Opinion: I don’t trust Chameleone’s mission in the NUP…

Joseph Mayanja aka Jose Chameleone only last year left the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The man of the President. A man who has participated in rallies and singed songs for the regime for years. Suddenly last year in early July 2019 joined the Democratic Party and Mao gave him the role of Chief Mobilizer.

Today, he was announced as the Lord Mayoral Aspirant for Kampala for the National Unity Platform. Which means that Chameleone have within a year gone from the NRM to DP and final destination NUP.

Gone all red from yellow and for a hot minute green. This man is doing everything. Maybe by the time of 2021 he will try to join FDC. Just so he can say he was blue as well. No, I am just kidding. He will not go there, as he will not challenge incumbent Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Who has also left the DP for another party.

For Bobi Wine this isn’t a victory. This here isn’t something to celebrate. Even if Bobi Wine is cheering and smiling as he welcomes Chameleone to the team. By all means, this yet another back handed slap at the DP. However, this man is just trying to find a flag to be relevant under. Chameleone doesn’t seem legit.

Nothing about his time in politics seems sincere. He is now red on the outside, but I still believe his yellow on the inside. Sort of like a mango. He should sing songs for Uganda Telecom and Splash. Not be a Lord Mayoral candidate. I cannot think of anything he stands for or cares about. Unless, leeching on whatever that is popping at any given moment.

This man has today gotten an easier ride without really having to struggle to do so. His just getting the umbrella, but without any real cost. Not like Chameleone have really invested time or energy in the DP. It is like everything he does is a publicity stunt.

Chameleone got to go head to head with Lukwago now. The others will not be in the same bracket. His the Ragga Dee of NUP. I don’t see how they will beat the two times Lord Mayor and former MP.

So, he wants to recreate himself again. This time in the vision of NUP and be under the wings of Bobi Wine. Because, he understands that there is little to no wheels helping the road ahead in DP. This is why he fled the scene and became an NUPer today. However, it is not a winning team this here.

Chameleone does this only for selfish reasons. I don’t see this a viable entry. His just using the flag, the party and the swagger of Bobi Wine. This is all just a ploy for him. Shopping the best opposition house to run on. Not because he believes in it, but because it helps his candidacy.

Chameleone have changed his colours so easily. Gone from yellow last year into green. This year gone from green to red. Who wonders what he does next, but don’t expect a magic wand or something unique.

This man will sound like everyone around him. Do what he can to fit in and be like them. However, I doubt he is, because of all the years he was on the payroll of the regime. This is just a another publicity stunt and his hoping the naive is flying high on it. However, I doubt this will help him much against Lukwago, except giving him some sort of credibility as an opposition candidate. Still, people like me doesn’t believe the man. Peace.

The Umbrella swallows three DP MPs

Today, there are three MPs who are announced at National Unity Platform Party Office in Kamwokya. These are Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana and Rubaga North MP Moses Kasibante. All of these MPs are leaving the Democratic Party and becoming NUP Flag-Bearers in the up-coming 2021 elections.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine didn’t even need to join the DP. He got the big-shots and the MPs who are vocally from the party. The DP Block leaders will be happy that Ssewanyana leaves the party. While we know Nambooze haven’t been friendly with Mao of late. Kasibante is seeking a new home and found safety here.

Nambooze have been moving along to elsewhere for a while. She has been part of People’s Government and been close to Besigye. That she now moves to NUP was in the cards. She’s been in Parliament since 2010 for Mukono and have drifted away from DP. We can see that since the 2016 elections. Therefore, today wasn’t a shocker, but was anticipated.

Nambooze have been in too trouble for her stances. Been treated with vile force. House raided, tortured and arrested for her stances. Therefore, she knows the cost of defying the state. Betty knows perfectly well and will continue this part with her change of party.

Ssewanyana, the MP for DP since 2016, the former Sports Editor and Chairman of Katwe United. Who has been arrested, charged and been in to much trouble in his term. A vocal opposition MP. A certain type that makes headlines without even trying. Just by opposing the government and its policies. That’s why this man is the perfect fit for the NUP at this point.

Kasibante have been in Parliament since 2012. Who is a DP MP, but on the pages of the Parliament his registered as Independent. Surely, he has gone more and more away. These are people who has associated themselves with the NUP and People Power.

