Opinion: Revisiting the TDA [and where are they now?]

“5. The goal of The Democratic Alliance shall be achieved through the pursuance of the following objectives:

a) Building the necessary mobilization capabilities and organizational infrastructure of the Alliance and its members in order to win power;

b) Developing and presenting a common policy and governance agenda for elections;

c) Ensuring the attainment of an electoral majority by fielding candidates for all electoral positions across the country;

d) Fielding of joint candidates for electoral offices as set out in this Protocol;

e) Constituting a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) with the purpose of implementing appropriate political and economic reforms to build a strong and durable foundation for democracy, rule of law and economic justice” (Protocol of the Democratic Alliance, June 2015).

Because of the recent cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). This has started questions about the legitimacy of the coalition that was one part of the opposition ahead of the General Elections in 2016. It is striking that this is happening now and it’s worth to look into what has happened ever since.

The TDA was a coalition made by a various set of parties. The two parties that directly went out of the coalition early was Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and the Forum for Democratic of Change (FDC). However, the others stayed behind and they went ahead to stand behind the former Prime Minister and Secretary General of the NRM, Amama Mbabazi. He became the Joint Presidential Candidate of the TDA and the Pressure Group of “Go Forward”.

The TDA was much larger than Mbabazi alone. It was the Conservative Party (CP), Democratic Party (DP), Justice Forum (JEEMA), Pressure for National Unity (PNU), People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA). So, there were a handful of leaders in and around the TDA. There was also Olara Otunnu from the UPC and Dr. Kizza Besigye from the FDC. The UPC as a party left, but Otunnu stayed on, if I remember correctly.

The leaders who are vital part of TDA was Amama Mbabazi, Ken Lukyamuzi, Norbert Mao, Asuman Basalirwa, Beti Kamya, Gilbert Bukenya aka Mahogany and Dick Odur. There was also others associated and part of the proceedings like Mugisha Muntu and others. Therefore, it was a team of the opposition at the time who at certain points did their part here.

However, as time has shown us. Plenty of these people has sided with the NRM or returned to the NRM. The Presidential Flag-Bearer Mbabazi was a NRM Member and hadn’t revoked his membership as he was standing up against Museveni. So, that he returned and is in the good graces with the President is just natural. The stage of Go Forward was only a short sighted project and was over the moment the election was over.

Bukenya has also returned and is living the good life. His living large and having perks with titles and being part of the elite. The Former Vice President has no worries and was only for a minute or less an “opposition”. I doubt we will ever see anything of the PNU ever again.

Mao has just become the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. His working in cooperation with the government. Still part of the DP but he has a hectic period ahead of him. As insiders in the party wants him out and ousted. Since, this agreement wasn’t signed of from the party or the members. The DP Block has even dismissed him too.

Kamya has gone from being appointed Minister of Kampala. To lose her leadership of her party the UFA. Later becoming a NRM Member and changing Ministry. Now she’s the IGG but certainly not electable or viable candidate. She has become a typical crony of Museveni over the years.

Basalirwa has been close to the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform. He has ensured popularity and gotten elected into Parliament as the only JEEMA MP. Therefore, his the first man here who is actual opposition from the TDA still.

Lukyamuzi has on the other hand lost his constituency and not become a third time re-elected to Rubaga South MP. He instead focused on finishing his degree, which he did in 2017. The Party President and former MP has been a vocal critic of the government. Even made a case against the Age Limit in the courts, which was dismissed. So, he is an actual man in the opposition. “The Man” is true to his missions and his goals.

Otunnu has been resigned from politics. He also lost the Party Presidency. The UPC has since then signed a secret agreement with the NRM. That’s why the UPC haven’t fielded a Presidential Candidate for two elections in a row. Otunnu has kept himself in the background and you can wonder if he will resurface or do anything for that matter.

Muntu also lost the Party Presidency. He lost to another candidate within the FDC. This made him create a New Formation, which is now known as the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). That party was launched in time for the 2021 General Elections and he ran as President.

Besigye ran a the Presidential Flag-Bearer for the FDC and created the People’s Government after swearing himself in after the General Elections in 2016. Since then he has launched several of campaigns and the latest after the 2021 elections is the Red Card Front. A voice of the opposition still.

There are several of other leaders who are in the opposition that was a part of the TDA in 2015/2016. These could be Mathias Mpuuga (former DP now NUP), Betty Nambooze (former DP now NUP) and so fourth. There are more people that has been involved and could be mentioned, but that would make this piece to long.

However, a huge pattern are still there. Plenty of the TDA high ranking leadership went either back to NRM or has found a home in government. That is really happening on a larger scale. We shouldn’t be surprised that Mbabazi and Bukenya went back home. However, the others should really be questioned…

This was a short revising of the TDA. An alliance built quickly and seemingly destroyed. It wasn’t meant to be. We shouldn’t expect the Go Forward or the PNU to be returning either. The era of the TDA is gone and it’s for a reason. The TDA was built on sand and not on mountain. If it had been real and a sincere enterprise. So many of these leaders wouldn’t have sought shelter under the wings of the man who they were promised to create a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU).

