“We must clarify our historical fundamentals. Our credibility must be beyond reproach on issues like human rights and good governance, on private enterprise and economic prosperity for all citizens, old messages do not work anymore. We must not churn out party messages as if we were addressing a 1960s electorate. We must seek to get elected because the best government is the best politics. Those who when given the chance to lead, lead well will continue to be re-elected again and again” – Norbert Mao (Muhamadi Matovu – ‘Mao: “DP should avoid mantra of regime change”’ 07.02.2022, Nile Post Uganda).
It’s official … Democratic Party President Norbert Mao isn’t even shielding it or trying to hide his discomfort. No, his just open about his intentions and his just one-of-them. That’s why he appreciated by Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga recently. It makes so much sense, as his compromised and doesn’t even want to challenge status quo.
When you want to avoid regime change and spread new messages… then your clearly not active or seeking the electorate. It is a reason why Dr. Kizza Besigye run on ‘Defiance’ and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine ‘We are Removing a Dictator’. As the DP President don’t want to do this or follow any of their patterns.
It’s like Mao wants to follow Joseph Kabuleta or others before him. This sort of message is useless, when you don’t want to takeover or have a peaceful transition. The NRM is never delivering that to a man of Mao’s stature.
Mao haven’t proven a track-record, neither has party proven anything the recent election. Neither with MPs or even his Presidential Elections. No, they have been abysmal. So, him speaking of the old ways not working. It is right… is ways of ushering in Amama Mbabazi and other tricks to spoil the electorate.
Therefore, Mao seem stale and without an anchor. Because, he don’t know how to move forward or even be really relevant. That’s why his speaking up against the ones who fighting the dictatorship and the ruling regime. The ones who wants to get rid of it and the root problems of the state.
In this instance it is like Mao cut of his brain and only saw envelopes. Because, if he has seen the popularity and the rise of the National Unity Platform or Forum for Democratic Change for that matter. It wasn’t because they spoke about direct governance or taxes, but about a peaceful transition away from the NRM and Museveni. Which is what Mao is speaking up against now. Calling it old-school…
You have to address human rights and the basics, when the state is not fulfilling it. Neither when the basic rights or constitutional freedoms are there for the electorate. Indirectly what Mao is saying that theories and models matters more than that.
This is defeatism in the middle of a dictatorship. Mao cannot be taken serious as a choice or as an opposition leader. When he doesn’t seek to end the regime or challenge it. That is the message I’m getting. It’s pathetic … and the DP should just become a part of the NRM if that’s the case. Peace.
“The leadership of Parliament is asking the opposition in Parliament to rescind their decision of boycotting the parliamentary sittings saying their issues can be well addressed on the floor of Parliament. Solomon Silwanyi, one of the commissioners of Parliament, says the continued absence of opposition in the House will not only affect the people they represent but also there will be no platform for addressing their concerns” (NBS Television, 07.02.2022).
This is naïve. It is utterly disrespectful and distasteful. It is like Solomon Silwanyi (National Resistance Movement), the Member of Parliament representing Bukooli Central haven’t seen what his government does and how it stifles the opposition in the chambers of the Parliament.
Yes, the Opposition gets to speak and participate in Committee’s, but the results are dead on arrival. Just in the previous 10th Parliament, the MPs was barred from entering ungazetted safe houses. They we’re not allowed to investigate or look into the practices of state security agencies. Therefore, Silwanyi MP must things people are stupid or obviously having short memory span.
As we know the Ministry of Defence and Minister of Internal Affairs will not indulge or budge on the matter. These are confidential and will not unleash the harsh realities. There is only drip-drop of information leaked through witnesses and little-to-a-few court cases diving into the matter. Alas, Silwanyi MP should be a bit sincere.
We know Mathias Mpuuga MP could have spoken his peace and so could other opposition MPs. However, it wouldn’t materialize or create anything substantial. That’s why Nalufenya is still active and several other entities, which does similar practices across the Republic. Therefore, the NRM MP isn’t talking the truth and we know it.
