Opinion: The IPOD is a lost cause

The Interparty Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) who has gotten major funding from Democratic Government Facility (DGF) and Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD). DGF is bound to only last a few more months until December 2022. While NIMD has ceased funding after IPOD has failed to get all parties to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The lasted MoU lasted until February 2022.

Now in September 2022 the IPOD Secretariat might feel at a loss. The ideal of IPOD might seem positive and worthwhile. Nevertheless, the results and the political forum has been more a sideshow than actually being fruitful. The majority party and ruling regime, National Resistance Movement (NRM) has used it more to poach the opposition and have publicity stunts. While the opposition like Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and National Unity Platform (NUP) haven’t seen any sort of dialogue or proper platform to make difference. That’s why they rather distance themselves from it.

The IPOD was maybe made with the best interest in 2010. NIMD and DGF funded the organization to have a place and possibility to meet. IPOD could have been a safe space for the political parties, but we all know this haven’t been in the interests of the Head of State or the NRM. The NRM wants to either intimidate, strike or corrupt their opposition. That’s why President Museveni has himself promised to destroy and get rid of all opposition.

Now in 2022 and after 12 years of IPOD. The NRM is losing one of the few places where Museveni could actually meet the real opposition. Not the “opposition” who is already leaning towards him or co-operating with him. No, the ones defying him or wanting to remove him isn’t now a part of the IPOD.

That NIMD is saying it won’t fund IPOD before NUP and FDC joins is a failure. The parties themselves has decide. They have seen the works of IPOD and what it has “achieved”. The organization don’t have that much to show for it. This is why they cannot even write an MoU, which they cannot agree upon.

The NRM might feel like this is a “victory”. They can point at NUP and FDC. However, that is a very hallow “victory”. The FDC and NUP has done this for various of reasons, but it is clear that the NRM isn’t an honest actor. That’s why activists, candidates and associates connected to the NUP or FDC are either kept incommunicado, arrested or even extra judicially killed. The authorities are monitoring the opposition more than they look into crooks. Therefore, the political prisoners and prisoners of conscience is a well-known phenomenon in the Republic. That’s all because of their affiliation and who they are associated with.

If the NRM really wanted IPOD to work. They would have properly invested in it and not only used it for photo-ops ahead of polls and elections. While also using it more directly to create positive headlines Nevertheless, NIMD and DGF maybe want more for their coins. They want them to actually have inclusive dialogue and talks in a political forum. That sort of thing seems like a thing of the past.

It is not the fault of NUP or the FDC for the end of IPOD. The killer of IPOD is Museveni. Like everyone else it goes back to him. It is his choices and orders, which are reflected here. He is getting his will and certainly not … get a free lunch. IPOD is only destroyed and losing value, as there are no real progress or talks of substance. When an organization like IPOD becomes sub-standard forum and losing all value.

President Museveni cannot be happy with this, because this just shows how flawed his multi-party democracy is. When the one forum he had where all elected parties could meet and talk is now ceasing to operate. The funding of this organization is stopped. Because, FDC and NUP isn’t accepting the conditions of the current MoU. That’s a failure and lacking the general understanding of what it should be.

If Museveni wanted this… things would have been different. Nevertheless, expect the NRM to deflect it or blame the parties for not signing on. Because, why should they sign on to something… when it gives them nothing and only legitimizing the regime. IPOD only gives political currency to the NRM without giving the other parties anything worthwhile. The others are just getting an opportunity to see Museveni close by and be there in his presence. That’s a futile enterprise and if the NIMD see that is an asset. They should just continue to pursuit it. However, it isn’t the product that its portrayed on the tin. It is something else and the ones dismissing it has all the reasons to do so. Peace.

Opinion: Orikunda’s Hero is a Zero

Today in the Nile Post, Sam Evidence Orikunda got a piece published called ‘Why President Museveni is my hero of 2021’. These sort of article and think pieces must be written by people who is seeking a higher office or wants to be loyal token soldiers to the President. Because, these sorts of texts doesn’t have the composure or the arguments to back it all up.