So that Nambooze, Ssewanyana and Kasibante is all expected at this point. That they would either got to NUP or ANT. These was all individuals who was drifting away from Mao and the DP. They where abandoning the project, one by one.

It is not surprising. This is typical election season, but also a matter of making advances ahead of the polls. This is to score relevance and be part of the right team. They are fleeing DP to get more suction. This is Baganda MPs leaving the DP party.

Norbert Mao knew he would loose Lukwago and Nambooze. That was just a matter of time this time around. That he laso looses Ssweanyana is a loss, but the allies within DP Block will be happy if the rumours are correct. Give way to others to run on the DP ticket in Makindye West. Kasibante leaves Rubaga North and opens for another there too.

They are fleeing a sinking ship… to a party, which is on the rise. Bobi Wine has scored a victory with these folks in his team. While DP is even more weakened. The DP should start to reconsider their methods, as the ones vying for re-elections are abandoning them.

This are all vocal MPs and are people who are popular in their areas. These are not just some random MPs who nobody knows. Nambooze and Kasibante has been defiant for so long. They have suffered for it and now they are becoming NUPs.

This is a blow today for the DP and worth to celebrate for NUP. However, let see how this unfolds in the up-coming elections. Peace.

Bobi Wine blocked from a radio appearance in Mbale

On the 8^th August 2020, the Police Force was ready and had besieged BCU Radio in Mbale, Eastern Uganda. Where Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was scheduled this morning to be on air. Again, the law enforcement has decided to politically engage and block an opposition from entering a media house. As per standard.

We know the drill, they will pin-point the elections road-map and “scientific” elections. We know this. The Police will say they wasn’t informed enough or had the capacity to let him attend. However, they always have enough manpower to block a venue, tear-gas and use live-bullets. Cause a lot of chaos and arrests. Nevertheless, not enough security to ensure the safety of the political opponent of the President. No, that they don’t prioritize. It is less costs to cause possible harm and make arbitrary arrests.

While this is happening to Bobi Wine, we know that the National Resistance Movement are holding rallies, are campaigning in their districts and using their roles as Ministers and MPs to give gifts, donate and start their campaigns for 2021.

So, there is a clear double standard. Where the Movement are above the rest. They are the anointed, who can act above guidelines and the laws of the land, while the opposition have to abide and even when they do. They are not allowed. There voices are silenced and their place to in prison of their own homes. Since, they should not dare to aim at the throne.

Bobi Wine is a prime example of that. A man who tries to campaign, tries to hold radio shows, but is not allowed. Paying to be on-air, but radios are either blocked, authorities saying “no” or his arrested for trying.

Today, he was blocked. God knows what happens tomorrow. But this is a familiar game and its systematic. The political police force is in full effect and today it hit Bobi Wine. Peace.

Opinion: Zaake MP will only get served injustice…

There will be no justice in the cases surrounding Francis Zaake MP. To think so is bitterly naive and redundant at this point. The National Unity Platform (NUP) and People Power Movement MP for Mityana will not be served justice or paid costs for the hardship, the torture or the arbitrary arrests done against him.

All the pain he has gone through since Arua By-Election. All the arrests, charges and the twice tortured for being the man he is and the sort of opposition he is. Zaake is getting the blunt and brutal force dropped right in his lap.

Zaake MP the man who couldn’t stand on his feet, but still was able to escape police custody. The man who needed permission to get counsel and visits at a hospital. Needed special care and concern before he got a fit-to-flight and bond to do so. Even has he was struggling after the blunt force and the trauma he had.

That is the sort of treatment and service the state delivers to its own MP. The ones speaking of justice, democracy and freedom. Should clearly look into the cases surrounding this man. The treatment this man is getting and what he has to go through. Just to give neighbours some food, to be an active politician and activist. It clearly costs and the authorities can violate you without any punishment or retribution towards them.

The can break his arm, hit his head and bruise his skin. They can harm a man without any consideration or inkling. These people can just use their means to cause pain and suffering. While he has to beg for justice, go back to the courts who are not willing to apprehend their own, but a man like him. They can produce this man in court, when his nearly stopping from breathing and at a abysmal state. That is fine and dandy, but the ones causing him that state. Will not even attend a trial or be called for. This shows whose the overlords and whose the peasants of this society.

