Miseducation of Yoweri: An insincere backslap by the President

“’I became a soldier not to acquire a profession, but because of the bad situation that existed in my country. I saw no reason why anyone should terrorize me with a gun, so I learned to use the gun and used it to immobilize the terrorist. Neither would I describe myself as a politician. I believe every Ugandan should be involved in politics in order not to be manipulated by clever people who call themselves politicians. I entered the sphere of political leadership in order to help eliminate manipulation from politics in my country” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (from a biography published by Uganda Investment Authority during 1994).

Here we go again. Another day, another backfiring quote from the fountain of honour. From the commander-in-chief and His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. It is like his forgotten himself and his own political career. Even in the midst of the bushwar, as journalists and such was following his trail in Luweero. Even then he spoke of economically liberating the peasants. Something, that sticks to me. Because this is his legacy, that he was supposed to deliver together with the 10 point programme.

Still in his bright mind, he speaks like this:  

“A serious person does not mix politics with the livelihood of the people, all leaders irrespective of their political inclination should go back to the people and awaken them to kick poverty out of their homes” – President Museveni on the 1st August in Kasese District (Daily Monitor – ‘Do not politicise poverty, Museveni tells Opposition groups’ 02.08.2019).

As we see, without further delay, he himself have not awaken people, he has had 33 years and counting to do so. The President has spoken viciously about this since the early 1980s and still not configured the details. Therefore, he doesn’t want others to intervene, because he lack control and leadership to figure it out himself.

That is why its ironic, that he said this 21 years earlier:

“What needs to be done is to educate these people, have them understand how to develop their economies in their own humble way. The people need to be politically educated to understand abuse by their governments” President Museveni at the Addis Forum on the 8th March 1998.

So, he has kept his same message, the Freedom Fighter, that was supposed to lecture and educate the public out of poverty. The man who was supposed to change, a fundamental change if you may, the correct line, the one vision out of financial distress. Still, this man has not been able or tried to do so.

Since, were in 2019 and he blames others for not doing it well. He blames the other leaders, not himself. Who has been at the helm and had all the opportunities in the world to make a difference and actually change things. Still, he hasn’t, because that hasn’t been his main concern. That he has pushed to the donors, the NGOs and whoever who could cover his basics. Not that he needed to look into it. If he did, then it would be a scheme where he get rich and his patronage too.

Therefore, he should start to educate himself, finds way out of the maze and not put blame on others; as his own record of accomplishment isn’t that brilliant. Peace.

The People’s Government Congratulates the People Power Movement (24.07.2019)

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine: Speech at the Launch of the People Power Movement Structure (24.07.2019)

Fellow countrymen, countrywomen, ladies and gentlemen!

I recognise you all, in your respective capacities and greet you all in the name of the Almighty God, who has given us the gift of life, despite the numerous challenges in our country.

I also appreciate you all, people of Uganda, for your labors and sacrifices- for your hard work and resilience, in all corners of our country.

Despite the high taxes, unfair economic policies and massive corruption, you have continued to work hard, day and night to build yourselves, your communities and ultimately our country Uganda.

Let me also take this opportunity to appreciate the nation for the massive reception of our message of People Power for the past two years. I want to thank you all – dear compatriots, in all parts of our country for the positive reception you gave to our message from the time we set out. There are a few times in political history anywhere in the world, where movements such as ours gained ground in a society such as ours in a very short time. Indeed, when you go to any part of this country, whether urban or rural, you will find young men and young women asserting that people power is our power. You will find those who are educated and those who are not well educated rejecting intimidation and lies, and holding onto this timeless truth- that returning power back to the people of Uganda is the way forward for our country.

If you go to the North, South, East and the Central part of this country, you will find old men and old women in their houses and work places singing ‘olutalo nga luwedde, tuliyambala engule.’ From Karamoja to Kisoro, from Arua to Kapchorwa- the citizens are ready to work for and build a new Uganda.

As you all know, we did not set out as experts or even as experienced politicians. No! We set out as ordinary citizens, driven by deep love for our country. As men and women, not motivated by material gain but by a deep conviction that our country deserves better. We set out to tell the nation that people power is stronger than the people in power even when the people in power are determined to bring out gun power. And yes, we set out to make it clear that we were determined to not just be spectators as President Museveni and his cronies continue to loot our country- but to also make our contribution in redeeming our nation from the deep mayhem they have sunk it in.