It isn’t strange if Orikunda wants a better job, as his currently a Deputy Residential District Commander and that’s an unforgiving office in a district in the republic. As he needs something more to aim for and more fulfilling. I don’t blame Sam for that. This is maybe the reason for the praising of the President. In the hopes that the State House and some of the cronies in the entourage of the President will recognize him. That’s how it looks…

Just read this: “Though some people had predicted doom to befall against our country but they forgot that we had an experienced leader in state house” (Orikunda, 03.01.2022). Nobody with a sincere heart wants doom to befall on anyone or a Republic. However, what people have wanted is to change the leadership and have a peaceful transfer of power. Yes, that will be doom on the current regime and it’s leaders, but the troubles wouldn’t necessary trickle down on the republic. Only the elite and the current cronies who is eating of the plate of the experienced leader in the State House.

He continues: “After completion of the electoral process, the Electoral Commission in accordance with the law, declared President Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the elections and that was the best gift for us since as the movement we believe in the politics of continuity and ideology. The EC and the judiciary conducted the much anticipated swearing in and we have since then focused on service delivery and keeping the country safe for the citizens to work and develop themselves” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

Sometimes I wonder, if Museveni and the yellow leaders are able to cast spells or potions on their inner-circle, because this sort of reasoning boggles my mind. Like did the Deputy RDC even see how the elections was orchestrated? Didn’t he see the misuse of power, authorities and total deprecating results that came out of it?

It is like his living in another universe and didn’t see the open rigging. Didn’t catch the misuse of law-enforcement and the total disregard of the will of the people. Where there was no choice and the majority was prepared yet again for the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It is outrageous how quickly we are supposed to forget the arbitrary arrests, extra-judicial killings and misuse of power to get political gains. That’s what’s really frightening and how easily a crony is glossing over everything.

While also acting like it was a continuity and ideology that was the reason for the victory. When we know damn well that it was the guns and glamour. Not the policies or the pledges, manifesto or anything of that sort. Neither was the courts following due process and the Electoral Commission worked on command from “high above”. Therefore, the Deputy RDC lives in an alternative reality, which I cannot recognize.

He continues: “During the campaigns, the opposition went to people and said that the NRM was taking advantage of the lockdown to campaign for themselves and harass the opposition” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

The NRM and the President did. There was several of districts and candidates that could mobilize or travel to districts, as RDCs and others blocked them. Heck, authorities barricaded hotels and made it impossible for Bobi Wine to travel into districts. Which never happened to Museveni. He was allowed everywhere and there was never an issue in concern to COVID-19 when the Yellow brigade came to a town near you. The Coronavirus was only a problem when the opposition like Bobi Wine or Partick Oboi Amuriat was near you.

He continues: “Some couldn’t even allow a meeting of five people to take place, however our less caring opposition leaders wanted to go ahead and do rallies so that Ugandans get infected which is inhuman, the president had earlier said that anybody who mobilises crowds in the days of the pandemic is intentionally committing murder. Those who understood remained home, followed campaigns on television and when the voting day reached they voted candidates of their choice” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

Here he shows the point again. There is no proof of this and data suggesting this. Yes, COVID-19 and the coronavirus is spreading in public gatherings. However, there is no proof that the opposition spread it or made dangerous mass gatherings. There is no evidence that can be associated with that. Neither is there any relief, as the NRM held massive rallies and primaries with voting in lines, which is gatherings of sorts. Which is as bad as the spontaneous and planned outdoor stadium rallies, which the state blocked from the opposition due to COVID. So, the writer is coming with baseless allegations. While we know the blocking was intentional, as the NRM Primaries had bigger rallies and gatherings than the opposition was allowed to months after. Just to be real.

Secondly, the murder committed was by the authorities and the law-enforcement, which actually killed, abducted and arbitrary arrested opposition candidates, activists and polling agents for that matter. They are the ones that killed and took life. Heck, the authorities even killed civilians in the November Massacre in Kampala. There was murders on the campaign trail in Masaka. There was so many times people died and countless unsolved murders, which implicates state involvement. Therefore, the writer and Deputy RDC should be concerned about that. Not only implicating the opposition with unsubstantiated claims, which he has done recklessly.

The last piece here is really outrageous, as we know the television and radio was functioning fine for the NRM and the Yellow candidates. However, the opposition or independents barely had airtime. The RDCs and others blocked the opposition from local-radio shows and others during the campaign. So, it is not like the home-sitters could get a broad perspective from linear-based media. No, that was all Museven and all NRM with a dose of opposition, now and then.

He continues: “Even in the scaring days of the pandemic the government under the Stewardship of President has come up with new programs of getting Ugandans out of poverty, the NRM principal of social economic transformation will be realised. The Parish Model program which is coming soon with the pre -activities already done in several districts will see a number of focused Ugandans get out of poverty and create incomes for themselves and their families. The mentality of substance agriculture will soon end so that we can have food and also earn some Income. This among many were the promises of the Movement in the recent campaigns” (Orikunda, 03.01.2022).

