Sheema North By-Election: It went to the NRM, but nothing was left to chance!

It wasn’t only that the President graced the final rally the day before, or that the military and police used massive amount efforts to undermine the competition. No, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) had no message to send, so they had to arrest all Forum for Democratic Change Polling Stations agents and the big-shots, as they we’re not allowed to directly monitor the counting or the Return Forms from the Polling Stations. As well as we know the CCEDU are not allowed to observer the elections anymore. Therefore, the civil society and opposition was working with bent knees, while trying to run.

That the NRM won was made on the sky before the polls, as the military even took over Tally Centre before the ballots arrived to the polling stations. The talk of democracy or even level playing-field is foolish in this manner. When at the days of the polls, 20 FDC Polling Agents was arrested. These was the big-shots that was arrestd: Oddo Tayebwa and Stanley Katembeya.

To further prove the allegations. FDC MP Francis Mwijukye reported this earlier in the day:

Police Director of Operations,Asuman Mugyenyi has ordered for the arrest of FDC leaders and agents in Sheema North where a parliamentary byelection is on going today. So far 15 leaders and 20 agents have been arrested. Meanwhile Am also surrounded here at Nyabwina primary school” (Francis Mwijukye, 08.10.2018).

When that is the case, as well as the police everywhere and the military too. The intimidation and the acts of government was made for the NRM to win. There was no other way out of this. The opposition wasn’t working together behind the candidate, which they have usually blamed FDC for their own works. So, now they left them all alone without any sympathy or putting up camp for the final week. There has been nothing from the ones talking of unity, the FDC was alone against NRM. Therefore, the ones speaking of ill of FDC’s actions in previous elections, better remember, that they have gone behind and supported other parties own candidates in By-Elections, but none gave the favor back here.

That Naome Kibaaju won wasn’t shocking with the manner this went down. If she thinks this is a whole-sum victory, she is apparently wrong. Not because the FDC lost. Any party can loose and that is justified. However, it is not justified when the tallying is done in darkness and the monitoring of the ballots has been only done by the government-friendly agents. That is easy math and shows the disgraceful acts of state.

This here saga continues. The good news is that this one didn’t end up in directly torture, forged up charges and more impunity from the state, other than the preventative arrests and the acts of intimidation. Because the NRM has no message to give the public.

The only thing make me happy, that there was no funeral because of this… there been to many dying over By-Elections and each one of them is one too many. Peace.

Sheema North By-Election – Return Form for Transmission of Results (08.10.2018)

Sheema North By-Election: Voter intimidation and the Calvary on high alert with th arrests of FDC leaders!

Today is the open MP slot left behind after the Sheema Municipality By-Election earlier this year, when Hon. Elioda Tumwesigye one his second race since 2016 and had to resign the Sheema North. That is why there is a by Election in Sheema North and why the NRM is having all the stakes in. While the Opposition are alone with one candidate and one party, as the rest has left them behind. You can wonder why, because recently, there has been joint opposition races in the by-election.

However, this has been a weird by-election, but that is maybe because of the aftermath of the Arua By-Election in August 2018. When the army, the Special Force Command and the opposition there has been charged with treason ever since. That is maybe why there are only two candidates and the NRM is ready with the same weapons today.

We haven’t seen the joint-opposition behind the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate, neither seen the critic against the NRM candidate either. The President joined the campaign on the last day before the election and held a big rally. But there haven’t been much scope or any seemingly to hit the radar. Before today, when the polls are appearing. The real NRM is appearing and they have to use the tools of intimidation and arrests to secure their results, even when they are just going against one candidate. They don’t have the message or the candidate to bring it in without all of that.

At Kigarama Sub County headquarters,the said Tally Centre for tomorrows Voting in Sheema North Constituency. As we speak, Military and Army have already taken over the center ahead of stake holders meeting with the electoral commission. Its supposed to start at 2pm and now 3pm. The meeting has not started. This seems already an army engineered election which calls for more vigilance and confrontation” (Augustine Ojobile, 07.10.2018).

Men in ‘police’ uniform commanded by ASP Kaganzi from Mbarara have arrested Hon. Odo Tayebwa at Kabutsye Town Council” (Forum for Democratic Change, 08.10.2018). Also reports of an arrest of Stanley Katembeya today as well. Therefore, the FDC are getting into usual trouble, as they are using their powers to control them.

