Opinion: Museveni using the COVID-19 as an excuse to arrest Bobi Wine

Today in Luuka District as Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was about to campaign. Was arrested brutally by the local police. They took him first to an “unknown” location, but that was later reported that he is detained in Nalufenya Police Station in Jinja District.

It is not shocking that it’s happening. Since the day of nomination this was bound to happen eventually. No real candidate challenging the President and his party will go through scuffle-free. Today is just the day this got real.

Not that Bobi Wine haven’t been there before already. The Presidential Candidate have already been scorned, touched and felt the brute force of the authorities. So, when he decided to stand and be the flag-bearer he knew this would be his fate.

The Luuka Police is charging him with the Penal Code article 171, which states:

171. Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease.

Any person who unlawfully or negligently does any act which is and which he or she knows or has reason to believe to be likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for seven years” (Penal Code, 1950).

So, the state is using a colonial law, which still makes sense during a pandemic. However, they are using it on the opposition, but the same law isn’t used against their own party cadres who are throwing big rallies and processions for the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The Luuka Police does this to stop and silence the opposition. They wouldn’t have done this, if these crowds was showing up for Museveni and his campaign convoy. That would not happen. Bebe Cool could be running around like crazy and be jolly with people on the streets.

Therefore, we know the deal and this is impunity against the campaign of Bobi Wine. This would never ever happen to Museveni. He would never be touched, scorned or even punished for anything. His ground is anointed and blessed. While the others has to ask for his blessing to be able assemble and be active.

This is why Bobi Wine is in trouble… and is charged like he is. Bobi Wine will get plenty more charges, more arrests and have cases all across the Republic. That will happen as long as President Museveni is ruling supreme. That has happen to others who has aimed at the throne and that is now the journey ahead for Bobi Wine. It isn’t justice, but the selective rule of law, which is the NRM way. Peace.

Bobi Wine brutally arrested in Luuka District

Police has arrested NUP presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, and taken him to an unknown place. Bobi Wine has been arrested at his campaign venue in Luuka District following a scuffle between his supporters and security” (97.8 Kazo FM Omushomesa, 18.11.2020).

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have been stopped in his tracks. The National Unity Platform (NUP) and People Power Movement Presidential Candidate have now been arrested. After the police and law enforcement have cracked down on the campaign rally of Bobi Wine. They have also arrested journalists and others. While tear-gassing the venue and such.

This is the difference between the “real” opposition and the ones who are running for the ruling regime. That the opposition will be incriminated and they will pin charges on you. While the ruling regime can do similar actions, but not get any crackdown from the authorities.

Today, it’s Bobi Wine. Tomorrow it’s someone else who dares to challenge the throne. They will either use the means of Public Order or COVID-19 as an excuse to arrest him this time around. A systemic way to oppress and silence the opposition.

Bobi Wine have been lucky that this didn’t happen before… he has been blocked and tear-gassed, but not arrested. So, that it lasted this long was luck in a way. That the authorities waited this long. Because, when you do challenge the State House or the “High Above”. Expect to be punished and suffer. There will be consequences…

These consequences we are seeing today. Bobi Wine isn’t the first to be here and will not be the last. Especially, if the state is able to contain the popularity and the campaign of NUP. That is what they want. While they want to look like a winning team, yet again.

We can easily see that Bobi Wine is the main target and the ones who gets the brutal treatment from the state. He is the man who is the competitor and have the message, which the state wants to silence.

This is just the way they operate and have done for years. Expect some ridiculous charges, excuses and a mockery of “trial”.

It is now reported that Bobi Wine is detained at Nalufenya Police Station in Jinja district. However, the case will go nowhere and its just a phony act to stop him from campaigning. Peace.

Bobi Wine’s vehicle tear-gassed in Mbale

The National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential Candidate was scheduled to hold campaign rallies in Mbale today on the 15th November 2020. The Police Force thrown tear-gas cannister inside the vehicle of the candidate. This shows the impunity of the police regarding the opposition. Opposition candidates have been blocked from campaigning across the republic. However, this was the worst example just today.

That the car of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was smoking today. It was a bad Marlboro Ad or a looking like the car was about to catch fire. Alas, that was not the case. This was just the run of mill operation by police officers. Who has no issues with tear-gassing an Presidential Candidate. Just like they have no issues using it as a tool to get people dispersed too. This is what they do…

In the run-up to General Election in 2021 is no different from the past. This sort of thing has happen a few times with Dr. Kizza Besigye too. He was partly blind for a while because of the sprayed liquid on him in April 2011. Also, been happening to him in 2015 and in 2016. They have destroyed his vehicle and violently taken him into custody.

