Opinion: Muhoozi’s entitlement oozes in concern with possible dialogue with Bobi Wine

The Lieutenant General Muhoozi Kainerubaga, the son of the President entitlement has been shown all week. His presence and his stance on social media, as well as his paid handlers to promote the “Project Muhoozi” is a drive to stand as a future candidate. This combined with his sentiment of talks with People Power Movement and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Just shows his lack of finesse and understanding of it all.

His grown in the State House, his a Presidential Advisor for Special Operatives and former leader of the Special Force Command. His military training, but has never represented anyone, other than being part of the clan and being next in line to the Ssabagabe of Rwakitura. This is really it. The man should know what troubles, what issues the state has inflicted on Bobi Wine. However, that is not obvious to the man, whose living in a glorified bubble. Certainly either in Kololo or somewhere else in affluent suburbs of Kampala.

Muhoozi should praise the Gods for the reluctant response of Bobi Wine. Bobi Wine could have answered with all guns, he could have retorted with a fierce message. The one scorned by the state is him and his people. He is charged by the state in various of criminal cases, he is charged with treason and awaiting trail for dozens of them. Bobi Wine has been tortured and needed healing, even was blocked for a while to travel to the United States for treatment.

Muhoozi should also not forget all the associates, all the activists behind bars. All the ones who sudden vanished, killed and disappeared. The ones who is close to Bobi Wine get caught and suddenly stop breathing. Because, that is what the state does to them at the moment. Either in the pen or dead. This is the manner of which the state approach him and his people.

Muhoozi when he speaks of war and peace, his father and the agencies around him is in direct warfare against People Power. They are assaulting and directly using all arms of government to oppress and silence them. It is not like Bobi Wine doesn’t know that or doesn’t feel that. Not like he can perform, have meetings or be active. Muhoozi can play a fool, but that’s not cool.

Lt. Gen. Muhoozi is a bubble, a bubble of entitlement and braggadocios flair. That is who he is and seems to be. He got handlers promoting his every breath and former stints. While, the ones rising with popularity is going through hell and fire. The hell and fire created by the state, which let’s the Lt. Gen self-promote himself because of his lineage and not because of anything he has produced or created himself.

Bobi Wine deserves credit for his retort. However, he shouldn’t discuss or participate in talks. Unless, the state changes it ways and the way it oppress his associates. Since, there are to many lives lost, to many behind bars and to many hurt. Just because of association and not even acts of criminality. This is why Muhoozi should think for a little moment, but don’t anticipate that. Since, his is so shielded and highly regarded because the Ssabagabe elevated his stature to the stars.

So, Muhoozi do yourself a favour. If you want to talk peace. Get the commandos and the officers around Bobi Wine to back-down, get the soldiers, LDUs and the police officers to not assault, kill and arrest civilians in association with him. If you do that, then there might be a will. Especially, if the ones killing and torturing civilians get punished in courts of law. That would be even better…

However, Mr. Muhoozi, I know you will never do that. Because, then you would offend the Don. Peace.

Opinion: Mao’s chasing his own butterfly

I’m on the pursuit of happiness

I know everything that shine ain’t always gold

I’ll be fine once I get it

I’ll be good” (Kid Cudi – ‘Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare)’ 15.09.2009).

It sounds like fiction that Democratic Party President Norbert Mao, which is in an internal fracas. A man whose excluded part of his party and is entangled in an internal battle over whose being the Presidential Flag-bearer of the party.

This was the report by NBS Television yesterday:

The antagonistic group against Norbert Mao’s decision to dismiss Sulaiman Kidandala as the National Organizing Secretary, has revealed that the party’s National Council resolved to support Kyagulanyi, a decision that has been rejected by Mao” (NBS Television, 15.02.2020).

