Opinion: Democratic Party and Uganda People’s Congress turns more and more into NRM-Lite!

“Power is a curious thing. Who lives, Who dies. Power resides where men believe it resides. It is a trick, A shadow on the wall.”  ― Lord Varys (Game of Thrones).

“Adjective: Denoting a low-fat or low-sugar version of a manufactured food or drink product” (…) “Origin: 1950s: a commercial respelling of light, light” (Oxford Dictionary – Lite).

This here isn’t something based on evidence, but more a genuine feeling I have is not only one I share, but many others. There is something at stake and someone who has agreed the negotiations so these so-called opposition parties isn’t really so. That is why the Uganda People Congress has some MPs in the Cabinet and the same with Democratic Party. The same can be said that both of these parties, still have slots or parts of the delegations to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in Arusha.

What we do know is that James Akena, the newly concurred leader of UPC could easily do some trade-off with NRM in 2015. That isn’t just mere speculation as his party did decent and there haven’t been any controversy or lashing out from NRM MPs towards the UPC in ages. Secondly, the DP has become the good DPs and the ones that even are parts of NRM Celebrations. There is something up with these two parties, just like Uganda Federal Alliance and Beti Kamya all of a sudden is a bigger support of the NRM government than the former NRM historical’s and the NRM hardliners.

The President and his NRM CEC must see their State House visits as a blessed and ease ways of figuring out how to undress the opposition and how to deal with them. All needs a meal-ticket, the question is who will give in to the regime and at what cost. Therefore, the arrangement and the deals behind the close doors show the conning way of the illegitimate regime who uses all sorts of methods to undermine the opposition. The FDC has clearly given in too, in my book, with even becoming the shadow-government in Parliament. Something the FDC NEC shouldn’t have considered and agreed upon, because when NRM together with the President agreed to get a UPC minister and DP minister, it would be hard to have shadow-government with members from these parties. That would be rare and weird to explain.

We can even wonder if Norbert Mao even cared of losing his slot as Member of Parliament in the 10^th Parliament, as the DP was behind Amama Mbabazi Presidential Candidate through the The Democratic Alliance (TDA). Why I say that now? Since he is snickering and defending the NRM on NBSFrontline, attacking Lord Mayor Lukwago and the FDC when he can, just as we would expect Akena, since he has been bought sometime during the 2015. The price and the value of the UPC is for him and his closest allies to know.

DP’s Mao on the other hand is worrying, that Fred Mukasa Mbidde went so easily and elected into the EALA, also how little care the DP has given to the DP Cabinet Member Florence Nakiwala. Who could have thought the party would trade these folks that easily? That without any worry and without care has let it go, that they have set the standard of being a mediocre party who has no courage and no fighting spirit.

Maybe, Mao has gotten tired of fighting as the campaign he himself has a Presidential Candidate was sour, it wasn’t a joyful journey as the promises and the ride against the police force wasn’t ideal. Therefore, the battle even for his own MPs place got lost and as a leader who isn’t in Parliament, while the ones in Parliament are getting cosy with the NRM. That might be why Mao is complied with the forged friendships and trading in Parliament, to make sure they can gain the most. Still, the value and integrity of DP is dwindling, with every forged agreement with NRM makes them more and more alike, less different.

The NRM regime and NRM caucus in Parliament is adding DP and UPC, they are just turning into branches of the regime instead of being rooted on their own and on their own framework. It is just like Mao and Akena, just shift-bosses instead of being their own factory leaders. They work less for their own product and delivery, more and more to please the Executive through agreements and negotiations.

That is why the NRM has swallowed their paths and the lacking spine of DP and UPC has given way for this. Therefore, the current affairs and state makes them like a light version of the NRM. For this reason DP = NRM Lite and UPC = NRM Lite. Both parties are old and have a long history; they were established long before NRM, still the abolishment from Obote, made the other obsolete. So Museveni’s trick of being in the shadows of these parties before and after the parties, this is essentially killing of the multi-party system. That the NRM are tarnishing the DP and UPC to becoming NRM knocks-offs.

All of this is mere speculation, but still, there aren’t any official agreements in public between UPC and DP towards to the NRM, but their friendliness and co-operations are evident of certain negotiated deals. You will not hear Akena or the UPC complain about the NRM, just like Mao suddenly defends on national TV their position towards NRM and attacks Lukwago. There is just some uncertainty of how and what they have done behind closed doors. Beyond a shadow of a doubt some worrying signs that can and should be questioned, especially not accept as the acceptance of these parties to the NRM gives way to establish deep concerns of the value of opposition at all in Uganda. Since the DP and UPC have been thresholds for such, now it is FDC, even with a FDC NEC who doesn’t concern their legitimising the Parliament.

