Uganda: Deputy Attorney General Jackson Karugaba Kafuuzi letter to Speaker Anita Among – “The Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023” (20.04.2023)

Opinion: Déjà vu of 2014

It has nearly been a decade ago since the last Anti-Homosexual Bill was tabled and put into law in the Republic of Uganda. My stance has been the same the whole time. A bill that targets one minority will do no good. If you target one minority, the minority you belongs too could be next.

While the oppression, the brutal state and the authorities are unforgiving in their ways. The manners of which has only continued without any stops. The law enforcement are using means of kidnapping, keeping people incommunicado, imprisoned for years without charges or trials and neither is the actions of the state justified. Just like the state continues to arraign and put civilians into Military Courts. That’s a deliberate act and all the security agencies are in on it.

That’s why the new law from Asuman Basalirwa MP is a useless enterprise. His going after the same issue and same moral obligation as his predecessors did in 2014. What is striking is that he didn’t consider the Constitutional implications and how that would need to be amended before writing such a law. It was bound to fail and not happen…

That’s why the latest NRM Resolution are so in order. The Parliament has already enacted it and waited for the President to assent it. However, the President knows he cannot defy the donors or the multi-national organizations who feeds him. He won’t bite the hand that feeds him. The President know perfectly well that the economy isn’t booming and the domestic revenue isn’t growing either. He needs cash and fiscal stimulus. That can only come from afar and they won’t accept the law striking hard against the LGBTQ.

The International Community might write a condemnation and a warning for breaching human rights laws. Heck, they might even show support and visit a fellow opposition leader who are seeing their comrades suffer on the regular. However, they will not stop the criminalization of the opposition or the oppression, thereof… and the President knows this. So, it is easier to take away this law and get a bargain. Than to actually follow the populist and popular narrative of the day.

Museveni knows he can dismiss and call homosexuality “disgusting”. He can speak ill of it and call it unnatural. However, he will not give away the chance of fresh dollar bills or euros over a “holier than thou” bill in Parliament. I would have estimated that it would be challenged in the Courts and they would call it “void”.

I wouldn’t have thought or considered that Museveni would refer the bill back to Parliament for revision. No, that’s to much action and work for the old man. He could just await the game… and let the bygones be bygones. That’s what I anticipated, but the old man wants them to taste the bitter fruits. Because, his been here before… and we all have been here too.

This law was bound to fail, the way it was launched, manners of judgement and the whole ordeal was a tragic mess. Basalirwa MP should reconsider himself lucky. He has stained his name and reputation, as a “human rights” lawyer. His now just a pawn in a populist game and a man who has no issues digging the graves of a minority to get some political capital. That’s the sort of fella he is and the Parliament all went in on it.

The President just does this… to “win” and also prove a point. That you cannot twist the 1995 Constitution, only he can and he will when he needs it. Peace.

Opinion: Nandutu shouldn’t worry about the fire, but acknowledge her mabaati…

I have been baptized by fire but I am firm. What I am asking is, why should Agnes Nandutu be committed to the High Court when the lower court has the mandate to deal with this?” – Minister Agnes Nandutu (19.04.2023).

The State Minister of Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu, has been remanded to Luzira Prison until 3/05/2023 on charges of Dealing with Suspect Property following the diversion of Iron sheets meant for the Karachunas in Karamoja Subregion” (91.2 Crooze FM, 19.04.2023).

Some people think they can do a magical trick and make things vanish. If you cannot see or touch it. It has just disappeared…. The same fashion plenty of the Ministers and MPs involved in the Mabaati or Iron Sheets Scandal are thinking. They are hoping the scandal goes out of sight and out of mind.

There have now been three ministers who has been touched, charged and spent in detention. These have been followed up and one was arrested out of hubris. When you are investigated and looked into by fellow Parliamentarians, you should just show up. Instead the Minister ended up in prison and pleading for mercy.

Alas, they were participating in a scheme. They did steal government property and did so with firm hand. All of them knew what they did, but they never thought that it would amount to anything. Heck, they just thought it was another Tuesday…

However, the President and the Authorities had another plan. The way this is moving and how the selection of Ministers are happening. It begs to question, why these? When there is like 48 more people to pick? What is so special or unique about these?