Now, today the man writes this on Facebook:

The only way to be happy is to be happy. That is a state of mind within your control whatever you are doing. It doesn’t require a new Ferrari or an extension to your dangly bits. Happiness is not a pursuing, it is a being. The harder you chase it, the further you push it away. It can be likened to chasing a butterfly. The more desperately you charge at it, the more it will elude you. But if you stop trying so hard, lay down on the grass and relax, there is a chance it will just come and land on your shoulder” (Norbert Mao – ‘On Happiness’ 16.02.2020).

It is like the intellectual Mao doesn’t understand the predicament his in. Like he doesn’t get the hardships of what his doing. Instead of acting sincere, his trying to rebuild the party around himself. As he anticipate to be Party President for another term.

Mao shouldn’t act this way within the Internal Party wrangle. Last round he lost hard and went after the butterfly called Amama Mbabazi and the Democratic Alliance (TDA). Before that he ran on his own ticket and didn’t actually succeed on that one either. However, that was first round and total failure in the second. Then thinking he will be a booming star in the third is a bit far-fetched isn’t it?

Mao should wonder why his where his at and why the party is so split. Not only has he let this happen with fractions working directly with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and even becoming cabinet members. While some DP has become part of the People’s Government and working directly with dr. Kizza Besigye. Thirdly, some has associated them with Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement. Which is now splitting the party.

We can really imagine that Mao could be happy about being second fiddle to Bobi Wine. That someone like him took his way. Even if by the Lords of Mercy would even grant Mao an MP slot in Gulu. He should praise the Gods for that alone. However, his always aimed at the stars and the moons, even if he never had space shuttle to get there.

Now, we are seeing the sounds of happiness from him. Even if we know it is a nightmare. Because, it shows his double standard. Mbabazi was fine and dandy, but Bobi Wine is not. Maybe because he was barred from entering in 2016 and can now in 2021. Nevertheless, it seems strange, as it was not like Mao did magic in 2011. This from the man complaining that Besigye is a serial loser and Mao haven’t even won pop-tarts in his hey-day.

Mao become the DP President and he had been the Guild President at Makerere University, but that doesn’t deem him fit for the Presidency. Neither does he have the popularity to even get there. The party haven’t been built better under him, neither proved it value in the opposition. Unless, you count the amount of times Mao has been sitting on NBS Frontline. Than, you can say his winning. Also, the amount of times the papers publishes his writings.

With all of this in mind. Should Mao be happy? No. He should work like crazy, salvage whatever he can. Because its not like he got the golden goose. Not like he got the loyal standing or stature. Mao might have a few cronies around him and some central leadership backing him blindly. However, this will not save him. As the waves are turning and his importance isn’t all that.

Besigye and Bobi Wine has more going for them. Mao might not like that, but if his running against them. He will look like the knock-off Coca-Cola, looking like coke, but tasting like watered down coca-cola candy with fizz. He might like that, but the public prefer the real deal over the knock-off.

Mao will not be happy about that, but that is the reality. Maybe, he can quote someone else philosophical book and call it a night. Peace.

Opinion: A lot of flair, but very little substance in Mao

It is about that time. The Democratic Party internal elections ahead of delegations conference before the General Elections of 2021. Just like it was in 2010, 2015 and now in 2020. This happens every five years. Nobert Mao is on his second term and near the end of it. He was first elected to it in 2010. If elected again, it would be his third term as Party President. 

Over the years his stance and his significance has dwindled. Even other voices in the party matter more. Even more of his own cadres has been associated either with the NRM or with Besigye. The DP party is more split than ever before. This being MPs whose even have chosen to be by Bobi Wine and the People Power Movement. Meaning, the alliances is individually picked.

The DP Party isn’t a party of strength. Neither is it a party of loyalty. When DP MPs picks themselves to be Ministers and abandons the party along the way. Neither, is it that people choose sides between the Pressure Group and the People’s Government. That shows how the secretariat and the lack structure is there.

While the DP Party still have tried to be relevant with both the DP Block, which got two former cadres back in the fold to create the DP Block. Also, tried to tie in Bobi Wine and Mugisha Muntu in the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the 2021 elections. Neither has succeeded.

