Public Square: Statement on Corruption at Microfinance Support Centre (26.06.2024)

Uganda Law Society (ULS): Statement on Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament’s Remarks Condoning Corruption (25.06.2024)

A look into Mzee’s “Statement on NRM’s fight against Corruption”

Greetings. Although busy celebrating Maama’s 76th birthday, I am also fully in the war against obwiibi (theft) of government money, obutagambirwa (not listening to guidance) and okweragyiira, okwetuminkiriza (doing things that are not agreed upon)” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (24.06.2024).

There was days when the sort of intellectual spirit and gravitas of His Excellency could inspire people. It was a time when that brought hope of a better future and another tomorrow. However, those days are long lost and people are yawning. People are tired of it and they know it isn’t legit.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have no backbone, no urgency and no need to uproot the evils of corruption. If he did… it wouldn’t be as prevalent and as common as it is. The practice and usage of it within his government is obvious. He is even using it and expanding his cronyism over it. Therefore, he cannot combat something that gives his Presidency life.

That’s why a statement like the ones published today is just futile. There is nothing there. Just like the 2 hour long speeches and metaphorical makings of directives through letters to his Ministers. They look good on paper and possibly sounds good, but regardless of that… it won’t go anywhere and we know it.

Just read these quotes from the statement, before I finish this off with a little rant after it…

In the NRM time, we went back to the old system of the Civil service based on merit through competitive examinations by the Public Service Commission. That is why we never bothered with corruption for a long time, knowing that there are capable People handling money, personnel and procurement. We now know that many of them have let us down. We shall, therefore, have to work with victims of this corruption and some patriots to crush this betrayal. Are the patriots there? Yes. Where is the proof? The 20,000 fighters that attacked Kampala on the 22nd to the 26th of January, 1986, were mainly patriots. Otherwise, why would they do what they did without pay?” (Museveni, 24.06.2024).

Nevertheless, it is possible to crush corruption through the alliance of patriots (I count myself as one of them) and the victims, the masses. The masses can be encountered in the village barazas, etc. The patriots are to be found in the political leadership, some public servants, the churches, etc.

Corruption is diverting a lot of money that could develop the country. IGG estimates Ug. Sh.10 trillion per year!!” (Museveni, 24.06.2024).

Therefore, the thieves are parasites that must be stamped out, and the indisciplined are saboteurs of our fast development and must also be stopped” (Museveni, 24.06.2024).

One that never gets to old is the usage of the beginning of time or the essence of this Presidency. The time-frame and the need to go all the way back to the bush or the early stages of being a Head of State. That’s the prime and the moment of glory. When he won and took power from others. That’s what we need to salute and he ended everything. Created everything and made it his. Alas, that is part of the problem too.

Everything is encircling the President and his nearest associates. The government is based on his blessing and the representatives are all awaiting his verdict on any matter. They need his guidance and wisdom before doing anything. That’s why the rotten core and the foundation of the state is corruptible. Since the President acknowledge and doesn’t address the issue properly. He see it as a way of getting all ends to meet. The President benefits and enriches himself of it. That’s why he needs his underlings to partake and eat too.

He can promise to crash, destroy and annihilate the corrupt as much as he wants to. Use slurs and be vindictive in nature. However, we know that won’t happen and the ones in high power won’t be touched. Neither will the closest allies or the ones serving him. There will be some small fishes taken and some might have to fall on the sword for a minute, but they will be released soon or not even properly scorned even. That’s what he does to the Ministers who are loyal and who took what wasn’t theirs. Nevertheless, they will be off the hook and able to serve another day.

That’s why you know the Statement is useless. It is so abundantly clear. No matter what dogma or ideals he uses. It won’t matter at all. The President only does this to get headlines and act like he has a oversight over it. However, we know he won’t do a thing and this gig is up. Peace.

