Opinion: A new Speaker has to be elected before a new plenary or business is transacted in Parliament

The 1995 Constitution in article 82(4) states that no business shall happen in Parliament other than the election of a Speaker at any time the Office falls vacant. Now that it’s official that late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah died in Seattle. The stipulations in the Constitution is clear and sets the parameter of the next actions.

In other parts of the article 82(5) the Chief Justice, which happens to be Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, either himself has to preside of the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. He can also designate a judge to do it for him in his stead.

What we do know by the other stipulations in the Constitution. The Speaker cannot be a Vice-President or Minister for that matter. Unless, Rebecca Kadaga now resigns from her position. She cannot be re-elected as Speaker. If she would be willing to risk that and again renegade for her own personal interests. Which she did with fielding her candidacy in defiance to the will of her party in 2021. Alas, things can become tense and interesting.

Because, we know things will run with a State Funeral and a transport of the body from the United States and back to Uganda. Where a Committee appointed by the President will preside over the proceedings and functions of the late Oulanyah.

Since he was sick, the Deputy Speaker Anita Among have run the business of the Parliament. While she was expecting a ceremony of forgiveness from Hon. Francis Zaake this up-coming week. That will clearly be abandoned and new things are bound to appear.

The Constitution is setting precedence and there is protocol to follow. The ones who calls this cold-hearted and out of order. Well, if they want an illegal plenary and stop parliamentary business. Then you skip these formalities and opens up a quagmire of problems, which can haunt the transacted business of the August House. The House should be order and it should follow the stipulated laws, as it’s the body, which enacts and proposes new legislation. Therefore, they should be the ones that honours it first and accordingly so.

Some might say… isn’t that mighty Noble and outside of purpose. However, if the 1995 Constitution hadn’t said this in the articles and the laws was reflecting this. I wouldn’t have questioned the legality either. Nevertheless, here we are and the justifications to ask for it is justified. The article 82 is clear in it’s wording and there is little wiggle-room.

The ones speaking of long mourning period and not hold an election for a new speaker. They are void of the fact of the function and the constitutional bound role of the speaker. This is why the importance of doing it and ensure the formalities for business transacting in the August House. That should for matter for anyone who wants things to be done legally and after constitutional order.

Deputy Speaker Among might feel justified to continue, as she has done so in the absence of Oulanyah. Since he fell ill, became bed-ridden and went to hospital, even before he was referred to get treatment in the United States. She has been the one in his stead. However, the law isn’t giving her the rights to automatically get in his stead. The laws are set to have new elections. Meaning new candidates and possible re-election. This can be a hurdle or she have to trade on the goodwill of envelopes of late.

Time will really tell. Nevertheless, we have to see how the 11^th Parliament will operate, but if they will act accordingly to the Constitution. They have now one agenda and one objective, which the Chief Justice or the ones he appoints have to preside over. The new election of the new speaker and deputy speaker. Since the seat of the Speaker is now vacant. Peace.

Opinion: Have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lost 160 vehicles in the last few years?

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by Gen Jeje Odongo is appearing before the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament to answer different questions raised by the committee. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised concern over the poor state of fleet vehicle for transporting dignitaries. According to PS Vincent Bagiire, the Ministry is using old fleet from the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which are “Nolonger fit for purpose” (Parliament of Uganda, 13.01.2022).

When reading this from the Parliament of Uganda handle on Twitter. I was boggled, because it was only last year when the Chinese Ambassador in Uganda handed over 70 vehicles to then Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Kuteesa. That happened in the end of March ahead of summits, which was supposed to be held later in the year. The Chinese government spent 5 millions United States Dollars on these SUVs last year.

Therefore, when Gen. Odongo says the Foreign Ministry has “ancient” cars from the CHOGM summit. The state also bought another additional 80 vehicles ahead of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in 2020. Therefore, the Ministry and the state should have vehicles in their car-lot. They have not only bought these 80, but gotten donated another additional 70 cars in the year after.

