Bobi Wine arrested at Kyambogo and re-arrested hours later in Magere

The National Unity Platform Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was arrested in rare moments after his nomination at Kyambogo. This after the Police Force and army followed his convoy. Where they tear-gassed and blocked roads from Magere in Wakiso across Kampala to Kyambogo University Cricket Grounds.

The state was clearly prepared to act swiftly, as they didn’t want a public cheers and joys over the new Presidential Candidate. The man of People Power and NUP. The way the authorities handled Patrick Oboi Amuriat. They intended to do the same to Bobi Wine after the ceremony was over.

We are clearly seeing one Republic for the President and another for anyone else. The ones who really opposes him get’s a violent hand. At Magere the Presidential Candidate was re-arrested hours later there.

Now his on the way to unknown location together with Eddie Mutwe. The NUP and People Power candidate is clearly in the eye of the authorities. As he has no time to manoeuvre or react before getting brutally taken by them again.

This is the second time in a day that Bobi Wine was arrested. This after his own nomination. That says a lot about how the state is intimidating and using force against him. They are doing the same bidding as they did to Besigye now.

Bobi Wine will go through the same hell or similar one that Besigye did. It is just the beginning of the campaign. And he haven’t had a second to act or to state a fact. Before the authorities again use force. There is even reports of one man killed in Magere by live-bullet. Therefore, the state kills their own, because one of their own aims to peacefully transfer power. Which is something the President in his ally’s stifle by any means. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine and POA got a harsh ride to Kyambogo

Yesterday was a peaceful fanfare of sorts, the sort where everything was allowed and everyone participating could be filled with joy. As the Presidential Candidates travelled to the venue of Kyambogo University Cricket Grounds.

Today is another bargain. The police have been heavy, using tear-gas and arresting FDC leaders at their Najjakumbi headquarters. They even arrested Presidential Candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat as he entered the HQ. The Police Force have no subtle ways, but only intimidation and force against the opposition. He is taken to an unknown location together with other FDC leaders. Later they dropped him off at Kyambogo after the arrest at Kyambogo to prepare for candidacy, but because of the manner they did. He didn’t have shoes, because they just bundled him into the car and drove off. Neither, does he have any of his nomination documents, because they just took him from Najjakumbi…

On the convoy of the National Unity Platform, Bobi Wine aka Robert Kygulanyi. They been following him from his homestead all through Kampala. They have been tear-gassing and using force against people. In a manner, which we didn’t see yesterday.

There was still massive crowds around Bobi Wine and his convoy. In such a way, that the President and his people couldn’t gather. However, we do still see the vast difference on how the authorities acts towards the FDC and the NUP.

Both have arrived to Kyambogo. The journey will now continue, but it shouldn’t be this hard. No need to be this hard, but the state is doing it. Just to prove a point, because they know how popular them both are. Therefore, one got the harsh treatment and the other got shielded. Though his supporters got tear-gas, as long as the state could contain it. However, at some point it became to many and to big of a crowds.

That says it all. This sort of drama even before the speeches and the manifestos. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni needed to warn the public on his Nomination Day…

I hear chatter about those who intend to cause chaos. I am a Presidential candidate but I’m still President. I can assure you, nobody is going to threaten our peace. Those who will attempt it will regret it. We don’t joke around, NRM fought to bring peace. Nobody has more guns than we do, but we don’t go around intimidating people. I hear they are working with foreigners. No foreigner is going to change anything here in Uganda. To Ugandans, if you have information on such stupid acts, report it to authorities. It is possible some Police officers are corrupt, but you can use other channel” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 2nd November 2020 (Nomination Day for Presidency).

The President has today gotten nominated as a “presidential candidate” for the 2021 elections. Though this was just a automatic event for him and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). We all knew this day would come. It has been scheduled since 1986 and was a “non-starter” for the most of us.

