Economic Freedom Fighters: EFF Statement on the Banning of Elections Campaigns (27.12.2020)

FDC Presidential Candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat arrested in Jinja district…

4UPDATE: FDC presidential candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat has been arrested in Buwenge town council as he headed to Jinja district from Kamuli” (Radio 4 – 103.3 FM, 27.12.2020).

As we speak the Police Force abducted Forum for Democratic Change Patrick Oboi Amuriat from his vehicle in Jinja district as he was campaigning.

The Police have been in the direct of Kampala, but for now we don’t know which way they are taking. Neither is there any knowledge of what caused this or what law his supposed to have violated. As he was taken brazenly from the campaign trail with no proper cause or warrant.

This unwarranted arrest of the FDC Presidential Candidate. Is yet another act of injustice during this campaign.

If he would enter some sort of Police Station before the night. That wouldn’t be shocking. Neither if he suddenly was detained at Nalufenya Police Station or anywhere else. However, that is just mere speculations as to God knows where they are taking him.

Nevertheless, the charade of elections continues and police brutality persists as the state is on overdrive to attack and assault its opposition. Peace.

Opinion: No way this election can be either free or fair…

I lack words today… just enough of the suffering. As yet another man dies on the roads to campaign. Yet more people are shot by the authorities in Masaka. As the 14th January 2021 is approaching. Like that is a final end of things.

These sort of actions. The abductions of political affiliates, the arbitrary arrests and extra judicial killings. The state is on full alert. Arresting and nailing the coffins on the ones associated with either the National Unity Platform (NUP) or the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

Where activists, party leaders are going missing. Getting arrested like chicken thieves by law enforcement in the night. They are incommunicado and the news are breaking in the morning after. Since, suddenly these folks aren’t appearing or answering the calls like they used too.

This is the sort devious acts the government does. The usage of tear-gas, blocking and closing off public venues. The road-blocks, the arrests on the road and the live-bullets is bad enough. As the stray bullets are hitting civilians. Civilians are hurt by the state sponsored violence and the general public is tearing eyes as the pink tear-gas is appearing. This is happening again and again. A repetitive measure and the suffering continues.

If the National Resistance Movement (NRM) thinks this is cool. They are fools. They are allowing citizens to die on their watch. They are allowing citizens being deemed criminal before evidence and a fair trail ever happening. They are preventative arrests and usage of the power of the state to abduct and keep associated people hostage. This while they are neither getting justice or freedom. A freedom and liberty, a peace that the NRM claims the public has gotten under them.

However, doing this day and night ahead of the polls. Only shows the world one thing. That the President is a tyrant and a dictator. He got no back-bone to have real opposition. He cannot stomach a multi-party democracy. If he did, he would be happy that the NUP and FDC was campaigning and building up their parties. Alas, he rather destroy them with his military and his police.

While the President speaks of correct ideology. How can it be correct to use these means to silence critics? How can it be right to arrest people without warrants or evidence? How can it be right to use fatal force against civilians? You tell me, because I don’t have the answer.

This election is fraudulent and a charade even before the ballots are cast. These elections are marred with government sponsored violence and injustice. There is no justification to prolong the agony. The deaths and the injured says enough. The political prisoners and the issues of assembly. Says it all. Where the NRM can do whatever, while the others are tasting the brutal force of the state. They are coming in like the opposition are terrorists or serial killers. While the public are getting the blunt force right in their face. The authorities who are there to protect them are the ones that violates their space and their rights to gather and assemble. That is the tragedy here.

The President and his men can blame the victims, never take responsibility and call it “collateral damage”. Like they broke a glass at a pub during a brawl over who won the last game of Dominoes or something. However, the person who dies cannot be replicated like a glass. The person will not return, only the memory of what that person can linger in people’s heart. The death is the end of a life. That is why its tiring and exhausting knowing people dies over a campaign. Only to spread a political message and bring hope.

The NRM speaks highly of liberation from the past. However, these acts are like the past. The abduction, the arrests and usage of state to destroy the opposition. The amount of skulls, the amount of pain and suffering the NRM has caused. Will one day be tallied and be categorized. The day of reckoning and answering for its ills. Its injustice and impunity will one day happen. Even if it isn’t tomorrow.

