Oyam North By-Election: Engola Jr. Vs. Dr. Apio

The Oyam North By-Election scheduled for the 4th of July 2023 after the MP of the area was assassinated earlier in the year. Now it isn’t speculations anymore, but today and tomorrow the candidates for the race is finally finalized.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is following the trend and letting the son of the late Minister become their candidate, Samuel Junior Okello Engola. He will face several other candidates, but the most important one is the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Dr. Eunice Apio.

These are two candidates to look after and consider in this race. Freddy Newton Okello (FDC) and Daniel Okello (NUP) can participate and be vocal. However, everything will encircle the NRM and the UPC in this here race. That’s if the Oyam North By-Election follows the pattern of previous elections.

The ones in 2021, 2016 and such has all been surrounding the two mentioned parties. The others haven’t had a shot. Oyam North goes either to the UPC or the NRM. That’s how it goes.

Now with the demise of Charles Okello Engola there is maybe sentimental values or attachment, which will reach in favour of Samuel Junior. That’s what the NRM is banking on. Since they did the same happen in Omoro County By-Election and when NRM defied it… it happens again in Serere County By-Election. Therefore, they are just using a tested method to this one.

The NRM is running high on nepotism, and it isn’t that clever. That’s why Engola Junior has a shot to inherit the seat. Not because of his inner wisdom or experience. No, he will be another one of the cronies and silent culprits of the state. Just like the winner of the Omoro County By-Election. It is the same vibe, just another by-election.

Dr. Apio might be the best candidate overall, and she has been close to win in the past. The community and the district itself should know her by now. I’m just amazed that Charles Krispus Ayena didn’t run as a independent again. He could also be a viable candidate if you look at the same poll from the past.

That’s why the NRM vs. UPC is gearing itself up. That is the reality here. The National Unity Platform (NUP) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) got nothing to gain here. They have no momentum or party allegiances to make it possible. These candidates can only undermine the UPC ticket and weaken it’s bid to overcome the NRM.

We know the NRM, and the regime will use all force in it. The region might look like a warzone in the 48 hours before the polls. It might also turn strange and pre-ticked ballots will come in a dozen of ballot boxes. Heck, there might be voter tourism from other districts to boost the numbers for the NRM. It is the sort of vibe of the nation and what they do to “win”. Peace.

Uncertainty looms in Kasese after the attack on the Lhubiriha Secondary School…

“Death toll now stands at 50!

UPDF soldiers have recovered more bodies suspected to be of those abducted by ADF rebels who attacked Mpondwe Lhubiriha secondary school, Kasese district on June 16, 2023,around 11:30pm” (Rise News Uganda Network, 19.06.2023).

“Following the brutal attack on Lhubiriha Secondary School in Kasese on Friday night, Kamwenge catholic parish priest Rev Fr James Isabakaki has asked members of the public to be security conscious and report to the authorities about any suspicious person” (87.9 FM VOK Radio, 19.06.2023).

“Following the attack on a school the Deputy RDC incharge of Busongora County said security had widened her investigations over whether the reported school ownership wrangles and the neighbouring community in the rebel ranks could have aided the deadly attack” (Kasese Guide Radio, 19.06.2023).

“Update: Reporter Ali Mivule updates us from Lhubiriha Secondary School in Mpondwe, Kasese, Western Uganda. Burials for the attack victims started yesterday. The report indicates relatives are anxious about the number of students suspected to have been abducted by the rebels. Families await DNA results for identification” (NTV Uganda, 19.06.2023).

Kasese is yet again hurt and suffering. This isn’t new and sadly won’t be the last. The innocent dies, while the evil prospers. That’s why children and people connected to them has been hurt. There is something not told by the authorities and by the ones in office these days. Because the stories are conflicting and not addressing the hurt.

This sort of sinister act needs an independent investigation by an outside body. Since no one really trust the Uganda Police Force or any other Security Agency in the Republic. They have in the past violated people in Kasese, and it could have happened again.