It is not he would be annulled or be rejected from standing as a candidate. The President was confirmed and verified by the Electoral Commission first. The old man with the hat is only going through the motions. As he could have been riding in on a donkey or on a electric kick scooter, as he would pass through the suburbs of Kampala. However, we knew the man would never do that. He needed the Presidential Convoy and all of his guns on display. 

What we do know and what he did was incite fear and intimidation. That is his steady M.O. and what he has done forever. We know that he has the backing of the army and the police force. That CMI, ISO and other outfits works directly for him. This is common knowledge and isn’t new. He even have LDUs ready to aim at the ones standing in his way. Therefore, the cause of fear and stirring the pot. Is so common for this man.

A man that has been in power since 1986. Still has to use these tactics. Shows how far he has come. That he haven’t ensured real peace and true popularity with the people. If he had the popularity and the trust in the people. He wouldn’t swing out with the guns and the need to speak like this. Because, if he was truly popular. He would feel the love and would bash in it. Not use weapons, the army or the authorities to keep people in check.

However, that is what he does and got too. Because, this is the only way he stays ahead of the curve. This man wouldn’t be the President or have power, if it wasn’t for guns. That is why he clings on to it and uses it at any means. The guns and the soldiers are his buddies and the ones saving his day. He wouldn’t have the audacity or the power, if it wasn’t for them.

That’s why he had to say it. He wasn’t even discreet about it. The man just said it: “nobody have more guns than we do”. That is his message. That is his measure and his safety pin. This is what keeps him relaxed and at sleep at night. That he has the guns and the others doesn’t. He got the army, the police and everyone else armed to their teeth’s. As long as it stays like that.

He feels safe and secure. Not worried about anyone, because he can always aim those guns against the ones standing in his way. That is the memo we can get from today. Peace.

The Campaign of Fear 2020 Edition: As Museveni prepares for 2021 Presidential Elections

The National Resistance Movement (NRM and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is preparing for the 2021 General Elections. As always the President and his regime is using all means to have access and control ahead of the polls. This giving supplementary budgets to the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).

The red berets ban of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) is one key component this election cycle. Everything looking alike military attire can cause trouble. This being berets, clothes and even logos. The UPDF will use force and also call in the Police Force to take the goods and charge the ones wearing it. They have even arrested 70 year old lady for wearing red. That is how far they are taking it this election cycle.

One thing they are also doing this year is to re-issuing the Violence Suppression Unit (VSU) at the Uganda Police Force ahead of the Polls. This is a units specifically aimed at the crowds and the gatherings of people, as the state is having “scientific” campaigns. Therefore, the ordinary fashion of campaigning is suspended within this election cycle.

The UPDF have also made use of Local Defence Units (LDUs), which will be used as a tool to incite fear and intimidate the public ahead of the elections. As they are locally trained armed personnel, ready to shoot and kill. If anyone dares to question the authority of the state.

Another newcomer is the joint security and media council, which is issuing guidelines for the Media Houses. One that has barred National Unity Platform (NUP) aspirants across the republic and especially, if they are wearing red berets. The Media Houses have also been warned by the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) to not host NUP aspirants, as memos have been and possibly loose license to broadcast, if they do. That is the initial campaign strategy of the regime to bar the real opposition from the airways.

The continued pressure now ahead of nomination days is that Uganda Police Force is coming with warnings of processions and gatherings around the Presidential Aspirants. As they have put curfews over several parts of Kampala. They have given out warnings of tear-gas, arrests and said boda-boda’s shouldn’t gather. Calling groupings of boda-boda’s militias even. That is how far the authorities are going these days.

We can see how the state is working on overtime. The UPDF have already stated they are a partisan government entity under the NRM. Civil servants are supposed to be automatically loyal too and so fourth. The State is really using all means to keep the system alive and kicking. This is why the army and police force is coming with intimidating force ahead of the campaigns.

