Opinion: The 27 Guns will not be celebrated in 2022

The death of Gen. Elly Tumwine at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya this week only shows what sort of sentiments are out there these days. The original 27 “freedom fighters” or “liberators” of 1981 will not be celebrated or be acknowledged in the manner that they wish they did. The “we fought” tribe has been entitled, gotten wealth and estates to live lavish one. They are a part of the new elite, which came up after the 1986 coup d’etat. Since then the “we fought” tribe has held power and lived beyond ordinary means.

The arrogance and the expecting it all is showing itself. The families of the “liberators” and “freedom fighters” expect to honour their memory and absolve them of all their actions. While they had over 30 years in power. Alas, the new elite has had over 3 decades in power, but they cannot die in hospitals or even trust the Kings Hospital, Mulago to get treatment. Heck, the person they toppled Milton Obote even could trust it at his second reign. Therefore, you know the 27 guns and their families has lost the plot.

The 27 guns, the NRA liberators and freedom fighters has lost their way. They expect glory and fanfare. However, they liberated themselves and their own tribe, but they didn’t make it happen for the rest of the Republic. That’s why maids are exported in massive ways to the Middle East. This is why there is known brain-drain and lack of development. The state is crippled and the schemes are only self-destroying itself. While the braggadocios and hubris of 27 guns still thinks they deserve credit.

The 27 guns deserves credits for buying into the lies and the deception. They traded their integrity and their soul for power and wealth. The NRA promised a lot of things and the 10 Point Programme was a vital part of their era. However, now in 2022 we can say that is a utter failure. In addition, to the hallow promises of Museveni himself; which has been so soulless and recklessly forgotten about. Like the NRA promised the end of extra judicial killings and other pockets of insecurity, but their own security organizations has ever since perfected these techniques and used them to incite fear. Therefore, the freedom and liberation they promised… is far from the truth and only for the chosen few.

That’s why in the year of 2022… there won’t be as much love for the 27 guns as it was in the end of the 1980s or in the 1990s. Heck, the same men would have been legends if they all retired and stepped down from being high ranking officials in the 2000s. The NRA/NRM could have been a game-changer, if they had earlier on and after the re-launching of multi-party elections to retire and let someone else be the head of state. However, we know that Museveni never intended to give up on power and had to revise or amend the 1995 Constitution twice to fit the bill or fit his self-styled President for life.

That’s why the NRA or the 27 guns won’t be as admired or looked up too. Even if the NRM and the ones in government has tried to make them heroic. It is hard to admire or look up to people who has ushered in a regime, which is violent, oppressive and brutal to it’s dissidents. A ruler who has no issues with silencing, intimidating or use force against the ones who opposes him. The man has no trouble monitor, wire-tap or keep people incommunicado without trial or conviction. Therefore, the liberators or freedom fighters fought for their liberty and freedom; but they seemingly didn’t fight for everyone’s rights. That right has only gotten to them and the ones in the inner circles. The rest has to beg or hope they don’t get caught in the web of deception or be bystanders to anyone rebelling the actual power of the state.

Like I said earlier, if the NRA/M had given way and been actually more democratic. The public would have validated them and believed their causes. They would have forgiven them for their mischief and violations earlier in their reign. However, with time the trust has withered and they have disregarded them over so long time. The men who “fought” for them has neglected them and the nation as a whole. The liberators has been in-charged and violated the public with impunity. That sort of acts was supposed to be over because of this bush-war. However, it was done under another name and with another head of state. Nevertheless, even with all of this in mind.

The families, the ones left behind and close associates of he 27 guns still expects glorification. They were vital and one part of the “revolution” that ushered in a new beginning. A new beginning that has turned into a false start. When you do that and linger on…

You cannot expect or think that people will show you or your cause any love. They start to despise you and want to distance themselves from you. That’s what is happening and they have seen what your kind was willing to do. The 27 guns and the NRA waged a war… that they claimed was legit and had the people in mind. Though we can say after all these years. The 27 guns got the best deal and got all the possible perks. Meanwhile the ones who they liberated never got the bargain they asked for. The sons and daughters, well, even the grandchildren of the 27 guns never got to see the promised land. They only got hear about it and the empty promises, which comes out on the regular. Peace.

