Opinion: Amuriat will never be as relevant as Besigye

We are going to take legal actions against this group not because they are running around the country, that’s the right but because they are misusing or abusing the instruments that portray the FDC, they are misusing our flag, our colour, they are abusing our motto, our slogans and going around the country masquerading as the FDC! They are not FDC, in fact, in doing what they are doing they are also violating the FDC’s constitution” – Patrick Oboi Amuriat (08.04.2024).

Just as the Katonga Fraction is mobilizing and holding consultation meetings across the nation. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) – Najjanakumbi fraction is feeling the pinch. As Dr. Kizza Besigye and his allies are showing their popularity. After years of traversing the nation and campaigning. Besigye have a heart and supporters, which will not blindly follow the FDC Headquarters.

This is hurting the pride of Patrick Oboi Amuriat who has already dismissed and disassociated the Katonga fraction from the party. The FDC as we knew it has already settled the score and burned the bridges with Besigye. That’s been done out of petty grievances and lack of accountability on the behalf of the current leadership at Najjanakumbi. This is why Katonga – the Liberation Fraction is hurting and causing envy towards Amuriat or Mafabi for that matter.

Yes, the party colour has been flagged and the logos at time, but the reality is that Besigye is one of the founders of the party. Other leaders beside him is so too. They are people who built the party and was a vital part of it. Therefore, Amuriat is thinking they will leave it behind so suddenly. That’s why Moses Byamugisha even defends the nationwide mobilization and the works of Besigye over the weekend. Because he is smart enough to acknowledge the importance of Besigye. Something Amuriat and his pride never are able too.

Besigye is either on the way of making a pressure group or a new party. He is on the way of Muntu now. Building his own entity and organization. That will be another sibling to the FDC. That will be like the ones who left FDC when Muntu announced the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). The Third Force and the new beginning for Muntu.

Now the same is awaiting Besigye and it will be even bigger. As Besigye is a bigger character and larger than life. He is the living legend and the freedom fighter of old. A man who has fought for decades and wanted to end the reign of Museveni. A battle that continues to this day and never ceases to end. His mission and voice matters, which hurts Amuriat.

Amuriat never was able to overshadow or able to become as vital as Besigye. Amuriat and Mafabi doesn’t have the character or the spine to do what Besigye does. That’s why they rather sell the party and be a useful puppet. This is how things are looking and Amuriat isn’t amusing. The FDC as we know it is dead and took part of the fatal actions to end it. Therefore, Besigye have to re-start and re-launch his activism.

Besigye will be relevant and continue to be thorn in the eye of the regime. That’s because his relentless… and never gives way to his principles. However, Amuarit is easily swayed and lost his way. That’s why he has to revenge and avenge over the self created character assassination, which he has performed on himself over the last year. That’s why Amuriat should focus on regaining some sort of normalcy… but that seems like a fever dream.

Besigye shouldn’t fear the FDC. The FDC now is a shell of what it used to be. That is the nationwide tour proving and Besigye allies should prepare their own party. They should work on their own and leave the old behind, as the old is betraying what it stood for. Peace.

Opinion: Never annoy Museveni…

At least eight artists belonging to Ugandan group Crane Performers were on Saturday arrested for allegedly insulting President Yoweri Museveni while he was delivering a speech at a hotel in Kampala, where celebrations of Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi’s wedding anniversary were taking place. The eight performers who were attending the same event with Museveni are said to have been heard saying the Ugandan president was speaking too much and that he should end his speech. According to the Monitor, the eight had their microphones on when they made the utterances that were picked in the hotel’s sound system and heard by majority of those attending the event. The artists will be charged with insulting the person of the president“(Edward Chweya – ‘Eight Artists Arrested For Insulting Museveni At A Wedding Anniversary’ 08.04.2024, Citizen Digital).

The Freedom Fighter and liberator of the 1980s are known for using the Penal Code Act of 1950 in his favour. The colonial law which has several of articles, that has been substantial in his iron grip of the state.

People are laughing at the arrest of 8 musicians today and it shows how foolish his government is, but we have seen this before. Artists, activists and politicians have tasted the bitter fruits of the Penal Code Act. The Crane Performs follows several others who has been here.

You should never offend the “don” or the Leopards Anus. He is Untouchable, the Fountain of Honour and His Excellency can ensure the demise of others, if he feels annoyed or ridiculed. That what happened at the Wedding Anniversary this month.