Instead of being there serving everyone equally, the NRM are using the state and its arms to beat the public into submission. The armed personnel and police force is there serving the NRM as an entity and not serving the whole state. That is the brutal reality in all of this.

That is why the State House and the President have ensured they have LDUs, VSU and other ones to ensure total control ahead of the polls and during campaigns. The President is allowed to have much people around his nomination day, while the others are banned from having over a certain amount of people following the convoy of the candidate.

Surely, there will be blood, there will be tears and there will be suffering. As the state will address all opposition with a rough hand. There will no mercy and also fierce retributions towards the public. That is the reality of it all.

There will be more and the next 48 hours will be testing. The state have prepared for this. They are inciting fear, using intimidation and using the joint security apparatus to silence people in their way. That is what they do. They cannot act with humility and give people way. No, they got to shoot and then investigate why they shot later. Peace.

Opinion: Wearing a Red Beret is now a cardinal sin

Last year in September the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) gazetted their dress codes, which included the red berets. The Red Beret, which is iconic and is the symbol of the People Power Movement, People Power Alliance and the National Unity Platform. This is why, even on his own campaign poster. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine isn’t allowed to wear it.

There are activists and aspirants who has been arrested for wearing it. The NUP Aspirants has been picked up the moment after the nominations. They can even just try access the general public, but by doing so. They will be arrested and later released on bail.

That is what is happening to the NUP and Bobi Wine. The state have even used massive funds to take down and move posters of Bobi Wine. While having police officers looking at the National Resistance Movement putting up posters of the President.

We know it is a cardinal sin, when the President can wear his infamous hat on the post. While Bobi Wine couldn’t wear his beret. You see the double standard, because I do. However, that is not new.

The NRM could hold primaries, let the voters stand in line and even hold sort of rallies ahead of it. They could even follow and cheer as their candidates was elected. While the opposition and NUP couldn’t even congregrate and nearly have functions for their delegates. Still, the NRM apologists says its all headquarters decisions, but the opposition struggles to do basics. When the laws are differently for them compared to the ruling regime.

The same is with the headgear. The NRM can wear yellow military fatigue, heck they can wear actual military fatigue. They can have yellow berets and be all in military fashion. While the problem all along is that Bobi Wine is wearing it and symbolizing it.

The red beret is a sign of oppression and the state is amplifying it too. They are now making it illegal for anyone wearing it on-air. They will use the gazette from last year as the legal basis. However, why are they doing this?

This is showing how the revolutionary and liberation heroes becomes the next tormentor. The supposed liberator becomes a tyrant. When you are micro-managing like this and arresting people for wearing something. It isn’t new… before the 2016 elections, there was an instance of some who made T-Shirts with Besigye. These was arrested and they confiscated the T-Shirts too. That is who the authorities work against them. However, it is all cool to have Jajja, Bosco or Mr. Sunday on a yellow T-shirt.

Now, in 2020 and in 2021, everything associated with Bobi Wine will be illegal. That is why NUP candidates are blocked from radio stations and it’s supposed to be “scientific” campaigns. Clearly, there are no fair way of doing this and everything can be deemed a crime.

The Red Beret is a Cardinal Sin now. Saint Gregory the Great must be so proud. That a head gear is at the same point as lust, envy, pride, anger and sloth…

The Red Beret is now the proof of how the state oppress its citizens. It will be more and sooner or later… it should be enough of this. This is not securing the future or steady progress. This is “No Change”, which is the most fitting slogan that Museveni ever gave himself. Peace.

Opinion: The 3 main challengers to Museveni

Today, the Electoral Commission came with a list of 19 candidates to the Presidency in 2021. The vital information there. Is not only all the parties, which doesn’t challenge the Presidency, but also the main opponents.

I will easily dismiss independent candidate Henry Tumukunde, as the NRMer he is and what he has worked on all his life. The only way he can be viable and make sense. Is if he starts to offer internal secrets and undermine the NRM with a force, which nobody has seen in the past. Alas, he wants to appointed somewhere post-election. Therefore, don’t expect him to renegade and show the truth of the ruling regime.