This is selling the same schemes as it has done since the early 1990s and hoping for different result. The promise of wealth and middle-income country is something Museveni have done endlessly. However, his cows are drinking cleaner water than many citizens. That’s because the citizens isn’t his priority. The Emyooga, the Parish Model, the Operation Wealth Creation and such are just schemes to enrich the leaders and the ones in near proximity of the President. These things will fizzle out and become redundant. Since, there will be lack of results and Gen. Salim Selah needs a new hustle and new reason to live lavish in semi-luxurious hotel in Northern Uganda.

The NRM has promised the change of the economy and such since forever. Just as long as Museveni has been in office. Therefore, I don’t trust him a second. That he will bring changes to that in 2021. Not when he haven’t achieved it in the early 1990s or 2000s. This man has decade and tried every trick in book. So, he clearly don’t mind not to resolve it. If it had been dear to his heart and his pockets. It would have been in order like his farms or like the State House.

He ends with: “President Museveni has made tremendous achievements in 2021 and I think he is the hero of the year” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

I do not see the tremendous achievements, neither any positive results or signals. The debt-recycling, the deficits created by this government, the lack of revenue and the current huge patronage will only create more issues ahead. As the pay-roll, the massive local government budgets and the expenditure, which the state cannot carry. Plus the likes of the Deputy RDC who hasn’t a vital or important role. As there are many conflicting offices in each district competing to be relevant. Therefore, this state isn’t growing, but deteriorating. Make bills it cannot pay and the next generation is billed for it.

I don’t see how it did a good job or even achieved anything new. The Nile Bridge was fine, but that’s only one piece of infrastructure and they had to fix the gravel or bitumen on it twice. Nothing is done correctly at once. Just like not keeping Presidential Decrees and paying medical interns on time. Because, that’s how a hero is governing I suppose. While keeping dissidents incommunicado and not producing them in court in time. Since, that is modus operandi in the Republic, as we speak.

I cannot understand how he got to this and how he could write this piece a clear conscience. Is it that easy to lie and deceive when your part of the government? Is that how you get ahead in the NRM these days?

Because, if so… then it makes some sense. Even though that is sad and depressing. Peace.

Opinion: Is the NUP having their “defiance” moment?

“Mufumbiro made the statements amidst cheers from the crowd in the presence of the party secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya, the deputy president for Central Region and Leader of Opposition in Parliament Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, and several party’s top notches including MPs. But Mpuuga hastily hit back in disapproval of Mufumbiro’s confrontational approach of removing Museveni from power, saying they have preferred a more strategic approach of capturing other than creating false hope to the highly enthusiastic support base that is yearning for change. Mpuuga indicated the current leadership is so committed to offering proper guidance and leadership of substance in the turbulent times when they are faced with a stubborn, ruthless, and a tough competitor capable of unleashing violence against his opponents” (URN – ‘NUP split over approach to dislodge Museveni’ 29.12.2021, The Observer). 

In today’s The Observer there is reported that the leaders within National Unity Platform (NUP) have different ideas on how to move forward, as the final end-game and goal of the party is to remove a dictator. However, the objectives are agreed upon, the way of which is to work and succeed seems to differ. That is very clear. 

Mufubiro and Mpuuga clearly disagree, in such a way of which the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) had two separate camps or fractions at one point. The FDC was split between the “defiance” and the “pragmatic” approach. The same seems to happen within the NUP as well. That is just reasonable, as the growing pains and the amount of politicians associating with the NUP. Everyone wouldn’t agree upon everything and neither have the same perspective. If a party is real and people have ideals or dogma behind their actions. Then you will have heated arguments and discussions to achieve the same objective goal or achievement for that matter. Therefore, no one should cry havoc and say the party is over. 

What is happening here is all natural and it makes sense. That’s why the FDC in some ways split between the ones following “Defiance” and the ones who were pragmatic, joining the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). So, what we are seeing here has happened before… 

What we also should know is that the Mpuuga has been on the front-line since the time’s of Action4Change and Walk to Work. So, it is not like he has tasted rebellion and been on the barricades fighting. He knows the costs and paid the price of being arrested for his political activism. Therefore, when others would feel the same within his party. The Leader of Opposition should understand and want to resolve with actions. That the LoP speaks of strategic ways seems to be a sophisticated way of saying there are other means than what Mufubiro promotes right now. 

