Opinion: The “drones” haunts the chambers of Parliament…

There is no amount of legislation that can atone for murders and disappearances, whether we are able to legislate and pass a bill on a daily basis, while the targeted beneficiaries of these legislations are being abused by Government and some of them are killed, then we are legislating in a void and we can never claim to be serious legislators” (…) “Lawmaking and legislation must be consequential and we can’t engage in inconsequential actions as legislators from the opposition, therefore, I want to assure Ugandans that these demands are legitimate and they constitute a top priority for us as the Opposition” – Leader of the Opposition Mathias Mpuuga (26.10.2023).

As the National Resistance Movement or the Government of Uganda wants the world to believe. That nothing shady or murky is going on. That the opposition is only making up fictional tales and has records of missing persons, but they are never revealed or re-appearing. There are unknown amount of people associated with the opposition that is kept incommunicado or without trial as political prisoners.

The “drones” or “panda gari’s” comes in the shadows and without warrants. The security agents just picks up people and take them away to unknown destinations. While family and friends has no clus for why. They are partaking in politics and activism, and that’s the sole reason for their demise. This is the state and how the authorities operates. People are gone for years without proper court cases, put in trial sometimes by court martial and some left in the dungeons (“safe-houses”). That is a well known “secret” and ungazetted ones are there too.

The security agencies are operating in the shadows and are happy to oblige to orders. Heck, reports are that high ranking officials that is offended or displeased with citizens has paid of agents to kidnap and silence critics. That’s how the system works now and the law enforcement is happy to do the dirty work.

Therefore, the words of Mpuuga is needed to be said. The boycott was necessary, but calling it off before anything substantial was done by the NRM is futile. The Deputy Speaker gave Gen. David Muhoozi a month to come and address the Parliament again. Meaning the Minister and General can ease off and have bought him time. In such time that people forget this and hope another scandal arrives. While the political prisoners continues to linger in prisons or dungeons like they currently do.

The LoP is in between a rock and a hard place. He has little to no space to manoeuvre, as the minority and it has little consequences what he does. That’s why the government spokesperson and others call it drama. I understand that… when they are so softly returning to the plenary and the boycott called off so quickly. The leader of the opposition could at least tried a bit longer and piled on the pressure.

Yes, his statements and addresses in parliament is fine. However, the NRM, the authorities and the “high above” won’t care. They will continue like yesterday and the yesteryears. There is no reason for them to stop. This system is functioning and the ones suffering is the dissidents. The elite and the ones eating don’t mind. They are not seeing the price and the sacrifices. These are only enjoying the perks and privileges of being on “top”. So, why should they bother about the dark side?

Well… Mpuuga is in a battle he cannot win. The NUP and the other opposition parties is in the same realm. The authorities and the NRM can just play around and continue with their persistent impunity and injustice. That’s what they do and that’s what keep the regime alive. Peace.

Uganda: Office of the Prime Minister – Press Release (25.10.2023)

National Unity Platform (NUP): NUP Institutions – Press Release (26.10.2023)

Opinion: There are no more road for Mpuuga…

The Deputy Speaker of parliament, Thomas Tayebwa has given a one month timeline to the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen David Muhoozi, to respond to the demands by the Leader of the Opposition Mathias Mpuuga, over the alleged unabated human rights abuses and the shrinking civic space. The directive follows a statement by Mpuuga, who demanded accountability of the alleged murder of 22 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) during the campaign trail of the party president in 2021and justice for 18 persons who have been missing for close to four years now” (Capital FM Uganda, 20.10.2023)

The Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga came in the Plenary Session with a plan and 7 demands to the Government. It wasn’t an ordinary quest or even ask. No this was directly challenging the government heads on about their “drones”, police brutality, arbitrary arrests, arrests without charges or trials, court martial of civilians and keeping people incommunicado. While also addressing the murders and extra judicial killings done by security officers on orders of the state. That was all done yesterday by the LoP.