It seems to be the time to re-issue the statement from the Auditor General Report of 2021:

“Furthermore, I observed that 38 entities (76.0%) out of the 50 entities did not have a specific policy or guidelines on Motor vehicle management to guide the usage and eliminate theft, losses, wastage and misuse of motor vehicles. This was in addition to the absence of a comprehensive standardized fleet management policy of Government. Different aspects of government vehicles management are found in different policies and guidelines cited in various government documents, such as; the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2010, the Public Procurement and Disposal Act, 2014, and Treasury Instructions, 2017. This affects the entities’ ability to address the unique motor vehicle management challenges which may not be envisaged in the standing Orders and Treasury Instructions” (OAG February 2021).

So, it seems like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no control or policy in concern to their car park. They are one of these entities with no management of the car park. That is very clear by Odongo’s statement. As it is easy to see the Ministry have purchased and gotten donated in total 160 vehicles or cars in the last three years alone. The state and the Ministry be able to keep it up and general up-keep.

Unless, the state has suddenly issued these for others and given them to other state affiliates like appointed district officials or whatnot. That’s how it looks like to me. Because, how do you base you vehicle-park on CHOGM in 2022. When your own Ministry have bought vehicles ahead of the CPC and donated from China the year later?

Are there no accountability for the ministry and could Sam, the man just drive away with all of these to the sun-set and sell them on a car-lot in Mbarara? Because, what happened to all of them or they given to the former Ministers employees at Entebbe International Airport?

Since, cars cannot vanish, unless it is part of a Hollywood script or a car lost at a plot forgotten by the state. In such a manner of which, Mobutu had hidden vehicles and his administration held vehicles in foreign missions, which years later was found in forgotten garage abroad. Therefore, is that the issue of the Ministry in Uganda too?

Because, how do you loose 160 vehicles in the time span of about 3 years? Peace.

Opinion: Nobody got burned like Mbabazi [and that’s why nobody aims at the King from within]

Today the former speaker of the Parliament and now Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga came out with a statement denouncing any sort of ambition or want to stand as Presidential Flag-bearer in the National Resistance Movement (NRM). This after what she calls “fictitious reports” on social media about a possible candidacy for Presidency in 2026.

We know it was bad enough that she didn’t follow party-line and stood as a candidate for Speakership the third time in a row, because the NRM CEC did support her bid in the 11^th Parliament. Alas, she has already rebelled once and gotten off the hook. While getting a plum-job after losing her prestigious role to Jacob Oulanyah.

What we are seeing here is that Kadaga have learned from history. That is there is no value in blind ambition or even aiming at the throne. You will just get your wings clipped and become quickly a “stalwart” of the party. Nearly a useless historical without any office or paid leave. The party and the state will just throw out and forget all the time you spent making a career within. Unless, you humble yourself and degrade yourself, in such a manner, of which the King gets his praise and his honour.

If you do that, you can get back into good grace. Hold talks and even get considered by the state for positions. This being Gilbert Bukenya who has gotten a role within the party or Mbabazi who has held secret talks with His Excellency.

Amama Mbabazi is the one that went all flying high, as the Prime Minister and Secretary General of the party. He aimed from within and tried to cause an up-evil. Mbabazi sought for the throne and the title. While seeking to do it from within. He thought for some reason that he could conquer and takeover from his master. However, that never happened and the independent candidacy on a NRM ticket became a thing. As his pressure group “Go-Forward” was able to oversee and become the flag-bearer of a joint-opposition coalition with The Democratic Alliance (TDA/Go-Forward) in the 2016 General Election. Nevertheless, the results was bogus and hopeless, he didn’t stand a chance and was humiliated on a grand scale. While the other opposition was rigged out of the title and the whole game. Therefore, the game-plan of Mbabazi was flawed from the outset and he should have known this.

Mbabazi showed the world that the NRM is only for Museveni and his clientele. The Supreme Leader and Majesty is the one and only. Nobody can challenge or even consider replacing him. That is treason and defaults you from ever having any sort of serious role or honourable title. You will be humbled and put in place. That’s the NRM Way and Mbabazi should have known better, but clearly he didn’t.