Heavy police and UPDF deployment has taken place in Sheema North Constituency in western Uganda as voters elect a new MP today. The race is tight between Naome Kibajju of the ruling NRM party and Guma Nuwagaba who defected from the NRM to opposition party FDC and the security men are said to have deployed across several sub-counties in the constituency” (Capital FM Uganda, 08.10.2018).

There are clear message sent by the NRM, that they are not losing this constituency, as they had it previously and intends to keep it. They have sent the Military to the Tally Centre yesterday, certainly not only at the one spot, but on the ones that matter. Where they can ensure the results are configured and rigged well. As the Opposition doesn’t have the manpower or reach to have checks- and balances.

The FDC are alone swimming in this and their campaign might have been good. Their candidate might be in question himself, as he was a loser in the NRM Primaries. The NRM seemingly still uses all intimidation and arrests to secure the outcome. They do not trust the Naome Kibaju candidacy to win the By-Election. If they did, they wouldn’t need the army and the police to do, what they do.

As long as there is no extra judicial killing and another funeral because of this By-Election. Then that is good somehow, though the NRM has little to bring to table, when they need the Security Forces to spread their message, which is, we rule, we reign and don’t try to stop us. Peace.

Bobi Wine is shaking Bosco to his core foundation!

The sudden rise of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is shaking the President and his allies. They we’re not prepared for his domain to be put in question by a new generation. That was only left for other Bush-War elites or even the ones who used to stand by him. Now, their voices aren’t big enough.

However, Bobi Wine isn’t from those clothes, he isn’t raised by these men and has only been ruled by them from his childhood. He has seen the suits and ties, but not seen their activity as a helpful enterprise, he has not seen the true liberation or freedom, as he has fought in his career and also been blocked while doing so. Therefore, he knows the cost of being political, even when your not an direct political operative.

While in the rise of Museveni, he promised and pledged to free the peasants, to ensure their voice and to not be used by the government. However, what his government has done, is using their poverty to gain loans and support of programs, without any strong achievements to show for. That is even as the 32 years of hold of power, the timely donations to the Ghettos seems a bit late and also shows the lack of progress in general. As the state is coming with charity, instead of coming with solutions.

Bobi Wine might not have grandest of messages, neither did dr. Kizza Besigye, but they are both saying what is needed, a real change and opportunities for the public to be represented and get service delivery. Not as usual today, where the state isn’t really seeing the suffering or the lack of service, as they are awaiting donor funds to fill the gaps for new programs and policy changes within the ministries.

The 1986ers have forgotten why they fought, as they are doing what processors where doing, the same rampant corruption, the same flashy cars and abroad health-care treatment, the same preventative arrests, the same assumption of colour connected to dissenting voice are arrested (24 red napkins “People Power” versus Green “DP” material under Obote) and so on. The use of colonial practices of caining people and also torture of dissidents, the new rulers are just like the same, but just more vindictive.

Museveni are forgetting the struggle, the impoverished and thinks he can PR manoeuvre and just sprinkle icing on the hurt and think it vanish. However, the dire realities are there, the political landscape is like this, because he made it like it too. Bobi Wine wouldn’t mean so much, if it wasn’t for the growing space between the State House and the people.

If the President didn’t need to hire more Special Force Command or even the new LDU’s, as that is the second coming of the Crime Preventers, but just more soldiers, than Police Officers. Just at another attempt of having more loyal paid guards, as the President cannot trust his own people or their loyalty to him. That is why he has taken all the men and people who are close to Bobi Wine and arrested them too, just to prove a point. Which is that he rules supreme.

This cannot last forever, he was maybe able to beat Besigye, as they are the same Bush-War generation, but he cannot continue to prolong this. Because the generation of Bobi Wine is not the same, they have only seen Bosco’s face and his tired of empty lies and deception. They are ready for governance and rulers who cares about their fate. Peace.

Bobi Wine and the “Arua 34” Treason Case deferred to 3rd December 2018: State procedure to postpone as long as they can!

Again, the Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and all his comrades from the Post Arua By-Election fracas had to answer the courts. This time they answered in the Gulu Magistrates Court. As per ordinary function, as the lack of evidence of the crime, lack of investigation within the month, close to two months. The Sate haven’t collected or bothered to explain the charges put on these people. They are just putting the pain on the individual, hoping they will buckle under pressure.