Obviously… things didn’t pan out, but it is a picture, which shows how the times are changing. Peace.

Another Opposition Coalition (UFC) to beat Mzee: Will it work this time?

There was once upon a time the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) for the 2011. This was a coalition of six parties, while three parties later had a fall out with it and its choices. Therefore, the Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) both went out and ran on their own. DP and UPC wanted to run their own Presidential Candidates, while SDP was furious that the mayoral choice for Kampala. We know that this didn’t work at this General Election. The coalition in the end was a mix of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Conservative Party and Justice Forum (JEEMA).

For the 2016 General Election there was another Opposition Coalition in play. This was the Democratic Alliance (TDA), which consisted of various of opposition parties too. However, here the parties that pulled out of it was the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to field their own Presidential Candidate. The ones remaining was the pressure group Go Forward (Amama Mbabazi), Pressure for National Unity (PNU) Gilbert Bukenya, Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Justice Forum (JEEMA). We see here that DP and UPC didn’t ditch it, as Norbert Mao couldn’t run and James Akena didn’t run for the Presidency this time. Because these parties challenged with Mao (DP) in 2011 and Olara Otunnu (UPC), but this round they couldn’t or wasn’t fit. That is why they supported the candidacy of Amama Mbabazi (Go Forward). We know that Amama and the TDA flame fizzled out quickly.

So, when I heard today that the Pressure Group People’s Power Movement (PPM), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Justice Forum (JEEMA), Truth and Justice (TJ), Conservative Party (CP), Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) are all involved in the United Forces for Change (UFC) for the 2021 General Elections.

The main leaders this time is Dr. Kizza Besigye (FDC) and Robert Kyagulanyi (PPM). Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Mugisha Muntu has opted out and at this time his right not to join. His reasons are clear, but it’s a bit funny. Because he had no issues with joining the Special Utility Vehicle (SUV) of the Democratic Party (DP) and the union of similar parties. So, in this regard it might be spite, because he would still be in the shadow of former leader and party president of the FDC. That is just how it looks from the outside looking in. When leaders from all the other opposition parties are joining. Not that its shocking, but don’t expect everyone to join the ride.

Expect the DP to fall out, as Mao has grudges with Besigye. JEEMA, TJ and CP will be on the ride the whole time. They only gain positives by it and have a bigger platform during the election cycle. However, with the past history. The grinding questions of how close the UPC is to the NRM. There will only be fringes of the party to join the UFC. Akena will not ditch the money train of the NRM Alliance to be part of UFC. Also with all the things Mao has done behind the scenes, I don’t expect him to run behind Besigye and Bobi Wine. His already a bit mad at Besigye for some unfortunate reason. So, we can only imagine that he will ditch out here for the DP Block and whatever he calls it. So, I anticipate the UPC and DP to tell its members to come home. If they don’t than they are betraying their parties. That is why Lukwago is a TJ and not a DP anymore.

Let me clear after all that said: Yes, I want change, but if you cannot see a pattern here. These platforms, these coalitions aren’t making it. There is a reason there is a need for many challengers. The strength, their vision and their manifestos comes out and can change things up. To beat the NRM by the polls, by an election is futile. That has been proven since 1986. Not because of lack of trying. Not because there haven’t candidates suitable or popular to beat Museveni. No, because there haven’t been the will to give way for a peaceful transition. Museveni will not loose now either. He will rig the election into oblivion. No matter what the opposition throws at it, the results will be about the same. Just different faces, unless they want to show civil disobedience and actually attack the heart of the government. Break it down to its knees and ensure its downfall. That will cost, but through the polls. I can assure you, nothing will happen. The status quo continues and the same party reign supreme. They got the guns and the authorities to send the others packing.

The UFC will have the same fate as IPC and TDA. Maybe more finesse behind Bobi Wine than a insider and friendly NRMer in Amama. Still, the UFC will only have a fools hope. Just like Frodo in the Lord of the Rings. As Gandalf said in ‘The Return of the King’:

“‘Tell me,’ he said, ‘is there any hope? For Frodo, I mean; or at least mostly for Frodo.’ Gandalf put his hand on Pippin’s head. ‘There never was much hope,’ he answered. ‘Just a fool’s hope, as I have been told. And when I heard of Cirith Ungol–‘ He broke off and strode to the window, as if his eyes could pierce the night in the East. ‘Cirith Ungol!’ he muttered. ‘Why that way, I wonder?’ He turned. ‘Just now, Pippin, my heart almost failed me, hearing that name. And yet in truth I believe that the news that Faramir brings has some hope in it. For it seems clear that the Enemy has opened his war at last and made the first move when Frodo was still free. So now for many days he will have his eye turned this way and that, away from his own land. And yet, Pippin, I feel from afar his haste and fear. He has begun sooner than he would. Something has happened to stir him.”- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King

In the same way I look at this UFC. Not because I don’t want the junta, the militarized government and the oppressors out the Republic and into a proper civilian government. I want all of that to happen. The injustice has been going on for far too long. However, using similar tricks to beat the same dragon. I doubt it will have affect. Even if it has a new potential leader and could be the Frodo who gets the ring to Mount Doom to change history of Middle Earth to break the power of Sauron and Mordor. Still, that is a fools errand to believe that, even if the hope is there. Just like it was plenty of times with Besigye.

