Drone Watch: The Police is serving a poor excuse of a meal on a plate [the food fell off actually]

Many of these vehicles are new and when they are being imported, they come with very small number plates fixed infront and sometimes they are not fixed in the hind part. At times those small plates fall off and you see them on the highway” – the acting Police Director in charge of Traffic ad Road Safety, Lawrence Niwabiine (15.02.2021).

The drones or the Panda Gari’s is ravaging the Republic. The state is getting scrutiny and public outcries. As civilians are taken by plained clothed individuals and taken into these “drones” to unknown locations, kept incommunicado and tortured at ungazetted “safe-houses”. This being done in “secret” by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and other security agencies. The numbers of how many that is taken is fluid, as the state only drops a minor number, which isn’t reflecting the reality on the ground. Neither is the state account for the ones left for dead and deposed on field like slaughtered prey.

Therefore, the Police Director Niwabiine must think people are foolish, stupid and dumb. These sort of statements only shows their lack brightness. There is nothing smart about this. We know why it doesn’t have number-plates, because then they cannot be traced. It is not like the general public can get the Vehicle Indication Number (VIN) on the Chassis. That numbers is something the producer have and the possible importer for the vehicle book. However, the Niwabiine wants us really to believe this:

First ascertain(why the vehicle is numberless) because the owner cant carry it to the licencing authority for a new number plate.” (Niwabiine, 15.02.2021).

That he wants us to believe that is saying a lot. Because that means the car owner isn’t able to register as a person at Uganda Revenue Authority and also at the DT Regional Service centres. Where you drop the paperwork to prove your claim to the vehicle, paying the fees and showing the books on the vehicle. So, that the car can get registered and get its number plate.

What is also striking is that the common issues for used Toyota Hiace is thick white and grey smoke from the exhaust. Additional noise when the car decelerate. Another common defect is a shaking clutch. This happens sometimes when the car have issues during the start-up. There is also issues with Diesel engines not starting in hot weather. That is the heat-up stopping the ignition switch from turning. Last common issues with a Hiace is having trouble in cold mornings as the plugs are not working properly and struggling with the weather changes.

All of these are common issues from a reputable Japanese Car Exporter page (Carused.jp). There is nothing there about troubles or issues with number-plates. That shows the dishonesty. As we know perfectly well the drill and the reason behind the lack of number-plates.

The reason for no number-plate is that they don’t want traceability or ability to figure out where it has been. The “drone” can just be ghost appearing and leaving with its prey. There can be no direction or monitor of its movement. As the vehicle have no other sign or proof to be the same vehicle. Yes, people know the White Toyota Hiace and how it looks, but there could be several of these and doesn’t have to be a “drone”.

That is why the agents or law enforcement using these “drones” have kept them anonymous to ensure no-one can sport the right one or be sure that it is really a “drone”. That is how to mask yourself and keep it hidden. As the public cannot search for the VIN and surely they cannot have a hallmark to trace a car – the number-plate.

This secrecy is for a reason and also to strike fear into the people. As every-time they see a car that resembles the “drone”. They will worry and feel disdain. They know what happen to others and that’s why they will be frighten by just the outlook of having it in their streets. Because, they know how these cars are used and they are a tool for oppression, torture, kidnappings and even death. This is why people fear those cars.

The lack of number-plate is just a method to mask over and to not be able to find out the owner or placement of the set vehicle. Usually that is a trick of thieves and robbers, who doesn’t want to be captured and used by villains. Alas, this is used by state actors with ill intent to keep silent and not be able to find their ways. This is done to keep it under a wraps and terrorize the public as they see fit.

They are doing this deliberately now and now they are trying to downplay it. That is really disingenuous and insincere. The Police Force is also thinking the general public is stupid and that they will accept this reasoning. Just like they hope someone can red-tape it and call it a night. Peace.

Museveni shows no remorse towards the ones abducted by “drones” [BTW: He only yawns]

The talk of disappearances should be ignored because it can’t happen under the National Resistance Movement . Under NRM, even if a mistake is made, it will be discovered or answered. That’s the point i wanted to mention tonight” Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, State Address on the 13th February 2021

Today, the President promised to address the abductions and the kidnaps of the state. He would address the security of the Republic. However, he only continued to show disregard of the public and the ones kidnapped. It is just like don’t care. Maybe that was why he yawned and was tired. Not strange his tired… he has been ruling for 35 years and seems tired.

