Opinion: Mwenda trying to knight Mao

Not breaking news, but the Independent Magazine editor and spin-doctor of the regime Andrew Mwenda published piece called “Thumbs Up for Mao”. That was published today. I will no digest the whole text, but only comment on the pieces that is worthy of discussing. Because, his sort of style is to whitewash and make the government insiders look good. He has become a talisman for the government and this article is no exemption. It is just the good old sort of spin to make the unreasonable look wonderful.

Mwenda’s piece is the norm now and nobody should be shocked. The mannerism and the attacks on Bobi Wine and Besigye is staple by now. The way he describes and goes after the opposition is just what he does. It’s like he has no other technique or abilities to understand their standing. Everyone is just supposed to think and move like he does. Be a government crony and get the kickbacks like everyone else Andrew knows.

The first part which was interesting to me was this one: “The cooperation agreement between NRM and DP is an important political innovation and landmark in our country’s politics. Uganda needs this kind of politics. Indeed, it should be a yardstick for political cooperation among the contending political forces in the country. Other political parties like NUP, FDC and JEMA should seek the same” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

Well, we don’t know what sort of deal the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) did. Neither does we know what sort of deal Dr. Paul Ssemogerere did back-in-the-day or anyone else for that matter. Who has gone from being in opposition to working with President Museveni. We also know what happened to the allies of the UFF and UFM. Manhy of them are now gone and only a handful are still around in the upper echelon. So, seeing how Museveni betrays agreements and twists them for his own personal advances. The UPC and DP should know this. The Cooperation Agreement today could be diminished tomorrow when His Excellency don’t need it. The words to the wise of studying history and knowing how your enemy operates. Mwenda should know that NUP, FDC and JEEMA shouldn’t join hands with Museveni. Sooner or later they will end up as relevant as Beatrice Anywar or Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi. Please, we don’t want any of that in 2022 do we?

He continues: “From that experience I came to the conclusion that Besigye is an obstacle to democratic development in Uganda. It is hard for me to really know his subjective motivations. But the objective outcome of his actions impede democratization. This is because he sees all forms of political compromise as capitulation, negotiations with government as selling out. He has adopted an extreme position that there is only way forward for Uganda and that is the fall of Museveni and his (Besigye’s) usurpation of power – and through ultra-constitutional means” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

I would have to counter with the words of Besigye himself in the 1999 dossier as he left the NRM to form the Reform Agenda, which later turned into the now known Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). In that he says this: “All in all, when I reflect on the Movement philosophy and governance, I can conclude that the Movement has been manipulated by those seeking to gain or retain political power, in the same way that political parties in Uganda were manipulated. Evidently, the results of this manipulation are also the same, to wit: Factionalism, loss of faith in the system, corruption, insecurity and abuse of human rights, economic distortions and eventually decline. So, whether it’s political parties or Movement, the real problem is dishonest, opportunistic and undemocratic leadership operating in a weak institutional framework and a weak civil society which cannot control them” (Besigye, November 6 1999 Dossier).

Why do I use these words in 2022? Well, that’s the reasons for why Besigye doesn’t believe in compromise and working directly with the NRM now. The NRM haven’t become better since 1999, but its much more ruthless and less concerned about how it portray itself. Mwenda is claiming Besigye wants power, but he wants a proper transition of power away from the guns and to a civilian rule. Because, the NRM today is based on the power of the army and the authorities, which can be used to take total control. So, calling Besigye is just to justify the means to an end for Museveni. Since Museveni usage of force, intimidation and state sponsored violence is legit in the eyes of Mwenda. While being on the barricades to defend liberty, justice and freedom for all is called extremism. That just shows which side Mwenda is on…

Yet Besigye has ignored the path taken by Mandela and instead embraced the one pursued by Yasser Arafat in Palestine. He has helped nourish a large constituency who reject politics as an activity that might – and should – involve compromise. The battle cry is never to seek any common ground. He and his radical extremist supporters despise any such, seeing it as selling out. Their motto is that we either win or they lose. This zero-sum approach to politics is very dangerous and can only lead to a autocratic government. This is because any government that comes to power without any negotiation or compromise will most likely to rule without any negotiation and compromise. And the reverse is true” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