We all should ask and question the recent efforts from DP and UPC as legitimate opposition, even as parties without connections or how possibly they have accepted agreements with Movement. This surpass the judgement and the recognition of their existence, it is more the mere fact of lacking attention to transparency and accountability, as they are giving way to a regime who certainly does not care about procedures or acts or rule of law. The parties are therefore giving the Movement acceptance and are silently supporting their rule with these sorts of acts. Certainly, something the founders of these parties would turn in their graves and wanted to resurrect to adjust the malfunctions of these parties. Peace.

Mbabazi is all of a sudden in the wind!

“in the wind: to disappear, unable to be found” (Urban Dictionary)

He has been the shadow and the loyal subject under the National Resistance Movement and as one of the men has followed President Museveni for decades, until his demise and his lost position of both Secretary General of the NRM-O and the Prime Minister post. Before that he had been a minister and also a long-serving member of the Movement.

Amama Mbabazi went from being the next in line to being an outcast. He tried to become the flag-bearer and presidential candidate in the Movement, but they wouldn’t relieve or give way for anyone else then three decades running president. So he was left out of the party, even as his membership still was there. Still, with that the The Democratic Alliance (TDA) allowed him and Gilbert Bukenya to stand as Presidential Candidates. Mbabazi achieved it with fielding the opposition parties and get Besigye to abandon the Opposition alliance. Therefore there was to major opposition candidates against Museveni. Both of them former allies and close knit in the Movement.

Besigye was the offensive and strong candidate, the man who gained the people and got the crowds that showed his popularity. Mbabazi started strong, but didn’t have the same amounts, but Besigye had been running many times before against Museveni, Mbabazi was a first time against his former boss. Mbabazi got to taste tear-gas, lose his allies, get supporters detained and even getting harassed by the police force for holding preliminary rallies. The reality of the code of conduct that the Movement has had for decades was something now the Mbabazi – Go Forward got to taste.

The sour and bitter taste of getting on the side-line of the Movement, getting their treatment and their recognition, the only attempt of some peaceful transition and smear of democratic behaviour was letting the Election Petition from the Amama Mbabazi legal team getting accepted even as it entered the Constitutional Court close to 30 minutes over the deadline. The rest was well rigged and malnourished to fix Museveni another term. Keep up, business as usual.

Mbabazi has after the election had meetings with the President, with many suggestions and wondering how come. I don’t really pound on that, as he was even pragmatic at the Presidential Debates of still being member of the Movement, while still running as an own flag-bearer in the TDA/Go-Forward outfit. Therefore I had giant issues that he run as an opposition, but still was a member of the ruling party. That doesn’t make sense and doesn’t seem reasonable.

So the NRM member was running on Opposition ticket. Seems foolish right that Norbert Mao and others accepted that request and dignified his approach? But, when darkness has been running for so long, a leaf of hope can resurrect a forest? Well, Amama Mbabazi didn’t run circles around Museveni. He just tangoed and made sure to make a good public figure.

His approach was more use cool designs, try to be a populist politician and hope he took some of the crowds of long-serving opposition. He really didn’t reinvent much or even sell his story strong, because who remember what sort of campaign the Go Gorward Group and allies did run on? I do not remember a single thing of what he did really stand for or what was his grand mission?

 

Mbabazi went underground or silent, nearly a visible character or public figure, as he wants a relief of public dedication behind him. Still, the rumoured visit or meetings with Museveni, proves that Mbabazi really never left, but was more of staged paradigm. You can wonder if he will have the same fate as Bukenya, suddenly be offered a senior position inside the NRM-O?

So that he can be compensated and silenced, not telling stories of old or even scorns the world with the realities of the inner-workings of the Movement. Since he is still paid by the Movement, he will not talk or disobey the President. Even if Museveni did scalp his ambition, and his dream of achieving, the executive position of Uganda. Certainly, the TDA was not built or had the machinery to conquer the movement-based Electoral Commission, neither was the quickly built organization around the Go Forward. Mbabazi wasn’t prepared with party apparatus to counter the Movement. The FDC had 10 years of building a party, Go Forward was months old and not allowed to hold preliminary meetings.

Mbabazi’s attempt was flawed, but dire as the proof of the invalid execution of NRM-O and Museveni who doesn’t care, because he is the only man with a vision. Mbabazi didn’t have his vision, since Mbabazi is Mbabazi and not Museveni. That is simplistic, but still a fact.

