Opinion: A lot of flair, but very little substance in Mao

It is about that time. The Democratic Party internal elections ahead of delegations conference before the General Elections of 2021. Just like it was in 2010, 2015 and now in 2020. This happens every five years. Nobert Mao is on his second term and near the end of it. He was first elected to it in 2010. If elected again, it would be his third term as Party President. 

Over the years his stance and his significance has dwindled. Even other voices in the party matter more. Even more of his own cadres has been associated either with the NRM or with Besigye. The DP party is more split than ever before. This being MPs whose even have chosen to be by Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement. Meaning, the alliances is individually picked.

The DP Party isn’t a party of strength. Neither is it a party of loyalty. When DP MPs picks themselves to be Ministers and abandons the party along the way. Neither, is it that people choose sides between the Pressure Group and the People’s Government. That shows how the secretariat and the lack structure is there.

While the DP Party still have tried to be relevant with both the DP Block, which got two former cadres back in the fold to create the DP Block. Also, tried to tie in Bobi Wine and Mugisha Muntu in the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the 2021 elections. Neither has succeeded.

Now, as the internal primaries is scheduled and rows are surfacing. Mao speaks of loyalty and claims party members are acting ill-loyal. Well, he haven’t sanctioned that in the past. He didn’t ban or stop Mbidde from gathering in around Museveni. Neither, did he stop the other from becoming part of the cabinet. Thirdly, he was only mad that two vital leaders joined the People’s Government. While he was silent on the ones associating themselves with Bobi Wine. So, his not consistent. At least not in respects to where people should go and what they should do.

Not like Mao has made a path, except for showing up as regular on NBS Frontline. His staple and uses his flamboyant style, but his not coming across as a unique leader. No, his just another man whose happen to have a title.

Mao acts like his supreme, like his Devine and shouldn’t be challenged for the Presidency in his own party. That should be false, especially if the party should differ from the NRM. Which is the main challenger ahead of 2021. Unless, they are kidding themselves and wants to be a NRM-Light. Something it has looked like for years and only a given few has gone astray. These has gone to greener pastures to leaders who really tries to fight the Self-Styled President for Life.

Alas, here we are in 2020. Mao talking out of his ass. Acting aloof and unjustifiable so. We can act indifferent. However, we should know that he wants to reign the party. He earns on being in the President. Not like he will try again as an MP in Gulu. He should, because that he got a shot to succeed. While, he doesn’t have a change by any margin to uproar society and elect him President of all.

Mao couldn’t even run as a candidate in the previous election, and he was abysmal as a Presidential Candidate in 2011. Don’t expect magic from him in 2021. He was also one of the proud donkeys supporting Mbabazi. So, we know how compromised he can become. That is just the way it is.

If he continues like this its soon a micro-NRM. A small lookalike and a front of an opposition party. Where the beholden leader by nature is Mao. Instead of elections, it is selections of the ones loyal to him. Instead of people picking the most viable candidates. Is that what Mao wants? Seems so, right? Peace.

Opinion: Is Bobi Wine banned from the public?

Well, why do I ask? Well, yesterday at a thanksgiving ceremony in Kasanda North. Robert Kyagulanyi MP aka Bobi Wine was not allowed to participate or to hold a speech. As he was invited by the son-of-the deceased Patrick Nsamba MP. The DPC pleaded the People Power MP and his associates to leave. Before he teargassed the venue and ordered anyone to leave. Even grabbed the microphone from the public and promised to shoot if people didn’t leave.

That is the state of affairs within the Republic. As a Presidential Candidate whose not allowed to consult, speak nor hold concerts. Bobi Wine is practically blocked from his profession, his possible outlet of political activism and as a person, which freedom of speech is silenced.

The People Power Movement is stifled at any given day. The Police Force is there, ready, set and armed to harm and to violate people. They are doing it for “security”, but more as a brutal force to stop him from speaking and engaging the crowds.

Now, he wasn’t allowed to participate and be a part of a thanksgiving ceremony, which he was invited too. That is how petty, how belittling the state is. There is no boundaries to these sort of efforts. Where the man got to be silenced.