We all know the game-plan here. Mwenda wants compromise to look good and make the resilience of Besigye to look bad. Alas, the main issue with this here and using Mandela as an example. It is not like Museveni wants to promise a new beginning or reform in which his leaving. The white minority rule (apartheid) government made that agreement with the African National Congress (ANC) which lead to a new start in the rainbow nation in 1990s. Something we know that the NRM and Museveni has no interests in. They only wants that prolongs the life of the Museveni era and the NRM clinging on to power. That’s why this sort of mental gymnastics isn’t doing anyone a favour. The dictator and his party would never really negotiate themselves out of office or offer a soft landing for a free and fair election. We know that Museveni would never do that… it isn’t in his character and certainly after 36 years. He will not do that… Museveni will never compromise to the levels of sincere approach or a possibility of losing power. No, his to conning to do that.

He continues: “Mao needs to be applauded for his courage, for leading the way, for breaking this fear that to work with Museveni is detrimental to the interests of Uganda. Museveni and his NRM are a deeply entrenched reality in Uganda’s body politic. They are unlikely to be removed from power any time soon. But Museveni is also a practical and pragmatic politician who is always looking out for opportunities to win over his opponents – or even to compromise them. That should not stop politicians of principle from being pragmatic, recognizing that building Uganda requires some cooperation with him” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

I can applaud Mao for showing his true character and lack of spine. His a sell-out and the deal will be breached. Sooner or later the President and his men will see no value in the DP or Mwenda. He will be as valuable as Beatrice Anywar aka Mama Mabira. Calling Museveni practical and pragmatic is joke. When he calls people’s parasites, insects and calls to destroy his opponents. A man who uses either the hook or the crook to go after his enemies. So, calling for pragmatic solutions with Museveni is hopeless. Sooner or later you will be lost and have no way to go. It is just showing the manner of which everyone else is supposed to beg for mercy, but Museveni is allowed to do whatever. Calling him pragmatic and practical. Well, say that to the tortured victims, the political prisoners and the families who has lost political activists in extra judicial killings because of their affiliations. That’s ruthless and not practical. So, Mwenda isn’t sincere here…

Mwenda further states: “Thus Besigye has built this cult that someone cannot compromise with Museveni without being compromised by the president. Yet one can work with Museveni without working for him and recognize the president’s accomplishments without endorsing his failures. This inability to see nuance and complexity leads me to believe that Besigye has despotic inclinations. His belief in the total annihilation of Museveni as the one and only path to Uganda’s democratization and development is dangerous” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

When Mwenda writes like this. It is like he has never listened or bother to care about the messaging of Besigye. Because, he has make Museveni look cool or like a likeable character. While demonizing and depict the enemies of the state as the worst. Alas, that is just what Mwenda does here. While not considering the implications of doing so. How can anyone have negotiations between the parties, when the spin-doctor of the other party calls Besigye that? That doesn’t make sense. Secondly, Besigye don’t have power and haven’t been in office of decades… FDC has proven to be a coordinated and a party machine which is ruled by proper protocol. So, why would he be dictator? It isn’t like Besigye is the Party President and a high ranking official there now.

Just to continue my reasoning. Let’s take another document of Besigye. Where in 2017 spelled out what was needed for a transition of government:

The following needs to be done to terminate the Junta’s control of our country:

1) Intensify the “awakening campaign”, for most Ugandans to become active in the processes of achieving a transition. Everyone has a role to play in achieving this.

2) Forming activist networks to make it possible to act together and to be coordinated.

3)Everyone seeking a democratic transition should take deliberate actions, individually or in concert with others to disempower and break down the Junta. Each one’s actions, however small, contribute significantly towards the desired change.

4) Public servants, including those in the security and military are called upon to join the struggle for democratic transition.

5) In coordination with other political and civil society formations, we’ll soon start various activities that will disempower and bring the, now fragile, Junta to an end” (Besigye, 11.06.2017).