Mbabazi as long as he is a NRM-O member, an insider who is partly outcast, because of his wish of higher public office and that he wanted to take his masters place. President Museveni would not accept to lose his place and be succeeded. Succession has never been in the works of the NRM-O or the ruling regime, so that Amama Mbabazi thought he would exchange the current leader was failing from the beginning. The reason behind why Besigye had to start on his own on the outside of the Movement; the same Mbabazi was doing.

So what is up next is in the vision of Mbabazi and if he want to risk his lavish house, as he lost one of his cars as his place in parliament went away after the election. What else of Parliamentary perks he has lost is certainly a few. Other investments or ownership is only known by him and the movement, as Mbabazi wasn’t the most frugal MP. Mbabazi was known for his corrupt and grafting ability while being in power. So his wealth is built on agreements and his close-knitted community while being inside the Movement. Therefore he must know a lot that Museveni doesn’t want out. Therefore as long he is silent, he doesn’t have to fear, but if he would talk or release the intelligence, even if he would drop knowledge on certain older scandals, he could damage the Movement more.

Still, with his membership and dialogue with Museveni. Show’s that Mbabazi even though not official part of the leadership anymore in the ruling regime. Isn’t totally out of the picture or out of the elite, he is just silent relief.

So what do you think Mbabazi is up to and scheming? Is he done as political figure or will he brought into the NRM-O again? Peace.

Opinion: What will the Silent Mbabazi do?

There was once upon a time a lot of fuzz around this one politician, as he even at one point tried to become the Presidential Candidate in the National Resistance Movement, even when Museveni is still breathing; he tried to take over the NRM as a Secretary General and as a Prime Minister in the cabinet under Museveni. With that trying he was deflected and demoted from his positions and Dr. Ruhakana Ruganda, his childhood fried as the PM and Justine Kasule Lumumba as the Secretary General of the NRM.

So he seemed at that point to be lost with scarecrows and dustbins, as one of many men that the Museveni have left astray and left to dwindle. Even as he was demoted and had a ruckus internally in the NRM before the pre-election period of the General Election 2016, which led to his fall.

Now that his PM cars have been taken in, surely his pay has been cut off and other fees and Parliamentary bonuses are gone. While he surely have some money from the embezzlement projects of the past, as he has been on list of the most corrupt Ugandans year after year, it isn’t a secret, it is a fact. And the reason why he hasn’t been taken in or gotten trouble in court was because of his close ties to Museveni and the rest of the elite who also happen to eat of the plate where he was having a bargain.

The last big blow and act of his Presidential Candidacy was the Election Petition in Supreme Court as FDC was blocked with helicopter, besieged and even detained. While Mbabazi where house-arrested, but he had enough lawyers to hire so they; the government couldn’t monitor them all as they we’re busy putting in the hourly pay for the guards at Kasangati. So Mbabazi we’re able through his lawyers to deliver the petition 15 minutes after the deadline time. Even if the affidavit and witnesses disappeared like banana-flies and the nurture of yet another term for Museveni.

Mbabazi was able to collect the smaller parties and certain endorsements early in the campaign, like Otunnu and Mao, but they didn’t have their whole parties behind them, as the Opposition either we’re accommodating Museveni as UPC or parts DP did the same; while the Central leaders like Otunnu and Mao risked their own political capital in the former NRM Cadre. The Democratic Alliance had other smaller parties, but they did not have an impact as they wished to have. Especially when the FDC pulled out and Besigye felt he was the strongest Presidential Candidate besides Museveni, which was true.

With all of that in mind, as he has played his cards and is left on the table, he is not in parliament and will not be a Politician. He might be able to live on interest as he should have been able to fill his coffers in the years in the NRM elite. Still the Go-Forward Organization is either something he plans to build-on or if not, he has to forge new ways to reach the potential he seemed to have out of the gate.

Now he is in a pickle and in a blurred line where he has to decide, is his principals or is his own political life important; does he want to be outsider and opposition? Or does he want to be a loyal NRM cadre under Museveni? If you are in the NRM you have to be loyal to the vision of Museveni and nothing else, something he expect of the whole country, but trust me; he is not only man with a vision in Uganda. If there we’re so there wouldn’t be any businesses and ideas in Uganda, as entrepreneurial as the Ugandans can be; that is cannot true, Mzee.

Let be clear he can now either go the way of Mr. Mahogany, who after joining in the TDA went crawling back with broken heart and kissed the ring of Museveni; while doing so he would get a position on the NRM National Executive Committee as he is a “historical” in some points. If not he have to go the way of Besigye and create a strong opposition party with members and supporters allover. The last part is hard work and takes dedication. As if he does the latter… and if the Museveni would let him come, as I am sure he does, as he forgives, but never gives them the space and opportunity they had in past.