That’s why there needs soon to be a amended law, which states: “Thus from this date … … the ones associated with People Power Movement, Robert Kyagulanyi and et all; Are though not allowed to participate, be in public nor able to function as viable citizens. As they are a threat, a terrorist organization and hoodlums, which from now on. Shall only be allowed to certain limited freedom, which entails eating in own homes, be in office and within smallest margins of the population. Thus not generate crowds, processions and other public functions, which gathers more than three people at any given time”.

Because, if the state did that. It would be sincere. Not that it would be any good. Not that it would be justified, but by its actions towards the man and his associates. It would make sense. As the President can be gallivanting where-ever he may please, do whatever sort of public stunt and rally without any consideration in the world. While Bobi Wine cannot even look at a public venue, before seeing the Police and their orders from “high above”.

I would wish this was joke, but this is serious. This is how severe things are. That there is no escape from the madness and the toils of the police. They go these steps to silence someone. They have done this to others in the past and continues to harm them as well. But the big-man of the hour is Bobi Wine. Peace.

Opinion: Does the POMA only apply to the Opposition?

Why do I ask this question to myself? Why does ask it all?

Well, the circumstance of the Public Order Management Act of 2013 was designated to control and monitor the actions of Dr. Kizza Beisgye. That’s why it came to existence in the first place. We all should know that by now, but for the ones who didn’t, I was glad to inform you.

With this in regard, as the Police Force issued a statement of monitoring consultation meetings and claiming threats of public safety. While at the same time, the President held campaign meetings and long walks. Either there was no issues where he was, but everywhere else where the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) did party works or where Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine did their thing.

So in regards to that, it seems like the POMA is targeting only the opposition like Besigye and Bobi Wine. Muntu is walking free and also Moses Byamugisha, but they are not a threat to anyone. Mugisha Muntu wouldn’t even touch a grasshopper if it was in his way. He would try to reason with it to let him pass. While seemingly Besigye and Bobi Wine are dangerous, like they are carrying diseases and nuclear weapons, as they are passing the republic trying to gather people around them.

Because, no matter what they do, they get into legal trouble. Neither missing the mark on the venue, not enough toilets, not enough sniffer-dogs, not enough paperwork and not enough windows to escape from the locations. There is always misgivings and reasons to shut it down. Take up the tear-gas, send the mambas, drag the cars, abduct the leadership to unknown locations. Like no matter what these men does, they will get into trouble.

I am sure they could have smallest gathering in the vaults of a bank and it would still be deemed unsafe. Even if that vault was built for a nuclear holocaust and the biblical apocalypse. It wouldn’t have enough doors, enough air or space for the Police Officers to secure the venue. They would block it and take the leaders to nearest prison anyhow.

It doesn’t matter if the People Power or FDC complies with the EC Guidelines and the POMA. The Police and the Army going to go all in. They will show no mercy and make excuses afterwards. Surely, the was something in the air, on the ground or intel that told that a grand macho narcissist of a terrorist would attend. That is why they had to block the venue, even if there is no proof of the existence of the terrorist. Still, the UPF and other agencies will claim so, until Jesus returns.

And as always, we can be rest assured that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) can hold rallies, processions and whatnot without any issues. There is never any issues with the NRM. They can just spontaneously put a tent in any town at any given time and call it rally without anyone bothering them. They can auction goats, cows and their souls without any consideration of POMA. Because, why bother right? They are the rulers, they reign supreme, the others should beg them.

That is how it seems, because the NRM can hold any kind of function without any police interference. Without the army bamboozling the crowds and tear-gas hurting toddlers. Well, that is because they rule the Republic, the others are dissidents.

As long as they are dissidents, the monitoring and the demands will follow. Because they are not following the paradigm of the NRM. That’s why it is like it is. We could laugh about it, but to many have been hurt by this policy. To many whose just by-standers and happen to be in town when the political actors are having their gatherings. So, many have been caught in this web and the ones to blame is the state authorities and their weapons. Since, the opposition didn’t come with guns, but came in SUVs to planned venues, no with intent of violence, but the violence that came was from the state. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Police Closely Monitoring Consultative Preparations (27.01.2020)

Opinion: Kania’s nonsense [concerning Bobi Wine]

It is the duty of security right now to see where Bobi Wine is. Whether they do it overtly or covertly, they must do it because Bobi Wine is an asset in this country. when he reaches the point of nomination that is when the IGP will come in and say now “you must be surrounded with this security, you cannot sleep in such and such a place,”Obiga Kania, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs (16.01.2020)

What Minister Kania said today about what the Police Force done lately with the People Power Movement and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is a lie or deluded. If Kania believes the words coming out of mouth. His surely not making sense. This is not common sense.