This is police brutality that Uganda Police Force delivers. Per orders from the “high above” this is the tactic of intimidation and humiliation. They are misusing power and doing it deliberately. A sort of Modus Operandi and its like they are proud of it too. Like a badge of honour. I also was able to cause havoc and pain on either citizens or the opposition.

What happened to Bobi Wine shouldn’t have happened. However, we shouldn’t be shocked. This is what they do. Also, if you don’t know. Bobi Wine is the main target this campaign season. After that comes Patrick Oboi Amuriat. After that comes the rest in random order. Peace.

A look into Bobi Wine’s Manifesto Launch Speech

Our assurance is that when we take over government, which we shall soon do, the people of Uganda will for the first time in history become the bosses and the leaders will be servants!”Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine on the 7th November 2020

Today was the day the National Unity Platform finally launched its manifesto. This after being blocked from doing so yesterday and moved to stadium outside of Mbarara. The NUP shifted place,e but goals stay the same. I will look into key points from this speech. As this sets the tone of it all. He continues on the 5 point programme to revitalize the government, which I have already analysed before in comparison to Museveni’s 10 Point Programme. So, it is natural that the Manifesto has focus on this.

However, what is key is some other statements during the speech. Which shows his sentiment and his belief that he can make a difference. Where the NUP and People Power can come into play. That is what I am looking for here and will discuss.

Fellow citizens, before I go into any policy alternatives, allow me to mention that the greatness of any nation does not lie in having a beautiful manifesto or even in having many well written policy documents. The greatness of any nation lies in the commitment of leaders who say what they mean and mean what they say. It lies in having patriotic leaders who relate with the challenges of ordinary citizens. Brothers and sisters, the greatness of any nation lies in having leaders who are focused on the next generation and not on the next general election” (Bobi Wine, 07.11.2020).

Here he state a mere fact. This is something the National Resistance Movement has done for ages. The NRM have come with beautiful plans and policies. However, they haven’t implemented it. They have come with pledges and promises, but never delivered on it. Here it seems like Bobi Wine has the right focus. To think further than an election cycle, but a generation ahead.

It speaks to a government which does not care whatsoever about the plight of the people! The election year is yet again upon us, and yet again, Gen. Museveni has come again with the same promises, which he has no intention of fulfilling- not now, not in the future. This is the tragedy of Uganda” (Bobi Wine, 07.11.2020).

The recycling and repeating promises of the regime is tiring. The state and the President have come at every election cycle with huge promises, which he will never keep. Costly and needed pledges, which he has no tab to cover. Just what the public wants to hear, but not deliver. That is what he has done and still has no plan doing. Therefore, Bobi Wine is speaking the truth here. A truth the NRM and the President will hurry to dismiss…

In a nutshell ladies and gentlemen, A vote for NUP is a vote for a renewed commitment to the dignity of all citizens of Uganda. For the respect of fundamental human rights. For the recognition that all citizens are equal before and under the law. That will be a new Uganda for us. A Uganda In which citizens are free to enjoy their God given rights and freedoms” (Bobi Wine, 07.11.2020).

This statement from Bobi Wine came after he listed several of pledges, as he promised to nearly all parts of the citizens to see changes. Where the limitations of state, changes of governance and direct government. Like less cabinet members and other technical changes to save the state so it could prioritize funds for civil service and public service in general, which in the end would deliver better government services to its citizens. Not only be a government filled with patronage and corruption.

He really speaks with velocity of change, in a manner, which only resembles Besigye. That is what he did with the speech today. As he launches a manifesto. A manifesto that only reflects all the things the NRM have failed over the years. Because, if the NRM had delivered and done their duty. The NUP and Bobi Wine wouldn’t need to deliver these pledges and promises of change.

The final key to let it happen is this:

This is a liberation struggle. It will take all of us citizens to complete this mission” (Bobi Wine, 07.11.2020).

He cannot do this alone. To become the servant with an office. Bobi Wine needs to the citizens to join the struggle and the challenge to defeat the regime. That will not be easy. This has been proven before and will be the truth again. If the public wants someone else than Museveni. They have to fight and be resilient. It isn’t a one-man job, but a mission for everyone. Hopefully the public is listening. Peace.

Uganda Law Society Statement on the Police Brutality during the recently concluded 2021 Presidential Nominations (04.11.2020)

Opinion: The UPF should just launch the “Operation Red Beret”

The Uganda Police Force came out with a statement to the grand public after they raided the National Unity Platform offices in Moroto today. This just show how far the state goes against and their expression of their party colours and clothes. That they are wearing military fatigue and the red berets. This the state is clearly targeting, as they have already raided the offices in Jinja and in Kamwokya, Kampala for the same reasons.

