Mzee promises millions of shillings to athletes, but keep general upkeep? Nah, not important!

“He then asked he president to stop funding wells and toilets and use the money to buy grain. (Because really, how can you use a toilet if you never eat?)” – William Kamkwamba

Well, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has started to promise things again, like he does now and then. It is a habit, he has done this for over three decades, to keep up with all his pledges. We would need a wall in a library and dozens of reports to check if he kept his promises. Many would be lacking, but that is for another day. Today, he was celebrating after returning from London and the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM). He has always liked to bask in glory on those occasions, because it is all talk and no need to play or pay. Now, he has returned and promised something again. Therefore, I wonder, how come the state has money to pay lavish salaries for athletes, but cannot hire needed civil servants?

Priorities, the state got none? Is that what Mr. President is saying? I understand he wants to celebrate, but has the ones in past gotten their perks? The Olympic winners of the past? Have they gotten their check and built their house, even finish building the stadiums in their names? After my calculations, there are many who is left behind. Just like so many other projects under Museveni. Because it is fun while cooking and eating. But very, very boring to clean up the mess and paying the farmer too.

First, the recent news of lack of funds:

“The Ministry of Public Service had earlier directed all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) that filling of structures should be done in a phased manner subject to availability of funds. “I further emphasised in the Second Budget Call Circular (2nd BCC) dated February 15, 2018, that wage allocation for 2018/10 was only for staff in posts and no funds have been provided for recruitment,” Mr Muhakanizi states” (…) “Mr Muhakanizi’s order comes after Parliament’s Public Accounts (Local Government) Committee report on the 2015/2016 findings of the Auditor General pointed out that of the 77,713 posts that are established in the local governments, 23,093 are vacant, implying that nearly 30 per cent of the jobs are not filled” (Arinaitwe, 2018).

Second, the sudden announcement that there are funds available:

“I made a promise that whoever wins a gold medal at an international or continental competition would get a monthly salary of Shs5 million, a silver Shs3 million and Shs1 million for bronze. The five medalists today will get onto the payroll. I have also been told of some arrears to other athletes, they will be cleared. Likewise, I will build a house for Cheptegei and Chesang who won gold medals, like I have done for previous gold medalists” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 22.04.2018).

Maybe, I am stupid or maybe the system is foolish. Because how come there is no funds for paying the teachers, hiring principals and other needed civil servants in the government, but the Ministry of Sports and Education has capacity to dole out millions to several individuals. So the sudden victories are important, than the future generations own lessons in school. All Ugandans should get the memo. That the victories done on the Commonwealth Games are more vital to the Republic, than studying or even getting educated. If you want to secure a decent pay and salary in Uganda. You got to start running and the government will find you money.

However, if you need administrators, secretaries, teachers, principals or whatever else, there is lacking off in the districts, at schools and at hospitals. You can linger unemployed and even with the education to go into the field of expertise, the state cannot find funds for you. But if you had run on dilapidated stadiums and run around pot-holes, gotten a chance to be picked up by Uganda Athletics Federation. Than you have hope for a decent salary and a future. Unless, you get picked in NRM Primary and rig yourself into Parliament. For that matter, get a name grand enough to become a Regional District Commander (RDC), then you get a salary and also a house.

If you are just a commoner applying for job, it will not be easy, even if the government institutions hasn’t hired what they need and lack to fill the positions, because of lacking funds. Trust me, if you get into the field and get a medal. You will secure your future. That is the promise. But remember, Museveni, as always promise a lot, but don’t keep it. Just like he has done to previous winner and gold medalists.

So in reality don’t expect anything, you should be worried about those promises. When the President cannot even have the needed funds for needed civil servants within his own government. The signs of problems and lacking structure should be there. The gravitas of nonsense should strike you. But someone will buy into the soft-words, but others will be. I have a way out, but that is not certain.

Peace.

Reference:

Arinaitwe, Solomon – ‘Uganda: Govt Stops Public Service Recruitment’ (19.04.2018) link: http://allafrica.com/stories/201804190159.html

Opinion: The Goblin’s family finally slapped by the state!

Since the November 2017 Coup in Harare, the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) has been friendly to the former President Robert Mugabe and his extended family. The ZANU-PF have let the family eat plenty have a giant package of money and also a big pension for the 37 year long presidency. Today, it is released a document telling, that the state is finally taking action against the family and their possession.

On the 16^th March 2018 in the High Court of Harare, where Judge President Justice Chiweshe ordered eviction of Russel Goreraza, Grace Mugabe and Kennedy Fero. These three has lost in court, where they are now evicted from the properties of 409 Harare Drive, Pamona, Harare; 18 Cambridge Drive, Avondale, Harare; 75 King George, Avondale, Harare. All of these properties will go back to companies that owns the properties, since the Mugabe family has been squatting here.

This here is proof that the time has changed, this would never has happen in 2017, but it is in 2018. It might a proof that the President Emmerson Mnangagwa wants to show strength too, because of the blessings of National Patriotic Front and the support of the G-40 Members to the new party, before the up-coming elections. Therefore, the ruling regime want to show the former first family, that they are not untouchable anymore.