This is something is mandatory for any freedom fighter and anyone who is working against Bosco and his henchmen. If you’re a leader of some stature, you will be in Court and your charges will be fraudulent raised against you. That is the only outcome, as the state has already gotten rid of the forged gun charged, which was monopolized weapons and ammunition of the army. Which suddenly ended up planted in the Hotel Room of Bobi Wine on the fatal day of his driver in Arua. While the car, which was first a luggage vehicle, turned more important a few days later, as the President own admission has been altered since the day of proposed action. Where the glass was perfectly shattered and not even damaged on the paint of the car, which is magic in my opinion.

Here is today current state of affairs:

“Gulu Magistrate’s court has deferred to December 3 the case in which Kyadondo East Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and 34 others are charged with treason over the violence ahead of the Arua Municipality by-election. The case resumed for mention on Monday in Gulu before Grade One magistrate Yunus Ndiwalana. However, the state prosecutor, Mr Julius Ochen, told court that they needed more time to gather more evidence against the accused” (Unity FM 97.7 Lira, 01.10.2018).

So if you think the saga of Bobi Wine and Arua is over. Forget about it. The Kabale Magistrate Court, prolonged the ‘Walk to Work’ case against them in 2012, but was still working on the case, even in 2016. Therefore, expect the same kind of nonsense in the manner of Bobi Wine. As he has enough supporters and have a generation behind him. That Bosco never will touch, unless he bribes them to oblivion and back. Nevertheless, they do not trust Bosco.

Now, that we are here and seeing this, expect it to last long, until 2019, maybe even 2020, if the NRM needs it to be. Because these court cases will pile up and stop Bobi Wine from campaigning and even be a viable candidate. This will stifle his affairs as he answers to forged up charges made by the state and these crimes has to be settled before he is really a free man. This is intended play by the authorities. The ones thinking otherwise are willingly to be fooled and thinking this is genuine. Then, they have learned nothing from all the issues and Court proceedings Besigye has had in his long career as a viable opposition candidate. Peace.

Bosco is the Rooster: Bobi Wine’s People Power is there to free the animals!

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is trying every way possible to deflect and dismantle the opposition. He has used all the tactics he can muster. Even the will of trying to make Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) irrelevant and also internal in-fighting isn’t helping the cause of the President. Because, there has come another force, another wave he cannot control or even interfere.

This one is Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine who represents the new generation and the ones ready for change from the status quo and is ready for proper representation. Not just a fake peace, where if they question the ruler and his party. You will face consequences. Bobi Wine has done this and has already paid. Now Bobi Wine are going through what Kizza Besigye has been through. Just today, the whole of Masaka was a militarized zone and road-blocks to the Masaka Liberation Square, where the Democratic Party Re-Union was happening and he was invited.

Bobi Wine proved there, why he has such a support and why people listen to him, as he said this:

We must remember that it will not come easy. As Nelson Mandela said, there is no easy walk to freedom. Our struggle will not be different from the others in the past. Some of us have already paid a price and we are ready, if it means paying more. Because I am convinced that freedom does not come to those who cry, but to who struggle for it. And those who struggle for it must be willing to sacrifice. Today we meet eight days after the commemoration of the Democratic Party founding father’s brutal murder by the Idi Amin regime. On 21st September 1972, Benedicto Kiwanuka was abducted from the High Court building and murdered by the regime of the time. Those who killed him thought that they had achieved it all. I am sure that day, they congratulated themselves for the work well done. Just like President Museveni has been congratulating some people for torturing us and killing our people. But the fact that we gather here today is evidence that ideas do not die. He was killed, but what he stood for could not be killed. Benedicto Kiwanuka envisioned a united country built on justice, democracy and equality. Today we are here speaking about those principles which he cherished. I have no doubt in my mind that those who oppress us today will one day go, and Uganda will be free. Our generation is called upon to step up and act” (Bobi Wine Address on 28th September 2018).

Because he speaks from the heart and he is like so many, who has been most part of his life living with the one ruler and his party. That is why he is different and knows that Museveni plans to go nowhere, as Bosco has shown no sign of succession even. Bosco cannot see, how the youths doesn’t respect him or his legacy. As the legacy and whatever he delivered, Bosco did it long time ago and the ones remembering that are either dead or advanced age. As Bobi Wine are ready for good governance and a representative government, not a military junta as off today. Which he has been tortured by and his drive killed. Also, his friends and business-partners behind bars because of his allegiance with them.