However, President Museveni didn’t act sincere or speak with heart. No, he didn’t even want to be on TV and broadcast to the nation. Surely, the old man rather wanted to rear his goats or look after his cattle. Because the President doesn’t care about the violations of the citizens and his dissidents. No, he rather let them burn, as he promised to crush the opposition. Clearly, that’s what his doing and doing deliberately…

This is why he says stuff like this:

The security forces are taught not to violate civilians rights with impunity. If that happens, there will be consequences. The UPDF is a very disciplined force” (Museveni, 13.02.2021).

There were people who were arrested by CMI. They were in 2 categories which involved 177 who were granted bail or released. Another are 65 still being investigated. Their names should be made public so that this talk of disappearance is answered” (Museveni, 13.02.2021).

I was hearing in the papers that there is a stampede on the issue of disappearance. Every Ugandan under NRM will be accounted for” (Museveni, 13.02.2021).

It never gets old that the army is so disciplined, but still they violate citizens and kills them without any punitive action. The state clearly abducts, arbitrary arrests, tortures and kills, as the President isn’t really addressing it. Also, his numbers are way low and there are several of people who haven’t been accounted for. Again the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni think they can drop so insignificant numbers. When we have heard about so many more.

Now, the President told the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) is behind the “drones”. It shows what sort acts the state does to its citizens. When such an organization is behind it and does it. It is not like they have warrant, charged or even sentenced. This is why the outrage and the outcry, as civilians are taken without any legal remedy and its an injustice served them.

It is not like this is done with the “Equal Before Law” or “ Habeas Corpus”. No, they are doing that with impunity. This is why the President tries to address it. I don’t believe the numbers. When the opposition numbers is so much higher and most likely more accurate. Because, the National Unity Platform is attacked and more stories are coming out. Therefore, the numbers the President dropped and been made less.

So… Museveni thinks people are stupid. However, people should accept this. He doesn’t care and rule of law is meaningless. He thinks this is good enough and valid arguments. While citizens are abducted, held and ends up dead on the watch of the state. The CMI might be part of it, but maybe ISO and others too. God knows who does all of this. The “Panda Gari’s” or Drones just show how little the President cares about the rights of the citizens.

This is why he comes out about it. But he doesn’t show any remorse or care about it. Just trying to boost his ego and his power. Not being there as a representative. He thinks he can get away with it. That’s because he gotten away with it before. Museveni thinks that happens today too. Peace.

Opinion: The dead won’t scream [and that’s why we got to do it]

With everyday there is never ending trail of violence, abductions and extra-judicial killings. As bodies are dropped, people are gone for months and stories of torture is coming in the press. Still, the government is acting naive and its spokespeople isn’t saying much either. People are being arbitrary arrested, abducted and even killed. They are harmed because of their political affiliation and their activism for an opposition candidate and the new party National Unity Platform (NUP).

There is unverified reports of thousands upon thousands of people collected by the security organizations. They are kept in undisclosed locations and incommunicado for days. Nobody allowed to access them and the loved ones have no idea why they were arrested in the first place. These drones are taking civilians without any due process. They are “guilty of a crime” before they gotten warrants, charged or even sentenced. That is a violation of their rights and is pure injustice.

The stories of how it is happening is repeated…. the drone is coming at night. The plain-clothed security agents are storming a home. Knocking on doors and invading privacy. These folks are taking the activists, candidates and even elected representatives without any forewarning. Where they are put in a ungazetted “safe-house”. This is where they are tortured and detained without legal justification. Some is so badly treated that they are dumped in a random location or a field. Because, the state and security agencies will not bury them. They could could arrest them and torture them, even kill them, but will not honour their bodies and soul with a burial.

That is how dangerous and the security organizations are working tirelessly. The white drone is passing by without a numberplate. Spreading fear and violence. There is no peace, but only brutal reign. Where the NUP is beaten and destroyed. The state is letting people vanish out of thin-air. People are worried for their lives and seeing neighbours, friends and relatives suddenly taken by state.

Life has no value to the rulers. Law is meaningless, when life is cheap. When you can take a life with no justification or reason. Then there is “rule of law”. When the “Habeas corpus” principal is practically dead and other principal of “equal before the law” is in coma too. There is no way these principals matters, when people lose their rights overnight and nobody knows what happens.

