Opinion: Where is Muntu?

Now that the election is over and soon the 11^th Parliament is soon in full effect. The opposition is in a new state and got to work out the hurdles. As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) will stream-roll ahead with no question or stop. They are continuing like status quo and will not accept anything from the opposition. That is how things are looking.

What is striking to me. Is that the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) is sort of gone from the map. Paul Mwiru is fighting for his MP position in Jinja, but other than that. There is no news or any sort of flair.

Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu who went out to be on his own and create his Third Force or ‘New Formation’ with the launch of ANT. With his stature and his pivotal role in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). You would have thought he would have gained so much more popularity and support in general.

Muntu should be bigger or have the ability to be in the headlines like Norbert Mao. I knew he would fall in between Tumukunde and Mao in the Presidential Elections. What was even more striking was the lack of results of the party. The National Unity Platform and Bobi Wine won the opposition and FDC retained its strength at the same time. DP and UPC didn’t do much, but is more of the same.

While ANT and Muntu is like non-existent. The ANT party had the time from 2018 to January 2021. While NUP only had like a half-year and still overcome it. Muntu has been in the political space for ages and should be more beloved, but for some reason his falling flat.

Muntu is maybe the pick of the elite. Muntu’s pragmatism isn’t selling as much as he made it seems. Muntu who never professed to civil disobedience or defiance. Now, his pragmatic view is showing lacking results. Because, his slow working and way of progress will take forever to get there.

It is still shocking that ANT gets so little results. They are not getting MPs and not even having someone in the 11^th Parliament. Would think ANT would retain the MPs who crossed over expect for Winnie Kiiza who had decided to step down as a candidate.

I just don’t get why Muntu is on the sideline and silent. It is just like his trying to phantom the defeat or even trying to seal his next option. The New Formation of ANT was surely not the thing. Not like he could muster or gain enough popularity to become the viable candidate. Neither … any of his MPs either.

That really says it all. Muntu should have maybe just stayed in the FDC. Even after the loss of the Party Presidency. He could have still amassed a huge following and been a character of more importance. Now, he is on the flank himself and fights in the same space as Asuman Basalirwa. The difference with Basalirwa is in Parliament and re-elected there. The only MP for his party. While Muntu got no one there.

Muntu is only talked about because of his history and because he used have influence. Now, Andrew Mwenda didn’t even support him properly. Which he promised ahead of the elections. Therefore, we know Muntu is hurting. That is maybe why his silent. Though ANT isn’t seen as relevant or place to go. This is really tragic… and a loss of potential.

Muntu could have done so much better, but when you are pragmatic in a field of oppression. The ones who goes head on will be listened too. While the ones who thinks they can negotiate and resolve things with the ones whose armed to their teeth’s. Like the ones using the army and rigging elections will discuss things and act accordingly. That is why his mission was a fool’s errand. He is smart and a clever man, but his actions wasn’t matching his opponent. A former army man should know that. He didn’t plan how to work against the oppressive regime, but what could have worked in a fairer society.

Muntu can achieve big things. Though at this current stage. His invisible … and not seen anywhere. The ANT party is also gone missing. They are become as relevant as a Ugandan VP. That says it all. Muntu should be aware and maybe rethink his stances. Because, his not winning hearts this way. Peace.

Mzee’s story has changed on the Arua By-Election

It is very simple, that President Museveni and his team of spin-doctors cannot keep their tongues straight. Today, we have caught the President in a little lie. It cannot be true. In 2018, the President claimed the helicopter was used to save people in the midst of fracas and violence happening after the Arua By-Election in August 2018. However, today he said it was used to capture the “ring-leaders”. That is very simple lie to catch someone in.

When a leader can lie about the usage of helicopter. Why aren’t there more lies in his texts? The window was destroyed with perfection. The whole Arua By-Election was state sponsored violence and torture of civilians. Usage of military soldiers to arrest, abduct, torture and harm opposition leaders. That is what is visible after the post Arua By-Election.

The two stories told by the same man… shows that he uses it for political propaganda fitting to his paradigm at any given day. There is no need for truths, because why change the story? Why is it international interference in a by-election in 2020, but not mentioned in 2018? Why is the people so important in 2018, but invisible in 2020? That’s because the vilification of Bobi Wine is more important in 2020, then it was in 2018.

Just look at these passages from two “informative” texts in the different years.