As we grew up, our parents used to tell us interesting stories. One of those stories went like this. Once upon a time, the cockerel was the king of all animals. At the time, it ruled over the lions, the tigers, the leopards, and the elephants. You can imagine a mere hen ruling over the animal kingdom. But what was its secret? It deceived other animals that its red comb was too hot. It made sure that propaganda was spread all over that if you came close to it, you would immediately burn. All animals feared it and for many years it ruled over them and made them do whatever it wanted. But one day, there was rain and it became too cold. All animals wanted fire but they hand no place to find it. So the rabbit organized a meeting and called all animals. It asked to be paid so that it would go and get fire from the cockerels’ head. When the animals had paid it, the hare went into Mr. cockerel’s house in the deep of the night. It moved very slowly and put a piece of wood on the comb of this cockerel. To its disappointment, the thing was as cold as ice. And as the story goes, that was the end of the cockerel’s kingdom. The day we understand our power, and the deception of those who rule over us, we shall free ourselves from oppression” (Bobi Wine Address no 28th September 2018).

If this story doesn’t show the signs of the future. Show the progression and also the use of tales to tell the needs for the struggle. Here is using the cockerel (rooster) as a metaphor for Bosco. As he has used his propaganda to trick people of his strength with his cockerel, which was powerless and just flair. Since the animals had believed and eaten the words of the hen. However, his powers was his propaganda and not his real strength. The same is what the people’s power needs to do and show the lies of Bosco. As his flex is bigger, than his real power. Since he has forgotten his place and his role, as he thinks he can rule all supreme and that the people shall just accept that. That is not how it works.

Bosco is the cockerel (rooster) and people have to become like all the other animals to overturn his kingdom. It is time, to use that power and show that there is alternatives, which isn’t made by the propaganda, but is within the people or all the animals as the tale is telling. This is the richness and also the grand message of Bobi Wine today. As the people have to free themselves and also calling up this generation to step up and act. That is strong words, but also needed words, as the NRM are using the military and police anytime Bobi Wine walks around. Peace.

Bosco thinks he can bribe the youth of Kamwokya: So they will not join the People Power Movement!

We know that Yoweri Kaguta Museveni are scared and aware of the power, the messages and the public surge for Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. That is why Museveni isn’t participating in the United Nations General Assembly, as he is back at his farm in Rwakitura and in-general doing official business at the State House.

That is why Bosco suddenly cares for Kamwokya and Kyadondo East Constituency, as it is there where Bobi Wine first made a name and his strongholds. That is the State House is suddenly dropping off pocket-change from the Donations Budget in the Presidential Affairs there. As the State House has to try to bribe the public with donations and gifts, as they doesn’t have any clear solutions to their dire needs. The State House and government should have ensured that this sort of charity wasn’t needed, but they can do this, because the NRM has kept them poor.

Col Bantariza was in the company of State House officials who on Monday, on behalf of President Museveni, handed over support to Ghetto Youth Community at Kamwokya Passover Harvest Church. “The president has given you this money but I urge you to use it well. You have been given 100m but if you use it well, in future you will get more than that,” Col. Bantariza said” (Michael Kakumirizi – ‘Six slum groups receive State House money’ 24.09.2018, Link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Six-slum-groups-State-House-money-Museveni-Bobi-Wine/688334-4775294-j00jz/index.html).

We surely knows why these funds suddenly rains over this part of Kampala, as this was the first place with riots after the arrest and torture of Bobi Wine in August 2018. That is why the State House and Bosco is trying to pay himself out with some small donations to the public. Hoping that these minor gestures are enough to silence them. This is really to bribe them off.

Bosco thinks he is wise. If he was wise, he would have given the youth, used his three decades into power to actually create opportunities and securing their future. Instead, so many percentages are without work and without possible hire, as the gig economy and the lack possible hires.

This is the mistake of the government, they are oppressing them and tear-gassing them, but thinking they will forget that over dropping a few meals and some shillings. They are not finding solutions or trying to figure out why they are dwellers, hawkers, boda-boda drivers and whatnot. They are not ensuring their future or such. This sort of funds is just temporary, as the long-term needs are met.