Now, as the internal primaries is scheduled and rows are surfacing. Mao speaks of loyalty and claims party members are acting ill-loyal. Well, he haven’t sanctioned that in the past. He didn’t ban or stop Mbidde from gathering in around Museveni. Neither, did he stop the other from becoming part of the cabinet. Thirdly, he was only mad that two vital leaders joined the People’s Government. While he was silent on the ones associating themselves with Bobi Wine. So, his not consistent. At least not in respects to where people should go and what they should do.

Not like Mao has made a path, except for showing up as regular on NBS Frontline. His staple and uses his flamboyant style, but his not coming across as a unique leader. No, his just another man whose happen to have a title.

Mao acts like his supreme, like his Devine and shouldn’t be challenged for the Presidency in his own party. That should be false, especially if the party should differ from the NRM. Which is the main challenger ahead of 2021. Unless, they are kidding themselves and wants to be a NRM-Light. Something it has looked like for years and only a given few has gone astray. These has gone to greener pastures to leaders who really tries to fight the Self-Styled President for Life.

Alas, here we are in 2020. Mao talking out of his ass. Acting aloof and unjustifiable so. We can act indifferent. However, we should know that he wants to reign the party. He earns on being in the President. Not like he will try again as an MP in Gulu. He should, because that he got a shot to succeed. While, he doesn’t have a change by any margin to uproar society and elect him President of all.

Mao couldn’t even run as a candidate in the previous election, and he was abysmal as a Presidential Candidate in 2011. Don’t expect magic from him in 2021. He was also one of the proud donkeys supporting Mbabazi. So, we know how compromised he can become. That is just the way it is.

If he continues like this its soon a micro-NRM. A small lookalike and a front of an opposition party. Where the beholden leader by nature is Mao. Instead of elections, it is selections of the ones loyal to him. Instead of people picking the most viable candidates. Is that what Mao wants? Seems so, right? Peace.

Opinion: The Ghetto is not yet verified by the State House

However, in response, Nakyobe told the MPs that there is no official or formal communication from the President, regarding the appointment of Catherine Kusasira and Butcher man as his presidential advisers.“As far as I’m concerned it is still a pronouncement that has not yet been put in writing, therefore, Kusasira and Butcher man are not yet staff of State House until when we have it in writing and then we shall have a normal process of their recruitment,” Nakyobe explained” (Henry Sekanjako – ‘Kusasira, Butcher man, Full Figure not our employees – State House’ 18.01.2020, New Vision).

When you do public stunts and sudden political moves like President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni did in regards to the Ghetto Superstars of Kusasira, Butchaman and Jennifer Full Figure. They are not official Presidential Advisors, even if they consider themselves as big-men already.

Therefore, what is really weird is the reports of 600 millions shillings first salary in cash and also SUV Cars. This is really heavy spending on these three, which is not even official or on the payroll of the State House. A State House, which already has over 170 Presidential Advisors on its payroll. Not like these three would make a huge difference in the asked funds for the next financial year. And in that regard, the State House usually get at least one Supplementary Expenditure or budgets for the up-coming elections. Don’t be shocked or surprised by that.

That is why, the President and State House acts like this. Not like its a big whoop, but still substantial. That the President doesn’t act accordingly to protocol and now someone else has to sort it out. Unless, suddenly there will come a letter of formality and sort this one out. As it is embarrassing.

This show how the State House and the Republic is run by a one-man brigade. One man with one vision. Nothing else is holding it up. They are all supposed to dance to his tune. Surely, these people will be paid. The State House will not humiliate the President and his will to “ghetto”. Even if the President will always be more of cow herder, than a man of the Ghetto. But because of Bobi Wine he will sing tales of the streets, the murky roads and the potholes. However, it will not be a tale he lived, because he never did.