Opinion: Mpuuga isn’t “my leader”

This will be short, very very short as there isn’t so much to say about Mathias Mpuuga MP that haven’t been said already. He held his thanksgiving and tried to show his political leverage and capital that sort of failed. The MP didn’t get the validation and the support he wanted.

Mpuuga MP is now using a new slogan and wanting to rebrand himself as “my leader”. The former Leader of Opposition, former Democratic Party MP and now National Unity Platform (NUP) MP have answer for answered for his actions. He has only deflected and avoided any accountability … for his actions in Office. That’s what he should have done.

The MP cannot run away from his past and what he has done as an Opposition MP. That’s what has been asked of him. The NUP Party have also addressed the matter and asked him to act accordingly, but he has instead defied them.

This Thanksgiving in Masaka was done to solidify his position and his popularity. Nevertheless, it was falling flat and he didn’t have as much popularity as he said he did. It didn’t cause as much friction or political capital as he thought he should. Therefore, Mpuuga MP should reflect on his actions and what he has done during this term alone.

If Mpuuga thinks this is wise politicking ahead of the 2026 elections. It isn’t words of wisdom or giving good vibes. Mpuuga MP is just another corruptible leader and “my turn to eat” person in office. That’s who he is and he expect us to take his words for it.

That’s why Mpuuga MP isn’t my leader, neither is anyone who accepts bribes, graft, corruption and siphoning funds from the state coffers. Thieving is thieving regardless of how you characterize it. The MP cannot deny that and he can act above it, but that doesn’t make it true.

Mathias Mpuuga MP needs guidance and this recent Thanksgiving haven’t given him an edge. Neither has it solidified his position or his place within the NUP party. Instead his a man on his own and wants us all to cheer him along. That will not happen…

Especially, when he cannot listen to simple instructions and adhere to internal party documents. Instead he rather join hands with other corrupt leaders and think he can get away with it. Peace.

Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU): Arrest of Hon. Mawanda Michael Maranga (21.06.2024)

Opinion: Mpuuga’s low energy Thanksgiving…

“A section of Mathias Mpuuga’s supporters burst into a song in Luganda loosely translated into English as, “What are they accusing him of? Mpuuga did not steal.” This was shortly after the thanksgiving mass held at Kitovu Sports Arena in Masaka” (NTV Uganda, 21.06.2024).

The former Leader of Opposition and currently Parliamentary Commissioner, Mathias Mpuuga MP are today holding a Thanksgiving in Masaka. That’s to show his leadership and connections, as it is a move of power. He wants to show that he stills matters and can sway public opinion. However, Mpuuga seems like a lost duck now.

It wasn’t long ago that the NUP went on a Mobilization Tour to Masaka and the picture was totally different. Those pictures and videos shows where Mpuuga has failed. The NUP which Mpuuga is supposed to work together with and be a part of. Didn’t help him here and the public disdain for him is obvious. Because if they supported him like Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Then the streets would be flooded and there would be a hard time to drive the convoy of vehicles on the streets of Masaka. However,r we see that isn’t the case in regard to Mpuuga.

The ones saying this problem within the NUP leadership. No, it is much bigger, as the misuse of office and siphoning funds are the grand issue. The NUP wants to be difference from the regime itself. Then it cannot have representatives and leaders who acts like the National Resistance Movement (NRM). If there is no difference from them. Why should people pick the NUP instead of the NRM?

The ones acting like this is a Bobi Wine versus Mathias Mpuuga. It is much bigger than that. It is the Mpuuga versus Uganda. It is him versus the State. A state that he has no trouble eating directly from the state coffers. As an MP he can take funds from the state reserves for personal reasons. That isn’t a sort thing that you should promote, but this is what Mpuuga does.

Mpuuga MP is willing to sacrifice his career and name over 500 million shillings. Regardless of other MPs misuse of office. That doesn’t save him or his agency in this regard. Mpuuga MP could have avoided it and been shielded himself from actions like these. However, he decided to be corrupted and eat of the plate of others.