The Allied Defence Forces (ADF) haven’t taken responsibility or issued a statement in concern to the attack. Therefore, the allegations and pinning them is questionable at best. The ADF should have come out within 24 hours after the attack. However, it is radio-silence and no proof of it.

That’s why speculations are going everywhere, and people are claiming “ADF” is a scapegoat for someone else. It is easy to pin a rebel-group, but weird how it could get access and be able to do it inside the territories. Especially how close it was to a military base and with several of intelligence organizations have warnings about it in advance. That is just making the attack worse and seem very unprofessional of the authorities. They knew something was up, but they let it happen.

The victims and families will never be the same. The culprits will be unknown and will be politicised without any concerns of the grieving families. There so many who is scorned and suffering because of this. Kasese is yet again bleeding and for no apparent reason. No justification to do this and to innocent civilians who was just part of a school.

Right now everything stated would just be hearsay and the talk of the town. When we don’t have solid evidence or proof on the matter. Neither is their witness accounts on the conspiracy to attack the school. Until then, it would only be mere speculation and that will not bring the lives back or help the ones grieving. Instead it would only hurt and possibly get them to ask more questions about “why” and “how come” it happened right there and then.

We can only be uncertain right now. Lives have been lost and people abducted by a group of violent people who had no issues to trigger a lethal force on innocent civilians. That’s what they did and now Kasese district must suffer the consequences. It is just tragic and grim. To read the reports and hear about what went down. People are hurting and it’s a tragedy unfolding right in front of our eyes. Peace.

Oyam North By-Election: The Electoral Commission – Office of the District Returning Officer – Nomination Schedules (19.06.2023)

Opinion: PM Nabbanja – what law is Mpuuga violating?

“The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja has directed the Resident District Commissioners to apprehended the Leader of Opposition Rt. Hon. Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba should he again lay foot at government hospitals. An infuriated Nabbanja made her remarks while visiting Kawolo hospital yesterday where the LOP Mpuuga had just concluded his oversight duties. “I direct all RDCs to block Mr. Mpuuga from visiting government hospitals. We have no problem when he comes as a patient, but we will not entertain his politics in our hospitals,” Nabbanja said” (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘PM Nabbanja directs RDCs to arrest Mpuuga, 15.05.2023, ekyooto.co.uk).

The current Prime Miniser Robinah Nabbanja is trying to show force, but has no finesse. We know that she isn’t that clever. That has been evident all along and by the time of writing she’s yet again exposing it.

Instead of showing good governance or concerns about what the Leader of Opposition is doing. She’s instead incriminating him and violating his rights as the LoP. The Prime Minister has no rights in blocking him from visiting or observing things at government properties. The LoP has the right and is justified to visit hospitals, schools, or other public buildings across the Republic. Heck, he should be able to visit ungazetted safe houses too.

The Prime Minister is just showing how the government has failed. When they are not allowing Mpuuga to enter hospitals. It isn’t a sign of strength but of weakness. When you have to use force, intimidate and arrest someone over doing a little peak. You just know the government is in the wrong and lack moral judgement for their actions.

The PM should use her mind and spirit to help or guide the Ministry of Health. The hospitals needs investment and needs proper oversight. However, the PM is more busy being the unapologetic spokesperson for the President to actually do her job.

As the PM she should always entertain politics. She’s a politician and she should dwell into the matters of policy, plans or even her own manifesto, if she even has read and of them. It is hard to believe I say this, but the PM needs to be more humble and less of a knucklehead.

PM Nabbanja just shows she’s a crony and thinks this is the move to salvage the damage. However, it just exposes the total rot in the system. When you got arrest someone who has the rights to visit and to look at the current state of affairs. The LoP has all the rights and as the leader of the shadow government. He should be and allowed to enter government facilities, whether the PM likes it or not. The LoP should be able to do that as a civilian or as the LoP. That’s just being real…

PM Nabbanja is a fool yet again. Arresting someone because she and her party cannot maintain or have the ability to do their job properly. If the NRM and the PM’s party had worked and invested in the hospitals. This wouldn’t be an issue. However, the lack of that and the lack of concern of the state of the hospitals. Is the reason for the visits of the LoP.