In 2018:

“If the Army had not intervened in Arua, a lot of people would have been killed by this Bobi Wine group. They had gathered stones, knives and there were reports of even guns. Why is it that we have never heard of any incident where the NRM supporters have ever attacked the Opposition supporters? Do you remember how the Bobi Wines were attacking the other MPs in Parliament? Are we to allow them to attack the Wanainchi in similar ways? How about assaulting soldiers or policemen? Do you remember the policeman, Ariong, who died from a stone throw? The security forces should be commended for saving mass deaths in spite of the fact that many of them were not equipped for anti-riot” (…) “His mistake may be to organize and participate in such a violent procession and to import illegal voters. The court will decide according to the evidence. Stop supporting impunity, stop supporting election cheating, stop supporting violence whatever side you are on. As already said above, I am investigating the circumstances of the driver of Bobi Wine who died. Five people were also reported in hospital with gun-wounds. We shall get the circumstances of those cases. In certain circumstances, the Police can use live bullets if they are not equipped with anti-riot equipment and the rioters are on the verge of killing innocent people. That is also possible. The question is: “Why do you riot? Why not use legitimate and peaceful ways of expressing your opinion?” When they stoned my car, what was the reason? If they could be so reckless to attack me, how would they spare the poor Wanainchi? Good enough, my protection force did not respond immediately. They delivered me to the helicopter and went back to rescue the Wanainchi, which they generally did in spite of the circumstances. That is why no local mwanainchi was killed by the hooligans. They did not have enough time to do the damage they intended” (Museveni, 2018).

In 2020:

“Hon. Zaake has been tortured but his torturers were not punished. LDUs are punished. First of all, Zaake and a few others are a misguided group being used by some foreigners to destabilize Uganda and for many months now. You remember their actions in Parliament when they jumped on tables, tore away the microphones of Parliament, beat others. Here is the video. In Arua, they stoned my vehicle and attacked NRM supporters who were coming from my rally. They had even driven a road grader (tinga tinga) all the way from Kampala, I think, to use in ramming our vehicles (kutomera). The SFC soldiers in a disciplined way delivered me to the helicopter first and went looking for the ring-leaders – Bobi Wine, Zaake and others. Eventually, they found them in a hotel. These wonderful gentlemen tried to assault our soldiers with punches. The soldiers punched them back until they subdued them. It is very impressive that the soldiers never used guns against Bobi Wine and Zaake in the hotel rooms where they were making a fool of themselves trying to box soldiers as if they were boxing village thieves. One person died outside the hotel in mysterious circumstances. These groups have been in collusion with foreign enemies to infiltrate groups with guns to kill demonstrators and say that Government is the one killing them. We are patiently following up those. You remember the piki piki riding killers that killed Abiriga, Kirumira, Kiggundu etc.? We have defeated them and we shall unearth them” (Museveni, 2020).

The really rich thing about it all. The guns and ammunition found in the hotel of Bobi Wine was later retracted from the state as it was “evidence” pinned on the politician. There been no proof of the supposed weapons from the “assailants” on the President’s car. Neither, have there been any evidence of a gang going against the President. Instead, the proof is on the side of the state and they are no willingly to see into the state sponsored violence. While trying to make the opposition look like bad-guys.

He is using the violence happening in Parliament as defence. While not condemning the assault on MPs inside the Parliament. As he accepts the ideal of having weaponized strangers to benefit his cause in the Parliament, while dismissing the civilian lawmakers defending themselves. That proves what sort of man the President is.

The helicopter story is twisted now. That really shows that this man cannot keep his stories straight. If he did, he would have said the same, but alas he didn’t. This is why the opposition will be implicated and be the ones to blame. Even if the government and the security organization went full gung-ho and didn’t leave anyone behind.

The stoning of the car is always the pin-point and reason. But wasn’t a old person charged with it and not in association with the Arua 33? If so, why blame Zaake or Bobi Wine, when his not associated with them? That doesn’t make sense, but that doesn’t fit the mind of Bosco.

Well, enough rubbish. There should be a proper investigation into what happen. As there was to much hurt, but the Special Force Command will never get charged. These people will only get promoted and eat at the table of Mayors and the elites. Peace.