That’s why people cannot forgive him… and we will not. We can expect this sort of action from NRM MPs and NRM Ministers. Nevertheless, we should hope that the opposition would be different and have some moral backbone to not accept to participate in this sort of behaviour. No one should do it, but we know the system is rigged for it. Therefore, people will eat, but some people should have the courage and be bold to say “no”. Peace.

Opinion: Alootia Continua Ssebo…

“The biggest problem we have now is corruption. This corruption is not happening on the moon, it’s happening in the district, sub-county, and constituency. I have opened a war on the corrupt, so, make sure that you are not in my gun sight. We cannot let our people down” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 20.06.2024).

We have heard the “A Luta Continua” from the ones who fight the good fight and for liberation. This phrase is well known and a part of social fabric by now. It is used as a term and a we know it for a reason.

Now in 2024 after all the years in power. The usage is losing meaning, and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) cannot use this sincerely. “The Struggle Continues” aren’t what the NRM and the State House works on.

No, the NRM and the State House is busy looting. They are continuing the looting of the state reserves. The loot is vital and important for the government. The Government of Uganda and the regime itself thrives on the siphoned funds, corruption and graft.

President Museveni can act like it is just some small cases, but it is a system at this point. The grease that builds and destroys. The means to an end is the envelopes, the service awards, and presidential handshakes. That’s what is happening, and we have seen it happening for years.

Yes Ssebo, we know the drill and the modus operandi. If there is a wheeler-dealer and a foreign investor around. He or she has to visit the State House and get connected correctly. Just so the kickbacks and everything can circulate in the right direction.

The NRM and the government is so close to be run like a racket. They are saying they are cracking down on a racket within the Ministry of Finance, but certainly it is deeper than that. Because MPs are finding ways to eat. Cabinet Ministers are misusing their offices and suddenly government services are taken for granted. There are just such a vast enterprise of actions…

Museveni can act like he wants to fight it and stop the practice of corruption. Nevertheless, that would kill his government. He would stop the initiative and the means to his end. He corrupts the high-ranking officials and that way they will be loyal to him. They are getting ill gotten gains, but at the same time they have to be loyal to the President. He says nothing and acts like nothing. As long as they serve his purpose and does what he wants. They vote for his acts and budget posts, which enriches himself too. Therefore, it is a system created to eat and don’t care about the government services.

I have totally given up on the idea that Mzee or Museveni ever wants to resolve or chase the ones participating in these sorts of practices. That would mean he would dissolve government and revoke the whole Parliament too. He had to so destroy and deplete his whole system. Because none of the mechanisms and organizations that he has built is doing anything substantial either. It is more just busy-bodies and ability to hire cronies in privileged offices. However, they don’t have to do anything and challenge anyone of prominence.

That’s why we have seen it all and heard it all. The President can speak like he cares, but his inaction speaks much more. We have been here before…

So before we think he would do anything… 40 years in power and it is just a part of life now. It is what Museveni, and his cronies has created. It is a beast they have fed over the years and now it’s fat. Peace.

Opinion: Is Mzee making the Buganda clan leaders into his beggars?

The meeting between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Buganda Clan leaders over last weekend that was reported about mid-week. So, days after it was transpired and as the Budget Speech was announced and about to erupt. The news hit the papers and online sphere.

There was knowledge of pledges and promises. The President wanting to give land, cultural heritage site and an entertainment facility of some kind. That’s what the President has promised the Clan leaders of the Buganda.

The Kabaka and Katikkiro should feel dismayed. The Mengo is losing power and the Head of State is meddling directly in their affairs. His involving himself before the Lukiko and the leadership of Mengo gets a say. The President is offering his tokens and certainly wants something in return. He gets loyal clan leaders by giving mere shillings, which isn’t his anyway.

