Opinion: Namayanja told the sacred truth which is hidden in plain sight…

“The NRM deputy Secretary-General Rose Namayanja Nsereko has advised Adventists to join political leadership instead of leaving it to those that are perceived as unethical. “Politics is a dirty game because you the clean people avoid it. So embrace this political space to make your nation better,”Namayanja said” (Kenneth Kazibwe – ‘Politics is a dirty game because the clean ones have shunned it, says NRM’s Namayanja’ 12.03.2023, NilePost.co.ug).

It is unique that the Deputy Secretary-General of the National Resistance Movement, Rose Namayanja Nsereko was saying this yesterday in Luweero. What the politician said isn’t revolutionary or anything new. Her own master and leader said the same… it is compelling that after ruling the nation for 37 years. The same President has the same issues of his predecessors and nothing has changed.

Because, President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni said this once upon a time:

“Cleanliness in leadership is one of the rarest commodities in Uganda” (Weekly Topic June 6, 1980).

Now in 2023 and one of his underlings is saying the same. She is using her words, but practically telling what Museveni believed in 1980. It is plenty of years and water under the bridge. There been several of cabinets, MPs and leaders changed since then. The ones that Museveni was silently mentioning and calling unclean is out of office. It is now his people that is “unclean” and partaking in the “dirty” game of politics.

If the Deputy Secretary-General thought this was wise… it is sort of scoring an own-goal. We know about the scandals, the support of injustice and lack of due diligence. We know about the rampant corruption, inept governing bodies and lack of proper oversight. That is common knowledge in 2023 and it’s a system created by her boss. His Excellency and his kitchen cabinet is siphoning and ensuring the depressing state of affairs. The unclean hands and lack of procedure is his fault. The bad leadership is coming from the top. It trickles down the chain-of-command and everyone is touched by it. That’s why things never change…

The Deputy Secretary-General of NRM might mean well and is considering the people she’s speaking too. Nevertheless, it just shows where the NRM has failed. Initially, the NRM through the NRM Way and the Movement System should have eradicated a lot of “bottlenecks”, but instead it has prolonged the agony and suffering of the people. It is serving because of army and the authorities, but not because of it’s popularity. That is the gist of things and the junta government holds a strong grip over the Republic. Which is why it doesn’t evolves and it has no incentives to do so. It is earning currency on continuing the modus operandi and following the orders of the “high above”. That why we are here and have such shady individuals in power or in office. They are more concerned with their tummies, than serving the constituency or the people at large.

So, the D-SG might be right, but she is telling a secret hidden in plain sight. People know this and Museveni spoke about it back in the 1980s. Now the same trouble is haunting him and everyone sees it. This time… it’s all his fault and he built this system. His party and NRM CEC have vouched for it and created this style of governance. That’s why we are here and all the hands are dirty. Peace.

Uganda: People’s Progressive Party (PPP) – Press Release (19.10.2022)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Joint Opposition ahead of the next By-Elections…

“The way to get back our power is to unite all of us and the population to be rallied together. Once that happens, I’m very excited that I can see it now beginning to happen. Even if we said that let all of us do this, this regime has no capacity to stop it” – Dr Kizza Besigye (01.08.2022).

Today there was a real launch of a joint opposition ahead of the next elections. This was a mix of various parties and formations. The main ones are the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and National Unity Platform (NUP). The other parties was the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Justice Forum (JEEMA) and the DP Block. While the People’s Front for Transition (PFT) and People Power Movement (PPM).

This is the first one that is like this since the Democratic Alliance (TDA).The TDA have been shaky and most of the members there has ended up in the arms of the regime.

The TDA isn’t the only joint opposition ahead of an election. In 2011 the opposition went ahead with a coalition called the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC). In 2020 the FDC and NUP created the United Forces of Change (UFC).

Today we are seeing a new front with a lot more parties and formations behind it. That could strengthen the cause. We have already seen the NUP and FDC supporting a joint candidate in the Soroti East By-Election in the Moses Attan there. The new Press Conference and Joint Statement shows not only sentiment, but a plan for the parties ahead.

“This country is bigger than our political parties. The mission is bigger than building our political parties. In any case, one would argue that there are no political parties in Uganda because we do not operate like political parties” (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, 01.08.2022).