It is not like the Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga going to listen to a petition or a motion to cease with these sorts of activists. No, his avenging his father on the regular and so is other men too. They are using the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Internal Security Organization (ISO), SIU Kireka and the Special Forces Command (SFC) to silence critics and dissidents all over the Republic.
Therefore, MP Silwanyi. If the previous MPs and Parliamentarians couldn’t investigate or enter buildings, which was alleged “safe-houses” … why do you think speaking in the same chambers now will help the cause? Seriously? Do you think the culprits, the ones ordering or the decreeing these matters will stop?
No, they will continue the human rights violations, the burden of proof will never be delivered, as that is the plan from the on-set. To do the deeds in darkness and not allow anyone to shed lights on the matter. Talks, motions or petitions in Parliament will only get you so far.
It is not like the state has stopped arresting, kidnapping, keeping opposition activists and leaders incommunicado, torturing and even extra judicially killing to silence them. Therefore, why does the MP believe their words matters now? When everything ill is happening, and nobody is stopping it. It isn’t like these practices has ceased to exist and not been active. They have been there all along since the inception of the NRM.
He can get high on his own supply, but it doesn’t make it more real. When we know what they can do and without any warning or charges towards the individual. They can just take you or kidnap you without any sort of justification. While the MP wants the Opposition MPs to talk even more. Like that will settle the score and make any ramifications, as long as the practices continues in darkness.
That’s why his whole premise is wrong, and the nativity should be challenged. Because, it is not like the army commanders, the first son or anyone involved wants the record in public. They only want some revealed to spread and show their force. However, they don’t want people to really look into it or stop because then their methods of brutality has to stop.
Something we know isn’t part of the plan… and the Opposition will not be able to stop with some talks or committee meetings in Parliament. Peace.
“In our traditional societies, torture was commonly used and it was not only accepted but, actually, encouraged. Hence, the proverbs like: “Akabwa kaiba kaihura omugoongo gwaako” in Runyankore and “Akabwa kabbi, kasasula mugoongo” in Luganda. In both dialects, it means that “a stealing dog pays with its back”, i.e. by being struck with sticks (enkoni, emiggo) on the back” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – ‘PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT ON TORTURE’ 16.05.2017).
In these days, the recent torture of Kakwenza Rukira is spinning online and going viral. As he has been through the ringer before and what happened in 2021 isn’t the first time his behind bars or tortured for that matter. The writer and activists has been into legal trouble for his writings and publications. Therefore, he knew what was going on and knew how to tell a story afterwards.
However, most of the ones tortured aren’t high profiled individuals or people in the spotlight. No, they are average citizens who happens to be associated or participate in opposition politics. This being part of any sort of organized political work in association with Dr. Kizza Besigye or Roberet Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Heck, there been torture of members of Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and other party activists as well. Though the most notable and in the press is the one in association with Besigye and Bobi Wine.
Nevertheless, the practice has been going on since the inception of power. Museveni and National Resistance Movement (NRM) have used the same techniques and violent oppression of its predecessor. Maybe not in the Argentina House, but they have perfected elsewhere. Where they are using means to an end and torturing civilians on the regular. The numbers that is reported is only a fragment or maybe just an assumed amount of people tortured. As many doesn’t dare to file a complain or is worried that they would be tortured again for doing so. Therefore, the amount of victims to this practices is unknown and the scale is larger what is known. Because, the security agencies and the NRM will not enlighten the public about this. That is very obvious and clear by how they deny the activities and speaking up against it. While they are continuing the practice…
Here is just a few out-takes from various of reports and articles, which describes what the state has been doing since 1986 till this day.
