Uganda: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Statement on the Sanctioning of the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda by hte Government of the United Kingdom (02.05.2024)

Opinion: Speaker Among is apparently over the rainbow…

“I have always said that I have a permanent passport to Bukedea and Buyende district. I don’t need a visa. So, honorable members, you need to be very firm and fight for your position. Just imagine it is your kid who is being sodomized. I have interacted [with some officials] and we have gotten to know what the sanctions are about. At an appropriate time, the Head of State will also respond to it because it is an indictment on the Parliament of Uganda” (…) “These sanctions are politically-motivated. I am carrying a cross for the 48 million Ugandans because of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill we passed in this House. This may not be the only ban. Another one will come in the pretext of corruption and [many] others but we serve a living God. We will always not allow bum shafters in Uganda” – Speaker Anita Among (03.05.2024)

London is calling, London is calling and Kampala isn’t picking up. I don’t blame Kampala for not picking up the call. They are torn and getting a punitive actions against it. The Speaker and two former Ministers are sanctioned by the United Kingdom on the 30^th April 2024. That’s a sign and a signal from the leaders in Westminster and Whitehall. However, that will not make anything change around Nile Avenue or such.

Just read the statement from the UK Sanctions list of 30^th April 2024:

“Anita Annet AMONG is an involved person under the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021. Specifically, AMONG, whilst Speaker of Parliament of Uganda and Member of Parliament for Bukedea District, is or has been responsible for or engaged in serious corruption” (The UK Sanctions List, latest Update 30 April 2024).

It states about the Parliamentary Exhibition and direct involvement in serious corruption. That’s not her effort to enact a law targeting a minority in the Republic. No, it is her shielding and partaking in the theft of state coffers. That’s the case and it isn’t a bargain.

She and her fellow cadres are doing this. They are blaming the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act/Bill. That’s what she is saying and others, but the UK haven’t directed the pendulum there. Nevertheless, they are reading other scriptures than the rest of us.

It is just tiring to hear this hearsay and nonsense. She is misusing her office and never taking any accountability. That’s for a person living in a mansion and living large while the citizens are suffering. She’s part of an elite and getting wealth according to her station. Therefore, she is entitled and arrogant about her role.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. She has power, prestige and a fancy title. Nevertheless, she isn’t respected or dignified for her role. No, she is brash, rash and acting in stark contrast to her predecessors. She is residing over a den of thieves and bashing in glory. That’s why she won’t have any say or speak of grand corruption. Because, that is what she is residing over and that’s what gives her power.

It is so sad… but that’s the grim reality. The 11^th Parliament is a tragic site and it should be different… nevertheless, we will not see that in the near future. Speaker Among is thriving and eating. That’s all that matters… Peace.

A look into Bobi Wine’s Statement “on Sanctions as a tool against impunity”

Today, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the Party President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) addressed the United Kingdom’s sanctions against some Ugandan individuals or High Ranking Officials, which was published on the 30^th April 2024.

Two days later Bobi Wine has responded on this one. This would be a hot potato. As the regime apologists are busy spinning the sanctions as an attack on the “sovereign” and a trick to do this instead of addressing the “gay plague” which are really unique. When the United Kingdom and the FDCO says it is because of grand corruption. Therefore, the opposition spoke his peace and it was necessary.

Bobi Wine started with: “The reason we call for sanctions on Gen. Museveni and his officials, and why we celebrate when they are imposed, can be summarized in one word: IMPUNITY” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2024).

Here Bobi Wine is speaking and using rhetoric that we have heard before from Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye have spoken of the junta’s usage of impunity and ruling by impunity. So, in 2024 his reflecting the ideas and the visions of Besigye here. The whole statement is addressing this and showing the impunity of state. That the state is shielding the thieves, but arresting the protesters who demonstrated against the theft of the mabaati. Therefore, the impunity is as clear as day.

Bobi Wine’s important statement: “Citizens are then left with two choices – firstly, to rise up and put an end to this nonsense. Secondly, to appeal to the international community to take measures – including sanctions – which the regime refuses to take against its corrupt and criminal officials” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2025).