Reference:

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – ‘Facebook Post on Arua on the 20th August 2018’ (20.08.2018)

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – ‘reply to comments made by Mityana MP Francis Zaake, where he made several distortions regarding COVID-19 and the Arua Fracas’ (27.08.2020)

Opinion: Maybe the Arua treatment should be given to Museveni…

“They[court] actually wanted to punish the boys [SFC] for torturing Bobi Wine. I said no! no! no! This was rubbish. It was the other people [Bobiwine] who were in wrong. This was because the SFC people who are not police minded because they are used to doing other things, went to the room where the MP and other people were,they tried to box them so they boxed them. They acted in self defense and so it was in order” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the 21^st August 2020

Sometimes I wonder if the President would have accepted the treatment his giving others. Because, if he did. He would accept being sheltered in a safe-house, being abducted, arrested and charged for no other reasons of annoying someone. Not even being a criminal. Robert Kyagulanyi was only arrested, tortured and abducted, because he offended the President and his team. They have served him injustice and his defending it.

For someone dropping bible-verse, saying he was supposed to be a preacher. The President should know a passage from the book of Matthews. He clearly need a fresh reminder. Because, what happened in Arua and in the aftermath. Is something that shouldn’t have happened to the Arua 33 and Bobi Wine. However, he said yesterday it was fine and dandy. That shows that the grand lecturer is cruel human being who wants people ill and not saint like he proclaims to be.

Just look what the words of the scripture says:

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” – Matthew 7,9-12 (New International Version).

Because, when I read the defence of the torture, impunity and cruel arrests of the opposition in the post Arua By-Election. Then you know, that the President has no hear, just like Beti Kamya stated years ago.

We are seeing what Jesus is saying to his disciples in the book of Matthew. It states that you should do unto others as you wish to be treated yourself. In this regard, does the President wants to be abducted, tortured and charged with treason for campaigning in a By-Election. That is what I get from the President.

I don’t want the President to get the treatment Bobi Wine got after Arua. I don’t want a single person to get that. However, if we are learning anything from the scriptures, then he wouldn’t have defended it. It shows a sinister side of the President and his allies. That they will defend it and stand by the torturing of a fellow human being.

So, the President wants to offer someone stones instead of the bread his asking for. He rather give a snake, instead of a fish.

Museveni, would you accept that the Special Force Command would storm one of your homes, raid it and abduct you. Family members, lawyers and such not knowing about your location for hours. Also, tortured and injected with poison by the law enforcement before charged with treason for being part of a by-election. Is that cool to you? Would you accept that?

I’m thinking, you as a man wouldn’t accept this. You would scream “hell no” and move on. Still, a a man you accept the fate of others. As a President you should condemn and charge men who does this to others. Alas, we know you promote those … Peace.

Opinion: Mwiru joining Muntu was in the cards

“It is not correct that I belong to either of the camps but I believe that FDC needs a man like Muntu because he is someone who you can rely on. For instance he kept his promise to work with Dr Kizza Besigye. This is what members told him and it is his time now” – Paul Mwiru in 2012

The five time winner of Jinja-East Constituency, Paul Mwiru. The MP for FDC since 2011. A man who has been elected, again and again and who has beaten the NRM Candidate Nathan Igme  Nabeta five times in the polls is sticking by his words.

Now 9 years down the line or more than that since he was part of the Reform Agenda, losing to the same canidate in an election in 2006. Have been with the FDC since it restructured. Been in the leadership and therefore, known the people n party from the get-go.

That’s why it’s a bit sour, but with reason that he joins the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). He was there for the launch of the party last year and today on the 7^th July 2020 he has deflected. Meaning he will be standing in Jinja East in 2020 as ANT MP and not as a FDC. The third party he will represent in his career as a legislator. That is if he beats the new FDC candidate or Nabeta scores big like 2006.

The move have been in the cards. He has started the journey with Muntu and been loyal to him. The official move today was expected. It is not shocking, but evidence that Muntu get a powerful ally. A man who has worked tirelessly and been on the frontline. That is why he has been arrested, tortured and incommunicado for a while, while battling the good cause.

Mwiru was part of the New Formation, the ANT from the start. That he joined today wasn’t shocking. It has been anticipated. Just like the move for Muntu to create his own flagship when he failed to get re-elected in the FDC.

That is just the way things are at this point. Mwiru is showing loyalty with this. He already said it 8 years ago. His only living up to those words and doing something about it. Now he has together with the team of ANT have to build up that party. Instead of living on the merits of the FDC.

“Even an ant can hurt an elephant” – South African Proverb

So, let’s see if Mwiru can together with Muntu beat the elephant. The elephant he has opposed all his career. One thing Mwiru, he has shown loyalty to Muntu. Even though he trigged the FDC when he backed Wadri in his by-election and not stood by the FDC candidate.