When I was reading the article and the arguments between the party leaders of NUP. I felt a moment of nostalgia, as the NUP is now going into the same issues of which the FDC did. Instead, of having one unified way forward. There are internal squabbles and talks about how to move and operate. The NUP has decide and show resilience, unless they prefer being part of this system and be a token opposition to the dictatorship. Sooner or later they might be washed-up as Mao and the Democratic Party (DP). Because, if they are just supposed to negotiate and strategically move. Then they are just using time and spending time in office, unless he means more industrial strikes, civil disobedience and coordinated riots. Alas, there is nothing of that in the talks of Mpuuga. Which could mean that they are supposed to revolutionize the system from within. 

If Mpuuga really believes that works… then he has not followed the FDC and the pragmatic members of that party. Since, they didn’t get rid of or had a peaceful transition because they joined IPOD or was part of the multi-party elections. No, it has just been more of the same and the FDC haven’t toppled the President. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is in full cruise control and has nothing to fear. Especially, if Mpuuga is becoming a knock-off Muntu. If that happens… then the NRM and Museveni will linger on with no trouble and only some ceremonial disobedience, which is as powerful as mosquitoes sucking for blood. Yes, they can do it and bite. However, they will never suck enough or do damage to hurt the system they are sucking from. Peace.  

Opinion: Elections in the Republic under Museveni is run like an Casino

If the Kayunga District By-Election results proves what some of us has been saying. It proves that the state machinery and the electoral commission is working in tandem. The state and the State House has all the advantages in a race. The state agencies and authorities are all coinciding with the memos, decrees and the whims of the “high above”. That’s why elections aren’t open, independent or fair. Free and fair elections is a myth here and it’s all rigged to fit the Presidency.

Let’s be clear, here is unwritten rule that you don’t challenge Museveni and expect to win. He might act like it is a fair fight or an open race. The President allows a few challengers, but they will not have the same spotlight, the access to media or even ability to campaign like him. They will be violated, silenced and stopped from doing their ordinary politicking. While the President can canvass, campaign and be on every single media house any part of the day. Meanwhile, his authorities, regional leaders and whatnot blocks the main opponent from doing the same. They are blocking the venues and making the assembly illegal even during election road-map, which is just made to mask the proposed “election period” for everyone.

This has been occurring for so long. This didn’t only happen in 2016 or in the General Elections in 2021. There been so many By-Elections hit by this and we can surely go back to 1996 and forward to know. Anyone who has had a legit campaign and popularity have suffered by the hands of the state. These folks have been called any name of the book and been blocked for “safety” reasons. The state have blossomed into a war-machine, using the military and police to enforce the will of one man. That’s why they have no real chance of winning or ability to do so. The state has made it impossible, as the parties can only convene in the headquarters in Kampala and they are blocked from operating nationwide. Only the ruling regime can be able to do so and freely. That party will not have issues with primaries or anything. They are allowed and nothing will be illegal. While the opposition cannot even open a party office in up-country without meeting security agencies and have arrests as well.

That’s why the General Elections and Elections in general in Uganda is run like Casino. The state and the NRM is the HOUSE. In concern to a Casino, the house never loose. Yes, it allows some to win and make them hooked. They allow some big prices get taken, as it is a hook to get you tricked into the system. Alas, the House is rigged to win. It might give some the idea that they can win. Nevertheless, the whole race and the crab-table is rigged for the House to profit. You can play blackjack, poker or whatnot. Whatever game you play… the Casino will win and have profits from it all. If it didn’t it wouldn’t operate or roll out the games.

The Casino during Museveni have given away some prices and illusions of victories for the opposition. However, the whole elections are made in a manner of which he wins. Not only does he win, but the NRM will secure the majority across the board. The opposition will not able to field candidates or even hold primaries to have flag-bearers in newly minted districts. Neither does they have the cash to pay to stand as a candidate. While the state has endless funds and the state machinery behind it. This is why the opponents can have great cards on its hands, but it will not matter, because you might win one round… nevertheless the next race will be bloody. There will be no return and the Casino will ensure to get returns on every investment and game. Therefore, the opposition is only being another player, but a sucker who will inevitably loose.