A Parliament Report states the government wasn’t prepared to launch the PDM

The now released March 2022 Parliamentary Report: “REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ON THE STATUS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION Of THE PARISH DEVELOPMENT MODEL IN THE FY 2021/22” is stating a lot of facts, which is damning to the 1 Trillion Shilling Budget Post this Financial Year 2022/23. As the launch and the start of the Parish Development Model (PDM) is lacking basic government structures and even policies. This means the state is risking the whole 1 trillion shillings on a hope and a prayer. That’s the gist of it and it’s tragic.

The warnings has been there on the horizon. It isn’t like people haven’t seen it coming. This follows a long list of poverty eradication programs, which are mentioned in this report. While the state or government has never changed their approach. They have just re-invented the same of micro-finance scheme and rebranded it since the early inception of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

That’s why it’s tragic that they have spent fortunes since the 1990s and still haven’t cracked the code. Certainly, the administration of it has been lacking, secondly the lack of policies and oversight. In addition, the NRM haven’t gotten proper results either. So, this report just shows where the failure is this time and the NRM launched a program and scheme without the proper due diligence. They haven’t even taken care of the basics and spending like a drunk sailor on this. This will end up on hookers and booze in the next safe-haven for the veteran seaman. Therefore, this will not end well…

Here is quotes from the Report:

Currently, there is no clear policy that sets the overall tone of the implementation of the PDM. Some of the closest policy frameworks on which the PDM is premised include; the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda (1995 as amended) under article 176, 2b, d and e) and the Local Government Act Section 95, 96 and 97. Unfortunately, these are not sufficient in setting the basis for developing the guidelines, development of a clear and realistic implementation roadmap for the PDM. The Decentralization policies presented by the Minister do not regulate certain pillars like financial inclusion, infrastructure and mindset change under the model. The Committee further observed that a clear policy framework for PDM will provide a vision, goals and principles to guide actions and implementation. The policy framework would clearly spell out the roles and responsibilities of each and every MDA, The governing framework on PDM, the oversight function, monitoring and evaluation and many others. Without the policy it will be very challenging to address some issues that may impede the PDM implementation and could lead to duplication of funding and services and further disoriented the public perceptions of the PDM” (Report, P: 9-10, 2022).

The Committee observed that, though there were previous government interventions to improve citizens’ socio economic conditions, the issues of building the entrepreneurial capacity of the population adequately has been locking. This is been identified as one of the reasons for the poor performance of some of the previous interventions. The committee further observed that many enterprises identified by some of the beneficiaries under the previous interventions were not within their knowledge and ability, leading to poor performance and in most cases collapsing of the enterprises. This is one of the causes of poor recovery of previous funds” (Report, P: 15, 2022).

Since 1987, Government hos implemented various interventions to reduce poverty in Uganda. These include; the rural farmer’s scheme (1987), Entandikwa scheme (1996), the Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) (1990), Kulembeka (To tap) (2001), Prosperity for All programme (Bonna Bagagawale) 2007, Operation Wealth Creation (201l), Emyooga 2020, Youth Livelihood Programme and Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme. The Committee observed that those interventions have not positively impacted on the long term poverty situation in the rural and urban communities. Poverty levels continue to be high at 39% despite the interventions. There is a need to appreciate the fact that poverty eradications a responsibility of the poor themselves and government programmes only supplement their cause” (Report, P: 17, 2022).

These quotes from the Parliamentary Report of March 2022 states certainties that can be detrimental for the whole scheme and the PDM itself. The NRM should know better and be professionals, but instead they have just started a fresh without the tools, which is needed. That is what the Report says and it’s damning.

The NRM and the Government of Uganda should have more structure before spending like crazy. However, here it is clear that the various parts of the PDM wasn’t prepared. Neither the main ethos, policies or the procedures wasn’t prepared. The state only had prepared budget-posts and planned spending. However, they haven’t built the structures or the mechanisms to make it work. That’s really foolish, but on code or modus operandi for the NRM.

So if this falls or fails miserably… well… everyone could see it coming. There was no reason for it to work. The only reason why it could work is the people it is actually reaching and making a difference. However, that’s just a fools luck and not based on prior work before the launch. It is like a brother going to bar and gets lucky. Not because he knew a lady was ready there or his charm would be enough. He just went anyway and got lucky. There was nothing saying he would get lucky, but he did… because he was at the right place and at the right time. That’s what the NRM is trying to do here and they are throwing one trillion shillings at it. Peace.

