South Sudan: National People’s Movement – Press Statement (09.10.2021)

Opinion: Another year, another coalition created by Besigye – Is this enough?

From the launch last year in 2020

Dr. Kizza Besigye have together with allies created “People’s Front for Transition” (PFT) recently with the slogan “Twetaase” which means “Let Us Save Ourselves”. The National Unity Platform (NUP) have declined to join the PFT. Therefore, the coalition or pressure group doesn’t have the biggest opposition party behind it.

Besigye isn’t alone, but it is lonely place in some regard. Since, there are long-term allies who joins him no matter what he does. He has held several of campaigns and ran with new slogans. That is something he has done with a steady pace. It is not long ago on the 15th June 2020 Besigye and Bobi Wine announced the United Forces of Change (UFC). They would start with their joint campaign “No Nedda”.

With that in mind and it’s October 2021. The UFC didn’t do anything. The FDC went their own way and the NUP did the same. In this new organization of PFT there are fraction from the UPC and DP. People’s Progressive Party (PPP), JEEMA and the Conservative Party is part of it. The FDC is the main party when both Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Erias Lukwago was participating in the launch.

This time Besigye is trying to hard. He should have tried to work on the agreement, which was already done with UFC. A coalition that hasn’t delivered or done anything. That is very clear, as the UFC was invisible and non-active during the campaigns. Therefore, Besigye should have alerted and made it relevant for Bobi Wine to use during his campaign trail. Alas, that wasn’t the case and it ended up being an photo-op.

Some might say… NUP is ditching out and not using their means to properly participate here. However, there is no binding or expectations of them to do so. This is a initiative and there is nothing in the cards that says they should join either. Because, the merits of the previous one amounted to nothing.

Who thinks the PFT will be more successful than the UFC? Or is this another IPC?

I know that Besigye means well and wants to succeed. He has had this ambition and drive for a peaceful transition most of his career. Besigye should also question himself… why is he starting yet another one?

Is he gaining anything out of this. Except having several of outfits as his start-ups. It is time to deliver results and add pressure to the regime. Yes, plenty of the opposition parties wants the regime gone. However, should Besigye negotiate more and find more allies before launching anything?

He is not the “sole” leader. Yes, Besigye is inspirational and has told the stories on how to dismantle the current leadership. Alas, people haven’t listened or gained enough attention to follow him. There is hope that one day they would. However, he needs Bobi Wine at this current time. The NUP is a growing power and they needs to be in sync.

Has Besigye outplayed himself here? Should he have moved more smart and tried to work with the NUP more closely before launching?

Or did Besigye give up on UFC? Since he maybe felt like everyone else… that this was a useless coalition. So, why expect the NUP to join another one? Peace.

South Sudan: OCHA – Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. in South Sudan condemns the latest threat against humanitarians operating in Greater Pibor Adminstrative Area (05.10.2021)

Opinion: Museveni have weaponized the judiciary and the authorities [that’s the problem]

The National Resistance Army/Movement (NRA/M) came with promise of peace and liberty for the people. The promises haven’t been kept and the NRM is no different from the previous regimes. The only difference in some parts of the Republic the amounts of extra judicial killings and abuse of process, which is illegally detaining civilians, charging political opponents and even using Military Courts to prosecute political prisoners. Therefore, yesterday’s National Address of His Excellency was really insulting himself and his reign.

Yes, he lied about several of things. We can doubt that the President was sent to prisons during his time as a student and was also in Mozambique to learn guerrilla tactics. This man was in such good favours that Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere wanted President Milton Obote to hire him. That clearly helped him to get the post of Research Assistance in the Office of the President. A post he had until Idi Amin overthrow Obote. So, believing he would be many times in jail is the easiest lie.

What is striking that the President is speaking of victims of murders, killings and extra judicial killings. That the assassins and killers doesn’t deserve police bond or bail. A right everyone has in 1995 Constitution. A Constitution he created and made in his vision back-in-the-day. We know he has revised to the new reality and to his self-styled Presidential for Life. Therefore, changing this would be Modus Operandi.

