Economic Freedom Fighters: EFF Statement on the Banning of Elections Campaigns (27.12.2020)

Opinion: No way this election can be either free or fair…

I lack words today… just enough of the suffering. As yet another man dies on the roads to campaign. Yet more people are shot by the authorities in Masaka. As the 14th January 2021 is approaching. Like that is a final end of things.

These sort of actions. The abductions of political affiliates, the arbitrary arrests and extra judicial killings. The state is on full alert. Arresting and nailing the coffins on the ones associated with either the National Unity Platform (NUP) or the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

Where activists, party leaders are going missing. Getting arrested like chicken thieves by law enforcement in the night. They are incommunicado and the news are breaking in the morning after. Since, suddenly these folks aren’t appearing or answering the calls like they used too.

This is the sort devious acts the government does. The usage of tear-gas, blocking and closing off public venues. The road-blocks, the arrests on the road and the live-bullets is bad enough. As the stray bullets are hitting civilians. Civilians are hurt by the state sponsored violence and the general public is tearing eyes as the pink tear-gas is appearing. This is happening again and again. A repetitive measure and the suffering continues.

If the National Resistance Movement (NRM) thinks this is cool. They are fools. They are allowing citizens to die on their watch. They are allowing citizens being deemed criminal before evidence and a fair trail ever happening. They are preventative arrests and usage of the power of the state to abduct and keep associated people hostage. This while they are neither getting justice or freedom. A freedom and liberty, a peace that the NRM claims the public has gotten under them.

However, doing this day and night ahead of the polls. Only shows the world one thing. That the President is a tyrant and a dictator. He got no back-bone to have real opposition. He cannot stomach a multi-party democracy. If he did, he would be happy that the NUP and FDC was campaigning and building up their parties. Alas, he rather destroy them with his military and his police.

While the President speaks of correct ideology. How can it be correct to use these means to silence critics? How can it be right to arrest people without warrants or evidence? How can it be right to use fatal force against civilians? You tell me, because I don’t have the answer.

This election is fraudulent and a charade even before the ballots are cast. These elections are marred with government sponsored violence and injustice. There is no justification to prolong the agony. The deaths and the injured says enough. The political prisoners and the issues of assembly. Says it all. Where the NRM can do whatever, while the others are tasting the brutal force of the state. They are coming in like the opposition are terrorists or serial killers. While the public are getting the blunt force right in their face. The authorities who are there to protect them are the ones that violates their space and their rights to gather and assemble. That is the tragedy here.

The President and his men can blame the victims, never take responsibility and call it “collateral damage”. Like they broke a glass at a pub during a brawl over who won the last game of Dominoes or something. However, the person who dies cannot be replicated like a glass. The person will not return, only the memory of what that person can linger in people’s heart. The death is the end of a life. That is why its tiring and exhausting knowing people dies over a campaign. Only to spread a political message and bring hope.

The NRM speaks highly of liberation from the past. However, these acts are like the past. The abduction, the arrests and usage of state to destroy the opposition. The amount of skulls, the amount of pain and suffering the NRM has caused. Will one day be tallied and be categorized. The day of reckoning and answering for its ills. Its injustice and impunity will one day happen. Even if it isn’t tomorrow.

Nevertheless, the 14th January 2021 is already set and the goal-post haven’t changed. The state is showing its insincerity and brutality. There is no way these elections will be free nor fair. That has been shown with this campaign. As Bobi Wine sleeps roadside in rural Uganda while awaiting a new day to campaign. That says it all.

These campaigns are rigged, the polls are rigged and the President is a bloodthirsty tyrant. If you don’t know, now you know. Peace.

Bobi Wine’s Bodyguard Frank Ssenteza knocked-dead in Masaka

Just after the terrible news of the three journalists shot in Masaka. Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine’s Bodyguard Francis Ssentenza Aka Frank, the Personal Bodyguard was knocked down by a police patrol car falling to the ground and dying on the spot.

So much impunity and injustice within a day. The National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential Candidate and his convoy has been severely hurt by this. The Bodyguard was proclaimed and confirmed dead in Rubaga. Therefore, the fatalities surrounding this campaign continues.

The authorities should answer for this one. This is yet another one and its tragic that its coming to this. Innocent lives taken and just for campaigning. This shouldn’t be a thing. Frank deserves better, all citizens deserves better. He was just doing his job and that cost his life. Peace.

Journalists shot as they we’re following Bobi Wine’s Convoy in Masaka

Today as Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was leaving Masaka district after visiting a church ahead of campaigning in Lwengo district. The authorities and the police ambushed the National Unity Platform (NUP) convoy passing the area. They used live bullets on unarmed civilians.