We need the hope and have fate that someone will bring the ring to Mount Doom. However, is this the team and the pacifier to stop the NRM? I don’t have the answer… I really don’t, but I just want them to challenge the authorities head-on and not play games that has been fought before. The names changes, but the end game stays the same.

Bobi Wine is maybe Frodo here, but that is only a lucky guess. Then Besigye is his Samwise Gamgee. But we don’t know that and Sauron continues to deploy his troops and ensure that no one gets unscratched by his army of Orcs. Right? You get the drill?

I don’t have the answers, but I just feel we are repeating history without crossing the authorities with enough power and finesse. We are doing the same old thing and getting nowhere. Stalling awaiting for the lucky brother to find the Ring in the river and get turned into Gollum. Instead of being a Frodo going into a journey, which will change everything, but will also cost. Peace.

Opinion: The regime will sell Muhoozi like his a divine intervention to save mankind!

It is these days as it is more evident that President Museveni is planning to have Major General Kainerugba Muhoozi as his successor. It is seemingly so, that is why all the detractors pin-pointing it getting in fire or arrested. They are all annoying the President and his “secret” plan, which has been unleashed on the in April 2013.

It isn’t a secret, it isn’t even a smart or wise plan. They are just trying to deflect from the matter, that the Republic isn’t a Kingdom and there is no natural succession from father to son in the public office. Even if the person in question was the wisest or the eligible candidate to take over from his father.

Nevertheless, they will point out to his military career, his place as presidential advisor and the time as the leader of Special Force Command (SFC). This is the terms that he has plus the intimidate knowledge of his heritage and family connection to His Excellency. That is why this is hypocritical.

This is why the question of him taking being sold so hard. While other candidates now like Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is criticised for his every move, both yesterday and today. He cannot do anything right in the eyes of the Movement and handlers around the President. While his son is the divine creature, the second coming of Jesus and the one speaking like an angle to all mankind.

We have seen this before, everyone trying to succumb and beat Museveni has been thrown into a dungeon, have been beaten and crushed. They have all had flaws and not deemed fit. Surely, similar fashion was said about him before he took power. If it wasn’t for his private army of 5000 men in late 1980 nor the continues battle for supremacy until 1986. This presidency wouldn’t have appeared.

However, it is and now the NRM and Museveni is trying to sell Muhoozi as a viable, as the ONE. The next generation saviour and unique leader to takeover from the old-man with the hat. Like his so special and grand, that everyone else has to step aside. Because, no one, in the republic have the ability or the craftsmanship to takeover from Museveni.

This is really rich-talk and its really become pointless over the years. There been several of candidates whose aspired to takeover in peaceful transition without weapons. None of them has succeeded, because the President wouldn’t let them or wouldn’t step down himself. He would rig himself, intimidate the public and use all the machinery of state to stay in power. That is the sort of the President is today.

That is why to save his own skin and not get repercussions later, he will be saved if a family member takeover. He will not face justice or rule of law, if the son takes over. No, he will not charge the man of deaths, missing people or torturing of dissidents. No, he will let that go and let bygones, be bygones.

This the key reason why Muhoozi is the saviour, the saving grace and man of mercy, because he will in the end: save his father. Not that the old man will say that, because that hurts his pride. But in reality, even him and his closest associates knows that. That is why suddenly, Muhoozi having interviews, people friendly to the regime is talking him up and saying he has a right. That his is eligible and fit person to run the Republic. Not that any of these would write this about Besigye, Bobi Wine, Ssesemogerere, Mao, Otunnu or Mbabazi. None of them has what Muhoozi, none of them.

Even if several of them has been in the bush. Fought the magnificent salvation war that gave way to Museveni. Even if they have been ministers, been men of confidence and of honour in cabinet and in parliament. They still would never have the skill-set, the perfect attire or the approach that the NRM nor Museveni saw fit. However, his son is the finest specimen.

His the latest offering from the fountain of honour, from the head of state and commander-in-chief, there is no underlying factor to why he cannot run the state. That is if you only listens to the good folks and pro-Museveni tribe in certain sets of society. Than, there is no one smiling smoother, who talks and have a clearer mind, then the son of the President. This is just the way they are and how they see things.

We know now, that they will sell him like a divine intervention, like the savour and the only hope Post-Museveni, but that isn’t true? In a republic like Uganda there are plenty who could takeover and run the Republic. Even better than its run today, just they are blocked or intimidated to step up. Because there is risks stepping up against the king and his court. You will meet the authorities and pay for your actions. Since, no one is supposed to do that. Especially, questioning the abilities of the divine creator called Muhoozi. Peace.

Opinion: The 2021 election, unless massive changes; Mzee will win it again!