Kania might think this is a trick. That he can defend the actions of the Police Force, but it doesn’t. Because the PPM and Bobi Wine wasn’t shielded, defended nor secured in Lira or Kasangati. No, they were taken from the public space, arrested and forced away from their consultation meetings.

Bobi Wine wasn’t secured or safely treated by the authorities. Neither was any of his associates nor the activists who was supposed to be there too. They were all threaten and arrested. The public was bathed in tear-gas, live-bullets and whatnot.

The blocking of the venues, the threats to the owners of businesses closing it for the People Power. That is not for safeguarding Bobi Wine. All of this is a lie.

That is not how you treat assets for the Republic. The way you treat assets is the way you put President Museveni on a pedestal and let him held rallies in the middle of the streets in whatever town in the Republic.

What is also a bit funny. There was no covert operation in this, unless they had secret orders from high above stopping Bobi Wine. This wouldn’t be shocking, but also following a pattern.

That the state addresses Bobi Wine and misuse their power. Is what the state has done for ages with their opposition and dissidents. The ones they fear, they will ensure they will struggle to organize and do their political work. Find any way of doing so and also use the Public Order Management Act and Penal Code. Whatever fits the bill, any given day.

Therefore, Kania might think he was smart or even brilliant. But then again, than he thinks the public is stupid or dumb. That they will eat this crap and call it luxurious meal. Because, this is delusional blend of rubbish from the Minister.

Kania might able to sell this to a few, but the signs on the horizon is clear. The state is using their force to make it impossible to be Bobi Wine. Not because his an asset, but because his a target. They aim, they shoot and they detain. It is a game-drive, where the Simba (the Lion) is always captured. Peace.

Memo to Andrew Mwenda: If I am not your side, I’m an extremist then?

I know, I looked up to guys like you, Andrew Mwenda. Back in the day, I would have eaten your words. But with time, I have given up addressing you. Ironically, I do it today, because I got too. 

Your memo: “Memo to People Power: temumanyiira” dated 11th January 2020. Says everything people need to know about you. There are only bones, but no meat anymore. Its all ballistics and flair, but no sense.

He has sympathy, whatever that means, maybe his thoughts and prayers as the police arrests, tear-gas and blocking the People Power from holding Consultative Meetings. His calling them a cult with a cult-leader and calling their supporters intolerant extremists. That shows, his arrogance towards the ones supporting an political alternative to President Museveni and National Resistance Movement (NRM).

What is rare is how the memo is set-up, as it is addressing a statement that was supposed to a quote from Mr. Mwenda. Instead of addressing it with some sense, he attacks the them. He could have said it was false and asked for taking it down. Instead, he went on a minor rant towards the People Power.

Its funny that he ended the memo with this: “If you are desperate for my endorsement, I urge you to cultivate liberal democratic values of tolerance, respect for opposing views and reliable on verifiable facts to inform your opinions” (Mwenda, 11.01.2020).

Andrew, its really rich talking about tolerance and respect of other views. When your saying they are before this: “I have little respect for this cult, especially given its intolerance” and also “Neither do I think People Power can command a large following of Ugandans given its radical extremism” (Mwenda, 11.01.2020).

When you say this about them and claim this about People Power, but asking for tolerance and respect of opposing views. That doesn’t make sense, as your opposing their views and addressing them as radical extremist. Because, Mwenda your calling them out and then asking them to be something fitting you.

The ones who dropped the quote was wrong and misguided. But not like President Museveni and NRM haven’t dropped false propaganda and narratives to the public over the years. Not like you haven’t changed or gone to far either. You call anyone whose not associated with Museveni as extremists and radicals.

They are maybe not your kind, Mr. Mwenda, but do you understand; Why they might see themselves as freedom fighters?  They want to free themselves from the dictatorship. Which is evident by the actions done to them. They cannot even organize without meeting the police or getting arrested.

So, Mr. Mwenda, I would be radical or extremist in your eyes. Because, I am on the other side of the fence. I’m not fancying Museveni nor his kind. As I want to see people really liberated and have real freedom. Not being told by authorities and “high above” what to do. Therefore, your address is extreme in itself.