Museveni is getting these clan leaders for cheap. Just like he gets the loyalty of religious leaders by donating SUVs and charitable donations to church coffers. The same is being done here and the Prime Minister and King of the Kingdom has no say. They are just onlookers while their hierarchy is aligning itself with the government outside.

The President is getting it easy and only has to hold small functions at the State House. Only give them a little courtesy… and pledges. From there they have to be loyal and spread the message he wants from them. Because he knows they want this from him and he can fix it. Therefore, a simple ask to get the bargain.

The President undermines the authority of Mengo. The Kabaka and Katikkiro is underlings who are supposed to be heads of the clan leaders. The clan leaders are supposed to summoned and obey the King. Alas, the President has now jumped the line and towed it too. They are now awaiting the blessings of the President and not the King.

That’s why this meeting is a betrayal of the Mengo. The Clan Leaders are getting anointed and getting in good favours by acting in the manner of which President wants. However, they are undermining the leadership above them within the Kingdom. That’s a bad look…

The Mengo, Kabaka and Katikkiro should think about the implications of this, as they are weakened and their clan leaders are made into beggars of the state. Instead of honourable leaders within the Kingdom. They are coming for a handout to the Head of State, instead of awaiting their turn with the King and the Lukiko. Therefore, this is a political play where the President gets everything and Mengo is outplayed. Peace.

Opinion: Aya and the Pearl of Africa Hotel is a sign of everything wrong with the nation

“There were old government buildings for the Ministry of Information here but Uganda was not earning anything; instead, it was spending money to maintain them” (…) “Then these people said the spot was underutilised and that it could bring in more money. If a woman is barren, you don’t chase her away, but you devise ways to get one who produces” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (March 2013).

The Aya brothers, the Aya Investments Limited and their Pearl of Africa Hotel is only causing headaches. The supposed magnificent hotel at Nakasero hill on the old Uganda Broadcasting Company (UBC) building. Certainly, is a sign of the times and how the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have built up foreign investments in the Republic.

The President has vouched for the men behind the scheme. President Museveni has ordered and ensured the land, the funding and gave way to the Aya brothers to build a hotel on government land. While aiding the UBC to flee the premises on the prospects of a big hotel to fill in possible voids of luxury accommodation in Kampala.

The hotel is now only 11 years old and has been bankrupt since 2021. The hotel was supposed to be sold 3 years ago and again the President asks the South African investors who funded the building of the hotel to halt the sale. Since the Aya brothers or Aya Investment Limited doesn’t have the funds to cover their debt.

A state that paid off the UBC and moved the state-owned broadcaster. Gave land and ensured the funding of the hotel. Now, the state must ensure the hotel is still operational and buying time for them. A President has to interfere and defend the company. That’s a telling story of micro-management and how involved he is in minor matters of the Republic.

It is a telling story when it back dates to the needs of the state in 2006 and starts to build in 2007, but by some accounts the grand opening of the hotel was in 2017. While there are reports that they already opened for clients in 2013. Therefore, the whole enterprise is a long journey of failure and government support of the business.

We know the state has coughed up funds for the Aya brothers and for the consultants building the hotel. The state now has to re-assure the creditors and possibly pay them off as well. While the hotel isn’t a money-making machine, but another bottomless pit of misery.

The public has paid money for this hotel, and they will continue to do so. Especially, when the President is so involved and has a say in it. You know he has had a part of it and used his leverage in it. That’s why these matters to him and he had asked for the South African investors to hold on the sale. Meaning he wants his cut and wants to have his say.

The ones that believe it is out of his goodwill and good heart is foolish. Museveni wouldn’t touch this, if he didn’t get something out of it and more than the prestige of a new fancy hotel in Kampala. That’s not what Museveni needs, but surely, he needs the greatness and proof of wealth creation that comes with the building and operating a hotel of this scale. Peace.