Alas, that’s why we are here in 2021. As nobody wants to go through life like Mbabazi did in 2015 and 2016. Wait for years and be secluded like a virus and be under self-imposed lockdown in your own compound. Just because you challenged His Excellency. Nobody with a sound mind will do this, unless they are faking it and trying to act like opposition. Nevertheless, Mbabazi has shown the world something and the genie is out of the bottle.

Kadaga wouldn’t have a half chance and would be an afterthought. She would be the “afternoon delight” and become a skit before half-time. That’s why the Second Round K.O. would be brutal and her career wouldn’t be able to resurrect. Unless, Jesus would bless her coffers and the Catholic church would atonement her sins. Then she might have a shot and would be able to carry the cross. However, we know the son is the only one who is allowed to have this blind ambition. Peace

The new cabinet isn’t that sharp [Museveni’s most intriguing Minister’s for 2021-26] Part I

When you have 80 Members of Parliament or the ability to appoint 80 people for various of Ministers. You should have a field day in appointing the geniuses and the wise to any of these ministries. There should be a capacity and ability to hand-pick the ones who are fitted to various of ministries. However in 2021 that’s a saga long forgotten.

President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni have now released the whole cabinet yesterday. I looked into to the two high profiled roles last night. However, I had a series last term, but doesn’t see it fitting this time to continue with the “Royal Court” series.

It is clear with this Cabinet that the loyalists, the ones who sought and fought for the Age Limit is still getting appointed. The ones who are close and abide the principals of the State House. They are getting rewarded and getting retained. That is clear here and it is visible.

Clearly, Gen. Moses Ali can never do anything wrong. He is just a forever presence. The agreement he made with the National Resistance Movement in 1986 must give Museveni reasons to retaining him. That agreement must give him a office and be viable character in government. In the year of 2021 and beyond.

The former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga was demoted, but still got an office. She is the First Deputy Prime Minister and will still have some power. Also, be the Minister for East African Community Affairs.

Wife(y) Janet Museveni retains her control of the Ministry of Education and Sports. We know it is buy peace in the Middle East. Oh wait, it is to give her a Gucci bag and call it a day. This is her slush-fund and we are not seeing teachers or lectures getting a better life in their profession.

Then we have the return of Jim Muhwezi. His a forever stagnate fellow within the NRM. His gotten the Minister, Office of the President of Security. A man who was sacked several of time. The ex-Spy have gotten into scandals and been part of grand corruptions cases. This man is as corrupt as it gets and he will eat this term.

The former Secretary General of NRM, Justine Kasule Lumumba have now gotten appointed as Minister in Charge of General Duties/ Office of the Prime Minister. This is a smaller role and sort of unofficial “spokesperson” for the government and will not handle anything serious. Not like the previous person there had a lot of things to do.

Then you have Thomas Tayebwa, who has been an MP since 2016. Other roles than in Parliament is the Director of Cholmat Investments. His appointed as the Government Chief Whip. Last year he got known on social media for beating a UMEME staffer. Who happened to work on a line or transmission, which was illegally connected to the MPs house. Therefore, Tayebwa MP have some answers to give and not only ask forgiveness after. Especially, if the praise of Don Wanyama is true. That Thomas is a Christian and being generous. He should have shown that generosity towards the contracted worker of the UMEME. Not only show up at public functions and showing his giving hands.

Frank Tumwebaze MP had to be retained. He has had several of Ministries and he gets another one now. His a loyal man and was elected without any polls. As he was a unopposed MP in the General Election of 2021. This man is the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. He will have three Minister of State underneath him. This is giving him vast power…

In no surprise Matia Kasaija is retained as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). He surely must have a strong grip on the Ministry and the President trust him blindly on this. Since he has had this for years and continues to stay in office.

For some strange reason, which I cannot phantom. Gen. Jeje Odongo is becoming the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Somewhere is Sam Kuteesa laughing and wonder what happened to him. That the sanctions on his corrupt ass finally hit home and took away one pay-check from all the others his getting. Gen. Odongo is the most defensive minister that’s appointed. His so defensive and willing to defend the indefensible. That this man will blame the pen, but not the ones shooting the bullets. He will dismiss the ones writing about extra-judicial killings, but defend the ones shooting the innocent civilian. That is the sort of man Odongo is and expect that in his work this term.

