

Human Rights Network for Journalists – Uganda: IGP Pronouncements for beat journalists (12.01.2021)





Now two days ahead of the polls. It is so clear as day that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have been running wild, because of how Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have operated. Bobi Wine is another sort of politician, which Museveni really haven’t met in his life-time.
That is why the President is acting ghetto, hiring the Presidential Advisors from the Ghetto and fearing the voices of the youth that. This is why the state have been acting with force towards the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform (NUP). The ones wearing red have been harassed, abducted and detained by the state. This has happen to the campaign team of Bobi Wine and his associates. Even candidates are taken from their homes and not seen again. Sadly some of them are seeing their demise and suddenly appearing dead. That is the sort of state this election is.
There is nothing the state will do to be supreme. They will go after Bobi Wine and his party by any means. The state went first after the colour. Then they went after the red beret. After that they raided the headquarters in Kamwokya, Kampala. Later they made up a case against the inception and change of NUP. Since then they have used all means to block the campaigns, the districts and even hotels… they have targeted Bobi Wine since his spreading a message that incite fear inside the head of Museveni. Bobi Wine and his comrades are talking of revolution and peaceful transfer of power from Museveni. That is clearly not the message or the vision Museveni himself believes in. Therefore, his machinery and state is oppressing this and doing what he can to silence this.
Bobi Wine have proven and showed how depressing and lack of fair campaigning is at this very moment. His been blocked from districts, arrested and been abducted from areas. The man has been taken to nowhere and not able to seek refugee for the night and rest. While the President have travelled across the Republic opening all sort of ceremonies and sleeping at state lodges. Therefore, there is a miss match between who has power and how is challenging it.
The injustice and impunity have been so staggering. It has been at such levels that its pointless to think the polls with be delivered fair and the counting will acknowledge the will of the people. There is no reason to trust the state and their willingness to lose power. They are willing to bury the children and grandchildren to ensure they have an office after 14th January 2021.
This is why the state is slowing down the internet, blocking social media and only the ones who has VPN is able to get through. Even there… the state who takes OTT Tax and have people paying extra taxes to have access to it. Is blocking it and stopping the opportunity to access information and also spread it. This is because the state wants a blackout and total silence. So, that the state can control the message through their channels.
Bobi Wine knew this would come and that was to be anticipated. The state have used these means in the last election and this a repetition. However, this time around they been more vicious and brutal. They have had more rampant campaign violence and been more fatalities ahead of the polls. The state has also used abductions and harassment at another level.
Therefore, the thought of peaceful days ahead is a pipe-dream. The next few days will most likely turn into a nightmare. Soldiers will be on the streets. There will be curfews and even expect jet-fighters to show force after the polls. Expect house-arrests and suddenly moving opposition leaders to prisons up-country like Moroto or the like. Because, that will be done to stem the possible riots and demonstrations against the announced results. While the President will rush the inauguration and possible only do it with a few heads of state. Just to look seemingly “legit”. As the public is tired of the old man already… and he was preparing to rig this all along. Peace.

Another day, another story and another issue. The 14th January 2021 the polls are happening. The finalization of a long time coming. However, don’t expect free and fair elections. Don’t expect the public or the citizens to have their will heard. No, the state intends to control the result and get their pre-determined announced results. The state doesn’t hold elections to get the representatives the public wants, but to get legitimacy to rule.
The Electoral Commission, the Police Force, the Army, Local Defence Unit (LDUs), Crime Preventers and all other law enforcement will be out to spread fear and intimidate. These elections will be a nightmare. There is nothing happening before the polls that says otherwise.
The authorities and the state has been more rouge and rough. It hasn’t been a week without an arrest of a Presidential Candidate. There haven’t been week or a day without reports of abductions and arrests of opposition candidates. It have been reports of activists and people associated with the opposition abducted in the night and later found dead. Therefore, the state has retaliated before the polls even starts. Just to spark fear and show their strength by using law enforcement.
The police and army have followed the trails of the Presidential candidates. Blocked them from accessing districts and towns. They have been arrested there, tear-gassed and violated by the authorities. The state have blocked hotels, taken them away into nowhere. In this demeaning manner the state have gone after them. The opposition have detained their team-members and given phony charges as well. This has happened all through the campaigns. The Police have shot at the cars and been close to assassinating a Presidential Candidate twice.
