A look into Bobi Wine’s Post Election Address (22.01.2021)

This speech comes from his home in Magere, Wakiso district. Where his unfortunately pre-emptive house-arrested, which he has been since 14th January 2021 on the day of the polls for Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. He is now on his 9th Day as a prisoner in his own home and only allowed one visit with his team of lawyers. Who also brought some food and other basic necessities. Because, the captors and the ones keeping him captive in his home isn’t giving him anything.

However, still with all the hurdles, the hardships and the hostile attack on his party. The Presidential Candidate and Party President of National Unity Platform (NUP) Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine came out with a online address, which is worth looking into. As it sets a stage of his plans ahead. Let’s be frank, the 14th January 2021 elections wasn’t “contested” but rigged beyond belief in favour of the ruling regime. To think otherwise is naive and following all reports. It is definitely not a fair game.

He starts with: “I am under illegal house arrest and continue to live through this humiliation, but my spirit is strong. I am strong because am aware of the trials and tribulations that those who came before us had to endure in their fight for freedom and democracy. I am even consoled by the constant reminder that what I am going through today is nothing compared to what many of our comrades and supporters have had to go through for the past three years since we started the People Power Movement!” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

He is making a compelling case and telling his story. A story that the NRM and President Museveni don’t want out. As this undermine his minions and the Police Force itself. Which is all working on overtime telling “his not house arrested” or that his “house arrested to shield him from himself”. Both arguments is bananas and hogwash. The reason why he is house-arrested is because he is the one the President fears and the only way he can contain his popularity is by keeping him lockdown. Not because, Bobi Wine has done anything wrong, other than challenging the President, which is “treason” in the Republic.

He continues: “I must state right from the beginning that we went into this election knowing the nature of the regime we are up against but trusting the people of Uganda to assert their voices. Like many other ruthless dictators, Museveni organizes elections in order to pay lip-service to democracy and to try to buy legitimacy from the world. He was therefore determined to take the nation through the same old ritual this year. Unfortunately for him, he miscalculated this time round” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

Bobi Wine is not wrong here. Museveni has both lobbyist on his payroll and other agencies working non-stop to do his bidding. Museveni has multi-national and regional entities like IGAD and EAC doing the work for him. These are undermining the principals of the polls, free and fair election, and so fourth. That is a genuine insight and true. The plan is the same and the rigged game to favour Museveni, which many of us expected to happened and it did.

He says it straight: “Therefore fellow citizens, as I speak to you today, my heart is full of gratitude and confidence because eight days ago you went to the polls and overwhelmingly chose the National Unity Platform and myself to lead you in repairing our broken Nation, which has endured the pain of dictatorship under Gen. Yoweri Museveni for 35years. Unfortunately, Museveni yet again committed a coup against the Constitution and the people of Uganda” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

The last sentence is so striking. The whole sentiment of this paragraph shows the future of a statesmen really. Someone who dares to see the mischief and the faults of a system. Wanting to address it. While also crediting anyone who support his cause doing it. It is so poignant the “coup” wording, as a stolen election is practically doing that. Maybe not with a violent takeover, but by cooking the books, which is what Museveni was doing.

His continued assault on Museveni: “ Unfortunately, Museveni is such a poor student of history; including his own history. In a book titled Mission to Freedom written by himself, he justified his decision to go to the bush and start after a rigged election as follows: He said, and I quote; “In December 1980, Ugandans went to the polls. By late afternoon on December 11th, it was clear that UPC and Obote were headed for a resounding defeat inspite of all the rigging they had done at the earlier stages of registration of voters, nomination of candidates, and demarcation of electoral boundaries. The UPC was seized with Panic. Paul Muwanga…..took over the powers of the Electoral Commission. ….. The following day 12th December 1980, using their control of the national radio, the army, the police and other state machinery and backed by the Tanzanian government, Obote and Muwanga announced their coup. ….Once again, a minority, unpopular clique was imposed on the people of Uganda, leaving them with no option but to take up arms in defence of their democratic rights.”” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

Here Bobi Wine cleverly undress Museveni… and shows how he deliberately Museveni has copied the 1980 election. It is all done in favour of him now. Where he repeated the sins of the ones he overthrow. Which is just a tragic enterprise, but what Museveni does. Because, only power and staying power matters to him. That is why Museveni is willing to repeat the same ills of the past.