Eh! I don’t like talking about the long destined future, but one is certain. As long Mzee is breathing, he is running as the Flag-Bearer and everyone else is to fall in line. The Grand Master, the Big Man, the Head Honcho, the Leader of Men and all other titles are his. This is President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. He will not step down. Not as long as he is breathing. That is not happening.

He would not have revised or edited the constitution. He would not have let the military and security forces be such a vital part of the state, as it is right now. The president wouldn’t have used to force against anyone coming his way. Sending a message to anyone who trying to trespass and rule the fiefdom. That is not acceptable. Not even succession from his own flesh and blood. They have to wait as well.

Not that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have any plans for succession, some cries out loud for it now and then. But later they cry again to their beloved leader and hope for redemption. As they insulted the grand leader. You should never question his powers and his army.

If you question him and his will, you are insects, you are mosquitoes, vermin and bean-weevils that he gets rid off. His army can he always trust, The Security Organizations, the high command and that the Police Force will do his bidding. As long as the state of affairs is like this. There will be no change.

As long as the state is militarized and the state are serving one man. There will be nothing significant different. The names on the ballots might be different. There might be a Farmers Party, Go-Forward or New Formation. However, the results will be in favor of the President.

The 2021 will not change, unless there are vital steps of change. Unless there are people early to see something else and not accepting status quo. Because, the will of doing peaceful transitions through the ballots, has been done again and again. That has been tested and tried countless times by Dr. Kizza Besigye and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Paul Ssemogerere/ Norbert Mao (Democratic Party) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Olara Otunnu. However, none of the attempts has succeeded, that is because the system is built for and implemented for Museveni.

Everyone should see that. The People Power Movement has to grow stronger, than the Defiance Campaign, bigger than Walk to Work and pay costs, which none of us want to bear. If you want to dismantle a military dictatorship. It doesn’t come without costs, without sacrifice and without determination. It isn’t about getting SUVs as MPs or not. It is about sustainable freedom for all citizens. Not just the all-praising elite in and around the President.

2021 will for now be another race. Which is more of the same. There will be drama, tear-gas, arrests, treason-charges, open bribes, voter-tourism, pre-ticked ballots and so on. That is just part the nightmare called elections. There will be deflections from the various parties, there will be people jumping around after the man of the day. However, in the long run, as it is per today. No one will contain of have access to the powers of the army and state resources like Museveni. From the State House, he will micro-manage and bustle everyone into his ways. Either you like it or not.

That is why, when I read people speculating about the elections in 2021. There will be the same Kiggundu Math and misuse of Public Order Management Act (POMA) until oblivion. Unless, the people are gathered around the cause. That they have belief that they have value and purpose. That they are not pawns of the Kingpin of Entebbe and the NRA. As long as they have faith that they can steer the conversation. That they can change the narrative, change the perspective and also ensure that the military, the Security Organization in and around the President are weaken by the pressure. If that pressure gets to level they cannot sustain. Than, the movement, the people are able to progress and show, who is the true value in the Republic.

That will not easy, that will cost. The road to redemption and freedom isn’t easy. It never has been. Because the men with power and wealth, usually don’t won’t to hand it out, but you have to fight to get it. That is the way it is.

At this present time, there are little hope, there are reflections of awaking. As it has been in the past. But the fire has to flair. The thunder has hit the ground. It has to spark,. The fire has to light and it has to be able to make a difference. Show true value. Not being one concert. Being one idol, one leader and one movement. But being the message, being the guiding star, the one that can pass through the evils of men. That is what is needed. Not just some mere slogan and a color of clothing. It needs to pierce the flesh and embody people.

There been sparks, there been flairs, but not fires that has overpowered. There haven’t been a people’s revolution. There been starts of riots and uprisings. But not to an extent, where the thousands of guards, the soldiers and the police force has felt threaten. Where they have felt that their arms and guns been made out of jelly. They haven’t feared going to the office or the station, they haven’t feared going to the barracks.

No, its the people who has feared mambas, the flying squad, the ISO, the Special Force Command and whatnot beating people on the streets. These has to fear something. Not that the public has arms, but their anger, their frustration, their fatigue, their lack of hope and desperation. As they haven’t seen the dream of the NRM or the President. They haven’t gotten the 10 Point Program or the Future their was promised for three decades.

Its time to make things real. Because if it is like now. The 2021 is just another slow train for the Big-Man to rule another term. Just like 2016 and 2011, just like 2006 and 2001… We can go further back in time, but its get old quick. Just like the old man with a hat.

We can speak up again and again about the unjust of the system, but seemingly more of it stays the same. While the crooks continuing taking, while the ones risking it all are paying the price. Without any big change or will to do so. Only, to scream and shout, but kill it off when the dust settles. Peace.

An anecdote on how Uganda isn’t a Democracy: An answer to the Liberation Day Speech of President Museveni!