Nandutu is the third one now. All of them has been humiliated and taken into custody. They have gotten touched by the law and are facing charges. Nevertheless, I expect the state to just rinse and repeat. They are the chosen and appointed elite. These politicians will be off the hook and not be kept incommunicado or in safe-houses for months on end. Neither will they be charged in Military Courts or have unfriendly judges on their case. No, they will be shielded of the worst and only made as an example. Just to make it look they are fighting corruption….

She is just a nice flashy person to apprehend and keep in custody. Just like they did with the two previous ones. There is another minister behind bars now and a third one just released on bail. So, it makes it look like they are doing something. However, there are far more prominent ministers and high ranking officials who is implicated in this scandal. They are walking free and without any sort of legal jeopardy around their way.

That’s why you know this a “Point Blank” joke and a mockery attempt of “rule of law”. It is a show piece and a “we did this” sort of statement. This is the “dope on the table” sort of vibe. Yes, the police got the dope and could show it off. However, they never stopped the illegal transactions, the importation of drugs or the connects from getting new loads of illegal substances across the borders. Therefore, the ideals of showing of the dope is pointless. When it is only theatre for bosses and the mayors, but not doing anything to stop the illegal trade from happening.

That’s what the arrest of Nandutu seems to be for me. A pointless exercise to look like the authorities are doing something. While we know it will be “much ado about nothing”…. That’s just the way it goes and the sun will rise tomorrow again. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni is the wrong guy to condemn the misuse of force…

“I join my comrades, the Heads of State of IGAD to express our deep concerns on the current situation in Sudan  and immediately call for a cessation of hostilities between the two sides. I condemn the misuse of force in a situation that undermines all progress made through dialogue over the last many months. We cannot keep papering over mistakes of unprincipled politics year after year. An unconditional and immediate cessation of hostilities to stop the tragedy and mockery of Africa is of utmost importance” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (17.04.2023).

Sometimes, someone should just shut-up and listen. That is something His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni should have done in regard to the conflict in Sudan. It is pure hypocrisy that he condemns the use of force. A man who wouldn’t be in power or in office without the use of force.

It is not like the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) would have won a free and fair election. Neither would the National Resistance Movement (NRM). When he had no power and real influence with the UPM. He couldn’t even become an MP. That after being a defence minister!

Museveni wouldn’t even be the guy he is if it wasn’t for weapons or conflicts. A man who got power by the use of guns. That’s why his trying deliberately to make it a legend how he rose to power. The way he went from nothing and unto something. The way the National Resistance Army (NRA) went from scraps and left-over bullets to a full-fledged machine conquering the status quo of the time. That’s how he portrays himself and he has since gotten into other conflicts across the continent.

As President he has tried to be the kingmaker by helping others take power by the guns. That being Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, or South Sudan. Museveni thrives in conflict and profits of proxy-wars. He has enforced and gotten credibility by participating in the wars on terror too. Therefore, violence has been his modus operandi and it’s profitable too.

Museveni has gotten political currency and goodwill by waging war. He is said to have prolonged the conflict in the Northern Uganda too. Not like he wants to portray it that way, but all evidence shows that he could have or should have ensured an earlier end. Nevertheless, he will never take credit for bullets, but only vilify the “enemies” for using such. Even when he strikes with fury against dissidents or activists who seeks his end. That’s just what he does, and he don’t mind the use of lethal authorities to get his way. This is all he knows and that’s the true NRA Way.

The ghosts of Garang, Mobutu and Habyarimana should haunt the Presidency. Together with all the civilian casualties and people who has lost their lives in the conflicts, which has transpired since Museveni entered the scene. The skulls of Luweero are only a place to start and not where you end it. There are enough extra judicial killings, questionable massacres, and participation in conflicts to bother your conscience. However, all of that is water under the bridge for a man like Yoweri.

That’s why it’s infuriating to me to read this post. That he dared to say these words. He shouldn’t say it, because we know how he came to power and how he clings onto it. Peace.

Opinion: Kagabo MP will find it out the hard way…

Bukoto South Member of Parliament, Dr. Twaha Kagabo has reportedly ditched National Unity Platform (NUP) and joined MK Movement, a pressure group spearheaded by First Son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. On Friday, Kagabo, was spotted with Muhoozi and other MK Movement leaders in Kasambya constituency during a fundraising campaign for women and youth development groups, fuelling reports that he has joined the Muhoozi group” (Samuel Muhimba – ‘MP Kagabo ’dumps’ NUP for MK Movement’ 15.04.2023, Nile Post).