I wish the old you would see what your saying now. The youngster in you would not spoken like this. Neither will I today, even as disagree with NRM and everything it does. I would still let it speak, but I would not be in your manner. Because, if I am not better than you. Then I am just like you. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine and People Power are apparently inhaling wrong

Exhale, inhale, exhale inhale.

Whoosaaah…

Exhale, Inhale, exhale and inhale.

Take a breath. This week been hectic, a mess and the Police Force continues to harass and attack Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and the whole People Power Movement. The People Power are doing everything wrong. They are singing the songs in wrong tones, they are spreading the news of consultations badly and no matter what they does its just negative.

PPM and Bobi Wine are addressed in a manner, which they cannot do anything right. I am sure, the side of road they are driving is wrong. The way they pass into the sub-counties in up-country are apparently in the wrong way. They were driving on the wrong route into Lira and Kasangati. Neither were they able to say “hello” in Gulu. Just like they had to stop the consultation meeting in Adjumani too.

So, it is rich for the Police to say PPM is all wrong and don’t know this correctly. Bobi Wine is blamed for everything. It is just like he could be singing “Put the Blame On Me” by Akon. He could sing that on facebook and that would be real at this point. Because, no matter what Bobi Wine do. His to blame. He cannot cross the country without the Police Force being on his tail. They are prepared and armed to their teeth, with anti-riot police and everything.

That is why today’s statement is really enriching. As they police doesn’t take any blame for violent interceptions. For their pre-emptive arrests and their partisan politicking. Because, these folks and these authorities wouldn’t even side-step on any sudden public gathering around the President nor his campaigning outside of the Election Road Map for 2021.

So, the Police Force better get their act right. They are not acting righteous, but as a partisan force for the regime itself. They are singing a ordinary song, which happens to be a blame game. Bobi Wine should do this and that, but the Police Force did nothing wrong. It sounds insane, with the knowledge of a baby tear-gassed, own police officer shoot with a live-bullet and so-on. More stories are shadowed by the sealing of venues and tear-gassing towns across the Republic. But the Police Force will stand-up for that. Because, that mean they would pay for their sins, which they will not do.

Only, PPM and Bobi Wine is to blame. They got to be careful, while the Police Force can a vile force of venom and poisoning the political climate. They can poison the wells, but blame the public from drinking it. By all means, that doesn’t make sense.

So, exhale, inhale, exhale and inhale.

Whooosaa.

Exhale, inhale, exhale and inhale.

Breathe. Stop. Please. Think. This is some utter nonsense from the authorities. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Police Narrative on Stakeholders Meeting with Electoral Commission over Consultations (10.01.2020)

A Bridge too far: Bobi Wine dropped off at Karuma Bridge!

After yet another hectic day, as the police force arrested Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. As he attempted for the third time to hold his consultation meetings. This time it was in Lira, but the RDC and the Police Force didn’t allow him. Instead, they blocked the venue, tear-gassed Lira and used live-bullet too. While whisking away the MPs and Bobi Wine.

Therefore, for most of the day. We had no idea where Bobi Wine nor his comrades was at. Finally as the day closes and its been long. His been dropped at Karuma bridge, which is on the end of Murchinson Falls National Park and close to the Bobi-Masindi road or the Kampala-Gulu Highway. So, as a landing site for him to go back to Magere and Wakiso its golden one. However, this is not the way he wanted to return.

As of today, his been blocked in Wakiso district and Kasangati. His been blocked in Gulu and in Lira. Also, tomorrows consultation meeting in Adjumani has been blocked, as the venue has been intimidated and has denied Bobi Wine entry just like they did in Gulu the other day. Therefore, the events unfolding shows a pattern. As in three days his been arrested twice by the Police. By trying to facilitate and plan his own campaign for 2021. Which is practically impossible, even as he follows the guidelines and the codes.

It is ironic and sad, that his summoned to the Electoral Commission tomorrow, as his fourth attempt of consultation meetings is thwarted. It is like they are doing it all on purpose. There is always something wrong, the air is to tight, the flexing of MPs and the red berets are not correctly put on their heads. They got dress smart, look like gentlemen before entering a town and village. The police are saying they are savages and unkind people. At least that is how they are acting towards them. Like the People Power and associates are hoodlums and gangsters peddling crystal meth and heroine. When all they are trying to do is talk and meet. Exercising their rights to plan their campaign. Which is Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible franchise on steroids.