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela

Today is the 32^nd Liberation Day or National Resistance Army/Movement Day, the day that ended the Bush-War of the 1980s in Uganda. Where President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni made his career from being a Minister and a Rebel to become the President. A position and an executive, head of state who has shown no signs of stepping down. He was supposed to be the next generation of leadership. He was the positive force in 1990s and was golden-kid for Bill Clinton on the Continent. While that has disappeared and with time his legacy has withered. Museveni has closely become all the things he fought against, he still tries to use the language and the charisma that he had in his younger days. But its all facade, it isn’t the real deal. That I why I don’t care to drastically demolish the whole speech.

I will just take one principal and one point of it. Because it waste of time to do more at this point of time!

“The fourth principle of the NRM is the democracy. Democracy is clear enough. Ugandan’s democracy, the democracy pushed by the NRM, is much richer than anything, anybody, has attempted to do in the world, other than the ancient Greeks who produced direct democracy, in the City States. We have empowered women, the youth, the workers, the disabled, the soldiers, etc. The NRM democracy must be kukyenuura-based through production of wealth and jobs creation. Kukyenuura means to solve a solvable need” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 26.01.2018).

Well, I don’t know how to start. Let’s talk the steady usage of arbitrary arrests of activists, opposition party members, civilians and direct arrest of opposition leadership. Most of the opposition MPs and leaders has at some point been detained, in court and had cases going against them. The biggest opposition leaders has been charged with treason. Some has been house-arrested without warrants or court-orders for months upon end. So just by looking how the Police and Politics is intervening, you know that the democratic values of the NRM is not going skin-deep. It is more, just to have it, but not making it real.

Another point on Democratic values is to let opposition parties hold consultation meetings, even rallies during election periods and meetings in general to gain interest for their causes and pledges. Clearly, that should be natural, but the most violent and where the most police brutality appear is every time an opposition party leader has a campaign rally. There will be tear-gas, live-bullets and even civilians killed, people patching their hurt in hospitals. All this for showing up to rallies. There been brutal beatings of civilians walking around the area of an opposition rally, they could get hurt or arrested. Even if they even wasn’t involved. This is just the gist of the madness of the Police Enforcement, not even putting in the measures of interrogations, confiscating of party materials, suspensions of campaigns, court orders and even closing of Party Headquarters. All of this is done, to prove that the NRM can do what they want and opposition has to fall in line. This would never happen to the NRM or his party.

Now I just pointed out the arbitrary arrests and crashing of rallies. Haven’t even started on actually balloting and such. I could have continued on the assaults on Democracy with just quotes from the President in 2015 or 2016, even in 2017. He has enough and promised enough venom on the opposition to fill whole books of vomit for our ears and our minds. So, I don’t care for repeating that. I don’t deserve that and neither do you.

Because, the flaws of the Democracy in the Republic is to gigantic in a simple post. Museveni has made sure of that, so that he owns the Members of Parliament, he orders everything as he wants from the State House and secured Life Presidency through yet another change of the 1995 Constitution in December 2017.

So that President Museveni speaks of Democracy and having the best. He better get his mind corrected, get his vision checked and his initial understanding of democracy put under a stethoscope. Museveni has left nothing behind, but cronyism and corruption. Where he is the sole-benefactor and his family. The rest has to beg from him and they are just useful tools for his agenda.

He is the Sole-Candidate, the Sole Party and the Commander-In-Chief, he is the General and the President who doesn’t let anyone succeed him. He didn’t accept losing a rigged election 1980 to Dr. Milton Obote, he has since then fought himself into power in 1986. Since then rigged himself and used all means to stay in power. Therefore, he is not the fella to educate people in Democracy or Democratic values. He should be the last person. Peace.

Opinion: The UPM’s Aims and Objectives are grand, but did Museveni deliver them?

During the last few days, don’t remember when, but Moses Byamugisha on Social Media showed two pictures, which is a part of the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) Membership Card from 1980. This is the first party of now President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. It might seem as forgotten past, a past that we should just forgot, but I can’t, it is certain proof of important words and ideas, that still should be worked for. UPM and the agenda that Museveni worked for back-then. Is still worth doing today, even if President Museveni is just working for himself and his cronies. Not working for the betterment of society, that part of him is already gone.

I will first list of the ‘Aims and Objectives’ of the UPM Membership Card. Its 16 points, which seems like points, the Republic still needs and should work for.

16 Points:

1. Unity

2. Democracy

3. National Independence

4. Social Progress

5. Clean Leadership

6. Peace, Security and tranquility

7. Rehabilitation and reconstruction of the nation

8. National Common Language

9. Workers and Peasants participation in the decisions making process of the Party and State machinery

10. Building of a proper defence and security systems

11. Encourage and sustain collective leadership

12. Create condition that will make every citizens have a right to education and medical care

13. Follow and adhere to a policy of a viable mixed autonomy for Uganda

14. Follow a policy of non alignment on a basis of mutual benefits and subscribe to OAU and UN Charters

15. Subscribe to the Basic Human Rights as enshrined in the UN Charter

16. Give moral and material support to the orphans and widows and other victims of the Fascist rule and liberation war

All of this was subtle and good ideas, needed ones that hasn’t lost their power or need. The Republic needs first aim Unity, not only hire and develop the Western parts of Uganda. Just like the troubles of just hiring people from the northern of Uganda under Obote and Amin. Therefore, this is still needed, as the Ankoli and areas around has gotten more and become more important, than the rest of the republic. Bunyoro is getting vital because of coming oil industry. Not because Museveni cares about it deeply.