Nevertheless, the 14th January 2021 is already set and the goal-post haven’t changed. The state is showing its insincerity and brutality. There is no way these elections will be free nor fair. That has been shown with this campaign. As Bobi Wine sleeps roadside in rural Uganda while awaiting a new day to campaign. That says it all.

These campaigns are rigged, the polls are rigged and the President is a bloodthirsty tyrant. If you don’t know, now you know. Peace.

Opinion: When Museveni stops, everyone else has to stop…

The EC has suspended campaign meetings in districts/cities categorised by Ministry of Health as having high spread of Covid19. From 26/12/20, no campaign meetings will be held in Mbarara, Kabarole, Luwero, Kasese, Masaka, Wakiso, Kabarole, Jinja, Kalungu, Kazo, Kampala & Tororo” (Paul Bukenya, 26.12.2020).

There is now reports that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is scheduled to finalize his ending of his campaign on the 30th December 2020 ahead of the January 14th 2021 Presidential Elections. It is therefore fitting that Electoral Commission cancel the abilities for all other candidates to campaign in several of opposition strongholds.

This is just areas where the President knows he lacks support and therefore, the opposition cannot campaign there. Even if the Electoral Commission lacks the mandate to do this. They haven’t issued “State of Emergency” neither has the President. The Parliament haven’t accepted it or even looked over the mandate to do so.

That they are doing this today 19 days ahead of the polls is really irregular and wrecking havoc. The President doesn’t care. He will bag this election with a rigged election and only going through the motions.

This here is really showing Kampala and Wakiso disregard. Just like the Electoral Commission and authorities did in the 2016 General Elections. They are continuing to do this and show repellent actions towards the citizens there. As they are undermined yet again. We are supposed to forget the vote delay and the postponement of polls in 2016?

Yes, the President and the Electoral Commission did that last time around. Yet, again in this election cycle they are doing things earlier. Just like they arrested Bobi Wine ahead of the polls already. Instead of house-arresting him to oblivion after the polls and not allowing him to vote. Just like they did to Besigye last time around.

This here is deliberately issuing and blocking the opposition from campaigning. Using COVID-19 or the Coronavirus as an excuse. This is all politicking and doing this stop the opposition. This is even breaching the Presidential Elections Act of 2000, which states:

21. Protection and immunity of candidates.

During the campaign period, every public officer and public authority and public institution shall give equal treatment to all candidates and their agents” (Presidential Act of 2000).

Not that the campaign period have given the opposition candidates the equal opportunity or the authorities have been fair during the campaign period. No, they hare been partisan and been blocking the opposition.

This is yet another move from the authorities to be unfair ahead of the polls. That its done in opposition strongholds isn’t surprising either. Just shows the state of affairs. The state and the President are just securing their bag, instead of the future.

President Museveni doesn’t care if the law enforcement is unfair and not giving equal opportunities to the opposition. That isn’t shocking… but just the mere reality. All the acts done by the authorities should be enough to challenge these elections in the courts. Though don’t expect favourable judgements, as these folks are appointed by the President and they are their to validate his reign. Peace.

Opinion: Being bulletproof or barefooted will not overcome an rigged election

That Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and Patrick Oboi Amuriat (POA) have the spirit of defiance and resilience against the oppressive means of the authorities. The National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will not loose this up-coming elections. To think so is futile. The idea of winning by the ballot is naive. There is no way that will happen. If that scheme worked. Dr. Kizza Besigye would have been inaugurated either in 2011 or in 2016. However, that never happened. Because the President has the team, the operation and pre-fixed result to win in January 2021.

Bobi Wine can get shot at, tear-gassed and arrested. He can wear the helmet, bulletproof vest and be guarded 24/7 by loyal guards and cronies. All of these ideals are good as the authorities are relentless, blocking him and closing off roads. Not allowing him to sleep in hotels, attend rallies at scheduled places and so fourth. That is all fine and dandy, but he will not win.

POA can go through the same. Being arrested, charged and losing his shoes. The Presidential Candidate can be scuffled, blocked and challenged. He shows the spirit as the proud villager, but that will not cut it.

Bobi Wine is popular and able to sell an idea. That idea will linger on, but the way things are done. Systematic ignorance and usage of force will deplete all ideals. Because no matter how good these ideals are and how honest they may be. The government, the authorities and the law enforcement will ensure another term for Museveni. Not that its the will of the people and they are forced to have him.