If you read this sort of text it isn’t a script of a demagogue or a dictator, but of a man who wants a public uprising and people power revolution to overthrow the current regime. Where he wants organizations and parties behind who all pull their weight. This is a game of getting all stakeholders to choke the government and stop it. So, it has to cease operation. So, when reading about the compromise. It is just like Mwenda wants to breathe new life into the Museveni government. Instead of actually offer a transition or a proper representation of the general public in government.

He ends with: “Most democracies I know in the world work through coalitions. This means they have to share power with those they don’t agree with. Why not Uganda?” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

Besigye’s own words in the 1999 described this: “After some years of NRM rule, some in the leadership began to feel that there was sufficient grassroots support for the NRM, such that one could “off-load” the “broad–based” elements in government at no political cost. These factors were at the centre of an unprincipled power-struggle which was mostly covert and hence could not be resolved democratically. It continued to play itself out outside the formal Movement organs, with the results of weakening and eventually losing the concept of consensus politics and broad-basedness” (Besigye, November 6 1999 Dossier).

When this have been public knowledge for decades and it hasn’t become better. The main problem for the way the government is operating is starting from the top. That’s His Excellency and the orders his issuing. The way of the NRM CEC, NRM Caucus and the way the Parliament is doing it’s business. Therefore, the Mwenda’s of the world speaking of coalitions. The ones who signs off and works with Museveni. Sooner or later will realize that they are being used and will be dropped off shortly. They will not have long shelf-life, unless the agreements signed gives them eternal pass like Gen. Moses Ali. The rest are left astray and without any house to keep. Museveni will not budge or give way. He wants it his way or your got no choice. That’s why calling him pragmatic and practical. Its just ridiculous and utter garbage.

Mwenda should study the patterns and the Leopards Anus. However, he rather try to spin to make the current regime look good. That’s all his busy doing now. Peace.

Opinion: The DP isn’t Green anymore – it has turned itself Yellow

I met with Democratic Party President Norbert Mao at State House Entebbe. We signed a cooperation agreement between the NRM and the DP. I salute the DP leadership for this gesture of mature, foresighted and constructive politics” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 20.07.2022).

We have seen the shift over the years. The NBS Frontline commentator and Party President Norbert Mao has today signed an agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It a cooperation agreement and by doing so… the DP party is certainly dying.

The DP Party has lost their strongholds. The DP has been weakened over the years with Mao at the helm. He might proclaim and act like it isn’t true. However, the Parliamentary Group is weakened and the party itself has lost it’s purpose. That’s why a deal like this will breathe life onto it, but also trade it all away.

The DP party cannot be seen as an opposition party. Mao and his associates has now ensured his pockets. However, the party is now tainted. The DP is now working directly with the tyrant and his tyranny. The cooperation agreement is selling the soul of the DP. Not that’s its shocking, but inevitable.

This just shows the power of the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform (NUP). The NUP already took away most of the base of the DP. The DP lacks strong grass-root support and the NUP has gained on their territories. The youths and the like rather go to the NUP or the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Than going to a moderate and elitist party, which isn’t directing its energy towards the problematic sides of the NRM regime.

That’s why the DP lost in the two last elections. They haven’t gained anything and only gotten some people in high ranking offices, because they wanted to work directly with Museveni. Now Mao is doing the same and there is no subtle way to describe it.

The DP was formed as a reaction to the Progressive Party in 1956. Now in 2022 it has sold its soul to the dictatorial party of 36 years the NRM. The former Catholic party with a base in Baganda and Catholic North. Has now traded away its glory and possible moderate answers to the dictatorship. It is instead becoming a crony and an ally.

Not that this is shocking. It explains why Mao has targeted the NUP and Bobi Wine in the recent time. Anyone who has followed Mao has seen his rhetoric and actions, which could been a well spoken Ofwono Opondo. Now his becoming a stooge of the President and he surely cost barely nothing.

Museveni blasts DP in 2004:

How can you say for 50 years I have been here doing nothing and you also celebrate?” (…) “To remain in a deserted home and you celebrate for remaining there does not make sense” (New Vision – ‘Museveni blasts DP’s Ssemogerere’ 05.04.2004).