Opinion: Honourable Minister Kasaija is just proving that the PDM wasn’t prepared for launch…

As suspected before the launch of the Parish Development Model (PDM). The state didn’t do their due diligence or the framework to prepared for the launch of it. This is just a continuation of half-assing it and hoping it works. Because, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is known for micro-finance schemes and done so since the 1990s without any real progress or luck for that matter.

The PDM is just the newest creation or scheme in a long of line of them. They are coming and becomes known entities around elections or campaigns for General Elections. After that the real trouble begins and the realities of the mismanagement, nepotism and hackwork is evident. Which is very clear by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) Matia Kasaija display in his statement about the current affairs surrounding the PDM.

There is no proof or evidence, which shows me this will be successful. The PDM was bound to fail, but he just spells it out. The lack of organization, planning and practical operation of the scheme is just staggering. This seems like a waste of a trillion shillings and is bound to be “heist”. It will not become beneficial or create any noteworthy development. No, this is made for a ghosts and lucky beneficiaries locally. That’s really it…

Just read these statements… it’s depressing… to say the least.

My Ministry therefore urges all Local Government Accounting Officers to fast-track the prior activities necessary to ready the PDM SACCOs for disbursement specifically: – to complete data collection on all households; and finalize the establishment of PDM SACCOs in all the Parishes under their respective areas of jurisdiction” (…) “Rt. Hon. Speaker and. Hon. Members, n July 2022, my Ministry requested the Local Government Accounting Officers to work with Operation Wealth Creation to validate the PDM SACCOs formed and verify the membership in the PDM Enterprise Groups and SACCOS, prior to the disbursement of funds” (Matia Kasaija, 23.08.2022).

Rt. Hon. Speaker and Hon. Members, for effective management of PRF funds by PDM SACCOs and learning from past experiences, the target beneficiaries should not access the disbursed PRF funds before they are prepared. Initial access to funds shal1 be preceded by training and preparation of PDM Enterprise Groups and PDM SACCOs on Governance, Loan Management, Records Keeping, Good Agricultural and Agribusiness Practices. Furthermore, the Parish Development

Management Information System (PDMIS) has been designed with the capability to track daily transactions in the PDM SACCOs” (Matia Kasaija, 23.08.2022).

Here after all this time. The PDM was launched in February this year. We are now half year later and the organization in the districts or parishes are far from ready. While the budget and revolving fund has cash-flow. The MoFPED is prepared financially, but the structures are non-existing, if ever ready it seems.

The PDM SACCOs needs to be in a designated gazetted parish. They need to have an account at a supervised financial institution. The PDM SACCO needs to be registered and be certified as well. The PDM SACCOs has to sign the agreement with the RPF agreement with the CAO or Town Clerk. The Local Government Accounting Officer has to submit a form to confirm that the PDM SACCO is under guidance of pillar three or financial inclusion. The last part of the PDM SACCO has to verified by the CAO/Town Clerk, supported by the Operation Wealth Creation and proven by data in the Parish Development Management Information System (PDMIS).

Yes, there are sort of system, but they are very hectic. The PDM SACCOs who are new creations in the over 10,000 parishes in the Republic. They have to go out there and get registered. These has to comply with all the various entities, both locally and financial instruments (account in a bank etc). While they are awaiting the disbursement of funds and get operational. That’s really hectic.

The PDM SACCOs has to be able to get a hold of the CAO/Town Clerk and get the paperwork done. To even be eligible. This is creating a huge secretariat and a registration process, which will take time. Both in the banks and in the local government. Local government that is understaffed and has enough work on their plates as is.

I cannot see this going well. It was very interesting revelation that this has to go through the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), which has already been a failure and haven’t lived up to the hype. Wondering if they will create another hurdle passing by Emyooga later on too. Because, this is a hectic mess and the state wasn’t prepared. Neither can the villages or the local government be. Since, this will cause a lot headache and needs of papers to even get started.