The President, the incumbent of 1986 won’t risk losing to these two candidates. They are useful to legitimize the affairs and make it look like a race. However, the President and his team will be pre-ticked into oblivion. The state will ensure that more people suffer, use the live-bullets and fatalities will be on the rise around the polls. The fatalities will suddenly rise exponentially when protests and riots appear.

The barefoot is a nice way of showing strength through it all. Some has mocked that, but it is a neat trick. Nevertheless, POA’s drive and rallies will not strike the strong cord. The FDC needs more P10 organizations and securing the ballots. Then any sort of fishing for relevance these days. The Plan B is what they need to galvanize the public and explain why the ballots are pointless.

Going through the motions. Doing the same, again and again… and expecting another result is just bonkers. To think you will get a reckoning and a sudden change is outrageous. The fatigue of this is understandable. The public and the parties have run through the same procedures countless of times with nothing to little to show for it. The state have taken it all and fixed it all too.

The NRM and the President will have the majority, they will have the Presidency and the opposition will suffer again at the polls. Not because the opposition doesn’t have support or built a new base of supporters. No, that doesn’t matter, because these people doesn’t count with ghosts and pre-ticked ballots in favour of the NRM.

Bobi Wine bulletproof campaign and #WeAreRemovingADictator is genuine message and a needed one. However, it will not work. Unless, he ask for a revolution and for a risk of total disregard of the polls. Bobi Wine and POA can only overcome the President with defiance. There is no other way. The ballots are ticked and results will only serve the fountain of honour. The others will only receive breadcrumbs and not get the golden ticket. That is not happening. Just like it didn’t happen in the past either. It isn’t a matter of free and fair elections. It isn’t about accountability or transparency. It is all about power and regaining it. The state will not fumble this or risk losing it. They are all bound the fate of one man and they are willing to see the Republic burn as long as his reigning. They are all counting on him.

The bulletproof and barefoot is commendable, but they need to amp up the speed. These motions and the same as last election cycle will not be enough. The system isn’t changed. Yes, the NUP and FDC have shown character and been bold. I commend that, but know deep in my heart. That this will not push the state over the edge. They are not fearing enough and worried enough. They are not losing sleep and lost for words. No, they are continuing like Yester-year and anticipating similar outcomes as in past. Peace.

Museveni warns the Opposition again ahead of the polls…

NRM people have their own weaknesses of being lazy and useless but at least they don’t disturb us. The other ones are lazy, selfish and disruptive. The opposition and their foreign backers are both useless and disruptive” (…)”Nobody is going to disturb our elections. I know all these games played by foreigners and I wish them good luck but I assure you we will have peaceful elections. Anybody who wants to put himself in the path of our right you have no right to disturb our peace. Let everybody follow the law and there will be peace” President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the National Thanksgiving Service at Entebbe State House on the 11th December 2020

It is really rich the way the President warns the opposition and says it disruptive. We know that the President of Uganda have no heart for the opposition. He rather rule supreme without any democratic safeguards and never be questioned what so ever. The President would prefer a one-party with him at the helm.

President Museveni shows that sort of sentiment here. He comes with baseless claims. The man who has lived on donor funds, foreign grants and supported by outside forces since participated in the FRONASA in the late 1970s. Therefore, the old man should chill with this argument. Unless, he delivers proof and shows things can indicates his argument. If not, it is rubbish and lies used to trick the public.

The President knows this… and has no issues using this. Spreading this words saying its others who incite violence and disrupts society. However, he never takes any real accountability for the orders of the Police Force and other Security Agencies. They are said to be looked into, but usually goes off free. While the supporters and citizens who participate in opposition rallies, demonstrations and whatnot can be found to be coordinated with foreign gangs to disturb the peace. Nevertheless, the public never carried guns, tear-gas or anything else.

President Museveni has to come with stern warnings and threats. Not like he can give real peace and sustainable future. Unless, he has shackled the communities and citizens in general. As they have all to follow him blindly and know that his the only one that rule over them. That is what he does and hopes to get away with.

The President is thinking the public …. is naive and believe his words. Alas, he said the same before and come with similar warnings. That is because he only has that. The empty threats and not proven foreign association. Not like he could the Republic without foreign support either. That is why its hypocrisy. The man couldn’t even finish or win his Bush-War without the support of Libya.

