Uganda Law Society (ULS) – Joint Working Committee on Certificates of Succession – Further Concerns on Judicial Independence and Imparitality (19.02.2024)

Opinion: Kinyamatama wants revenge…

“We also have this Nalumansi (Kinyamatama), as if she went to Parliament for prostitution. She is wicked. For they have rendered Parliament useless. We expect you to send better MPs that these ones” – Francis Zaake Mutebi (09.10.2023).

The combative and firebrand Member of Parliament Francis Zaake Mutebi are in trouble. It isn’t news that Zaake MP gets into legal jeopardy. As a MP who is loyal to Bobi Wine and been a part of the People Power Movement. He has been a voice of dissent and vocal opposition who is now part of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Zaake isn’t maybe everyone’s tea. I don’t deny that, and his ways aren’t always conventional. Regardless of just that… Zaake MP should be allowed to speak and address MPs from the other side of the aisle. In a public rally and when a politician speaks of its opponents. We are used to harsh and undeserving rhetoric. That is common from the government MPs and cabinet members when they speak of the opposition. We have seen that and regarding Zaake MP this is no difference.

Yes, some might use the gender card here and say his belittling a woman. While that is partly true, but he spoke ill of someone who would easily spoken bad about him. We have seen how government spokespersons and people associated with the government speaks of the opposition. The rhetoric of the President and his patronage isn’t graceful in their words about the opposition. Calling them insects and parasites. While that is vile, but it is what is happening. This is why Kinyamatama MP wants to hurt Zaake MP over his words. She should use the same energy towards allies and even His Excellency. Because the NRM and their government haven’t spoken saintly in public about others.

Just read what she wanted yesterday:

“My prayers are that the Hon. Zaake is subjected to a thorough mental examination at any of the national mental facilities to ascertain the mental state of the member given his conduct in and out of Parliament. Hon. Zaake will be suspended from Parliament and all its premises and the rest of the session for the 11th Parliament” – Juliet Kinyamatama MP (13.02.2024).

This is revenging Zaake for what he said last October in Rakai. That’s what this is and humiliate him. Not only that but totally take away his office and use his utterings as a tool to take away his role in Parliament.

If Kinyamatama MP was sincere and understood her role as MP. She would have addressed him outside of Parliament and undermined his rhetoric there. Especially, if this was reputable or a true depiction of her. Heck, she could have sued for defamation. However, there is a burden of proof and she would need to show the damage his utterings has done. Nevertheless, that isn’t needed in a Committee in the Parliament. Therefore, she earns more currency going after Zaake MP there.

Zaake MP is already a victim of targeted attacks on his character and roles in Parliament. He is one of them who is gone after and easy target too. People seem to understand and just expect that to happen to him. His just one of them leaders who can be touched and punished without any justification. It is just because of his association with Bobi Wine and a vocal opposition MP. That’s all that matters and in this regard. The same sort of tune rings.

I would have respected Kinyamatama MP if she would have retorted and answered with a voice of reason. If she would have done so in writing or done so in a public rally too. That would have been fitting. If not she could have done so on NBS Frontline or similar program as well. Because then she could have answered Zaake MP heads-on in public. So everyone could see… and get her view on the matter.

Now its yet again a matter of the August House and she’s avenging him. That’s what is evident here and it’s a waste of public resources doing so. She’s trying to take Zaake MP down, because she’s butt-hurt by what he said.

Zaake MP wasn’t righteous in his wordings and could have handled it with more care. However, there is little proof of value or parliamentary work from Kinyamatama MP. She is only known for trying to take down Zaake MP, which isn’t why the people of Rakai voted her in.

This just shows that Zaake MP is a victim of his own high profiled role. That someone as Kinyamatama MP can distort his future. Her prayer might even be answered by the Committee and become a vote in a Plenary Session. We know there are people who want Zaake MP out and gone. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised if they would do that too.

It is just tragic that the August House is wasting time on this and not what people needs. Peace.

Opinion: Gereson get a grip…

A leaked WhatsApp audio from a one Kuluthum Sherry to Dj Erycom pins Gravity Omutujju as a masquerading owner of the Busabala Land where the rapper has commenced the construction of Busabala Medical Centre. The rightful owner according to availed documents, Dj Erycom says Kuluthum contacted him to buy the land but has since failed to pay the total agreed sum of money” (100.2 Galaxy FM Zzina!, 08.02.2024)

This here man Gereson Wabuyi aka Gravity Omutujju thinks his clever. Nah, scratch that. He thinks his the wisest man in the room and who has all the answers. Gravity believes that everything encircles around him and whatever gig his doing. That’s how things are looking.