That’s before the Value for Money Reports or even consideration of if it is even worth it or has any sort of justification to be disbursed as it is. Since, this seems like scheme, which is bound to fail. Today statement isn’t inspiring or showing any hope of otherwise either. This is maybe to be “big” to fail, but I have a feeling… this will end in tears. Peace.

A DP MP plea for sanity: Where is the DP MPs placed in the order of Parliament Procedure…?

Today there might a talk after Democratic Party MP Michael Lulume Bayigga have issued a statement for the plenary session dated back to the 18th August 2022. Where the main grievances are if the DP is an “opposition” or a “government” party now. That means the 4 DP MPs has to sit with the NRM and not in Opposition. Neither can the DP MP partake in Opposition activities in the Parliament either.

This here is obvious questions and should have been resolved with the ushering in of DP Chairman Norbert Mao becoming the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Nevertheless, that has never been settled. This is why the MP has to issue this statement and get some answers.

One part that is really amusing and compelling about the agreement is this one: “We would like to state categorically clearly that we have never been part of a Party process that sanctioned any negotiations or Consultations to get the impugned agreement done, Hon Speaker, peaceful assembling organs of the Democratic Party were disperscd by the Uganda Police Force while scores of others were arrested on the 4th August at Tal Cottages in Rubaga” (Lulume Bayigga, 18.08.2022).

So, this undermines the agreement, as it was a solo-mission and expedition for the Chairman to get political relevance. Since, he was lingering on the outskirts of politics and only held some national relevance on the NBS TV Frontline show. The rest of the time he made statements and political aligned quotes on his Twitter. That’s about it.

He further states: “Hon. Speaker, whereas some of us sit on the National Executive Committee and

the National Council; which are the decision making organs of the Party, We state unequivocally and in no uncertain terms that neither the National Executive Committee, the National Council nor the Parliament Group has ever sanctioned a process of Negotiation for Cooperation agreement between DP and NRM at all” (Lulume Bayigga, 18.08.2022).

When an MP addresses the NRM-DP agreement like this. It really says something about what went on and how Mao himself made it happen. He didn’t inform or concerned about the party itself. It was only his own making and getting a title. The Chairman ensured his own safe-haven and a Ministry of his choosing. That’s how it looks, especially, when an MP from his own party writes this statement and wants it discussed by Parliament.

The MP wants also know “which side are they on”… if they are still Opposition or Government now. If the DP MPs can vote with the Opposition or is bound by an Agreement, which they didn’t sign off on. Because, if so… the DP MPs has to vote in concert with the NRM Party and cannot decide on their own. Also, if there will be any clarification to why the DP MPs are part of any Opposition Activities in the Parliament. That’s all that need to be addressed.

It is really fitting and wise decision to push this. Especially, when the MP seems to be pushed into a stance and place, which isn’t it’s own choosing. That is very apparent by the statement and the disappointment of not taking the party into consideration, as it made arrangement and an agreement with the NRM.

Here the MP shows how Mao did foul play with his own party. This is an interesting turn of events. I just wonder how this unfold in Parliament. Especially, knowing how partisan the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is. They are not considering anything else than the business of Mzee. So, it will be compelling to see how it will be handled. Because, this is surely a test of procedure and righteous test of the divide of who is “opposition” and who is “government”. Peace.

Uganda: Africa Institute for Energy Governance – Government should stop the Ongoing Loadshedding (17.09.2022)

Opinion: “Be Frugal” isn’t a government intervention…

The President and his team making a statement of sorts… when they are claiming that “Be Frugal” is a short-term intervention of the state. That is really foolishness and inaction at its best. This is putting all the weight on the citizen and the population itself. They just have to be careful with every single shilling and the state will in the short-term not give you anything or any sort of substantial relief. That’s really the point here…

The state that is filled with nepotism and cronyism. A state so filled with government entities and ministries, huge budgets and salaries. A state that is overspending over capacity on bloated government structures, districts, counties and cities, which are not even able to absorbed in the budgets. That sort of government is telling it’s citizens to be frugal.

The high ranking officials and ministers are complaining about old vehicles. They are getting the state to pay for newest models and custom made to VIP treatment. While citizens are told to be frugal. A State House and an Office of President who is eating large every day. A President with over 130 Presidential Advisors and a cabinet around 80. Not in putting the amount of MPs who are the on the state payroll. In combination with the RDCs and everyone else who is directly appointed in combination with the elected officials both in local government and state level. This whole government is made to be a cash-cow and that’s before civil servants are even paid. The bureaucrats, the teachers, nurses or anyone else holding offices in a government entity. They are part of the play, but the politicians and their appointments are the expensive ones.