Paul knows how tactically manoeuvre. This move is yet another one. Now a ANT MP. He believed in Muntu back-in-the-day and today. Showing integrity on this one. Let’s see if that pay-off or is a miscalculated move in 2021. Peace.

Opinion: Muntu’s Grand Illusion

“We have no illusions that we or any other opposition actor can stop General Museveni from the abuse of national resources during the electoral process. He is already doing so. We also have no illusions that there will be a level playing ground in the 2021 electoral process. Our understanding is that no dictatorial regime ever creates a level playing field. Our participation in 2021 is therefore not going to be based on any expectation that the political playing ground is going to be level. That there will be a transparent, free and fair election. Our participation will be from the understanding that we can only overwhelm the regime from a position of superior organization. That is why we focus all our efforts on getting well organized. We know for sure that when you are well organized and disciplined you can overwhelm such a regime in spite of all the odds ranged against you” – Mugisha Muntu (Black Star News publisher Milton Allimadi’s Q-and-A with Mugisha Muntu – ‘Mugisha Muntu’s Beyond Regime-Change Vision: How ANT Wants to transform political culture in Uganda’ 31.01.2020).

By all means, there is a need for a change in the Republic. No one would deny that. Not a single soul would deny the need or hesitate to pursuit that mission. However, the National Coordinator and the founder of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Mugisha Muntu hollow point is coming across.

His been a political operative for so long. He knows this game, his been through his share of elections. Therefore, him speaking about it, he has the authority. However, the hollow points and the lacklustre ideals has to be addressed. Because, does he believe it himself? That he got the spirit, the drive and the vision to build this from the ground up?

What difference will his organizational skills be from Amama Mbabazi? Why will ANT matter more than Go-Forward. Not like he has had decades building a team, hold meetings and consult across the Republic. Not like ANT has an office space in every major town or has the ability to spread their message to every single individual. No, its like wishing for greatness, but not having the ability.

Muntu wants the change, he speaks of it, but only wants it his way. A mediocre and a lack of courage. He thinks building his own entity and his own brand will change the day. The “Country Before Self”. Even if he himself was himself before party. It’s a reason the whole operation is hallow just by that alone.

Mugisha Muntu might speak game, but if he really believed in this, why isn’t ANT everywhere and that his delegations on rotation to every single district of the Republic? Why are they not speaking loudly?

Why isn’t Muntu on Frontline or NTV Uganda more often? Showing his face and speaking his message of change through his operation and his party? Seemingly, he should be in people’s faces and on the radio. However, his a ghost and the machinery he has is like it too.

That is why its a grand illusion, that his ANTs will do it. It might be a clever to make Muntu relevant and has a new day job. But, for now he will not be the microphone that catch the attention nor spark fury for change. His more of the weak tea moderate, who would wait to trade favours for a pot of gold. Peace.

Opinion: Mwiru’s motion to seek an inquiry of the UPDF involvement in civil matters is a righteous one

Hon. Paul Mwiru, the MP whose behind the motion: “MOTION TOR A RESOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT TO INQUIRE INTO THE RECENT REPORTED MISCONDUCT OF THE UGANDA PEOPLE’S DEFENCE FORCES DURING DEPLOYMENT IN CIVIL MATTERS”, which was in the plenary on the 21^st November 2019.

This motion is important, also for the matter that its seconded by Christopher Kalemba, Anthony Okello and Noah Wanzala Mutebi. All four of them, these MPs are acting on their right instinct on the matter of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), the army. The army isn’t supposed to be involved directly in civil manners, but of late and recent years, the UPDF have done more and more state functions. They are entangled in things where the army got nothing with it. That’s why the Motion moved by Hon. Mwiru is the good one.

Not because the motion is perfect. Not because the motion has the answers nor the results we want to hear. No, it is the right one, because the UPDF and the NRM needs to be challenged on this. The President who likes to be the general and warrior. Got to be questioned for the involvement of the UPDF in other things, than defending the border and securing the territory of the Republic.

The piece that is good from the motion is this:

“FURTHER AWARE that in the recent post there hos been increased intervention of UPDF in civil matters notably regulation of the fishing industry and quelling protests by students of Makerere University, NOTING THAT gross violations of human and people rights have reportedly marred the intervention of the UPDF in civil matters, which ordinarily should be a preserve of the Uganda Police Force as commended by Article 212 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda” (Motion, 21.11.2019).