Here Bobi Wine is asking for a revolution and a uprising against the state. That has been asked before by others and by the likes of Besigye. This just shows that he follows the program and the ideals of his predecessor. The other is ask that costs the citizens less and can be accessible. The international community can sanction high ranking officials, but that won’t stop their impunity. We have seen sanctions and targeted leaders of the republic, but it haven’t changed the actions from within. Therefore, the first option is the ones that cost and is dire, but that won’t happen unless there is a real will to do it.

He ends with: “These regime officials have destroyed and underdeveloped and looted Uganda just because they think they can enjoy life with their families in developed countries, using the money stolen from Uganda’s tax payers. Now it is time for them to lay in the bed that they have made. They will have to stay in Uganda, go to Ugandan hospitals, use Ugandan roads — and even start using Ugandan cosmetics. While appreciating the international community for the sanctions so far imposed on corrupt and brutal officials, we can only request that they do more and more” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2024).

This is common knowledge what Bobi Wine said here. The regime has misused their power and taken the republic for granted. They are spending the monies of the state to create their own wealth. That is evident and how they are using their resources. What Bobi Wine is saying here is a low-blow, but we cannot imagine that the high ranking officials only using “Buy Uganda Build Uganda” as they can still import products. Especially, since they have the shillings to do so. Because, that haven’t to be done in their own name or businesses connected to them. Therefore, Among and the other Ministers would get their priority things regardless. The citizens are the ones who are touched and feeling the hardships of the neglect of the state. However, Bobi Wine and others have to reflect on it all.

The sanctions are only a start. This has been done before… and the FIRST option is the REVOLUTION or the UPRISING. While that is an ideal and a need. At the current moment there isn’t a level breeding ground for that or the mobilization for it. Not enough will to make it happen. It is already over a decade since the “Walk to Work” demonstrations, which was cracking the system. However, they were able to contain it…

Bobi Wine is right that the regime is acting with impunity and lives large on it. That is all fine and dandy, but he needs to polish the message and be more clear about the FIRST Option. As that is where the key is laying. Because, more sanctions from the West won’t save him or his Opposition. It will only cause a little eye sore for the high ranking officials and leave others off the hook. Peace.

Opinion: Heavy is the head that wears the crown, Speaker Among…

““I am lucky that I am not on social media because I don’t like stress. There was something written on social media circulating that yesterday, I barked at Minister Bahati, as being one of the worst Ministers in capable of running the Ministry of Trade, that is why traders are striking. This is very false, very untrue and too malicious. I want UCC to investigate this and I want to get the sponsors of this,”” (…) “The Speaker also proposed that the people mounting negative messages against her on social media are in need of prayers saying, “There are people who are monopolizing the use of social media to destroy other people. Minister is one Minister who is permanently here. How can you attack such a Minister? I think there is a problem in this country? There is misuse of social media, I think you people need prayers. How can you start abusing social media to that extent?”” (Parliament Watch, 17.04.2024).

The 11^th Parliament Speaker Anita Among is obviously not aware on how public discourse goes online. She expects total loyalty and propaganda to spread on her behalf. That she can stir the narrative and control what is being said. However, that is impossible, especially if people are having free speech.

The Speaker is showing her arrogance and intolerance towards dissent. We know that the Speaker wants anyone to apologize to her and not offend her. That’s why fellow Members of Parliament have to visit her office and beg for mercy. This is who the Speaker is and how she whips the Parliament in her order.

We know that the Speaker is distressed by the Parliament Exhibition and the open bazaar corruption that has been revealed. The Speaker prefer eating in darkness and not revealing the big plates to the public. The light is dangerous to the Speaker and she wants to continue her profitable enterprise.

Speaker Among wants to silence media and the people on social media. She wants to be looked favourable and powerful, which she is in the inner-circles. That’s why the President has vouched for her and her ways. This is common knowledge and she’s allowed to blame the scapegoats of the gay-plague.

The story about her argument between Among and Bahati might be untrue, but we have seen how she cannot contain her cool in the Plenary. The lines of “nonsense” and directing her fury towards fellow MPs are clear. There is no way back from acting like this. She knows it and we knows it.