That’s why the message in the rising inflation, rising prices on basic commodities and food. The government answer to that: “Be Frugal”. Seriously, that’s it? That’s all you can do? Save some money you either have or don’t have. Wash yourself with less soap, buy less bread and don’t even think using your car. Cars and vehicles are only for the VIPs and the ones who has salaries that actually counts. They have also budgeted pay for air-time and phone-bills, so they don’t have to worry about use of data. Heck, these folks don’t have to worry about Yaka or paying the electric bills either. It is just prefixed and they are well-off because of their office.

Be Frugal”.

That’s all you got? When people don’t have money or currency worth a damn? It is not like the people had much to begin with, but now even less. Their currency or money is less valued as the prices are going up. The salaries are stagnate and the expenses are just going up. You cannot stop the ordinary expenses, it costs to live and it’s like the President and government doesn’t understand that.

The message is just insulting. This is the Cassava Republic and the Republic that is mirrored in the image of the President. It is what his created and his minions are proud of his messaging. However, it is flawed and it isn’t helping. It isn’t even helping himself, as his sitting on the pedestal watching down on people. The poverty is real, even if the President and his kind is “living” in a middle-income country. Peace.

A brief look into the Committee on Human Rights Report on Human Rights Violations in the Country from January 2020 to date

Today I will look into the Parliamentary report named: “REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS ON THE STATE OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE COUNTRY, PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA, FROM JANUARY 2020 TO-DATE” which is dated in July 2022 and received by the Clerk of the Parliament during August 2022. This report is important, as we know the usage of the authorities against dissidents, activists and others during the campaigns and after it too. So, that should be reflected in the report.

I will take out the quotes and statements, which is showing the true character of the oppression and how the state operates. It would be shocking if there wasn’t some sinister actions reported or information about. The news about these acts and the common knowledge of it should be mirrored here.

The report is bluntly very long and could be taken into plenty of pieces. As there are enough pain and suffering to speak about. I am only taking a little part of the greater picture. Just to show what sort of things the state does to the citizens during the election period. Because, focusing on to big parts it will be becoming erratic. There are so many stakeholders who supplemented the Report as well.

So there could be taken out so much material. However, here is just a small fragment and it still prints a bleak picture. I believe this is only the top of the ice-berg and we don’t know what is underneath the surface. The state would never release the whole picture, but only the cliff-notes. That is obvious here….

A brief overview of human rights violations:

It starts with: “the highest number of complaints reported to UHRC was torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment (443), followed by deprivation of personal liberty/detention beyond 48 hours (378)” (…) “The Commission reported to the Committee that some of the law enforcement or security agencies wear civilian clothes, sometimes with their faces covered

in masks, while those in uniforms lack name tags. The identification of perpetrators is further compounded when there are joint operations by the Uganda Police Force, UPDF, CMI and ISO” (…) “The Committee notes that there was arbitrary deprivation of the right to liberty because of wrongful procedure of airest by Police and security agencies. Most suspects were held incommunicado and were not informed of the cases against them” (…) “The Committee noted that UHRC reported 90 cases of alleged deprivation of the right to life. However, the report did not contain any additional information on how each case was handled and the status of said the cases” (Report, July 2022).

Abductions during campaign season:

The Committee was informed that between the months of January 2020 and March 2021, the Uganda Human Rights Commission received 65 complaints of alleged disappearances of persons in the districts of Kyotera, Mukono, Kampala, Wakiso, Mpigi, Pallisa, Bundibugyo and Mityana” (…) “Some of the released persons allege to have been freed from the Special Investigations Unit in Kireka, Wakiso district while others contend they were produced in court and remanded to Kitalya Prison” (Report, July 2022).