The last piece of political play he did was to offer Besigye lawyers for his sham trial in Moroto now in May, but he did not take the offer for special lawyers for his quick trial in (Nakawa Magistrate Court) Kampala before he was driven back to Luzira. Certainly he still tries to play a role in the Opposition, but does not have a platform or the reach that others who have danced in the wilderness for longer time.

That Mbabazi have hard days ahead as he is not naturally in the headlines, he is not in the NRM Elite, not a direct part of the FDC wrangles with the vote rigging, though surely his numbers we’re duped too. Still, he have been more silent and not made himself an opposition figure. Joseph Mabirizi has done more to take a stance against the whole shenanigans. Mbabazi went to court with his petition and after that been very silent. He tried in waiting period of collecting evidence to travel to Kasangati, but was sent back to his home and house-arrest. Little have been done since, just utter Silence…

The Silent Mbabazi, not the ones in the headlines, not the one with the answers and intelligence of the NRM, and why is he like this, is he worried? Is he unsecure of his future? Does the knowing that he either has to build on rocks and not on already fertile land scare him? He has been used to drive in sponge in the waters of others and drain the gold out of it. Now he can’t as he is alone leader of Go-Forward, and if it is more than a fluke and real organization, he has to invest and start to use loyal supporters and build his party. If not go back on his knees and kiss the ring of Museveni.

What will the silent Mbabazi do? Peace.  

Police Statement on Besigye (24.02.2016)

This Police statement is to make clarifications, and inform the general public about the circumstances surrounding the continuing regulation, and close monitoring of the movements and activities of Rtd Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye, by the Police, since Monday, 15th February 2016 todate. 

This is because there is continued campaign of distorted information, speculations, biased, and unfounded, as well as unfair criticism of Police actions, as well as outright lies regarding the handling of Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye by the Uganda Police.

First of all, we wish to state, at the very beginning that the responsibility for the actions that Police has taken involving Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye during, and after the campaigns lies squarely on his shoulders and that of his unruly and indisciplined supporters.  Indeed, contrary to propaganda in the media, in all our actions, Police have acted lawfully, professionally, conducted ourselves with utmost restraint in the face of incredible provocation.

A case in point is the violent assault by two foreign journalists on the DPC, Kasangati, who, in spite of the attacks, kept cool, and a calm demeanor, and by his conduct actually disproved the unacceptable insults they were hurling at him.  We are reviewing the video footage of that incident, after which appropriate action will be taken.

Let us begin with the incidents of Monday, 15th February2016, in the City, when, in the morning, at Punjani roundabout, Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye, then a Presidential candidate with a rowdy group of supporters, attempted to force his way, into the City centre, in an illegal procession, moreover on a busy business day with very heavy traffic.  Since he had no scheduled programme in the City centre, traffic police redirected him and the crowd to use alternative routes to Makerere University where he had a scheduled campaign rally.  He refused the guidance of the officers, and, instead, together with the rowdy crowd, (who we, later, got to learn were the infamous Power 10 (P 10) group), illegally occupied the Punjani junction, and blocked the heavy traffic on Jinja-Kampala road.

The rowdy group pelted police officers, and members of the general public with stones forcing the Police to disperse them, and, after, engaging Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye, in vain, including offering to escort him to Makerere university, the Police escorted him to his home.  Later in the day, he returned to the City from Kasangati, gathering rowdy crowds along the way, especially the youth, who must have been the P10 group, occupied Wandegeya traffic lights junction, after failing to force their way into the City centre claiming that they were headed for Nasser road!!

The Police had cleared the passage to Makerere University under the mistaken belief that Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye was headed for a rally.  After the Police dispersed the rowdy crowd, allowing traffic to flow, and business life to continue, Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye was escorted back to his home in Kasangati by the Police.

Secondly, so as to prevent further confrontation with Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye, who was scheduled to campaign in Nakawa Division, the Police, on the night of 15th February 2016, met and agreed with the organizers on a detailed programme of his campaign in the Division.  However, even then, although, generally, the movements of Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye through Nakawa division, the next day, Tuesday, 16th February 2016,  was peaceful and smooth, in the evening hooligans who were part of his convoy attacked NRM supporters, who were returning to their homes from the NRM rally at Kololo, tore their party t-shirts, stole their properties, and stoned vehicles in Kinawata and in the Bugolobi area.  Police arrested over 50 thugs.

