his character and the ways he operates. It is not in him and he wants everyone to drum along. And drum along they will, as long as he pays for the gig. Peace.

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF): Statement on Alleged Torture by CMI of one Mariwos Alexandria aka Esther (22.04.2022)