He continues: “We call upon the People of Uganda to reject this mockery and refuse to acknowledge Museveni as the winner of the January 14th polls because we defeated him. Ugandans must resist his treasonous attempt to forcefully impose himself on us as president. Resisting tyranny is not only a right- it is a DUTY for oppressed people to carry out. We encourage all of you to use all non violent and legal means and ides at your disposal to engage in this fight for complete freedom. We have always said that People Power is Our power. The stolen votes belong to the People of Uganda. The people of Uganda must rise to the occasion and free themselves and their country from that small group of gunmen who do not care about our future and that of our country Uganda” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

Here is stating defiance and resistance against the Resistance Movement, which is ironic. However, I approve the message and that is the only way they can move forward. The President and NRM needs to know and feel a boycott. The state needs to be touched and feel the public rebuke of its tactics. That they are not accepting the betrayal of their trust. That means a continued cause for a peaceful transition.

Where he continues: “Unlike Museveni who unleashed untold violence and suffering on our people in the 1980s, we choose non-violent strategies in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. We are committed to non-violence because we despise violence. That is why we are fighting against a violent tyrant. Studies have shown that non-violence is even much more effective in breaking violent dictatorships. I therefore encourage all of you citizens to take a firm stand against the Museveni regime” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

Here he shows the significant difference between him and Museveni. Something that is a nice touch, but also a brutal honesty. As he shows to be the better man and doesn’t need to grab a gun, but trust the public to be by his side. That is a thing President Museveni cannot state, as he has always turned to the guns when he needs too.

He ends with: “I must add that the regime has been actively trying to frustrate any attempt to go to court. They have intimidated our polling agents, but most crudely confiscated more than 4000 of our Declaration of Results forms, which are of crucial importance in an election petition. We have tasked the authorities to return these forms, but they are yet to respond. The leadership of the National Unity Platform is in the process of consulting stakeholders but most importantly the common people and in a few days, we shall communicate our decision to the nation. As regards my illegal house arrest, the police and military have still failed to explain their presence in my home” (Bobi Wine, 22.01.2021).

The NUP and Bobi Wine is getting into the same quarrel that previous opposition leaders and parties been in. However, the authorities and law enforcement have been much more vicious this time around. They are not holding back and been really working with impunity this election. That is why such amounts of polling agents and other associates of the NUP.

The nation and the supporters are awaiting the communication to their decision. Whatever they do. They should ensure they have collected evidence and have truth. So, they can prove not only to every citizen, but can show the international community of the open rigging. Put it all into system and prove it. As we know it, but the way they drop the knowledge matters.

I hope Bobi Wine can get freed soon. Though the state prolongs it to at least Monday when the Court petition is in order. However, they are planning to dismiss it. So, expect the state to keep him house-arrested for long. Just like they did Besigye in 2011 and 2016.

Bobi Wine spoke the truth and that is what is needed. Peace.

Day 8: The State wants to dismiss the petition in concern to Bobi Wine’s House Arrest

The state has asked high court judge Michael Elubu to dismiss an application filed by NUP party president Robert Kyagulanyi and his wife Barbra Itungo Kyagulanyi against their continued illegal detention under house arrest since the 14th of this month” (Capitol FM Uganda, 21.01.2021).

It has been since the 14th January 2021, the National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have been house arrested since the polls. The state have kept him captive in his own home. The NUP Presidential Candidate is a prisoner in his own home without any warrants, charges or even a sentencing.

Bobi Wine is a felon even without any process or legal proceedings. The state is not even honouring that in his instance. His treated as a terrorist and a danger to society. They are not giving him food or drinks. They are not allowing him or his wife to collect food in the garden. The state has sealed the premises and made checkpoints blocking people from entering.

The state has shown the Presidential Candidate is treated badly. There is no dignity or fairness in this. Only injustice and impunity. The actions made towards him, only shows how much the President is fearing him and his ideals. If he didn’t fear him. He wouldn’t act like this and put him behind bars without any reasons. That is because the state got nothing to file or evidence of incriminating factors.

Again, with the lack of food and nutrition. The lack of freedom and justice. As a parent, Bobi Wine did the right thing sending his kids to the diaspora. So, they don’t have to live through this experience and the acts of injustice. They are third parties to this. The same is his wife as well. However, she’s an adult and knew this could be the price. Still, its unfair that she is living through this as well.

Bobi Wine shouldn’t be incarcerated in his own home. This is on the 8th Day without any judgement or charge. Still, the state will act and not address the petition to the courts. That shows the amount of impunity. There is no mercy in the state of Museveni. Only Museveni is lawful and his allies. The rest is fair-game and can get punished.