Therefore, with the knowledge of this. The news of blocking Google App Store and Apps ahead of the election. Is just so the opposition cannot monitor and report in the UVote App. We should anticipate a media lockdown ahead of the polls. Where the only way to get information and sharing it through VPN.
The state have already issued new media accreditation ahead of the polls. So, plenty have lost it and the Media Council had to verify journalists. Foreign journalists have been blocked from entering and being allowed to monitor the elections. There been some observers, but they are the usual suspects and these will rubber-stamp the events.
The state have already gone after the opposition media and the ones who has Youtube Accounts. That hasn’t gone well. While Facebook have blocked the regimes own accounts on Facebook. So, the state has lost a battle and forced another one.
However, the Electoral Commission, the UPDF and UPF have all gone out and said that all gathering around the polling station after voting is illegal. The authorities have said its not allowed to use phones and take evidence of what is happening. People are just supposed to shun area and its all supposed to happen in secret. The state is trying to issue in the articles of the 2019 Amendments of Kahinda Otafiire. Which never happened and was unsuccessful in Parliament. Still, they are trying and persisting in saying so. Just to ensure its dark there too.
Expect for the worst here. Expect for soldiers in the streets. Be sure of para-military outfits sponsored by the state lingering around. There will be curfews, it will be a partial lockdown. There will be a social media and internet blockade. Mobile Money and other services will be impossible. No place to hide on the internet and nowhere to seek information. Only from government friendly radio and TV.
The state want this to be done in darkness and intimidation. They don’t want to shed light on the events. The Electoral Commission this time around cannot even act independent. They are looking like servants of the throne and that is all a given. Law Enforcement and the army is partisan players too. So, nothing on the horizon is a sign that these folks will give way easily. No matter what the youth, the next generation or what the public really wants.
The President and his men can act like they are elected. When really they are men who only has power, because they have the guns. These folks doesn’t lead because they are respected or people favour them. No, they are there… because if you challenge them. Then you die and so does your kin. The ones that dares to challenge at this point will suffer. So many people have been hurt this election. There been to many civilians, to many candidates and activists who has suffered, tortured and died because of the upcoming polls. All so one man can have his eight term in office.
That is insane, but that man isn’t playing fair. He don’t intend to either. The President and his party intends ambush, strike fear and be hostile to be in power. These Big-Men will use all means. They don’t care if they burn a village, evict a orphanage or pollute a school. The state will use all means to profit and get kickbacks. They will do whatever it takes and there is nothing that is to far.
This President and his men will kill people in broad daylight and blame the deceased. The state will blame the victims. Claim they are investigating and never arresting anyone. That is the sad reality here. People can die and it doesn’t even count. People can be arrested and detained for no apparent reason than their political affiliation. People can be beaten and shook(ed) on the streets with no justification.
That is why the state, authorities and every stakeholder out there wants it in the dark. They don’t want the light on the events. The current leadership prefers it to be happening in darkness, as the actions might get hidden and isn’t leaked out before later. The President and his men prefers that. Just like nobody is supposed to understand the weird calculations and the perfect match of voters in certain districts. Neither, the various of anomalies and the wrecked lives. As those will be talked about after the effect. That is just natural in the grand scheme of things.
The President is anticipated to “win” again. However, it is hallow. The game and the tricks has been played before. The President and his men is only amplifying it and making it more hardcore. The gloves are off, but the truth is still this. His time is up and the public is tired of his reign. However, he thinks he can keep them hostage yet another term. Peace.


Now that the polls are hastily happening, the President since 1986 suddenly wanted again to show his importance and care of the ghetto. The President have done this stunt before, as he been doing some stunts in 2019. As the President and his handlers was launching government schemes in Kibuye and Katwe, Kampala.
So, the video of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni speaking luyaye suddenly. It was not like he was in the ghetto with the ones playing Omweso in the streets of Kalerwe. Not like he was sipping some Nile Brew at a shack or run-down pub somewhere in a ghetto. No, the old man was sitting safe and soundly at the Entebbe State House. Acting like his street-smart and cares about the ghetto.