When police officers, law enforcement can skate free after harming and damaging a fellow citizen, a citizen who is an MP and they don’t even have to set foot in a court. While this man had to be produced when his skull was harmed and his bones was healing. That shows the impunity and the lack of justice in the Republic.

How easily they could raid his home, detain him and hurt him. While it will take forever and be nearly impossible to answers for the ills committed. That will be like pulling canine teeth. An affair and troublesome ways to justice.

In the republic of Museveni. Impunity and injustice is awarded, while defiance and civil disobedience against him is punished with furious vengeance. A vengeance that Zaake knows all to well. He has tasted the bittersweet remedy of the power-trip these officers has, as they are following command and orders from “high above”.

That is why Zaake will not get his justice. Especially not for now. They will not do that, because that implies their actions are wrong. That the state did something wrong in ordering and sanctioning it. This will not happen, they rather keep it up in the air and hoping it will be forgotten about. Peace.

Opinion: Colour me red…

This isn’t Red Dead Redemption or any other thing associated with the colour. No, this is just a small piece of utter rubbish thrown the way of National Unity Platform, the Political Party of the People Power Movement, which is lead by Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.

He has ruffled some feathers; he has stood tall during trouble. While remaining calm and collected. Others might have given up or traded for greener pastures, but Bobi Wine has carried that stick and taken that burden with him. Just like others who has worked for the same cause in the past. Bobi Wine isn’t the first and hopefully not the last. He has taken a stand and works against the oppression, militarism and the ability to enjoy liberty and freedom in the Republic.

So, now that the Electoral Commission are warning of the usage of colour, the party NUP of using red, because its owned by Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). You know things has gone stupid. As the UPC has three colours, FDC has three colours and so has plenty of other parties. The same has NUP, but they are defiant in their red beret and colour of the umbrella.

It just like the state agency, the government are looking for any excuse, reason or argument to deregister the NUP. While using allies in the UPC as a shield. Using Akena, the son of Obote as a spokesperson for the foolish attempt to tarnish and to talk in defence of the colour red. Jimmy could have talked about black and blue too? Why haven’t the UPC tried to block FDC from using blue?

Because it’s a foolish enterprise like selling sand in the middle of a desert. That is how it is and only idiots are eating up the hot garbage.

Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy, who knew you would sell out this way? Who knew you would trade away your father’s legacy and party over such insignificant thing? How narrow-minded are you Jimmy?

I just got to ask, because, there is no way in the world the UPC owns a colour. That is just nonsense. Because, Justice Forum (JEEMA) is blue, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is blue, National Convention For Democracy (NCD) in blue and Liberal Democratic Transparency (LDT) is blue too.

So, why can’t NUP and UPC both be RED? What’s the issue, unless you’re a pawn for the grand party and want to be used?

Akena wants to be on the bus so badly. Since he knows his no conducting anything fruitful. A pawn and he hate it. He wants to be a big shot, but isn’t, he cannot even come out of the shadow of Otunnu. That is such a poor leader he is.

That is why he got use his platform to attack NUP. Since he knows that is the only way he can get brownie points and get a moment of nostalgia with the Head of State. If he doesn’t he will be forgotten and not seen as useful at all. That is why he does this.

We can all see, the partisan Electoral Commission can let four parties have the colour blue, so why not two have the colour red, suddenly?

That’s how dumb this is. Peace.

Opinion: Wadri’s gamble

Kassiano Wadri won the polls on the 15^th August 2018 in by-election in Arua district, which by now has been a unique one, because of the aftermath for the opposition. Wadri has gone from the Forum for Democratic Change, which he represented between 2001 to 2016 in Terengo County, while he now represents Arua Muncipality as Independent with the help People Power Movement in the By-Election.

That is why his dismissal and arrogance of the organization of People Power and National Unity Platform (NUP). Can prove to be a lot eat for the ones who elected him in and especially depending on who the NUP and People Power field in his stead.

He has now revealed his next step is go to Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). Mugisha Muntu also campaigned for Wadri in Arua in 2018. Therefore, he had help from both Muntu and Bobi Wine. While the popularity of Bobi Wine is of another league in comparison to Muntu. To think otherwise is very foolish.