The state acts oblivious and even like they don’t know. When everyone is hearing stories and people writing stories about “loved ones” taken away. When there is stories of sudden dumps of bodies without any reasoning. The lives are taken and the Republic is burning. The state is driving this and the various of state security apparatus is behind it. They are doing it and there is no retribution for it. They are allowing it and letting the ones sanctioning it off the hook.

Just like the Police Force needed the Presidential Approval to continue the investigation into Zebra Mundo’s death of last year. That is not solved, because the President haven’t accepted continued investigation of it. There is certainly more inside orders and play, which we have no idea of. If we did, it wouldn’t be so mystified and uncertain.

The state wants the NUP and Bobi Wine to be silenced. They are trying to do that with autrocities and depreciative means. Total destruction and hopeless violence, which will only show how the naked the emperor is. Since he got no moral authority, but only have the shackles of innocent men. Only have the skulls of dissidents and unnamed bodies in the fields of the Republic. That what Museveni has now.

He can address the nation, but the skulls and the shackles of his citizens speaks louder than his words. It shows his fear and intimidation. As he uses the armed and monopoly of violence on his citizens.

The Drones the modern “Panda Gari’s” is the flesh and blood of this regime. It is what the state is resembling. Because it cannot be popular or loved, when civilians are treated in this manner. There is no way the President and his men is guaranteed to be “stewards” of the Republic. No, they are people who needs to military punishment of civilians to reign supreme. That is medieval and not progressive, but what “liberators” of the past is offering the people of today.

If a innocent dies in the hands of the President. We got to tell their stories. We got to scream their names and we got remember their legacy. Because, the state took them and ended their lives early. Their lives was taken without mercy or justice. These innocent people shall be remembered and be reason to rebuke the leadership of today.

President Museveni cannot run away or look smug in the midst of this. He cannot insight more fear or institutionalized brutality. Unless, he wants soldiers to run from house to house to scare even more. That is the only thing he has left. Because all other sort of punitive action he has used without public orders. The President has used vicious means and this cannot last forever. He knows that, but still he persist with it. Hoping it doesn’t cause an outcry or spark a revolution. Still, at one point…

He might kill the wrong brother for no apparent reason. Someone who matters and who is the voice of a generation. Even someone who is the breathing ideal of the times we are living. With the extensive measure and means of oppression. At one point he might nail that coffin and shut the case without knowing it. As his security officers are killing someone who can spark a flame he cannot blow-out with a few meaningless words. No, there is no way he can change the history or revise the blood.

The bloodshed is already there and this is the legacy of Museveni. That he turned into the same, as the ones he overthrew. What is worse… is that Museveni knows better, but he see himself as the exemption. Alas, that isn’t the case. In the end of all things. He will meet the maker just like all of us. Then he has to ask for grace and mercy for his actions. Then God will decide his fate. That is not for us to judge, but we can hope God answer our prayers. As there have been no vindication while we was walking on earth. Peace.

Uganda: Ministry of ICT and National Guidance – Restoration of Social Media Services (10.02.2021)

Opinion: OO’s despicable Op-ED

Today, Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo wrote an Op-ED that got published in Watchdog Uganda called ‘OFWONO OPONDO: Bobi Wine, People Power, NUP and the Poisonous Ends of Politics’. I will dissect his piece. Where I go through the most insincere paragraphs from his piece. As I will not go through it all. I will just show his sentiment and willing to distort the truth. In a manner, which isn’t right. It is not a new thing, but something that is done deliberately before.

So, before my introduction becomes to long. Here we go!

There is evidently a disturbing sameness between Kyagulanyi and Besigye of old, seeking to exploit other people’s miseries like poverty and want for their poisonous ends. In political speak, Kyagulanyi now also calls President Museveni, ‘dictator’ and ‘corrupt’ which begs the question how toxic ideas and rogue language have found convergence allowing opportunists, demagogues, and potential fascists to gain entry and influence into mainstream politics” (OO, 09.02.2021).

It is very rich of OO calling the “usage” of poverty as an poisonous end. A government who has used poverty and the lack of funds as way of survival over the years. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have promised to enrich and secure the future since its inception. The NRM and the President have promised to be a fundamental change and secure the peasants, which it never did. So, the possible poison in the water is what the government does. Since, they can never achieve to bring wealth and secure livelihood.