The ghetto’s of Kampala is an reflection of the failure of his administration. It is a reflection of where the wasteland of forgotten people and people seeking a new beginning in the capital. Instead of expanding on those and ensure the ones living lives there. The state is just visiting this areas, coming with minor programs and leaving them behind. The President and his cadres haven’t cared much. It is the CSOs, NGOS and UN Organizations that cover the discrepancies that the state leaves behind.
Therefore him speaking Luyaye now as a way of respecting the ghetto’s is beyond me. Speaking the supposed “anti-language” That an old man like Museveni trying to speak slang to act relevant only shows that his trying to hard. Instead of showing what he has delivered to the youth and the ghetto’s. His instead playing a character, which isn’t him.
That’s why Museveni isn’t only an outsider here, but his a “aguu” meaning either ‘thief’ or ‘prostitute’. His trying to act like a hustler on the street, but this is the richest man of the Republic. The ruler that has been living longer then the most of the people speaking Luyaye and the slang itself. Therefore, this is as disrespectful as when older lectures trying to act and speak up like the students. It sounds out of place and isn’t a bargain.
I doubt his story of working with the ghetto before the bush-war is true. As that is just a way of sounding legit now. Alas, a man who was working for the Uganda Research Bureau, was a spy and agent for the state. These people was using mental games and to interrogate people. That is not working there. Before he got a higher role in the Military Commission in 1979 and later became the Minister of Defence. Therefore, him working directly for the ghetto and the betterment before the Bush sounds like a lie too me.
Not only does he uses Luyaye to be relevant. His also using the language to speak the ones he left behind over the years. The publicity stunts and gig-economy positioning is the reason why the struggle is real. The state haven’t dropped consistent development or fixing the needs in the ghetto’s. If they had it wouldn’t be as dire as it is.
This is all done as a challenge and prove he can more Ghetto than Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. However, Bobi Wine has resided and lived in the Ghetto. Bobi Wine has grown up there and made a career from there. Something, the President never did. That is why Museveni is putting on an act.
For me, Museveni is an “aguu” and an imposter. He shows his arrogance and ignorance with this. This isn’t brilliant, but only shows his disregard of the people he tries to galvanise ahead of the polls. Peace.

“PM Ruhakana Rugunda and first NRM National V/Chairman Moses Kigongo arrive at Kololo to meet a group of youth claiming to be NUP supporters. The organizers of the meeting claim it is about ensuring a peaceful election” (NTV Uganda, 10.01.2021).
It is just a mere week ago when the Electoral Commission suspended all campaign rallies and election activities in Kampala. That was done for all parties and all candidates to stop the spread. However, what happened in Kololo today clearly violated that.
As this was the report earlier in the month:
“EC to consult scientists over 14 districts campaign ban The EC suspended campaigns in Kampala, Mukono, Buikwe, Wakiso, Mbarara, Kabarole, Luwero, Kasese, Masaka, Jinja, Kalungu, Kazo and Tororo” (New Vision, 06.01.2021).
That Prime Minister Rugunda and NRM Vice Chariman Kigongo could hold this sort of meeting/rally is a clear violation of the guidelines and the suspended elections. This shows a double standard. As we know the arrests, the brutality and tear-gas, which would have followed the opposition candidates doing the same.
If Bobi Wine or Patrick Amuriat Oboi even considered this. They would be in shackles and chains. The cars would be towed and they would be detained. These folks would be targeted and the venue blocked. There would be met with force and there would be no mercy from the authorities. That is what the grand public knows and everyone who has followed this election.
However, even when the EC have banned campaigns in Kampala. The Prime Minister and NRM National Vice Chairman Kigongo held a campaign meeting in Kololo. That is an deliberate act. As it showed a supposed group of youth crossing over from National Unity Platform to the NRM. That is an act of campaign. To show force and strength.
Nevertheless, it shows there is a vast difference between the ruling regime and the opposition. The ruling regime can disregard all practices and laws. They can convene and hold meetings. Even when the state says its suspended. That all in proof of hubris and strength. However, it just shows how hallow the chambers of power is. As they have to breach laws and guidelines, which would be used with law enforcement against their adversaries. These folks wouldn’t even been able to gather anyone without some sort of havoc.