That is why he has hired these people. Why he has handpicked them and is using them as tools for his upcoming elections. Soon, they will be on the lists of Presidential Advisors, but they are only needed tokens and they will be used as bargain chips. Not because they are smart, neither because they have much to offer, but because serve one cause. That he has them, as a representation of what his not.

It is always a reason, some are hard to digest. Others are easy access. This one is slim pickings. Peace.

Opinion: Long live the ironies, but most likely, long live the foolishness

There is something about tyranny and dictatorships, where the Dictator can travel around like a King. Have his court and his jesters on tour, he can hold a campaign rally, some sort of public function without notifying the authorities or even get the approval to do so. That is because his the Fountain of Honour, the Head of State and the President.

In this regard, all through the 2019. The President and his team was for long a part of the Operation Wealth Creation Tour, where he travelled and held rallies. Also held a Radio Tour and others ones too. Hard to remember them all, but it all legal, because its the President and his court doing so.

During the last two weeks, we got to see that Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine planned and notified the Electoral Commission of planned consultation meetings in consideration of being an Presidential Candidate in the 2021 elections.

I find it very special, that the People Power Movement and everyone else has to follow guidelines and follow codes to be able to assemble, meet and hold consultation meetings. When you consider how easy and non bother it is for the President. Because, the implications for the President, should be the same as for any other aspiring candidate for the same role. There shouldn’t be one whose allowed to sing songs on bridges, while the other cannot even put up a speakers and microphones to do a gig. However, we all know there is a double standard, but this sets it in print.

That Bobi Wine and the PPM is limited in their actions, just like the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Dr. Kizza Besigye been in the past, even Amama Mbabazi and Go Forward was stifled before the 2016 elections. With this in mind, it follows a pattern, but the restrictions and the limitations put on Bobi Wine isn’t fair.

As he should have in all fairness, been able to do exactly what the President did during his Operation Wealth Creation tour, which was direct campaigning on the slogans of the 2016 elections. When that was allowed and accepted by the state, the same state should make it possible for Bobi Wine to do the same. That is as if there was level playing field for candidates, which by the regulations and orders by the Police and Electoral Commission, proves its not.

Not like the President nor his crew had any idea who would show up and how many for the rallies during 2019. They gathered a lot of people, hired buses and hoped to have propaganda shots, but they didn’t have an estimate or afterthought of how big things would be. Alas, that Bobi Wine and his team has to know and say whose possible is really concerning, because that is limiting his approach and also his possibilities to reach out.

If the President and his cronies this is well handled, well, I hate to break it to you. Its not, not the slightest. It is weak and a continued double standard, hypocrisy at the highest order. Most likely by the blessing from the orders from above. Alas, he knows and the ones giving the instructions to People Power knows.

Not like this is shocking, it is a pattern and showing the intent to stifle and put hurdles for the rising star. They want to stop the momentum and contain it. They want to ensure that the authorities are there and that they can handle it. They want to have the information and the intel to ensure, that the they can prolong the reign and secure the prospects of another rigged elections.

Because, if it was free and fair, why where there ever any issues with the gatherings nor the rallies of the President? There should have been, why no tear-gas? Why no-one arrested and taken into prison for inciting violence? Why were there ever anyone taken or house-arrested for preventative reasons?

Well, that because the President, everything goes and everything is cool. The rest has to beg to grab a microphone and say some words of wisdom. That’s just how things are in the Republic. Peace.

Opinion: Anticipating a rocky road for Bobi Wine

It is not that I wish anyone ill, I don’t, but knowing how the “orders from above” works and seen how the opposition has been treated over the years. I just know how this will play out. Even as the People Power Movement (PPM) and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine MP plans to hold his consultations in 2020. It will not be without any hurdles.

There will be consequences, just like him jumping on campaign trails and joining forces with other opposition activists for the various by-elections during the 2018 and 2019. That is just the way it is.