HURIPEC reported that from the start of the official presidential and parliamentary election campaigns in November 2O2O, not less than 500 Ugandans were abducted, kidnapped, held in custody without trial or in military facilities and “safe houses”, or killed extra-judicially. HURIPEC

alleged that on November 18 and 191h 2020 alone, it was estimated that over 100 Ugardans were executed on the streets of Kampala in a bid to contain protests that were triggered by the arrest of NUP Party flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu” (…) “They further claimed that while a few of the citizens arrested in this onslaught were arraigned before courts of law, an unknown number were found dumped in jungles and other remote places; often in poor health, bearing torture marks. Some women reported to have been sexually violated- These acts have gone hand in hand with a growing practice of trying Ugandan citizens in military tribunals. HURIPEC expres concern that this is against the letter and spirit of Uganda s constitution” (Report, July 2022)

Rt Hon. Speaker, UJA reported to the Committee that several journalists were injured by security during the course of their work; covering the 2021 elections. A survey conducted by UJA, for the period November 2nd 2020 and May 12th 2021, they recorded violations of rights for over 50 journalists in form of physical attacks, confiscation of work tools, vandalism, tear gas and

pepper sprays, unwarranted arrests, detention and intimidation by the security forces and private citizens” (Report, July 2022).

Violations of the LDUs:

Local Defence Unit (LDUS) personnel were reported to have used excessive force, including beatings and extortion of money from Boda boda riders, food vendors and taxi drivers in Kampala, Wakiso, Entebbe and Jinja purportedly to enforce Presidential Guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021” (Report, July 2022).

This is grim, but sadly not shattering. We have heard and read similar before… it is sinister that a state can act like this and only show a little of it. They are drip-dropping about it, but never revealing the whole picture. That’s why we know… that there is so much more to it all and so many more cases, which has never been told. This is the real trick of it all.

No one should have gone through this, but there are plenty of more that never gets into print. Peace.

Opinion: The Speaker investigates the MP and not the corrupt practice itself…

We know that the Speaker of the August House is partisan and works directly for the interests of the state. This is why the actions of National Unity Platform (NUP) MP for Bukoto South, Twaha Kagabo sparks this reaction. Not because Speaker Anita Annet Among cares about these things, because she clearly don’t, but instead see it as a means to an end. She can use the allegations and the retraction of the payout to start an investigation.

That Kagabo MP used his platform and his titles to unleash these funds. Just shows how the state operating and how easy access to bribes there are for the MPs. The state can so easily payout and give them kickbacks for their services. However, the speaker isn’t interested in that and neither is the National Resistance Movement (NRM). They don’t want to exposed or shown how they “eat”. No, they want the man who told and spelled it out punished. He dared to speak out and unleash the truth to the public. That’s why Speaker Among reacts now.

In this manner she has shown her conduct and her will:

Honourable Members, yesterday the media was awash with news of a Member of this House allegedly seeking to return some money whose sources and intentions are unknown. The member in question is Hon. Twaha Kagabo, MP Bukoto South. He was reportedly carrying money in cash seeking to deliver it to some offices within the precincts of Parliament. Hon. Members, the code of conduct for Members of Parliament is well enumerated in appendix F of the Rules of Procedures which amongst others deals with personal conduct, corruption, public trust and improper use of payment. The actions of the member threatens the integrity of this House. I accordingly invoke Rule 175 (1) (b) of the Rules of Procedure and refer the Member to the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline. The Committee should investigate the Member’s conduct and report back within one (1) month. Hon. Members, in a bid strengthen evidence-based legislation, the Parliamentary Commission has established three (3) resource centres fully equipped with computers and printing services; in the Library, development House and Kingdom Kampala. The Clerk has shared the details of their locations on your e-mails. Please make the best use of those resource centres to boost your input in the legislative process” (Anita Annet Among, 09.08.2022).

What is striking from the Speaker is that “sources” of the cash is supposed to be unknown. While the traces of that could be found on accounts and the meeting-point of wherever the MPs could get it. They tend to have a “rendezvous” point and get the monies from a courier. That’s how the stories usually goes, especially the payments that isn’t coming as salaries or added perks in their office. Therefore, the Speaker is acting ignorant, when she knows the practice herself and has “pocketed” funds this way too.