However, doing this and what the state does. Instead of investigating and using due process in criminal proceedings. In concern to the arrests of opposition MPs. It follows a pattern and it’s pathetic. They arrested before the proceedings are even started. The MPs are targeted and charged, but there was no real investigation in advance. Therefore, the state cannot produce witnesses, affidavits or evidence defending the charges. That’s why the state has put the cart before the horse and it’s deliberate. This is why the MPs are put on bail while the authorities have to figure out who to pin them. Secondly, why they are re-arrested by another parts of the authorities for other charges. To keep them behind bars. While they are working … to find a way and reasons for keeping them detained. This is initially making people guilty before they are innocent. Instead of the principal of being innocent until proven guilty.

That’s why it’s really staggering that he does and uses his time to re-issue the idea of abolishing bail and police bond. The President seems to have no trouble doing this. However, if he pushes for this and it becomes a new regime after him. They might use these laws to target NRM leaders and family members of Museveni. Muhoozi and Odrek could easily be targeted on phony charges, airlifted to Moroto and kept behind bars for months. While the authorities are producing evidence and proof of the alleged intentions to do the crime they are charged with.

President Museveni will now serve injustice in system. Yes, murders and extra judicial killings should be investigated. The ones behind the crimes should be charged and sentenced. This should be all parts of the authorities to participate and ensure justice is served. That done by the due process and with rule of law. However, the ideals and words of Museveni yesterday his the officer, judge and the executioner. His taking the law into his own hands and wants people to be detained and sentenced without proper proceedings. That is just tragic, but shows how he cares about justice.

For a man who promised to deliver “fundamental change” and be different than his predecessors. His clearly copying them all and all of their ills. A piece by piece, as his time is lingering in power. What is striking is that he uses the same methods and means to stay in office. The NRM and the President have no issues weaponizing the judiciary, the authorities and the state to target its opponents. That it has done through the years and its not getting better. This why this is just furthering oppression and crackdown on the ones who differs from His Excellency. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s words matters less and less

The speeches, the national addresses and whatnot of the Fountain of Honour, His Excellency and the President of the Republic, Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni is becoming pointless. To say it accurately “a waste of time”.

A President and his speeches should be poignant and be inspirational. Heck, they should set the norm and the moral statement of how his government is run. Alas, the President should set forward policies, directives and what he aims to do in the present and the future. However, there is pieces of that in his speeches, but also a lot of downtime. It could just be static sounds and whispers of the past. Since it isn’t relevant or fits more a “Point Blank” skit.

President Museveni is making mockery of the Republic and himself. A man who has positioned all power in his hands. A leader who is directing everyone and involving himself in any sort of deal. There is no road, house or land in question without some sort of interference from the President. While he has appointed authorities, commissions and government organizations to do this. Still, his doing their bidding and undermining their initial work. Their mandate is without merit, because he can tell the leader of the organization. That is what you do and what I order you to do. Therefore, all protocol, due diligence or procedure is a troublesome wasteland.

So, why I am writing all of this?

Well, someone has to say it. After all the speeches of the bush-war, the legends of the past and the supposed heroics. Sooner or later,the National Resistance Movement (NRM) which is built around the President. Has to give way and become a relic as well. Not only the stalwart or historicals who is lost and praying for relevance. The same is soon happening to the President. If we are not already there.

The President can’t fake love or appreciation… he can fake polls and elections. He can rig the majority and control the institutions of the Republic. As well, he can do the same to the military and security organizations. As long as these are kept in order and paid. These will be loyal and secure the Presidency. They are not there to secure law and order. Neither is it stationed to secure the territory either. These are soldiers and officers who is more busy with dissident than doing their actual job.