I also doesn’t see the independent candidates like Pastor Fred Mwesigye and Pastor Joseph Kabuleta. Kabuleta knows how to go viral online and trigger the authorities. However, he doesn’t have the political standing or ability to gain enough traction for his cause. Mwesigye will be a punchline and only use this as PR for his church.

Former Presidential Candidate Joseph Elton John Mabirizi can this time possibly take himself more serious and not be joker. He can maybe even sound more serious, but his candidacy is still a stage-dive landing bad. Former Reality Star Nancy Linda Kalembe will also not make a difference. She might get someone new interested in politics, but she will not do much in her favour.

The three candidates that makes sense in this. That has some traction of the 18 who is not Museveni. Are Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Mugisha Muntu Gregg of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) and Patrick Oboi Amuriat of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). These three are the ones who are viable and have a candidacy worth a damn.

Bobi Wine is the one the state is fearing. The one the state is blocking and creating hardships for. He is the one to look at and know that he will trigger the state. No matter what he does, the NRM copies and use means to be relevant there. The Candidacy of Bobi Wine is the biggest one right now. That is why, even Justice Forum (JEEMA) have endorsed him as well.

The second after him is Mugisha Muntu (ANT) a man who has created his own party after leaving FDC. The New Formation and the party, which will reflect his moderate and meagre moves for change. Where he will negotiate and softly create a difference. This man is gaining popularity, but not as stratospheric as Bobi Wine. Muntu wanted to Besigye and now he has his first chance. However, he didn’t equate a Bobi Wine in his way.

The third one is POA of the FDC. The man of the school of Besigye. The man who doesn’t want to be rated in the same regard as Besigye. Well, when your the first one after him. Everything going to be rated after him. You are going after the big-shot and the 4 time candidate. No matter what you do. You will be questioned and people will discuss you in comparison to Besigye. POA has a mountain to walk, he is a slow-burner, but he needs a PR Team making him edible. Since, he doesn’t have the standing that Muntu nor Bobi Wine has.

Bobi Wine have everything to win here. He is aiming at the top and has a good team behind him. The NUP has shown this and the People Power Movement are growing. That is viable by just seeing the mere popularity. This is why the NUP is attacked like it is.

The FDC and POA has to get there. The FDC is still targeted and create a fuzz, but not at the levels of Bobi Wine right now. Bobi Wine is getting the Besigye treatment this time around. That is why POA needs to make himself more viable and show his face. He has internally been able to navigate and get the candidacy. However, it will be totally different in the outside world. This man has to fight with all parts to achieve something.

Muntu is so peaceful and careful. He doesn’t ruffle feathers. That is why the Muntu campaign isn’t feared by the NRM. No reason to be afraid of ANT. ANT isn’t big, neither massive or popular. They have been able to table candidates and getting traction. However, nobody with sense fears Muntu. Muntu will compromise himself and his candidacy, if he gets the option to do so. This is why he left defiance… and created his own team.

There three candidates of the opposition that will matter. These are Bobi Wine, POA and Muntu. The rest will only be hot a minute in the headlines, but forgotten quickly. If they will even get there or if not only a byline in the Daily Monitor or in the New Vision. That is the reality of it all.

There is three to watch out for and ONE who is above the two others. Bobi Wine has the grasp of things, but it depends if he plays this out perfectly. Because, he will be targeted and aimed at from everywhere. That is the truth. The two others… might want to say its differently, but deep in their hearts. They know they play second fiddle to Bobi Wine too. Peace.

Opinion: The NUP have overcome one hurdle

The National Unity Platform (NUP) and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have overcome one hurdle or obstacle along his road to Presidency. Not that the General Election in 2021 will be his to win. The stones are already carved and the signs of the stars is aligned with the incumbent. Who owns and runs the system.