That should Bosco worry about and is the reason for Bobi Wine popularity, because he wants another future for them, not just some pocket change and forget them in a years time. That is what the National Resistance Movement (NRM) does. They haven’t done this in the past, in a way, but does it everytime there is a election. Then, they give money and hope for loyalty for the donations. But now they does it when it isn’t an election. Than we know the reason. They are trying to give breadcrumbs and hope they will not riot.

They should have delivered proper government services and secured their future. That part of legislation and policies have been forgotten. Seriously, if Bosco thinks people cannot see through this BS. Than, he thinks people are stupid. Maybe he should spend more time with his cattle and leave the people be. Peace.

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine Press Statement after returning from United States (24.09.2018)

Fellow Ugandans home and abroad, and our comrades in the struggle all over the world, I greet you all and thank you for your standing firm and remaining steadfast in these hard times.

As you all know, more than a month ago on 13th August, many things happened which I do not wish to recount here. I must however say that whatever the enemy intended for evil, God has turned out for good in many ways. The torture, indignities and brutal treatment which my comrades and I endured at the hands of some in our security forces have made us understand the depth of the problem we have at hand, strengthened our resolve and focused the attention of the world on Uganda. Our officials have always duped the world into thinking that they are democratic and some innocently believed them- not anymore. They have been exposed to the core.

I am eternally hurt by the senseless murder of our brother Yasin Kawuma, who was gunned down by those who we pay to protect us. There are other people who were shot dead by security officers during peaceful protests in Kampala and Mityana. On the day I was released on bail, as we traveled back to Kampala, two young people who were among those gathered in towns to express their solidarity with me, were knocked dead by police vehicles. While we pray that the departed comrades rest in peace, we must remember that no one has the right to take the life of another. Article 22 of our country’s Constitution guarantees the right to life, yet like the entire constitutional order, this provision is so liberally violated with impunity by the same people who swear to uphold the Constitution and defend Ugandans. There is no respect for human life whatsoever.

Many more Ugandans were violently arrested, tortured and many of them are still languishing in jails without charge. My friend Eddy Mutwe tells of how he was arrested by the military, blind folded for many days, and tortured while some security personnel tried to extract information from him. Our legal teams are doing everything possible to follow up on these cases in very hard circumstances. As the whole world knows, our very lawyers who are trained to defend the oppressed, have been intimidated and efforts to compromise some of them are ongoing. We appreciate the Uganda Law Society for speaking out against the bullying and intimidation of their members. I can only pray that the entire legal fraternity joins the leadership of the Society in fighting for the right of advocates to practice their calling without being targeted or receiving threatening calls.

The killers of our people must be condemned by all. Those who torture and maim the citizens of this nation must be called to order. Those who give such orders are cowards who must be exposed. They should remember that throughout history, those who found joy in killing and causing pain to fellow human beings did not go far. No matter how fearsome the forces of darkness seem, they never win in the end.

My call to the citizens of Uganda is to realise that we are in this together. When we allow these extra judicial killings to go on unchallenged, sooner than later, even you who is disinterested in politics will get affected. Regardless of our different political opinions and any other classifications, we must all continue to unanimously challenge and condemn the torture and murder of our people. It is not enough to watch with consternation the kinds of videos we’ve been watching these past days- showing soldiers and police officers doing unimaginable things to fellow citizens. I implore us to do more in every small way. Whether you are a lawyer, doctor, student, farmer or boda boda rider, we all can play a role in ending this madness.

I send special thanks to the journalists and the media fraternity who have remained courageous and steadfast in their work. Many times you have put yourselves in the face of extreme danger, trying to tell the story. You have been bartered, tortured, intimidated and yes, many of you jailed for doing your work. The images of journalists being whipped on the streets of Kampala shocked the world. I can assure you that we are with you. Uganda stands with you. And indeed, part of our struggle is to restore media freedom in this nation so that you work in a free and safe environment. That is what you deserve. You did not go to journalism school so that you are bruised for doing your work.

I have said time and again that we have many professional and patriotic security officers. Not all of them are rogue. Not all of them are brutal. And we must appreciate many of them for doing their best in tough conditions to keep us safe. At various times, I have interacted with several officers from the top to the lowest ranks in the UPDF and the Uganda Police Force. I have met officers who are very disgusted and frustrated by the system. They understand that they too are prisoners. They fully appreciate that as a result of bad governance, they earn peanuts in a failing economy and cannot raise their children in a befitting manner. They know that as a result of bad politics, they do not live in dignity. My message to them remains the same- we are not fighting them. We are fighting for them.