The Joint Statement is stating the plan ahead:

“Going forward, we shall jointly or severally use any upcoming elections to organise and rally the population to defend their democratic rights and end the election ‘madness’ that has bedeviled our country since independence” (Joint Statement, 01.08.2022).

It will be interesting to see it happening in the upcoming by-elections. The opposition is showing a united force and its needed. The messages from the leaders is as important. Because, the parties and formations are pledging to work together.

The ruling regime and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have been met with similar coalitions before, but this time around there is no direct or former NRM who will leave the fold quickly. The ones that has left the NRM did it so long ago… that it seems impossible for a return.

This statement comes days after the NRM-DP Cooperation Agreement and the previous election agreement between NRM-UPC. Therefore, this time around the Joint Opposition has to prove it. As the NRM is purging and trying to convince the opposition of working with them.

The Joint Opposition have to show it and also ensure they field the best candidates. They have to show the malpractice and undermine the election rigging. In such a manner, that the NRM cannot live with it or even announce the results. The opposition has to show fierce methods and not only play to the rules of the state. Opposition cannot just participate, but prove everything wrong with the regime.

Time will tell if this will work. The ambition and sentiment behind is commendable. I am hope it does make a difference. Not only a Press Conference and a Statement. The people have to see it and the parties and formations have to show it. Peace.

Uganda: Joint Statement of Political Leaders, Parties and Formations against the Brazen Thuggery of Elections in Uganda as Exemplified in the By-Elections of Kayunga, Omoro and Soroti (01.08.2022)

Opinion: “Team Thorough” forgot to get blessed by the “high above”

“A strategy meeting of ruling NRM coordinators under their pressure group “NRM team thorough” turned rowdy right before a walkout. This was after the angry supporters claimed they had not been recognized and compensated for mobilizing support for President Yoweri Museveni in the 2021 Presidential Election. The NRM Secretariat has disowned the group, saying the previous elections were scientific and it never had a covenant with anyone” (NBS Television, 18.06.2022).

A sub-group outside the official National Resistance Movement “umbrella” organizations has convened today and felt dissatisfied, because they haven’t been acknowledged for their work or compensated for it. However, there is digital records dating back to August 2019, which shows the existence of the “NRM Team Thorough YKM 2021” with the chief coordinator Eng.Idiri Kiiza Kamuntu.

Today isn’t only a sad day that the NRM Team Thorough YKM 2021 isn’t recognized or acknowledge by the NRM Secretariat or the NRM CEC for that matter, which is that the former Chief Coordinator Idiri Kiiza Kamuntu has only been deceased for two weeks; because he lack funds and couldn’t afford treatment. Therefore, even the hard-working political activists like him and his demise can easily happen. A man of the party and for the President who still isn’t helped or gotten any sort of direct support from the state. He died at Mulago Hospital for the lack of medicine. So, when that happened to the big-man and coordinator of the organization. Who thought the Organization itself would be supported?

It has happened before that parts of the NRM Team Thorough YKM 2021 have resorted to renegade against the organization and the party itself. In November 2020 Deus Mwebaze reported: “A group of NRM youths hailing from Eastern Uganda have vowed not to canvass support for the ruling party in case they are not paid their allowances. The youths under their umbrella organization Team Thorough for Yoweri Kaguta Museveni” (Mwebaze, November 2020).

That this NRM sub-group or organization thought it was special or could get any favours is just funny. In hindsight, anyone who is not vouched for or been blessed by the NRM Central Executive Committee, if not been invited to the State House and heard a lecture from the President there. Than you know your swimming against the tide. There will be no direct help or monetary gains from it.

The NRM Team Thorough YKM 2021 clearly haven’t followed what happened to NRM Poor Youth or any sort of NRM based organization. If it doesn’t have clearance or a sponsor from the high ranking officials of the state. There will be no will or heart in it. They will be left alone and will swim among the sharks.

These sorts of upstarts needs to petition the State House ahead of the elections and try to get a NRM Historical or a Stalwart in the NRM to vouch for them. If not it’s totally useless and nobody will care. This election was all about launching counter-productive measures towards People Power and the NUP. That’s why the likes of “Team Thorough” didn’t mean diddly squat to the NRM Secretariat.

This sort of story should be a warning. You can work and mobilize for months upon end. You can invest and spend all your time for the party. However, if you do it for organizations or sub-groups, which is not directly associated or vouched for. It is directly pointless, because they will acknowledge or respect your work. They will downplay it or openly disregard it. Peace.