The final important piece of the motion is this:

“AND FURTHER COGNIZANT of the importance of duly holding public officials and institutions to account for their actions and inactions as on integral canon of good governance and a possible deterrent from repetitive transgressions, Now THEREFORE it be resolved by this August House that; Parliament institutes a Select Committee to inquire. Within 45 days of approval of this Motion, into the reported violations of human and people rights by the UPDF with a view of establishing and apportioning culpability” (Motion, 21.11.2019).

This is why this motion is good. Because, it asks the Select Committee to inquire and directly investigate into the matters. This is to reveal and gain documentation on the matters, where the army has been used in civilian matters, which is wrong. Where the army has intervened and used force against civilians. That’s why this sort of motion will show who did what and who has to answer for what they did. Who did the ordering and who actually was behind the mess of misusing the army to settle civilian problems. Instead of going the proper ways or going the whole due process.

The legality of it, the challenge with the law and the constitution is another matter too. Which makes this even a bigger question, as to where it might be fitting to solve the resolving issues after collecting the report from the authorities, the Ministry of Security, the Ministry of Defence and the other ones. Where they do have the documents and the paper-trail to prove the acts, which has been made. The ones whose secret, the ones whose confidential and the ones the army and neither the “high above” wants the Republic to see.

Therefore, this motion is needed. What it grants is important. It will not reveal everything, but if a select committee gets to work, gets into discovery and get to collect data. They might discover something unseen and show us the whole picture. Instead of the little fragments we have today. Peace.

Opinion: Muntu is so pragmatic, that’s why the NRM doesn’t fear him

“There are so many approaches in the struggle to liberate Uganda however; this that requires signing a petition to ICC will not have my signature on it. I, however, do not stop any other Ugandan from signing it because it is their right” – Gen. Mugisha Muntu

Mugisha Muntu, the former Party President of the Forum of Democratic Change (FDC) and now the Co-Ordinator of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). His had this third force for over a year now. His consulted with the Special Vehicle of the Democratic Party Block. While some of his allies and fellow leadership is also involved in the People Power Movement.

With this regard, the pragmatic man has a foothold everywhere else, than the People’s Government and the FDC. Muntu is still possessing some star power and swagger, as his still proclaimed a big-man by the likes of Andrew Mwenda.

But, I am hesitant about him. Since he continues to say Museveni isn’t the problem of the Republic. That he is reluctant to say and speak up with force against the National Resistance Movement. He wants to build a party, he wants to build grassroot organization, but what will it do? Other than being the organization that feeds him?

Because, he seems not to fear Museveni nor his dictatorship. His pragmatic ideals, whatever they are. Not to go head-on or challenge it directly. He wants to focus on his own and his structure. His third force, his sort of ANT. That is all. He has said that Museveni isn’t the problem all back to 2010. That is nine years and he did the same this year.

So, we know, that his soft, mellow and not really all that. His against the defiance, against resisting the system. He wants to build within it and hope to dismantle it by working with everyone. Thinking people will flee and go after him. Because, his speaking softly and tactful.

I don’t see how Muntu will liberate or even struggle to topple the dictatorship. When his so friendly and cosying up to everyone. His just busy body building his own ANT and not trying to show any force or way to distort the leadership of today. His continues about bad leadership, corruption and non-working system. But he has no solution to uproot it. Only, that he has to viable party and structure to compete with the NRM.

What does it help to have a party if it doesn’t stand for anything?

It is not like his come out with a platform, ideals or anything that is substantial within the year ANT has been there. Not like ANT has shown any significant objective. It says it want to battle NRM and have a peaceful transition, but nothing about how. It is a mystery. It is myth. A living legend.

That is why Muntu doesn’t say Museveni is the problem. Museveni and NRM isn’t the real issue. It is because its all about him. A one man party, a one man cause, the cause of finding relevance for Muntu. That is why he has to discredit FDC and also say there are other ways. But not say which?

That is why he fits the paradigm of syncopates and apologists of the regime. Since, Muntu is not even targeting them. His just doing himself. That’s why its “country before self”, because in his instance, its self before country.