Here is the Penal Code that matters…

24. Penalty for acts intended to alarm, annoy or ridicule the President

Any person who, with intent to alarm or annoy or ridicule the President—

(a)

wilfully throws any matter or substance at or upon the person of the President;

(b)

wilfully strikes the person of the President; or

(c)

assaults or wrongfully restrains the person of the President,

commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for life” (Penal Code Act, 1950).

If the President and his party believed in the utterance of the public. He could have amended this part of the Penal Code. The Penal Code has been amended several of times and this article could have been taken of the earth. It could have become a relic of history. However, it is still active in the year of 2024 and people will be charged because of it.

It takes nothing to offend the President. President Museveni is easily annoyed and offended, which is a reason for several of people detained, charged and taken into custody over their utterances in public. The musicians now are the latest ones… and there will be more than these. As this law is active and will be used whenever the President deem fit. He will order it and ensure the demise of others. They will learn a lesson and that the President is the “high above”. Peace.

Opinion: Besigye never left…

Please stop looking at 2026 but rather ensure that this government is removed. Do you know people who die everyday because of the situation in the country and we wait for 2026?, I want us to look at tomorrow because it is possible” – Dr. Kizza Besigye (04.04.2024).

This isn’t a comeback, but a new wave…

Dr. Kizza Besigye has been underestimated, ridiculed and been said to be a relic of history. His Katonga Road branch has been dismissed by the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). This is why his on a nationwide consultation meeting drive. His passing by town after town and holding meetings to hear what they vision for him to do. The FDC Katonga Fraction is surely becoming its own identity and independent from FDC Najjanakumbi.

Now Besigye and his team has traversed to Jinja, Mbarara, Kabale and Rukungiri. He is going across the Republic to gain support and hear the views of leaders of the organization. This is also campaigning for a future entity, which will come sooner or later.

Dr. Kizza Besigye is asked to form a new party. That has been called for since the fallout with Najjanakumbi. That is needed and there are several of MPs who will follow him. The FDC Katonga fraction will be strong and be relevant.

That is proven by the attendance in the cities, the blockage of roads and frustration from the authorities. It is like they trying to prove a point and later allowing the meetings to be held. However, it is a sign that Besigye resurgence aren’t welcomed by the regime. This isn’t shocking, but we can see it coming.

Now one should doubt the heart or the drive of Besigye. In the 2021 General Elections he was in the shadow, but there was others within FDC who became the Presidential Candidate and Besigye was a part of the United Forces for Change (UFC) with the National Unity Platform (NUP). That he was participating in stark contrast to the leadership of Najjanakumbi. Therefore, it is only healthy to see the campaigning now.

Besigye is showing his popularity haven’t died down. Neither is his political capital is gone. That’s why people show up and celebrates his entry into any town. The Police Force is coming and being directly interfering in the public drive around him. The authorities are seeing that Besigye still matters and it is obvious.

The message of Besigye will continue to be important. As he continues to fight the struggle and for the liberation of the nation. He hasn’t let go of this and uses his platform to do just that. Again and again spreading the message. Travelling from town to town giving a word and guidance to do so. However, will it just linger and will people listen… that we can wonder about… because his mission isn’t a solo mission and something he can finish alone. Besigye needs people around him and the public needs to believe in the message his spreading.

This isn’t comeback. Besigye never left. That’s important to notice. His not a political figure or a candidate fighting for a position. His a voice of reason and of the struggle. A fight he has battled for decades and gotten little returns. Besigye have paid the price and we have seen how his been targeted by the authorities. No one has a criminal record like Besigye and spent time behind bars or house arrests for that matter. Therefore, he knows the cost and seen it with his own eyes.

That’s why Besigye is a vital figure and someone that we need to listen too. He will overshadow the FDC and whatever unit or entity that is created by this nationwide process will be significant. As he will be the figure and his message will be resounding within that. This is why he never left, because his not done with the mission.

Besigye won’t leave until he has finished what he started. That’s why you shouldn’t underestimate him or his associates. They will fight until they see proper freedom, liberty and the end of the junta. Peace.

Opinion: Mengo cannot save Mpuuga…

Happening Now: The Commissioner of Parliament, Owek. Mathias Mpuuga together with Busiro South MP Owek. Medard Lubega Sseggona currently in a closed door meeting with the Katikkiro Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga at Bulange, Mengo” (GSTV Africa, 03.04.2024)

I’ll repeat it often: politics isn’t a game. Leaders who treat it that way disgust me. Politics involves the heavy burden of leadership since incompetent leadership has the power to destroy entire nations and claim lives. Therefore, in the event that conflicts emerge among you, try to find a solution because the Ugandan people look to you and your leaders for guidance. Don’t let little things pull you away from your main objectives” – Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga (03.04.2024).