Some are saying his too late and should have done this earlier. Yes, the LoP could have pushed for several of these things earlier. There is no doubt that he could, but a seasoned politician like him knows there is a time and purpose. Now it is the middle of a term and not in the beginning. Secondly, the 11th Parliament haven’t been friendly or been a place safe-haven for anyone. Therefore, it was wise of him to wait. We are already seeing how easily the Deputy Speaker can suspend people without giving reasons or why he could revoke a rule doing so.

We know that Gen. David Muhoozi and the rest of the authorities doesn’t want to shed lights on their operations. That is well known and isn’t a well kept secret. The state has blocked, arrested and stopped any lawmaker trying to find a “safe-house” or alleged “safe-houses” in the past. While Nalufenya and other entities are known for their brutalization of “inmates” or “detainees”.

Mpuuga can pressure the General and the Minister, but he won’t get far. The Deputy Speaker has given the man a month to present his “findings”… well… I don’t expect much and neither should the LoP. That isn’t in the interests of the state or the high above. This is how he operates and how he contains dissidents. That’s why he cannot stop the pain, plights and the suffering of the ones defying him. They have to pay a price, because if they can collectively put pressure on the state. It might lose control and lose power. The President and his inner circle could never ever risk that. This is why they continue with it and never ceases their injustice towards a certain part of society.

The LoP knows this too. Everyone does and no one is shocked in 2023. The system is created like this and the authorities can on one order take a person in without any investigation. Just because of who they align with or if they have even infuriated a high ranking official. That is all it takes… and it just tiring.

It is endless agony and hard to believe they can get away with it. Neither is it sophisticated or wise. They are just continuing the path of self-destruct and endless betrayal of the ideals of the bush-war. That’s what they are up too and they have become as vicious or more than the ones the NRA overthrow. They have even had a few decades to perfect the impunity and knows how to do it in the dark. This is the NRM way and they are proud of it too. It is an achievement and they can statistically show how much work they have done.

Mpuuga is at the end of the road. There is no more road for him. No matter what happen. He has no leverage or no cause of action within the chambers of the August House. The demands if they are not met. He is losing. The LoP is lost… and will most likely loose big. There is nothing to gain here. He gets a headline and some few signs of goodwill. However, the endgame is as brutal as the authorities themselves. There is nothing for them to earn to be transparent or accountable. That would show their crimes and illicit activities, which are done for a purpose. The LoP and others are not supposed to speak of these matters. That is just a chosen few and these are connected to the high above.

Let us not kid ourselves. We know the gist… and the ones suffering will either never return or come back as damaged goods. There is nothing hopeful and nothing sustainable about this. Only more pain and suffering, while the ones actually doing the bid or doing the time will never be heard. Peace.

Opinion: Nabbanja don’t know the role of the opposition, apparently…

You will realize that the political tempers are becoming high in our political divide. And so, people like to be seen doing something, so however much you tolerate them, they have a mission, their mission is to collapse Government and we shall not allow” – Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (19.10.2023).

It’s hard to imagine that the Prime Minister already has had a term as Member of Parliament between 2016 to 2021. She was re-elected as MP in 2021. Meaning she has been in office and a Parliamentarian for about 7 years now. While being Minister from 2019 to 2021, when she was promoted from a Ministerial Position onto the Office of the Prime Minister. Therefore, a person like that should be well versed in politicking, but clearly I am wrong.

Robinah Nabbanja just shows her ignorance and blatant misunderstanding in the roles of political parties. The Opposition should sought for her role and the Presidency. If they don’t… then they are not actively wanting change. They should believe they are more fit and has the capacity to run the nation better than the current one. That’s what an honest opposition should do.

What she is implying is that the Opposition is planning a coup d’etat or violently wants to overthrow the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The party that pays her and keeps her in office. She wouldn’t have a chance elsewhere and she just shows it.

The PM should learn more and even study some books. It would be helpful, because it is impossible to write anything sincere to her. As her stances are so obnoxious and naive. The opposition aren’t supposed to be in favour of government and is there to hold it in check. Because people like the PM will blindly praise anything and defend crimes if she has too. That’s why the opposition has to question and keep the government accountable. Everyone knows that will not come from within, but from the outside. This is what an honest opposition does… and it’s not about overthrowing, but about governance.