Secondly, the political speak is really easy to debunk. The President call people insects, vermin and leeches. The President and states own actions deems him a dictator. When the state arrests people for their political affiliation. When the state abducts political candidates, activists and supporters. They even return dead. So, the government spokesperson should consider the acts of his peers before he name-calls the opposition. If the government was so holy, why are they targeting the opposition in this manner and what would OO call this?

Exploiting economic hardships and unemployment especially among the youths, Kyagulangi and NUP has built networks of riff-raff vigilantes around the country mainly in urban and suburban centres to harass citizens with all sorts of malevolent tactics including physical assault, violent robbery, arson and destruction to property. If left to roam unchecked, these groups could even kill” (OO, 09.02.2021).

He continues to push the use of poverty. That is really insincere from this government. Who has used all sort of tricks and schemes to every election. The state is giving and bribing voters around every election. Not like they are not doling out small gifts, but never seen the rest of year. That he call them riff-raff, is name-calling and making his own citizens into dubious characters. However, the NRM is always proud of getting NUP cadres into its fold. Just like they are proud of getting former NUPer becoming Presidential Advisors. That says it all and the state is the ones coming with guns, violence and tear-gas. So, that appears when the state comes in and use its law enforcement. Therefore, this story is old and is a lie. The protesters are burning tires and blocking roads. They are not directly causing violence. It is the state that kills its citizens and blame the protesters.

Kyagulanyi, initially taking advantage of his music pop stardom built a cult-like following into what the so-called ‘people power’ movement that has now morphed into a political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), which while has a semblance of countrywide presence, in reality, the just concluded election showed it is a tribal sectarian outfit” (OO, 09.02.2021).

It is really strange when one party who can only have one sole-candidate and everyone have to follow his orders. Is saying another candidate is “cult” like. If there was a party who has built a cult it must be the Movement itself. Nobody can challenge or questions the decrees, orders and speeches of Museveni. So, to call Bobi Wine a cult like character is very dubious at best.

It has been proven that the NUP have a nationwide presence. They have been able to field candidates across all parts of the Republic. Even in the short time of inception. The NUP isn’t a Baganda outfit, even if the state tries to portray that. The NRM should be careful with this, as most of the high ranking official is Western and Ankole based. So, OO should not throw stones in a glass house. The Bizonto elite of NRM should be more silent here. They know perfectly well, that the NUP and FDC is a mixed group and collective of all tribes across the Republic.

Like Besigye, NUP leaders tell their gullible worshippers that poverty, unemployment and corruption are creations of Museveni, and not widespread global problems including in wealthier and developed countries” (OO, 09.02.2021).

Who is gullible OO? The ones still believing the NRM saving them after 35 years? The NRM have come with the same recycled promises and still haven’t delivered. That isn’t a global problem, but a self-inflicted and self-destructive economic policies. The state is running on deficits and grants, but not on domestic revenue. That is not the poor peasants fault, but the state who haven’t made it possible to get out of it. The state is the one putting policies and financial stimulus to ensure safety for the citizens. It is where the NRM have failed and haven’t delivered.

Calling NUP out like this only shows the fault-lines and where the NRM failed. It is not an indication of wrong-doing of the opposition. That is not taking into account the years of misrule of Museveni.

The hyped claim that FDC and NUP are the people’s popular choices has been thoroughly disproved by their performance in the just concluded election, and although failure to sell as national brands is evident, FDC and NUP leaders won’t publicly admit, hence them resorting to political slander and smear” (OO, 09.02.2021).

This here is false statement. If rigged elections are indications of NRM popularity. I would say that pre-ticked ballots and ghosts are the greatest constituencies of the Movement. Both in 2016 and 2021 the rise of the opposition was evident. The same was also shown in 2011. So, it is not like the NRM have been as popular as it was in the mid-80s and early 90s.

The NUP and FDC have proven it, but the announced results always turn in favour. Even when the tallies doesn’t make sense and the Electoral Commission have to botch the numbers. The FDC and NUP amount of MPs in comparison shows how big they become. As the state are stopping them from working as parties and get a greater presence in the Republic. It is just like the NRM are never blocked or stopped. However, the NUP and FDC have a hurdle to do basic party works. That is really important to remember. It is just like we supposed to forget the tear-gas, arbitrary arrests and blocking of venues to campaign. If that had happened to the NRM itself, which is so “popular”.