What is even more striking is that she issues an investigation into the manner of which he showed up with the cash. That this was an act of weakening the integrity of the Parliament. However, the Deputy Speaker by being the man who so easily voted to salvage ROKO during last month is more substantial in damage of the reputation and how the procedural works of the National Assembly is. Nevertheless, his part of the tribe and one-of-them so he can walk-it-off. That’s why the investigation will certainly make him a victim and punish the MP. Because, he dared to question a “suit” or “brown envelope”. He was just suppose to eat it and be silent. It was “free” money and it was given to serve a purpose.

The Speaker isn’t defending the integrity, instead she is showing that corrupt practices doesn’t matter, but the publicity of it is another case. If the MP hadn’t said a word or tried to expose the rot in the Parliament. Well… he would have eaten and had a peaceful day. However, he chose to enlighten and show up to reimburse the funds. That’s why his said to be corrupt and like his the only one, which is silly. The “rendezvous” point and the courier most likely had “envelopes” for a majority and they took it. Nevertheless, the Speaker and the like wants us to be believe his the only one. That cannot be true and it wouldn’t serve a purpose to only pay him. That’s just the nature of the game and how you get things moved.

Speaker Among proves yet again to be partisan and work in favour of the NRM. She isn’t a person who works for the state, but works for interests of one party. That is evident. This is why the NUP MPs get into trouble and her own don’t have to worry about a fly. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s address unravels his inaction

During Amin’s time, this small economy of producing raw materials collapsed. When we came, its only coffee and tobacco that were surviving. We came in to transform the economy from dependency to self-sufficiency” – President Museveni (05.08.2022).

The sheer amount of speeches addresses made by President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni is fatiguing. That the old man can speak for hours on end and time-travels as he does it. It seems like one of the few past times he actually appreciate and is maybe the reason why he does it. Because, he doesn’t say much new or compelling for that matter.

The President is just showing that he haven’t built a robust economy. His Excellency haven’t opened up for an industrial revolution. Neither is the Republic ready to go electric. The houses aren’t able to be electrified on a massive scale. So, why should the public go for electric cars, boda-boda’s and whatnot? When there is blackouts, loadshedding and lack of electricity up-country. The Republic aren’t prepared or have the tools to make it sufficient yet. Secondly, who can afford the electric cars and be able to charge them in-and-around Kampala for matter? A very few and they better be have an expensive insurance to make sure they get home. If their “luck” strikes with low battery and a serious blackout.

The same President that speaks of suddenly care for the Railways. A depilated and forgotten industry. A sort of tale not doing anything since the colonialist built it. The shoddy networks and lack of investment in it for years. Makes it less viable for transport of goods and not even an option for commute for people. That’s why the sudden care and will to speak of it seems like an ancient idea coming back to life. However, there aren’t much in the budgets or funding to make an attempt of reviving it.

Some people think politics is just talking and going to weddings and funerals. From the beginning, NRM told you that politics is a matter of life and death. If you handle politics badly, you will end up with bad results” (Museveni, 05.08.2022).

Mzee is really going in circles because he knows by the grapevine that the public are struggling with the inflation. However, his government will not do any or show any concerns about it. The taxes and the rising prices just has to be sustained. That’s why his talking yet again of not eating bread, adding additional rice and saying there are other solutions like cassava. This President don’t intend to do anything. While lecturing people on not buying second hand clothes. When there isn’t an industry of producing clothes that is there to begin with. Those sorts of stories just shows what sort of mess the President is at.

A President that has had over 36 years in office. Seemingly unaware or unbothered with the plights, pains and suffering of the people. That’s because his so shielded from the life of the citizens. This is why his returning on the screens and on the radio. Like an emperor who just have to order people around and give directives on the spot. Certain minister will now scramble and the PR team will now make the best of it. Kiira Motors will be stressed and so will other entities as well. Because, now they are supposed to be on the levels of Ford or Skoda for that matter.

If the old man thinks these sorts of addresses helps him. Well, I hate to say it, but it doesn’t at this point. It only shows how his regime, his legacy and all his work is tarnished. He don’t have the tools to transform or equip the nation to change to electric. Neither has there been policies, investments or at a scale to make it possible. That’s because the army has been the priority and the life-line of his reign. If the army had been the standard of good living and a prosperous nation, than Uganda would be utopia by now. However, that’s not how people live or people earns a living. He might not get that. Because, his addicted to power and only breathes by recognition.