That is why the speeches and statements are becoming static air and not worthy of being on TV, Radio or online for that matter. Everyone is better of cooking a stew or buying airtime for their phones. Than actually spending time listening in and await the prepared articles on the “hot-takes” from it. It is better to read a book or spend time with family. Because, you using your time for something useful.

This is really insightful and shows the true nature of things. The general public rather await for the guidance and the articles with the directives. Then to actually sit down and listen to what he has to say. The President and his handlers should be worried. Since his not seen as relevant. That is not weird considering he has imposed himself in their lives for decades. It is not like his truly elected or popular for ages. That train left long time ago and his acts is differing from his speeches too.

He can in one minute go from hating something to love it. We have seen over the years how the man has twisted and changed his mind. That has always been with the best interest for himself and his own causes. This is why everyone know he does things for selfish reasons and not for the betterment of the state. The belief in that died years ago and the ones who still believes it is naive or stupid.

So, a National Address tomorrow isn’t worthy of anyone’s time. It is better just to drop a statement with new COVID-19 guidelines and not take two hours of airtime on TV and Radio. Everyone knows it’s useless and not valuable use of time.

It is tragic that its like this after 35 years in power. However, this is something he has himself created and as long as you impose yourself on people. At one point or another people will stop to listen. With more and more time. That is evident. Just like I have less people reading stories on Museveni than I did in the past. So, it is just proven how little people care about him and his reign of tyranny. Peace.

Opinion: Awaiting either a private bill or a constitutional amendment to abolish bail

We have been here before… the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have twice altered the 1995 Constitution to favour or personally help the will of the President. Now, the President is on another war-path. As he wants to have all legality to keep people in prison and not free them. Since, he believes killers and the ones doing serious crimes deserves to behind bars without the constitutional right for bail or be temporary freed until trial or sentencing.

This is showing the viciousness of the state. A state that already uses the authorities, security organizations and law enforcement to target and detain the opponents of the state. This state uses Panda Gari’s or “drones” to pick-up, abduct, kidnap and keep civilians incommunicado for days. These people are not produced in court within the 48 hours timeline. Neither is there a trial or proof of guilt for their supposed crimes. Many has been tortured or extra-judicially killed by the authorities. That has happen during the reign of Museveni and how he operates.

Those actions is clearly not sinister enough. The state who already uses the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI), Internal Security Organization (ISO) and Uganda Police Force (UPF) for their own gains. This is done to intimidate and make it impossible for dissidents and activists to organize. They are blocking and finding ways to silence the main opposition too.

That is why the President wants to take away the ability to get bail. The courts are issuing this and they are tending to come with conditions and the “culprit” or alleged criminal has to appear before the courts. This is happening while the investigation and the case is pending. However, when it comes to political active and opposition members. They are arrested for charges, which the state never proves or produce evidence. The state is prolonging the cases and never stopping them. The criminal cases against an opposition can last for many years and never been closed or dismissed. It can take a decade or even longer. Therefore, if the bail goes away. In practically for cases like these. The person charged could be behind bars for a decade without sentencing or proper case work. That is detaining innocent civilians and non-criminal without prejudice. This is making the citizen guilty before proven innocent. That isn’t rule of law, but lawlessness.

If the NRM does this… they do that to please their master and his whims. It will be a practical issue and assure the President that he can punish his enemies without any court order or a sentence. He can keep them detained and they don’t have the right to be released pending trial and sentencing. The state doesn’t need to produce evidence or witnesses to build cases. That is the evil side of this.

It wouldn’t be shocking, if the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Kahinda Otafiire or a private bill from a loyal cadre within the NRM caucus. They would do that to abolish the article 23(6) or amend it. The NRM did that with the term limits and the age limit as well. So, this wouldn’t shock anyone if they did.

However, the previous articles was directly about the Presidency and his office. This can be a legal jeopardy for citizens in general. Taking away bail means the citizens looses their rights and if they are arrested. Nobody can bail them out or pay bond to get them out. That is injustice and shows what the regime is willing to do.