Let me repeat my call to them- those who put on our uniform. It doesn’t help you to keep quiet as some rogue elements amongst you, taking orders from desperate regime elements, kill and maim your brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers. You should not allow the regime to turn you against the population. You are citizens of Uganda first, before and after you put on that uniform. Learn from those who came before you that from the population you came and to the population you will return! Those who still have values- please set yourselves apart. Restore confidence that you are pro-people! You put on our national flag and that should be a source of honor and pride; not a source of condemnation from those who watch your colleagues torture and kill their own people.

Before I move from this point, let me thank the world for keeping their eyes on Uganda. The government has for long committed grave atrocities on our people and tried to keep them in the dark. Uganda is part of the global community and we know that we cannot be free if some are not free. My plea to the world is to keep your eyes on Uganda, and on our struggle for freedom. As surely as the Lord lives, our nation will once again sit on the table of nations with pride.

To the people of this nation, I know your struggles, the shuttered hopes and the frustrations which stare most of you in the face every day. But here is the good news. I feel that your cry for freedom has reached the heavens. That God who throughout history delivers the weak from their mighty oppressors will surely redeem us by His strong and mighty hand. We only need to play our part. Remain steadfast. Remain committed. Remain devoted. Mwebelelemu. Don’t look to the right, or to the left. The day of redemption is at hand.

To President Yoweri Museveni, how do you feel when you do this to your people? I have read and watched your numerous communications to the nation since the events in Arua. Instead of calling your troops to order- the same troops which have murdered Ugandans and tortured me and others to near death, you have patted them on the back and thanked them for a job well done. Would I be wrong to say that these violations are sanctioned by you? Mr. President, you refer to yourself as jaja, and call us bazukulu. Most Ugandans who have their grandparents alive always speak fondly of them, because the jajas love, protect, and cherish their bazukulu. They are not always hunting them down for voicing a contrary opinion. But you have become a tyrant and turned us into fugitives in our own country. Last Thursday as I returned to Uganda, you turned Entebbe and Kampala into a war zone and our people were once again brutalized. It has now become a crime to put on a red t-shirt or say the words “People Power.” You and your lieutenants have described us as inconsequential, indisciplined hooligans. Why is the state very afraid of someone they have labelled as an ‘inconsequential muyaaye from the ghetto?’ How quickly did you forget that the regimes of the past described you and the guerillas you led in the 80s as bandits and lumpens? Respect the rights of the people because just like them, you too was once not in power, and you will not be in power forever. Treat Ugandans the way you would love to be treated. Be a statesman. Concern yourself not with the next election but with the next generation which is demanding for freedom. I hope you can redeem yourself before it is too late. As things stand, history may treat you worse than Uganda’s past leaders who you like to disparage. You are a good Bible reader. I will repeat to you what Moses told Pharaoh of Egypt on God’s orders- “Let my People go.” You have the option of heeding this message or continuing to stiffen your neck.

Let me now address a few questions about our struggle.

Some people have not yet understood what People Power stands for. I have addressed this before but I want to address it yet again. I want to address this so that all of us and our genuine allies can speak with a clear, solid and consistent voice.

People Power is not Bobi Wine. It is not about me or anyone else. People Power is not a political organization- at least not now. People Power is an idea! It is the idea that all power belongs to the people as guaranteed by Article 1 of our Constitution. The state abdicated its constitutional duty to promote and propagate the teaching of the constitution to all citizens of Uganda. What we are doing is simply do that- remind the citizens of this nation that all power belongs to them, and not to the President, any soldier or minister. We are raising the consciousness of the people who have been stepped on for such a long time, and turned into slaves in their own country. So far we are succeeding!

Therefore the state’s efforts to stop us will not yield much and I advise them to stop attempting because they will certainly fail. With or without me, the people of Uganda will reclaim their sovereignty and authority. No one can stop an idea whose time has come!