Gravity expects the Opposition Leader to deliver government services and donate his land to build a government facility. That’s not merited anyone and is up to the owner of the set land. Nevertheless, the artist believes it is within his rights to demand that from Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. That’s his supposed to give up and sign off land in Busabala to the “hospital” or the “medical centre” Gravity is building.

Alas, here is where the problem remains. The owner is within rights to use their plot as they pleases. Secondly, Bobi Wine can use his platform, party and leadership the way he pleases too. There is nothing the opposition needs to or have too. Unless, it is to challenge and be guarding principals that the government isn’t upholding.

The National Unity Platform and Bobi Wine aren’t the ones who is supposed to facilitate or supply government services. It is the government and the state organizations that is supposed to deliver government services. That’s why Gravity is asking the wrong brother to act on his behalf and he should know this.

Whatever Gravity wants out of it all is hard to know. As it is a solo mission and it only shows either his greed for a plot of land or him undermining his own character. Because this isn’t clever, smart or wise. Instead it shows that there is a need for civic education and lessons to be taught. Since there are some missing marbles here and some knowledge that isn’t common sense apparently.

Gravity might get some locals happy and everyone deserves a health care facility nearby. No shade thrown at that, but the manner of which he has done it. That’s where you can fault him. The execution and asking for Bobi Wine to fix it. When it is the Ministry of Health and government entities that should do the bidding.

This is certainly not a finished saga just yet. As we know people with big egos and little cliff-notes will do unhinged things. We can just expect more drama and lack of understanding of how things operate. In the grand scheme of things, that doesn’t matter to Gravity as long as he makes headlines and is sort of relevant. Peace.

Opinion: Nabbanja cannot lie about the Red Berets…

“The issue of berets, I always see people putting them on and I haven’t seen anybody arrested, including MPs here, I see you putting them on, but I haven’t seen anybody being arrested, even Joel Ssenyonyi is usually on berets, have you ever been arrested? Have you ever been arrested?” – Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (07.02.2024).

We have a familiar discussion and it’s nothing new. Not long ago the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) gazetted and made it illegal to wear “red berets” in the Republic. That is public knowledge, that happened as a result of the People Power Movement and the rise of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine in the political sphere.

However, as time has gone on and it has become normalized. The red beret haven’t been used as a mean to target and arrest people. While in the beginning the authorities has arrested civilians, activists and people for wearing it. The authorities even went after Bobi Wine for wearing it years ago. Therefore, the Prime Minister is lying.

There is people behind bars for wearing an attire. They had the “red beret” and that was enough reason for them to arrested and detained. This is why people are reacting when they are seeing Andrew Mwenda and Lillian Arber wearing military uniform. These high-ranking officials within the regime are allowed to wear military attire, but others are charged, arrested, and detained for doing the same.

This just shows there is a difference between the average joe and the ones who is connected. The ones who has a function and a role within the regime can get off the hook, but civilians and others have to beg for mercy. This is the gist here.

It is not funny that the Prime Minister is mocking this. When we know of individuals who are charged and having trials in Court Martial as civilians for wearing “red berets”. Maybe it hasn’t caused headlines in recent time, but in the last few years there are incidents of this. There are times when the authorities have gone after politicians, activists and civilians for wearing that.

This is why the PM in her arrogance forgets the plights and the hardships of the ones on the frontline. The PM can do this, because she is living the fine life now. She has achieved everything and living in her golden era. That’s why the PM can mock it and laugh at the Opposition for questioning this.

While the PM disregard the citizens who are behind bars for this, but her allies are allowed to cosplay as soldiers or uniformed personnel. So, please step your game up. This isn’t it. We should feel sorry for the ones behind bars for wearing the red beret. They shouldn’t be there, but they are.

These people are prisoners of conscience and out of political affiliation. Peace.

Opinion: The bad man can play games…

The theatrics continues on the 5th Day of House Arrest for Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. He has already been to church, eaten in the ghetto and used boda-boda to cross the Greater Kampala region.

On the fifth day he was spotted using taxi’s to skirt through road-blocks and pass by the security detail. As he was a fugitive and an outlaw in his own homestead. Therefore, his popularity and the solidarity of fellow citizens have helped him these days. As the law enforcement and the security agencies are supposed to be keep him at home. Alas, they are not capable even with the military presence and with bunch of police officers to in Magere, Wakiso district.