The Court case against the takeover of NUP with former President of the Party Moses Nkonge Kibalama own admission destroying the case itself against Bobi Wine. Therefore, the prolonged time to get the verdict. Only got the ones in fear of the future and of their nominations to candidacy across the Republic. Have lost their way or become independent out of fear of losing the option to run in 2021 elections.

The NUP have not only the raid of the headquarters. There are MP candidates arrested, posters torn down across the republic and all their political work blocked. Radios not allowed and warned by Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) from letting NUP Candidates appearing. While the Police Force (UPF) and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) will do their bidding to make it hard for NUP to operate.

Therefore, the celebration of victory today is short-sighted. Yes, in legality the party is overcoming a hurdle. It has cemented its foundation and cannot be questioned by mere technicalities. That has now been settled in Court. However, everything else is up for grabs. The NUP activists and leaders cannot rest. They will still go through earth, wind and fire to get to the finish line.

There is a monopoly of power. There is only one subject who has it all in his grasp and his not willing to back down. The President and his men will not give away that. No matter how popular or wise Bobi Wine is. Just like Besigye never gotten the taste or sit on the throne. Don’t expect Bobi Wine to enter it without havoc and hardships.

Bobi Wine will get all sorts of technical problems. There will be suddenly deficiencies. All of a sudden a long forgotten tale will resurface. Someone he ditched and didn’t do right while being a musician will come back to hurt him. A former lover or a business-partner, which will be part of a scorched earth policy made by the regime against him.

The NUP now had their first major hit job against them and was able to come victorious out of it. Even when the likes of Tom TVO Okwalinga said days before that they would make the party “null and void” and also “block the party”. Which didn’t happen, so something is up with his intelligence gathering. Not as spot on as in the past.

The NUP is now overcomer’s. Still, it is far from over. The campaigns are only beginning and nothing will be given to them. Everything will be taken and met with hostility from the authorities. The NUP and Bobi Wine needs not only resilience, but also courage and be level headed in the midst of adversity. There will be no easy walk, but only hardships ahead. To think otherwise is naive.

The NRM and the President have already proven this, as they are unforgiving to its enemies. They are reluctant to make it easy, but will show no remorse to hurt them. Peace.

Opinion: The “Scientific Elections” will unmask the brutal truth

As we are beginning the campaigns and the run-up to the elections of 2021. The reality will hit the public. We will see the truth about how the authorities and law enforcement act upon the dissidents and opposition. The regime will show it true colour and cannot act surprised. The way they do and what happens will clearly show a significant pattern. That cannot be judged on sudden reaction to an rally or a consultative meetings.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have before the campaigns already shown unfair the society is. As they have had the capacity to hold rallies and be in the general public. While the opposition have been blocked from radio stations and holding consultative meetings. This being the pre-equal to the General Election next year.

As well, as the same rules are allowing rallies, processions and so fourth for the aspirants of the NRM. While opposition cannot even be nominated or have a press conference without being directly arrested a hot minute after. That has happen to so many, that its total obstruction of their justice and rights to campaign.

These “Scientific elections” are supposed to be like this because of the danger of COVID-19 or Coronavirus. The pandemic that are upholding social distancing and PPE. The reality is that, we will see a double standard, which will be common. The opposition not allowed to rural radio houses and up-country. While NRM can campaign both within media houses and on the streets, The posters of opposition will be taken down. The NRM can even spread posters through Bukedde, Daily Monitor and so fourth.

The Uganda Communication Committee (UCC), Uganda Police Force (UPF) and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) will all work directly for the NRM. These will order media houses to not have opposition leaders on-air. Neither, will the UPF and the UPDF allow the opposition to greet the public. While the UCC will not block the NRM from appearing on-air and neither will law-enforcement block the NRM for greeting the public. The UPDF and UPF will walk side-by-side with the NRM aspirants.