Opinion: The Movement Aspirants states a bitter fact [about the ‘Art of Peer Pressure’]

“Members of the ruling National Resistance Movement who contested and failed in the previous party primary elections have formed an association to stop future ‘sham elections. The association dubbed Action for Transformation and Sustainable Development also seeks to help members recover from the loss and strategize for the 2026 election” (Gerald Matembu – ‘NRM losers form Association to stop electoral malpractice’ 13.10.2021, Nile Post).

We are used too that National Resistant Movement aspirants or members who loses their primaries stands as “independents”. That is very common with this party and is common at the last elections. The NRM Electoral Commission haven’t been able to handle or had the manpower to secure it either. Neither does the party suspend or sends letter of expulsion to the former aspirants either. Therefore, today’s new association is really inspiring.

This must be insulting to the Chairman, the NRM Central Executive Committee and the NRM EC. All of the heads who vouch for the system and has created it this way. The President and every single Minister must feel insulted. They have all been elected through the system.

These are the new stock of NRM Rebels and that’s not the ‘Correct Line’. With that in mind, we can wonder what is the next step? What will they do? How will they plea or have their cases heard?

Not like Secretary General Richard Todwong will have a listen. He is a loyal cadre of the President and cannot handle this. This man will not accept the scrutiny or allegations. The former SG Justine Kasule-Lumumba was hostile towards to the NRM EC Chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi. The internal elections has been an issue, but not properly resolved.

What is striking is that this is happening after NRM Primaries was held with voting in line. They were standing behind the candidate they did prefer. Now the aspirants are saying this isn’t fair. Which is striking, since this was changed between the 2015 and 2020 after wishes of the President. They are saying his voting system isn’t fair. That must infuriate him when he gets the call or the memo.

We were plenty of outsiders saying this and called it the ‘Art of Peer Pressure’ as it was a clear signal of popularity and not a secret ballot. This was clear from the get-go, but the aspirants accept this school-yard way of challenging the polls. So, in their regards its a bit late. They can hope for a better way of running it next time. However, that is all up to the President and the NRM CEC. Peace.

A look into NRM SG Todwong’s pity party [a response to his ODM letter]

“I write to draw your attention and those of your ilk to the individual and collective comments you made against the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party, the sovereign Government of the Republic of Uganda and above all, the personal disrespect and insults you accorded His Excellency General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda and the entire Country” (Todwong, 06.08.2021).

The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Richard Todwong has written a critical letter in response to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) press conference earlier this week. Which happened because the Deputy President William Ruto was blocked to leave Wilson Airport to Uganda. Therefore, the letter dated the 6^th August 2021 is interesting, but also a lot of self-pity.

The SG of NRM has to write this way and be defensive. Because the ODM obliterated the NRM and that hurts the pride of the party naturally. Also, the remarks about Museveni must have been seen as damaging. Though all the words was in my opinion on point, but the ones living and breathing NRM will feel infuriated, because their gig is up.

It is just like magic like statement like these: “Dear Honourable Member, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Party that you referred to in your hurriedly-released press conference started in the early 1960s as a student movement. This was when its founder-chairman H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whom you insulted, realized that the post-colonial administrative structures/systems we inherited could not solve the major social, economic and political questions of Uganda” (Todwong, 06.08.2021).

Because the National Resistance Army started in 1981 after the elections that year. Before that he had a short stint with the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM). Even before that Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) was emerging in 1971 but fully formed in 1973 and lasted until 1979. When he became the Vice Chairman in the Military Council until the 1980 election. The earliest group formed by Museveni was the University Students’ African Revolutionary Front (USARF) which was a political student group. Therefore, if Todwong is saying this… just like his master… than the origin of NRM traces back to University days and there is no trace of NRM there. Only that the personification of the state was the Chairman like he is today of the NRM. Since the university he has had several of outfits, but they are bursting in comparison to the NRM we know today. If it was early 1960s it must have been at Nkore school. Todwong, I would also say 67 is late 60s and not early by ordinary definition.

Todwong continues: “The State had virtually collapsed and there was nothing to talk or write about Uganda in economic terms. The NRM and President Museveni picked this country from zero and embarked on systematic rebuilding and restructuring it by restoring social order and discipline among the populations through promoting peace, stability, rule of law and democracy” (Todwong, 06.08.2021).