Yes, the regime and the President is already serving the public injustice with the “drones” and ungazetted safe-houses. The state is already misusing it’s power by re-arresting people released on bail. Taking them to a new prison and a new incarceration facility elsewhere. While they are adding new charges or pinning it on the citizen. That is what the state is doing towards two NUP MPs these days and these tricks has been used before.

So, am awaiting two types of legislation delivered in Parliament. That is done to secure the ambition of the President. Either the Minister coming with his testing of the popularity of it or a private bill to do it in favour of the will of the President. Because, the NRM and Museveni is willing to alter the Constitution and this is the manner the state does it. Peace.

A look into how Col. Mamady Doumbouya blasts Museveni

Col. Mamady Doumbouya the current day rule of Guinea. Who took power on the 5th September 2021 after overthrowing third term President Alpha Conde .A man who rewrote the Constitution and held a referendum so he could overstay in power. This is one of the reasons for his downfall and gave legitimacy to the Special Forces Group (GPS). Therefore, yesterdays Facebook post addressing Museveni’s condemnation of the coup is very entertaining.

What Col. Doumbouya is saying is striking, as retort to the statement Museveni made recently. Just take a look:

Please stop dictating don’t lecture us on democracy. ECOWAS and AU are a batch of dictators with mentality of occupying and colonizing Africans. Dictators think they will rule African countries as if they are running their families. We are closely following the events and we have learnt that Museveni hasn’t slept ever since we took over power. He has been calling fellow dictators to undermine our leadership” (Doumbouya, 24.09.2021).

His words are poignant and direct. What is striking to call the coup democratic. Yes, Conde was misusing power and overstaying in office. The act of Col. Doumbouya was stopping a man who never wanted step down. Still, his act wasn’t democratic as Doumbouya isn’t elected either. Yes, the people supported his cause and the coup. However, that is because of Conde and not personally towards the new ruler. Therefore, the condemnation of the coup is natural, but Museveni shouldn’t lecture on democracy and neither the organizations in question either. These organizations are shielding the likes of Conde and Museveni.

It is true that Museveni runs his republic like his family and directs it all as a family business. So, it is cool that Col. Doumbouya says that. This is not sort of thing a head of state usually would say. Doumbouya is actually speaking of others like Museveni did in the beginning of his reign. When he was seen as the new-breed, which is a striking turn of events.

He continues:

Museveni should instead focus on his country and rebuild it since he destroyed it long ago to the extent that there is no constitutional order in Uganda. Museveni is the constitution in Uganda and he is still protected by AU a batch of tyrants on our Continent. Museveni family rule in Uganda, he dominates everything and Ugandans have suffered under his hands” (Doumbouya, 24.09.2021).

Here is speaking facts. His not the first to say this and the African Union (AU) has been by many called the “Dictators Club”. The AU is quick to condemn and go after the public, but they are shielding and saving the dictators of the continent. Therefore, Col. Doumbouya is right on the money here. The words on Museveni is just a fitting example and what he says it true. Museveni will dismiss this, but the usage of force and authorities against the citizens is a proof in this regard.

The last cool point from Doumbouya:

Dictator Museveni who is writing missives against us accusing us of being backed by western powers, but he himself is the real agent of the western powers…He was used to gather Intelligence on Omar Al Bashir, he was used by the west to spy on Gadaffi..and he is still doing more for the west.. If he Museveni is working for the west, he is the kind of puppet leaders who don’t know his place in history, and is responsible for the death of Thomas Sankara and Patrice Lumumba, Museveni is a traitor to the new African order…If he continue his outbursts against us, we have more capabilities to undermine him on the African continent and beyond including ending his tyrannical missile in Uganda” (Doumbouya, 24.09.2021).