Second aim, Democracy still needs to be worked upon. By all means because of the Life Presidency, enacted by the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The Second Party of the President, all follows his whip and is non-democratic from the choices of Members of Parliament and their votes. If they don’t follow orders, like voting for life presidency, then they will not only be labeled rebels, but also punished through the party organization. The NRM isn’t democratic, neither is the state. There are lacking democratic decision making and the elections are rigged. Its not the will of the people, but the will of Museveni.

The third aim, don’t need comments, but fourth and fifth needs it. The ‘Social Progress’ and ‘Clean Leadership’. Needs to be address, it is better then back in the day, but having three decades to advance. The NRM should have come much longer, than it has. The Social progress has not evolved, its only for a minority group. Biggest part of society is stagnated and falling behind with unemployment and lack of development. Clean leadership is long gone with Presidential Handshake, pay-off of Members of Parliament, misusing opposition parties and trading position because of loyalty and not merit. Therefore, the NRM have failed with perfection here.

Aim six and seven are questionable at best. ‘Peace, Security and Tranquility’. Peace they do have, but the security and tranquility, not so much. The Security Organizations are more criminal than thieves, they are killers and hired goons themselves. Police are investigated by CMI and UPDF. There are lacking lines and trust to the Courts. The Northern Uganda is done with civil war, but the army has still created uncertainty in Kasese and Rwenzori as they are battling their own. Killings are happening and unsolved by the authorities. Even assassinations of big men within the Security Organization themselves.

The aim eight, ‘National Common Language’ have been effective and worked, as English and Luganda is well-known and most can understand either one or both. The NRM has worked smoothly with this. One of the few things, the NRM actually has achieved. The Uglish is fantastic.

Aim nine, peasants and workers are not really a part of making decisions and taking part of the party. The decisions are made in the State House. It is made by the President and not by Party. The Party is a front and its only there so the President can pay-off his loyal allies. Its seemingly so, when the NRM-O and NRM CEC are made for his best interest. Not to create a better republic.

The tenth aim which is ‘build a proper defence and security systems’. The Military is at its strongest and used as hired mercenaries in Equatorial Guinea and doing United Nations missions in both Somalia and Central African Republic. Its also the main reason for still the current president. He uses the military, because he doesn’t have the popularity. The Security Systems are fragmented and used against each other. Using military intelligence against the police. There is nothing that is certain and you are boggled at how and when something strike. When a crime will be solved and by who.

The eleventh aim to ‘encourage and sustain collective leadership’ is at best questionable at this day and age. The NRM have clearly forgotten this one. They have maybe never worked for this after 1986. That he has talked against sectarian and tribal leadership is well-known, but his achievement is questionable. Since he hasn’t promoted collective leadership, he has promoted his own leadership and the ones loyalty to him without ambition. It is reason why Vice-President Ssekandi are still there and Prime Minister Rugunda are there. They don’t want to get at the king, but if they get ambition to succeed him. Then they get demoted. Check history and you’ll see this.

The twelfth aim for ‘universal education and public health care’. There many more schools under the NRM. Though they are not well-kept or the up-keep is worth mentioning. The literacy rate has been rising in the three decades of rule, but the school system is far from perfect. Since teachers in the districts has side jobs because of lacking salaries, girls skip schools over lacking pads. That was even promised in the General Election of 2016. Still, the NRM haven’t delivered. They promised UPE, but never totally delivered on that promise.

Health care is a place where people are left to die. That is why MPs are getting treatment abroad, the daughters of the President giving birth in Europe. The Health Care is abysmal, lacking medicine, copy medics, X-Rays not working and awaiting between 2013 to 2018 before buying and putting up a new Cancer-Treatment machine. Only one for the millions of citizens of the Republic. There been a blood-drive, because of lacking blood for treatments in the hospitals. The air-machines has gone empty like in Jinja. The NMS hasn’t been able to buy in needed equipment. The Health Care is something the NRM really haven’t delivered anything to be proud of. They have build some buildings called hospitals, but they cannot treat people’s illness there.

The thirteen aim is about autonomy, but that is delivered from the State House. There has been growing amount of districts 118 if my calculation is right. So there has been changes, but it hasn’t given service delivery. Neither or anything visible changes. It is more district centre and more cronies paid-off making the civil service bloated, but not delivering services to the public. So the NRM has delivered dozens of new district and local government entities, but not that they matter. They only matters to the ones who get a paycheck and who is “running” them. But not for the public.