Thirdly, again, on Thursday, 18th February2016, Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye and a group of his supporters stormed and trespassed on security premises in Naguru, and under the supervision of Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye, a senior Police Officer was assaulted and tortured by mob action.  Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye demanded to enter and search the security premises together with the violent people he had gone with. He, falsely, alleged that it was a place where “rigging” was taking place.

Obviously, this was a pretext, as he clearly knew where and how voting, counting, and tallying had taken place or was taking place, transparently, in the open, and in the presence of agents of all candidates under the management and supervision of the Electoral Commission.   The false claims by Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye were clearly meant to discredit the electoral process, cause confusion, and incite and enrage the public into violence.  After that incident, Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye was escorted by the Police to his house in Kasangati.

Fourthly, on Friday, 19th February 2016, we received information that Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye and other leaders of FDC intended to declare and announce results of the Presidential elections.  Obviously, since this was in violation of the Constitution and the law, and would cause confusion, the Police quickly acted and prevented it from happening.  It should be noted that, under Section 57 of the Presidential Election Act, it is only the Electoral Commission that has the mandate to declare results.

Section 83 of the Presidential Election Act prohibits interference with any duty under the Act (including declaring results). Indeed, to confirm our information, we found Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye and other leaders at the FDC Headquarters at Najjanankumbi, with journalists, preparing a Press Conference.

Morever, through social media platforms and sms messages, the FDC had made their intentions known publicly. The Police officers I sent attempted to engage with the FDC leadership in vain.  They were defiant.  Their supporters attempted to block Entebbe highway prompting the Police to intervene and restore public order.  Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye and other FDC leaders were then arrested, briefly held, and later released.  Rtd Col Kizza Besigye was, then escorted back to his home in Kasangati.

Fifthly, on Saturday, 20th February, 2016, the Electoral Commission pursuant to its constitutional and lawful mandate, declared the results of the Presidential election, and the winner of the elections.  Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye’s agents absented themselves and therefore did not collect their copy of the results.  Subsequently, on 21st February, 2016 Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye released two statements and addressed the press at his Kasangati home.

The first statement was to the youths, inciting them and calling on them to “take over their country”. The second statement was an announcement calling all his supporters to accompany him to offices of the Electoral Commission along Jinja road, ostensibly to pick his copy of the results and to “claim their future back”.  This procession was to occur on Monday, 22th February 2016.  It is now, common knowledge that any procession, like any public meeting, must be carried out in accordance with the Constitution and the law, in particular the Public Order Management Act (POMA). 

He had not bothered to notify the Police as required by the law.  Moreover, it should be noted that on that day, schools were beginning and parents would be taking children to school, meaning there would be more traffic in the City. The Police released a public statement calling on Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye to respect the law as well as the rights of parents and their school going children, as well as the business community, and not go ahead with his planned unlawful procession that had the potential for violence, given our earlier experiences with rowdy youth accompanying his convoy.

Nevertheless, on 22rd February 2016, Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye attempted to leave his home and lead that procession prompting the Police to hold him under preventive arrest.  Again, yesterday, Tuesday, 23rd February 2016, he attempted to go ahead with his plans, but Police stopped him.

Clearly, therefore, the Police actions regarding Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye are justifiable both in law and in fact.  We have a duty to protect the people and their property, and ensure there is law and order in this country.  Moreover, the Constitution is clear that individual rights and freedoms are not absolute.  Article 43 states that in enjoyment of freedoms and rights, no one should prejudice the rights and freedoms of others and public interest, (in this case, public order).

Accordingly, therefore, the regulation, and close monitoring of the movements and actions of Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye is within the constitutional and legal mandate of the Uganda Police, and is a consequence of his utterances and activities that amount to incitement to violence and defiance of the law.

But even then, and contrary to propaganda in the media, we wish to make the following clarifications:

• Rtd Col Kizza Besigye is not under house arrest. He is allowed unlimited access to his lawyers, family and party officials, among others, and is not in any way hindered from preparing to legally challenge the results of the Presidential Elections if he so chooses to do so.
• FDC offices have not been closed, and their activities relating to elections are ongoing. Police has not, as is claimed in the media, confiscated FDC declaration forms or done anything to interfere with the legitimate activities of FDC.

In conclusion, since Rtd Col Kizza Besigye has not retracted his statements of defiance and incitement to violence, Police shall continue to regulate and closely monitor his movements so that he does not pose danger to public peace and national security.  Moreover, we have information that his planned procession is not just a procession, but rather beginning of a planned and generalized campaign of violence in the City and select municipalities across the country.