We know that former Leader of Opposition and currently Commissioner of Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga has used Mengo and the Baganda Kingdom as shield for his actions. He has used his loyalty to the Kingdom over the ability to adhere to requests of actions from his party. This has ended in him being suspended as the Deputy President of Central Region (Buganda). Therefore, the acts of the “service award” is having consequences, but shows that Mpuuga has allies.

We are now seeing Mpuuga walking around with Speaker Among to Mengo. He didn’t attend the day in advance with the party he represents, National Unity Platform (NUP). The MP instead went with the Speakers and the leaders of the Parliament. Which is yet another sign of defiance against his own party.

Mpuuga MP shows his arrogance in regards to his actions. The party asked for him to resign from the Office of the Commissioner. That is something he won’t do and he has come with several allegations, which he never addressed before it started to burn on his feet. This shows that the supposed alleged illicit activities with in the NUP. He hasn’t showed this before, but did that when the party asked for reasons to let him stay in Office. However, he isn’t turned it on the party.

Now we see why, because his aligned with the Speaker and the Prime Minister of Buganda Kingdom. The Katikkiro is now undermining the efforts of the NUP and says it should mediate. As the “service award” is just a small matter. That just shows that the Katikkiro wants to muffle and stop the internal process of the NUP. This is helping Mpuuga and his allies.

We know Mpuuga MP wants to be seen as a Owek and a respected politician. They are selling him and making it seem like everything is dandy. You can wonder what is in it for the Katikkiro. As his using the influence of the Kingdom and trying to make Mpuuga seem more relevant. That’s what is the message, as his holding closed meetings and selling shirts to the Kabaka Marathon. Therefore, the investment into him is significant.

Mpuuga should be grateful … and feel lucky to have the allies currently. Things aren’t going better in the party and he hasn’t handled things internally. Neither has he acted upon the requests. This just show the defiance of him and his boosting ego.

Mpuuga MP is now an asset of the Buganda kingdom. His their Owek and the Speaker is vouching for him too. They are all in cahoot and working in coordination, as if they are earning on the demise and weakening of NUP. That’s how this is looking and it’s not brilliant politicking. As the Katikkiro is losing out and supporting a corrupt politician.

I am just wondering what the Katikkiro is getting out of the alliance with Mpuuga MP. Because, right now it is only a hot potato and not a winning ticket. If the Katikkiro thinks he can clean the image and make Mpuuga ready for another election. The Katikkiro is wrong there too, as the MP himself isn’t helping his case and no matter how eloquent you are… the actions speaks louder than words. The statements and the letters aren’t helping him either.

That’s why it’s tragic that the Katikkiro is now using his office to safeguard and shield Mpuuga. This isn’t what we want to see and it’s despicable. Mayiga should know better, but apparently he doesn’t and it shows. Peace.

Opinion: Lavish Prayers for Peaceful Elections…

MPs on the Legal & Parliamentary Affairs Committee queried the Shs1.119Tn Electoral Commission is seeking to start activities for the 2026 general elections, with some Lawmakers describing the Shs18Bn to be spent on legal fees for private lawyers & about Shs500M to hold national prayers for peaceful elections, as wasteful & exorbitant” (Parliament Watch, 02.04.2024).

The Government of Uganda (GoU) aren’t poor when a government entity or institution can plan a National Prayer costing 500 million shillings. They want to spend a “service award” on a prayer session. That is all for publicity and make belief. It is a way of being in the public and showing good faith.

The Electoral Commission (EC) which is gearing up for the General Elections in 2026. The EC has plenty of things prepare and set-up ahead of the polls. The Commissioners knows what is at stake and their mandate too.

Not that we can believe… or have proper faith in the polls in general. That’s because we know the “winner” years ahead and we know that the NRM will have the majority. This is regardless of the will of the people or who they align too. The Opposition can have whoever on the ballot and that person will never succeed. Therefore, the EC is just another tool used by the President to legitimize himself and his reign.

We can wonder why they want to spend millions on a National Prayer for Peaceful Elections. That in an environment, which has been filled with intimidation and authorities cracking down on dissent. It is like the EC doesn’t see what the law enforcement is up too and acts during the electoral road map. We have seen how the authorities are kidnapping, arresting and detaining opposition leaders, activists and associates during and after elections. Therefore, the prayers for peace are futile, when the system is rigged against just that.