And so country-men and women, you received our message and made it your own message. From the boda boda stages and taxi parks, to salons and markets, to schools and hospitals, churches and mosques- the People Power message has permeated our country in ways we had not anticipated. Yes we did not anticipate the quick reception, but we were never surprised because friends, what we say is the truth and the truth cannot be suppressed. Our message has been consistent – a message our bleeding nation needed to hear!

Well, at the onset, some people were skeptical. They thought it was an excitement bound to vanish in thin air- but you, the people of Uganda dismissed those who tried to dismiss our message. President Museveni and his praise singers dismissed us as inconsequential! But the people of Uganda have been there to prove them wrong!

And so when opportunity availed itself in Jinja, and Rukungiri, and Bugiri, and Arua, the people spoke in ways that neither bullets nor money could silence. President Museveni and his spin masters were utterly exposed and indeed naked. Neither bribes nor bullets could silence a people yearning for change. They spoke resoundingly and told President Museveni in bold letters that this is their time to decide the destiny of their country.
It was not surprising that like a leopard when surrounded and in great danger, President Museveni resorted to extreme levels of violence by which he clearly intended to wipe us off the face of the earth! It was under this context that Yasin Kawuma took a bullet for me and many of our brothers and sisters were tortured to near death. But we serve a living God. The God of ages enabled some of us to live to tell the story.

Filled with embarrassment and fear, unable to contain the crusading change, the regime decided to illegally stop by-elections across the country. They decided to murder, maim and arrest countless People Power supporters countrywide. But the people have pressed on! I salute the countless young women and men who despite the regime criminalising the red beret have continued to wear it- boldly pushing back against intimidation and in that way saying that this is our country!

And so, afraid of the influence of our message of redemption, the regime blocked our music shows and made it illegal for us to even attend church services across the country. The reason why we gather here at my home today in Magere, and not at one of the numerous hotels in Kampala, is because each of the hotels we booked for this event was ordered not to host us. Even when we booked and made payments, they were told that they could not host a People Power event!

Comrades, should this make us sad? Yes and no! Yes, because the moral fibre of our nation has been killed. How can we explain to our children, that a hotel in a country can be stopped from hosting an event of a political opponent? That President Museveni can go around the country campaigning, dishing out the tax payers money in bribes, hiring people to attend his rallies, and yet we cannot even be allowed to assemble in a private hotel? This is why we should be sad because of what has befallen our beloved country.

But in this is something to celebrate. This kind of persecution shows how much a regime which has been in power for 33 years fears a movement that has grown from the grassroots over only two years. It shows how much afraid of the people the regime is, and in that shows us how powerful we are as a people!

Therefore, despite all the challenges we have encountered ever since we started, there have been countless things to celebrate, key of which is a politically conscious population ready to kick Museveni and his cronies out of power come 2021. I have over the past year received countless people- men and women of all ages showing off their National IDs as the weapon they will use to change their destiny forever in a few months. Countless others have gone to the different points, endured long queues and a corrupt system, to be able to get their ID. We have made it fashionable to have a National ID. Above all, building on the effort of those we found in the struggle, we have exposed President Museveni to the core. His true colors as an intolerant power hungry dangerous despot have never been made clearer.

Therefore friends, all these are achievements to celebrate.

I must at this point acknowledge that we could never have achieved this alone. I must salute our brothers and sisters who came before us and started this cause. We owe a lot to people such as our elder Dr. Paulo Kawanga Ssemwogerere who recognised the monster in its infancy when everyone else was singing its praises. We owe a lot of gratitude to Dr. Kizza Besigye whose sacrifice and resilience emboldened a nation to rise up and stand. And of course senior comrades like Gen. Muntu, Miria Matembe, Nobert Mao, Yona Kanyomozi, Amanya Mushega and many others who have risen to the occasion to oppose the dictatorship. Ordinary activists such as Sam Mugumya who is still imprisoned in the DRC deserve to be mentioned and acknowledged. Dr. Stella Nyanzi, a highly accomplished academic has spent months in jail- because she dared to speak up in prose and poem! Nalongo Nana, disgusted by injustice decided to camp at the police headquarters. The gross violations meted out on her, leading to losing her uterus, have not killed her desire and courage. I could go on and on!