The Member of Parliament, Dr. Twaha Kagabo has gotten of the hook before. He insinuated that he was bribed and had to return 40 million shillings. Later in the year and after the scandal was unleashed. The MP was pardoned by the Parliament and the case has since been forgotten. He was supposed to be disciplined by the party, National Unity Platform (NUP) but I don’t know what happened to that. This was all happening in 2022 and now we are already in April 2023.

Kagabo MP has now distanced himself from the Opposition. That’s isn’t really newsworthy. That’s something he has done already and proven himself to be one of “them”. He could just switch to National Resistance Movement (NRM). However, he does the “populist” move and joins the MK (Army) Movement instead.

It isn’t shocking or revealing. The character has already been proven. He could already be bought and his principals was for sale. If it wasn’t, he wouldn’t have grabbed the 40 million shillings in 2022 and later cried out loud to save face. He knew he was in the wrong and he still did the dance. Blamed the speaker and whoever who bought him. However, not taking to account that he accepted the bribe and was fine eating the easy money.

I am surprised that he waited this long. Maybe the MK Movement sweetened the deal or promised him something on the back-end. Since he was already turning to the other side a long time ago. He made the decision by himself and wanted to be greedy. The MP accepted the “kickbacks” and the envelopes to do a deed for the ruling regime. Therefore, there was no difference between him and the NRM.

Kagabo MP can act righteous and act like he has done the right thing. It is maybe the right thing for him. To be a representative and be a man who is an underling to the First Son. Maybe he prefers to be token soldier and a “yes-man”. Instead of a man on the barricades and fighting the brutal dictatorship. It is easier to side with the son of the dictator, than to stand-up and fight them. He gets off easy right now.

The burdens and the pressure is off him. His now “one of them” and it gives him privileges. That he will get in plenty. Nevertheless, his honour and pride is sold. There is no integrity or justification. Other than he wants to get a fat bank-account and be a subject of a new master. That’s all there is and it will be hard to sell his candidacy in the next election. As he left the fold and decided to be associated with the regime.

That’s who Kagabo MP is and who he wants be… he wants to be one of them and he has succeeded. The cost and the price to do so will be down the line. Because, why should the voters or the constituency trust him? They have seen how he behaves and how acts. His a man who is willing to be bought and be made a fool off. That’s who he is and he got live with it. Peace.

Opinion: Muhoozi aren’t even that special…

If you think the First Son, the Senior Presidential Advisor and the General, Muhoozi Kainerubaga is anything unique or special. I hate to shatter the glass and break the celling. But his about as average can be…

The General is far from ordinary in the sense of brutality and lack of good moral judgments. That’s entitlement and the usage of force, which he has gotten accustomed over the years. He has learned this from his father, and it shows. Instead of talking and being diplomatic, the first son rather takes up the guns and blaze region just to prove a point. Muhoozi has seen how effective that was in Kasese and in the Karamoja sub-region. That’s why his the avenger and the not a friendly neighbour.

His handlers, his peers and the ones appointed by MK might make him sound supreme. They will make him look a like a generational leader. These folks will make it seem like its his purpose. He is their vehicle to power and to more influence. That’s they need him, and he needs them. That’s a tandem and how the wheels of the organization are working. Not because Muhoozi has the swagger, the policies, or the charisma to pull it off. No, he got none of the above and is only a name well known because of lineage.

We could act a fool and be stupid. All of us are that from time to time. However, we all know the gist of things here. He got the state backing, got the authorities on a strangle-hold and got vast influence. Which is why he can be in the army and run as a candidate for Presidency. No other man in uniform could do that. Neither could civil servants or anyone else for that matter.

They had to resign and call it a night before the elections. He can early campaign, early galvanize his “troops” and move around unbothered. That’s because all powers are vested with his father. The ruling regime and elites are fine with his scandals, indiscipline, and lack of protocol. Everyone is on-board for one reason – securing their future and their part of the loot. They don’t mind his buffoonery when they can cash-in on his stupidity.

The MK [Army] Movement is a flawed and appointed organization. It isn’t built from the ground-up or with natural progression. Which will haunt the leader and head in the end. Because it is all about his ability to pay for influencers, mobilizers and hold big functions out of nowhere. That will in the end be billed on him and his accounts. MK has to carry the financial burden and his living of the government plate. There is no way as a Presidential Advisor he could afford organically to run this sort of operation. That’s why you know the gig is up and is a lie.