We are aware that the state has attempted to use some people to reserve and register the name People Power as a political organization with the Electoral Commission. The intention is to hijack this name and prevent us from using it further. We also have information that the state is planning to invoke Section 56 of the Penal Code Act and declare People Power an unlawful society. We have also heard state officials declare People Power a terrorist organization. We are aware of all these antics but we are not bothered about them. We are not even surprised- despots throughout history manipulate the law to oppress their people. We know that what we are doing is legal, moral and right. No one can hijack People Power because People Power is the People of Uganda. People Power is you and me.

People Power is you, young person who finished school five years ago but continue to struggle to find employment. People Power is you student who is in school studying very hard but you know that you will not get a decent job if nobody knows you

People Power is you Ugandan who left your country against your will and are living as a slave in a foreign land, doing odd jobs so that at the end of the year you can send some money home

People Power is you, young lady who is right now in labor but you are very worried about becoming added to the statistics of mothers who die in labor every day because of our ailing health care system. People Power is you who lost a loved one because there was no oxygen in hospital, or you couldn’t find an ambulance to save his or her life.

People Power is you journalist who is beaten on the street for doing your work; the lawyer who is told to back off if a case involves ‘abanene mu gavumenti’; the doctor who has been promised every year that things will get better only for them to get worse; the teacher who educates other people’s children but cannot afford to educate his or her own children because of very poor pay- that is People Power.

People Power is the religious leader who is branded an enemy of the state for preaching against injustice and oppression- who is constantly told to only preach about the spiritual needs of his flock and forget about their physical needs.

People Power is you who is struggling to run a business but the state is imposing heavy taxes on you with little to show for it in terms of service delivery. People Power is that market woman selling vegetables but cannot make ends meet because of the high market dues.

People Power is the ghetto youth who doesn’t know what the future holds for him or her. These past days, the ghetto youth have seen government officials come with brown envelopes, with handouts telling them to stop supporting People Power. The wise ghetto youth knows that for 32 years he has been neglected. He has always heard about the youth fund but the money is stolen before it gets to the ghetto. The ghetto youth knows that the voice which is speaking for him is now being silenced. He is not willing to be used, but the uncertain future still stairs at him.

People Power is the elite who is employed today but is not guaranteed of employment tomorrow because of the continuous lay-offs in companies as the economy continues to bite.

People Power is that wealthy investor whose investments are under threat because of the bad politics of those steering the ship called Uganda.

People Power is that politician who belongs to the NRM party but is bothered by the way things are going, and yet has no voice within the party to raise those issues without being labelled a rebel and fought by the state.

People Power is the several opposition members who have time and again been labeled terrorists simply because they don’t agree with the policies of the current establishment.

People Power is the artiste, the entertainer, the blogger, the boda boda rider, the taxi driver, the conductor, the electrician, the hair dresser.

Ladies and Gentlemen, People Power is every Ugandan who is interested in a better country. Many will come and claim to be leaders of People Power. Some are already using this to get money from the state and thereafter cause disruption. Ignore such people and remain focused on the cause. You shall know them by their fruits. People Power is all of us. Even myself, I am just like the rest of you- only lucky that you have given me a platform to speak with a louder voice. So just like you, I am also People Power.

I urge my fellow Ugandans to continue to strive for a better country. Use every opportunity to work for a free Uganda. The odds against us are many, but let us not tire. One American leader once said that ‘Even in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it.” I have never been more hopeful that this country will rise from its current state of injustice and greed by those who govern us. Let us together work towards achieving a Uganda that works for all Ugandans. And that is our vision for the future. A Uganda where leaders don’t cheat their way to power. Where leaders are servants and not lords over citizens. A country whose economy thrives. A country whose people are proud to be called Ugandans. A country where citizens hold their leaders accountable. A country whose people are not oppressed and bartered, A Uganda that works for all Ugandans. A Uganda that provides equal opportunities for all, regardless of who they are.

I call upon all of us to be peaceful and non-violent in our quest for a better country. Let us not respond to state inspired violence with violence- we would have given them their desire to kill, maim and destroy. But we must be assertive. We must assert our rights peacefully, boldly and courageously. We must reject injustice, oppression, suppression and exploitation with one voice. One day, we shall be free.

I cannot end this address without once again sending sympathies to the family of my late brother and friend, afande Muhammad Kirumira. His brutal murder only tells us how much we have to do to heal our nation. I also once again send sympathies to the people of Tanzania for the loss of over 200 citizens in a ferry accident on Lake Victoria. I will soon announce plans to reach out and thank all those who have stood and continue to stand with us in this struggle against dictatorship. Specifically, let me assure our dear brothers and sisters in Kenya, as well as other fraternal African countries that I have read your countless messages of solidarity. Very soon, I will announce plans for us to meet, interact and sing songs of freedom.