Their boldness in face of so much force is paving way for other activists. A courageous nation is being born- ready to reject injustice forthwith!

I have labored to remind us of where we have come from so that we understand the sacrifices made, the challenges ahead, but most importantly the opportunity we have.

As we gather here today, People Power has never been as strong. We have moved from when this was a mere idea to a powerful movement recognised everywhere in the world.

And so today, we choose to take one more step. Across the country, we have so many coordinators- men and women who have volunteered. There is no single day that you will tune in to a radio station and not hear someone calling in and introducing herself or himself as a People Power coordinator. Today we are taking the first step in crystalizing this effort. The men and women who we have introduced to you are people, devoted to our country’s redemption. These are people who have been doing work for many months now and will continue doing this work. Their first duty will be to coordinate all the other coordinators who we have across the country. Please remember that People Power is a common man, common woman’s front. We do not care how qualified those people are, the only qualification is patriotism and a deep belief in justice, fairness and equal opportunity in our country. As I did mention yesterday, God has never called the qualified. He qualifies the called.

Today as we leave this place, we shall be getting to work. When we set out we knew that this mission would involve three stages- awakening our people, awakening the leaders, and finally giving this a final push. I am happy to announce that the first phase was accomplished very fast. We are laboring to complete the second phase and certainly victory will be guaranteed.

Finally, let me remind all of us that People Power is a platform for change. We are not a political party- we are a revolutionary movement whose agenda is to end oppression in our country and establish a society which works for everyone. A country in which the citizen will be proud to be called Ugandan, a nation where you get a job because of merit and not because of who you know or where you come from. A country which works for all citizens and not a few people at the top. A country where a president does not shield the corrupt. A country where our men and women in uniform are not ordered to violate rights of citizens. A country where policemen and soldiers are paid well so that they can look after their families. A country where doctors and teachers do not go about begging because of low wages! Friends, a country which truly belongs to its people. The country that our grand parents dreamt of when they sang ‘oh Uganda the land of freedom, our love and labor we give.’

And so we are a platform that brings together patriotic citizens of all religions and all political affiliations. Citizens from all tribes- who speak different languages. We do not care which political party you belong to- we have a mission at hand to defeat a dictator. After that comrades, we can go back to our political parties and practice true democracy.

We have been speaking with all forces of change in this country. Because we deeply believe that we are stronger when we unite. A people united can never be defeated. We have made good progress, and we shall continue that effort right from here.

And countrymen and countrywomen, I will personally once again tell you of my willingness and readiness to lead you in that effort- the effort to usher our country into a new era of freedom and justice.

I thank you all for listening to me. God bless you. God bless Uganda.

Opinion: The authorities will pin charges on Bobi Wine until he cannot manage to have a political career…

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has been under fire ever since he started his political career and becoming an MP for Kyadondo East. This is not news, that his been arrested, house-arrested and awaiting trials. That is very common by this day and age. The Authorities and the Police Force is always on his trail.

Bobi Wine has been charged several of times; some has been dropped like having illegal ammunition. However, his still charged for participating in treasonous acts in Arua. However, he still has charged of annoying, disobedience and inciting violence. This being in the way on and sharing the road of the President on the 13th August 2018 in Arua, this holding an illegal demonstration against Mobile Money on the 29th April 2019. Therefore, he has several of cases going on.

As this is going on, this is all deliberately done to silence and stop his engagement with society in general. Because, all the trials, criminal summons and the charges put on him in Arua and elsewhere is all done to stop him from his political work. The authorities are piling up and finding new codes he could have broken. They will charge whatever they can, even if he just stops going to the bank around Constitutional Square in Kampala, they will charge him with wrongful parking. That is what they do.

The National Resistance Movement and the President needs to do this, because they cannot campaign on promises and pledges, they cannot address the needs nor the reality of the citizens. That is why the voices of concern, the voices of the people is silenced, because they undress the NRM and what they stood for. Bobi Wine is the prime example, the biggest political star since Besigye.