Clearly, this is supported by the public utterances of Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye. As much as possible, we shall continue to constructively engage him and other FDC leaders urging them to cooperate with us to ensure that peace, law and order are maintained in our country, and advise them to seek legal redress rather than resorting to violence in addressing whatever grievances they may have.

General Kale Kayihura

Inspector General of Police

24 February, 2016

Dr. Kizza Besiyge out of House-Arrest and again detained by the Police (23.02.2016)

Yesterday: Late in the night the Police drove Dr. Kizza Besigye back from detaining at the Naggalama Police Station in Mukono. He was driven back to Kasangati in Wakiso. In the early morning when the police was seen with less deployment then in a while in the area; as they have had something in mind.

This morning they again took Dr. Kizza Besigye out of his house-arrest as he got sleep in his own home before becoming detained and left the premises in yet another police car, this time it is expected to be detained at the Kiira Road Police Post. The world should know that he has continuously been either in house-arrest or detained since the polls, this here is ridiculous and proves the fear President Museveni has for the man and his party; as the legitimacy dwindles with every moment Dr. Kizza Besigye spends in jail or house-arrest. Peace.  

Footage of the Police Roadblock around the house of Dr. Kizza Besigye; Proves the level of fear President Museveni has for the man!

“Col. Kiiza Besigyes’ home is on gun point and the road blocked after declaring” (20.02.2016). The Proud President Museveni can be by how they did let people enter the house of Dr. Kizza Besigye as he is biggest criminal in Uganda; Though it is ironic that he is such an issue because he knows that the people are behind him and not President Museveni. But it comes a time when President Museveni has to address that fear and the levels of actions against one man; who by the day is becoming the epitome issues with lack of justice in the country of Uganda; as the Uganda Electoral Commission and it’s disregard of ballots and value of the votes of the people. As they did not vote for President Museveni, therefore they use all ways to shut down FDC and the People’s President. The NRM and President Museveni does do the people wrong; and the people knows something is wrong. When the Dr. Kizza Besigye and FDC is not allowed to do their democratic duties and question the elections. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi still under house-arrest; Simple story behind how Dr.Besigye was able to sneak in Journalist today; South Sudanese army during the election and little more..

As the home of Dr. Kizza Besigye has been under house-arrest since his arrival from Naggalama Police Stations together with other FDC Officials who was taken home. ONLY Ingrid Turinawe is still behind bars and not let out as the other once has been released.

Still no charge on the FDC Officials in questions as the Police Force are deliberately following orders form up high to take the Democratic Parties as hostage while the tallying of the votes occurred and before Eng. Dr. Badru Kiggundu yesterday officiated and officially verified the tally giving the Presidency AGAIN to Museveni.

Why I am I writing now is because of the wondering how Dr. Kizza Besigye could get the interview that has been showed to the public where he talked passionately about the current situation while being under house-arrest in his own home. His beloved wife has told the world how he managed. His loyal and smart staff told the Police Officers that he had escaped from his home in Kasangati in Wakiso District.

While the Police was searching and in panic of losing their main target that was supposed to be on lock-down as the reports came to his house and then had the interview with him. As been seen from his home; since yesterday both Party Officials from FDC was not allowed in; either was Journalists. So that they got in and Dr. Kizza Besigye got to speak his peace was good as the world wanted to hear his opinion and the view of the progression of the general election; how it has unfolded and the determination of the man that has been more in jail than President Museveni has lied on TV.

Erias Lukwago who we’re arrested and detained for trespassing and trying to get to Dr. Kizza Besigye has been released hours after being arrested without warrant or reason for it.

As we can the reasons for it and the heavy deployment of soldiers and mambas, no crowds celebrating the result yesterday, non-except a few people congratulating themselves yesterday, Justine Kasule Lumumba of the NRM sounding like she was in war after the result was delivered in Namboole Stadium and the Tally Centre there. While the representatives of the ones went away in silence as the result was manufactured to meet the requirement of their master President Museveni. The reason why nobody has really celebrated or the public in the streets of Kampala celebrating the genius victory of President Museveni, a reason why the Daily Monitor wrote the word “AGAIN”.

While this was happening the Dr. Kizza Besigye was under house-arrest and other FDC Officials in Prison, Hon. Amama Mbabazi is still under house-arrest and Abed Bwanika is detained still. The other candidates is no news on. Only that Elton Joseph Mabirizi has congratulated President Museveni and has given in.