Today’s statement says this:

This morning (05th November 2020) at about 0714/c, a joint security intelligence led operation succeeded in arresting one suspect identified as Angulo Andrew Lokong, the NUP coordinator in Karamoja. The operation was carried out in the area of Camp Swahili South division in Moroto municipality. This follows a series of videos that were seen making rounds on social platforms this week, showing youths dressed in clothes similar to government stores (military attire). The suspect has been charged and is detained at Moroto Police Station. A search has also carried out following his arrest. Further investigation into this matter is on going to bring all the perpetrators to book. Military uniform or clothes similar to it, or any other government stores for that matter are a prerogative of the government and should no be abused in any way” (Uganda Police Force – ‘ABUSE OF GOVERNMENT STORES’ 05.11.2020).

The state is clearly targeting the NUP and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. There is no other way to look at it. Just like the state has made a Joint Committee with security organizations and media houses. This is all acts done to stop the party from campaigning and able to get more grass-root support.

The UPF cannot deny the fact. They have never arrested any NRM with a yellow similar looking military attire. Never had any issues with NRM members wearing fatigue or even military inspired clothes. The President have even wore it in Parliament and for speeches to prove a point. The NRM at Kyankwanzi is copying the UPDF to a tee.

Therefore, it is easy to state how the Police Force is a partisan organization. Just like the NUP is targeted this time around. The UPF have gone after dr. Kizza Besigye and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

They are clearly targeting the NUP with a purpose. Just like they did arrest a 70 year old lady for wearing red clothes. The same way they arrested some T-Shirt makers for making it with a picture of Besigye. The state is doing the same sins, but has another target this time around.

It is the colour red, the NUP and Bobi Wine. The message and the powerful signal of their clothes is raising alarm for the authorities and the “high above” who has to prove a point. Because, nobody is supposed to really challenge him. This is why he goes so hard against Bobi Wine and his associates.

They are daring and aiming at the King. They best not miss. Bobi Wine have to be strong, because the state will not let go. The UPF and NRM are doing this to scare and intimidate. This is what they do. Just prove that they are the oppressors, who has one law for their own and another for others.

This should be codenamed as “Operation Red Beret” … that would be fitting. Because this is just going after that. That is the message the UPF is telling the public. At least the memo I am getting by the deliberate actions made by the authorities in the cases concerning the NUP. Peace.

A look into Bobi Wine’s Nomination Speech

I take this opportunity to announce that what we are witnessing right now is the launch of a very critical phase in our struggle to liberate ourselves from a dictatorship which has crippled our country for more than three decades!”Bobi Wine (03.11.2020)

Today on the 3rd November, the National Unity Party President and now nominated Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine held his speech at Kyambogo University Cricket Grounds. This I have overlooked today, because of the actions made by the authorities. They showed their fierce manner and didn’t do honour to the Presidential Candidates. Not only Bobi Wine, but also Patrick Oboi Amuriat.

However, this story will be looking into the speech made by Bobi Wine. Where I will take passages and discuss these briefly. Just to bring some reflection into his speech. There is also a vast difference on the manner, which it was made. In comparison to the President announcement of Manifesto and launching his campaign with a warning. That is why it needs a little dive into it.

A really touching start to his speech with these lines:

Countrymen and women, I come before you not as the most experienced person, but as the most committed person, ready to lead the mission of turning a new page in the history of our country. For the last 58 years, our nation has suffered so many problems, key amongst which have been dictatorships, each trying so hard to outdo its predecessors in violence, looting and plunder. We have not witnessed a peaceful transfer of power from one government to another” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

Here is following the parallels to what Dr. Kizza Besigye have been saying for ages. This isn’t new, but his way of inserting himself into the same struggle. This show maturity of him. As his acknowledging the same issues as previous freedom fighters has fought for.

And three years ago, this greed caused him to act in the most shameful manner, and the last safeguard in form of age limit was removed. Museveni, like Idi Amin declared himself president for life for our country. Little did he anticipate that this generation would stop at nothing to put an end to his regime! And so today I have news for Gen. Museveni- since you have failed to control your greed and lust for power, our generation is determined to save you from yourself and stop your life presidency project” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

Here he aims directly at the heart of the regime and the self-styled President for Life. Where he shown his character and fierce tone. Where he goes for his title and also the way he runs things. In a way undress the truths that everyone knows. It is not like this isn’t common knowledge, but he says it directly.

I present myself not as a boss, but as a servant of you, the people! While our detailed plan of action towards a new Uganda will be presented to you in our manifesto, allow me to state that we will run a people centered government which will focus on these areas” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

Here is was contrasting himself to the President. The President is usually bashing himself in glory and is doing this all for himself. That is something he has stated in interviews as well. That he doesn’t work for the public, but works for himself. This is something the President said on several occasions. Therefore, here Bobi Wine played a smart card to prove how his different to the President.