The Opposition are there not only to question, but to keep the government accountable. That’s a fact and by doing so… they are boycotting, walking-out and stopping government business if they have too. We know there will be ramifications from this, but that’s the only way a minority can cause some stir. That cannot be done from the stands, pulpit or anywhere else. The NRM won’t listen or budge, the votes will be in their favour and they will follow the command of the “high above”.

So, the PM should be careful and possibly listen a bit too. It would be healthy for her to take some advice. However, we know she is arrogant and entitled. She feels she’s special and one of a kind. Though she can easily exchanged and get another one in her stead. Not like the PM needs a statesman or builder of confidence anymore. If the President needed that.. he wouldn’t have appointed her.

This PM needs lessons and she needs to get civic education. Someone in Makerere or Kyambogo should offer her a lecture or two. Even after all these years in Parliament. She still don’t get the vibe or the mandate of the opposition. That’s why someone has tell her and if a professor could enlighten her. It would be beneficial for the Republic. Peace.

Opinion: The Opposition got nowhere to hide in the 11th Parliament…

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Thomas Tayebwa, has suspended 5 opposition MPs from attending plenary sittings for the next 3 days. The MPs are; Betty Nambooze (Mukono), Joyce Bagala (Mityana DWR), Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East), Frank Kabuye (Kassanda South), and Francis Zaake (Mityana)” (93.3 KFM Radio, 17.10.2023).

The Speaker Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Tayebwa is just proving the Republic one thing. That they are on a vengeance and wants to prove a point. Not that they want to govern, do government business or further legislation. No, they want to prove to their master that their was worthy of their appointed offices.

This they are doing by displaying ignorance, reflecting badly of the August House and making a mockery of proceedings. In such a fashion that defiance and resistance is the only way out. Not being humble and follow protocol, because that gets you nowhere…

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker don’t mind controversy. No that sells and gives them credit where it matters. These two are only playing for the gallery and hoping the State House listening in. As they are using force and sticking it to the opposition. Just playing around with them and keeping them preoccupied with nonsense.

That’s all they are doing and the 11th Parliament is shoddy for it. The 11th Parliament is practically a place for begging the President for help and getting his guidance. While they are awaiting his judgement and his verdict on any matter. They are awaiting a NRM Caucus at the State House to direct them and tell them what to do. The rest is just well prepared and acknowledge the will of the Master. That’s all there is too it… and it isn’t even funny.

The strangest thing is how the Deputy Speaker just invoked the suspension and with no protocol. No reasoning in Parliament and just all of a sudden. That is unprecedented and shows the way they want to intimidate and silence critics. There is no sublime messaging here. The ones picked is for a reason and they are vocal MPs. They didn’t pick some silent back-bencher that could be swayed in the way of the yellow. No, they picked the renegades and the ones daring to question the government. That’s who the Deputy did this too and it just shows…

It just shows what matters to this government and its high ranking officials. They just want to want in silence and not be addressed properly. Neither does it want any pushback or questioning. Because shredding real light on subjects can cause havoc. Showing a video of evidence of how the state brutally kidnaps citizens was blocked. That’s because the regime doesn’t want to get exposed or address the matter. No, it wants silence and doesn’t want hear any of it.

The Deputy is just serving his purpose and trying to show loyalty to the cause. Not the cause of respecting or using his office for good. No, his using the office for personal gains and wants to be in a favourable position next time it comes up. That’s why he acts like this and is so partisan in the way he uses his role.

If we ever thought the 10th Parliament was a quagmire, the 11th Parliament is even worse. It won’t be better ever either. That doesn’t serve the President and his will. He need people vouching for his bills, budgets and expenditure. The President doesn’t mind the Speakers getting dirty tricks to outsmart someone else. However, in the long term… the trust and lack thereof is only growing.

The Deputy Speaker is only showing us why we cannot trust him or his ways. Because, his just a pawn and it’s a big fall from grace. Peace.

Opinion: It’s shameful to steal the spotlight from Mzee…

“By holding parallel independence day celebrations in Kamwokya, NUP had sinister plans to sabotage the main event and ashame the president H.E Yoweri Museveni. As police, we couldn’t allow that,”~state Minister for Internal Affairs Gen. David Muhoozi” (Ekyooto, 17.10.2023).