Amnesty 1986-89:
“The elimination of torture was a publicly declared aim of the new government and an early move was Uganda’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which includes a mechanism for hearing individual complaints at the international level. Although the government has succeeded in greatly reducing the use of torture, there is still abundant evidence that the practice has not been eliminated. As with extrajudicial executions, the problem is greatest in those areas where there is armed conflict, although Amnesty International has also continued to document torture in Kampala, both in NRA barracks and in military intelligence and Internal Security Organization headquarters. The best-known and most widely used method of torture under the NRM government has been “three-piece” tying, or kandooya. This involves tying the victim’s arms together above the elbows, behind the back. It can be used as a method of restraint, but it is described as being extremely painful and so can be used deliberately to cause pain and coerce prisoners into making statements during interrogation. Sometimes prisoners tied kandooya-style are beaten at the same time; sometimes their legs are tied up behind their back as well and they are suspended (this is known as “suitcase” or “briefcase “). Unusually, the government has ·acknowledged the use of kandooya, which for a long time was authorized in the NRA as a method of restraint. The government apparently did not accept that it was used as a deliberate method of torture but was convinced, in early 1987, that it was a form of ill-treatment. An order banning kandooya was issued through the NRA chain of command and it is a measure of army discipline that this ban has been widely obeyed although kandooya is undoubtedly still used, especially in the areas of armed conflict” (Amnesty International – Uganda – The Human Rights Record 1986-1989, P:31, March 1989).
“Safe-Houses” and the Kandoya technique of torturing:
“The types of torture being now committed in Ugandan ungazetted illegal detention places (“safe houses”) include kandoya (tying hands and feet behind the victim); suspension from the ceiling while tied kandoya; water torture or “Liverpool” (forcing the victim to lie face up, mouth open, while the spigot is turned on into his mouth); severe beatings with hands, fists, pistols, metal rods, and wooden sticks with nails protruding; death threats, including putting the nozzle of a pistol into the victim’s mouth, showing him fresh graves, dead bodies, or snakes; putting the victim in the back of a vehicle where his captors sit or put their boots on him; abusive language and threats; and kicking with boots all parts of the body. The torture includes the gang rape of females; and mutilating the male genitalia of suspects, through kicking, beating with sticks, puncturing with hypodermic needles, and tying the penis with wire or weights. The male genital torture cases that Human Rights Watch found are far from the only ones: the UHRC ordered the government to pay damages to a man who was tortured for ninety-three days and who “is not a man anymore.” In many cases, victims are refused medical treatment. Some have died as a result of these and other acts“ (…) “Weakened protections and guarantees facilitate the commission of torture. These unacknowledged places of detention are not visited by outsiders nor by government officials charged with inspecting conditions inside detention cells. The government is provided “deniability” by holding the detainees in secret, and this creates a feeling of impunity among security and intelligence officers. The 1995 Ugandan constitution explicitly outlaws the holding of detainees in unacknowledged or “ungazetted” places of detention, that is, those not published in the official gazette. Police stations are gazetted facilities. UPDF barracks and CMI offices are not gazetted facilities. The other “safe houses” where the non-police agencies hold, interrogate, and torture suspects are not gazetted and are illegal also” (Human Rights Watch – ‘State of Pain: Torture in Uganda’, March 2004).
Systematic torture:
“The state uses torture to wear people down, both physically and mentally, to extort information, confess to a crime or until they become so instilled with fear that they are no longer considered a threat to the regime. In the last 10 years, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has lodged more than 7,500 torture complaints” (…) “Victims are sometimes compensated when their cases are heard at the UHRC tribunal, but the perpetrators are hardly ever brought to justice, and they can rarely be identified anyway, since the torture tends to be executed by plain-clothed security operatives” (…) “Brigadier Henry Tumukunde, who was central in establishing the system of safe houses that is still very much in use today. Tumukunde was at one point head of Uganda´s Military Security Organisation, but fell out with the Museveni regime and was sentenced to a spell of house arrest at the Senior Officers´ Mess in Kololo, Kampala. Tumukunde has since worked his way back on good terms with Ugandan authorities” (Wendy Glauser – Human Rights House – ‘Widespread torture in Uganda, in so-called ‘safe houses’ and elsewhere’ May 15 2008).
Nalufenya:
“The practices of torture seemed to have been rationalized. Uganda has since converted the Nalufenya police station into a Guantanamo Bay of sorts. The mere mention by an accused person that he was interviewed from Nalufenya immediately raises a red flag. The mayor for Kamwenge Town Council who had been arrested on allegations of treason was literary butchered as chunks of his flesh were cut off his knees and ankles” (David Baxter Bakibinga – ‘The Role Of Prosecutors In Preventing Torture And Ill-Treatment Of Accused Persons And Proposals For Reform’ 2018).