That he was using a taxi and not being spotted says something. As he has used the boda-boda before and could easily do that again. He just shows how he is able move and get around. Even if he is supposed to be under house-arrest.

The ones in-charge of the detail and stationed at Magere must feel foolish. They must feel dumb, as they are bound by orders and sitting by a house. However, at the house isn’t their VIP or the “prisoner”. No he is traversing Kampala and the nearby area like nothing.

Today he travelled to Iganga and proved what he was capable of. It just shows that his not out reach and can “avoid the arrest”. While the state tries to keep him “pre-emptive arrested” for the moment. Which isn’t successful, as he visit restaurants, churches and shrines. Just to prove a point, because his party and allies isn’t allowed to demonstrate or assemble like the constitutional rights gives them. Therefore, his just acting in resistance and defiance of the state.

His acts of going outside his home and travelling like a commoner. Sets him apart from other. A man of his now ranks shows his savvy-ness and ability to be an average citizen. Because, his the former bad man of Kamwokya and everyone knows this. His a kid from the ghetto who rose up to prominence.

That’s why these actions matters, as it is humiliates the state and its apparatus. It shows that it is possible to trick the system and get away with it. That’s what he has done and perfected it too. This is the fifth day and the “house-arrest” isn’t working this time around.

Not to Bobi Wine. He is able to get off the hook and still be at liberty of travelling. Even if it is not in any of his vehicles or personal transport with a driver. He is stuck with public transport and use the means of the common man. That is compelling and tells a story that the authorities and the ruling regime don’t want.

Bobi Wine has enough power and popularity that he can get away with it and people will help him. They are willing and caring to do so. That’s what they are showing and they happy to do so. This is something the state and the security organizations will hate. Because, his popularity and gravitas is helping him along the way. Peace.

Continued house-arrest of opposition leaders… [on the fourth day]

Since 18th January 2024 there been opposition leaders put under house-arrest in the Republic. These are Erias Lukwago, Dr. Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Even if Bobi Wine has on three occasions been able to slip out and enjoy the resistance.

The facts remains that in Kasangati and in Wakiso District where Besigye and Bobi Wine lives have been put up road-blocks and facilities to keep them under siege. In Magere though, the law enforcement struggles to contain Bobi Wine as he slips out and gets to see the ghettos of Kampala even.

While Besigye have been locked inside and the same has Lukwago. This is pre-emptive arrests and they have been kept for four days now. It is the double of the 48 hours rule before being arraigned in court. They are just continuing the norm of acting outside the laws and skirt them to justify detention of opposition leaders.

No one should be surprised by this in 2024. This is the democracy and the multi-party democracy that reflects the vision of Museveni. It is his mannerisms and his vision that is actively followed. The orders from the high above and the acts of impunity towards the ones who defies him. That’s why these leaders are in trouble and in legal jeopardy, yet again.

Certainly, the NRM and the Uganda Police Force will come with excuses. Surely, the safeguarding of the national security and endangering of society will be one of the reasons for arresting them on the spot. Keeping them detained in their own houses and taking away their liberties.

While Bobi Wine has to flee from his house like a common crook and hope he isn’t captured on his expeditions or adventures across the Greater Kampala region. As he visit Kampala and Wakiso through his journeys.

There is reasons for everything, but we have seen this game being played out before and nothing new under the sun. The reasons now was to contain them while Museveni had visitors and not humiliate him to much with resistance and defiance against the state. That’s why they did this and had to use the military and police to keep them at bay.

This is what we know, but we all see the quagmire too. As the Republic, the officers and the authorities has to make things up to make it “believable” and secondly there is no good “case” or justification for the continued arrest. It only shows what sort of state of freedom and liberty the state serves the nation. How it can easily take it away and don’t even bother to have proper reasons for doing so. Peace.

Besigye and Bobi Wine under house-arrest on the second day…

It is now official that Dr. Kizza Besigye home in Kasangati, Wakiso district is still under siege, as the authorities and the law enforcement are even putting up mobile toilets there to stay. This means the movement and the liberty of Besigye is yet again put on hold. He is blocked from moving outside his compound and for the time being house-arrested without charges or warrants. Therefore, it is a pre-emptive action, which the Police and Military cannot directly explain.

In the same fashion, in Magere the house of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is besieged by the Police and the Military. He was able earlier in the day to whisk himself out and be in the city. However, returning later and the same procedure is there. There is a limit to his freedom and liberty to move. The house-arrest is still on and he was luckily and able to move out earlier in the day.