That should send a signal to the NRM and the leaders in-charge that they got their work cut out. They will be told what is lacking and where they hurriedly need to improve. Peace.

Uganda: The Parliament of Uganda – Press Statement by Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kampala, Following Issuance of Level 3, Travel Advisory for Uganda, Dated June 12/2023 by United States of America / International Community Concerns (14.06.2023)

Opinion: Bobi Wine’s two important points on the current state of affairs…

I also drew attention to the persistent breakdown in national service delivery, especially caused by Corruption and Impunity. The recent disconnection of water supply to public hospitals and the delayed reconstruction of the Katonga bridge despite its strategic importance should remind us that we have no functional government. We must take urgent action to remedy this, that is why we have intensified countrywide outreaches with a significant number of our leaders deployed to re-mobilize the population” – Robert Kyagulanyi (13.06.2023).

The National Unity Platform (NUP) and People Power Movement leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine addressed the media the NUP Headquarters in Kamwokya today. This address had two very vital points. The first paragraph and a second one.

I will address that one before indulging in the second one, which is underneath here. It is a striking argument and reasoning behind his words. His going straight to the heart of government and how it lacks service delivery. He proves it by looking into the deteriorating state of the hospitals and the roads. While he can issue a will to re-mobilize the population. That mobilization has to come from within and with the will of the people. If his supposed to galvanize them. It cannot be for a gig or a short-term fix. No, it has to be for something significant and possibly a revolution. Because, that’s the only thing that can transfer power and unleash the will of the people. Until then… it is baby-steps and the pain is far from over.

Which is why I will now dwell into the second one…

The escalating insecurity in our country is another cause for alarm. Those responsible for citizens’ safety are instead fuelling insecurity as they are emboldened by the culture of impunity the regime has instilled among its officers. The lack of accountability for past incidents, including the massacre of unarmed citizens and the involvement of high-ranking officials including dictator Museveni’s son in abductions, torture and even murder means the situation is only going to get worse” (Robert Kyagulanyi, 13.06.2023).

We have seen this and the NUP leader isn’t lying. The evidence is in the murders and shootings. They are more prevalent than before and the NRM cannot hide from the fact. Yes, they pin-point the U.S. but that doesn’t stop the shootings locally. That is just proving because other people do it, I should do it too; which is such a school-yard argument or reasoning.

Bobi Wine is coming with harsh and sincere words here. Words that should be listened too. Especially before its too late. The cycle of violence will only make it worse. The hurt and plights will amplify and more people destroyed by it. This is people’s lives and livelihoods on the line. People are suffering and the only way out is the gun. That’s not how it was supposed to go and there was supposed to be other ways. However, NRM and the current regime’s violent approach to politics is now trickling down to the ones who carries guns. So, they think it’s within reason to shoot and kill too.

Bobi Wine’s warning should be cemented into stone. He is telling his supporters and everyone who follows that more people will suffer. The fight to end a dictator isn’t over and the pursuit moves on. Alas, the pursuit is dangerous and the ones involved in endangering themselves. They are possible victims of abductions, arrests, torture and possible extra judicial killings. Therefore, Bobi Wine’s words should be spread.

His saying what others doesn’t dare. His speaking out and people should listen. These words doesn’t come easy. The battle and fight against isn’t a combat for the faint-hearted. Peace.

A Brief Look into the LoP Response to the State of Nation Address of 2023…

Just as yesterday, I went through the speech, the State of the Nation address of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. It would only be fair that I do the same to the Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga MP, and his retort to it. Not that I expect much or will be flabbergasted anymore. We have seen it all before and it is going in circles. I just hope there is more meat and less bones. That’s what I hoped for when I started to read the response.

The LoP dropped a huge document as a response, but I will bluntly just gaze at it and take the juiciest parts. In the same manner, as I did with the State of Nation Address. It wouldn’t be fair if digested it differently. Even if I have given more space to Museveni than the Opposition in this regard. That’s because Museveni is the Head of State and is the President. It is within these reasons why he gets more spotlight and questions of his actions. Then the LoP who is doing the same…

Last year the LoP dropped over 20 pages to address the SONA or State of the Nation of 2022. This year it was 2 pages drop and about the public wastage of COVID-19 tests and such. It wasn’t dwelling into the subject matters or the ideals of the speech. No, it was just looking at the blunt cost of the National Address and in that regard.