Wadri was the joint candidate in the area and in the by-election. He has now picked his man and his team. Even downplaying the People Power, which is interesting as his a coordinator. He acts like Tinkasmiire. Just think about that for minute, there is similarities in the statements of Wadri, as it was of Tinkasmiire. Both mocking and joking about the work and organization of People Power. That signals the arrogance of some leaders.

Yes, Wadri has won with the FDC the Terengo County seat since 2001 and is well-known. He has been a major player in Arua district and therefore, re-elected. However, this is really shady of him to act like this. We don’t know if Bobi Wine was a factor in the Arua By-Election.

Nevertheless, we know it amplified the elections and gave more firepower to the campaigning. In a manner, which Muntu never would have been able too. We can act like there wasn’t help that all parties stepped aside for Wadri. This time around the FDC, NRM and everyone else will field their flag-bearer. The challenge is bigger than Wadri versus Tiperu. Someone who has never won, but tried again and again.

Wadri can act like a big-man, as his used to get his way and also get elected. However, will he be able to stand People Power flag-bearer in a race with more candidates. It will not be a race with two candidates contesting. There will be from FDC, DP, PPM/NUP and so fourth.

Kassiano might think this power-play is wise. That he goes ring-side and such. Again, it shows that Bobi Wine loyalty is fickle and easily traded away. We know like Mwiru, Wadri have been a supporter of Muntu. Therefore, the move isn’t surprising, but its behaviour towards Bobi Wine and PPM, which is disrespectful.

He be ahead, as his the incumbent and have represented two counties in Arua district. Wadri might feel he has teflon and doesn’t need anyone. Still, its bad politicking doing this. I understand that he feels loyalty to Muntu. That is fine and dandy, but the way he undermines People Power is not what you should see from a seasoned politician like him. Especially, when they came for you aid and support in the recent Arua By-Election.

Wadri might think his the joker, the man of the hour and important where-ever he is. As his been part of FDC and had vital roles in the party. Even tried to swipe the role of Mafabi without luck. So, now his like Muntu in new fields, but we can wonder how this journey ends in 2021. Peace.

Opinion: Everything is rigged against the opposition [doesn’t matter if it’s “Scientific” or not]

The opposition in the Republic will not win at this point in time. It isn’t because of their lack of swagger and viable candidates. This is simply, because of the status quo and the whole state machinery is working against them. There is no chance that the President and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) will give way. That’s not happening anytime soon.

The Forum for Democratic Change and National Unity Platform (People Power) parties are the most high regarded opposition. The FDC has the history, while NUP and People Power are the new renegades. This is the Kizza Besigye and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine coming to full force as challengers to Museveni. They will gain attention and get popular. However, in the grand scheme things this will not matter. These two might win the election, might even be hugely admired by the population. However, the machinery will not let Museveni loose.

That is why the rigging will close the doors for the opposition. It is reason why I don’t mention Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Mugisha Muntu and Democratic Party Norbert Mao. Neither is Uganda People’s Congress, James Akena or Justice Forum Asuman Basalirwa. Or whoever is running the Uganda Federal Alliance, Farmers Party or People’s Progressive Party. These lastly mentioned have enough to get an MP elected into Parliament. Not even thinking of challenging the throne.

Muntu and Mao might want to be in the big-league, but we both know they don’t have it. Neither does Akena, he is cahoots with the regime with a deal. So, when your dealing directly with NRM. You cannot anticipate the brother will do anything about it.

This is why in reality it is a battle for the FDC and NUP. These two are the parties that has to challenge and show force towards the NRM. Not, that through the ballots will make a difference at this point. The Electoral Commission, the NRM is busy scheming and preparing the results. We know who will win and that is all in the cards. To think otherwise is either naive or foolish.

The NRM will conquer, they will use all means. There is a “scientific” elections going on. That is used on the opposition, which is stopped from campaigning. While the NRM candidates are doing so, either in secret or by using government programs as a shield to allow them to meet people. That they will use the state as tool to not only campaign, but also rig the elections. This is why the opposition has no chance.

