My letter to Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu – “With more years on my back, I respect your ways even more”

Dear Sir,

Retired Major General Mugisha Muntu, the National Coordinator or Party President of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), I got to say. I got to say one thing. Your mellow, pragmatic ways are understandable, but also a path that takes forever to make change. That’s just a fact, but the reality we live in. I understand why you act like this and takes this approach.

I got to say, I respect it and the way you handle yourself in public. As a politician and a leader, your mannerisms and choices, I have to vouch for them. They aren’t revolutionary or shocking in any regard. You are standing on principle and on your grounds. That is something many others cannot say.

Mugisha Muntu my writings on you in the past has been reflective on how you distanced yourself from the Defiance Campaign and how you created own fraction from within in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). It was you against Besigye and that shouldn’t have happened. You both work towards the same goal, but has different visions of approaching it. I can see that you two are brothers of the same struggle, but just act with alternative measures to gain true liberation and freedom in the Republic.

This isn’t words I would written in my hay-day of 2014 to 2018. I know, but I see things with other eyes. Aging has a way of making you see and oversee events with new eyes. That’s why the pragmatic and well thought acts are one way of doing it. Even if it is a slow measure and reformation by hoping the wheels fall off. It is an understandable approach, as it doesn’t cost and won’t be a dangerous path.

Muntu has seen conflict, seen the cost of liberation and been part of the struggle. As a leader and as a opposition for decades. He knows what price people are paying for their actions. Muntu has seen the price people are paying, the pain and the suffering they are going through. Therefore, we can acknowledge why he works this way.

Mugisha Muntu will address the current affairs and drop knowledge. That he does when he is invited. He shows up in solidarity, even with people who has betrayed him and the cause his fighting. Because deep inside, he knows these people have just acted in their faith and with their conscience in their fight in the same struggle.

That’s why you should respect Muntu. Not because his a party leader, a former FDC leader and someone who turned on Museveni. We who has been vocal supporters of Besigye. Should reflect on how we went hard on Muntu. I can see that was a bit to harsh and out of loyalty towards another fellow leader in the struggle. That’s something I have acknowledge and say, as anything else would be insincere.

Muntu deserves credit, acknowledgement and praise for what he has done. Not that he has moved mountains, but he has shown how a man can carry himself and silently building on his own. He has done so without going against the ones who went after him and vilified him. Which was wrong and I take my blame for my part.

I cannot take the time back or change it, but I can in this moment say: “I was wrong and I’m sorry”. More people should do the same too. As we all mature and gets more years on our backs.

Muntu deserves to be honoured and get his flowers. Not only nice remarks when his gone. No, he should be saluted, and people should study how he operates. As a man of honour and candance.

Best Regards

The Writer of Minbane

Opinion: Museveni’s tone deaf defence of the civilians tried at Court Martial…

Indeed, Uganda and many parts of Africa were and, in some cases are still, disturbed by these unprincipled actors. This is why that law provided that since you became a “soldier,” albeit an illegal one, be tried by a court-martial because it is the one that deals with guns. Besides, the court martial courts’ system is a subordinate one to the general courts of the whole country. If the Court Martial judged badly, the superior courts will rectify the issue. The advantage is that, in the meantime, these dangerous actors are legally being fed, medically treated by the State and are kept away from harming people. It is also good for the lawbreakers because that dangerous enterprise of theirs of killing People, can lead to their own deaths in the encounters with peace and law─protection agencies” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (12.12.2024).

Lord Have Mercy On Me. I need it and the sounds of the sweet tones of worship. Because this is just showing the fierceness and the vindictiveness of the totalitarian system of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The ones believing that His Excellency and Commander-in-Chief, the Head of State would be bothered or be really concerned about civilians tested in the Military Courts. His just proving defending it and being a supporter of it. This is the NRA or the NRM Way to a T. It is who the they are and they owning it too. The justification is just bonkers too.