He can act like his all of that. Be blatant and disregard the general public. The General might think free t-shirts, voter tourism and sloganeering are all it takes. Nevertheless, it will take more, and it will cost him. Especially, when he got to appoint and pencil push everyone around him. Since he got nothing to show for and no sort of attributes that sells.

That’s why there is nothing special, unique or inspiring about Muhoozi. Muhoozi is only in the headlines and in the wind because of his father. Just imagine to be a big-man and the only reason your are there… is because that you just happen to be born and live in privilege. That’s all Muhoozi is. Not skills, intelligence or experience that brought him here. No, just the boring tale of following the co-tails of his father. Must be tragic to be reminded of that nearly every day…

That’s why we cannot anticipate wisdom, genius, or capabilities. That is proven by the people he surrounds himself with and how his rampant cronyism continues. Where everyone appointed by him is kissing his ass. That’s what they do, and they are bowing their knees out of loyalty too. It is all fair game and don’t mind seeing people humiliate themselves in his presence. Muhoozi has seen how big men has humbled themselves for his father. Now he wants the same push and glory. He wants to takeover and be the next in line.

Muhoozi might consider himself great, but we all know his average. He can torture, kill and destroy a brother, but that doesn’t mean he has heart or the spirit to rule. His just another brutal Caligula and Kampala don’t need that. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee says “colonial mentality” is one of the reasons for corruption…

This is not a failing system, but a growing system that could be faster if it was not for the corruption and the colonial mentality of some of the civil servants and some members of the political class. In otherwords, the progress could have been much faster and will be faster once we deal with the obstacles. Who has been responsible for the growth? Three players: the UPDF; the wealth creators (the farmers, the manufacturers, the service providers); and the infrastructure builders” (…) “That is why the whole issue goes back to the question of evidence and the need for the Public (the citizens, the farmers, the manufacturers, the artisans, the service providers), who, most of the time, are the victims of these corrupt officials and politicians, to be involved” (…) “The President is the head of the Executive and all Executive Authority is given to him or her by Article 99 (1) of the 1995 Constitution. However, he/she must exercise that power according to the Constitution and the laws of Uganda. Otherwise, that wonderful President, will become a problem himself or herself” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (11.04.2023).

The President of the Republic is a mastermind in pinning blame on others. His using all the tricks of the book. Just piling down the blame on others. It is like his Jedi Mind Trick. The force is strong with this one. He has had the years and experience in doing so. Ever since the beginning of time. Museveni has blamed others and that’s what he does now too.

His further explaining his role as the Executive and Head of State, while pointing at all other parts of government, which is ironically appointed by him and following his direct orders. The letters of the President is often mingled in and is changing the narrative. Just like the President Ordered the IGG not to look into Military Commanders and slow down the “lifestyle audit”. That just show the true power of the President and what his capable of doing.

President Museveni acts like we don’t know… we know he micro-manages and does it to his bidding. His acting like his just a “token” figurehead and not the Commander-in-Chief. We know perfectly well how he runs the Nation from the State House. It is his “enterprise” and his will is done.

The High Above” is directing and deciding matters. He can just send a “word” or a letter and things are moving. The President decides contractors and companies involved in development projects. The President orders the Office of the Prime Minister and everyone else to do his bidding. So, he can act like it is others who are too blame. However, we know the drill… and seen the actions over the years.

He can act like he cares or are concerned about “corruption”. We know he couldn’t care less and only does so to look pristine. The President knows what sorts of fruits, vegetables and other plants that grows in his garden. The President knows what sort of animals his breeding and taking care of on his farms. This man knows what is going on and cannot fool us now.

We know his pinning blame on others… when he in 2023 uses “colonial mentality” as an excuse for corruption. That is blaming the “British” and going back to the “enclave”. It just shows that his finding every way possible to pin someone else for his misgivings. This shows what his willing to do and say.

Only a fool would believe this fiction in 2023. Especially, when President Museveni is richer than God and has vast wealth. While the Republic is poor and debt-ridden. You just know the game is rigged and Museveni always comes on top. Peace.

Opinion: It was only a “mistake” to take the mabaati….