NUP and FDC knows this. They will show flex, but will they dwell on the inevitable. The ones whose moderate and pragmatic, will only benefit a small group. While the big-men of the opposition got to stand up in the midst of oppression and hardships. Knowingly they will loose, but it is a matter of how much they willing to loose in the end. Not because of lack of popularity or having backing in the public.

However, because the NRM and the state uses all means. Every single piece of intimidation and scaring tactics. Also, the use of arbitrary arrests and other means to stop the public from gatherings and organizing. Except, if you have suction or a anointed by the Movement. Then you can set-up tents, set up rallies and meetings in churches. However, the opposition is not allowed to do the same. This is another proof of the whole charade, which is going on into the polls in 2021.

If your thinking this going to be free and fair. Forget about. The state is embedded. The Police is more into politics, than actually catching thieves.

This is all just a game and we all know who is going to win. Not because the public loves him, neither that its justified. However, that is how this is played out. We can act like its not, but then I would be disingenuous. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t be fooled and just play along, but call out the nonsense as it is. Peace.

Opinion: Mao is loosing to Bobi Wine [and needs his umbrella]

Right now Party Chairman and Presidential Candidate Norbert Mao needs Bobi Wine’s umbrella. Mathias Mpuuga, the Masaka MP are an ally of People Power. Betty Nambooze, the Mukono MP who has been elected in the last election on a DP ticket is going over National Unity Platform. While Medard Lubega Sseggona, MP Busiro East are today stating the DP block is endorsing Bobi Wine as their Presidential Candidate. While the leaders of the Masaka Chapter has also gone over the NUP.

Mao is clearly loosing. Not only has he lost other high ranking officials to National Resistance Movement. Now, the DP is missing others to People Power and the NUP. The leadership is failing and doing it horrifically.

If this was the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) the NRM would swerve all around the carcass and dance. There would psalms played in the New Vision, tales of mischief all over the Daily Monitor and questionable tea in the Observer. However, this will play out more next week if this continues.

Mao is clearly missing Nambooze, Mpuuga and Ssegona. Who are all showing loyalty elsewhere. Just like the State Minister Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi crossed over to National Resistance Movement (NRM). While Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago made his party too.

Norbert is clearly not running the show. He can only keeps Fred Mukasa Mbidde circulated around him. The rest are fleeing apparently. Mbidde who even went to NRM to get the approval and positive vibes to become EALA MP. So, Mao clearly doesn’t control his troops.

It is really clear that umbrella is eating the party from within. He is not only loosing the ones who has been shifting away from some time. However, the stronghold of DP in Baganda, Masaka is all turning to Bobi Wine. This being Sseggona and Mpuuga. Mbidde must be wondering what is going on, as the team is turning on him and Mao.

DP Bloc is not behind Mao, but behind Bobi Wine. That must hurt the pride of Norbert. Seeing his own visions turning against him. Also, the MPs under him undermines his drive to relevance. Not like he can act educated on NBS Frontline and hours later being humiliated by his own elsewhere.

Soon, there will be a battle cry. However for someone calling other serial looser. This here is a sign, that use of DP is falling. DP isn’t a flagship of importance. When Mpuuga needs to associate with other entities to be relevant, like has always done with A4C, TDA and now PPM.

Mao should know this, when his losing DP Bloc too. It is really time for Mao to take up the umbrella too. His friends is abandoning him. Maybe Abed Bwanika will show him some love to become an MP candidate in Masaka too.

This is not easy for Mao, but then, its raining and he needs to shield himself with an umbrella. The rain doesn’t seem to stop and he needs it. That’s if he wants to be relevant himself. Unless, if his happy with being a staple on NBS Television and doesn’t care about his party deteriorating in-front of his eyes. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine better prepare that umbrella [its going to rain]

It is soon campaign season, flag-bearers are being picked and the final pledges are being minted. The manifestos being prepared, the delegation conferences and primary elections are happening. Every little move to prepare the General Elections in 2021.

As fun as yesterday was with the launch of National Unity Platform (N.U.P) as the political party of the People Power Alliance and with the People Power Movement as the Pressure Group. Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine still have a long walk ahead.