Proof? Ask Bobi Wine and his party… how they have treated during the campaign and post-elections. His rights are being violated and he deserves better. Bobi Wine is the target and person who personifies the injustice in the Republic right now. Just like Besigye was the same in 2011 and 2016. Peace.

Opinion: Kutesa aims at Besigye for election violence

Today the Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa made a statement and this one is aiming directly at ‘Plan B’. In late August 2020 Dr. Kizza Besigye launched the ‘Plan B’ to counter a rigged election and galvanize the opposition.

It is very ironic that in a 14th January 2021 election statement. The Foreign Minister is addressing a non-candidate. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine hada campaign: “We Are Removing a Dictator” and not ‘Plan B’. Neither did the villager, Patrick Oboi Amuriat who was the barefoot villager representing the public in general. So, the man has clearly been focused on Besigye, which haven’t directly campaigned or only been a supporting political operative in the opposition.

The Foreign Minister also missed the mark on what the ‘Plan B’ was about. Because, he associates it with violence and insurgency. ‘Plan B’ is a continuation of the liberation struggle, a non-violent measure for a peaceful transition of power. Maybe, the NRM feels that is violent. Since, this means the likes of Kutesa have to be removed. However, that is natural in every transition of power from to the next.

So, the man is clearly jaded and adding values, which isn’t represented in the ‘Plan B’. Maybe like Defiance campaign it hits the heart of lack of democratic values within the NRM. If they had a understanding of boycott and demonstrations against it. Because, everyone is supposed to automatically supporting the NRM.

What is very ironic too. Is that the NRM and the Government is really into democracy, but demonstrations or riots is disturbing the peace. If it is a democratic nation and has value of free speech. Then the public should be allowed to demonstrate and riot.

It is not really a unique take and understanding of democracy. When you don’t dare people to speak up against the oppression and regime itself. That is apparently the proud democratic values of the NRM. We shouldn’t be shocked, but it shows their true sentiment at this point.

This only proves what extent the government does to defend its actions. They are willing to defend the killing of civilians and blaming it on them. That is what the Minister indirectly did. As the people didn’t listen to the warning and therefore, their fatal acts was justified. The public should have known better and not gone out on those streets. So, if they does it again. Expect it to happen again, as long as they are in power. They don’t care or value the life of the citizens. If they did, they wouldn’t take their lives for demonstrating. That is the bleak reality here.

Still, its amazing that ‘Plan B’ was such a big issue. When Besigye wasn’t even running. That shows how powerful and dangerous Besigye is in 2021. The NRM and Kutesa is still worried about his moves and ideas. They know he can spread a powerful message and give people hope. That says a lot. Peace.

Opinion: The FDC didn’t loose, but they got viable competition now

There are some ripple effects of the 2021 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections of 2021. Not only that they we’re rigged and questionable at best. That is common knowledge for most of us and the state haven’t even tried to hide it that well. Even with the social media, internet blockade and media censorship. Still, with all of that… the are some other factors at play too.

Which is more interesting than President Museveni thieving another election. Something he has done with a steady pace since 1996. So, that 2021 would be any different would be naive. The President can only win by forgery. That is why he used all of the campaigns to spread fear and say he would use violence if anybody stood in his way.

That is why the maturity of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is more interesting topic. The first election since the start of the party with someone else than Dr. Kizza Besigye as Presidential Candidate. Nevertheless, the resolve of the party haven’t stopped and it’s still reaching the masses. The party is still feared and their new Presidential Candidate and Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat. He has been arrested, charged and harmed on his travels as the main contender of FDC.

Still, the results shows that the party is at a rate of status quo. In that I mean the amount of MPs is abruptly the same. The new party National Unity Platform have done a grand-slam and gotten to be the biggest opposition party. While the FDC got 28 MPs in the 11th Parliament. This seems like a small movement. While the new party got 61 MPs. That is why people are claiming the FDC is losing steam and relevance.

However, they are a mature party and the opposition for so long. It was a matter of time before someone else would catch up where the FDC left off and continue the struggle. It is not like the FDC is done and over with. The ones saying it will be as relevant as Uganda People’s Congress or Democratic Party. Well, I think that burial is a bit early yet.

The FDC has shown fierce force and resolve. They have dared to challenge and use their platform for change. The lessons of Besigye should be legendary and be used to inspire the next generation of freedom fighters. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine seems to follow that paradigm shift and follow where Besigye left off.