This is enough for now. There will be a follow up. There is enough characters to make your mind implode on the spot. The Cabinet of 2021-26 will not generate greatness …. It is there to serve Museveni and that’s it. These folks are there because of their loyalty and they will follow him until he pushes them overboard. That’s why people get used and dropped like nothing. Expect someone to cry havoc in the coming days. It is inevitable. Peace.

PS: Part II is on its way, but will dig for every soul mentioned … just like always.

Opinion: The party of rebels cannot tolerate rebels

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) was born out a rebellion. That is at least their own tales and ethos, on how it went into existence. How they went to the bush and fought the government to topple it in the 1980s. That is the gist of it all…

That’s why it’s hypocritical and funny that it’s acting so swiftly and hard on rebels within its own rank. They are doing this constantly. Rebecca Kadaga is getting the same treatment as plenty before her. There is nothing new in this and the acts of vengeance coming her way. We have seen before and how the party dismantle and destroy its rebels.

That’s a mere fact in 2021. That nobody and no one should challenge Museveni. The vanguard and the principal sole custodian of the party. In his own spirit, the living being of the party, that everyone is supposed to adore and worship. He is the majesty and they are his court. The jester, the confidant and his servants. They are all there to follow and be inspired by him.

That’s why nobody should question him or even dare to be disregard to his every action. They shouldn’t dare or even think about it. It is ironic, but also the modus operandi of the party. That no one should even question or insult the high mighty. The ones who has aspirations or even dreams of succeeding him get a scorched earth tactic too. Everything that can be burned, will be burnt and there will be left no witnesses behind.

Kadaga will go through the same issues as other before her. Where the rants, the rouge actions will cost her. The party will sanction and take actions against her. She did the inevitable and stood up against their decision, which wasn’t her to make. Just like others who had ambition and wants to run against Museveni. These have been wing-clipped and humiliated too.

This being Mbabazi, Bukenya and other rebel MPs. Who has been kicked out screaming without any hesitation or worry? Since everyone knows where the power resides and where the final judgement is ordered. The same knew Kadaga perfectly well, since she’s been on top and smelled the roses. She has seen people come and go. Kadaga knows but thought she could be above it.

It is only one man who is above it and we know who that man is. It is not Jesus Christ or God Almighty, no it is Museveni. Mr. Sunday is never to be opposed or even consider a ill-thought about. You are never supposed to cross him or date to double-cross him. If you do… you are in deep water and could soon sleep with the fishes. Therefore, Kadaga should have known this.

She has seen how people fall off the cliff and never returns. However, she has offended the don and her time has come. She had her little rebellion and now is forced to face the consequences. There are only one General and one Chairmen, the rest are disposable. That is the initial gist of it all… Peace.

Opinion: Ssemujju is clearly not that bright

On the 24^th May 2021 Jacob Oulanyah was voted in as the Speaker of the 11^th Parliament with the incumbent Rebecca Kadaga becoming the first loser. The second loser of the vote in the plenary session was Forum for Democratic Change own MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda. What is striking is that Ssemujju is going hardball on the National Unity Platform MPs for not supporting his case. That where I will play and deliberate my peace, because this is going nowhere.

Until now, I have had a feeling that MP Ssemujju was bright, but the light-bulb isn’t that shiny anymore. His going after the NUPs MPs votes for Kadaga. Instead of even looking first at his own home. He should look at his fellow party MPs who betrayed him first. If FDC is such a strong and independent machine as it has claimed for years. Why are there so little loyalty for him?

He got 15 votes out of 32 MPs. The MP lost 17 MPs from his own party. That should hurt him. These FDC MPs rather vote for a NRM MP for speaker than for him. Ssemujju should keeps his ducks in a row and speak to the leadership of FDC. He needs to settle the score at Najjakumbi and maybe hold a prayer. Since his current prayers haven’t been answered.