Just like his questionable facts or narrow fiction of the tale of NRM. He continues as he states certain things the NRM and the fellow Movement people are telling each other. However, it is with margins of error. Yes, the state was a wreck when Museveni took over in 1986. That’s because the previous leaders didn’t have stability or the core government had been in warfare for years. There was no way Museveni could do worse and he got help from donors to stabilize the economy for some time and also institutionalize things for a time being. However, with time these things has withered and the NRM cannot accept that the personification is corrupting and weakening the state.

Not like the current financial or economic status is to seek for. The underdeveloped, the lack of domestic revenue and evil cycle of recycling debt to pay for a over-bloated and expensive state organization. Which features more nepotism and lack or merits. While the state isn’t creating a sound investments or even generating policies that can be sustained or outgrow the potential of the state. Therefore, the core basics are wrong.

Last point, about the democracy in Uganda is hallow at best. There are “multi-party” democracy but only on paper in some regards. They are only there to show the world they have it. However, the NRM hold the control and the majority, by gerrymandering and controlling all the needed institutions to do so. It is not like Museveni or the NRM would make a peaceful transition to another party. No, they are rigging election, interfering and using the military to settle civilian scores. If not the military is fixing the problems, because that is what H.E. trusts and Todwong knows this.

Another very obvious lie is this one: “The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party does not and will never interfere with the internal affairs of any country” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). The SG must think people are blind and forgotten things quickly. The NRM and Museveni has entangled himself all across the East Africa and Central Africa. He has toppled the two Presidents in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There been questions if he was involved in the helicopter crashes of Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana and Dr. Joseph Garang of SPLM/A of South Sudan. The NRM was also supporting the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and helped them in the takeover as allies in Rwanda in 1994. Therefore, the NRM and Museveni has done lots of foreign interference and it cannot just shaded over this easily.

Todwong continues: “The NRM party is strong and has led Uganda for the last 35 consecutive years because peace, security and human rights are our major pillars” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). We know that they have Safe-Houses, civilians in Military Courts, extra judicial-killings and keeping political prisoners. The army and authorities are allowed to kidnap and detain people without any court or warrants. The state can also suddenly block and silence critics. The state can issue warnings and suddenly use soldiers to quell demonstrations and protests without any hesitation. Therefore, the NRM and the government of Uganda doesn’t have a stellar human rights record and this is just skimming track-record that nobody should want to copy.

He further states: “Our President whom you insulted is massively elected by the population every time we go for general elections. Your statement is an insult to the sovereignty and integrity of Ugandans who always elect their leaders as mentioned above” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). Well, the rigged elections can make anyone a victor. There haven’t been parades and giant celebrations of the general public after his “victories” of late. The pre-ticked ballots and results of the Presidential Elections has been questioned, as the algorithms and stats is non-equated Math. Which only pre-fixed for the result of making Museveni the winner. If the NRM and Museveni is insulted by stating this. Maybe they should actually hold “free and fair” elections… and not just rig them like they are currently doing.

Another one of these comes here: “Uganda’s record on fighting graft is laudable, we have a well-functional institutional anti-corruption mechanism that has drastically reduced corruption at all levels of government” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). The SG must have forgotten the Presidential Handshake saga and all the other corruption scandals. All the tenders, Dott Services and whatnot who has appeared in-front of us over the years. Not to forget the Ugandan Proverb “Missing Funds” which is an implied corruption scandal. Where ghosts, demeans and inner-circle are eating of the plate with no results to show for it. Plus the additional road-costs which is vastly overpriced because of the set-up corruption schemes needed to procure, work and get the ability to construct the kilo-meters of gravel.

We know his just reckless and doesn’t care about the truth when one of his statements is: “I won’t dwell so much on poverty” (Todwong, 06.08.2021). It just shows how little they are bothered, because they know they cannot prove advancement or any justification after all these years. They have been helped, aided and had United Nations Organizations to cover their bases all along. Therefore, the NRM haven’t found proper measures or policies to create livelihoods or an economy where the majority can prosper. Because, that sort of work would not suffice or make it possible for the President and his elite to live lavish. This is why he will not dwell on it… and it shows the true character here.