If a man possess a gun or arms. Then you are justified to be tried in a Military Court. Anything in connection with ammunition or even fire-arms. Than you should expect to be tried by the army. Even when your a civilian and haven’t had any connection or any sort of time to enlisted or be an official cadet in the armed forces. That is what is happening here and these non-independent tribunals and military courts are obvious tools of suppression and usage of the monopoly of force by the state to apprehend, detain and convict the ones who are opposing their ways. Seriously, the old man takes people for fools.

Just continue to read his reasoning here!

Here, the focused and you could say dedicated court martials, do the preliminary work, release the obviously innocent and convict the guilty and sentence them. The convicted can appeal. In the meantime, the country is peaceful because the disturbers are State guests at Kitalya and other prisons. Should we have a Referendum on this issue? Why would lawyers not see what the ordinary mwanainchi sees? If we were to have Referendum in the affected districts neighbouring Karamoja on this issue, I am sure 100% would support the law” (Museveni, 12.12.2024).

The Court Martial haven’t been used at cattle-rustlers or such, but is known for being used against civilians, activists, political opponents and whatnot who are in opposition to the NRM. The Court Martial is a tool and an instrument of keeping people bound by law and pre-sentencing them indefinitely. Until the case goes cold and the state doesn’t care about the alleged criminal conspirators anymore. That’s what these courts are about and the usage of it.

Jesus, I’ve forgotten the words that You have spoken

Promises that burned within my heart have now grown dim

With a doubting heart I follow the paths of earthly wisdom

Forgive me for my unbelief

Renew the fire again” – Michael W. Smith – ‘Lord Have Mercy (2002).

It is hard to believe we are here. That we are seeing this unfold, but it is telling. This shows the heart and the lack of care. The sinister and vindictive ways of the system. When it is built like that and used in this manner. The High Above is praising it and wants it to be used. That’s what we are seeing. The defence of the matter is so scrupulous too. Like is it only the army that can deem the usage and the timing of using weaponry? Is that how it is the Republic?

That is foolery and everyone should know it. It is unacceptable and there should be other remedies. This isn’t the way of a civilized society to handle affairs. Neither is this respectable for the peers and civilians. Who are the ones who are getting subjected to this treatment, as they are forced into chambers and into trials or tribunals, which are just settled or behest with people who are ready to penalize you. As it is following chain of command and not necessarily independent by any measurement. Therefore, it is really showing the bleak side of the authorities and the government.

When the Head of State and the President since 1986 is writing these words. It is just showing where his mind is at and what his willing to do. Because this is one of his methods to stay in office and get the troublesome people away from his path. Peace.

Besigye behind bars for 52 days [on the 7th of January 2025] without proper trial as a civilian…

“Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obed Lutale have been remanded to Luzira Prison until Jan 7, 2025. This follows a delay in constituting their defence team after lead counsel Martha Karua was denied a practicing license by the Uganda Law Council” (Nexus Media, 11.12.2024).

You know the Makindye Military Court and the authorities have targeted the opposition leader and activist Dr. Kizza Besigye, as they kidnapped and apprehended him in Nairobi, Kenya. Yesterday it was official that he will go 52 days without a proper trial or produced in court. As a civilian tested and tried in a Court Martial.

Meanwhile, we aren’t hearing about witnesses, production of evidence or any proof of the alleged crimes or conspiracy to do so. No, the state is just busy blocking the representation of Besigye in the Court. Also, they are just remanding it and not actually doing it. The typical act of the courts under this Museveni era.

They are deferring cases, keeping them remanded for ages and never ever delivering anything sincere in the Courts. That is what is going on here, as the political gambit and works are reflected in it all. As the lawyers are barred from entering and such. This case just shows how the President is having a hold on every entity of the state.

Dr. Kizza Besigye is captured, apprehended and charged because of who he is, and the state manufactures criminal conspiracy easily. We have seen how many times they claim the opposition plans to blow up gas-stations and create riots in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Region. That happens so often…

So, to believe the charges on the questionable gun-charges on him. Shows how the state works and elaborately tarnish any open dissent. Besigye is the nemesis that never left the realm of the state. A man who is vocal and has the ability to be relevant because of his message. A message the state wants to silence and doesn’t want people to react too. Therefore, it is so easy to make up a criminal prosecution and go after him.