When reality strikes back as loud noise is not turned into votes, they cry about vote fraud and rigging but will never explain to the public as to why some MPs, LC5 chairpersons and thousands of councilors are returned unopposed on NRM tickets. The presidential election petition is now being used more for publicity stunt, soliciting public empathy and foreign funding than to seek legitimate justice” (OO, 09.02.2021).

The Empire strikes back at every election. Just like previously stated, the pre-ticked ballots and ghosts are always appearing in election time. The NRM couldn’t survive the elections without disqualifying and blocking opposition from attending on a grand scale. The NRM does what the UPC did in 1980s election, every single time. That is why they are fielding candidates everywhere, while the opposition isn’t able, because the state is blocking and ensuring the opposition from getting candidates.

To credit unopposed in the gerrymandering, the vindictive system and use of state machinery to get elected officials. That OO calls it a political stunt shows the disrespect of the opposition. However, his whole piece has been that. The NRM wouldn’t be alive without foreign funding and Museveni was a donor darling. So, the NRM cannot attack the Opposition for foreign funding. When it has been so vital … for the Movement itself.

Anyone who can see the potential dangers these groups pose to Uganda’s politics ought to take a stand so that resurgent fascists are defeated at their nascent stage, otherwise the overlap between legitimate politics and criminality could engulf the fabric of our public life” (OO, 09.02.2021).

This is the last paragraph of his piece and he has already shown his character here. It is all opposition who is in the wrong. Not that the NRM and Museveni. No, it is Besigye and Bobi Wine. They are the bastards and the villains of the political sphere. It maybe feels like that for the NRM and Museveni, as they want to be praised and loved. However, it is hard to love someone who abduct your loved ones. The ones who Court Martial your campaign team and keep them behind bars without proving evidence. Therefore, if you speak of criminality. To use the state for political prosecutions, that is a violation of their rights to assemble, gather and organize itself. Nevertheless, that is never an issue for the NRM. So, to call out criminal activity, they can never state what it was, but they still behind bars. That is the self-reflection of the wrong-doings of the state, which OO defends on the regular.

This here was a despicable piece and deserve to dishonoured. OO should consider the words his using, as it can be easily mirrored back in his face. Which I did already. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP): Press Release – Hon. Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert Election Petition (08.02.2021)

Imagine if the “Panda Gari’s” went after the NRM.

Now in 2021 it is so common placed that people associated with National Unity Platform (NUP) and opposition parties are suddenly left earth without a trace. The “drones” or “Panda Gari’s” are abducting civilians without charges, warrants or any criminal proceedings. It is happening to an extent that is hard to follow. In such a systemic manner, where you know that, if your affiliated or associated as a mobilizer, activists or a candidate. You can easily be picked up for months, be at a “safe-house”, tortured and held incommunicado without any legal representation or words to loved ones.

With the knowledge of this. The state should rebuke it. They have only made vague nonsensical statements with maligned numbers and stories. Only a few chosen ones and they claim they will do inquiries into it. However, the security organizations are still continuing to do so. Which they have been doing for months. They are taking people away, if it is the Special Force Command (SFC), the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) or Internal Security Organisation (ISO). The SIU Kireka and high ranking officials will act aloof and not be directly about this.

Because, there is several thousands of civilians taken by this and we don’t know the damage to then. There is already murder cases because of this, but these will never be solved. As the “high above” will be implicated or his closest associates who is ordering these arrangements. That is why they can do this without no fear or retribution. They can avoid the law and be above it too.

So, when you know all of this. Imagine if the state and all of its security organizations would do this to the elite and Movement people. Just consider suddenly high ranking bankers, lawyers, generals and appointees of the President would suddenly go missing.

Let’s say that Gen. Elly Tumwiine suddenly was taken away from his home in the middle of the night. They apprehended him, blindfolded him and dispatched him to another district into a “safe-house”. Where they would keep him chained and in dark chamber. He couldn’t contact anyone and they had “intelligence” of his treasonous acts.

Or they suddenly raided the Bank of Uganda and took the Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile. Early morning as his swinging by his office. They would sprint up with the drone. Be plained clothed and armed. Just viciously sneaking him from the offices into the car before he was taken away to an unknown ungazetted safe-house in Mukono.