The first and foremost. The PPM and Bobi Wine will be served with new criminal charges, if this is “inciting violence”, “unlawful assembly” and so-on. It will catch on and they will also told that they didn’t file the paperwork accordingly to the Public Order Management Act and surely pinned with some charges from the Penal Code. That just happens.

Secondly, the security outfits will monitor, block venues, follow the convoy of Bobi Wine. They will seal of hotels, they will detain activists and local organizers. They will ensure that the radio stations are losing their licenses and so-on. That just happens.

If the PPM and Bobi Wine still try to access the venues and such, there will be live-bullets, arrests and people hurt. There will a bath of tear-gas on the public, there will be road-blocks and will be damage of property.

The Police Force will say the supporters are rowdy, are hoodlums and thugs, while it was the police and armed state officers who fired the first bullet and tear-gas at the venue. The state will say the PPM didn’t act correct according to codes, even if they have negotiated for months for the stadium and whatnot in whatever county they were visiting.

In this manner, the Presidential Consultations, the meeting of locals and such will be with fury. It will be testy and will not be easy. If you thought Amama Mbabazi and Dr. Kizza Besigye have had it hard. The upstart and the rising star Bobi Wine will feel it too. There will be abducted mobilizers and stories of impunity within the range of the consultation season.

If not, the state has had a change of heart, which I doubt. It wouldn’t be shocking if the state tried to pull-off house-arrest and “preventative arrest” of Bobi Wine and close associates. Since, that way they can contain him in Wakiso district.

This state will use all means, because the old man doesn’t feel the love anymore, people are tired of him. That is why they use all means. To think otherwise is naïve, after seeing other campaigns and election cycles under Museveni.

We just know and will not be shocked, because this is scheduled programming. Peace.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine letter to the Electoral Commission – Re: Notice of Intention to Conduct Consultations (03.12.2019)

Opinion: This Moses will not lead the public into the promised land

The NRM has already won the 2021 elections with over 80%. We are now campaigning for 2026 elections and let no one tell you that Ugandans are tired of President Museveni” – Bebe Cool aka Moses Ssali in South Africa this weekend, December 2019

Bebe Cool might think his slick, he might think his smart and sounds like fine wine. However, Bebe Cool is degraded and low-rate fizzy-drink, a sugar-coated and lack of flavour, which he tries to sell to the crowds like Champagne. Everyone can see it, smell it and know by just looking at the bottle.

Moses will not lead people across the desert. Moses will not lead the people to the promised land. This Moses, the Cool guy will lead people agony and more issues. The state and the party he mobilizes for are self-serving elite. The NRM are working for the President and his cronies, it isn’t working for direct development, neither building a strong state. That is known for Moses, but he will not say it.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’” (Exodus Chapter 33:1, New International Version).

Just like Moses himself, he never got to see the promise land, he actually never got cross the River Jordan after 30 years in the desert. The Republic of Uganda have been 33 years under the reign of Museveni. The man Moses praises and thinks will bring changes. While his really lost in the wilderness and not allowed by God to cross the river.

Bebe Cool is a false prophet, who says everything the master want to hear. His a loyal subject. Even as man whose supposed to mobilize and guide. The man knows that the President isn’t preoccupied with 2026. His just working as hard as he can to fix 2021. That is why Bebe Cool is following the trail of Bobi Wine. The smug man, whose paid to be a distraction.

Bebe Cool, Mr. Moses thinks his that smart is funny and tragic. Because, just like Moses. At one point he will not go to promised land. His used with promises, but his descendants will live there. They will be able to cross Jordan. That’s because the promises of the regime, the promises of Museveni will not materialize. They will degrade and distort with time. The reasons for it is that its busy salvaging whatever it can. It is so busy doing so, that it doesn’t see the hurt or the problems across the Republic.

That is why the NRM lacks the trust, the support or even the grass-root mobilization it needs. They cannot outspend and buy off the whole population in every single poll. That is what it does, but at one point, that buck stop. Bebe Cool might act like it is won, when it really is rigged. There is no speculation of it even. It is mere reality.