These bullets apparently hit journalist Saif-llah Ashraf Kasirye, a Radio One journalist and an online Ghetto TV in his head. He got taken to the Masaka hospital for treatment. Others who was also hit and injured by the police was the journalist Ali Mviule and Daniel Lutayaa (NBS TV).

This actions is police brutality and journalism isn’t a crime. These folks and citizens are only covering the campaign of Bobi Wine. They are not criminals and haven’t done a crime. These acts are devious and injustice.

Innocent civilians gunned down for doing their job by the security that is supposed to keep them safe. What the police are doing versus what they are supposed to do.

These actions shouldn’t happen, but they are reoccurring and there is no consequences. The only thing happening for this trigger-happy police officers and commanders. Is that they get moved and stationed elsewhere. There is no consequences if there is fatalities or brutality served the general public.

Today has been bloody and unnecessary so. Three journalists doing their job got injured while working. Because some local officer wanted to show his hubris. That isn’t a good sign and the people pulling the trigger will not answer to any courts or any law. While Bobi Wine and his folks has to thread the waters carefully. Since he can answer the same Police Force anytime. Peace.

Bobi Wine’s car shot at in Kyotera district

There has already been reported that the authorities have blocked Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine from accessing Kyotera town in Kyotera district. That is happening after he has campaigned in Rakai district earlier in the day.

So, as the authorities have blocked him. They have taken it further an flatten his wheels of his car. They actually shot at it again. This time as they we’re leaving Kifuuta village in Kyotera district. Clearly, the state is directly attacking him.

They have already done the same act in Jinja and Rwampara districts. Therefore, the state is really showing no signs of mercy. They are deliberately making it hard for Bobi Wine to campaign ahead of the 2021 polls. These actions are really stopping the NUP Presidential Candidate from doing job and speaking his message to the public.

They are always doing something that can thwart his work. This is another act of deviousness and shows the lack of tolerance for his campaign. When they have done this three times already. That says a lot. Peace.

Opinion: When Museveni stops, everyone else has to stop…

The EC has suspended campaign meetings in districts/cities categorised by Ministry of Health as having high spread of Covid19. From 26/12/20, no campaign meetings will be held in Mbarara, Kabarole, Luwero, Kasese, Masaka, Wakiso, Kabarole, Jinja, Kalungu, Kazo, Kampala & Tororo” (Paul Bukenya, 26.12.2020).

There is now reports that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is scheduled to finalize his ending of his campaign on the 30th December 2020 ahead of the January 14th 2021 Presidential Elections. It is therefore fitting that Electoral Commission cancel the abilities for all other candidates to campaign in several of opposition strongholds.

This is just areas where the President knows he lacks support and therefore, the opposition cannot campaign there. Even if the Electoral Commission lacks the mandate to do this. They haven’t issued “State of Emergency” neither has the President. The Parliament haven’t accepted it or even looked over the mandate to do so.

That they are doing this today 19 days ahead of the polls is really irregular and wrecking havoc. The President doesn’t care. He will bag this election with a rigged election and only going through the motions.

This here is really showing Kampala and Wakiso disregard. Just like the Electoral Commission and authorities did in the 2016 General Elections. They are continuing to do this and show repellent actions towards the citizens there. As they are undermined yet again. We are supposed to forget the vote delay and the postponement of polls in 2016?

Yes, the President and the Electoral Commission did that last time around. Yet, again in this election cycle they are doing things earlier. Just like they arrested Bobi Wine ahead of the polls already. Instead of house-arresting him to oblivion after the polls and not allowing him to vote. Just like they did to Besigye last time around.

This here is deliberately issuing and blocking the opposition from campaigning. Using COVID-19 or the Coronavirus as an excuse. This is all politicking and doing this stop the opposition. This is even breaching the Presidential Elections Act of 2000, which states:

21. Protection and immunity of candidates.

During the campaign period, every public officer and public authority and public institution shall give equal treatment to all candidates and their agents” (Presidential Act of 2000).

Not that the campaign period have given the opposition candidates the equal opportunity or the authorities have been fair during the campaign period. No, they hare been partisan and been blocking the opposition.

This is yet another move from the authorities to be unfair ahead of the polls. That its done in opposition strongholds isn’t surprising either. Just shows the state of affairs. The state and the President are just securing their bag, instead of the future.

President Museveni doesn’t care if the law enforcement is unfair and not giving equal opportunities to the opposition. That isn’t shocking… but just the mere reality. All the acts done by the authorities should be enough to challenge these elections in the courts. Though don’t expect favourable judgements, as these folks are appointed by the President and they are their to validate his reign. Peace.