Let’s say the honourable minister Frank Tumwebaze was taken from his home. In the middle of the night with gun-fire and fatalities of his guards at his home. They would all of a sudden come with guns blazing and take him by the bulls. Hurt his legs and break one of his arms. Just twist him down the stairs, as he tried to flee from the plain-clothed assailants that night. Alas, they caught him and brought him “justice”.

The likes of Ashburg Katto, Jennifer Full Figure and Butchaman would all be publicly taken away as they we’re planning to go a national event. These was supposed to participate at the rally or ceremony with the President. Just as they were leaving their homes. The drones came and just take them away. No justification. Just pure injustice for their association with the Movement.

That is what they would do. Also, if I would amp it a bit up. Just as the close associates have been taken away from Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. His campaign team and closest associates have been behind bars and also Court Martial by the state. Therefore, we have to imagine the state would take much further then Presidential Advisors, minister and a NRA historical.

The drones would continue to go after people in association with the movement. They would target NRM Central Executive Committee (NRM CEC) who are high ranking officials. Just to plunge the party even more.

They would kidnap the likes of Simon Peter Aleper, Sigh Katongole, Captain Mike Mukula, Godfrey Ssuubi Kiwanda, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Jacob Oulanyah, Rebecca Kadaga and Al Hajj Moses Kigongo. All of these would be overnight taken by the drones. They would be left without a trace. The only one knowing about these are the loved ones. Who without a notice saw plained-clothed men taking them into drones in the night. They jumped over fences and silenced the guards around their houses. Where they took them out violently.

Let’s say suddenly Sam Kuteesa was abducted, taken to a “safe-house” and his newly elected daughter Shartsi Kutesa Musherure MP would be taken shortly after. Even her main competitor in the NRM Aine Godfrey “Sodo” Kaguta would also be kidnapped by the same group. All of them was missing for days and no words. In the same regard, the newly minted MP and former GAVI funds eater Jim Muhwezi was violently taken away from his home. Nobody would currently know where he is, sort of how folks felt with the GAVI-Funds back-in-the-day. When nobody knew where it is, but its supposed to be there for medicinal procurement. All of these people in close association went missing. The Movement and the NRM would go crazy and go to war to get these folks home.

However, the drones and Panda Gari’s are not done yet. They would continue and make sure the vicious cycle continues. Just because they take away the Kutesa and Museveni’s cousin. They wouldn’t be done yet.

Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga would have been taken on the way to office. They would suddenly block his car and tear-gas his car. They would drag him out of his SUV. They would let his car be on the roadside. He would act aggressively and shot against the plain-clothed officers. In the end of the melee, the son-of-the-president would be taken and bruised by the officers. This would alarm the State House.

If any of this happened. There would be a vast outcry. It would be shocking. The whole NRM world would be in haywire. The state would have started to attack and use its power to fence these people down. They wouldn’t have slept at ease at night while people innocently or uncharged got taken away. The NRM would maybe been more in fury and been acting with more force. If these actions happened to them. Alas, it is happening to the opposition and their associates. That is why it doesn’t matter to them.

This is happening on the daily and to regular to not be spoken out about. When about 3000 people have been taken this way. When so many civilians with political affiliation is abducted, kidnapped, tortured and detained indefinitely without charges, court trial or due process. It should worry anyone, as well, as people are ending up dead as well without any justice. It is infuriating and injustice at its highest form.

That is why I wrote it this way. To make you imagine, if it happened to the big-men, the ones who is high ranking and close associates of the President. If these was touched like the NUP associates. Maybe it would cause a bigger outcry and also condemnation. As the civilians are taken by the drones or “Panda Gari’s” and its worrying. The state is looking the other way, but other state operatives are ordering it. If the state didn’t support it or wasn’t doing it. It wouldn’t happen, because they are the only ones who has the structure, manpower and ability to do this at this scale. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee now thinks civic education equates to destabilizing the country…

Part of this money is to support and facilitate various groups and entities in Uganda to conduct what they called deepening democracy in Uganda. The President and government think that this money was brought to distabilise the country. So that is the gist of the concern of the President and the investigation will tell us the money trail and what it has done” – Ofwono Opono in an interview (Ali Twaha – ‘Government links DGF suspension to politics’ 05.02.2021, New Vision).