We know that Museveni have been favoured and worked for causes that has fitted the West. That’s why Museveni have been shielded and not targeted by the West. Even when he has violated their trust and misused power. So, Museveni himself should always be careful to call other puppets and being pawns. As he himself has been and is capable of trading his services for coins. Therefore, Col. Doumbouya is brave saying all this. While saying that Museveni isn’t Pan-African, which is something he always boosting to be. As we all know most of the causes and conflicts has been for personal gain or for the hopes of having a pay-off later down the line.

Therefore, the brutal words of Col. Doumbouya says it all. He states what others wouldn’t dare to say. Neither has Doumboya anything to loose. His a new generation of leader, unless he shows finesse and clarity. Have the ability like Rawlings and will usher in democratic institutions. He will turn into Museveni in matter or time. If not copying Conde himself. As Col. Doumbouya have the flex and flair right now.

Col. Doumbouya is where Museveni was in 1986, which is a long time ago. When he was the hopeful and the future of the Republic. We just have to see what power and the office does to him. If he will do something useful or become a dictator himself. It is easy to throw shade, but harder to step down and give way to the will of the people. That is proven, especially be the gentlemen who uses weapons to take power. Peace.

Opinion: Muhoozi is the baby dictator

Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is allowed to act and speak like no other army commander. That’s because his part of the first family. This man can disregard all diplomatic means and assessments. He can just speak his peace and pay it no mind.

That’s not because his the Commander of Land Forces and the third in line of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) aka the National Army. Muhoozi is allowed to tweet and counter what is the prerogative of the diplomatic community already working on. That could be how he talked about the coup in Guinea or conflict in Ethiopia. While other high ranking commanders would be silenced, muffled and eve arrested for uttering such words. This man can walk away and others will clean the air after the fact.

A general and a high ranking official should be careful. As the statements made or tweets even could alter relations between two parties. It is not like everyone will accept or think it is words of wisdom spoken. Muhoozi isn’t just another brother, but a UPDF commander. Secondly, his the son of the President so his words matters for that reason.

Muhoozi is allowed to have his speech and speak mind like everyone else. However, he has to take account of his role and his office. Others would have been fired, silenced or even detained for doing similar acts. That’s why we know he above the rest and can get away with it.

We can act dumb and stupid, but that doesn’t change anything. It is just a mere situation created by arrogance and entitlement. Muhoozi is oozing that and it’s evident. He can burn a Royal Palace and kill the guards without any inquiry or proof of the alleged crimes committed in Kasese. When he was the head of the Special Forces Command (SFC) they have never been looked into or questioned their activities. That’s because they were the “presidential guards” and Muhoozi was in-charge. There would never be accountability and his used to getting it that way.

There been other Security details and army commanders who has lost their titles, office and station, because they failed or didn’t deliver as promised. This being chiefs of ISO, ESO or CMI even. There been IGPs who got sacked and changed. Only Muhoozi is the one who is above and that shows the true colour of things.

That Muhoozi can act as a dictator, just like his father. Muhoozi can say whatever and it doesn’t have price. The costs and the burdens of his actions is for other pay. He gets away with it anyway. There are others careers and workload that changes, but he can walk home without any problems. That’s because his the heir and next-in-line.

Muhoozi will never have the ability to rule a party, govern or even gain natural popularity within the public. This man has never made his fortune or gotten promoted because of his skills. No, his there because of the President and he happens to be his son.

Muhoozi is the boss-baby and he should know it. The mocking of his drinking and his character traits will only get worse. When he should know that people wish for father to be dead and gone. Because, they are already tired about this regime and prolonged reign of his father. It is not like they want or need a second edition of this. They have already had 3 decades of this and don’t need an addition too it.

That just shows that Muhoozi isn’t that bright or have clarity. Power and boosting of his ego has created a delusion. Just like when his father says his there “because of the people”. When everyone knows its goats, ghosts and rabbits who pre-ticks ballots for him at every single election.