The fourteenth aim is about taking part of African Union and United Nations, the fifteenth aim was also about following their international standards and laws. In the beginning of the NRM rule, as long as he was a part of the new breed of leadership. It was seemingly important to respect international laws and enact those standards. With time this has withered, as he wants to rule on own accord and not let anyone question his reasoning. Therefore, he has become hostile to foreign interference, the ICC and all other who can question his acts and his use of military in foreign countries. Because of the fear of the repression from foreign entities, the former love-affair has become hatred and that has been shown over time.

The sixteenth aim has been done in some instances, that someone has gotten land and gotten measly awards. The State haven’t made functional programs, but more public givings and sudden awards as part of public display together with honors at liberation celebrations. Not really trying to give funds and such. NRM Historicals of all kinds, NRA soldiers and familes, haven’t been compensated, neither has the losers. They have gotten retaliation. So there are many families in disarray and lost of promises.

The whole republic has seen all the empty promises and the prospects of the Museveni era. He has had 32 years to create a state in his vision. The UPM isn’t that far from the 10 Point Program, that I have also dismantled, actually twice.

This here is another proof of how he promise big, but doesn’t deliver. Don’t be surprised, he is all talking big game, but never showing it on the touchline. He might be in the box, but never score. Peace.

Gen. Mugisha Muntu Press Statement (10.12.2017)

Gen. Mugisha Muntu Press Statement (29.11.2017)

Opinion: I expect Gen. Mugisha Muntu to start his own Political Party tomorrow!

Well, it has come to this, not this is wished upon as Retired General Mugisha Muntu has supporters all over for his moderate and strong belief in peaceful transformation of the Republic. Still, it is has not grasped enough and gotten traded in well within the Forum for Democratic Change own delegates before the recent internal elections.

Its been interesting in the aftermath of the recent internal elections, that the National Resistance Movement and their supporters has spread messages of fear and of dismay of the result. Like it where their own elections. Maybe, because there is only sole-candidacy and handpicked candidates that are getting chosen inside the NRM. Therefore, the FDC delegation and conference this recent week proven their democratic display. Not the result that Muntu or his allies wanted, but it showed that he still carries a big delegation and a loyal base. Even if Patrick Oboi Amuriat won over him.

Therefore, the change of Party President shouldn’t bring him down, but it is humiliating to lose. Still, Nathan Nandala-Mafabi did the same in the last time around and he is still a viable figure inside the Party. It is not like it is a death sentence to lose the Presidency. The first Party President was Dr. Kizza Besigye and he is still significant. Some says it his own making that Muntu has lost his place. That Besigye is all behind POA. That POA is no-one without Besigye. Besigye and POA are might both part of the same fraction of the party. Since they want the party to be more spirited with the Defiance and less of the Muntu spirited compliance.

That is also maybe reason why Muntu lost, Muntu is brave, but also shielded from a lot in the recent year. While other of the Defiance fraction has been detained and legal trouble. Muntu and friends has skated off into the sunset. This and his decisions to actually accept that the FDC are the leading opposition party in the Parliament. Which means they also formed a Shadow Government, as if they weeks and days before was saying was illegitimate. Therefore, Muntu have mad the bed himself and now has to sleep in it.

Muntu knew and knows what is brewing inside a party, who should be tired by the little movement and the stalemate. The Stalemate that is lasting now for two decades against the NRM. That Besigye, Muntu and all other in the leadership hasn’t been able at this point to have peaceful transition from the NRM. Since Museveni and his party of sole candidacy is staying either by the rigged ballots or by the guns.

“Fellow Ugandans, I would like to thank all of you for the great show of support for the pursuit of democracy as well as our concerted and continuing struggle for a better Uganda. I will be holding a press conference tomorrow at 10am at Hotel Africana. God bless you all” (Mugisha Muntu, 28.11.2017).

That is why this significant message from Muntu is telling. Since he as the former Party President should know the stakes ahead inside the FDC. It isn’t that Besigye kicked him out and got in a puppet as the Party President. But, that the moderate and careful working Muntu wasn’t proactive enough or even professing to the needed changes within the FDC.

That is why I expect him to start a new Political Party, as he will not be leader under POA or try to contest Besigye again for the Presidential Race. He rather run on his own and try to create his own party. He might bring with him many of the Shadow Government MPs and others. Muntu might bring a big group from the FDC. While FDC becoming more revolutionary and more in the spirit of defiance against the resistance.

What that will say about his, it might be a fluke or hot air like Go-Forward of Amama Mbabazi. It might be a party of the size of Conservative Party, Democratic Party or Uganda People’s Congress. But it might not have the role that FDC has and the FDC will find new leaders for the ones who left. There are lots inside the structure and the years on the sideline of the NRM.

It will not be easy for Muntu to be another one who works for himself. He has to challenge both FDC, but NRM. As well as all the rest of the Opposition parties. If that will be easy in this political climate, as the police are shutting down and silencing their consultations/meetings. That will happen with Muntu if he tries to be someone and somebody. He will not be in peace, unless he does like Beti Kamya and Uganda Federal Alliance, which is now a loyal stooge of the NRM.