The suspension of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF), which is directly funding over 70 Civil Society Organization/Non-Governmental Organization and also their various of programs was suspended by the President in January 2021. As the President and the government was preparing to go to the polls and it had already hold grudges towards civil society for so long. This is the latest attempt to crucify and assault the ones working for a better governance in the Republic.

We know that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni doesn’t want to listen to others. Neither does he want the input from anyone else either. However, he don’t mind free-money and slush-funds to spend as he see fit. That is why he goes after the DGF as it is a fitting “enemy” which he cannot directly control or have his hands in the cookie-jar.

Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo is saying it deliberately. They are calling it destructive. Because, they are undermining the “personification” of the state, which happens to be the President. The DGF’s civic education and programs are working indirectly to build sufficient institutions, policies and reforms, which in the end will weaken the power of one man. It would in the end be for good governance and accountable state organizations. Not just be ordered from “high above”. That is why OO and President is speaking ill of this. This will in the end weaken their drive and total control of the state, in the manner, which things are done today.

The “destabilizing” effort is indirectly weakening his reign and rule. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have no troubles getting direct aid and grants for their government to run. However, they have trouble having the same donors paying for salaries, programs and civic education across the Republic. That shows a double standard and that the President have no trouble eating of the plate directly, but doesn’t want to be told how to be accountable for his eating. He wants to spend money, but don’t want to show recites. That is the memo I am getting from this.

It shows that his a weak man. The President and the government have had no issues taking money from Western donors like the ones who funds the DGF. If they are so afraid of the independence and the questions of usage of funds. The government shouldn’t accept any funds with possible sting attached. The state shouldn’t take loans or grants from the outside. If the donors cannot sustain organizations (CSOs/NGOs) who works with other ideals than the President at this current day.

That is the reality of this all. There is no free lunch. It has never been so. There is always something attached and expectations of an outcome. If you borrow money to build a road, the lender hope you build the road, but also repays the loan with interests. If you take a donation or a grant, then its expected to go to a certain organization or work, which is beneficial for the ones receiving it. That is just a mere reality we all know.

Now, the ones receiving it wants to directly control the funds and how it is spent. When it was funds, which wasn’t his in the first place. They are worried of the efforts and effects these organizations have in the Republic. However, we all know that the President just want to eat and don’t bother with questions. This is why he has retaliated, because he can and he want to show strength. Nevertheless, these acts are an act of a coward. A coward who has taken money all his life, but now cries foul. It is a bit late when you been eating for over three decades and never caused a fuzz. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni suspending the DGF is biting the hand that feeds him

Now that the letter from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija is out. The infamous letter where he suspends the accounts of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF). This is important, because the DGF supports programs and organizations across the Republic. The DGF is sole funder of several of civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations. There are atleast 70 of them that is hit by this and would cease operations, as the funding and lack of funds to pay staff. That is all happening, because Museveni wrote a letter in early January 2021.

President Museveni have targeted CSOs and NGOs around election time. That is common. That he claims they are up to “no good” and supporting “terrorism” or any other objectively bad enterprise they can. That has been common for decades. However, ceasing their funding totally and blocking a multi-national funding scheme like the DGF. Only undercuts the ideals of the givers, the donors and the ones who monetary support the government and people in the Republic in general. This isn’t government funded money from the tax-base. No, these funds are given from outsiders to support governance and other organizations to strengthen democratic institutions and educate the masses.

The DGF is a collective fund donated by the European Union, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden to support programs and CSOs/NGOs in Uganda. They are partnered with at least 72 organizations across the republic to different capacities. All working in various of fields and for causes to better the Republic. They are all civil society voices for good governance and creating a freer society. However, that is clearly not the beacon that the President believes in anymore.

The donors that see this action by Museveni should shun him and cease all direct donor-funds and also block all loans through multi-national organizations, which the donors are funding as well. That would make it harder for the President to operate and he would seek funds elsewhere. If he wants to be free of stipulations and not have any oversight. This cutting funds to International Monetary Funds (IMF) and World Bank (WB). Also others where the Government of Uganda is seeking loans for development projects and government programs.