That Bebe Cool is saying this too: “I warned the enemies of development that I will bring to light all their lies. The era of misleading Ugandans has come to an end” (Bebe Cool, December 2019). His the one misleading the public and doing it as propaganda for the state. His the Softpower and the “silent Majority” nonsense. Nonsensical and unstructured, as a man whose fighting on deck, while his boat is sinking. Instead of either trying to “balancing the boat” or trying to save people to land. He fights the crew for wrecking the ship.

Bebe Cool could be serious, but his the messenger… He will not get people anywhere. This Moses will encircle them and trap them. He will make them walk around aimlessly in the desert for yet a few more decades. They will not move and will never cross over Jordan. That will not happen with Cool neither with Bosco. They are just in it to rule, not to serve and neither to actually govern. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine need to muster “W2W” on steroids to get rid of Museveni

We know that Museveni is planning to rig the election, he has done it in the past … But we are banking on overwhelming him because a vote can easily be rigged if it’s not overwhelming. And ultimately, if President Museveni tries to rig the election … the people of Uganda will rise up and they will stop it … They are tired of this operation and they are tired and they will not take it any longer”Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine on Al Jazeera on the 30th November 2019

That no one can conquer or win in an election with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni should be common knowledge by now. The 2021 Polls is only done for the facade sake and not because the will of people will be listened too. The public and the voters will not be listen too. Just like the rigged elections of 2016 and 2011, and so-on.

Bobi Wine needs to must er the character, the finesse and the ability to get people to listen to the amount of the gatherings, the demonstrations and the defiance of the Walk to Work in April of 2011. The W2W showed the government, that the public can rise up and stand-up to them. That time because of the rigged elections of 2011 and also the rising inflations as a cause of the overspending during the elections.

The People Power Movement and allies needs to collaborate like they predecessors did together with the Action 4 Change (A4C). They was capable of getting together and standing together against the authorities and the enforcers of the law. A4C and W2W did very well, it even made the authorities so scared, that they killed civilians, which the authorities never have investigated. Neither, taken responsibility for the wrongfully arrests nor the preventive arrests of the leaders behind the demonstrations.

The PPM and Bobi Wine needs to do it on a larger scale and be able to inspire in the midst of possible bloodshed and insecurity created by the power-vacuum, because this sort of operation will cost. The will be more pain and suffering. There will be hurt and damage. Bobi Wine should know this and that an army based government will not give way. They will use all military organizations and security outfits, which will stop all public gatherings, demonstrations and block every type of communications platform to silence it.

That should be well-known and should be the machinery behind the election of 2021. Just like it was in 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001 and in 1996. There been various names of the security outfits, but they have had the same mission. They will do the same thing again and if the people rise against the machine. The machine will answer, by the “high above” ordering it to pull the trigger. The hammer will hit and the bullets will come their way. Not because I believe in violence, but that is how this government answer dissidents. Either take away their civil liberties, take away their freedom or buy time. Either way, the government has always won.

It is a matter of time, when the centre loose hold and the ones who follow up on the orders says its enough. That the generals and other security leaders gives way to the public, instead of following the “high above”. But at this point, that is just mere speculation, when they see that their behaviour and acts will deem them unfit for the afterlife of Museveni. Still, as long as his breathing and giving them power. They will let their legacy go over a little envelopes.

Bobi Wine needs a big structure behind him. He needs his supporters to bring the same sort of energy, but even more resilient than during the “Walk to Work”. They need to be so resilient and so steadfast, that the public needs reassurance and security that its working. Since, if it seems like failing and that its fade quickly. Than the costs of standing up towards the dictatorship will not hold. Since its better to live, better to keep the health and await the possible end by doing nothing. Than risking it all, when it seems like it will be a fiddle.