Well, this is for now. It is very silent and doubtfully so; as the people seem to be in sorrow over the declarations and the blantant way the Electoral Commission has done this election and declared the result while taken away massive amount of polling stations, the amount of polling stations unaccounted for is 1778. Which should be a enormous amount of votes that was casted for nothing and not registered in the tally center at Namboole. While also over 30 polling stations alone in Wakiso and Kampala that never got even to vote. This here tells the story of the malfunctions and the disregard for the public will of the Electoral Commission. I know that the world don’t care… or doesn’t take that in consideration, but it will always be remembered the display of irregular activities and the disrespect of people’s will during the general election in 2016. As the army and police has had a leeway to do as they please.

As the reports of 1200 army-men around Kasangati recently this here will help to verify it: 

“The report titled “Brotherly respond to H.E. Yoweri” contained a list of ammunitions taken to Uganda by SPLA soldiers and the location of the SPLA bases in Uganda as well as civilian targets in case of any election fall out” (…)“Last week, a Minister in the office of the President was reported to have taken more than $2 million dollars to Uganda to “help Museveni win election” (…)”In Juba, the sending of the 1400 troops as well as money funding to President Yoweri Museveni’s re-election is seen as a special favour by the government in return for his involvement in south sudan internal conflict, where UPDF sided with the regime in Juba” (Bith, 2016).

While still two presidential candidates are under house arrest Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hon. Amama Mbabazi, as the world watch this meager display and for the first time; I have not watched the victory speech of President Museveni; as I don’t care for his lies today… but that is just me! Peace.

Reference:

Bith, Jonathan – ‘President Kiir sent an SPLA battlion to ‘help Museveni win the election’ (20.02.2016) link: http://upperniletimes.net/must-read/president-kiir-sent-an-spla-battalion-to-help-museveni-win-election-report/

Dr. Kizza Besigye statement on the conduct of the 2016 presidential elections (Youtube-Clip)

Dr. Kizza Besigye’s  message from House Arrest in Kasangati in Wakiso on the outskirts of Kampala. Listen to it! As we mourn the results and the way the Electoral Commission has taken the power of the People and given way to the President Museveni yet again. This message from the People’s President is deep and strong. A worthy message from a great man! Peace.

In Kampala tensions is rising; EC cooking ballots; Military and Police in high gear; as incumbent men doesn’t accept defeat!

The tense and tearing reports that are reported and the comments made while the Electoral Commission is witholding informations as they are the only once allowed to check the votes and declarations forms from the polling stations; as they want the information of the public on their own and not in the public domain; as the votes are a civic duty done by the public and the once voted in is supposed to represent the public will. So hat Dr. Badru M. Kiggundu says: “Anyone who mimics Electoral Commission mandate of declaring results is likely to find themselves in trouble.”

As 30 Military Police Men armed with AK47 telling residents to get home and stay inside while they take the ballots in Kisasi in Kampala.

As the NSSF leaders are telling their staff to go home and get safe as the tension of the town is boiling as the streets are filled with military police and armed police officers, mambas controlling the streets. This here is no fiction this here is the will of the President Museveni.

The continuation of striking rigging has happen again at another Polling station in Kampala as in the St Peters Nsumbi-Nansana where the public reacted to the late delivery of the ballot-papers and voting material for the second day in the row. As the Electoral Commission has a blatant regard to the people of the area, as the public and citizens was angry at the way the authorities treat them; ended with Police shooting at the public and the ballots hasn’t even been casted at the polling station. “The new reports is that 12 Polling stations in Kampala where people not have the ability to go to the polls in this elections” (Uganda Radio Networks, 19.02.2016).

Police and Military has taken over Kampala as pictures of police in heavy gear shown in Bwaise as well. Even Badru Kiggundu the chief of EC has said about the places that has burned ballots: “They can wait until 2021”. If you rig this elections hope you can rot in Luzira until 2021 Mr. Kiggundu!

As the Army and Police is going at Talley Centers and addressing the public with guns and tear-gas. The NRM has this message: “Comrades we encourage you to keep the peace and avoid getting on the wrong side of the law”. The law the decides if you’re not one of us you can lose everything in a heartbeat, you are such gentlemen especially right after the polls, when the public you been rallying for months have tasted the tear-gas and live bullets from the police, military police and army men. You can be so proud of your comrades who creates violence!

As this happens the UCC calls in the public and says that those that uses VPN to access Social Media that the UCC monitoring it and sees them, and will call it treason. Then 1,5m people are breaking the law and committing treason against the state… means that UCC must create a big state prison or sending them to one of the islands at Lake Victoria. Since that is massive amount of people; want to wish UCC a great job clearing that slate.