“In May last year, Ugandans were left in shock on seeing the gruesome pictures of Geoffrey Byamukama, the Kamwenge mayor, who had been tortured by the Police over allegations that he had had a hand in the murder of slain former Assistant Inspector General of Police Andrew Felix Kaweesi. In the days that followed, more pictures of tortured inmates at the dreaded Nalufenya detention facility trended on social media. Ironically, many of them were later freed by courts due to inadequate evidence to pin the suspects. The facility was recently closed by the new IGP Ochola Okoth. However, Byamukama and others were not the first and may not be the last, for torture remains the most recorded human rights violation in Uganda, with the Police accounting for a majority of the incidents. According to a Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) report released last year, a total of 1,658 torture cases were registered between 2012 and 2016” (New Vision – ‘Day Against Torture’ 2018).
As we see, the usage of torture is prevalent and clear as day. The NRM promised a fundamental change of guards, but is openly using the same means and practices of which the predecessors did. They are doing it at a large scale and thousands of people have been scorn by the regime. It is clear that this tactic and usage of violence against the population is deliberate. As a means to an end and a way of getting people into submission. Getting them into fearing the authorities and the state. As you can easily get into the “panda gari” or kidnapped incommunicado by a drone. Just because you associate or work for a cause, which is deemed as fit by Museveni.
That is the case here and torturing will not stop. Not as long as the security agencies are allowed to do so. Not as long as there is no consequences to the ones ordering, acting and punishing civilian this way. The laws are written, the constitution states what is right, but the government and its agencies are obviously not caring about the written words. As long as they can torment and torture civilians on the regular. Peace.
d) freedom to assemble and to demonstrate together with others peacefully and unarmed and to petition; and
(e) freedom of association which shall include the freedom to form and join associations or unions, including trade unions and political and other civic organisations” (Constitution, 1995).
You could think we are retuning back in time, but however… we are in 2022 and not in 2015 or 2016. Neither are we in the 2010 or 2011. The Public Order Management Act (POMA) is still enforced in combination with the Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) in consideration with the global coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and Uganda Police Force (UPF) is directly warning Besigye in end of January 2022… is like a deja vu.
As reported earlier today:
“Addressing journalists on Monday, Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga said security has got intelligence information indicating that in order to pull off the planned protests, Dr.Besigye is planning to reawaken the Power 10, a structure formed towards the 2016 polls as FDC’s election mobilisation task force. “We have intelligence information that Dr. Besigye and other opposition activists intend to reactivate Power 10 to cause acts of disobedience and mayhem in the city. They have so far recruited five persons per village and cell but we know Dr. Besigye as a professional agitator for violence and warn him that the Public Order Management Act is still in place and they have to ask for permission from police before carrying out their activities,” Enanga said” (Kenneth Kazibwe – ‘Dont be tempted to organise protests- Police warn Besigye’ 31.01.2022, Nile Post).
We know that this time around that Dr. Kizza Besigye has his own pressure group and coalition, which is the People’s Front for Transition (PFT) and the Red Card Movement. It is clear that the state still fears for his reach and popularity. As they are warning him to not demonstrate or riot. Which is blocking the rights of any citizen and it’s stipulated in the 1995 Constitution in Article 29.
It is not new that the Anti-Besigye Act or the POMA act has been made to stifle and stop demonstrations, after the near successful Walk to Work demonstrations in 2011. The POMA is made in such a fashion, that anyone has to apply and fill certain criteria to be able to demonstrate or protest. Therefore, we know if Besigye or any allies applies to do so. It will be denied or not get allowed to do so, in regard to public safety. While the state can gather and show-up everywhere with the convoys, meetings and conferences for that matter.
The PFT and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) will not be able to show a public disdain. That is deliberate by the state and we know it. This have been done for years and is nothing new. However, the state and the NRM would be more sincere, if they just amended the Article 29 and took away the right to demonstrate. As it is near to impossible… and the ones who wishes to do so cannot really do it.
Besigye is only one who would get this warning. This could be equally be given to Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and his National Unity Platform (NUP) or the People Power Movement. As they would get under the same scrutiny or pressure from the state to cease these sorts of activities. Since, the state wouldn’t allow that to happen. Just like they haven’t allowed concerts or plenty of gatherings by the NUP in the recent years.