That is a political mistake that can also be subversive as you will see from my letter to the Prime Minister. That mistake, however, is totally different from converting those items to personal use. That is no longer just a mistake, but theft. Therefore, Kugonza do not worry, all those involved will be handled appropriately. Those who diverted the mabaati but not for personal use, must pay back the equivalent value in money or return the mabaati for the Karachuna, so that, that programme goes on. On many occasions, I have told leaders not to try and carry their Constituents on their heads financially (kubetikka) but show the families how to use the NRM programmes (NAADS, OWC, PDM, etc.) and make their own money. Kukulembera, si kwetikka abantu” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (11.04.2023).

A man who has claimed to fight corruption for over 4 decades are now calling it a mistake. A mistake is to forget your keys or forget to buy something on a shopping list. A mistake isn’t to divert, take or steal other people’s property. That’s what happened to the iron sheets or the mabaati. The Members of Parliament and the Ministers took government property, which was meant for government programs and supposed to be given to the ones in need in the Karamoja sub-region.

Alas, here is the issue. President Museveni needs to save face and show some action. Because inaction make him look weak. Though he cannot go to hard or too soft either. His in a position where he knows he needs the support and the cronies on his side. They are all used to and knows the drill. The system is built around looting, pillaging and finding schemes to enrich themselves of the government plate. That’s just the game that Museveni has put forward and built over the years.

The President knows very well that if he strikes to hard and goes after all the “thieves” he won’t have a functioning cabinet or party for that matter. Since there is no one who doesn’t know or doesn’t see what is happening. This is just the biggest scandal right now. However, there are plenty of other fish in the sea. It is a reason why 10 trillion shillings just vanishes in corruption every year. The iron sheets is just a manifestation of that.

That’s why he can act like this is a mistake, but this is the same man that accepts “kickbacks” from investors and was giddy to “handshakes” to people involved in Tullow Oil Tax Saga. So, we know how deep this goes. It goes skin deep and isn’t sincere. He only does it show heart, but it is meaningless. They will all be free and without a scratch in the end. Just like others before them. Ministers might been demoted and touched by the law. However, after the wind stops and normalcy returns. The same people are off the hook and re-appointed to greener pastures.

This is why I have little to no faith. The President can act like this and talk big game. Nevertheless, it doesn’t make it more true. We have seen his game and how moves. His a seasoned politician and has a set of procedures. The same will be happening here… and trust me. There might be a scapegoat or two, but they will be released and “forgiven” eventually. Since the President knows and they know the score. Peace.

Uganda: President Yoweri K. Museveni letter to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja – Brief on the Procurement and Distrubution of Iron Sheets by the Office of the Prime Minister (03.04.2023)

Opinion: Mzee thinks we are stupid [on corruption]

“However, the corrupt elements try to infiltrate and curtail the actions of these Agencies by compromising the personnel there.  With the NRM and myself in charge, however, they are fighting a losing war.  Why?  It is because of the fact that either the anti-corruption fighters do their work or, working with the public, the President will do it for them.  How?  Using the Public Barazas and relying on whistle-blowers. Do these work? Dangerously so.  During my recent tour of Acholi, I got so much information about the wrong-doers and the State House Anti-corruption Unit is hot on everybody’s trail – that was involved in any mistakes” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 11.04.2023).

The other day the President spoke like an Opposition Leader on Corruption. Today, President Museveni is acting like the Head State. Nevertheless, his pinning the blame on others and not the system he has created. A man that has ruled the nation for 37 years now. He should know that in the end, it was all his fault.

President Museveni is now to blame for the corruption, the graft, the scandals, and the eating of state coffers. That’s all on his watch. These are people appointed and designated by him. The laws and the institutions created to combat the problem has been mandated by him. His directing them and stopping them from “investigating” too. So, this is not only partly his fault, but also what he has to offer.

Museveni cannot act like there is other to blame. When he has allowed it to feaster. His the one that has thrived on shady and “tax-holiday’s” deals for investors. The old man has enriched himself on the grand corruption. Mzee has secured tenders and other kickbacks to make life easy.

So, when Museveni speaks like this… it is hard to believe him now. He has had the years and the ability to stop this practice. However, he has lavished himself in it and his inner-circle. It isn’t believable in 2023. This is just trying to make positive headlines and hoping the scandals are forgotten about. That’s the gist of it.

Has there been corruption scandals as long as Musveni has reigned the nation. It will continue, no matter how many entities or laws he enacts. Because his in the business to eat and so are his near associates. The easiest way to eat is of the plate of others and that they do with perfection. Peace.