We all know this and the NRM knows this too, that is why the President is steadily campaigning and visiting every single district on tours, two years ahead of the General Election to try to win favours and look good ahead of the next election. Even if it only shows the double standard and the proof of the ill acts of the government. Who cannot even allow or clear concerts on the private ground and One Love Beach for Bobi Wine. While the NRM can campaign at every district of the nation.

That is why, the charges will pile up and he has to answer for these all over the republic. This is what the Republic does to its dissidents. They are all supposed to be loyal to Museveni and his party, not question his rule and forever reign. Bobi Wine crosses this narrative and therefore, he has to pay. Either by treason, annoying, disobedience or just breathing in the wrong parliamentary chamber.

They do whatever takes, but Bobi Wine has to go down, either by hook or by the crook. Just like they have done with others, his next in line to pay for his non-patriotic act of being a figure against the President. Because, you cannot love the Republic, without falling in love with Museveni. That is just the reality of Yoweri or Yosri at this point of time. In addition, Bobi Wine loves the Republic, but doesn’t believe in the leadership of Museveni. That is is crime and for doing so, he got to pay his time. Peace.

Museveni’s Legacy: Using colonial law to supress dissidents!

This is not the first time nor the last, when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) will use the legal means to supress or oppress certain dissident or individuals who oppose his regime. The NRM and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, claims to be a freedom fighter, but he enjoys the perks of colonial laws and has not abolished them like the Age Limit. No, his authorities are frequently using it, whenever they deem it fit.

Now, instead of charging the Opposition MPs and the Arua 33 with treason, illegal firearms or throwing the Arua Stone. The results are out and the verdict in the open. The NRM and the Courts are using the 1950 law of Penal Code article 24 (c.), which states:

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

Any person who, with intent to alarm or annoy or ridicule the President— (c) assaults or wrongfully restrains the person of the President, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for life” (Penal Code, 15th June 1950).

Surely, the convoy of Opposition should trade the waters carefully when the President arrives on the scene. Anything can be disobedient or seen as a mockery. Especially if you bend your hat wrong or tries to stutter like the President does.

Now, everyone who was in the near proximity and is associated with the Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is charged with this. That is what the state of affairs. By all means, who wouldn’t ridicule a President of 33 years? We are not Dr. Stella Nyanzi, but who doesn’t find easy ways to mock or annoy a man of advance age, who still thinks he has the rights to lecture every single subject?

Pardon me, right?

Well, at this mere junction. This is the foolishness of the state, trying to pin any sort of code, violation or charge on the ones they don’t seem fit. At this very moment, Bobi Wine cannot expect a welcoming parade when entering the Republic. Neither should Francis Zaake. They are both awaiting a hostile return. As the state configures new methods of silencing them.

They have dropped plenty of charges already, but will add new ones to ensure; that this people will revisit the courts and answer for their “crimes”. That is just what the state does and has operated with during the recent years. They have done this with several others and now it’s the People Power Movement and their associates to go through the wind and fire of the state system.

If President Museveni wanted another legacy, he wouldn’t have used the same tricks as the Colonial administration, but apparently, he does. He did it with Kizza Besigye, Erias Lukwago and plenty of other fellows, who stood in his way. That is why civilians have been before the Military Court Martial at Makindye Barracks, and not in civilian courts. That is just the man that the President is and is proud of being.

He calls himself a freedom fighter, but in general, as a General, he takes away people’s freedom. Kudos for that. Peace.

State Oppression Continues: The Arua Stone Case continues to haunt Opposition MPs!

Today, the 4th July 2019, the day where again several of Opposition Members of Parliament was summoned to Gulu Magistrate Court to follow up on the treason case going from the 13th August 2018. The prolonged case and lack of discovery, combined with very little movement of authorities, other than making new court dates. Has surely let them believe that this case is dead on arrival. Especially since the state has charged an advanced age man last month for throwing the Arua Stone.

Therefore, today’s news of a judge actually ordering the arrests of the Opposition MPs, whose some are even abroad in a Conference. Shows, the issues of the state and their monitoring of their own. As they should know about their movements and know why didn’t show today. Also, others suffered mechanical challenges, which should have given way too. Alas, that wasn’t the case.