Since, I don’t see any reason for Museveni or any of his allies to fear this man. His just so justifiable weak and spineless. He doesn’t have the ability or the will to push it hard. Even if that is the only way out. That was for others in the FDC and with ANT he will not do it. He will not risk his possible positive outcome and way out. That’s why he was against defiance and wanted a more suitable way. Where he would consult and negotiate, because that is how the big-men fall… not really, they fall with disgrace and with force of the people. With the strength of mobilization and show the opportunity, that the government is weak and lack support. In such a manner, that the armed forces and everyone gives way to the popular uprising. Which is not working with Muntu.

Muntu wouldn’t work a revolution nor a uprising. He would have talked with the right councils of NRM. He would have talked with the armed commanders and he would have tried to speak pleasantly to His Excellency. Muntu wouldn’t have condemned nor retaliated to the lack of protocol from the government. Only, if it makes him look wise, than he might strike. But he prefers fake peace, than real peace. He prefers soft conversation, than to tackle problems heads-on. Because if he does, he has to handle the solutions and actually show some opinion.

Muntu will not sign the ICC and says there are other ways out of liberation. The same he said about Defiance too. But he hasn’t come out with any other way, than joining other movements and other organizations, as he runs his own show. Where he is not bound by the FDC protocol or NRM for that matter. His been both places, but now has his own.

This man doesn’t a problem, but at the same time. Doesn’t come with any sort of action or solution either. Just, that he will not participate and such. Only build his nest and ensure his livelihood. Peace.

Opinion: Muntu’s mellow approach to end Musevenism…

Once upon a time, there was a bush-war NRA who became an opposition. Who went from having aspirations of being an journalists to become a full-time engaging opposition. However, in his quest to uproot the master he helped putting into power. He has never significantly been able to address to how to change this.

Even to this day, Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, the former Party President of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and now Coordinator of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) seems like a lost puppy on quest to nowhere. Before I continue. Let me take a snippet of yesterday’s speech from the man.

“Ugandans could take to the streets one day and eventually drive Gen. Yoweri Museveni from power or he could fail to rig the next election and be gone. Unfortunately all of the problems that Uganda is enduring today will remain with us the day after Museveni is out of office. The most intractable problem is the lack of political engagement at the grassroots. That is why dictatorships have flourished, leading to political violence, deaths, corruption and economic destruction. There has never been a peaceful handover of power from one president to the next one in Uganda in our 57 years of independence. Yet the right of citizens to determine who governs them is a fundamental and universal human right. Those who govern must obtain the consent of those on whose behalf they exercise political power” (Mugisha Muntu 11.10.2019).

I don’t know about you, but this sort of address fails the parameter of a real change. This is the soft approach and the reason why NRM has said they are open for a return of this man. Because, his manner and ways are so smooth, that you cannot fix it all.

It is true, the dynamics and the state apparatus will need time to be rebuilt and institutionalized in a manner, where the orders from above doesn’t control it all. However, the approach of Muntu is weak, bitterly so. Like he wants to await the final destination and said his education of the grassroots is the way to solve it all. Which is really an insincere approach, considering how the other parties has tried to educate and operate within the limited space the state has given them.

If there is a election with Museveni on the ballot, he will not fail in rigging it. That is what his been doing ever since 1996. Not kid ourselves, no one can conquer him on a ballot. As long as Yoweri breathes, no win will win in a contest. Even if the tides are turning and the state has no support other than the army. Still, he will not loose. Because of the fear of opposing Mr. Incumbent President.

“Once people are truly empowered at the grassroots they will be the guarantors against future dictatorships. We do not believe in replacing guns with guns” (Muntu, 11.10.2019).

Therefore, if Muntu was sincere, he would promise more than civic education to over win the dictatorship. Because, he wants a soft teachings and lessons for the public. So, that they can deep into their mind know what is just and what is their right. However, they most likely know this already, as it is basic and understandably so. Nevertheless, when risking life or arrests for questioning the actions of the state, they rather stay silent; which I don’t blame them. Everyone is not built for getting in trouble.

Just like, Muntu knows he cannot preach defiance or resistance against the state. He cannot, because than he sounds like the ones he lost in the FDC. He needs to preach another gospel. Though, it falls short. Because, we all know that educating isn’t enough. Action is needed too, even though it costs.

I’ll end with wise words of Dr. Kizza Besigye: “I am very alive to the fact that: no freedom, no political changes, comes without a cost” (June 2011). Peace.

Opinion: Andrew, the man who will defend the indefensible too make Mzee look good!