If she had acted within reason and as an honourable. That would be how she was referred to in public. Nevertheless, her arrogance and entitlement is her self-destruction tool. This is why she is disliked and mocked online. Her sudden wealth and power comes with accountability and transparency. Something she doesn’t want to address or speak about.

The Speaker has created this bed and now have to sleep in it. If she was righteous, people would treat her righteous. If she is a crook, people will talk about her like a crook. Therefore, it is all up to herself and her own actions. She could change the narrative and act sincere, but we know that won’t happen.

Speaker Among… if you want another vision or words surrounding your character. Then you have to respond to the outcry and listen to the pleas of the public. Instead you act holier than thou and think you can get away with it. You are shielded by the President today, but God knows about tomorrow. So let us pray. Amen. Peace.

Henry Musaasizi MP & Amos Kankunda MP: Justificaation of the Motion for Retirement Benefits of the Auditor General (11.04.2024)

Opinion: A “Service Award” is given to their own…

“Parliament has approved new retirement benefits for the Auditor General, including a one-time payment of Shs500 million to outgoing officer John Muwanga. Retired AGs will also receive a monthly salary matching the current officer, a furnished house, fuel and vehicle repair allowances of Shs2 million per month, and a state burial upon death” (91.2 Crooze FM, 10.04.2024).

The 11^th Parliament isn’t subtle, neither is it Government of Uganda (GoU). The National Resistance Movement (NRM) knows how to take care of their own and the loyal cadres. This is a continuation of just that.

The current Auditor General John Muwanga is getting a “service award” and costly perks in retirement. He will lavish and be one of them even when his not serving anymore. This is what the NRM does to its own. While they will not attend or build the institutions of the nation. That’s because the individuals and the inner-circle is more important.

The NRM Regime has funds, missing funds and other sudden complementary expenses. Because, this is gifting away a fortune to a former cadre. He is entitled to a pension and whatever he has earned in the NSSF. However, this is beyond that and giving him new wealth as his ending his public service. That’s because he served in a manner of which the President approved.

It is really telling that the NRM does this and accepts this. We now see who they are and who they prioritize. They are not prioritizing the hospitals, schools or government entities. No, the NRM prioritize their own above all. That’s who they are and this is the NRA Way.

They can say they have tried to work and fix the economy. The NRM can say they changed society, but mostly done for themselves. That’s why the perks of the elite is just rising and the inner-circle is eating of the plate of the state. This is who they are and the expenses the people have to pay for. The money is printed so that the ones who are in good favours get wealth, while the rest struggles to get a thousands of shillings. Meanwhile the likes of Muwanga gets a giant envelope as his ending his time in office.

The NRM isn’t serving the public and neither is there any need to do so. They don’t fear the population or is afraid of an uprising. Because the guns and the army is behind the NRM. They have it all on look and they know the citizens won’t be shocked by this. The population is numb to these things and its a common thing. Though people are struggling and overtaxed, the elites gets a slice of the pie, because they used to serve in the past. That’s who they are and this is the NRM Way. Peace.

Opinion: Mengo cannot save Mpuuga…

“Happening Now: The Commissioner of Parliament, Owek. Mathias Mpuuga together with Busiro South MP Owek. Medard Lubega Sseggona currently in a closed door meeting with the Katikkiro Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga at Bulange, Mengo” (GSTV Africa, 03.04.2024)

“I’ll repeat it often: politics isn’t a game. Leaders who treat it that way disgust me. Politics involves the heavy burden of leadership since incompetent leadership has the power to destroy entire nations and claim lives. Therefore, in the event that conflicts emerge among you, try to find a solution because the Ugandan people look to you and your leaders for guidance. Don’t let little things pull you away from your main objectives” – Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga (03.04.2024).

We know that former Leader of Opposition and currently Commissioner of Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga has used Mengo and the Baganda Kingdom as shield for his actions. He has used his loyalty to the Kingdom over the ability to adhere to requests of actions from his party. This has ended in him being suspended as the Deputy President of Central Region (Buganda). Therefore, the acts of the “service award” is having consequences, but shows that Mpuuga has allies.