We know this is made up charges and the misuse of power of the authorities. They are doing this because of the paranoia of the State House. The President cannot get over the enemy or his way of operating. This is why the President uses the Court Martial to prove his power. Alas, it shows how weak he is too. Because he has no validity or sincerity using it.

Besigye is a victim of his popularity and his way of manoeuvring. If Besigye was more silent and in the dark. He wouldn’t be touched, but since his in the spotlight and daring the state. That’s why they pick on him and pin him with crimes. Therefore, we are seeing it happening yet again. To a man that deserves better.

When he returns to the Court Martial over the new year’s…. He will be in custody for 52 days and counting. That just shows the impunity and misuse of law enforcement against a civilian. Besigye is a victim and should have his freedom. The guns and the allegations will be squashed, because they are fiction. Fiction deserves to be in books and not in Court documents. Peace.

Law Society of Kenya (LSK): Statement on the Law Society on the Decision of the Law Council of Uganda on Hon. Martha Karua, SC. (10.12.2024)

Joint Statement on the Abduction of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj. Obeid Kamulegeya from Kenya and their Arraignment before the General Court Martial (09.12.2024)

Opinion: Mpuuga renames a briefcase party into the Democratic Alliance

In a shocking move, plans to transform Dr. Abed Bwanika’s People’s Development Party into the Democratic Alliance have allegedly been finalized. A source who preferred anonymity claims plans to hold a delegate’s conference of PDP and resolve the name and communicate to the Electoral Commission, the way the National Unity Platform did” (NBS Television, 07.12.2024).

Yesterday, the former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga launched his civic organization that will turn into a political party, the Democratic Alliance (DA). That is what is happening and the DP Bloc is dancing along. Meaning the People’s Development Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) will either cease to exist or be part of it. As the DP Bloc has to become it.

Not like the PDP or the SDP of Mabikke had any suction or sincere approach nationally. The DP Block and the YDP reunion revitalized the Democratic Party. Now the former DP leaders are going under one arrow and becoming another entity on the outside of the DP party. People who has worked together and now becomes allies yet again.

It is funny if this happens… because Bwanika couldn’t become an MP on his own party ticket. He wasn’t able to get elected by his own party. Abed Bwanika needed the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the same was with Mpuuga MP too. This is why him and others left their former parties to join the NUP.

Now they are leaving the NUP and becoming the DA. This is bound to become a failure. Not only the lack of creativity and bad messaging from the onset. They are targeting the NUP and the leadership of the opposition. That’s what they did and they aren’t being a sincere alternative. However, that isn’t shocking anyone.

Nevertheless, the likes of Michael Kasibante, Juliet Nakakande, Michael Mabikke and Abed Bwanika isn’t a winning formula. It is a reason why they are stalwarts and isn’t able to create any sort of urgency for their political futures. No, they are awaiting the right turn and hoping this is their time to eat.

It is really special that Joseph Kabulate dodged a bullet and salvaged his future not being part of this. As he wants to be an honest fellow, but he will do it by his own self. Which is much harder and this is why the others are joining hands. Because they know they need each other and cannot gain any sort of relevance alone.

That the DA is made out of the PDP is a failure from the onset. They are reviving a briefcase and hoping it will become the launching pad. Nevertheless, there isn’t much hope in this. This party is bound to go up into thin air and infighting. This party is based on loose principles and lack of moral codes. That’s why they are gathering together in greed, which they hope this will sufficiently served with this unification.

To change the bumper-sticker on a briefcase doesn’t change the fact it is a briefcase with a new bumper-sticker. It doesn’t magically change the organization or the people behind it. Only that Mpuuga is now the head of it all and his sudden movement is apparently an revival. Alas, it didn’t feel like this yesterday and certainly not today.