Opinion: Besigye won’t be on the 2026 ticket

The Katonga fraction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) are now mobilizing members and trying to figure out the future of the group. That’s for anyone who follows and is inspired by the leadership of Dr. Kizza Besigye. The resilient and hardworking politician, which has been in legal jeopardy through out his political career. No one has more charges and cases against him, but no sentencing or such. Therefore, his a force to be reckon with and be inspired by.

Besigye in 2024 isn’t as big as he was in the past. Neither is he irrelevant or a relic of the past. No, his still resounding his words and getting headlines. As he battles old pending “criminal” cases and being on the road as a political figure. His working tirelessly for the cause and for the peaceful liberation of the nation. Regardless, that if he will see it himself or it will be for the next generation.

We saw that he didn’t stand for Presidency or be the Flag-bearer of the FDC Party in 2021. The last time he was a Presidential Candidate was in 2016 and after that he made the proxy government, the People’s Government for the 2016-2021 term. As a way of showing defiance and working outside the mechanisms of the state. Since he saw the election as illegitimate and knew the results was in his favour.

Alas, for a man that has run as Presidential Candidate for term after term. A man who stood tall after coming back from exile. While being taken into custody, charged with treason and other penal codes to stifle his movement. The usage of Public Order Management Act to stop his gatherings and mobilization. In such a manner, that he couldn’t public will or be able to spread the message fast enough. As the blockade of radio shows and others didn’t make it possible for everyone to hear what he had to say.

A man who has been house-arrested for days upon days, months upon months and pre-emptively arrested before leaving his home or even trying to convene his political party. They even stopped him from attending national prayers and bringing the faith together after the elections. That’s what has happened to Besigye.

This is why Besigye matters still… not because his willing to stand as Flag-Bearer or being the man on the ticket. No, he won’t be on the ballot in 2026. Deep inside he knows its futile and won’t serve him any good. Neither will it serve his cause or what he works for. It is only spending time within the framework and the system that the overlords has created. He will play onto the instruments of the state and give them legitimacy. That’s why it has no value to be part of the next general election.

Besigye knows all of it and saw how it ended in 2016. As an outsider looking in 2021. He surely knows things won’t be better in 2021. He has seen it all since 2001. Been part of 2006, 2011 and 2016. Besigye has tried and failed, but he was the victor in many people’s eyes. People had faith in him and his cause years ago. The streets was buzzing and was ready for him…

While the system was rigged against him and the guns saluted only Museveni. That’s why he never got a chance and was blocked from entering the high offices. This is why he had to go back to the drawing board and return to the streets. There was nothing else for Besigye. Neither would anyone else offer him a hand or give him the power to overcome this obstacle.

No, he had no support or outreach to get there. Neither was the population or citizens tired enough of the regime. They are still silently adapting and allowing it to interfere in their lives. The citizens are allowing the laws to be taken for granted and used against their leaders. That’s what the state does… and they still remain silent.

That silence is the reason why Besigye never received the crown. That’s why he wasn’t sworn-in and became the Head of State. It was all… because of the reluctant people who wouldn’t challenge the High Above head-on and not give way, which it did.

This is why Besigye won’t be on the ticket or be the flag-bearer…. And why should he? There is nothing to gain or collect. He won’t get what he deserves and now there is a new leader in town that’s taking up the mantle. Therefore, he can take the blunt force and get the humiliating treatment, which Besigye got in the past. That’s what Bobi Wine has to go through. He has to fight and continue to be a burden for the state. As long as he campaigns and works for the People Power Movement and the NUP.

Besigye isn’t sidelined, but decided to be an inspiration. Be a one of honour and a man of wisdom. That’s who he is right now. He is a man people should listen to and try to understand. As he has fought and stood on the barricades. Getting violently treated and been in the trenches. No one should insult his career or what he stood for.

Besigye did fight. It isn’t important for him to become the President. It is more important to ensure proper liberty and freedom. Something the regime isn’t serving the population. It is only giving partial of everything and taking everything else for themselves. Peace.