I will not look into the whole piece that Andrew Mwenda dropped on Facebook today. Because, that is a waste of time. However, I will look at few extracts and dismiss them. Since, the realities are far-fetched. Just like pointing at cars, carrying goats or saying corruption is good for economic growth. Is all staple defence of the editor and owner of the Independent Magazine.

Surely, Mwenda knows all this, but hopes people are eating of his hands. He hopes people are so naive and lack free thought, to think that his ideas and his ways of explaining things have become bonkers. He should join in with Ofwono Opondo, get reassigned to the New Vision and UBC. There is where he belong. There is no independent thought in this man, only if it is deflect the actual issues of the day.

Just look at this: “While NRM’s political fortunes are declining, the opposition is not inspiring much confidence. The growth in the opposition’s is far below the growth and spread of disaffection with NRM and President Yoweri Museveni. The radical extremism of the two most popular cults of the opposition – Defiance and its bastard child, People Power – has led to levels of intolerance of divergent views that most Ugandans have decided to keep away from electoral politics” (Andrew Mwenda, 30.09.2019).

What is striking, how his not seeing his own delusion, but maybe some favours and envelopes makes the man close his eyes. It is like his only seeing negative and negate all acts of the state against the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) – Defiance and the People Power Movement. These are only an ill or evil, for someone who blamed Museveni of killing Garang and saying he was the common denominator of the troubles of the Republic. There years has worn off.

His seeing differently and for a reason. The opposition isn’t always right. That is a given, it has policies and ideas whose not all good. But that doesn’t defend the ways Mwenda attacks them. Like they are organizations with sacred secrets, which only the anointed could get. That is not how these two opposition parties work. It is more closer to the “orders from above” and the personality cult built around Museveni. That Mwenda should questioned, but when your paid writer for him. You will, overlook the narrative and cast the troubles on the other side automatically.

He speaks of intolerance within the opposition. It isn’t strange the opposition sees issues different from the NRM. As the NRM and the authorities are arresting, detaining and directly using oppressive means to silence the opposition. All means, all laws and all organizing proper party works are monitored, followed and if you misstep you get arrested. While the NRM can do whatever it will. This is not something Mwenda touches, because that destroys the Saint Museveni, as he sees him these days.

“Uganda’s opposition is deluded. They believe they occupy such a superior moral ground, that they are so awesome and cool, their position is so self-evidently righteous; so they do not need to win over people. They believe everyone should support them as of right because they are “liberators.” They believe, and I think correctly, that most Ugandans are frustrated with Museveni and his NRM. However, they mistake this to mean most Ugandans love them” (Andrew Mwenda, 30.09.2019).

If the NRM is so loved and Museveni has such an popularity. Why does he need the army to make every single by-election looking like a war-zone? If his so loved, why does his RDCs order the radios from blocking opposition from being on-air? Why if the NRM is such a popular party, why does it give monetary and things to the voters to get votes? If the NRM is so popular, why does it has to detain the People Power coordinators and other opposition activist ahead and in the final days of the polls?

Why, Mr. Mwenda, why isn’t this mentioned? That because, that breaks the ideal of this so-called popularity. Also, why no mention of the open bazaar of pre-ticked ballots into the By-Election that the NRM “won”.

If his so loved, why does he have to pay the citizens and voters to get their vote? That doesn’t make sense to me. But neither does saying corruption and counting cars in the streets say anything about the growth potential in the Republic. However, you believed in this and now you writing such things like this.

Mwenda is a lost soul, but we know why. His free-thinking days are gone. His blind-sided and we has to expect that. He will defend murder for the case of the NRM. He will defend theft and thieving for the case of the NRM. He will defend election rigging for the case of the NRM. No matter what the NRM does, it is better than anyone else. Because, Mwenda cannot have his place or prestige without the NRM. His bound by the fate of the NRM.

The yellow has to pump in his veins, if not his ability to have a proper meal ticket goes away. That is why he cannot strike against the NRM. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee’s marvellous attempt to celebrate victories in the recent by-elections!

“The NRM will continue to perform while the Opposition continues to lie. Performance will outlive lying. The NRM, however, must address the organization weaknesses” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 28.09.2019).

There is something special about President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. I don’t know if he knows it himself. But usually, he deflects all the ills of his own regime and puts it on the Opposition. If there was anyone who has eaten foreign aid, whose taken foreign loans and grants. It is him. If it wasn’t for foreign backers, his army and his security outfits wouldn’t be as functional and operational as it is. Therefore, he should be careful to critic the need for foreign backing. Because, his government have thrived on it. To say something else is an lie, but Museveni lives on lies and spread lies. The truth hurts and he doesn’t want to do that.