Mpuuga MP should regret all of this. Whoever is advising him or whoever that is in his ear. They need to be enlighten. He should have taken it on the chin and been loyal to the NUP. That could have saved his career, but now we are at a wake. We can just order the casket and get the priest ready for the sermon. Because this is dead and ready to be announced as deceased by a fatal blow. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine needs to stand firm

There are so many sharks waiting for blood. It is so many people awaiting for his downfall. Even more people who are ready to take his spot and eat of meat that is left on the bones. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is under fire. His feet is burning, but in reality he should just keep his head high and continue as it goes. Because if he wavers or looks weak. That’s when his enemies will strike him even harder.

Right now with the defection of people to the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the possible loss of Mathias Mpuuga MP. He might lose Abed Bwanika MP and few others who are associated with the former Leader of Opposition. Fellow journeymen who came from the Democratic Party (DP) and was allies of Mpuuga before the creation of the NUP. That is all natural. We can all see it coming and we shouldn’t shed tears over them.

No, the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform needs to resolve and move on. It needs to show its true character and continue to push its dogma to the people. As people have been using it to eat and be part of the red wave. Plenty of people joined as they saw Bobi Wine and his party as a launching pad for own political careers. If not they used the party revive their dead careers and getting ahead. Therefore, it is time to invest in the activists and the grassroot leaders who are steadily building from the ground-up. Those are the assets ahead and not the popular MPs shifting parties ahead of polls. These can easily betray and only doing it to be re-elected and not really believing in the party they become flag-bearers for.

That’s what we are seeing. Bobi Wine need to stay calm and collected. He needs his team to assess things ahead and not only go on country tours. He needs to revitalize the centre and fortify the positions which will echo the sentiments of the population. That’s what the NUP needs to do and fast. As the elections of 2026 is already settled and the NRM is already using pawns to weaken the strongholds of the opposition. That’s what it does and it hopes to hurt the NUP in their counties that they have fought hard to win.

This is why the NUP needs to regain and re-issue its package. They need to show the need and urgency of the party. The party built on sacrifice and cost of fighting the dictatorship. The NUP needs to show its face and face the music too. They will be pushed and be ridiculed. That happened today from the Democratic Alliance (DA) but that isn’t necessarily true.

Bobi Wine needs to act and needs to be direct. There is a need for a clear and subtle message. Showing the people who are betraying the party. That these has to go. There is no need for journeymen and people using the party as a launching pad. The ones who are deflecting to DA or the Patriotic League should just go. They cannot be part of the idea or the party itself. These people have to go. They should be shown the door and be left behind. These people decided to go against their own party on their own behalf. Therefore, it is time to patch the hurt and accept the damage it possibly would cause.

The DA and PLU are threats to the NUP. Everyone single party are in direct competition with the NUP. That is the part of the game and the bargain of multi-party democracy. Even if the NRM is rigging and using the state machinery to have the majority regardless of who is on the ballot. That we know…

Nevertheless, Bobi Wine to be transparent and act with sense here. Show bravery and be vocal about the steps ahead. Because he shouldn’t look soft or be baffled. No, he needs to step up and be genuine, which we have seen before. He has stood tall in the midst of trouble and nothing positive coming his way. His been through much worse already, but now he can manifest his difference from others and prove them why his party matters. That’s what he needs to do and I know he can do it. Peace.

Opinion: A Journey-Man creates his own home [with his new Democratic Alliance]

We want to redefine our politics. I can see a lot of young people here who have dreams; this Democratic Alliance is your home” – Mathias Mpuuga MP (06.12.2024).

The ones believing the former Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga MP in 2024 is astonishing. His a project and someone must have invested heavily in him. As his on yet another journey and creating another venture. That is happening ahead of the next General Elections. Instead of acting as an alternative to the National Resistance Movement (NRM). All talks and shots was called against the former Presidential Candidate and Party President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.

When that is the sole objective and the works. That make it seems like there is another story to be told. Like they are doing this with a purpose. The former journeymen who joined the NUP and is now creating the DA. Together with the DP Bloc that wasn’t a part of the 2021 Elections together with the NUP. As those negotiations and talks didn’t go nowhere.