We are seeing a familiar pattern as the opposition planned protests and peaceful demonstrations. The authorities answers those pleas with house-arresting the leaders to silence the protest. That stopped it to a point, but there was some defiant politicians and civilians who followed up on the call. They went to the potholes and planted matooki studs. That’s a sign of how bad the roads are and that the government have to act upon this.

We have seen the authorities and state answer to this. As the humiliation of seeing matooki studs in the roads and in the middle of urban areas. This is certainly the most peaceful means of doing, except for the potholes exhibition, which was done by activists online last year. This is a continuation of this and materializing in the neighbourhoods of the citizens. Therefore, a very influential way of showing dissent without harming anyone.

Still, with that in mind, the authorities and the state doesn’t see it this way. As it is happening in the middle of an international conference and this is defiant action, which isn’t showing the beautiful and perfect side of the republic. While that is far from true, it isn’t a propaganda goal to see opposition leaders house-arrested and roads filled with matooki studs. It is an action of desperation and lack of control. Therefore, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) must feel humbled by these acts of defiance.

While the leaders are stopped in their tracks and silenced, but only able to mostly address the public on social media. It is still signs that the public and citizens are listening to the opposition leaders. As pictures of streets filled with matooki studs has come up. Most likely will the engineers and others take these away in the coming days. However, it is a sign of tiredness and of rebellion. As the public is tired of the lacking works on the roads.

The President and his Yes-Men needs to heed this call, but we shouldn’t expect anything. There is no reform or money coming this way. There is a massive need and overhaul of the roads, but that isn’t a priority. That is well known… but the opposition leaders are able to show by the dissent and the act to undermine the regime. They have by doing this shown character and finesse.

Bobi Wine and Besigye have proven skill and ability to navigate the hectic means of the state. As they have used one tactic to undermine and humiliate the state. They have lost their freedom and liberty by doing so. However, they have both been in this situation before and most likely won’t be the last. As the NRM and the regime of Museveni is unforgiving towards the ones who defies it. Peace.

Bobi Wine escapes house-arrest rabadaba style…

“Supporters enthusiastically chant for NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, upon his arrival in Katwe, Kampala, after escaping house arrest in Magere. He had been confined since yesterday for planning a protest against poor roads in the country” (The Kampala Voice, 18.01.2024).

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have been put in house-arrest since yesterday. There were reports in the morning that there were military and police officers besieging the gates in Magere, Wakiso district. However, Bobi Wine has been able escape and go out of his compound.

The authorities already have sent journalists away and harassed anyone who tried to access Bobi Wine in the early morning of the 19th of January 2024. While he was house arrested early on the 18th of January 2024.

So, the opposition leader has been able to navigate the blocked roads and gotten into the city. As Bobi Wine got to Rubaga and Katwe in Kampala city. While the security officers are surrounding his compound. The opposition leader is participating in the protest the bad roads like he called for on the 17th of January 2024.

Bobi Wine has been able to do this before and does it again. He makes a lot of noise doing this and it gives him an edge. While people question the guards and the ones at the gates. If they are in alliance or have some connections allowing him to leave. As the officers can be brutal and unforgiving to the citizens. That’s why journalists and others met with hostility and harassed earlier in the day.

We can be happy for Bobi Wine, and he got the spirit of defiance. Where he stands on the streets of the city and leads from the front. Even if it is just planting a matooki stud in a pothole. That’s what is needed to prove the wrongs of the system itself.

This must be annoying for the President and his speech. As that will be all overshadowed by the house-arrests, and the protest itself. It isn’t the smiles and perfect picture that the authorities wanted during the conference. The opposition is just showing what is wrong with the state and how it is operating.

Bobi Wine is just putting the government on alert and setting the agenda. Even if the National Resistance Movement (NRM) doesn’t want to say so. Him on a boda-boda across the city is a message that the President for Life doesn’t want to see, but it will be the picture that will reflect the short-comings of his government. Peace.

Opinion: People were supposed to smile and not plant matooki…

“”Everyone is pleased with the visitors. I feel sorry for the opposition leaders who attempted to tarnish the city. These issues, such as potholes, have existed for a long time and it has been work in progress. Why did they choose to protest now? It raises questions about their leadership and credibility.” – Robinah Nabbanja, PM” (NTV Uganda, 18.01.2024)

We know the drill. It is boring and the tales are endless. Today was just another day in the Republic. The Prime Minister is just showing it with her attitude and demeanour on NTV. There is nothing new under the sun and the authorities proved so earlier in the day. Regardless of the house-arrests and such. There was people who dared to follow the message and plants studs of matooki in the potholes of the roads. As non-violent protest against the lack of care or concern about the bad standard of roads.