Museveni and his Casino is opening the tables, but the dealer and everyone else knows the NRM will win in the end. The players might believe they have a shot and get some prices. However, they hope the opponent continues to play and will loose all the coins he had. Maybe even ruin their careers and have to borrow from loan-sharks to repay the Casino it’s debt. That’s where Museveni can come in and swoop the opposition candidate from the other parties. In manners of paying off their debts and make them loyal to him. This is what he has done and how he rigs it.

So, never expect Museveni or the Casino to let anyone really win. He only does to make it look like the illusion it is. That is the reality here and it’s tragic. Peace.

Opinion: Owek. Joyce – “The Ex to the Next”

“You and I are the past c’est la vie, much respect girl

But now you’re my ex-girl and I’m out with the next girl” (Gang Starr – ‘The Ex to the Next Girl’ from Daily Operation LP, 1992)

Owek. Joyce Ssebugwawo took the ministerial office and the Forum for Democratic Change has now expelled her. That is bitter battle and a loss for the FDC. They have lost a founding member of the party, a former Buganda Kingdom Minister and an ex-Mayor of Rubaga division of Kampala. Until now, she’s been a trusted party member and been the Deputy Party President. Therefore, she has been important for the opposition.

That’s why it was shocking that she would accept the appointment of State Minister for ICT and National Guidance. That is the propaganda arm of the state. The one ministry, which has the mandate over the UCC, GCIC and Uganda Media Centre. All of them are all part of her new office.

It is really strange, but it’s been disclosed that Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda have had meetings with Owek. Joyce. If that has happened, it would all make sense. That he has discussed and maybe proposed a preposition she couldn’t refuse. Because, the ability to get a office and become a minister would be a dream. Especially, when she lost the race for Mayor in Rubaga Division and had nothing except for the ones in the party offices at Najjakumbi.

She has now later said as a result of taking the Ministerial Office. Joyce had to relinquish her position as Deputy President and ceases to be a member of the FDC. This says a lot and also shows what the politician is willing to do for a high ranking office.

Owek. Joyce have been willing to give up her whole career and the hardships of building up a party. That she has left behind the ones who gave her a role and made it possible to be respected there. She just dropped that and didn’t look back.

The FDC has already lost members to this before. There been deflections and people ceasing their membership for a role elsewhere. The party is allowing that in their constitution. Still, the strength and the loyalty to party is dwindling. The FDC has already lost plenty to the Alliance of National Transformation (ANT). Other has created their own ways like Beti Kamya and Beatrice Anywar. They are now also gone yellow from blue. Just like Owek. Joyce is doing too.

It seems like Museveni is able to offer them a safe-haven and fill their pockets. That’s why the previous ones left everything behind as well. Kamya even dropped her own party to become a yellow. Now, Owek. Joyce does it too.

Owek. Joyce knows the FDC. She has been building it and seen how things are going. Museveni must be grinning. His getting a big-shot and a trusted leader from the opposition. He just offered a minor ministerial post and she lost her credibility there.

That is really heartbreaking. This must shatter some souls in the FDC. To see a person who stood on the barricades and been so involved. Take the fist envelope she is offered. Owek. Joyce have accepted to become a sell-out and lose her standing. That comes with the title and the new pay-grade.

She might want to think otherwise, but she has sold her soul. Instead of continuing and finding new ways of being credible opposition. Owek. Joyce prefers the easy way out and wants to pampered after all the years of hardship. That is how it seems.

I don’t want to blame her. It is a cost and struggle to be in a direct opposition of a tyrant and a dictator. However, going into bed with him and betraying your spouse says a lot. She was in a long-term relationship. A sort of marriage, but she’s now divorcing and getting a new hubby. The one hubby she said she was never interested in and was the opposite of what attracted her. Still, she has now left the old love behind for the new flame.

I understand if that hurts some and feel torn about her decision. However, don’t expect a beautiful love-child and a fascinating romance. What you should expect is someone who will work tirelessly to prove herself for her new lover. While sometimes throwing stings at her ex. That is to come. Especially, when the leaders of FDC will speak their minds about the ruling regime. Peace.

A look into the “Rigged” Report [the 11th May 2021 Edition]

Today was the day of the 7^th Swearing-In Ceremony of President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni. The 6^th Ceremony held at Kololo Independence Ground and the 6^th Ceremony of this kind held on the 12^th May in the election year. Well, the President has now concluded this election.

Though I will dig into the important material in the Report released called “Rigged” which was published with a new edition yesterday. Dr. Nico Schoonderwoerd with acknowledgements to Bruce I. Afran and Robert Kyagulanyi and the National Unity Platform (NUP) for certain aspects of the report, which was in the original published on the 17^th March 2021.