In this regard… this is enough of this letter and SG Todwong should be able to be a truth-teller, but then would risk offending the Don and the ones who is blessing him on the regular. That is why he had to write like this and this doesn’t make it a fact. This is why someone had to debunk it and Todwong shouldn’t get of the hook. The NRM and Museveni cannot revise or edit history. Still, they try but people shouldn’t let them. Peace.

Opinion: Todwong dines in a den of thieves

“The choice is in our hands and the responsibility falls on our shoulders to save our homeland from this ‘cancer’ of corruption and embezzlement of public funds with impunity” – Richard Todwong

The newly minted Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Richard Todwong have come out guns blazing as his tenure starts. However, he knows his comrades and fellow party affiliates. Its not like he don’t know and seen their modus operandi.

If fellow peers are corrupt and grand corruption is still a thing. They will not cease their operations over a few mere words. Then the striking, ranging thunder and tales of old would have made people go into fear mode a long time ago.

The SG will be no different. He has in the past addressed the mismanagement and lack of investments in schools. As he visited one wrecked school up-country. Nevertheless, the man didn’t do much or use much energy to invest more in the school system. He just raged a minute and let it all go.

Now, his talking of fighting corruption. I doubt he will challenge the Kitchen Cabinet nor the High Above. Neither will he go for the family enterprises or the lack of tenders. He will not delegate the PPDA, IGG or OAG somewhere useful. Also, he will not give a word to the Anti-Corruption Unit at the State House. That is only for the anointed one.

Therefore, this is just another lie for the façade. This is not for reality or for anything truthful. Don’t expect things to change. Not as long as the same fella is running the game and everyone is following his directives. There isn’t even a need for laws or legislation. If his directive is in play. Everyone will dance to the music he provides. The almighty DJ, inviting everyone to dance.

Todwong might mean well, but it seems like a ploy to sound legit. Since the game is already up and the corruption cases doesn’t cease to exist. That is just a mere fact. The Secretary General knows this, and he can act a fool, but his still not that stupid.

If he wants to treat this illness and go to core of the problem. Then the NRM needs to go to their roots, their rise to power and the reason for its existence. That’s where the problem is laying. Right in-front of them in plain sight. They all know it, but they are not allowed act upon it.

If they do. Then, they are challenging the master and that is something that is a cardinal sin. They will never be forgiven and will be feed to the wolves. There will be no return and the grave will await them. Peace.

I wish I had the guts of Todwong: He forgets who NRM really are!

“For us at NRM, we knew this was an accident about to happen, there was a lot of confusion in that home and what happened was the climax of what was happening over time. It portrays FDC as a party that can’t handle internal contradictions, it portrays a party with members who have an ego bigger than the party. We’ve seen this in all political parties like DP and UPC, when a party is formed out of one specific agenda like remove an individual from power, these are the outcomes. To us as NRM, we really say they weren’t ready enough to have a political party” – Richard Todwong at NBS Frontline, 27.09.2018.

Let’s put things in perspective, the National Resistance Movement wouldn’t be like they are, if they didn’t have power or didn’t have the army. They need both to exist, as well, as they are following the guidelines and all principals of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The only man with a vision and leadership capacity within the party. That is why no-one has been able to succeed him since the 1980 election and the following Bush-War and the 32 years of ruling since.

It is like the NRM honcho Richard Todwong forgets that, as the biggest EGO of the land is Museveni. Not Kizza Besigye, Not Mugisha Muntu or even James Akena. But the biggest is Bosco.

NRM are not even ready to have another President, another ruler of the NRM and the Republic. Because no one is supposed to question the almighty Bosco.

In FDC where this problems all steams from, is because their delegates picked their third Party President since its inception. Something, that is still not happening in the NRM. They cannot even think of running against Bosco in the next presidential either. He is the sole-candidate for life.

Let’s be honest. If their been succession in the NRM, there wouldn’t have been no Reform Agenda or Forum for Democratic Change, because internally, the leadership would have rotated so that Besigye and Amama Mbabazi could eventually lead it. There would still be a DP and UPC. However, they we’re there before NRM and before UPM, the party before the now ruling party.

When the NRM says the FDC aren’t ready to be a political party, why are the NRM only able to change leadership, when they starting to get ambition for the throne and not before? Why are you taking out the Gilbert Bukenya and Mbabazi, when they want to get more? Not because of political differences or even mere policies, but for their naked ambition.

So, maybe the NRM isn’t ready for being a political party and only being the armed wing of the juggernaut called Bosco. Aye? Peace.