It will not be easy. There is a storm brewing and it will rain. When it rains, it pours. It’s not going to be peaceful. However, I think the man knows this. His carrying a umbrella to whether the storm. Nevertheless, the man needs more than that. It will help, but not help when the wind gets strong and the rain-drops still hits his face.

There will be humiliation. He will suffer again. To go into an election like he does. Where all the odds are stacked against him. Will cost, just like it has done to other opposition candidates who has challenged the crown. Now, the biggest challenger is Bobi Wine. Therefore, the brute force will be turned against him.

That is why radio hosts who has him will meet the makers of this world. They will have trouble with Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) and possibly detained by the Police Force. Even in a “scientific” election, the same old issues will be used and methods are the same. Just another name and another reason. Still, the high above wants to contain the man.

The President will make rain, will create a storm and will cause damage to Bobi Wine. Expect ISO and SFC to follow him. CMI being after him and the LDUs too. RDCs blocking him entering a district and all possible charges between here and hell. That is what is ahead. Even months of house-arrest, if the Police Force gets their Besigye groove on. Playing “another rap” and singing tunes of other elections.

The rain will not stop now. The challenger will meet the brute force. It doesn’t matter what he does. At one point or another, he will be captured, charged and detained. It doesn’t matter if his innocent or haven’t a single crime. They got the state power and put some phony charges will buy the regime time. Just like it has always done. Not like riots, demonstrations or anything will go into anarchy or a total revolt. It will be a hot minute and die down.

That’s why the umbrella will shield Bobi Wine, but that is only for the soft rain. When the tropical storm hits or anything similar. He will be wet and drained. The state will secure that he freezes and doesn’t have ability to cover himself. He will suffer and will be in danger.

It is a dangerous mission. There is no soft ways for him. The associates and team around him can help, but they all are in the firing line. They all needs their umbrellas, as it will rain on them too. The rain doesn’t discriminate, it rains on everyone. They will meet the rain-drops and got to cover themselves.

Bobi Wine … good you have a tool now and not just an idea. However, you need a lot more, if you want to succeed. Especially, against as conning people as the ones you conspire to bring down. These people have no scruples and will use any means to stay on top.

They will sing the rain-dance, indefinetly to ensure you always have to use the umbrella, instead of being focused on the cause and mission ahead. Peace.

A look into Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform Launch Statement

Today, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine launched his political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), which will be an umbrella to the People Power Movement. The Political Party of the Pressure Group. That is why his statement is important for his next move ahead of the General Election in 2021.

Well, just like do others, I will do to Bobi Wine. I will look into what he says and drop my thoughts after it. It will be the most important pieces of the statement. Here will not be the whole statement, but some snippets of it and then discussing it. Because, that is the play of looking into it.

He started with this: “When we started the People Power Movement about three years ago, we had lengthy discussions about whether or not to register a political party. Our analysis led us to the conclusion that it was both untimely and impractical to form a political party. In any case, we were alive to the fact that the regime would foil any attempt to register People Power as a political party” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

I am sure the team and associates around Bobi Wine has discussed what to do and how to go forward. They had to find a way to be a legal entity and not just an idea. The Pressure Group would work for independents, but could be put into question over time. Also, the idea that the authorities wouldn’t accept People Power as a Party is most likely true. It would be shocking if they would nod to it and give it go. That would have been a healthy, but anticipating something else is naive.

As he continues: “As you all know, our message has been Mission 2021. Right from 2018, we have been telling all of you to ready yourselves for the 2021 election, because we believe that together, we can and must use that election to overwhelm and remove the dictatorship” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

It’s right for him to have this ideal and hope that he can conquer the NRM and the President with an election. However, that has been impossible since 1996. I have hard time believing anyone would unsettle and send Museveni packing over the polls in 2021. There is a need of a revolution and of defiance/civil disobedience at levels that has been unheard of. If the PPM and NUP uses that, then they can have hope for change in 2021. If they act like all the others before them. Then they will be beaten down and it will amount to nothing.