That is why the old man shouldn’t speak of ill of that. He maybe don’t want to beg in his old age. However, he still needs legitimacy and be friendly with donors to get funds to run his government. Therefore, the man … shouldn’t do all of this. Because, when he has no proof and he has the history of living large on the plate of foreigners himself.

President Museveni should instead ensure the elections goes on without impunity, injustice and arbitrary arrests. The state can offer peaceful elections and campaign. Still, that is impossible when it interferes and blocks some parties from doing their work. Nevertheless, the President and his regime doesn’t have the heart to do this. They don’t have the courage or ability to do the right thing.

This President will use force and assault all values to stay in power. That is why his coming with threats and warnings with baseless claims. Peace.

Opinion: The EC summoning Bobi Wine and POA [is hypocrisy at its finest]

Today, the Electoral Commission (EC) released a letter where they have summoned Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Patrick Oboi Amuriat (POA) of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). This the EC has done on the 10th December 2020 and expect a answer by the time of 14th December 2020.

So, they have summoned these two opposition Presidential Candidates over Standard Operative Procedures (SOPs) and COVID-19 Presidential Guidelines through the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Electoral Commission as guidelines for campaigning.

However, if these authorities, government structures and the security operatives are fair in this manner. Then they should have acted toward the President and his handlers too. The National Resistance Movement and its candidates has breached it steadily during the campaign periode. Not honouring the guidelines. Even if he has closed sessions and smaller meetings, which is public. Nevertheless, the processions, gatherings and other public meetings are still breaching the regulations that is causing issues for Bobi Wine and POA.

That is why this is hypocrisy. COVID-19 or the Coronavirus can only be transmitted through opposition rallies and with opposition supporters. The NRM have herd immunity or something we don’t know. If the Yellow colour is having magical healing power, which the World Health Organization (WHO) haven’t said yet. It should call Museveni, Aceng and the whole Monty Crew to get the remedy.

Since they have not given the same medicine and healing powers which the ruling party has. The EC only calls for the two main challengers. As they are the ones that needs to be made an example. If these rules was meant to be honoured. Shouldn’t the NRM and its own ministers be able to honour itself? Because they are not doing that.

If the COVID-19 and guidelines are so vital… why are the NRM breaching it and with no consequence?

That is why this is hypocrisy… Yes, if these guidelines matter. It should also matter for the ones who has issued it. Not only matter to the opposition. Then its not rules or guidelines. Then it isn’t codes or laws, which is made for everyone. However, by the day it seems these laws are only made to be enforced for some, but worthless for ruling regime.

The yellow colour … must be special. Can someone call WHO up asap. They needs to know this asap. So, they don’t need to stress with vaccines or anything else. Since, the COVID-19 is immune to the colour yellow. The world needs to know this and Ofwono Opondo, Andrew Mwenda etc got to spread the message. ASAP! Peace.

Defiant Independent candidates dismissed from the FDC

Opposition Forum for Democratic Change has expelled three of its prominent members including National Political Mobilizer Ingrid Turinawe, Darius Tweyambe and Winnie Babihuga after they stood as independents following their loss in the party primaries” (Voice of Kamwenge FM, 10.12.2020).

The Forum for Democratic of Change (FDC) has put their foot down towards three Independent candidates who lost in the internal party primaries earlier in the year. Ingrid Turinawe lost to Dr Warren Katoora Tumwine for the MP Rukingiri Municipality.

Another one of these three was Winne Babihuga who also lost in Rukungiri, as she was standing as the Woman MP. She lost to the incumbent Betty Muzanira.

While the final independent Darius Tweyambe lost his mayoral race in Rukungiri Municipality to the incumbent Charles Makuru.

What is unique is that two of them is close associates and been part of the People’s Government. Turinawe and Tweyambe have worked close to Besigye. These two are the ones who has worked for years together with him. Turinawe as a mobilizer and Tweyambe as the Chief Campaigner. Therefore, these two are “high ranking” though not in official capacity.

These have been in- and out of jail because of their consistent work for the party. Turinawe and Tweyambe knows how politics plays out. As they have been so involved. At one point Turinawe was house-arrested and had to barricade herself out of her own home. So, if someone knows the pain of association. These two knows it well.

This should affect them, but also the party. That other parties are throwing their arms around them wouldn’t be shocking either. As these are the stalwarts that is ready for the big-league. They have lingered close-by, but never gotten the titles. Yes, they are involved in the People’s Government. However, that doesn’t amount to much in the coming election.