That is why I will not say FDC is falling, but they have a new road ahead. They are suddenly not the majority or leaders of the opposition. That means they can forge a new road ahead and decide their path even more. They have less to risk and can use the momentum of NUP to address why they didn’t grab the masses or change in such a way.

The FDC is far from falling off. They have shown again and again to be a viable party. Still to this day there is very few who has dared as much and stood in the middle of the political warfare as the FDC. That is why it’s easy to say it was a downer to become second in opposition and third in the presidential race. A Presidential Race rigged out of proportions to make the numbers legit. That is why the true spirit of the public is hard to know.

What we do know is that the FDC will continue to inspire and spread the message for change. That is inevitable. Their mission is not over and at this point. They need to persist to be viable. The FDC has no serious competition. That means they have to proof their existence and their value as an opposition. Not just another ticket and another four years in limbo.

No, the FDC have to show it and prove it more. The NUP has shown they are worth their weight. The messaging and the political savvy new-comber will be a contrast to FDC. Even if part of their program and their means is to an end the same. Still, it is a generational change and a significant one. Where one has been doing it and the other is arriving where they left off.

That is why the FDC needs to show it and be more in the face. Not expect people to just eat out of their hands. They got to be there and be resilient. It is an unforgiving mission. That is something the FDC knows more then most. It is not like they have gotten many favours or flowers for their hard earned place. No, they have gotten arrests, tear-gas and harassment.

Now, the FDC can be a joint party for change and be there as an older brother to NUP. That shows their strength and humility. Something that is a sign of progress. FDC isn’t over, but is just participating and evolving as a mature party in a new era. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Press Release to the World from Hon. Kyagulanyi Ssentumu Robert (17.01.2021)

Day 6: No dignity in the House Arrest of Bobi Wine

Day Six under house arrest and we’re still stuck with an 18 months old baby who had paid a visit to her auntie (my wife ) be4 we were raided & besieged. The Dad has been denied access to her. We have run out of food and milk. No one is allowed to leave or come into our compound” (Bobi Wine, 19.01.2021)

There are laws for the Republic of Uganda to adhere too. However, the justification of the prolonged house-arrest will always be “inciting to violence” or “fear of riots”. This has been done before and is the simplification of a loser directly arresting the victor of the polls on the 14th January 2021. If President Museveni won. He wouldn’t need to arrest and detain his opposition. Alas, that is the case and it shows his targeted injustice and impunity against his own civilians.

The state action and prolonged pre-emptive house-arrests was to be anticipated, as the state has done the same to Besigye in both 2011 and 2016 after the General Elections. Therefore, the National Unity Platform Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi would get into legal trouble. The state and the NRM is following the same formula.

As they are keeping him as a prisoner in his own home. They are breaching own laws. Not only the laws of Human Rights Violations and possible International Laws in association with the detention of Bobi Wine. No, they are actually breaching their own created law for their own dominion.

In the Prisons Act of 2006 Article 57(a): “a prisoner shall be treated with the respect due to his/her inherent dignity and value as a human being” (Prisons Act, 2006).

This here is very easy to assess. When someone cannot eat and not given food. The state is no dignifying and showing Bobi Wine the value as a human being. When his house is blocked from having lawyers visiting him. They are not allowed to collect food stuffs in their gardens to be able to eat. That is breaching the article 57(a).

In the same law the article 57 (1) it states: “No person shall be received or admitted into prison custody without a valid commitment or a remand warrant, order of detention, warrant of conviction or committal signed with a court seal or authenticated by a person authorised to sign or authenticate such warrant or order under the provision of any law” (Prisons Act, 2006).

We know that Kyagulanyi isn’t directly charged with anything. After 48 hours he didn’t get noted or taken to a court. No, his just been house-arrested on the grounds that he challenged the President and that is a cardinal sin in the Republic. Bobi Wine have no official warrant or charges on him. Only been house-arrested and blocked from the world by the army, law enforcement and everyone else supposed to keep law and order. However, here its neither law or order. Only injustice.

The state should ensure the prisoner is getting fed. The prisoner in this case and his fellow cell-mates in his home should get water and food by the authorities. As they are keeping him captive and behind closed doors. It is a familiar place and not a detention room in a torture chamber or bare prison-cell. Still, it is being a prisoner without the direct mandate of Prison Services.