This is the message Bobi Wine need to spread as well, since the PPM and their allies needs to know this. Especially, since the peaceful takeover will not happen over the ballot. The Electoral Commission, the state authorities are all blind in loyalty to the President. There will be no turnover over an election, but only toppled by a revolution. And a military government doesn’t give up easily and especially, when they have everything to loose by giving way.

I end here, but my point is already said. With that in mind. A Luta Continua. Peace.

Opinion: The NRM proves again that the IPOD is worthless…

“The NRM has boycotted the meeting of IPOD scheduled for the handover of IPOD seat from Democratic Party to FDC. This as FDC insists the discussion should focus more on the meaningful dialogue and smooth transfer of power in Uganda” (NBS Television 27.11.2019).

Not to long ago, actually for two IPOD Summits the FDC boycotted these, as they did boycott the first IPOD Summit, as an reaction to the police brutality and harassment from the authorities. The second one was because they didn’t want just a photo-op and a friendly greeting with the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The IPOD Summits haven’t resolved anything or made any amends with the electoral reform or dialogue between the NRM and the opposition. The IPOD is just a paid journey from the Dutch, to preoccupy the parties on the way to yet another General Election in 20201.

Just a friendly reminder of what NRM said when the FDC boycotted it:

Kasule Lumumba: NRM is the minority in IPOD. FDC is the leading opposition party. FDC shouldn’t run away from responsibility. NRM remains committed. Come and offer leadership and we work together, Come and show Ugandans that you can lead” (NBS Television, 17.10.2019).

I have always said FDC is a radical extremist party behaving like a millenarian cult & hostile to dialogue. This was on display yesterday when they boycotted the first IPOD meet. They used to say they would only attend IPOD MEETINGS if Museveni attends. What is their excuse now?” (Andrew Mwenda, 18.12.2018).

I don’t know why anybody [FDC] who says they are democrats would not like dialogue. I always welcome opportunities for dialogue because when you don’t dialogue, you miss an opportunity to be understood clearly” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the 12th December 2018 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo

Therefore, I wonder what will be the excuses of the NRM in the upcoming days. One that has already come out, which is unbelievable is that they wasn’t invited. That one is just a lie, I don’t believe that Norbert Mao forgot to send the invitation to the NRM Secretariat. The DP head wouldn’t miss that one out.

It is weird that FDC comes now after boycotting for so long. It seemingly a play for them. It is insincere to take the helm. That it is, after calling out the other parties for being involved in the months ahead of this. The FDC knows this. Yes, this is politics, but the perception of this isn’t brilliant. It is insincere at best.

The FDC should have pulled out, unless it seems they are just in it for the party-funding and possible billions promised after the second summit in May 2019. The environment for the FDC isn’t better. Their party offices has been raided both in Kampala and in the up-country. Not like the FDC leadership is secure and safe for police brutality. Neither is their ability to conduct party activity in general.

What is weird is the NRM who has harassed and diminished the FDC for boycotting from before Christmas last year until the present IPOD takeover. That is very rich of them to not sit in the yellow chairs. Because, its not like the NRM will end up behind bars or get detained for participating. Neither house-arrested nor awaiting court-cases because of their loyalty elsewhere, than the President himself. Since all of them are loyal to him.

I never have believed in IPOD. Just like the Apple IPOD, I believe the relevance is gone and not vital for the changes in the Republic. It is just a tool for the NRM to keep the others in check. The NRM will only use this to settle the score and use the platform to ensure they are following guidelines and supposed protocol. The IPOD will not challenge or have any significant power, as the NRM and the government haven’t given it that.

The IPOD and IPOD Summits are PR stunts and play for the facade. It is weird that the FDC wants to play now. They should have dropped out and been righteous. Instead, they wanted a little spotlight and look decent now. That’s a bit late, but the NRM are totally in the wrong. When they have called the FDC out, but bails out themselves. That proves again the real value of it.

The real value of the IPOD is none, except for the Dutch donors who pays for the “dialogue”. Peace.