These are the sort of hard-liners and opposition who are fierce and has ability to cause issues. I know I haven’t mentioned Babihuga, but there are not so much say there.

That these three would stand or other losing primaries as independents. Shouldn’t shock anyone. If these was NRM. They would seek refuge under the skirt of Museveni and find another shelter coming 2021. These candidates would have asked for an appointment and a plum-job. However, in the opposition its little to nothing to gain.

Turinawe and Tweyambe can now decide what they do. Most parties are already settled and the nomination period is over. Their allegiance after the elections is all up to them. That is if they want to return to the party or if they are over it. As they have gotten no favours, but lost their positions.

Yes, they are known characters and shown resilience. However, that isn’t enough and they could not spark popularity within their party in their own district. That is why they have lost. These are all from Rukungiri as well.

Defiance is apparently in them. The FDC have shown their hand. Though very late in concern with the campaigns and the polls. Also after the nominations and everything. It is a bit late, but it sends a signal. That the party doesn’t accept defiance within their own. Which is fine, as these folks didn’t honour the results of the primaries. However, choose go ahead and run against the same people again in the General Election. That says it all really. Peace.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC): Dissmissal of Independent Candidates (07.12.2020)

Plan C: POA gave the authorities a reason to arrest him

Amuriat arrested for knocking DPC. He was arrested by the Police at Nkombe, a few kilometres from Kyamuhunga on the Ishaka-Kasese highway. Amuriat was intercepted at about 9:00 am and ordered into a Police vehicle” (New Vision, 04.12.2020).

Presidential candidate from the FDC block, Patrick Oboi Amuriat has been arrested by the police at the border of Rubirizi and Bushenyi. He is, reportedly, being taken to Mbarara to answer for the boda knocking of the area DPC that occurred on Wednesday” (NTV Uganda, 04.12.2020).

What happened on Wednesday this week was unfortunate for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Presidential Candidate. That he was sitting on a boda boda that knocked Mbarara DPC John Rutaagira. As he was blocking the road, as the FDC was campaigning in the area.

Yes, the FDC shouldn’t get police interference in their campaigns and rallies. They shouldn’t be monitored or having law enforcement on their backs. As they are just crossing various of districts between venues and campaigns spots for the party. Which is totally natural for any candidate and especially for a Presidential Candidate.

Patrick Amuriat Oboi (POA) wasn’t riding the boda-boda. He was a passenger on the boda-boda that knocked the DPC. So, if the Police was caring about the ones that did it. They would look into the driver and investigate his movements. If he was driving directly or if the DPC was driving illegally on the road. Because, the impact happened because of how two drivers of two boda-boda’s. Either the blame is the DPC who didn’t conduct himself properly or the driver of POA’s boda-boda, which drove reckless. So, with this argument, it’s not POA’s fault as he is a bystander and a third party to the events. Unless, he ordered the driver to aim directly at the DPC. Which we cannot know as that has been stated anywhere. This is just mere speculations at this point.

What is clear is that POA and his team gave the authorities a reason to arrest him. Someone like POA and his team shouldn’t give that to the Uganda Police Force. They take everything and even a small figment of hope to destroy the dissidents. These are from the same folks that blames the victims of their brutality and call the victims out as “criminals”. When knowing this, the FDC and POA shouldn’t play into it.

Yes, it could be the DPC’s fault, but he will never take the blame. He is following orders and acting as a vigilante like most of the Police Officers who uses live-bullets at civilians does. They are throwing tear-gas like maniacs at rallies and gatherings. Therefore, they will always find reasons to disperse and disrupt the opposition. POA gave a valid reason to be arrested. Even if his not to blame…

POA didn’t drive, but did he order the driver? That is easy question to ask. POA participating in that and getting it on video or photographs is evidence somehow. This will be used and thwart his campaign for now.

When you have vicious and malicious authorities like the Uganda Police Force. You should not take the bait. They will deliberately use it against you. They don’t even have to pin something on you or forge a narrative. That was created all on his own or by the ones around him.

This is where they gave way or got caught up in a moment. This wasn’t defiance or civil disobedience. It was either unlucky for POA or it was the DPC who was reckless. We do not know and trust me. The DPC will nto take the blame. He will use this as means to an end. Which is to criminate POA. Clearly that is working. Peace.