We are now seeing Mpuuga walking around with Speaker Among to Mengo. He didn’t attend the day in advance with the party he represents, National Unity Platform (NUP). The MP instead went with the Speakers and the leaders of the Parliament. Which is yet another sign of defiance against his own party.

Mpuuga MP shows his arrogance in regards to his actions. The party asked for him to resign from the Office of the Commissioner. That is something he won’t do and he has come with several allegations, which he never addressed before it started to burn on his feet. This shows that the supposed alleged illicit activities with in the NUP. He hasn’t showed this before, but did that when the party asked for reasons to let him stay in Office. However, he isn’t turned it on the party.

Now we see why, because his aligned with the Speaker and the Prime Minister of Buganda Kingdom. The Katikkiro is now undermining the efforts of the NUP and says it should mediate. As the “service award” is just a small matter. That just shows that the Katikkiro wants to muffle and stop the internal process of the NUP. This is helping Mpuuga and his allies.

We know Mpuuga MP wants to be seen as a Owek and a respected politician. They are selling him and making it seem like everything is dandy. You can wonder what is in it for the Katikkiro. As his using the influence of the Kingdom and trying to make Mpuuga seem more relevant. That’s what is the message, as his holding closed meetings and selling shirts to the Kabaka Marathon. Therefore, the investment into him is significant.

Mpuuga should be grateful … and feel lucky to have the allies currently. Things aren’t going better in the party and he hasn’t handled things internally. Neither has he acted upon the requests. This just show the defiance of him and his boosting ego.

Mpuuga MP is now an asset of the Buganda kingdom. His their Owek and the Speaker is vouching for him too. They are all in cahoot and working in coordination, as if they are earning on the demise and weakening of NUP. That’s how this is looking and it’s not brilliant politicking. As the Katikkiro is losing out and supporting a corrupt politician.

I am just wondering what the Katikkiro is getting out of the alliance with Mpuuga MP. Because, right now it is only a hot potato and not a winning ticket. If the Katikkiro thinks he can clean the image and make Mpuuga ready for another election. The Katikkiro is wrong there too, as the MP himself isn’t helping his case and no matter how eloquent you are… the actions speaks louder than words. The statements and the letters aren’t helping him either.

That’s why it’s tragic that the Katikkiro is now using his office to safeguard and shield Mpuuga. This isn’t what we want to see and it’s despicable. Mayiga should know better, but apparently he doesn’t and it shows. Peace.

Opinion: Lavish Prayers for Peaceful Elections…

“MPs on the Legal & Parliamentary Affairs Committee queried the Shs1.119Tn Electoral Commission is seeking to start activities for the 2026 general elections, with some Lawmakers describing the Shs18Bn to be spent on legal fees for private lawyers & about Shs500M to hold national prayers for peaceful elections, as wasteful & exorbitant” (Parliament Watch, 02.04.2024).

The Government of Uganda (GoU) aren’t poor when a government entity or institution can plan a National Prayer costing 500 million shillings. They want to spend a “service award” on a prayer session. That is all for publicity and make belief. It is a way of being in the public and showing good faith.

The Electoral Commission (EC) which is gearing up for the General Elections in 2026. The EC has plenty of things prepare and set-up ahead of the polls. The Commissioners knows what is at stake and their mandate too.

Not that we can believe… or have proper faith in the polls in general. That’s because we know the “winner” years ahead and we know that the NRM will have the majority. This is regardless of the will of the people or who they align too. The Opposition can have whoever on the ballot and that person will never succeed. Therefore, the EC is just another tool used by the President to legitimize himself and his reign.

We can wonder why they want to spend millions on a National Prayer for Peaceful Elections. That in an environment, which has been filled with intimidation and authorities cracking down on dissent. It is like the EC doesn’t see what the law enforcement is up too and acts during the electoral road map. We have seen how the authorities are kidnapping, arresting and detaining opposition leaders, activists and associates during and after elections. Therefore, the prayers for peace are futile, when the system is rigged against just that.