The President in the likes of yesterdays address only undermines himself. Because, the talk of change from petrol to electric. Isn’t done swiftly and neither is there infrastructure to make it happen. That takes time, money and will, which never been there. This is why we know the petrol cars will run supreme and for ages to come. Since this man and his party cannot afford to do otherwise. This party cannot even stop the usage of kavera or polythene bags in the markets. Even if they have abolished and “stopped” the practice several of times.

So, it would be better for Museveni to hang up the mic and be mute for moment. Until, he and his cronies can actually achieve something. This is all posturing and big-talk, “hot-air” and wasted energy. Museveni could have used these hours to grazed his cows instead. That would have at least done the cows a service.

This speech was a waste of time… and we know the drill. His soon returning for yet another edition. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni isn’t sensing the times his in…

President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni calls history “current affairs” and uses old diplomatic spats or conflicts in light of today. However, his forgetting one thing in the picture that the times has changed as well. Yes, Uganda is a sovereign and should be allowed to make friends or allies with whoever they deem fit. Nevertheless, in doing so.. you cannot expect former allies and friends to be as warm to you. When you have decided to pick a side in a conflict.

The conflict Museveni has picked a side in is Ukraine. Not by abstaining a vote in the United Nations, but by association with Russians and doing business with Kremlin. That is a choice and a decision made by default. The same defending Moscow’s reasons for invading and wanting to annexation of Ukrainian territories. That’s what Museveni is signalling… and saying after the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

After that visit the United States sent their Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. The information and the messages sent from Museveni is clear. That he wants to be allied with Russia and it’s beneficial to him. He don’t even mind to cease or see the end of aide from the U.S. and says Uganda could thrive without support from the West. Certainly, if he would do that… the Ugandan President is gambling with his future and possible default of the ever growing loans in the middle of a downturn in the economy and rising inflation. It isn’t like the economy is booming or having any sort of upturn. Instead the financial implications would be horrific and it’s like his reckless about it.

Museveni should study the times.. there is a realignment of allies and who is working together. The President is either on the side of the West or heading into the hands of Kremlin. The Ukrainian invasion is only showing who is willing to back and be partners of Putin. The others who are stepping to the other side and defending the independence of Ukraine. Museveni is siding with Putin and therefore, also in turn turning on the West. He cannot have it both ways now.

A man of history should show how it went with Said Barre, the dictator of Somalia who went from a Soviet ally into an American asset. The same way can be seen here and Museveni is trying to play these diplomatic games. However, it is a sort of cold-war-esque era now. The beginning of it and the rising sanctions on Russia is a proof of that. Now, that Museveni sides with Kremlin, he shouldn’t expect so much goodwill from Washington D.C. Nevertheless, trust me when the push get to shove. The Ugandan President could regret doing this, because this could make other things harder later down the line.

Yes, the President is in his right not to ask for “instructions” and live as a “sovereign”. Still, when a sovereign makes a choice and a decision. He opens one door and closes another one. That’s a way of life. Museveni by this choice is more valuable to Lavrov and Putin than to Biden. This is what is initially boiling down too.

I’m sure Museveni would miss the $950 million per year in U.S. assistance to the Ugandan coffers. If the U.S. decided not to send these funds or cease. I’m pretty sure the Kampala diplomatic core would go on begging expedition and hire more K Street lobbyist to re-engage the Washington D.C. back on board. However, it will not be that easy. When the President is picking sides and he cannot stand-by both. Especially, when his supporting the imperial war in Ukraine. Defending the aggressor and the ones behind the evils done to Kyiv.

It is like Museveni don’t see this picture and thinks his so far away that it don’t matter to him. However, when the millions of dollars stops from the Western powers. Certainly, the debt-recycling cannot be salvaged and lack of budget assistance will be severe. Since, Museveni has built a career on living of these funds. While not having the need to be accountable by it.

The tides are turning and it’s not the era of flip-flopping between the East and the West. No, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has forever altered that. If Museveni cannot see that. Well, the lavish life in Rwakitura farm or any of the State Lodges for that matter. The Entebbe State House seems decided and because of that. If it faces consequences later down the line. It cannot cry havoc or act like a victim. It choose Putin and Kremlin by default of doing so. The Ugandan President should expect love and support from the West at the rate he was used too. Peace.