He continues: “And so, a few months back, when we predicted that we would find ourselves in this situation, we embarked on finding a solution. We set out to silently identify a Platform which we would use to answer this question. Although many political parties and organisations had reached out to us, our first and most important criteria was to look out for a formation which shares our values, aims and objectives. And there are many which do, but there was a political organisation whose message and objectives rhymed well with those very close to us. In order to make the message even stronger, in July 2019, we went ahead and successfully changed the name of this political organisation from National Unity, Reconciliation and Development Party to the National Unity Platform” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

I have a feeling that since its inception and seeing how hard he had to battle the authorities in his Kyadondo East By-Election. He knew this would be hard. So, I am sure the situation was that from get-go in a way. However, it sounds better just thinking a few months back. Not thinking from the start and knowing what happen early in the journey as a political active person.

I know the whole Republic is grateful that it landed on NUP and not NURDP. The last one sounds like a bad government program with foreign funding. So, they have had this in the making for a while. By this statement they have worked on this since last July and reveals the new party a year later.

He continues: “Therefore, today I stand here to announce to the nation that we are unveiling the National Unity Platform as the political wing of the People Power Movement. The National Unity Platform is a political organisation duly registered with the Electoral Commission and our symbol is an umbrella” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

I still find it funny that his calling it the political wing. It is the political party and the other is the pressure group. Both have their political agenda and foundation. They are registered different, but has the same goals. Just like other CSOs can campaign for a political party, even Unions can support a party and a candidate, but that is political, but they are not a party. The same is the difference between the PPM and NUP. The umbrella is just a fine feature, as so many other parties have already picked their symbol. The NUP had to pick something. Umbrella is fine, it stops the sunlight, rain and tear-gas. It is a nice thing to have and is a useful thing.

He continues: “Finally, I know there are those who may ask themselves where this leaves comrades and fellow leaders who belong to other registered political organisations. Friends, we are People Power. In the coming days, we shall embark on the process of formalising the People Power Alliance. The People Power Alliance shall be comprised of different political formations which we have been working with and those that will be willing to join us. Formal engagements with many of these brothers and sisters have already been ongoing and they will continue” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

Here is another swift change of events. Not only launching the NUP, but the People Power Alliance. I don’t know if that is consideration of the United Forces for Change (UFC) with People’s Government (FDC based) or the other party members associated with the People Power Movement. The PPM is already established and has its significant place. As a home from all parties and people who want change. To make it into an alliance. Is just, if I may, making the umbrella bigger with PPM, NUP and PPA. It is consortium of organization under the same banner, but you need soon a own lingo dictionary to be sure how to address it correctly.

The NUP and PPM would have been sufficient, unless he wants some more mechanisms to keep everything in order. However, with the addition, he might scare away some who is not into the cause and only used it for a political bargain along the line to elections.

The final quote: “In our case, we have consistently said that we are a non-violent movement and we have no plans of establishing a military wing. What we are doing today is to launch a political wing of our Movement so as to ensure that our mission to use the election as a strategy within the liberation struggle succeeds” (Bobi Wine, 22.07.2020).

We are seeing that the PPM and NUP are not planning to pick up guns and try a coup d’etat. Which is a healthy stance, not repeating the sins of old and trying it on a new generation of people. Using the same means the dictatorship came in and hoping not end up as the new one.

His hampering on the political wing, which for me seems weird. That is his prerogative. Because, at what point does the PPM loose value, since its only NUP whose political? When all policies, all people attracted to the PPM and not to the NUP. Many might turn into NUP as their haven and destined party. However, the PPM is the shuttle, the place where everything started and the Movement who gave way to NUP.

I still don’t see how the NUP and PPM will use this up-coming election to overcome the junta. The current day regime, by using the same tools its predecessors have done. The only thing different is its Bobi Wine and his cadres. It is fine and dandy, the flex and the ability to gain popularity. However, it is not like Besigye didn’t get popular too and was driving on a coach through Kampala before the last election.

So, I have hope for Bobi Wine, the whole People Power, but through an election. I doubt for change, for positive difference and actual getting rid of the ones besieging the state. No, they will not be beaten over the ballot. It needs something more powerful, something got to give and by playing the same rules as previous opposition. You will just turn into the same ills of the past.

Bobi Wine deserves better, everyone following him, deserves better, alas the state and the NRM is unforgiving. There will be costs, harm and pain. I don’t see anything else ahead. He needs proper tools, support and a machinery that has to blast the NRM to smithereens and I don’t see that yet. Peace.