Fellow Ugandans, there are many other things we plan to do for our nation, some of which are entailed in our manifesto. Gen. Museveni has destroyed so many dreams of Ugandans. But today we say to you, dare to dream again. We can and shall transform our nation. A nation that has been reduced into a laughing stock shall once again rise to the top and be the true pearl of Africa” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

This here is the words of a statesman wishing people to dream and wanting to make a vast difference. Where he wants to be the opposite of the President. That is very clear and he got to be different to matter. This is why the words like this is so powerful and touching. Because his heart is in a good place.

He ended with a real salvo:

To all Ugandans out there, we rally you to treat this not as a usual election but as a revolutionary election. The stakes are so high. The transition stares us in the face. We have entered the ring and we shall not come out. This is it. It is a battle between the past and the future. The old and the new. Power is now in the hands of the people of Uganda and they can choose who to trust it with. For all those who have been waiting for the time, it is now. Tusimbudde paka Entebe mu ntebe. This is a mission to Freedom. We are removing a dictator” (Bobi Wine, 03.11.2020).

These words are the ones that triggered Lt. Gen. Kainerubaga Muhoozi earlier today. Where he said he would destroy Bobi Wine. We have seen what the state does and how they are targeting him. Arresting him and re-arresting him. Therefore, the words of a revolutionary elections is needed. Because, the polls is only a tool or a weapon. As the system is working directly against Bobi Wine. The NUP will not win by the ballot, but will win by a popular uprising. This is what his saying here indirectly, which is true. That is something the National Resistance Movement (NRM) fears, as they have seen other dictators fall for the same reason.

Bobi Wine held a great speech. One for the books. This here should have been a watershed moment. A speech that would be discussed. However, the brutality of the arrest and re-arrest have been the talking-points. That is for a reason. Naye, we should not forget a speech like this. Peace.

Two Days of Nominations: As different as night and day…

On the 2nd November and 3rd November 2020 we noticed two very different Presidential Nominations. This was an deliberate act of the state. They are showing who is the accepted ones an the ones who are targets. At least that is the signal the state is giving these days.

Yesterday, everything was peaceful. The town was Yellow. The Presidential Convoy could pass and he could have as many people as he wanted to his nomination. He could be joyful and warn other candidates. The President could use all the time in the world and the supporters could gather everywhere.

The President bashed in glory with his friends and associates. The Media Houses was all there in peace. Looking at the events and following the party to launch the Manifesto. The same happened to all the other candidates. There was no real fuzz or issues. They could all pass in their convoys and go for their nominations without any big whoop.

However, the Police Force besieged Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Headquarters already on the Second November. They were there and guarding the offices there. As they anticipated the FDC and their activists to prepare for the next day.

On the 3rd November. The Police Force arrested several of people in and around the FDC Headquarters. This being the arrest of the FDC Spokesperson Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju. Also other activists was taken away and whisked into police cars.

In the same morning the police officers and such had put on road-blocks from Wakiso to Kyambogo University Cricket Grounds. They used tear-gas on the public. The authorities used violence and pre-emptive strike against the citizens supporting Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. That was evident all across, as the police officers and soldiers was on the streets using all means to disrupt and scare people away. This also slowed the convoy down towards Kyambogo.

On the other hand. Patrick Oboi Amuriat wasn’t followed to Kyambogo by the authorities. He was brutally taken into the police van. The Presidential Contender for FDC was taken even without his shoes and nomination documents to Kyambogo. He was blatantly taken without his entourage and his papers. They just arrested him and dropped him off.

While Bobi Wine came late to Kyabogo and went through the Nomination. However, he was brutally arrested right after. Taken first to unknown location, before he was dropped at his home in Magere. He planned to leave and launch his Manifesto in Kyamwokya. What happened was that he was re-arrested and the general public stood their grounds for hours. The Police Van where he was arrested in and sitting in. While awaiting move away from his home. Instead, the police was blocked from taking him from his compound. As he was for hours arrested in a car on his own compound.

Today was as dark as night and yesterday was as sunny as the morning. Yesterday the sun was shining, but when today happened the sun was blocked from appearing. That was an deliberate act by the state to cover the sun. They enjoyed to bash in glory themselves, but just bring pain and suffering to the ones that oppose it.

Today the authorities, the state and the law enforcement are partisan groups working directly for the President. If they were there to shield the general public and be there for all citizens. It would not look this and they would not come out with statement’s like they did. Because, nothing like this happened yesterday. Today could have been as peaceful and been a celebration of the ones aspiring to be Presidents today. However, that wasn’t a case.

Today could have been a good day, but instead it was a dark day. A grim day. A day where the state again showed its true face. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: The Joint Task Force Strongly Condemns Acts of Violence during Nominations (03.11.2020)

Renewed Uganda: Press Release (03.11.2020)