Alas, the Prime Minister shows his entitlement. That there are people who are above the laws and rules of the game. There are no level playing field. No fair campaigning and fair elections. Neither are they free, as there are only hurdles on the way for the opposition. Nothing is given, things are only taken away.
The PM and Kigongo have shown their cards today. They believe it righteous. This was a campaign meeting, a campaign rally. All for the scope of showing greatness. As it was a “victory” to get people crossing over to the NRM. That is a political ploy. However, we have not seen anyone giving away their member-cards. So, we can imagine that these folks might not even be NUP Members before becoming NRM members today. Don’t be shocked if that is true. Peace.

“All sorts of foreigners. We monitor them. Bobi Wine in particular is an agent of foreign interest. But the social group, the youth who feel marginalised, that’s a healthy internal force which we’re working with” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (08.01.2021, Channel 4)
This week there was a rare sight where President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was interviewed by a foreign media house. That happened to be Channel 4, the Independent New-caster from United Kingdom. The interview was held on the 8th January 2021 and just mere 6 days ahead of the polls.
It is not the first time the President claims Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is an foreign agent or supported by foreigners. That is very ironic. As President Museveni wouldn’t have a career or an office. If he didn’t have the backing of Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere and Libyan President Muammar Gadaffi. These two was vital for him to get to power and be able to deliver the coup d’etat in 1986. Nyerere helped him as a part of a Tanzanian-Ugandan invasion to topple Idi Amin. The other helped with ammunition and arms in the 1980s Bush War. Therefore, the President should be more careful throwing these allegations around. Especially, when he never ever brings any proof or evidence of it.
As he continues:
“The connection is some of the constituencies in the West, is that we choose to agree with some things and reject some. They want us to be puppets. They don’t expect us to be skeptical. So anything against us, they jump on it. And off course they make mistakes by so doing because they don’t know our situation” (Museveni, 08.01.2021, Channel 4).
Well, I don’t wants puppets anywhere, but legitimate leadership and not the ones that uses sorry excuses to be leaders. Leaders who uses the guns and the authorities to shackle the communities and citizens. People like me don’t want people to be suffering in injustice and impunity. Therefore, the allegations of puppets is utter nonsense. He just using the neocolonialism excuse to stay longer in office. As he has no trouble taking grants, donations or even loans from the West. He expects free money and with no strings attached. Like it is just supposed to fall from thin-air and into his lap. That is how it seems and that nobody should question him, but that he deserves to live forever in power.
Here comes the lies in three quick quotes:
“I know. We shall figure it out with my party. The NRM shall determine that. I don’t even need to be in the government. For what? I’m not looking for anything personal” (Museveni, 08.01.2021, Channel 4).
“Now what am I looking for in power? Unless I’m looking for something personal. Do you think I am looking for money?” (Museveni, 08.01.2021, Channel 4).
“If there’s a mission to be done. In Uganda here, and Africa we have a mission that has to be accomplished. And if we don’t do, we shall become a Latin America” (Museveni, 08.01.2021, Channel 4).
We can really see how he sticks to common traits. It is always his party that has to decide. A party, which his the forever Chairman and the leader of. Anyone who has ambition in the party gets kicked out and left astray. Therefore, the ideals that the NRM will let him of the hook is a lie.
Well, he knows that if he isn’t in power or in office. He will be more accountable and has to answer for what he did. However, as long as he stays in office and call the shots there will no ramifications. There will be no questions or even serious inquires. As he determines and micro-manage it all.
This man is the richest man in the Republic. By all means, so much of his family and cronies are involved in business ventures. They are all living large because of the stature and power. These folks are eating because they are in power. So, if the day comes and their gravy-train stops. The buck stops too. Therefore, the lie of not seeking money is rubbish. That is part of game. Not like his piss poor and driving a Honda Accord. No, his Richie Rich and has Tony Stark sort of money.
His still daring talking about “mission” in 2021. A mission that is never-ending story. A tale never ending. The man has been in power since 1986 and his always upping the bar. There is either something locally that was in his way or participation in abroad. Latest venture of was the East African Confederation. Where he surely would be liked to be crowned King of the whole EAC. Since, nobody else is as wise as this man.