Therefore, Besigye is just having … the same problems as before… the FDC and PFT should anticipate this and it’s nothing new. The UPF and the NRM is just continuing their oppression and lack of tolerance towards dissidents. Peace.
““I want to advise Ugandans to go to petrol stations that have not hiked the prices. Two companies have not hiked their prices. Go and buy from those ones. These others will also follow suit because it’s now not necessary for any company to hike the price above Shs5,000” – Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (Job Bwire – ‘Ugandans should boycott fuel stations that keep prices high- PM Nabbanja’ Daily Monitor, 20.01.2022).
We remember just mere years ago when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government was going after “defiance”. Everyone was targeted for supporting defiance and planned corporate boycotts of businesses connected to the regime and it’s high ranking officials. There was an outrage and disgust.
The regime apologists defended going against defiance and civil disobedience. Now, the Prime Minister of the 11th Parliament and this term is speaking well of boycott. As the fuel-crisis is deepening and the state isn’t doing anything directly to help it out.
Another minister has challenged the need for arresting the fuel-station operators who is sky-rocketing the prices. As it is not a cause-and-effect scenario, as the needs for petrol is bigger than the imports of it. That’s why the prices is going up and the stations are struggling to serve the nation. Therefore, the crisis is a border issue and a supply issue.
Its not the petrol stations fault… it is the whole supply-chain from importers to the producer. As the landlock nation has made it hectic on the border and the border-post has stifled the imports. Even with the temporary stop of testing for COVID-19 on the Ugandan side of border. The Republic haven’t directly patched the hurt. No, it continues to damage the Republic and everyone in need for petrol.
The PM is showing her character her, instead of acting and finding solutions… the PM is speaking of boycotting and avoiding the petrol stations, which has to high prices. The PM should address the rises prices and the reason for it. It isn’t the companies or the stations itself, which is directly at fault. As they are based on the imports of petrol and the possibility of getting steady supplies as well. Because, if it goes empty and such … just proves the reason for the rising prices, as the needs are bigger than the current supply.
The PM should address that and the words of defiance is what an opposition leader should do. The opposition should act in defiance and ask for civil disobedience. Ask the public to boycott and stop using certain services. As that is even possible elsewhere… and when your low on fuel, your low on fuel. Then you need to buy and get more to be able to drive…
So, the PM knows this, as she has 4 wheel-drive and an SUV. She drives around and enjoys the perks of her office. Her office and her title covers for everything. There is no worries and it’s all paid for. The fuel-crisis doesn’t hit home and neither does it damage any of the elites in the government either. They are living lavish and don’t have to worry about pricing or inflation for that matter.
That’s why the defiant and defiance against certain fuel-stations is a foolish move, as it is a populist selection or trick. The state should secure the supply-chain and proper reserves to stifle the prices. Instead, the state is asking for civil disobedience, which isn’t a vibe your supposed to get from high ranking officials. Good luck doing that on the road from up-country to anywhere. So, the PM should reconsider, but don’t expect so. She’s high and mighty, which means she will not face any real consequences for this. Except for writings like mine… Peace.
“We have given NUP space to work because they thought we were doing nothing. What is Kyagulanyi doing? What are his people doing? They said we were massaging Museveni. Even former presidential candidate John Katumba has come out asking for permission to conduct a peaceful demonstration” –Nathan Nandala Mafabi (NBS Television, 18.01.2022).
Sometimes, I wonder if the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) just wants to become sticklers in the 11th Parliament? Since, the FDC Treasurer Mafabi is targeting the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Bobi Wine, which have become the Leaders of the Opposition. After 15 years in-charge of that and having the perks. It seems to have hurt the pride of the FDC and their defiant ways.
What is striking about the FDC these days… is that they always only wants to work on their terms and conditions. They want to set the stipulations and cry foul when this isn’t met and it’s tiring.