That is why we know the game is rigged. The NRM will have all favours and always have a helping hand. The authorities and all part of the state apparatus will work for them. They are serving the NRM and not the general public. It doesn’t matter if it is DP, UPC, FDC, NUP, JEEMA or anyone else. They are troublemakers and will be hit by the state.

These elections and campaigns will not be fair. The state and all of its actors will use their mandates to put hurdles in the way of the opposition. The NRM will have a soft landing, while the others has to go on a crash-course and hope for as little damage as possible. Because, no matter what the opposition does. It will be countered and there will be resistance. The NRM will not offer any goodwill and will only cause havoc.

The NRM will use the state as their partner in crime. Every possible way to act will be punished and there will be no remorse. The state will have no sympathy and show no heart. They will not condone and not beg for forgiveness. That is because, the NRM and the state believes you where stupid to challenge it and to stand up against it. You were supposed to be blind and submissive.

The NRM will have all the perks, all the opportunities, while they will undermine and mock the opposition for their troubles. The NRM wouldn’t be able to run, if they had the same hectic mess the opposition has. The NRM would malfunction and be on self-destruction, if they met the same obstacles, which it serves all opposition. They are used to have no way, while the NRM has the big high-way and a free way of opportunities. That is a luxury, which nobody else have. This is why the “Scientific Elections” only will amplify this and expose this rotten game. Which is rotten from the head to the grassroots. A system blessed from “high above” to the lowest civil servant. Peace.

Muwanda & Co. Advocates: Press Statement (09.10.2020)

Mabikke & Kasibante is two disgruntled big-men …

That the process of choosing National Unity Platform (NUP) Member of Parliament (MP) Flag-Bearers has been painful for a few. It is like the ones who has a presence and had a office. Expected to be the natural and upper-echelon from the get-go. They anticipated because of their standing as MPs that they would get the candidacy within the NUP.

These two being Michael Mabikke and Moses Kasibante. Mabikke is the former Makindye East MP and expected to be the standing on the role. Kasibante was expecting to get nominated for the Rubaga North.

Mabikke have jumped from his own party the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Democratic Party (DP) or the DP Block. When that went sour, he went directly to NUP wanting the spot there. Seemingly fishing for relevance and wanting to be on the easiest ticket to the Parliament.

Kasibante wanted a easy way out too. As he was running as an independent, which he has done since 2012. He had to contest his seat after 2011 and went to the Courts. Overturned it and retained the seat. So, the two term MP knows the drill. Still, he was fishing for relevancy and a bigger stage.

This is why Mabikke and Kasibante went to the NUP. They were both trying to configure their tickets. To ensure an easier way to the Parliament. Use the NUP and Bobi Wine to extend the electorate.

Mabikke have been jumping around forever. He has tried to figure out a way of becoming vital somewhere. A way to be serious and not just a brief-case party politician. Because, who knows what the SDP is and what it works for. Other then finding ways of getting more exposure.

These two are meal-ticket politicians. They seemed like a win the minute they went from the DP and independence into the NUP. This was a sort of act done to boost the NUP. Still, they haven’t been as powerful or have the abilities, which the party was looking for. Seeing how they have acted after the failure to retain the Flag-Bearer and Candidacy for MP within the party.

It proves that they are not there for the struggle or the cause of the party. They were only for personal gains. This is why they have gone after the party after loosing out. These two great minds thought it was automatic. Because, of their names and their pre-position. That they couldn’t be challenged within the party.

Mabikke and Kasibante has lost out… that is clear. Both of them bashed in glory when they became members. Thinking they would have a simple road to the Parliament in 2021. Now, they have to go against the NUP Flag-Bearer and everyone else in the race.

That will either backfire for the party or be a blessing for them. Still, we can easily see why they went here. It wasn’t for the People Power Movement or their ideals. Just how to secure a meal-ticket and get a boost of their career within a party, which has a growing momentum. Peace.