Now the same briefcase parties and same individuals who are stalwarts on the outside of the political spectrum are using their little leverage to boost Mpuuga. To make Mpuuga look like the coming king. When he isn’t even a prince or a custodian servant in a royal court. They call him “owek” but that is only out of courtesy. Let’s be real about that and we all know it.

In a few months the DA (Democratic Alliance) will transform into a political platform and will sponsor candidates at all levers including the President” (Mpuuga, 06.12.2024).

We have seen other splinters and fractions that has failed. The only good thing for Mpuuga and his merry men is that they have time ahead of the polls. The people and the team boosting the ego of Mpuuga. They got years to organize and create something. These people can build something and at least a functioning headquarters and possibly hold some functions to build some sort of following. Alas, that will be hard outside the electoral roadmap and without the blessings of the authorities.

We have seen the likes of the Alliance of National Transformation (ANT) of (rtd) Gen. Mugisha Muntu and his fellow allies. The ANT had much more promise and Muntu is vastly respected politician. A man of code and who has his manners of operating as an individual. That man is a epitome of leadership and trustworthiness compared to Mpuuga. Sadly he didn’t gain seats in Parliament, but is slowly building up his party after deflecting from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

When we have seen the likes of Muntu and now seeing Mpuuga. There isn’t much hope in the saga of leaving the NUP. The NUP and Bobi Wine has the party, they have the agenda and the dogma they abide by. Something that Mpuuga and his allies has dismissed as they went on their own potholed adventure into the wilderness. This will be bumpy and will be testy.

Tragically as Mpuuga uses the name of the Mbabazi and Go Forward electoral coalition, the Democratic Alliance (DA). The TDA wasn’t a winning formula and it didn’t deliver the operation or the successive election that Mbabazi sought after. Instead it was a depleting and fatigued campaigned ending in flatlined result. Which later has ended in Mbabazi cosying back up with the President and becoming a trusted man again. Just like Gilbert Bukenya returned and others has done too.

Mpuuga is using the DA before the 2026. His using the party name that echoes Mbabazi. His only losing “Go Forward” and having the bird. We don’t know what he stands for or what he will defend. Other than Mpuuga doesn’t mind the hustling and misuse of power for personal gains. That we know… and we have seen it. He won’t relent and is happy to be associated with just that.

That isn’t a sign of a trusted leader, but of a selfish one that will trade away his codes for a pay-check. For a State House and a greedy Parliament that is a fitting character, but for a populace of impoverishment and lacking government services. That is the opposite of what they need. So his talking of dreams, but he will serve them nightmares. Peace.

Opinion: Mpuuga is now launching the Democratic Alliance [is he reviving the TDA?]

This is unique in a sense of the former Deputy of the National Unity Platform and previous Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Mathias Mpuuga are now launching his new political platform which is deemed to be called the Democratic Alliance.

That is really compelling as the DP-Bloc are now rebranding and possibly becoming the Democratic Alliance. The name which is like the opposition coalition that Mpuuga was a part of as a Democratic Party member and candidate in 2016. He was campaigning with the DP for the TDA (The Democratic Alliance) and Go Forward back in the day. Now his reviving it in 2024. However, now it isn’t a political coalition to deter and be the alternative to National Resistance Movement (NRM). Now it is the vehicle and the party behind his own candidacy.

Mpuuga is there with Abed Bwanika and other scorned or idle brief-case party leaders who are now ushering in the newcomer. That’s what they are busy doing. Building a new formation and a new party out of grievances with the old ones. As they were suspended and working against the grain within the system, they took part in.

So, the journeymen and people looking for the next meal-ticket is now creating their own party. The Democratic Alliance… the TDA or DA. A new outfit out of the Democratic Party Bloc or the DP Bloc. A new one that failing ahead of the 2026 General Elections.