A man that speaks like about your party and later signs an agreement with you. He will destroy you and use the deal to undermine you. Museveni has promised to crush the opposition and take it down. Just like the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) deal hasn’t strengthen that party either. Instead it has taken seats and also ensured new MPs by doing so. Therefore, the DP will now go down the same path.

Mao should look onto Jimmy Akena and know that his becoming a similar party leader. Since his in favour of Museveni, but not being a big national figure. Secondly, his not even fielding candidacy to become President of the Republic. The UPC agreement should be studied and the results of it. Because, the DP-NRM agreement will most likely deliver similar results.

Mao has now traded his soul and all his ego to safe his accounts with fresh shillings. Peace.

Opinion: The Honourable Speaker should speak to her master…

Politics is there to stay we need peace, let’s preach peace for the good of our people. Politics is not a matter of death” – Speaker Anita Among (19.07.2022)

The Speaker of Parliament should know who is behind it all. The Speaker who was praised and ushered into her office. She should know who has created this system, the use of force and the state sponsored violence on behalf of the President. Honourable Speaker should know all this, but instead speaks of hearsay and what is supposed to be.

The system that’s currently in play is all fixed and nurtured by the President. He has made it in the image of himself. A man that is living by the gun and dying by the gun. The President is proud of getting into office by using weapons and killing. A sort of lifestyle that he has continued and persisted with. That’s why the second most important thing to always uphold is the Uganda People’s Defence Force and keep the authorities on guard.

The President uses violent words and wants to destroy his opponents. He hopes he can corrupt them, but if that doesn’t work. He throws the law-book at them or uses violent means to stop them organizing in their tracks. The use of political charged arrests, detaining without trail or even extra judicial killings. All done in the mercy of the master and the head of state. This has been going on for years and the Speaker should know this bloody well.

That’s why MPs are behind bars as we speak. Their cases are not moving along, but they have serious charges on them. It is opposition MPs who matters to their constituencies… However, the state is using them and silencing them. They are charged with murders and serious crimes, but that will never uphold in the courts themselves. That’s why they are lingering and never freed. So, it’s just like we are supposed to forget about that.

In the same vein. The state uses kidnappings, keeping people incommunicado and torturing them. That’s all done for their political affiliation and stances. They are targeted for who they associate with and what party they signs up for. Heck, even people who associate with the ruling regime can be assassinated or taken out. Especially, if their ambition is beyond the “standard” of pre-fixed positions made by His Excellency.

That’s why listening to the Speaker who said this in connection with the death of the student at the Guild Elections of Makerere University. It is all sad… but this is a mere reflection of the political atmosphere and landscape, which the state and the President has created over the years. It is wrong to die like this, but the state has killed several of others for their beliefs. They have killed by-standers to rallies and funerals. The state has killed drivers of political leaders and nearly even killed a Minister at one point. Therefore, the violence isn’t anything new. It is just what the state does and it hasn’t haunted the highest office yet.

Speaker Among can mean will and be sincere. However, she should address her master. Who uses rhetoric and orders, which are in dark contrast to her words. When the army, the security organizations and everyone is used for political gains. You just know that the merciless of men is coming to hunt down the competition. That is just the game and the game is rigged in favour of the “high above”.

So, dear Speak…. If you really meant these words. Please, talk with caution and send some vibes to your master, the high and mighty. The man that could change these things. However, dear Speaker, I wouldn’t count on it. Since he earns his bread and butter this way. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Communique Regarding the Decisions of the National Executive Committee (NEC) held from 15th to 16th July, 2022 at Namanve (17.07.2022)

Makerere University Guild Elections: Dangote Campaign Team Press Statement (15.07.2022)

Justice Forum (JEEMA): Press Statement on the Murder of a Visiting Student during Makerere Guild Elections Campaigns (15.07.2022)

Makerere University: Office of the Chairperson of Council – Suspension of Makerere University Students Guild and the Ongoing Guild Elections (14.07.2022)

Soroti East By-Election: Former FDC MP Versus FDC Flag-bearer

As you recall, I stood in the previous election on the platform of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party. However, on account of the irreconcilable differences in the party and the failure by my current party leadership to appreciate my contribution to the party, I shall NOT seek re-election on the ticket of the party (FDC)” (Herbert Ariko – Press Release, 05.08.2020).