Take a look:

Gulu Magistrate Court presided by Grade One Magistrate Kintu Isaac Imuran, has issued criminal summons to 10 accused persons who failed to appear in court today. These included MPs Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine Zaake Francis, Gerald Karuhanga, Paul Mwiru, Abola Jane, John Mary Ssebuwufu and others. Defense lawyer, Tony Kitara informed court that both Bobi wine and Zaake were attending a conference in United States while others suffered vehicle mechanical challenges while coming to court” (87.7 Baba FM, 04.07.2019).

This is the same-old, same old. If these people only had bribed the Republic like Dott Service or been connected like the ones ordering the Santana Cars back-in-the-day, they wouldn’t have had any issues. Not even if these people had suction like the ones inside in the Bank of Uganda. Than, would have gotten away with murder. Alas, these people are opposition. They cannot do anything wrong. Then, they will be punished.

Even if the state doesn’t have a case, they are just pursuing empty leads. Just like it did on Gen. David Sejusa aides, who was freed recently after years in the pen. The same is happening here, the state is making a case, not a solid one, wasting time and trying to dodge this people from campaigning or even having a political life. That is why the case is running, months on months end.

There is no sentencing, there is no proof or evidence brought to court. There is no affidavit or even witnesses coming forward, which would be evident of a prolonged case for these suspect. Alas, the state has just built another case against individuals it cannot stomach. This is an ancient tactic in the Republic.

Just like others has answered for years, nearly a decade on old cases in towns all across the Republic. Bobi Wine and associates will do too. That is because they defied the King, the mighty mighty President. Peace.

UPDF to Recruit more 13,000 Local Defence Unit (LDUs) Personnel (04.07.2019)

The man behind the Arua Stone is charged, but why not drop charges against “Arua 33” and MPs?

The 13th August 2018 are haunting the people who was part of the Arua By-Election. The Members of Parliament, the Arua 33 and the ones who was part of the opposition team beating the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate there.

There been plenty of charges, gathering of evidence, even arms and bullets discharged. Still, there been no case, no profile and no verdict on the People Power MPs nor their supporters. An almighty and powerful Arua Stone attacked the Presidential Convoy, which have never surfaced, while no one has to answer for the driver of Bobi Wine death. Until today, someone has to answer for the stones hitting the convoy, but the others are still in legal jeopardy.

This is 311 days, 10 months and 7 days. NBS Television reports: “A 70-year-old man has been arrested in Arua for allegedly stoning President Museveni’s car and smashing its rear door glass on 13th August 2018. Omar Risasi was summoned on Tuesday to make a statement and later detained” (NBS Television, 20.06.2019).

This should mean that the charges against the Kyadondo MP Robert Kyagulanyi, Francis Zaake MP and others should be dropped, since the authorities have found an culprit. Which isn’t any of the high profile or any of the Arua 33.

Since, the charges against the ones are still viable, the pending trail is still on-going and the evidence collected against them are still in Arua. Therefore, the UPF and the authorities are still acting as the Opposition are the ones behind it. Even if they have now a new suspect and even detained a whole different person for the crimes against the President. We are now also seeing that the destruction of a luggage car of the President is more valuable, than the life of an citizen, the driver who got killed during the same day. Which still isn’t investigated or even cared for, his life is without value in the sense of the authorities.

Even with all of this, we are learning the values of this government. AS they are persisting to assault the freedoms of people, take people for granted and not dropping charges, even as the discovery and finding evidence doesn’t pull way against the ones the state wants to indict. The NRM and the government are looking foolish, just like the stories about that window.

Seems like they just found a character they could depose and suspect after ten months, instead of actually trying to find the ones breaking the glass. Because, the windows of that Presidential Car was broken perfectly without any damage of the paint, nor any significant damage on the rest of the car. Like the tinted metal could manage everything, while the window could just give way.

This seems like a fishy move, but if it was believable, the state would have dropped charges against the Arua 33 and the MPs in question. Alas, they are not doing that, so the political motivated investigation and charges are still alive and living colour. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine needs figure out his own way, don’t copy Mzee!