Opinion: Being bulletproof or barefooted will not overcome an rigged election

That Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and Patrick Oboi Amuriat (POA) have the spirit of defiance and resilience against the oppressive means of the authorities. The National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will not loose this up-coming elections. To think so is futile. The idea of winning by the ballot is naive. There is no way that will happen. If that scheme worked. Dr. Kizza Besigye would have been inaugurated either in 2011 or in 2016. However, that never happened. Because the President has the team, the operation and pre-fixed result to win in January 2021.

Bobi Wine can get shot at, tear-gassed and arrested. He can wear the helmet, bulletproof vest and be guarded 24/7 by loyal guards and cronies. All of these ideals are good as the authorities are relentless, blocking him and closing off roads. Not allowing him to sleep in hotels, attend rallies at scheduled places and so fourth. That is all fine and dandy, but he will not win.

POA can go through the same. Being arrested, charged and losing his shoes. The Presidential Candidate can be scuffled, blocked and challenged. He shows the spirit as the proud villager, but that will not cut it.

Bobi Wine is popular and able to sell an idea. That idea will linger on, but the way things are done. Systematic ignorance and usage of force will deplete all ideals. Because no matter how good these ideals are and how honest they may be. The government, the authorities and the law enforcement will ensure another term for Museveni. Not that its the will of the people and they are forced to have him.

The President, the incumbent of 1986 won’t risk losing to these two candidates. They are useful to legitimize the affairs and make it look like a race. However, the President and his team will be pre-ticked into oblivion. The state will ensure that more people suffer, use the live-bullets and fatalities will be on the rise around the polls. The fatalities will suddenly rise exponentially when protests and riots appear.

The barefoot is a nice way of showing strength through it all. Some has mocked that, but it is a neat trick. Nevertheless, POA’s drive and rallies will not strike the strong cord. The FDC needs more P10 organizations and securing the ballots. Then any sort of fishing for relevance these days. The Plan B is what they need to galvanize the public and explain why the ballots are pointless.

Going through the motions. Doing the same, again and again… and expecting another result is just bonkers. To think you will get a reckoning and a sudden change is outrageous. The fatigue of this is understandable. The public and the parties have run through the same procedures countless of times with nothing to little to show for it. The state have taken it all and fixed it all too.

The NRM and the President will have the majority, they will have the Presidency and the opposition will suffer again at the polls. Not because the opposition doesn’t have support or built a new base of supporters. No, that doesn’t matter, because these people doesn’t count with ghosts and pre-ticked ballots in favour of the NRM.

Bobi Wine bulletproof campaign and #WeAreRemovingADictator is genuine message and a needed one. However, it will not work. Unless, he ask for a revolution and for a risk of total disregard of the polls. Bobi Wine and POA can only overcome the President with defiance. There is no other way. The ballots are ticked and results will only serve the fountain of honour. The others will only receive breadcrumbs and not get the golden ticket. That is not happening. Just like it didn’t happen in the past either. It isn’t a matter of free and fair elections. It isn’t about accountability or transparency. It is all about power and regaining it. The state will not fumble this or risk losing it. They are all bound the fate of one man and they are willing to see the Republic burn as long as his reigning. They are all counting on him.

The bulletproof and barefoot is commendable, but they need to amp up the speed. These motions and the same as last election cycle will not be enough. The system isn’t changed. Yes, the NUP and FDC have shown character and been bold. I commend that, but know deep in my heart. That this will not push the state over the edge. They are not fearing enough and worried enough. They are not losing sleep and lost for words. No, they are continuing like Yester-year and anticipating similar outcomes as in past. Peace.

National Resistance Movement (NRM): Response to Media Reports regarding Proposed Constitutional Amendments and Postponement of the 2020/2021 General Elections (24.12.2020)

Opinion: UJCC wants to give Mr. 1986 three more years for free

The Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) an umbrella association of Christian leaders in Uganda has urged the government to postpone the forthcoming 2021 general election for three more years, due to the growing cases of COVID-19. The Christian Council wants the elections to be held in 2023 when the COVID-19 pandemic is contained” (Jonah Kirabo – ‘Religious Leaders: Extend elections for 3 years, change constitution to allow Museveni lead’ 23.12.2020, Nilepost.co.ug).

The Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) wants to give President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni another three years in power. Another term without an election as we are awaiting the polls on the January 14th 2021. Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga now wants it extended when its only 22 days ahead. It is like 3 weeks to the due date. Therefore, the UJCC is really to late to the party.

An constitutional amendment needs more time. Even if the Special Force Command (SFC) invades the chambers and force the voting in favour. They still needs two or three readings. It needs to be sent to Committee and be voted for with possible changes to the law. Therefore, it needs time. Plus the National Resistance Movement (NRM) needs to convene NRM Caucus at the Entebbe State House. Also getting the final verdict from the NRM CEC. This is all making the process slower. There is also a need for accounted cash to be given to the ones that votes for this altering law.