It is an understatement to say this is relaxed and the least effort. Maybe after last years response. He felt it was underwhelming and giving less feedback. Therefore, he could just address one simple point now and that’s the continues COVID-19 testing for public events at Kololo, like the SONA. However, that is a mute-point at this stage and not that interesting.

Secondly, the LoP didn’t dwell into the speech or even comment on the claims in it. Yes, the LoP and the Shadow Cabinet did boycott the proceedings. Nevertheless, just like I wasn’t at Kololo, the LoP could get access to the speech and retort to it like he should. Not just await the next plenary session and then maybe utter some words.

The LoP is within his rights and he should complain about the costs of 3 billion shillings for every event or the presiding activities of the President at Kololo. That is within reason… though I would expect so much more of his response to the SONA.

From an Opposition Standpoint, the whole two pages are disappointing. The ideals of the boycott and reasons for it should be so much grander. There are plenty of reasons not to show up or protest the government actions towards its dissidents. However, the reasoning and the response is lacklustre.

I’m disappointed in Mpuuga. He knows how this game goes and is a seasoned politician. This is forfeiting his role and not standing up for the principals. It just glazing it and making a mockery of it.

There was plenty of meat in the speech to make a feast on. That’s if he cared or was concerned about it. The LoP could have addressed it properly and not only talked about COVID-19 testing to attend the SONA. That is just the practical attendance and not even the objective of scrutinizing the speech itself. Even I did much more and I wasn’t even trying… Peace.

Opinion: Electoral Reforms are pointless under the current regime…

“I reminded the meeting that we live under a military dictatorship that disregards the rule of law, undermines state institutions, and maintains power through family rule. Gatherings like this one are only tolerated because the regime does not perceive them as a serious threat to its ultimate goal of retaining power. I added that in terms of democracy, Uganda has regressed to 1973, with a more cunning and strategic version of Idi Amin now in control. Thus, discussions on democracy and reforms may occur, but they will likely remain confined to conference rooms and not translate into tangible change until we recognize that our primary duty is to remove the Museveni dictatorship” (Bobi Wine, 01.06.2023).

The push for Electoral Reforms by a Joint Opposition is without merits under the current regime. The elections and the polls are only done to legitimize its rule and the ballot will not have any value. The ballots and the elections are only done to make belief of a democracy, which isn’t there. A way of looking smart and brilliant, but behind the façade the truth is there.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is clear in his stern message. After listening to the speech on YouTube. It was surely obvious the sentiment and the powerful words that was used. Everyone should know by now and there shouldn’t be any doubts either.

Bobi Wine and the Opposition should know by heart that they have “no say or ability” to change things. Even if they change the Electoral Laws… would the NRM and Museveni comply?

They do whatever it takes to retain power and grab it. The laws, the constitutional order or anything else comes second. The misuse of power and oppressive mechanisms are used to silence critics or get rid of dissidents. Therefore, the opposition is within rights to question the legitimacy of the proceedings.

We have seen before that the Opposition and Opposition Leaders has called for Electoral Reforms. The Electoral Reforms that have come in recent years has only benefited the President and his Party. That being the Age Limit or the massive gerrymandering to ensure a superior majority in Parliament.

The elections of 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 is a testament to this. We have seen different leaders who haven’t only challenged Museveni but has beaten him. Still, he has rigged it and ensured the pyrrhic victory every single time. If it Ssemogerere, Besigye or Bobi Wine winning. They all ended up losing because Museveni said so.

You could change the laws and the Electoral Commission at this very time, and it wouldn’t matter. Just like there been other chairpersons and people in-charge of the EC but it hasn’t really mattered. Just like there been other judges and other people in office in the judiciary, but the results or the verdicts are all the same.