The Electoral Commission won’t change the practices of the security agencies. We know they will crackdown and keep people incommunicado. That’s what they do… the drones will show up and people will go missing. Just because of their activism and their fight for their candidate or party. That is just the way things are going in the Republic…

The whole state apparatus will be used during the elections. There will tension and fear in the air. As the awaiting cooking of results are awaiting. The soldiers in the streets and the LDUs will be surrounding vital areas. They will be all around and we know the social media will be a key thing too. That’s how the state operates and this is the “fake peace” the state offers the public.

This here is wastage of public expenditure. Misuse of office and misuse of resources. The EC shouldn’t use these funds on a prayer. They should use on it something useful, which would build confidence or civic education about the electoral system. However, they rather hire a pastor, church and hold a ceremony to bash in glory in front of God. That’s who they are and its disrespectful and dishonest. Which is a bad start for a prayer.

Living on a prayer in dishonesty and being disingenuous is just a poor taste. While your spending money which isn’t yours doing it. That is just a sight and Lord Almighty, the ones in Power has failed us all. Peace.

National Unity Platfrom (NUP): Mathias Mpuuga MP letter to Dr. Lina Zedriga – “Re: Notice to Show Cause Against Impending Call” (13.03.2024)

Opinion: Mpuuga’s defiance isn’t endearing Part III

I appreciate and understand that you are under siege. I don’t know how to help you and support you. In view of the contents of the impugned document, that the person suspended failed to supply a satisfactory explanation, yet the same person was earlier on reported to have confessed and apologised, I don’t know how to rescue you and the party from the captors. The prevailing desperate situation and the circumstances we find ourselves in, will afford me more time and space to consult with the rank and file of the party for a way forward. Accept once again my sympathies for the unyielding siege that has impaired judgement at the highest echelons of the party” – Mathias Mpuuga MP (29.03.2024)

Yesterday was a proof that the former Leader of Opposition and current Commissioner of Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga believes his bigger than his party. His actions speaks louder than words. His resilience and lack of reading the room.

That’s why his undermining the party, which gave him a second life. A party that entrusted him and gave him confidence. Some call him wise, seasoned and a clever politician. However, this last month we have only seen a greedy politician living in denial. A man who doesn’t take accountability and think he is entitled to eat. That’s who Mpuuga has become.

Mpuuga is a far-cry from the man of the days of the Activists for Change (A4C). A man who looked at the Parliament and cried out loud of their impunity, corruption and misuse of office. Now that he has entered the August House and gotten into Office. He himself became like the people he protested against and wanted ousted. However, he thinks speaking in tongue can save him.

Mpuuga MP better act swiftly, as the messaging he is using isn’t saving him. Neither is it wise. It is just showing that he blames others and doesn’t look at himself. He wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the “service award”. Mpuuga wouldn’t be suspended and be handled by the Party President if he didn’t act accordingly.

Mpuuga MP was asked to apologize and step down. Nevertheless, the month has passed by and he has done neither. The Party has tried to exchange him with another MP, but the Speaker is blocking that person from getting in his stead. So, the Office is Parliament is sustained, but not by the party his representing, but by the powerful in government. Which is ironic, when his supposed to be an opposition of the set government.

Mpuuga MP has lost face and lost all credibility. A man who had a future, but sold it for a big envelope. He traded his legacy and legitimacy over a big bank. That’s who Mpuuga became and spinning the blame on Bobi Wine isn’t a winning ticket. It just shows that he undermines the authority of the party he represents and doesn’t want to follow party line when it doesn’t suit him.

This haven’t been a good look for Mpuuga. The National Unity Platform (NUP) will live on this scandal and tragic saga. It is one man who defied the party and acted above it. His a rebel and a man of the government now. That’s why he can skirt the obligations given to him and hide behind the Speaker. This isn’t a sign of strength, but of a man who is willing to sell his soul for a few shillings.

That’s who Mpuuga MP is… and we can all see it now. It is tragic that this man was in the trenches and fought men like he became. Mpuuga said we needed other type of leaders a decade ago and now he became just like the ones he fought. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Party President Robert Kyagulanyi letter to Deputy President (Central Region) Mathias Mpuuga – “Suspension from Office” (27.03.2024)

National Unity Platform (NUP): Abed Bwanika MP letter to John Bapitst Nambesha MP – “Petition for a meeting of a lawful organ to debate and pronounce the Party Position on LGBT-Q” (25.03.2024)

Rubanda Farmers Association: Press Statement (26.03.2024)