Police Spokesman Patrick Onyango says; “We are holding Dr Besigye for his safety. We fear he might be crushed to death by his supporters.” Something is wrong in that picture as the FDC doesn’t have the issue it the police who struggle with the publics reactions to the support they have for Dr. Kizza Besigye. That is the truth and the Police, and the authorities cannot live with it. Deputy Spokesman Polly Namaye says on NBS TV: “Besigye, Mutu and others were not arrested today. Rather their ‘mobility was inconvenient’”. She must make IGP Kale Kayihura so proud where he is delegating the charade today.

The reports from Kampala coming in as the demonstrations in different parts of town has happen and even tires been burned in the middle of the street. The tally of diseased citizens is up to 5 and one policeman. Six people too much as they all have family and friends. Dying for the ballots and for the reasonable results after the elections it is not worth it. It is not worth it to be hurt by tear-gas or detained as the people are suffering in the dictations from above, as the regime is struggling with seeing the power slide-by and change that is coming.

Inside information on how NBS TV is instructed to drop the regimes messages to the public:

“Keep my identity to yourself but truth is, NBS seems to be under an “order from above” influence. All the results we are relaying are from Kasule Lumumba. The situation is so tense here because SFC is all deployed in our office here. Hope you know what I mean”.

In Kamuli the Tally Center has been closed to the public as the place is guarded by armed police force and heavy military deployment of the building. People cannot get information there to verify the results of the ballot count or tallying as that is not a public affair, but a Police and regime controlled affair.

In Rukungiri the public goes mad as the Police stops them from entering the Talley center in town as the results are about to change from last night, as even monitors on the inside has announced that they will put the numbers in from the declarations forms again; as the first batch of numbers has to be crunched again. Minister of Information Jim Muhewezi has stopped the people with Special Forces Command reacts to the people’s reactions and shooting in the air as they attack his car!

Defense Minister Crispus Kiyonga of Kasese is not happy with not being popular in his own area in Kasese. So the issues that he will not verify the numbers and tally result of the votes. The public of the town is displeased with the actions done by the incumbent as the police and military police share their bullets and tear-gas on the citizens as their will doesn’t matter.

In Gulu breaks into CHAOS as the local Talley Centre proclaim that Jacob Oulanya declared the winner and the MP seat of the area (New Vision, 19.02.2016). The locals are angry as they feel betrayed by the ones counting the ballots and stealing the election in the area.

Even UMEME Limited Power Company are serving their master today:

“Power has been switched off to work on broken wires at Yesu Amala T/C . affected areas. Namugoona, Part of Nakibinge Rd, Nansana Jenina, Nansana Church of Uganda, Nansana Yesu Amala, Nansana Police, Part of Ochieng,  Part of Nabweru Rd, Nansana Kabumbi,  Part of Kyebando SDA Church, Nansana Masitowa” (UMEME, 19.02.2016).

As the regime continues with attacking democratic values and the public will at amp speed Andrew Mwenda has speak his peace: “Electoral Commission has been under immense pressure from Museveni hold free and fair elections”. The tally and numbers of bullets and tear-gas canisters in the street; shows that they have not delivered and secondly the peace has been far away as the hours pass, the fair is not even close as the NRM-Regime has run the pre-election period as a wild west and giving hard time to the opposition.

US Embassy in Kampala statement of actions today:

“We strongly condemn the disproportionate police actions taken today at FDC headquarters in Kampala. We call on security forces to exercise restraint. The Ugandan people have exhibited patience despite their frustrations during the voting period” (U.S. Embassy, 19.02.2016).

If you thought it was only Leaders of Opposition who is under fire today and civilians supporting them. Even Gen. Katumba Wamala has been confirmed arrested. The loyal UPDF general who has followed orders and taken charge of the army during the last months; even during the pre-election period spoke well about how the Army will support the Electoral Commission in their mission. He was taken yesterday and taken to secure location around Entebbe during the night.

There will be more to this story as the actions unfolds and the stories from the ground hit the wall with a bang, as the regime using the security outfits to spread fear and take control of political partisan affair, as they can’t trust other things than guns, President Museveni forget that the world sees and as I able to get this information this quick 10.000 miles away and knows that he is rigging numbers in Amuru and for instance dropping lies on NTV earlier today saying NRM have won Amuru. Proves what is wrong and they should fear that the truth will be dropped and 2011 losing will not happen as the cooking of number is not accepted this time around. Peace.

UPF Press Release: FDC have been stopped from Announcing purportedly Final Results of the Presidential Elections (19.02.2016)