I will look through and drop my notes on the matter in between the pieces of information. Which say a lot about the conducted elections of January 2021. I will not look into the voter intimidation and bribery. Neither address the senseless violence, impunity and misuse of the authorities in favour of the regime. That I have discussed in length in other articles. Here I feel the “head-shot” or the “winning ticket” is the ballot box stuffing and Post DoR Fraud.

I will begin with this quote:

“In the various regions we see the different types of rigging being applied in a different way.

Region	Voter intimidation	Bribery	Ballot box stuffing	Post-Dor Fraud
Central	Heavily	Limited	Limited districts	Average
Eastern	Heavily	Heavily	Average	Average
Western	Heavily	Heavily	Massively, in all districts	Average
Northern	Enormously	Heavily	Average	Average

In most cities it was difficult to stuff the ballot-boxes, so the effect of voter intimidation becomes more clear. Gulu City shows how enormous the intimidation was up north, as is supported by the statements in our Chapter on the North. Ballot box stuffing is indicated by high turnout & high percentage of Museveni votes. In the top right of the diagram (courtesy Melina Platas) we do not only see Western districts, but also Northern districts such as Amudat” (Schoonderwoed, P: 9, 2021).

There are now saying that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President lost Baganda (Central Region) in this election. However, by the state of things. The evidence coming forward proves only that the results there are more close the reality. As the rigging was as extensive as in the other regions. This means, they deliberately gave up a part and knew the rigging elsewhere would secure the victory anyway.

A very interesting finding of the rigging was the finding on page 57, which says:

“Since the ‘election fingerprint’ of these 3 elections is similar to the fingerprints identified as fraudulent by Peter Klimek et al we can apply their conclusion that the Ugandan elections results of 2011, 2016 and 2021 do not represent the will of the people. When the authors designed these fingerprints they assumed that the numbers would always be between 0 and 100. However, in fraud every number is possible. Although the tally sheets do not show any turnouts of over 100% (it’s prevented by the software), an inspection of the Declaration of Results (DoR) forms show that in many cases of ballot box stuffing ‘overstuffing’ took place and the DoR form shows more ballots casted than registered voters” (Schoonderwoed, P: 57-58, 2021).

This here just shows the algorithm and the difference numbers through the process of counting the ballots doesn’t add up. There are more casted ballots than registered voters. That is just the proof of the misgivings of this election and how it was predetermined. When this sort of malpractice is securing one man to “win”.

“The main contributor to the rigging of these elections was ballot box stuffing. 409 polling stations across Uganda saw a 100% voter turnout, which is impossible give that the voter register is fixed 10 months before the elections. A total of 1333 polling stations had a voter turnout of 90% and according to election experts that is not possible under free & fair elections. Scientific research is presented in the form of election fingerprints that show that the correlation of high voter turnout and high Museveni scores is typical for rigged elections such as in Uganda and Russia” (Schoonderwoed, P: 76, 2021).

This here shows the proof and the systematic rigging. This is just the technical aspect of it. Not all the other techniques used, which is important, but the end-game of any election is the numbers-game. Where the winner takes all and the majority matters. An rigged election just needs the numbers, but not the true will of the general public or the voters. That is the gist of it.

“A nation wide comparison of DoRs collected by UVote and official tally results show over 120 polling stations where the DoRs were illegally changed or fraudulent. One such DoR for the Nebbi Anyang polling station received international attention after the Electoral Commission denied that 84 Kyagulanyi votes were changed into 8 Kyagulanyi vote” (Schoonderwoed, P: 77, 2021).

This here is just a final one and shows the acts being made by the state to ensure another term for the incumbent. There was not other way to see this. The “Rigged” Report is very clear and addresses the significant actions made and what it resulted in.

We know today that it went into as usual, that every five years Museveni swears himself in at Kololo Independence Grounds on the 12^th May of the election year. That happened today because of the “legitimacy” the recent election gave him. Though the Report shows that he stole and bashes himself in glory of rigging an election. That is really tragic, but the Report also states facts many of us has said. That this regime rigged the 2011 and 2016 as well and the ‘election fingerprint’ evidence shows that.

So, if people are saying “Museveni is not my President”. I understand them. This election is yet another one he rigged to rule supreme. He doesn’t have the love of the people, but is elected by the algorithm, ghosts and goats, not voters as he should have been. However, that is not important when you value guns, arms and heavy weaponry over the public. That is why the Report is important to show the way the regime did it and prove it to the whole world to see. Peace.