What is striking it’s just a year ago since the elections of 2021 and only sworn-in in May 2021. So, it is not like the NUP MPs has had a long time to prepare or find their rhythm in the National Assembly. Secondly, they are new party and with a new breed of MPs. Therefore, the FDC and others should give them time. Not expect them to pick the pieces of FDC leftovers and be able to tick of the end-credits of the former LoP.
Mafabi instead of throwing micro-aggressions and insults. Maybe, he should bicker some words of wisdom. Tell them about the tricks of the trade and how the FDC did things. As he expect everyone to achieve things in no time. I have a hard time re-collective the revolutionary things the FDC did in power. As they had committee’s and MPs in vital organs, but not stopping the wishes of the dictator …
So, maybe a man of some character and prominence could establish a mere fact. That it’s near impossible to achieve or get anything done in Parliament. Also, another fact that the National Resistance Movement and the President can do whatever they feel like. As all institutions and all state agencies are run by yes-men and appointees loyal to His Excellency. Therefore, NUP has no chance through procedure or ability to block the NRM from doing their bidding.
That is why the enactment of laws, motions or whatnot will be received and only discussed, before the President enact the laws in question. No matter the demonstrations, the out-cry or the public dismay. The NRM and the President will have their will carved into stone. You can try to stop it from happening, but it will only make some headlines and die down quickly.
Mafabi can act like the NUP has actual power or ability to change things. The FDC was in the same quagmire and didn’t use their leverage either. They are all minorities without any sort of function to block, suspend or even challenge the NRM in the Parliament. The FDC couldn’t do it in the previous Parliament and neither can the NUP now.
The MP and FDC leader would never claim this or say this part out loud. That’s because you look weak and the system is rigged. Everyone with a working marble knows this and the opposition only has a symbolic position in this parliament. They are only there to please donors and be a mirage of “democracy”. However, we know the drill and the President wouldn’t risk the NUP or FDC the powers or prominence to block any legislation or budget allocations. No, he wouldn’t… that’s why his dismissed NRM rebels and people who stood tall against him.
Mafabi should instead of acting like this. Be more cordial and give advice. His just looking bitter and cannot stomach that another party has taken over the FDC in the Republic. Maybe, his sour that he isn’t part of the shadow government or have a title in addition to be an MP. Who knows?
Mafabi should be brighter and act with more resolve. This just make him look foolish and not correct. It is a weak argument and can be easily piled upon him. What has he achieved in all the years in Parliament? Why should Bobi Wine revolutionize things months in? When you guys have had over decades in the same chambers and we are still not moving? Isn’t that a sign of weakness of yourself?
When you can easily flip the coin and it can be turned towards you… maybe you should be a bit more diplomatic and consider another path. This is not winning, but becoming a stickler and it’s not a good look. Peace.
“It is important that they do that because it looks like these days the football game is played in our half only of the opposition; instead of the half of the National Resistance Movement. It is a big weakness that we have got to deal with! What is the role of an opposition? An opposition should present itself as an alternative government, not just as hecklers” – Norbert Mao (Jeff Andrew Lule – ‘Mao to opposition: Stop just being hecklers’ 12.01.2022, New Vision).
The Democratic Party President Norbert Mao is yet again speaking his peace in 2022. He has been the Party President for ages and has little to nothing to show from it. There haven’t been any progression or movement of which proves his relevancy. His only viable because of NBS Frontline appearances and feeding of the plate of IPOD. Therefore, Mao can call things out… but his voice isn’t that viable at this point.
He is a heckler himself and isn’t a figure who inspires, neither is his party a vehicle or a place of vision. No, the DP seems to be a platform for easy access and hopefuls who doesn’t have to challenge anyone. That is how it seems, as Mao is to friendly and to mellow to compete with full force ahead. That’s why the DP and Mao isn’t feared or under scrutiny like other opposition parties. This is maybe why others have left and reorganized elsewhere, where the futures and the possibilities to be viable was more clear.
Mao might not say that, as his blamed Besigye in the past and called him a serial looser. Though, Mao has a worse results and lacking of deliver in comparison. Even Bobi Wine with lesser time and ability to build up a party has achieved more than he has done for over a decade. That should be a warning of his withering role in national politics.