“It should be known that Uganda is not short of amazing policies. We have had very many propositions that have been very well-researched intelligently thought through and presented. However, because of the rampant corruption, and the lack of the rule of law, none of them have been implemented. Our policy is implementation, even if we implemented the 10-point programme that Museveni was singing 33 years ago, we would be ahead” (…) “Yes, we have had very many programmes, the Vision 2040, and many others, that have been presented and shelved. They are not implemented because of the rampant corruption. And most of the corruption scandals are traced back to the President’s Office, to his family members and cronies. So, our main target is implementing the policies and programmes that have been suggested in the past” – Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine in an Interview 15th June 2019 (Paul Murungi – ‘Uganda: I Will Implement Museveni’s 10-Point Programme – Bobi Wine’ 15.06.2019).

I don’t know if Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine sees it or not, but these sorts of statements make him less like a viable character and less of change of guards. What difference is it between him and Museveni? That is if you are planning to follow the guidelines and the programmes, made in the past.

Why do I say this?

Well, if a man is supposed to challenge someone and show finesse. As a musician, you don’t bite another man’s lyrics, bite his beats and his stage persona. No, you make your own lyrics, your own rhythm and beat the crap of the others on stage. However, Bobi Wine is biting and copying Museveni without any consideration.

This is disappointing. Not that the 10-Point Programme wasn’t a fine paper. Not that the Magna Carta wasn’t a fine paper, the 1995 Constitution was commendable. Still, the new leader post-Museveni should find his own way and secure the future. Not use the techniques of the old. Bobi Wine should be different, if he want to be a positive change. Not just, photocopy and hope people spot the difference.

Let’s get serious, will Bobi Wine consider taking the programme of Uganda Patriotic Movement too? While he is at it? Because now he seems positive to the government own programmes and what sort of framework they have put out. Even if none of these is implemented as per say, shouldn’t he at least come with some significant policy of change?

This is showing a lack character and lack of progress, when your copying the talisman of old. When your not configuring the future and thinking on your own, but just biting off the former heads. If he wants to be different than Museveni, why take his mojo? If he wants to be seen as progressive and a fighter against the junta, why take their old plans and revitalize them?

It just doesn’t make sense. Not to me at least and I want to see change, but by following the policies and guidelines of Museveni. There will be none. It will be more of the same and just more reckless behaviour. Not less of it. Therefore, to think of making the 10-Point Programme viable again. Maybe, just maybe.

Bobi Wine should try to formulate his difference strategy, his sort of plan of a transition and his arrangements for a better governance without Museveni. Because, at this very moment, I don’t see it. Other than a naked populist without a touch of grace, even Besigye has a own plan and wording on how he see the next steps. He is not copying anyone. This is what Bobi Wine needs to do as well.

Bang out a few hits, find the formula and spread the news. Not copy. That is sloppy. Peace.

[A Memo] The NRM will never accept Bobi Wine!

If you didn’t the get the memo.

You can get it now.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM), President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and all his comrades will never ever accept Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. They will never ever take him in or give him way.

President Museveni called him in the midst of a speech today “indisciplined” and Muhammad Nsereko said he couldn’t other things than his family. Both of them is part of the Junta and the regime itself. They are just not as fabulously worded as Tamale Mirundi and Andrew Mwenda. Still, the same sort of affair and wording is there.

The President and the NRM will never ever open up the door for a Bobi Wine. Just like it never opened the door for Dr. Kizza Besigye. They have used the same words and opinions against him. This is recycled propaganda and rhetoric aimed at another political advisory. Now its Bobi Wine. His is in the spotlight and is the bird that is shoot down.

The bus isn’t letting anyone who isn’t anointed by His Excellency. The chairman and the Executive is now disbarring him. Just like he and his allies has done in the past. It doesn’t matter if Bobi Wine would speak of genuine dialogue and actual peaceful change. The President doesn’t want to step down and he expects blind loyalty like from the people. That is why the MP and artist is indisciplined.

We know that the ones defying and actually resisting the general of the Resistance Movement gets into trouble and get all kind of names. Right now that is Bobi Wine, he just happening to be the guy who stand on a mantle, just like Besigye have done and does. Therefore, his not the cadre or the minion that the President wants. Peace.