The Soroti East By-Election scheduled for 28th July 2022 is setting itself up for grabs. The things that is striking isn’t that the National Unity Platform (NUP) has supported and not fielded their own candidate. They are actually acting in unified motion with the opposition. Which has been asked for it for ages. Now they are showing not only words but actions. Yes, their MP Flag-Bearer didn’t get votes, but instead of using energy on a candidate which doesn’t stand a chance. They are instead backing a Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate. So, for a unified opposition their candidate is Moses Attan Okia.

Although we had very good potential candidates in Soroti, we are doing this in the broader interest of the unity of the Forces of Change. We believe that Hon. Attan legitimately won the previous election which was interrupted by a court decision. Therefore, we shall be supporting him, and rallying the people of Soroti to take him back to Parliament. We are stronger when we come together!” (National Unity Platform, 07.07.2022).

In that regard. The ruling regime has also switched their game up since the General Election in 2021. The National Resistance Movement are sending the same candidate, which they had as a flag-bearer in January 2021. No, they are sending the former FDC MP (2016-2021) and former Independent Candidate Herbert Edmund Ariko. We can rest assure that Jimmy Ekemu will feel shattered by this. Because, his been deliberately knocked out, because the party don’t believe in his candidacy anymore.

We know the NRM is investing in this campaign and will use all means to get there. When Secretary General Richard Todwong, Vice-Chairman of Eastern Region the party Captain Mike Mukula and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa are already in Soroti canvassing voters ahead of the polls.

What the general public can await is the Police Force and the army intervening. Since any By-Election of recent years looks like a war-zone close to the polls. With road-blocks, armed soldiers in the streets and public intimidation to ensure a “NRM” victory.

The Democratic Party is saying they will announce their candidate for the By-Election tomorrow. However, we all know the real game changer is between former FDC MP and the one trying to win the seat a second time the current FDC MP Attan. Therefore, the DP candidate will have as much popularity as the Uganda People’s Congress candidate in 2021. If not become as big as the outcast NRM flag-bearer. Because, I don’t believe they will suddenly have a wind of green coming their way.

It is a reason why Mukula was himself only an MP until 2016. Because, the FDC took over the city and got the mandates from the area. That’s why the NRM is fielding a former FDC candidate for a reason. A candidate that was close in the last polls as an independent. That is political bargaining.

Anyone else challenging the FDC is meeting hardship. Soroti and the region is very blue. It will be hard to muffle that. Nevertheless, don’t expect free and fair elections. No, the NRM can only win with bribes, intimidation and rigging. Which is very common and that’s what they are willing to do. So, expect the same in Soroti later this month. This will not be peaceful, as the state is coming with armed forces and vicious means to prove whose in-charge. Expect arrests of activists, polling agents and anyone associated with the FDC at the latter stage. Especially done at night and raiding of homes, of the registered polling agents and such. That is just what the state does and no one should be shocked by this in 2022. We have seen it’s happening so many times. This here will be no difference.

Soroti East By-Election will be like the previous by-elections. We should be aware and as we follows. Not act like we didn’t’ see it coming. Because this is what they do. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni can only fool the blind…

No one can teach me about the subject of human rights because that is what I fought for, to have a democratic society in Uganda. I spent sixteen solid years of my life putting in place human rights observance and correcting what the regime of Idi Amin distorted. When handling human rights issues, be careful, cases of illegal detention, torture, and human rights violations will end, and will not be tolerated” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (30.06.2022).

Sometimes… the delusion and the deluded mind thinks they are always correct. Especially, someone who has been in power without any significant challenge or without a proper contest. The elections and the rally for power after January 1986 has been based on who got the guns and the authority. Not on which brother or sister who has the best skills, attributes or policies to change the status quo of the Republic. Because, Museveni has held the army, the police and the judiciary. He could easily navigate and get his will into policy. Therefore, his words to Ken Roth, the Executive Officer of Human Rights Watch (HRW) means squat or nothing.