That his targeting the NUP is childish. The 57 MPs are free to act as they see fit or after the strategy of which the party has decided. The NUP have tried to be cordial and work with the FDC before the first plenary session. However, the FDC didn’t want to meet.

While several of FDC MPs have gone after the NUP before hand. They are now targeting the NUP again. It is like a war of hogwash where Ssemujju is following Nandala-Mafabi and Salaamu Musumba. Therefore, why should NUP shield and support a party who is speaking ill of them?

The FDC is no difference to NRM at this point. The NUP might have voted for Kadaga in spite. However, that was in their interest and their choice. That Ssemujju was the only real “opposition” candidate. His still not a uniting figure or a voice of reason here. He cannot even galvanize the FDC behind him. Why should the NUP break their back for him? Why?

The FDC hasn’t been co-operative and in favour of joint ventures since 2011s Inter-Party Coalition (IPC). They haven’t really been sincere and dropped righteously out of The Democratic Alliance (TDA). Neither was there any sense or work within the United Forces for Change (UFC). The UFC didn’t even do anything in regards to the 2021 elections. It was a document and presser between Bobi Wine and Besigye. However, it was a wasted opportunity.

This is nothing new, but it is a pattern. The FDC is really attacking the NUP. The newcomer who has taken their place. It is like its an unfavourable position to get into. The FDC had no issues being the big-shot over the Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). Now the biggest opposition party happens to be the NUP. Alas, that not counting all the independent MPs who can lean where-ever way they feel is right at any moment. The independents are the biggest party except for the NRM, but still the NUP is the one counted. That says a lot.

The FDC wants to be the governing party and be the big-men in Parliament. That is understandable. They have fought, fought and not gotten any real credit. That is understandable. It is reasonable that they want money, power and respect. However, that is given and not taken. The FDC should act with more sense.

Ssemujju should be more wise than this. He should know that the NUP can do whatever they feel. Even if it is foolish, obnoxious or not making sense. He should have his mind correct here. The FDC MP should speak of his own before going after the NUP.

Ssemujju should write his first passages of a prayer before going on national TV. The sermon should be scheduled and be delivered. He should summon the FDC Pastor and get the reverend to hymn in.

Just like I told Nambooze was wrong the other day, because she wanted Ssemujju to warn everyone else about his candidacy. Well, Ssemujju should first alert his party, before having talks with others ahead of the vote. There been enough trouble in the waters in the stages ahead of the polls. That is proven now in the aftermath.

Nevertheless, the FDC seems to be on a warpath and on the barricades. They are doing that instead of being humble. The FDC could show courage and greatness to the 11^th Parliament. Instead they are showing entitlement. For a party that has fought. I would think they would be happy to see a new generation coming in and a new party rising up. Instead, they are directly assaulting it.

Ssemujju could get allies and partners within the NUP. However, by acting like this. Why would they work with him? When his not addressing the lost boys or lost causes within his own party? That’s where he should start. After that maybe cordial address the matter and what happened.

Ssemujju should know this and would expect that of others. Not just go all out and trying to mock the NUP. That is to be anticipated by the NRM and their handlers. They are mocking for voting a NRM candidate (Kadaga). That is righteous to do, but Ssemujju needs figure his way. He should know better, but that’s too much to ask.

It is clearly easier to cane the new kid on the block. Going out kicking and screaming, instead of speaking ill of your own. Ssemujju do yourself a favour and stop. This is amounting to nothing. There is nothing to win here. You were the second loser and there is no way to turn the tables around. Even with 57 more votes, you wouldn’t have more than about 70 voters. Which would still be pointless. So, what was there to gain for the NUP?

Would they have a friendly face in the press? Or would you think some more independents throwing their ballots your way?

I doubt it, you would cause a fit no matter what. Ssemujju isn’t looking smart, but acting a fool. You can do better, but clearly that’s too much to ask. Peace.