We have been saying for years that there is limited freedom in the Republic. Now the General and State Minister for Internal Affairs is saying why. We know the President, His Excellency and the “high above” is a shallow man. A man who doesn’t like to share or have people questioning his moves. He prefers being in the right and let anyone else suffer if he must.

Today the Minister and General revealed what we already knew. That the National Resistance Movement and the President cannot handle a parallel celebration. This is why there is only one “official” one where the President and dignitaries presides over. They can bash in glory and others will be blocked to oblivion.

As a result of their proclaimed aims and likely consequences, security intervened and disrupted their intended illegal activities. consequently, 14 of the leaders were arrested, detained at Kira Road Police station and charged and later in the day released on Police bond the same day” (David Muhoozi, 17.10.2023).

If you ever wondered why there is no UHURU in the Republic. It is because of this. The National Unity Platform had planned a prayer. A prayer for the families and for the loved ones who detained or kidnapped by the authorities on their bounds of their political conscience. That’s what the NUP was planning and that was the “disruptive” means of the opposition. To pray in their headquarters and call for the liberty of the political prisoners in the Republic. That was the deemed “illegal activities” of the OPPOSITION.

It just shows how concerned the authorities are about the opposition. They fear their prayers and their gatherings. In such a manner, that they are not only blocked but pre-emptively arrested too. That’s what they are doing and they are proud of it too. They know they feel no consequences and the President will be proud of their achievements. Because they ensured there was only one place in the nation where there was a celebration for the liberation of the Republic.

Only where the President serves and tells tales of glory is where the Republic can celebrate. The rest is in invisible shackles and cannot free themselves of it. If they try or do… the drones, the police officers and the law enforcement will come knocking. That’s what we see and this is what they do.

This is the freedom that Museveni and the NRM has to offer. It isn’t much and nothing to be proud of. They are afraid to make the President ashamed and by doing so. They are shamefully aware of their brutal dishonesty and lack of tolerance of others. This are the credentials of the state and how it operates.

This is the NRM Way. Peace.

Opinion: One rule for Zaake MP, another rule for others MPs…

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has been forced to adjourn Parliament until next week after some MPs attempted to assault Zaake accusing him of making defamatory remarks against Kinyamatama, thus prompting the Opposition MPs to shield Zaake from being lynched. When the NRM Female MPs saw Zaake exit the Parliament chambers, they ambushed him in an attempt to beat him up, but the Seargent at Arms & some Opposition MPs rescued Zaake and moved him out” (Parliament Watch, 12.10.2023).

MP Juliet Kinyamatama has accused fellow legislator Francis Zaake of defamation. This forced Deputy Speaker, Mr Thomas Tayebwa to suspend Parliament for 10 minutes. “Let that video be played, I want the world to see what he said, why are we covering evil? An attack on a woman is an attack on all of us as female MPs. I have been keeping my cool, but I want this house to see what exactly happened. We can’t cover men that don’t respect women. I can’t be called what he called me,” Kinyamatama said on Thursday” (933 KFM, 12.10.2023).

Whatever Francis Zaake MP does… gets him into trouble. He cannot act as an politician and be active. If the National Resistance Movement (NRM) gets their way. They will easily banish him from Parliament and this is the latest move.

The Speaker and others has already tried to muffle him. They took away his role as Commissioner and haven’t allowed him to return. This is happening after the courts has re-instated him. So, it is convenient that it happens now.

Zaake MP is a politician from the People Power Movement and a close ally of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. A man who has been tarnished and been looked down upon, because of his loyalty and that his such a firebrand in the National Unity Platform (NUP). They wouldn’t have gone after him this much, if they didn’t fear what he represents and who his associated with.

Because, yes the words he used in Rakai district wasn’t beautiful. They were harsh and derogatory. However, if the Woman MP has such troubles with this. Why don’t she speaks to the President who has called the Opposition for “cockroaches, pigs, parasites” and the list goes on. He has talked about crushing and ending it plenty of times. In fashions and means, which are much more harsher than what Zaake MP ever was. Therefore, if the NRM wants to lecture anyone. Look at your master and what he says.