The final lie: “No. I’m not the only one, but it’s not harmful if I also contribute” (Museveni, 08.01.2021, Channel 4).
His the only one. That’s why his never letting go and never trusting anyone else. It ends with him and only him. That is why his not the man he claims to be. This man isn’t a revolutionary or a liberator. If so, he only liberated a few chosen people and the elites. The rest has to suffer if they dare to oppose him. This is why this interview undermined his agenda here.
It only showed his disregard and lack of tolerance. Where he only wants to rule supreme and can do whatever. While the opposition is foreign agents. That coming from someone who wouldn’t have a career if he foreigners didn’t support him. That is disgraceful. Peace.

“JUST IN; 49 recently bailed NUP supporters have been arraigned before the General Court Martial in Makindye on charges of unlawful possession of ammunition” (91.2 Crooze FM, 08.01.2021).
We know the charges put on the National Unity Platform supporters and activists are deliberate act to keep them detained. There is no proof and wouldn’t be the first time the NUP and associates are pinned with crimes they didn’t commit. However, what happened today is striking in one manner.
The activists, team members of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Who was all arrested in Kalangala District on the 30th December 2020. This is the aftermath after that and after being moved by the authorities to Masaka and now they are in charged in the Military Court in Makindye Military Court.
This sort of actions implies that the NUP supporters and activists are charged with military law, as if they were soldiers or part of the army. These are civilians tried in a military court. If you find that mind-boggling. You should find it foolish, as civilians cannot and shouldn’t get tried in these sorts of courts. No, they should have been charged in High Courts or Lower Courts, which is investigating and charging civilians.
A Military Court and a Court Martial is for a soldiers, Commander or anyone in association with the armed forces. Who has breached the conduct and the laws of military operations or his station. That is not for a commoner or a civilian to be tried at.
That is why we know this is forged up charges and a political motived trial, as these people are tried like soldiers. The state is unserious and dumbfounded if they are making all citizens directly members of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). Because, that is the only way they can do this move and make sense of it. Alas, then everyone could fear to enlisted and get active by the UPDF. However, that is choice people make and a career they might choose.
Nevertheless, this is a political ploy and to make things harder for the NUP and Bobi Wine ahead of the polls. As his activists and his team is behind bars. They are not getting bail and being beyond redemption. They are detained and barred from public life. That is what this does and just in time before the polls. So, that these folks cannot spark interests or the cause of Bobi Wine.
We all should mock the state for charging civilians in a military court. There is no reason to do so. That is null and void. As civilians shouldn’t be on trial there… no, that is for armed personnel. That is the reality of it all. This shows the world that the gentlemen in power isn’t the smartest. When they cannot even move the citizens righteously or even forge a narrative that makes sense. This is just bonkers and showing how tyrannical the state is. When they are charging civilians in military courts and nobody is really questioning that.
There should be judges and lawyers petition other courts. Even wanting to petition the ones who made the case and forged this. As this is just a destruction of common sense, but sense isn’t always that common. Peace.

“There should not be mass assemblies around polling centres according to the EC. You need to vote and go home. Any act of hooliganism around the polling stations will be dealt with – Maj Gen Paul Loketch, Deputy IGP” (NTV Uganda, 08.01.2021)
“The EC has barred all persons from taking pictures inside the polling station area on 14th January . EC chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama says even the media will not be allowed within the polling area to preserve the sanctity of secret ballot” (NTV Uganda, 06.01.2021)
It is just mere days ahead of the polls on the 14th January 2021. The Electoral Commission (EC) and Uganda Police Force (UPF) is steam-rolling ahead with their messages of voting and going home. Even if there are no laws stating this. There is no reason for the citizens and voters to trust the authorities and the preparation to the polls.
This is a mere reflection of how the whole election be handled. As the state is sowing distrust and a disingenuous attempt of controlling it all. They are willing to use any narrative to conceal the election and the results. In such a fashion, that the public is supposed to blindly trust the EC and the state itself. These gentlemen ruling and having powers must be foolish.