The Electoral Commission won’t change the practices of the security agencies. We know they will crackdown and keep people incommunicado. That’s what they do… the drones will show up and people will go missing. Just because of their activism and their fight for their candidate or party. That is just the way things are going in the Republic…

The whole state apparatus will be used during the elections. There will tension and fear in the air. As the awaiting cooking of results are awaiting. The soldiers in the streets and the LDUs will be surrounding vital areas. They will be all around and we know the social media will be a key thing too. That’s how the state operates and this is the “fake peace” the state offers the public.

This here is wastage of public expenditure. Misuse of office and misuse of resources. The EC shouldn’t use these funds on a prayer. They should use on it something useful, which would build confidence or civic education about the electoral system. However, they rather hire a pastor, church and hold a ceremony to bash in glory in front of God. That’s who they are and its disrespectful and dishonest. Which is a bad start for a prayer.

Living on a prayer in dishonesty and being disingenuous is just a poor taste. While your spending money which isn’t yours doing it. That is just a sight and Lord Almighty, the ones in Power has failed us all. Peace.

National Unity Platfrom (NUP): Mathias Mpuuga MP letter to Dr. Lina Zedriga – “Re: Notice to Show Cause Against Impending Call” (13.03.2024)

Opinion: Mpuuga’s defiance isn’t endearing Part III

“I appreciate and understand that you are under siege. I don’t know how to help you and support you. In view of the contents of the impugned document, that the person suspended failed to supply a satisfactory explanation, yet the same person was earlier on reported to have confessed and apologised, I don’t know how to rescue you and the party from the captors. The prevailing desperate situation and the circumstances we find ourselves in, will afford me more time and space to consult with the rank and file of the party for a way forward. Accept once again my sympathies for the unyielding siege that has impaired judgement at the highest echelons of the party” – Mathias Mpuuga MP (29.03.2024)

Yesterday was a proof that the former Leader of Opposition and current Commissioner of Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga believes his bigger than his party. His actions speaks louder than words. His resilience and lack of reading the room.

That’s why his undermining the party, which gave him a second life. A party that entrusted him and gave him confidence. Some call him wise, seasoned and a clever politician. However, this last month we have only seen a greedy politician living in denial. A man who doesn’t take accountability and think he is entitled to eat. That’s who Mpuuga has become.

Mpuuga is a far-cry from the man of the days of the Activists for Change (A4C). A man who looked at the Parliament and cried out loud of their impunity, corruption and misuse of office. Now that he has entered the August House and gotten into Office. He himself became like the people he protested against and wanted ousted. However, he thinks speaking in tongue can save him.

Mpuuga MP better act swiftly, as the messaging he is using isn’t saving him. Neither is it wise. It is just showing that he blames others and doesn’t look at himself. He wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the “service award”. Mpuuga wouldn’t be suspended and be handled by the Party President if he didn’t act accordingly.

Mpuuga MP was asked to apologize and step down. Nevertheless, the month has passed by and he has done neither. The Party has tried to exchange him with another MP, but the Speaker is blocking that person from getting in his stead. So, the Office is Parliament is sustained, but not by the party his representing, but by the powerful in government. Which is ironic, when his supposed to be an opposition of the set government.

Mpuuga MP has lost face and lost all credibility. A man who had a future, but sold it for a big envelope. He traded his legacy and legitimacy over a big bank. That’s who Mpuuga became and spinning the blame on Bobi Wine isn’t a winning ticket. It just shows that he undermines the authority of the party he represents and doesn’t want to follow party line when it doesn’t suit him.

This haven’t been a good look for Mpuuga. The National Unity Platform (NUP) will live on this scandal and tragic saga. It is one man who defied the party and acted above it. His a rebel and a man of the government now. That’s why he can skirt the obligations given to him and hide behind the Speaker. This isn’t a sign of strength, but of a man who is willing to sell his soul for a few shillings.

That’s who Mpuuga MP is… and we can all see it now. It is tragic that this man was in the trenches and fought men like he became. Mpuuga said we needed other type of leaders a decade ago and now he became just like the ones he fought. Peace.