Yes, the words can hurt and yes they can feel critical. Regardless of that, the Kinyamatama MP is issuing motion to vacate the Mityana MP and calling for a recall. That is censoring his words and stopping him from acting in his best interest. This is something she wouldn’t allow herself or her members in the NRM. That’s why you know his a pawn and they hope to take him off the board completely. It’s how I perceive it, because nothing else has worked.

Zaake MP is a target and has been one. That has been obvious for years and he has been in the firing-line by association. He has dared to be on the barricades and has gotten little for it. Except a lot of pain and hardships.

She herself should be careful and she wasn’t acting in good faith either. When they inside the chamber today tried to lynch him. Who in their right mind does that? Especially, when the MP just issues a motion and wants her case heard like this. When we know the Parliament is in favour of going after him after all. That’s been done once already in the 11th Parliament and this would have been the second time in this term alone.

The Rakai District MP should ask herself… can she always carry her words and her actions? Will she always act honourable and not say something out of spite or order? Especially in a rally or to crowds to spread a political message? I doubt she’s that sort of person… when she can easily start lynching and call for his demise on the steps of Parliament. Like she is the voters of Mityana district. They are the ones that voted him in and they are the ones his responsible for.

While Zaake MP has his antics and has to be responsible for them. There are civil court cases that matters and not having plenary sessions discussing this. Unless, the August House has become a place for petty infighting and intrigue. Not a place of government business and legislation. Because, there are plenty of tragedies and needs that isn’t met in the Republic.

However, the Rakai Woman MP is more important than government business. That’s why the Plenary Session had to be ajourned, as they was so close to lynch Zaake MP. It is just tragic how things are operating and done in the chambers. They are just violating on the turf, but trying to implement the outstanding rules for others on the outside. Rules and ethical codes we know the NRM wouldn’t bound themselves by. Because, that would mean the President had to bite his tongue and talk more softly. Alas, that will never happen. Peace.

Opinion: Mpuuga won’t get it his way…

Those actions should never be repeated because they have no space in law and common sense. We aren’t going to look on as we see politics become vulgar and NRM is happy about disrespecting our party offices, including stopping the opposition from doing a simple act of humility which is prayer, and in their warp wisdom, praying is an illegality and therefore we need their permission” – Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mathias Mpuuga (11.10.2023).

This morning, the Opposition Caucus convened to chart a way forward following yesterday’s walkout from #PlenaryUg. We reiterated our demand that the regime offers an explanation in regard to the continued violation of the rights of various Opposition supporters and leaders as well as the seige on NUP headquarters. We also demand that the government apologises to the Opposition parties and the respective leaders for the brutality and other violations. We also demand that the perpetrators be brought to book plus a commitment from the government that such violations will not be repeated” (Mpuuga, 11.10.2023).

The Leader of Opposition is right that the actions of the government is wrong. The authorities are in the wrong in the way they are kidnapping, arresting, keeping civilians incommunicado, charging in military court, besieging NUP Headquarters and even house arresting Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. All of that is wrong and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) continues to thrive on it.

The state has monopolized violence and it has no issues to orders that reflects just that. They have no bounds or no end to the brutality. The state just continues to serve the dissidents, the detractors or the ones who opposes it. That’s what it does and it has perfected it over the decades. The drones is known for a reason and families don’t know where their loved ones even are. That’s the state of affairs and it will not stop.

The NRM will not beg for mercy or give a plea, because if it does.. it will say that it knows its wrong and they are acting outside of constitutional order. Which is beneath its character, especially when the President is so proud of that constitution. That is one of the few achievements that still exists to this day. He can not be in defiance to his own laws and regulation, which is what he does and he has no scruples doing so.

Mpuuga knows all of this and it seems like publicity. We have seen the threats of not participating or being parts of the plenary sessions. That haven’t done them any favours and only been a useless protest. The same will come out of this one. Especially, when the NRM and their allies will have a majority. They don’t need the opposition or their MPs to get things done in the August House. That is deliberate and they are minority by default. Therefore, the LoP is bound to loose either way.