Opinion: NUP is now following FDC’s Post-Election Programming

The National Unity Platform (NUP) after the January 2021 elections have the majority of the opposition in the 11^th Parliament. Just the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) had in recent elections. Both the FDC and NUP have claimed the elections been rigged and righteously so. Still, they are playing the political games and taking positions in Parliament after. Therefore, their stance of the rigged elections falls flat when you buy into “positions” within the same political sphere.

If the NUP wants to be different then the FDC. Why are you playing into the same fold as them? There is only a name-change and the leader of the Party. The rest is more of the same. The same with Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine planning a tour across the Republic. That is no differences to all the different campaigns Dr. Kizza Besigye have launched over the years. That is all fine, but this isn’t creating something new. This is continuing the same charade and politicking that is lacking.

A glass is either half-full or half-empty. The glass either is soon running empty or have the ability to fill it with more water. That depends on how you look at it. For me, I want to be consistent. If I was against Winnie Kiiza standing as the Leader of Opposition in 2016. There will be wrong of the NUP to have Mathias Mpuuga or anyone else in the 11^th Parliament as the ‘LoP’.

That is because both parties have flagged the same case and similar actions after the elections. They have stand the same ground and with similar principals. Therefore, the NUP is going into the same trap as the FDC. They are getting compromised by the ideals of a shadow government and perks of office in the 11^th Parliament.

The NUP is supposed to challenge the NRM and General Museveni. However, if they go into the Parliament with this and take those titles. They are getting a cash-grab and getting compromised by becoming “high ranking” officials, instead of fighting the good fight. These are getting incorporated in the political sphere of the dictator. The man they are supposed to fight and get rid of in the first place.

They are going down the same rabbit hole and will caught in the same election cycle without any sort of proper avenue as a shelter for dissidents. To play second fiddle with the dictator and be within his rule will eat you alive. The Parliament will not shelter or ensure the safeguard of these values, but instead be a place for a quick pay-check and instant prospects of becoming a crony.

The NUP should have learned from the past, but now they are doing the same thing. There is no difference between the compromises of Muntu and the NUP selling out here. The radical NUP is becoming as mediocre as the Muntu faction of FDC, which became the ANT. Therefore, if you don’t like it. Check the track-record and see how it went.

Bobi Wine should know better and this gambit will trade-off his resilience. The NUP will become a “red” FDC instead of being its own entity. They will become the new established opposition, instead of being a possible successor to the NRM. The gamble and offering of the January 2021 polls for a cheap bargain of positions within the 11^th Parliament. That is no different than what the “blue” did after the 2016 elections.

And I had no kind words for the Kiiza/Muntu actions post-2016 elections and I have no favours for Bobi Wine too. If he uses the same methods and moving post-2021 elections. Then the sacrifices and the costs to run was sold for a few silver coins. That is selling your political capital for cheap and short-sighted titles. The NUP deserves better, just like the FDC deserved as well. They are better than this, but greed can always overcome a ideological pathway. That has happened to others and now its the NUP’s turn to eat of the public plate. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Statement (19.04.2021)

Opinion: The battle for speaker is a futile enterprise

This happened in 2016..

Been reading comments by opposition supporters and others who is suddenly addressing the National Unity Platform plan to field a speaker in the race for the 11^th Parliament. They are the biggest opposition party and have a loyal following. So, I don’t see a problem with them doing so.

While Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) supporters are calling foul and saying the opposition should support their candidate Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the Opposition Whip in the 10^th Parliament.

Because the FDC supporters are now calling the NUP meal-ticket and only thinking about their stomachs for not supporting Ssemujju Nganda. Don’t they see their twisted tongues with this?

They are the ones that is always talking about multi-party elections and having more challengers to have a real choice. Why not have it in the Speakership race this time around?

We know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and their Special Groups MPs will vote in unison for the NRM candidate and the ones decided to be picked by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC). That wouldn’t be shocking at all and would be mandatory at this point.

There is nothing wrong with Ssemujju Nganda. He has experience and is a bright fella. I would not deny him that. However, the other opposition parties should field their candidates the way they see fit. It is not like the FDC is not running candidates everywhere they can at any given time. The FDC have run in every by-election they can and rarely run joint-candidates with the opposition. Therefore, it is a bit hypocritical to blame the NUP at this point for fielding their if they do.