I’m sure at this point, the only way he can get into a venue to hold consultation meetings is being an action hero. Jumping directly from helicopters through the windows and barricades. Be a little bit of John Rambo, John McClane, Stacker Pentecost, John Shaft, Mace Windu and Chev Chelios. He got to be adventurous and show his flair. Poke the dragons and bite at the tigers. Because, it is not like they letting him enter into the front-door of any house of God or Hotel at this point. They are making places into war-zones and silencing the owners. Which the “Team Robert Kyagulanyi for 2021” have booked time and place for him.

That is why, the cowardice and the lack of rule of law in his concern is striking. Bobi Wine isn’t alone, his not the first, but the orders are clear as day. The actions of all public officers and police is evidently, make it impossible and stop his politicking. His not allowed, he doesn’t have the visa nor the blessing from “high above”. Bobi Wine hasn’t the powers of the anointed ones and neither their backing too. Because, his the stark contrast to the State House and the NRM. That is why they block him and detain him.

Even as of today, they used most of the day wasting time. Instead of having a certain plan of the drive and such. They used all day driving from one place to another and suddenly dropping off without any knowledge of the media and such at Karuma Bridge. Which by some calculations, if driven straight with no traffic is about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach from Lira. We know, that they took other routes than that. Since, Bobi Wine and associates was gone for hours. Who know what they could have done and such.

But this is the third day was useful for one single thing. It exposed again, the truth about the “democratic values” of the NRM and Museveni. Peace.

Bobi Wine, the Enemy of State: 3rd Day of Consultations and whisked away from Lira to unknown destination

Today, the People Power Movement and Bobi Wine with associates was supposed to hold an Consultation meeting in Lira. However, the RDC and the whole brigade of the state was adamant that wouldn’t happen on their watch. Nevertheless, the MP and his colleges showed up and was prepared to hold their “first” consultation.

That was not happening, as the venue was sealed off, the RDC of Lira had already ordered it to not happen and the Police Force was in town. Where they intercepted Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and others. They used live-bullets and tear-gas to disperse the crowds in the streets.

We know that other than the arrest of Bobi Wine, Mathias Mpuga, Francis Zaake and Muwanga Kivumbi has all been forced out from their cars and instantly arrested by the Police. Also, the People Power spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi have been arrested. Where they are now on a journey in detention to an unknown location. Who knows where this is going and how long this arrest will last.

This is one of the “pre-emptive arrests” and where the Penal Code comes in-handy for the Police Force. You could think on the third day, that the authorities would let-go and give-way. However, they are pushing up the ante, yet again.

This is the second time in a short while, where Bobi Wine MP have been arrested. Now with other associates than in the past, but both mentioned are MPs respectfully. So, its not like they are some random people catched by the Police. There is a media-blackout, as there was no one to monitor or able to follow the officers and it happen in a remote part of Lira, apparently.

What we do see, yet again is what the state does and how it appear ruthless in concern to the People Power and Bobi Wine. There is no mercy, no opportunity to even meet and greet. As the state is armed to their teeth and using their authority to arrest and detain the leadership at minute. Who knows why it didn’t happen in Gulu yesterday, but maybe the People Power wanted to take it slow after the arrested in Kasangati the day before.

We are just seeing an endless repetition of impunity and misuse of the law in favour of the state and use the law as a tool to oppress. The police isn’t there safeguarding the public, they are there to silence the critics of the state. Nothing else. They will use any excuse about the venue, about the paperwork and every code they can imagine. However, this sort of thing would never ever happen to loyalists or people regarded by the government. They can walk on water, while the People Power have to run through fire.

This isn’t an joke, but an continuation of what has happen in the past. The tools of silencing the opposition in favour of the President and his comrades. The rest got to listen and abide, while he can do his thing. The rest either have to bow their knees or suffer. Now, we see the ones suffering for standing up against the old man with the hat. It costs, second day of arrests, tear-gas and live-bullets. Last time in Kasangati, now in Lira.

Who knows where next, but this shows the lack of heart from this government. Which isn’t surprising, since it got none. Peace.