He does this… because he doesn’t have that many cards to play with. Neither is there lots of wiggle room. They won’t loose much or the stakes aren’t that high. Yes, they get to display their grievances to the public. However, they are losing out on debates and the business of Parliament. Therefore, there is nothing to gain here. Only being useless and the MPs should be better.

They are already in pickle by participating in the “multi-democracy” that Museveni has created. The hybrid regime that are hallow and in the end is in the hands of the President. They are just his puppets and when he plays the music they got to dance. That’s the story and they will sooner or later return to Parliament. However, the kidnappings, torture or extra judicial killings will not stop.

It haven’t in the past and it will not happen now. There is no leverage or reason for the regime to stop this practice. As long as they can get away with it and bear no consequences of doing so. They are above the law and can be lethal. Therefore, the LoP is cornered and can only do these theatrics.

It won’t amount to anything and sooner or later he will dance to the tune of the dictator. Because they are in his web and he can sting at any given time. Peace.

Uganda at 61: Not yet Uhuru… not yet Amani…

Today there was an Independence Day celebration at Boma Grounds in Kitgum district. While the dignitaries are celebrating themselves and bashing in glory. The truth is that the 61 years of independence from the British has been partly wasted. That in particular the recent regime that hasn’t served the interests of the people or developed the nation.

That’s why it’s not yet Uhuru. There is just a partly independence or liberation. Because, the internal affairs of the nation is still a disgrace. While the President and his cronies had a fine time in Kitgum. There was tear-gas in Kamwokya and even Bishop William Tomusange was arrested. As the opposition party, National Unity Platform (NUP) had planned a prayer for all the political prisoners on this day. Alas, that was blocked and even high ranking officials got arrested today.

The honourable mentions are Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and Spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi. These two was arrested at the NUP Headquarters, later taken to Kiira Road Police Station where they was detained. 

This is just telling of the state of affairs. There is a rot and a mismanagement from the top. As these things are just politely showing what is wrong with the nation. It comes from the “high above” and the choices they make. The inner circle of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the authorities that follows orders.

This is the NRM Way and everyone should just blindly obey. That is the right way of passage. There should be no dissent or no defiance to the ones in power. Because, the old man is the only man with a vision. At least that what he used to say and now we see how the whole thing is shattering in front of our eyes.

There is progress, development or any sort of historic landmark that gets things future. Only re-issuing old tricks and calling them new names. While doing the same scheme and taking the people for granted. Excepting mediocrity and lacking government services. Meanwhile high ranking officials are getting medical treatment abroad or educating their kids there too. The hospitals are in a shoddy state and so are the schools. Police Stations and the quarters for the officers are also in a bad state. There is little working and it’s continues, year in and year out. It is just to be expected and the only thing partly working in the Prisons Service, which is vastly important to keep the dissent at bay.

I understand why many is troubled by today. That there is a need for restrain and a lack of happiness. That’s because the kicking out of the old master didn’t give the republic a better master. Instead it got another one who is more ruthless, lying and conceiving. A man who uses forces and keeps everyone in order. A leader who has no troubles in stealing, killing or corrupting people’s minds. As long as he remain on the throne and everyone just begs him for mercy. That’s the state of affairs and it’s tragic.

Uganda is at 61. It has had 61 years and since 1986 it has only had one President and he has ruled supreme. He has tried to make himself a legend and extraordinary. Tried to make himself into the father of the nation. Little by little trying to rewrite history, but also ensure his legacy lives on. While his achievements has failed and his governance is bonkers. There is little to show for all the years in office and only that he was out for blood. That all he has and there is less and less appetite for actual service delivery. Instead it’s more of the same and living by the slogan of “no change”.

Museveni isn’t an enigma, but a man of many seasons. However, those seasons has taken a toll. The years has shown his true character and he cannot hide the truth anymore. There is nowhere to hide in 2023. When you arrest a bishop and political opposition on Independence Day. You know you are in the wrong and should act differently. Nevertheless, for the President and his regime its just another Monday. Peace.