This race is already won by the NRM. No matter who the opposition is fielding…. It will end nowhere. Just like the “independent” MP Muhammed Nsereko after the previous election tried to become speaker as well. Ssemujju Nganda will end up with the same results. The NRM will not let the Opposition have this privilege and this high office. I doubt that and it would be a shock if that would ever happen.

Therefore, when I read FDC supporters calling the idea of seeking office of other automatically “meal-ticket” and only feeding their own tummy. Maybe they should do some soul searching and look at their own. They are the ones who field candidates at any By-Election possible and rarely seek for joint candidates. The FDC have usually, if possible fielded their own. So, that there are one from them and from others. Which the FDC should, but then they shouldn’t attack the NUP for doing thing.

The FDC have been vital and been the biggest opposition party. They have been on the frontline an fought for a good cause for so long. That is undeniable. They have been a party, that can still inspire and be important in the times ahead. However, they should also show some humility and grace towards the newcomer.

Bobi Wine and NUP should show their strength and use their place in parliament. Not only be friendly cousin and await what the FDC does. The NUP runs on their own agenda, just like the FDC does. They are maybe in some respects working for the same ends, but they trying different approaches to it.

This is why. When I am reading dismissing and arrogant stances towards the NUP possibly fielding someone in this race. I am in sorrow and disbelief. The same party never really gave way to anyone or only did so… when they candidate was the top notch. The Besigye was in the IPC Alliance (2011). FDC was wise enough not to joint the TDA (2016) and neither did they have joint candidates in 2021. So, why should NUP just bow down to the FDC? Who are they kidding here?

Ssemujju Nganda might be the best speaker in the whole wide world. He might be a great narrator and have a beautiful mind. Still, his the FDC candidate and rightfully so. The NUP can decide either their own or not. Just like the FDC could choose another path as well, if they pleases to do so.

There got to be some sense to these proceedings and some justification. I am just disgusted by reading the disregard for NUP’s own way here. They should choose their path, just like the FDC does. That is only fair. Unless, the FDC has now a new plan of more joint work and actually forge alliance for the betterment with others. I am looking forward to be seeing that. Since it’s a decade ago since the IPC was a thing and the United Forces of Change (UFC) ahead of 2021 haven’t done anything useful. Peace.

A Memo on Museveni [if you oppose him, know it is treasonous]

“Therefore, “the disappearances” are a consequence of the essentially, treasonable acts of elements of the opposition. It is dishonest for anybody to talk about the mistakes, if any, of the Security Forces without talking about the origin of the problem: treason, using terrorism by the opposition. Criticize the Army if justified, but also criticize those taking the unconstitutional road of terrorism, intimidation, sectarianism etc” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – ‘O You People of Little Faith’ 07.03.2021).

This is just a friendly warning. A stern message. A needed one. It shouldn’t be this way. However, the self-styled President for Life. The tyrant, warlord and dictator is stating it himself. The whole text he dropped is a manifest of what he believes.

That is very simple. If you oppose this man. The state can fabricate cases, reasons and take people away with no charges, court trials or due process. They are guilty by association and by being members or activists in opposition parties. That is enough reason to abduct, kidnap, torture, keep them incommunicado and in the possible murder them. The state is allowed to do all of this, because their act of association is an act of treason.

It is treasonous to oppose the President. It is treachery. It is going against the state and especially the personification of the state. The institutions, the constitution or anything is futile, it is worthless documents and procedures. Any person is not supposed to go against the President or his will. No one is supposed to talk, plan or even conspire to challenge him. No, you are supposed to be a loyal subject and be a patriot after his vision. Everything else is deemed unfit and sectarian.

That is just how things goes. This is the liberation and the freedom fighters of the 1980s is delivering the people of 2021. He is acting as the sole proprietor of liberty, justice and freedom. He is has the answers and his words are final. Everything else is useless and baseless, just mere assumptions and accusations. The uttering and stuttering of himself is more wise than any other mere mortal.

Nobody should ever consider to question him. His the forever ruler and the man is the epitome of the state. There will be nobody like him and no one is above him. Museveni is a man you cannot stand up against. If you do… know the consequences and there will be no redeeming factors. You will be punished, there will be no mercy and know that your a traitor. Because, you dared to challenge the state, the authorities and only man with a vision. You dared to oppose the embodiment of the state, the man of the Republic and the almighty General.

If you don’t know, now you know. Peace.