The performance of NRM wasn’t stellar, but that is not needed. They control all parts of government, they have appointed men doing the tally and they can finesse results as they see fit. The charade can continue, while mighty Mzee can profess his stories, his narratives as the latest victor of the 1980s. That is what he does. In the text dropped today, he dropped a history lesson, I will not indulged into that. But maybe Mzee forgot in the bush, he asked (Pike) to tell the British to give a 1,000,000 bullets and arms to beat Obote II, as referenced in his recent book.

Therefore, when he asked for foreign help. It was always dandy, because it helped his cause and his mission. His own victories and his own self-styled presidency for life. But, nobody else should do that. Because, that is undemocratic. Even getting arms from Libya during the Bush-War would now be seen as unpatriotic, by this old man, but his forgetting. He did that, but will not confess to it.

I’m just taking snippets of the text he released, because its the a-typical text from him. With all achievements, percentages and long-term change since 1986. Not, what it has done in the recent decade and who assisted the government in doing so. Even if the USAID or anyone else contributed the main funds, he will deflect that, because the GoU and NRM did it all.

“What the Opposition cannot kill, no matter how hard they and their foreign backers work, is the enduring love the population of Uganda have for the NRM on account of its programmes- right from 1981- when we came out as a distinct political-military organization. Especially now, with the massive development and transformation taking place in the Country, it is pathetic to see these Opposition members , zooming around the country at break-neck speeds on our brand- new tarmac roads built by the NRM from zero, saying that NRM has done nothing!! It is so shameful and pathetic but it is good for the NRM” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni 28.09.2019).

It is unique for a President who rely so much of the funding of these infrastructure projects and developments from foreigners. Even the recent three packages of oil roads are solely paid 85% on Chinese loans and 15 % of the Government of Uganda given mostly to Chinese contractors. I could go on, but that is boring. That is why, when the development projects are so costly, prices per kilometres are spiralling out of hand, the Kampala-Jinja Expressway is so expensive. That my mind shattered reading the price. However, the opposition should praise these marvels of bloated priced roads? Seriously?

Who will pay it, the citizens and the future generations, when Mzee is long dead and his remains are praised by Andrew and Odrek. The rest is wondering, how society to get tricked to buy into these schemes and letting the state eat of all the money. Just for some tarmac and road-construction. Not like these loans and developments are sending people to Mars. No, they are letting South Sudanese businessmen into Gulu.

As Mzee continues:

“Having failed to convince the people, then the Opposition plans to cheat and be violent. Here, they are assisted by a Police force that had been infiltrated by, Kawukumi (emuungwe). Why should a Police personnel tolerate somebody using bad language in political campaign? You have no right to speak rudely to any Ugandan or to beat anybody. I was told that the Opposition elements were trying to riot and destroy property in the area because they had been blocked by slightly better organization to repeat the cheating they did in Arua, Jinja and Bugiri. Their schemes will fail. The little skirmishes the Opposition engineers, help me to see the resolute cadres of the NRM that will take that glorious Movement to a higher level. I thank all the NRM cadres that stood resolutely against the schemes of the unpatriotic elements” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 28.09.2019).

When speaking of conviction, the party known for voting bribery, voter tourism and pre-ticked ballots. Shouldn’t speak of cheating, neither with their force of using the state apparatus to arrest, detain and silence the opposition in the important hours of counting and on election day. Which doesn’t happen to the NRM, even if they use state resources, cars and other venues to trigger voters their way. So, when saying it was rigging in the lost by-elections, his directly saying, that only happens when the opposition are winning? Did you see that?

The man who makes and orders from above, to send the military police, the flying squad and whatever other outfits to arrest. He claims they are violent in their language. This coming from the man, who calls opposition vermin, parasites and so-on. The Leopards Anus, should clean his own mouth, before calling out names. He should look into his own track-record. He calls the other parties, the opposition unpatriotic, which means they are opposed to him. Because, him as the fake father of the nation, is the one your supposed to have sworn loyalty to and not to the ideal of the Republic. “For God and for Country”.

Enough of this forged narrative. We seen this enough times, when does this ever get old? When can I stop debunking the same sort of spread sheet?

Well, time will tell. Peace.