The ones believing the sincerity of Mpuuga in 2024 and ahead of 2026 is naïve. His already proven himself and shown his character. This man is in it to eat and use the ticket to feast on the state reserves. That what he intends to do and his proud of the fact too. That’s why he took the money and went running. Instead of accepting the issues and following party line regards to the “service award”. Alas, the service award was more important than principal or any sort of dogma. Because his own self sacrifice is worthy of such a vast sum for representing his constituency.

The DP Bloc clearly lacks, direction, vision and what it aspires to be. As it seeking more guidance and leadership with Mpuuga. That’s why Kabuleta left the Holy Alliance and felt betrayed by the DP Bloc itself. As it is steering towards one man and his political ambitions. Instead of building on whatever principles the Holly Alliance agreed upon. Alas, that is the common scenario here.

The DP Bloc brief-case parties and stalwarts are looking for the next thing to make them vibe with the public. They hope Mpuuga can gain that trust and use his formula. As he has been able to get traction and follow whatever wave that is there. Therefore, he is now seeking to change this, but everyone is forgetting that his partly damaged goods now.

Mpuuga MP isn’t a trusted man. His not a sought after leader or a politician. No, he haven’t even cleverly or with wisdom addressed the concerns of the 500 million shillings service award. Other than trying to dodge a bullet and create his own new political platform. That is running away from office and not accepting the consequences of being in office. Alas, what a leader is supposed to do, but apparently doesn’t do.

The Coordinator of A4C has become what he warned that MPs had become. A corrupt and selfish leader. A man who are there for own personal interests and now his starting his own DA. The new Democratic Alliance. The DA on the ashes of the TDA. Soon his Going Forward again too and will ask Mbabazi for advice as well. Peace.

Opinion: The Besigye case is an indictment of the Museveni era

“The Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court has issued a production warrant directing the Uganda Prisons Services to produce Retired Col Dr Kizza Besigye to continue with the trial  in which he is accused of  inciting violence” (Uganda Radio Network, 05.12.2024).

The recent case of abduction, subsequent arrest and detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye is just a proof of how the oppression of the Republic works. Besigye is just a live manifestation of how they work. This isn’t new, but sadly how the National Resistance Movement (NRM) uses their authority, monopoly of violence and silence its critics.

Dr. Kizza Besigye was kidnapped and abducted from Nairobi, Kenya, as he was a visitor and a man who planned to participate in a book-launch of an opposition leader there. That was thwarted and stopped. He couldn’t take a part of that and was later revealed to be in custody and to be produced to the Makindye Military Court. A civilian tried in a Court Martial.

As the case itself is questionable at best, as it is as manufactured as can be. Since the man was supposed to carry UPDF monopolized pistols and ammunition. Meanwhile also having the time to schedule and incite violence in Uganda. Therefore, the authorities and the criminal prosecution have to prove these alleged crimes and come fourth with evidence of both. Alas, that will take forever, and we know they are “pending it all”.

This case will be stalled and be pushed back. That is custom and ordinary practice. As the criminals and the supposed felons are captured before the deed. Neither is their witnesses, or any proof provide to the courts. Neither if they are civilian nor a military one. No, these things are prolonged and the agony never ending. They can push it for months and years before any sort of arrangement is put forward and the loss of interest in the case dies. That’s when the supposed felon is allowed to enter society again on bail. Meanwhile have to come to scheduled hearings and trials, but they will not address the matter either. Therefore, we know the drill here.

Nothing new under the sun. Nothing new at all. The NRM and the authorities can act a fool. They can take everyone for idiots and think we are all naïve. Alas, that isn’t the case. We know why they are doing it and stifling Besigye from operating as a civilian yet again. That’s what they are up too and hoping to stop him in his tracks.

However, this is just creating the same issue all over again. Doing the same bidding and creating same sort of fallacy. Which will only cause more havoc and pain. The suffering and the impunity against one man. They have pinned hundreds of charges on Besigye in the past and nothing has sticked. That’s because it is manufactured and used as a tool to silence the man. This the zero-sum game the state has and it’s obvious. Peace.