The National Resistance Movement was able in the late 1980s and 1990s to have progress and financial backing to pursuit the government programs, which is it so proud of. The state also saw debt relief and cuts from donors. Now, the NRM is gaining more debt, but also putting in obstacles with the donors in regards to the DGF. The ones funding DGF should suspend all other funds and funding that goes towards Museveni. As a retaliation to this, as these projects, programs and NGOs/CSOs are working for ideals that Museveni once stood for, but with lingering in office despises.

We are clearly seeing the punitive action made by Museveni. He wants to prove supremacy, but does it in a mockery of a way. This is only showing the donors what sort of little man he is. That he has to go to this step. Take away the securities of the CSOs and NGOs. Instead of actually serving the general public. If the President really did that. He would haven’t have the need for all these CSOs/NGOs to cover where the government is lacking. The state is fluid and lacking institutions. That’s why the state needs them to cover the basics and civic education. This is still needed after over 30 years in power. That shows the weakness of the Presidency and his reign.

President Museveni isn’t showing strength here. His showing weakness and lack of control. That he got to act like this. This is acting a villain and hurting own citizens, because he can. So, the donors should act upon this and not just take it on the chin. They should show force too. Just to prove him what he has done. It is about time and not just “condemn” and move-on. That is not making any changes or challenging the old man. You need to meet him head-on. He plays games and these are with the lives of all these organizations. It is not the money of Museveni and neither funding from the state either. That is why his sour, as he got to loan to pay his cronies salaries. This is why he attacks and confronts, instead of talking and negotiating with the donors.

What he does with this is putting himself in corner and making less friends. If he wanted more support and legitimacy. He should have acted differently. However, he rather picks the trick of the pariah, instead of the friendly grand-pa, which is what he tries to act in the media. That is clearly not working and that is why this letter is undressing his motives. Peace.

Fear and loathing in Kampala

The Uganda Police Force (UPF) have come out with a statement today. Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj. Gen. Paul Lokech came with stern warning now. Just at the opposition and other election petitions are in town. It is like the authorities are prepared for a war-zone and havoc.

The Police Force and army should warn themselves, as they are the trigger-happy and the ones issuing tear-gas on the public. It is the same authorities that comes with weapons, tear-gas and units to disperse and get people going. The same security organizations that bundles people together and brings violence to the streets to quell peaceful protests. It is the state that has killed civilians in the campaign season and before the polls.

Today’s Statement:

This development by some opposition members of marshaling fear to rally support for street violence and civil uprising, for their selfish political advantage is not new to us. Therefore, for politicians to spread this kind of negative propaganda across the country is trying to provoke people to incite violence. We want to inform the public that we are taking these threats seriously and would like to assure them, that they should not be intimidated from going about their lawful businesses, because their security and safety is guaranteed. We have shown Ugandans over and over again that we would have a very peaceful election and indeed it was very peaceful. We are now doing everything within our means to keep the general public safe and secure, from all forms of violence including politics that is divisive and manipulative during this aftermath of the Elections” (Uganda Police Force – ‘THE JOINT SECURITY AGENCIES WARN POLITICIANS AND INDIVIDUALS AGAINST FEAR MONGERING’ 01.02.2021).

This statement is sending a stern warning to the public for the days ahead. Just like the President have done countless times. We know who they are directing this against. They are not going after the President or any of his allies. No, they are going after the opposition, this being Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine of National Unity Platform (NUP) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

That is why they are claiming there is threats, but they are not naming it. They are saying they will incite to violence, but doesn’t specify. That is easily stated, so in the aftermath of any. They could point to the “intelligence” and pin the politicians. They are anyway violently arresting, detaining, abducting and torturing the ones associated with the opposition already. So, the state sponsored violence is already there. Its not like it has left or stopped to cease to exist. The election is maybe over, but their devious acts is continuing. Countless of political prisoners are lingering behind bars and the state wants to move on.

The state is manipulative and disingenuous here. They are coming with baseless claims. We can anticipate by actions made in the past. That the state will sponsor more violence against civilians and blame the victims. Just like it is always the opposition fault and never the authorities who comes in guns blazing. They are never to blame, but everyone else should have conducted themselves differently. Therefore, these sorts of mind-games isn’t working.

We know the drill. If these folks cared about keeping folks safe. Then they would let people riot and demonstrate, as they cannot do that without meeting a fatal police force. That is something they never mention, but is the naked truth. Peace.