President Museveni, Electoral Commission Chairman Simon Byabakamba haven’t proved themselves to be trustworthy. As they are either inciting fear or wants the public to have less knowledge of the process. As there are no laws telling the citizens needs to home after dropping their votes. They can be there and oversee it. They are allowed to tape and take pictures of the Polling Stations. That is to ensure that the Returning Officers and the Declared Result Forms are genuine. That these are not altered or there been shady works of the polling officers and others.
Therefore, this whole act is a another angle of intimidation ahead of the polls. Not only the citizens are targets, but the journalists too: ““We’ve been beating journalists to restrain them from going where there’s danger. Polce beat journalists to help them…for their own safety. When a police officer tells you to stop, you must stop for your own safety. I won’t apologise for police actions” IGP Martin Ochola” (Daily Monitor, 08.01.2021).
This is just further proof of how the state wants the election to be done in darkness. They don’t want the people to know and know the affairs of how their ballots are counted or processed to final results. No, they are just supposed to trust these gentlemen with their future. No questions asked. No observers or people looking over the shoulders to ensure that the ballots are respected and the will of the people is served. No, that is not supposed to happen.
That is why the Electoral Commission and Uganda Police Force is doing this. They are all doing it to serve their master, instead of actually serving the people. They rather work directly for the President, then doing their duty to serve the general public. That is why they don’t want reporting or any oversight to their action. This is their message. Just like they are afraid to show what happens and what they will do when the ballots are done.
If they we’re sincere or had good intentions, but this actions only rely on the fact that the citizens should blindly trust the authorities. However, there are little to no reasons for them to do so. They should expect to be robbed and that they will be disingenuous about their motives. Therefore, they should ensure their votes are respected and that the polling officers are doing their duty. Nevertheless, expect election violence and arrests for the ones doing so. Peace.

“KAKUMIRO – Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, Patrick Oboi Amuriat was on Thursday arrested and driven to Kakumiro Grade 1 Court, where he was charged for breaking traffic rules” (John Masaba – ‘Amuriat, driver charged for breaking traffic rules’ 07.01.2021, New Vision).
I don’t know if the Uganda Police Force (UPF) was really serious here. We have seen they arrest Opposition leaders and Presidential Candidates over nothing. They have arrested opposition activists for spreading COVID-19, but having them in giant groups into the courts. In a manner, which could easily spread the same virus. Therefore, my belief that the reckless driving charge isn’t legit, but a political ploy to stop the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Presidential Candidate from campaigning today.
Next time they will arrest him for spitting, sneezing and jaywalking. He will turn wrong and forget the tail-light or send a signal. He should maybe have pigeons to alert where his going and ensure the road safety. The man should drive from side to side on the roads, but straight path. Even his driver and himself is avoid the potholes, which is a lot of. Still, that is a tourism export and POA could show them off to the general public. Because, campaigning in 2020 and 2021 is a bumpy ride.
That is why he was arrested today. Not because I believe he was reckless driving, but the Police Officer and District Police Commander wanted to get a credit for good work. They were able to find a reason to stop POA from campaigning. That is why they did this.
Because, we have seen plenty of candidates drive SUVs like this during campaigns. With their convoys and in a open car. Standing through the wind-shields and waving. So, what is the difference if he was sitting on top? Both things can be seen as dangerous, but the authorities have allowed it both as long as I can remember.
It seems like a ploy to me. The state can create more reckless driving and havoc with their skirmishes and brutal ways of dispersing people in towns across the republic. Where the live-bullets, the driving after political convoys and ambushes. That is can create an atmosphere of uncertainty and adrenaline rush. Which in the end can end up in some dangerous driving. That is as a response to actions made by the authorities and law enforcement.
Therefore, the Police should look if they are as lawful themselves. If they are acting with caution or careful in traffic. They are not that good at Fika Salama and Rood Safety themselves. Maybe time to set forward an example? Maybe, they should also work on making believable charges for ones. Not only target politicians and make them look like outlaws.
The Police has arrested POA so many times in this campaign. They have abducted him and taken him away. This is a continued measure and its ridiculous. This is not free and fair campaigning, but a combat just to spread the message. That is the reality of this. Peace.