Opinion: The tattle-tail becomes Oulanyah’s deputy

With no real margin of error the Deputy Speaker of the 11^th Parliament is National Resistance Movement (NRM) MP Anita Among. Who has gone from being elected as Independent MP in 2016, but leaning towards the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). While voting for the important legislation or motions in favour of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

We know she has earned the spoils of her loyalty to the President and the State House. As she has a fabulous home, owns a radio station (Mama Bukedea FM). Among has also been a regular visitor at the State House. Clearly getting favourable treatment of late.

In 2017 there was rumours that she was the mastermind of murdering people in her district. As well, as leaking FDC secrets to the State House. There was sources saying “she would do anything for money”. Clearly, with the amassed wealth and rise to prestige. Among clearly have found her source of wealth.

In September 2019 there was speculation of an assassination attempt on the MP at her home. Where two assailants or two gun-men who was even followed by the authorities before disappearing.

In May 2020 she went relentless on a person posting things on Facebook. In such a fit, that she personally got all the authorities involved and got one Private Secretary of the President in charge of Poverty Alleviation in Busoga under investigation together with an accomplice Brian Kinene. She was able to use the Cyber Unit of CID to investigate the matter and put it on blast. That was done over two Facebook posts. This says a lot about her character.

Among haven’t had a long career, but still been creating headlines. Gotten the loyalty and it’s paying off. As she couldn’t continue sell stories and be in fire while leaning towards the FDC. She had to eventually cross sides.

Now she could stand unopposed and run through the election with no real competition. Anointed by the President and has now his blessings. Clearly she will continue to use her power. Now, she haven’t the need to go to Kadaga. Among can just do what her feel and do what Museveni directs her to do.

I don’t trust Deputy Speaker to value democratic values, neither honour the chambers of the Parliament. No, she’s in it for the money and Museveni will further corrupt her mind. Give her nice tokens for her service and she is favourable person for him. However, she is useful right now. But she just have to wait her turn. When she is not useful anymore.

Than she will be ditched and dropped as quickly, as the NRM dropped Kadaga today. Peace.

Opinion: The opposition have failed Ssemujju [and the NRM didn’t vote collectively for Oulanyah]

Not it’s shocking or anything, but the opposition have failed in a way. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) haven’t even been able to get their MPs behind their own party candidate for speaker in the 11^th Parliament. Not that it should be automatic for the opposition to vote for an opposition candidate. Still, if they want something different and wants another type of leader at the helm. Than they shouldn’t vote for the ones who has already been puppets of the President.

It is official that Jacob Oulanyah is the next speaker. He got the majority with 310 MPs, which is a weak one in itself. The National Resistance Movement have 336 MPs alone and means someone wasn’t following the party line there as well and voting for the Independent candidate Rebecca Kadaga. If the UPDF MPs are voting directly for NRM causes, that means 300 NRM MPs voted for their own plus the UPDF. That means 36 NRM MPs voted for Rebecca Kadaga, instead of Oulanyah.

What is shocking is that Kadaga most likely got a huge support from the opposition and the independents of the Parliament. As she got 197 votes today. Not that it’s enough to retain her office. However, it shows that the opposition who is 98 MPs. This being the National Unity Platform (NUP) with 57 MPs, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) 32 MPs, Democratic Party (DP) 9 MPs, which is in total 98 MPs. The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has an additional 9 MPs, but with the agreement with NRM of the past. It’s hard to call them “opposition” at this point.

There 74 Independent MPs and with opposition MPs is a total of 174 MPs. That is very close to numbers Kadaga got. That means there are several of NRM who voted for her. Clearly, the non-partisan UPDF MPs would automatically vote for Oulanyah. That is securing 10 MPs his way. They follow the chain-in-command at any point of time. We know this and the public knows this too.

Still, the FDC has lost 17 MPs to Kadaga or Oulanyah. That is mediocre approach. That the NUP have shown a weird tactic too. They most likely voted Kadaga is just baffling. That they are doing this politicking. Supporting a former servant of the dictator and giving way to her. Just because she had a brief fallout and lost favours with him.

That the DP could go either way at this point. The UPC is shallow too, but with the numbers and secret ballots. There is just speculations who voted where. However, the ammo for questionable affairs is clear. The strength is within the ruling regime. They can win, even when they are not trying. That shows how the 11^th Parliament will be.