We know there is never a good time to hold demonstrations or protests in the Republic. If the President blink once or twice, there is a no go. If the convoy of a Minister passes by. There is a no show. If the State House lacks coffee, tea or biscuits, you know there is a bad timing. It is just impossible to find the right time to protest or even when it feasible to do so. There is always an excuse and reason for not allowing it. There could be rain on the horizon or to much hot-air. We just know the authorities and the state will shut it down.

The Prime Minister knows this very well. It isn’t new her, as the people was told to be on the best behaviour and act like everything “good” or “awesome” in the Republic. Only smile and gin, be kind and pleasant as long as the Conference in Munyonyo is on. That’s what the patriotic citizen does and it doesn’t counteract this policy. Neither does a citizen drive into certain parts of Kampala or tries to hawk a boda-boda, because they are impounded and the livelihood is at stake for these civilians. Therefore, remember to smile and hope that feed your belly.

The PM continues…

How can one claim leadership while contributing to the destruction of infrastructure, including damaging roads in Kampala? If the Lord Mayor is weary, he has the option to resign” – Robinah Nabbanja (NTV Uganda, 18.01.2024).

The Prime Minister takes people for fools… and is only mocking herself here. As she knows perfectly well that the road isn’t get damaged by these studs. She acts like it is destruction or damaging it. However, the damage is already done by the non-existing plans of keeping the roads intact and keeping the roads to a certain standard. Therefore, the demonstrations are needed, because the PM wouldn’t talk about it; if it didn’t happen.

The state and the authorities wouldn’t care about potholes or address it. No, it would remain silent and act like there is nothing to see. That is the current state of affairs, the opposition only amplified the problem and got the people to move. This is needed to change discourse and show the state where it is lacking. When it comes to servicing the roads and making sure they are safe. The state haven’t done its duty.

The matooki studs is only showing how dire and the shoddy road-works of the Republic. The PM and her allies would prefer it happening on another date. Regardless of that, the opposition wouldn’t have that many eyes or ears to the ground if they did it on an ordinary Thursday. The PM knows and can act oblivious to the fact, but the truth is for everyone to see.

The PM is just doing her job, but she’s not good at it. To many fault-lines and she should know better, but we all know that’s just too much to ask. Peace.

Uganda: Opposition leaders house-arrested for planned demos to plant matooki in potholes…

“Police and military have sealed off homes of opposition figures Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, H.E Bobi Wine, Erias Lukwago, and others. Fred Enanga justifies the operation saying it is a restraint move to bar the opposition from causing mayhem in the city” (The Kampala Journal, 18.01.2024).

“Barricaded at home by the COWARDS! No turning back; we deserve better. Please do what you can, wherever you’re, with whatever you have, to show the terrible roads affecting you today” (Dr. Kizza Besigye, 18.01.2024).

“The cowardly military & police  have surrounded our home and put us under house arrest, but the protest is on. Fix our roads! Free Political Prisoners! Free Uganda!” (Bobi Wine, 18.01.2024).

“My home has been besieged by security operatives, it’s a demonstration of impunity and flagrant violation of the Constitution and other laws. Agitation against the abhorrable state of affairs of our infrastructure is not only a right but a command under Art.3 of our Constitution” (Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, 18.01.2024).

The authorities are on point like always when it comes to opposition activities. The Uganda Police Force and other agencies have now besieged the houses of the opposition leaders. They are arbitrary arrested as a precaution. Because the opposition announced the plans days earlier.

The United Forces for Change had planned to demonstrate against the state of the roads. That would be done by planting matooki studs in the potholes. It is a peaceful way of showing the lacking care and show how badly the roads are kept. The leaders aren’t allowed out and besieged by the authorities. However, the general public should take part of this and do it in their neighborhood.

The regime is just showing its true face as they are having visitors. They have already blocked several roads and sealed of certain parts of the city to ensure their safety. That is done to make life seem more pleasant and not show the gritty side of the nation.

This demonstration would be done in the middle of a big conference that the state has invested a lot of in. They don’t want to lose face. However, the speeches and the narrators from the conference will be lost in the wind of the arrests.

The actions against the opposition will create headlines. That the state acted this swiftly, which is common in the republic. The authorities act like this and it’s their modus operandi. We have seen it so often, so it’s not shocking at all.

People will hear about what happened to Bobi Wine, Besigye and Lukwago. They will not care about the pleasantries of Munyonyo. The public will care and react it to the display of impunity, which is served the opposition. Peace.