It is just like the UJCC doesn’t care about the procedures and how laws are made. Especially altering the Constitution. This would be yet another change to benefit Museveni. Give him another term unelected like he was between 1986 to 1996. He has already had two terms without an elections in the past. It would be foolish to give him that again. Especially, when the elections of Tanzania, Burundi and United States went ahead even during these times of Pandemic.

If the government of Uganda is as great as the NRM always proclaim. They shouldn’t be weaker and lack courage to make safe elections happening like the other Republic’s did. These Christian leaders is just chasing the bag. They are vouching for the President and his cause. By coming with recommendation of keeping him power.

Giving a man who has been in office since 1986 doesn’t need another 3 years. There is no excuse or reason for him to linger. If he haven’t done it yet, it will never happen. The old man cannot sustain or be able to revolutionize government services. If that should have happened. It would have been in the early 1990s and not now. His not interested in that, but only keeping power.

If the UJCC suddenly receives envelopes and SUVs. I wouldn’t be shocked. They have done a service to the old man. They have shown token loyalty and been mouth-pieces for him. Just 22 days ahead of the polls. This is ass kissing and if they were trying to compete. Only Ofwono Opondo and Andrew Mwenda would be further up his ass.

UJCC is a disgrace for doing this. Giving Museveni more time? Who are they kidding here? That is mockery and wanting Constitutional Amendment to give it legitimacy. If the President wanted to do that. He should have pushed his majority MPs a while back and if COVID-19 was such a crisis. Why didn’t the President invoke “State of Emergency”? Something he never did, because then he would be even more accountable to the Parliament by law and that is hectic for him.

President Museveni doesn’t deserve more time. He should have retired a long time ago. However, he never did and the state shows it fatigue by having him there. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni is repeating the oppressive means of Obote II

The man who promised a “fundamental change” and be a different from the ones before him. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni promised a lot, but however these days it shows no difference between him and the second Dr. Milton Obote II regime. He is using the same means against opposition and activists.

The abduction and suddenly detaining of Nicholas Opiyo yesterday proved it. As he was taken by law enforcement in plain clothers from a restaurant in Kamwokya. Later it was reported that he was at the Central Investigation Division (CID) at Kireka. However, they have suddenly charged him with money laundering and such. That is just an easy way freeze accounts and find excuses to have behind bars.

It wasn’t only Opiyo who was abducted yesterday. His team was also taken-in. These was Simon Peter Esomu and Anthony Odur. Which shows that anyone can be taken by the state operatives for no apparent reasons these days.

There been reports of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leaders and candidates who has been taken and in-custody without any warrants. The National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters have been attacked by soldiers as they were preparing for rallies. They were wearing red and posters of Bobi Wine. That was enough to get either brutally hurt by them or arrested to unknown locations.

These days the regime doesn’t have the State Research Bureau (SRB) which was a torture dome and where people was taken too. Today the Internal Security Organization (ISO), Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) and other outfits are using not only CID Kireka, but also ungazetted safe-houses for the ones that is abducted by the state. This sort of operation have gone on for long and court cases proved it. However, the election is only showing the lack of space for opposition in the Republic.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is acting like Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) under Dr. Milton Obote II did to the Democratic Party in the 1980s. Where MPs was arrested, gerrymandering and abduction of people. There is no difference there. Only new names and parties, but the parties are clearly acting alike.

Now the green of the DP isn’t the deadly sin, but wearing the red or blue is the problem. If you are associated with NUP or FDC you can expect legal trouble. You can get abducted for weeks without warrants or charges. The people who is abducted is able to get access to get attorneys, neither are they freed after 48 hours without a trial. They are just keeping them indefinitely and hoping nobody is blowing the whistle on the injustice.

The NRM is repeating the ills of the previous regimes. They are using the military, expanded the Presidential Entourage and finding new measures to suppress the public. The President is blaming the victims and using words that even Obote did in 1983.

Where Obote said: It is convenient for them to make allegations in order to hide the effect of losing support and the lack of policies to put to the electorate” (Leon Dash – ‘Violence Poisons Political Process Within Uganda’ 01.12.1983, Washington Post).

We can hear the NRM saying similar these days. They are deflecting and hoping people are forgetting the ones abducted and arrested politically during these times. That would be very convenient for them. As we are following the campaign trail and what’s happening to the main candidates. While the lingering supporters and smaller candidates… can be behind bars without anyone defending them. Some can even be at a safe-house and their families have no clue where they are taken. The ones abducted to unknown locations. Just because the state can do so… Peace.