Instead of building a strong and a viable party. It looks more like a paid goofy role of Mao to be in the spotlight. It is not like he has close associates or party leaders who can gain the trust of which the ones who left recently. He might say the party is healthy and dandy, but for who? Him? Is it his domain now and what will leave behind?
The DP haven’t proven itself as a possible answer in the 2011, 2016 or in 2021. No, the DP couldn’t even make the DP Block as a unified visionary group within the opposition. It wasn’t even good enough for newcomers of Muntu and Bobi Wine to be part of. Heck, Mao was last time sidelined by NRM member Amama Mbabazi for the Presidency with the Go Forward Pressure Group within the Opposition Alliance The Democratic Alliance (TDA). Therefore, he cannot even pass as a man of the nation and should settle for MP for Gulu Municipality. That’s where his base is and where he has any hopes of high ranking official position in the Republic.
Mao calling others hecklers, because they don’t follow his guise and the way he purposely moves around with no end in sight. He speaks of being an alternative, but his not even an alternative to himself. Mao cannot even stomach to regain any sort of stature or position, which the NRM would fear or look after. His too peaceful and never does say or bother the state. If he did, he wouldn’t be soda at the police station and be left of the hook so easily. That’s why his just a mediocre leader with lack of enthusiasm. He doesn’t have the charisma or the message to spellbound anyone.
That’s why the academic Mao is a failure, but has to throw shade elsewhere. Just so his securing himself and looks wise. However, this is only backfiring since he has nothing to deliver himself. His a shell of a politician and with time the promise, which he had has withered. There is nothing left, but empty promises and a party of which the promising characters has left as well.
That’s why Mao couldn’t keep Mpuuga, Nambooze or Lukwago. There was nothing left for them to stay or be associated with. The DP Party and DP President couldn’t give them or serve them a purpose. That’s why they fled and sought out other pastures, which they have resolved their needs. Therefore, Mao is proven not to able to sustain the leaders of the opposition within his own organization.
So, at this very point… he is becoming the heckler and the noise-maker without any justification. As he has nothing to prove for his time and work. He only has a name and opportunity to show up on National TV, now and then. Peace.
“Through his official Twitter account Kainerugaba, who is also the first son, said that Mwenda is part of the Army’s fan base, which is ‘just an excited’ lot. “My bro Mwenda is part of the massive fan base that UPDF has because of the great work we do. They want to wear our uniforms, hold our guns and even pretend to fly our aircrafts. It means nothing. They are just excited beings. A victorious army like ours is used to such adoration,” he tweeted. Early this week, videos of Mwenda, a media personality and founder of the Independent Magazine, circulated on social media, attracting criticism from the Ugandans online, who quickly pointed out that his actions are criminal and punishable under the Army Law” (Betty Amamukirori – ‘Muhoozi defends Andrew Mwenda on military attire’ 09.01.2022, New Vision).
It is now clear that there is a distinction between the ones who are part of the elite and who is serving the state, which Andrew Mwenda now clearly is. As of last year and since Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine went into the political landscape. He has galvanized youth and used a red beret, which has “illegal” and people have served time in prison for wearing.
That’s why it’s special and unique to see a civilian like Mwenda. The Editor and journalist at The Independent Magazine. Getting all out in military fatigue and being praised by First Son for doing so. The Commander of Land Forces in the UPDF is accepting this and letting him do it. However, we know his same army and state wouldn’t have allowed anyone else do this in the opposition.
We know already that the National Resistance Movement MPs and High Ranking Officials are all in military fatigue when they have lectures and seminars at Kyankwanzi every year. We have seen them gallivanting around with the fatigue. All from Jennifer Full Figure to the former Secretary General Lumumba-Kasule. We have seen it all and it’s not news, but we are seeing the hypocrisy and the use of law applied to one part of society, and easily dismissed in others.
Just read this passage here:
“164. Unauthorised sale or wearing of uniforms, etc.
(1)
Any person who, without authority—
(c) wears or uses any decoration supplied to or authorised for use by any member of the Defence Forces or any decoration so nearly resembling that decoration as to be likely to deceive,
commits an offence and is, on conviction, liable to imprisonment not exceeding seven years.
2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to any uniform or decoration for the purposes of any bona fide stage, film or television production or military representation.