This here is vital if people been evicted or alleged crimes by the former first family, the can now petition the courts and get refunded for their hurt, even get their land and properties back. Who knows what more businesses, farms and other frauds the Mugabe family has done and could also lose if people petitioned it. When the state has been run by the family and cronies, they can now get it back and also see justice in these matters.

It is at least hope and proof that the Mugabe family is not untouchable, they can actually lose a court case and the petitioners has a chance. Last year, the courts would have dismissed or not given it merit even. Because Mugabe family good whatever they wanted and got away with it. Now the table has turned.

Mugabe family has been evicted from three properties, that is historic and a proof that time has changed. It is also a sign that the ZANU-PF plans to answer if the former President continues to cry havoc in the press. They will answer, because they will not show mercy, if the Mugabe creates drama. Peace.

Zimbabwe: Statement on Former President Mugabe (16.03.2018)

Opinion: Mugabe shouldn’t cry foul, he should enjoy his retirement!

“Mugabe bitter at Mnangagwa’s “betrayal”. “On my side, I always had Mnangagwa. I brought (Mnangagwa) into govt. I never thought he whom I had nurtured, and whose life I had saved in prison when he was threatened with hanging, that one day he’d be the man that turned against me”. Mugabe: “I don’t hate Emmerson. I brought him into Government. But he must be proper. He is illegal.” He says he’s ready to speak to ED to correct things. “We don’t deserve it. Please we don’t deserve it.”. Mugabe offers to negotiate with Mnangagwa. “But I must be invited, properly invited for that discussion”” (Zim Media Review, 15.03.2018).

It is insulting to the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Where Robert Mugabe was President for 37 years. Where he run everything and left nothing behind. He touched everything and everyone. His decisions was made in his interests. He made it violent, he rigged himself into power and he used all the tricks in the book to stay in power. Suddenly in November 2017, the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) who ousted him with help of the army in coup. That is right, but he didn’t have a birthday to be on the throne until death.

It is rare when someone like him speaks of illegal, that former comrade Mugabe is blaming Mnangagwa, the man who rig himself again and again. The man who tarnished, nearly killed the opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, the man who has detained activists, where up to 5,000 MDC activists are still not accounted for by the ZANU-PF government. Even months after the fall of Mugabe, there are enough human rights violations, enough skeletons in the closet to keep him in prison forever if anyone collected evidence and affidavits.

Mugabe should be careful with his mouth, since he is living lavish, he is still having his blue-roof and the family is still getting a hefty pension. That is more than President Canaan Banana. Therefore, sometimes, silence is the best medicine. If Mugabe was wise, he would haven’t said a god damn thing. Clearly, the former professor, has lost his marbles. Since he talks and says things that doesn’t make sense.

It is right that President Mnangagwa haven’t been directly elected, but was helped by the army. Which he has offered positions in the cabinet. Mugabe shouldn’t expect a discussion or invitation to negotiate anything, unless it is to get out of jail free card. I know Zimbabwe isn’t Monopoly, but that card shouldn’t have. His kind which has eaten on the state, used the police and army to oppress people for generations. Kept opposition in prison, if not they have exiled. Clearly, this man after his ousting, should pray to God for the Mercy, ZANU-PF and Mnangagwa showed him. They could have chopped his head-off, but instead they should dignity and mercy on the old man.

Mugabe, do yourself favor, retire with grace, really retire with Grace. Its time do much ado nothing. It’s time for him to be silent, not talk, he has done more than enough. Mugabe has hurt enough people and oppressed enough of them. His tricks is used, his time is spent and he is lucky he isn’t lingering in jail until his final day on earth.

So please, former comrade and liberator, the former dictator and almighty, please shut-up and just be retired. Not complain, because your lucky enough already, your blessed enough already and has still all your things. Other ones in your shoes was taken around town, flogged and then killed. You got off easy, maybe should consider that for a little moment. Peace.

Zimbabwe Election Commission: “Re: Notification of Existence of National Patriotic Front (NPF)” (13.03.2018)

Zimbabwe: Press Statement by the Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Cde. J.K. Moyo on the Ocassion of the Extraordinary Session of the Politiburo (14.03.2018)

Zimbabwe: NPF – “Unconstitutional Attacks on President Robert Mugabe Must Stop” (13.03.2018)

The Zanu-PF is ready to pump up the image of the Mnangagwa Family: The First person is the First Lady!

The Zimbabwean state media is preparing to celebrate the First Lady Auxilla Mnangagwa, in the same fashion as it did with Grace Mugabe. The Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), is working on the same sort of actions as it did in the 37 years under Robert Mugabe. The difference now is that the leaders is Emmerson Mnangagwa, the husband of Auxilla. That is why this is important, since the watershed moment of the bloodless coup in November 2017. The ruling regime is planning similar acts as it did before.