We know the authorities, the police force and all other security agencies uses means, which violates with human rights. It is common knowledge of the practices performed by the state. The abductions, the illegally detentions and the torture of dissidents. That is well-known, as much as the drones and the usage of army courts to charge and sentence civilians. This is why the President knows perfectly well how his in the wrong.

Museveni continues to speak ill of Amin. However, they are genuinely alike in many aspects. They are using the law to stranglehold the opposition. The authorities are used to arrest, detain and keep people incommunicado. People who defies and resist the pressure of state can easily be found dead after being kept at unknown locations. The state uses ungazetted safe-houses, the army and security details to apprehend and assault civilians who dares to question the legitimacy of the rulers of the republic.

That’s why anyone with a working marble and a little wisdom. Knows that the state apparatus, the imprint of the guards of the republic is to directly violate the human rights. They are proudly following orders, which circumvent their own constitution and principals of equal before the law. However, in the republic you are proven guilty before your proven innocent. This is why people can be behind bars without being produced in court. Neither are there any warrants, indictments or any production of evidence in the cases. The activists, citizens or opposition leaders are just barred from ordinary life. Because they dared to question and stand up for justice.

This injustice is known and shouldn’t shock anyone. The Safe-Houses, the practice of the Special Forces Command (SFC), Internal Security Organization (ISO) or the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) are capable of despicable things and acts, which are wrongly conducted in favour of the state.

The National Resistance Movement has used these techniques since it’s inception. The usage of torture and illegal arrests has been common practice. It has never ceased and the operations has only changed in the nature or by the way the interpret it. That’s why cases are pending in the courts and people challenge the treatment at government facilities, which caused them harm and made them scorned for life.

So, when President Museveni speaks of never doing or will not tolerate it. That is just nonsense and empty words. It is as meaningful as his words about combatting corruption. This is not really happening either and we all know. The President is keeping the fear and intimidation alive. His signalling anyone who dares to oppose him. That they can be touched and be violated. So, that they know who is in-charge and who is staying there.

The anointed one, the high above and the eternal prince of Rwakitura. Peace.

The Dead Silence: The two MPs – Sseginya and Ssewanyana – Bail dismissed after nearly 300 days in prison

UPDATE: The Court of Appeal has dismissed the bail appeal of Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya and Makindye West MP Allan Sewanyana. Instead, the court has directed that the state expeditiously fixes their capital offences for trial” (NTV Uganda, 29.06.2022)

UPDATE: Court of Appeal has dismissed the bail application of Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya and Makindye West MP Allan Sewanyana. The Court has instead directed the State to expeditiously fix their capital offences for trial” (Daily Monitor, 29.06.2022).

The Two MPs has been in the spotlight and behind bars for close to 300 (296 days since the summons of the DCI) days now. As the DCI summoned them in September 2021. Now in end of June 2022 the MPs are far from freed and the case is still pending. This shows how it is botched case and a political one, which nobody wants to touch.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) MPs are targeted and charged for involvement in the Masaka murders last year. The panga or machete murders, which went on for a month and killed 18 people. The killers and the ones who was behind it was never taken in. However, the NUP MPs has become the scapegoats, because there is no proof or evidence of involvement. If the state or the prosecution had proof of the allegations and the charges. The state would have produced witnesses, affidavits and shown the conspiracy to a court. However, no one is doing anything about it.

This is just a travesty and injustice. The victims and their families isn’t getting justice served either. The ones that was murdered are used as a shield to keep these MPs behind bars. They are detained and charged for something I doubt that can ever prove, because I have a hard time believing these men would ever conspire to do such a thing.

Heck, Mr. Update was busy finding donors and help in the Netherlands to upgrade the hospital and medical equipment in his district. At the time of the murders. He tweeted about that and his dreams for the hospital. So, if you have forgotten about that. It is time to revisit the timelines and the stories around the time.

That’s why I know this case, which has soon been pending since September 2021 and is still ongoing. Seemingly there is no way out. It just shows how the state is going after its dissidents and pinning crimes on them, which they didn’t do. Peace.