(3) Any person who by act, words, conduct or otherwise, falsely represents himself or herself to be a person who is or has been entitled to wear or use any uniform or decoration referred to in subsection (1), commits an offence and is, on conviction, liable to imprisonment not exceeding three years” (Uganda People’s Defence Force Act 2005).
We know Mwenda was sitting in the helicopter and being proud-cock of participating with the UPDF. Where he was showing it off to the whole social media as well. He was in military fatigue and wearing the whole uniform for anyone to see. I doubt it was a film-production, television clip or indirectly a military representation. No, it was just a display that his in the anointed elite and “one-of-them”.
I’m looking forward to the display of a movie role or the next UPDF promotion clip with Mwenda acting out his military dream. Where he displays his inner Terminator or Rambo. Because, surely something has to come out of this. It is very clear that the National Unity Platform (NUP) has been violated here. If the ones in the inner-circle can do it, but the ones opposing the government cannot. Then the interpretation of law isn’t justified. Since why should one brother be allowed and another not? The law and the text is the same. The UPDF Act haven’t changed or says, if you are affiliated to government or associated with the National Resistance Movement (NRM), then you are justified wearing military outfits, uniforms and fatigues. No, it states that only UPDF actives are supposed to wear it, unless your doing specific movie or television productions. Therefore, Mwenda should be held under contempt just like the NUP activists, members and leaders who has faced the law for wearing a red beret. That is just fair, if there still is any resemblance of rule of law in the Republic.
As it stands now… there is one law for Andrew and another law for Robert. Peace.
“The Interparty Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) is still engaging the National Unity Platform (NUP) so that it joins them. In a document released by the IPOD council chairperson who doubles as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) secretary general, Richard Todwong, he said as leaders of different political parties, they are still engaging NUP as to convince them to join IPOD. “We want them to work together towards finding solutions to the governance and political challenges we may experience as a country,” he said” (Simon Peter Tumwine – ‘We are still engaging NUP to join IPOD, says Todwong’ 04.01.2022, New Vision).
The National Resistance Movement Secretary General Richard Todwong and IPOD council chairman has work ahead of him. In the same article the National Unity Platform Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya says at this point it’s not purposeful to join the IPOD. Where he stated the IPOD has to change and listen to the stipulations the NUP gave, which we know the NRM won’t do.
That is why we know the document and IPOD mission to get the NUP in the fold is a suicide mission. Unless, they are open for a revolution and total changes, as we know the IPOD haven’t dropped anything of sense in ages. The last big conferences or heads of parties has been a big presser and an envelope session.
So, I understand why NUP doesn’t see the relevance to be sitting around with Party Presidents and await for His Excellency to lecture everyone before dipping back to one of the State House’s or ranches. The NRM SG could be honest about it, but don’t expect it.
The IPOD didn’t help the parties in the manner of Public Order Management Act (POMA) and the other means of the state to oppress the opposition. This forum is a wasted forum and an organization who only buys the President time and make him see who he can compromise. The IPOD isn’t all that and I am glad that the NUP see this.
The NUP is just showing it has no intentional works in the future. They just wants everyone on the platform and at the venues when they are gathering. It looks better when all the major parties are at the event and conferences. Just like it looked bad the times Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) boycotted it. Clearly, that wasn’t enough and it wasn’t like that changed things either.
The NRM SG can make it believe that the IPOD has a mission and wants to achieve things. However, that is far and beyond at this point. The ones funding this should see it for themselves. Nevertheless, they are just the credit-card and the bank willing to fund this foolish enterprise, which leads to a road leading to nowhere. There is no end in sight and neither any objectives. It is just existing and become a pathetic organization.
Todwong can act like IPOD is relevant and has a place, but that doesn’t make it true. I cannot remember any achievements or any sort of “governance” changes coming out of IPOD. That is just the mere fact. The NRM Caucus and it’s documents has more value than any of these gatherings… and that says a lot. Even forgotten letters from the President has a significant possibility to change things. But… IPOD… who …. are …. we …. kidding?
Right?
Todwong stop this charade and get out of here. This is nonsense and you know it. Peace.