That is why its the duty of the state to keep them alive and secure their rations. This is just common sense. However, that hasn’t been taken care off or they don’t care. Still, that should be the first priority. Secure the prisoners food and water. So, that they can sustain living and be healthy. Especially, since its by state orders he is closed off from the world.

The ones bitching about him sending his kids abroad earlier in the campaign. Should understand why he did it. Because, this injustice and torment on them would be damaging. To see the pain and suffer with the parents. Since, Bobi Wine made a decision to take a stand and challenge Museveni. This is the price of doing so. However, the state is no dignifying his imprisonment. They should man up and tool-up. Peace.

Africa Elections Watch (AEW) – Massive Electoral Malpractices and Gross Human Rights Violations in Uganda: The World Must Speak Out (19.01.2021)

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF): EFF Statement on the Uganda Elections Outcome (18.01.2021)

My Honest Letter to President Museveni: Congratulation, you have created your own 1980 Election in 2021!

18th January 2021.

Dear Sir, His Excellency (H.E.) President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni!

Congratulations on repeating the sins of our forefathers. Congratulations on repeating the ills of former rulers and ensuring the world a repetition of the pains of the past in our current time. You should be proud that you are repeating the violations of the ones you toppled to get in office. That must surely be a sweet feeling at your estate or farm.

Mr. President, you must be proud of the soldiers and law enforcement who has killed on your orders. That police officers and armed officers has unwarranted abducted, detained and murdered civilians who dared to associate themselves with others than you.

Mr. President, you must be proud of having ghost voters, blocking citizens from voting and having rigged this election. You must be so proud of the achievement of disfranchising and making the process of election into a farce. That must make you so giddy. Knowing that polling stations isn’t counted. Polling stations not open on time or having enough equipment. Ensuring the public not ready or not caring if they voted at all. As the pre-ticked ballots in your favour was the key aspect of it all.

Mr. President, you must be so proud that the authorities has gone after and is hunting down opposition polling agents and mobilizers. Since they have DR Forms from Polling Stations, which will reveal the trick of the trade and why you are a “victor”. The way you are ordering and securing your own future. That must the aspiration of these days. Keeping alive the throne and the powers all in your hands.

Mr. President, you must be so proud of keeping people in the dark. Only having a mass media spreading your words and your propaganda. That you have all ears and all eyes on the game. You have the people spreading the news you want and the reports of your wish.

Mr. President, you must be so proud of the willingness of the public to succumb to your tactics. To fear you and your army. That the public is fearing you and your intimidation tactics. That must make you so proud. That you act like a mob-boss and collect taxes for their safety. If someone turns on you or your made men you get rid of them. The same you do Mr. President in this election. It must make you so proud.

You must be so happy and refreshed. That you have the whole thing in your hand. You are targeting the opposition. Getting the fixed results from your appointed people within the Electoral Commission. If there will be en Electoral Petition or Constitutional Court Petition. The ones you have appointed there will answer you pleas and ensure nothing real happens. It will be another way of legitimize this election. Which you know perfectly well is a fraud and a fake.

That is why you should be so proud. Your giving the world and Uganda a taste of 1980 election. You are serving the public the same reasons for why you went to the bush. Mr. President, you have giving the world a lesson in how to rig an election to perfection. Nobody has done it as bold and brazen like you. The man who went to war over a rigged election. You must be so proud and I’m sure your mocking Tito Okello, Milton Obote and Idi Amin right now. Because, you beat them and now you have tricked Bobi Wine too.

Mr. President you must be so proud of your work. You have done it again. What you should ask yourself, Mr. President. How long do you think the soldiers and law enforcement accept living in poverty fighting for you? How long do think the public accept being taken for fools? How long do you think the donors and military suppliers will support your missions? How long do you think the elites and politicians will accept these sort of games?

At one point or another, Mr. President, the centre will not hold. At one point, there will be things giving and hurting you, Mr. President. That is just a natural fact and you cannot bribe and pay everyone off. There is people who is not corruptible and who is your adversaries. These will stand in your way and those folks will not go away. No matter what you do. Their ideas is bigger than you and your cause.

Mr. President in your moment of “victory” knows that the truth is out. You have made your own 1980 election. Given people all the reasons to call you out and say that your a thief. Mr. President, you might have a office, but there is no difference between you and a chicken thief. The only difference is that the chicken thief stole a chicken, Mr. President, you stole a nation.

Best Regards

Writer of MinBane

Uganda Media Centre: Media Statement on Uganda General Elections January 2021 (18.01.2021)