I didn’t expect Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda should have more than 32 MPs on his side. Not only 15 MPs, which is only barely half of the FDC group of MPs in Parliament. He has been let down not by the opposition, but by his own party. They have not shown loyalty to their own. The NUP could play where-ever they saw fit. Naye, they clearly went for Kadaga just to spite Museveni. Instead of playing a long-game with FDC. This is not a good sign for the rest of this term.

The NUP and FDC have combined a big block of MPs with 89 MPs in the 11^th Parliament. These MPs could made a difference and their votes could have sent a signal to the authorities. However, they instead voted for Kadaga. The FDC, NUP and DP have all backed the former speaker, one way or another. That is what these numbers and secret ballots says.

The opposition let Ssemujju down, but they first needs to look into their own before shelling assaults at NUP or elsewhere. When you cannot even muster support at home. You cannot go across party-lines. The NUP has disappointed me as well, but it’s not shocking. More of their first moves in Parliament. However, I hope they will really work in constructive opposition behaviour and not petty politicking like today. This is not furthering their cause, but only questioning their methods.

The NRM is also not as strong as they trying to portray. As they are lacking total support for their own. They are not collective behind Oulanyah. There are missing MPs who bailed on the NRM CEC decision. That says a lot too. That is something the President needs to think about and reflect upon at the State House. Peace.

Opinion: Kadaga can blow up a lot of smoke

“Fellow Ugandans, I have come to inform the people of Uganda that my party has opted not to give me the party flag for Speaker of Parliament. I have therefore decided to run as an independent” – Rebecca Kadaga (23.05.2021).

Today and in the recent days it’s all natural that Rebecca Kadaga gets in her feelings. That she puts on Drake and sing along to sad tunes. That’s all natural at this point. She has had a long stint or a decade in the role as the Speaker in Parliament. In the 11^th Parliament her fate is sealed and there is no way for her to win.

The National Resistance Movement Central Executive Committee have decided to put someone else forward to be the speaker in this term. That means Kadaga’s fall is inevitable. She has lost her position and office over night. That was to be expected and a trade-off would happen behind the scenes. However, Kadaga seemed to think she was entitled to this.

That’s why she suddenly wants to run as an Independent in the Speakership race. However, the loyalty and the party cadres of the NRM is supposed to follow party line. Meaning, she will no way in hell be able to conquer or overcome the obstacle of the NRM party in the 11^th Parliament. There is no way they will vote in favour of her and her cause. That’s a no go and they will not defy the NRM CEC.

The Parliament is supposed to elect the speaker. That’s not supposed to happen in the State House or at a the highest party committee meeting either. However, we all know that this is a test of loyalty for the MPs. The NRM MPs who has had training at Kyankwanzi is supposed to show their character now and what they learned. That is to loyal to the cause and follow the NRM Way. This means the decisions put forward by the NRM CEC is final. Even if the stipulations of law and parliamentary procedure doesn’t have anything about minutes or meeting outside the chambers of the national assembly.

Still, here we are and we know the drill. Kadaga can cry rivers and run as independent. However, we know perfectly well that these MPs are subjects for their President and needs to follow his direction. If not they will suffer and be punished like no tomorrow. That’s why the game is set and it’s rigged in favour of the people who are anointed by the “high above”.

What is funny is that Kadaga knows this and have been breathing in this system for years. She’s not new to this and she seen it all. The fallouts, the break-up’s and the make-ups. She has seen how Mbabazi, Tumukunde and Bukenya have all had their turns. Kadaga knows this and accepted this.

Nevertheless, it is like its fine while your singing praises and eating. It is now evident that her meal-ticket is over and someone else’s turn. That hurts her pride and her stomach. She’s afraid of getting hungry and goes into battle mode. Even if that is a failure from the start.

Kadaga has battled the opposition. She has been a loyal soldier and one the bidding of the President. Severed him diligently and delivered what he asked. Nevertheless, it is never enough and he got priorities. The President have to trade-off political pieces to get the puzzle together. That’s why she is sacrificed for this.