Now on the 8^th March 2018, Advertising Media Association (ADMA) sent a letter out, where they are planning a “First Lady Cde Auxilla Mnangagwa Birthday Celebration Supplement” that is coming out on the 25^th March 2018. This is making a supplement to Sunday Mail and Sunday News. If it is for them or for the Herald, The Chronicle, Kwayedza, Umthunywa, H. Metro, Business Weekly, B Metro and Southern Times. All of these will have something that is celebrating Auxilla.

If you see now, the state and media houses connected are starting to celebrate and use the Mnangagwa family, in the same significance as it did to Mugabe. This should be found worrying, since it creates the control of the family and their leadership. To deliver Congratulatory Messages, also explain why they are creating the same narrative as they did with the first family of Mugabe. Like in 2017, the Zimbabwe Media spread the news of the “loving mother” on Grace’s birthday, that was on 23^rd July 2017. Then one of the papers dropped a 12 page supplement.

Therefore, the lines between Mnangagwa and Mugabe is stopping, the changes are just the name on the ballot-box. The rest is more of the same, as the papers are preparing for praise, to get the State Owned Enterprises and Government institutions to praise the new First Lady. Just alike the ones coming last year in July. Now it might something alike on the 25^th March, a supplementary piece in honor of Auxilla.

So, if you believe the Lacoste, the Zanu-PF really changed it didn’t. Just the head. Nothing else, though some more military men in the positions and the military has more power. Not like that is good, but that is the reality.

Now they are preparing to build the legacy, the fancy narratives and the image of the glorious first family and their adventures. It is really gearing up. Now with the birthday of the First Lady. They are really making her image triumphant, make the first family living legends. Such, as they built everything around the Mugabe’s family at their time of reign. Peace.

The Mugabe Clan still living large on the State Coffers!

The Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) is still taking well care of the former dictator of 37 years. Robert Mugabe and Grace Mugabe are still living large, they are having a bounty of a pension. It is insane, as he was the kingpin, the one who bled the state of funds, paid the cronies and made himself wealthy. Therefore, it is very insulting that he is still living like that. That he even dares to asks for more, when he has more posh cars, can afford to have their sons in Los Angeles and cars taken to Botswana. Because they are afraid of taxes and losing their ill-gotten possessions.

Why I can say he is still living large, is that he sources to Sunday News says: “Since he resigned in November 2017, Mr Mugabe has received $80 000 in pension, while Mrs Mugabe has received $8 680. The payments to Mr Mugabe were made on January 5, 2018 ($40 000), January 29, 2018 ($20 000), and February 28, 2018. The two payments on January 5 were because Mr Mugabe had not received his pension for November and December 2017 due to administrative issues hence the double instalment to offset arrears. He got a third instalment at the end of January as his pension for that month, with the fourth also coming as scheduled in February. Mrs Mugabe received instalments of $2 170 in November and December 2017, and January and February 2018” (Sasa, 2018).

So, that they have been so open in the media last week complaining about their life and such, seems totally out of order. When ordinary people struggles to get 20 US Dollars out of the ATM. While you are earning 20,000 US Dollars per month. That is 1000 times more than what the ordinary people trying to get out of the ATM in Harare.

It is insane that a man who has eaten the state, made it bankrupt and depleted its currency gets such a bounty after the November 2017. He should be happy he isn’t in court answering for his crimes against his people. That he cannot answer for the filthy water in the taps, the lack of institutions and the cronyism who ate it all. On the alter of liberation and freedom, they took it all to themselves instead of sharing it with the public. That is the man and his family crying to the media on their lack of proper support of the former first family. Clearly, the got enough money to have sugar in their tea and beyond.

It is insulting to the Zimbabwean public, that the Mugabe family is frying foul, when they are still getting fortunes, even after been ousting. 20,000 US Dollars get you proper fed, well fed, buying clothes and whatever needs you got. No ordinary citizen in the Republic will ever get near that sort of pay. The Junta, the ZANU-PF is showing mercy on the former comrade and founder, more than what they ever did to President Canaan Banana, who never even received government pension, which Mugabe denied him!

Therefore, Mugabe should pray to whatever deity he believes in, thanks mercy for the greatness of the former comrades. That they gave him this bounty. Because, if he would have gotten the same treatment as he gave others. He would have been kicked out of his homes, lost his posh-cars and lost his estates. That would have been justice any many people’s eyes. Since he took it all and eaten it all.

Even after all of this, its still not enough. He should be grateful for his demise and that it didn’t cost him more. That it was a bloodless coup and that he didn’t catch a bullet. But he lives in the blue-roof and lives lavish. Peace.

Reference:

Sasa, Mabasa – ‘Mugabe cash demands exposed: Wants $467 200 pension in cash’ (11.03.2018) link: http://www.sundaynews.co.zw/mugabe-cash-demands-exposed-wants-467-200-pension-in-cash/

Zimbabwe: Ambrose Muthiniri letter to ZEC – “Re: National Patriotic Front (NPF)” (06.03.2018)