We can just await and see what happens tomorrow. If he will roll out a new party, if he has plans inside the FDC or if he goes independent. There are rumors and speculations of several opposition MPs to be part of the press conference at Hotel Africana. That might happen tomorrow. We don’t know at this point, what we do know is that he has these options.

We can assume certain movement from him because he stated this after losing on the 25^th November:

“I want to operate in an environment where I feel I am trusted by those that I am working with. So colleagues, I don’t want to be unfair to you nor do I want to say that you are being unfair to me. Therefore, at a personal level, there are decisions I will have to make in the coming days and weeks. I ask for your patience and prayers. We need to bear with each other even as we ponder on the decision that we will have to make. We do our part as human beings and the rest we leave it to God” (Mugisha Muntu, 25.11.2017).

So, we know he feels disgruntled, because people are unhappy with some of his actions and of some of his decisions after the General Election in 2016. It is because of that, people has lost it and he also lost vital supports inside the party. Still, Muntu will get backers from the FDC if he shifts. That will be over the Defiance, but also because of his compliance.

We will see what happens. But will Muntu do like Mbabazi and try it all on his own? Nevertheless, his party would have longer time before the next election, than what Go-Forward had before the 2016 election. Peace.

Opinion: President Museveni call-out rebel MPs as Parasites; so the Age Limit is all about him then?

Let’s first start with a new word (Parasitism) from the Encyclopedia Britannica: “Parasitism, relationship between two species of plants or animals in which one benefits at the expense of the other, sometimes without killing the host organism” (Encyclopedia Britannica – ‘Parasitism’). So clearly, the words of Parasites are important today, because of the use of it from a President to his fellow MPs. It is inspiring to know how he feels about his comrades who are disagreeing with him. It is just something else.

Because, it is now revealed in a letter sent from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who sent a letter on the 7^th November 2017 to the National Resistance Movement MPs: Theodore Ssekikubo, Monicah Amonding, Barnabas Tinkasimire and Patrick Oshabe Nsamba. All of these wrote a letter on the 4^th October questioning the Age Limit and the lifting of the Article 102(b). This is clearly insulting to President Museveni. As I will quote some parts of this 2 page letter to fellow MPs, which all are part of his own party.

“It is your duty to contribute to that process and not to undermine it” (…) “There are still problems of poverty (19% now from 56% in 1989) and also inadequate jobs. This, partly, is due to the obstruction by some of you” (…) “Many of you talk negatively have not to contributed to the ideology of patriotism, to the liberation of the country, to the recovery of the economy and country, to the consolidation of peace or to the great developments that we have achieved. Yet you benefit economically and otherwise. We call this parasitism and that parasitism will be resisted and defeated. I hope you find this information useful” (Yoweri Kaguta Musevei – ‘ Re: Constitutional Amendment of Article 102(b) to lift the Age Limit for President’ (07.11.2017).

That was the parasitism, which means that the NRM MPs are benefiting on the expense of Museveni and without killing him by doing so. That their role as MPs is costly for Museveni and that it hurts him. They are combined together where the other MPs are abusive of Museveni, therefore, they are sticky parasites who eats the good stuff and leaves the leftover for Museveni. That is how we can understand this letter and his insulting words to fellow comrades and MPs. This are men and woman who have been rising inside his party and within his organization. That he has such effortless insults to his own, shows how all of them are just props and needed gallery functions, unless they are standing against him politically.

That is why the letter is saying a lot. That President Museveni see’s dissidents to him as parasites. Who leach of his skin and who eats his benefits. Benefits he gives them and make sure they are well feed. That is how it is sounds, so the cronyism and necessary control is understandable, as everyone, who needs anything. Will have to show up and be parasites at the State House. Before they are returning with their needed goods and food to survive. Since he is giving them benefits and giving them what they need. Without any of them dying from it. They are eating of him and they are benefiting, but he is not sacrificing himself. Which is within reason, considering he has been doing this sort of transactions since 1986.

But know now, that the dissidents within the NRM are parasites, that are benefiting from his mercy and goodwill. Not their good work or initiative, they are only benefiting because of Museveni. Everything is connected with Museveni and he is making sure the parasites are okay. They are dependent on him and his possible energy and reserves. The parasites usually dies, while the host continues to live on. That have seen with dozens of former loyal parasites in the past. Who all have leached off him and is now Historicals of different kind.

We can just wonder, what was his motivation to call several of his own MPs parasites? What was running through his mind and his vision, when writing these words? Did he think of the disgraceful and merciless attitude. We all know that the lifting of the age limit is for his life presidency and nothing else. There are no good legal argument that has come forward or anyone who has come with explanations worthwhile to listen too. This is all made for President Museveni and nothing else.

He must surely think the same about every single one who are working for him and around him. That they are parasites who eats of his cake and his veins. They are tiring him and taking away his nutrients, so they can live of him. Because everything is usually about him. In this case, the whole amendment of the Constitution is about him. He knows it and the world knows too. It is just a matter of little information and knowledge of the President. And you know his reasons and his ways, will always be about him. He is the giver and the ones that takes away. He is the one man that makes sure they can be MPs and the ones that make them civilian again. Peace.