No can be surprised in 2023 that there is no hope for victory against Museveni. There is no chance and especially not in his system. This is all incorporated and organized in his fashion. His words are the law and the others are just his servants. Therefore, believing amendments or repealing of laws would make a difference is naïve. The President would only allow that if it served his purpose or plans.

That’s why his allowing the conference and meetings of the Opposition. His not afraid of this and it’s just keeping them busy. They won’t achieve much and it’s only keeping them pre-occupied. Therefore, why bother right?

Well, the ideals are fine. The citizens should have a say and their votes should matter. However, right now it’s only one man who matters and the rest just must follow. Peace.

Opinion: Would we ever see an Army Commander in the High Command from the North?

It would have been a sign of reconciliation and leaving the grievances of the past, if the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Government of Uganda (GoU) had promoted or made an Army Commander from the Northern Regions. That would have been a message and a resounding one.

I tend to not get emotional or get attached, but there are certain things that would be significant and prove that there is no tribalism or ethnic reasons for the choices made today. Because, right now the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the High Command is filled with Westerns and the ones aligned to the tribes surrounding the Presidency. That is just a mere fact and nothing can overshadow that. The same with the leadership of the Uganda Police Force (UPF). Yes, northerns has gotten plum-offices and appointed into high offices politically. However, it haven’t happened in the army and it shows.

I don’t know if Museveni hold grudges or deep resentment. This could be personal to him and he only trust his own “kind”. Even if he says he speaks ill of tribalism and sectarianism. Still, he professes to that in certain aspects of life. That’s why only certain areas has high ranking officials and has the option to be promoted into the High Command of the Army or the Ministry of Defence. It will not be someone from Lango, Acholi or the West Nile. Forget if you are from Apac or Pader for that matter. If you are from Gulu, Lira or Arua. Well, you will not get far in the army and can only be a foot-soldier. You will never reach the ranks or be in the mix for prestige. That’s beholden others by blood or by association. If not that they are coming from right areas of the West and can be pleasing to the UPDF.

That’s how it looks like… I can understand if Museveni has some distrust and lack of empathy. However, the prolonged war in the North. Has cost him and the his areas lots of damage. Yes, the UPDF was able to send Lord Resistance Army (LRA) packing and it is now in exile. However, that war happened because of the choices and the distrust between the “south” and the “north”. Which isn’t strange, as the North had the influence and the Presidency until Museveni came along. Obote and Amin was from the North and their commanders came from there as well.

Museveni has in some regards done the same. He trust his own and chosen this path. Why I am wondering now is that it’s years since peace came to the North. The threats are gone and the lives moves on. The High Command and the UPDF wouldn’t be endangered by a Northerner in the ranks. I think it would be a friendly reminder of how things has changed. That the North and the South can fight together and secure the sovereignty of the Republic. It could be the message and not only appoint northern technocrats to run Ministries or be Speakers of the House. No, give them power where it matters and allow them to deploy guns. That would have been a powerful message and been a proof of the non-sectarianism that Museveni professes too.

Alas, we know Museveni won’t budge or do this. He needs token soldiers and loyal commanders. Certainly, he has issues with it and wouldn’t give way. Some say the idea of Gen. Moses Ali is a proof that he has a broad coalition and allies in the North. Well, Gen. Moses Ali was able to get a deal and has been ally of Museveni ever since. Therefore, that isn’t the same as what I am requesting or hoping will happen.

The UPDF and the Ministry of Defence needs representation. These organizations needs to show all parts of the nation and have leaders from across the spectrum. That is needed, especially if Museveni wants to be unifying and speak with a sincere voice. Unless, he just wants to lie and only does so to please donors. I would certainly believe that and it would make sense. Actually, it would make a lot of dollars and pay of the expenditure of his State House.

I know it would be a shocker to see someone from the Great North appointed or promoted to the High Command. However, it would be a sign of goodwill and of change. That it isn’t a battle between the North and the South. No, that it’s a collective and a nation for all. Peace.

Uganda Law Society (ULS): Persistent Unlawful Interference by the Uganda Polcie with Citizens’ Rights to Peacefully Assemble and Demonstrate together (25.04.2023)