Though we know and she knows there is silver-lining. At the end of the day. If she had taken it and swallowed her pride. The President and the NRM would have given her another office with perks and allowances. Kadaga wouldn’t have be the speaker, but be at service with a fancy title.

Now she sings the songs of defiance. That’s a game she is bound to fail. Especially, when the stacks are all against her. This is only a play for pity and there is little to nothing to gain. Only more misery. It is like she’s forgetful and thinks she’s above it all.

Sorry madam, but your not. You are just another pawn and a useful idiot for his highness. He had the use of you and if you played your cards right. He would have offered you another role later on. However, now that you get into combat mode. He will make you suffer and you’ll regret ever participating in his games. Because now for the first time, you’ll get to see the dark-side of his reign. Peace.

Opinion: Oulanyah will not make a difference

The former Deputy Speaker and Oromo County MP Jacob Oulanyah will not change things in the 11^th Parliament. As he is set to be promoted from Deputy to the Speaker of the Parliament. This after two terms as the Deputy. He is now set to lead and be at the reigns. However, his a loyal soldier in the chambers and will not add any significant change.

He has been in Parliament now for three successive terms. Where he has served the President and National Resistance Movement (NRM) with amassed loyalty. To such a point, that he has no quarrels using Vice-President Guards to throw out opposition in 2013.

We know that he serves the interests of the President to the fullest. As he has stated in the past, that resolutions or recommendations passed in Parliament is only seen as advisory for the Executive I.E. the President. This meaning, when the Parliament passes these things. It is up to the President to enact or accept this advice or not. It is not legally binding, but token of advice.

If he really thinks like this. Then the methods and ways the Parliament is working has to be different. The MPs have to allocate their resources and their paper-trial different. So, they can go from an advisory body to a legal binding body. Which they already have to await ascending the laws by the executive in the end. Still, that adds more pressure to the President to enact the will of the Parliament.

Therefore, with the knowledge of previous acts of Oulanyah. Expect him to act upon this, but not be shocked. His a loyal man to the end. That’s why in 2012 he was willing to skip house rules to save face of the Bank of Uganda Commissioner Eng. Mutebile. This the sort of behaviour he has and history as well. Where he is willing to skip rules and do that serve his party. Instead of even following basic rules of procedure in the august house.

It is clear that his a man and been in the inner-circle. That’s why he has gotten to this point. Where the NRM CEC is saying his the man. When the NRM CEC is endorsing him. It is initially saying his the next in line. This is the final decision and the ones that matter. That’s where you want your order to come from and where you get the majority backing from as well.

He is a puppet, a loyal of sorts. A man who will do the bidding of the NRM and the President. He will allow the chambers to be overtaken by soldiers and security officers in plain clothes. Votes in favour of the President and legislation only serving him. That’s why his there in the first place. While his spending small percentages of his wealth on philanthropy in his district and county.

When you know all of this. Let’s be perfectly clear. Changing Oulanyah with Kadaga or vice versa wont make much difference. These two are practically the same. They have worked for the same objectives and serving the same master. That will continue. One has fallen and one has been promoted. The Parliament will still act in same manner as before.

Expect NUP MPs to be thrown out. FDC MPs to be thrown out. Expect investigation into opposition MPs and such. There will be a mess and the demonstrations will not prevail. The NRM runs the game and they have the weight behind it.

11^th Parliament will not act much different from the 10^th Parliament. Yes, there is a different speaker, but they will still need to wait for the NRM Caucus at the State House. There will still await the Cabinet decisions and the appointments of the President. If not the Presidential letters amending laws, legislation and the structure as a whole. Because, that’s what’s happening on the regular. That will not change under the rule of Oulanyah.

No, because he doesn’t have the power to change that. He just have to serve and be the servant for the cause of Museveni. That’s why his there in the first place. Oulanyah might say otherwise, but he knows damn well what keeps him there. It isn’t his legal mind or his character. No, it is his blind loyalty and that’s his willing to serve. Peace.