The whole regime is living on a lie and those lies will catch upon them eventually. It is not like Muhoozi will be saved by mercy and grace. He is just living by the gun and will die by the gun like his father. There will be no popular uprising for Muhoozi or in support Janet the day Yoweri falls. No, they will be dismissed and be disgraced. Since everyone know what they did and how they ate on the poverty of the republic. They detained, tortured and killed their enemies. The people will not favour them or their kind. That is what they made when they were in power and nothing will save them afterwards. Unless, they will flee to exile and have a humble home in another dictatorship.

Muhoozi should consider his way, but don’t expect it. He will be flashy and arrogant for life. The baby dictator is here and we shouldn’t be shocked if he stirs the pot. Since it doesn’t matter to him and he doesn’t have to clean up his own mess anyway. Peace.

South Sudan: Office of the President – Cancellation of Sovereign Guarantee for Amok General Trading USD 650 Million (24.09.2021)

Opinion: Otafiire, the Movement is a reflection of its head [and not its origin]

“The NRM of 1986 and the NRM now are not the same. If the two were to meet, they wouldn’t recognize each other. There are many things that as pioneers we believed in an held dear but have now changed”Kahinda Otafiire (23rd September 2021).

Some bush-war generals like Otafiire never learns or acts ignorant. It is hard to know of the boosting of ego is sincere or not. However, it is still done on public display and his has no nerve speaking about it.

It is just like we don’t know the history of National Resistance Movement (NRM). How it changed from the moment it got power and how people started to eat. It was not like the NRM have always followed its core principals. The NRM have gone far from them and never been truly honest.

The bush-war general can act like it was a holy and well-organized outfit, which kept its norms and ideals close to its chest. When we all know the greed, the misuse and the total consolidation of power. Which was the main objective in the end and to solidify Museveni’s reign. Therefore, the Movement from one point to another is very futile.

The 10-point program is the proof of the mismanaged priorities and lack of concern for governing. It has been more important to rule, than to deliver policies or government services. That’s why NGOs and UN Organizations still cover the basics and functions of the state. Since, the Movement is more preoccupied with eating.

Otafiire can act a fool. He can act like the NRM isn’t a body built for one man and his mind. It was the vehicle to get Museveni in office and keep him there. The NRA was the means to an end and all excuses to exhaust that was striking. That’s why the government is so self-centred around him and his the personification of the stat.

Not because the NRM is great, but because Museveni is directly involved in every aspect of the state. He orders, directs and decrees everything from road-tenders to who is fit to be a judge. There is no middle ground and everyone is his puppets.

That’s why you know the likes of Otafiire wants the legacy of the party to be different. He wants it to be noble and grand. However, that is a lie and that’s partly because of the reflection of Yoweri himself.

The bush-war general should maybe know better. The pioneers who is still there know the gist and the deception. That’s why they are still around and know Museveni is the reason why they are still relevant. Not because the NRM is a outfit worth mentioning or has the ability to make a difference. No, they are there because the pay-off is promised from the most high.

We can act like it is different, but it isn’t and it’s a tiresome lie.

Otafiire is however right about one thing yesterday: “Those of us in leadership have allowed these things to happen but soon the NRM will be like KANU in Kenya. When a party lacks ideological grounding, it is like a house built on sand that is soon swept away by water. When we came from the bush where our thinking was ideologically homogenous but it seems the thinking changed. We will soon end up like KANU, Mobutu’s MPR and the United Independence Party of Zambia” (Otafiire, 23.09.2021).

NRM will be irrelevant and die out when Museveni isn’t there anymore. Because it was his vehicle and when his time is up. Then nobody wants to associate or stand by the relic of the past. It will be a dead briefcase party. It will only family and relatives of Museveni wants to revive it. Since it is from the heyday of the mighty himself.

Museveni is NRM and NRM is Museveni. That’s because it’s built on him and his image. There is no NRM without Museveni. There will not be a NRM without him either. That will die, because the roots and the remains are empty. We can act indifference about that, but the truth is still that. Peace.