#PeoplePower_OurPower

For God and my Country

Your brother and comrade in the struggle,

Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert [Bobi Wine]

Sheema North By-Election: Couldn’t Bosco have postponed this one? We don’t want another funeral!

This Sheema North By-Election is the latest of plenty By-Elections during the 10th Parliament, as there been plenty of these, because of the new districts and the sudden deaths of Members of Parliament. However, this one is coming at a precious time. As the Police and Army are more alert, the violence are getting more striking and in the open. The blatant disregard isn’t only for the high-level activists and the leadership of the opposition. But anyone can be beaten to pulp and anyone can be shot by a stray-bullet. That is why, couldn’t the Electoral Commission and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) halted this one?

There has been enough death and problematic activity since mid-August. This is just mere months after and the ramifications of the latest by-elections is still in the wind. The wind-shield of the President is just one out of plenty accusations and possible unanswered violent activity. As the torture of the opposition leaders, their charges and the legal jeopardy many are in. This one will not go as the previous ones has. Where the camping of Opposition until final days of voting. The By-Election have looked like war-zones, but the deaths of civilians and the use of Presidential Guards (Special Force Command) of late, puts the hope for a peaceful outcome much less likely.

This Sheema North By-Election, which open up after NRM MP Elioda Tumwesigye had one his second seat and open the previous one he won. That is why, this election even are scheduled, as the one in Arua Municipality was because of the assassination of Hon. Ibrahim Abiriga. Therefore, the sudden acts and the control from the NRM. Is the reason for these extra races.

At this point, it is hard to believe in peace, as the authorities are speaking that the Security Organizations are acting with restraint, as they shoot live-bullets into crowds and beat the public with sticks. They are acting as occupants in their own country, instead of having steady trust, they are beating the people into submission. If not, that what they hope with the physical torture and hurt.

The 8th October 2018 is supposed to matter, this is to vote for their representative in their district. However, at this point, who will die? Who will be tortured and who will be detained is the questioned? What sort of narrative will the government push to forget their vile violence against the civilians and the public in general?

Because of this moment will we really care about if NRM’s Naome Kibaaju or FDC’s Richard Guma. I have a really hard time to digest this. As the end-game of Arua is still playing out, the deaths and all the victims, as so many people are on bond and awaiting trial. Therefore, the Sheema North seems just like a pinch of salt in wounds. As the beatings are not yet even healed. The lack of tolerance and space are being squeezed. Therefore, the authorities could have waited and postponed this.

It is hard to celebrate, and the donated bikes to the public, will be impounded if the NRM looses. Just like it did in Rukungiri. So, the Sheema North should expect it is only given to them, as a token, if the NRM wins. They double down if they loose and we knows this.

Lets just hope that this doesn’t become bloody, hurt more people and that the final days of the By-Election turns as tragic as the whole Arua did. Because no place should become like that. However, the NRM just wants to signal that it costs to stand in their way. That is why SG Lumumba had to talk about staying loyal to the NRM who came with these “gifts”.

We know what they are. The people should know what they are, a small deposit and if they are not getting anything in return, they collect it back. As the constituency was a bad investment.

Let’s pray, but we know that Bosco is a unforgiving man, who calls the opposition by many names. So we just have to prepare for another funeral. Even if these are supposed to be joyful occasions, where people are supposed to do their civic duty of electing their representative to the next-highest office. Peace.

Presidential Advisor Nagenda downplays Bobi Wine, just like he did with Besigye!

The president wants to shock people(media) into paying attention and one of the ways he does it is to be slightly abusive and I pity those who can’t take it, it’s just Banta. But deep down he can crack jokes and his style is to be vigorous” – John Nagenda (NBS Television, 23.09.2018).

I don’ know if we should listen to the Senior Presidential Advisor on Media and Public Relations John Nagenda. Maybe if he was talking about the cricket match, where he played, the One Day International in the 1975 World Cup for East Africa. However, he is now openly addressing the media and showing his loyalty to Bosco. In major way, to prove his media savvy and worthy of being an Advisor to President, I suppose.

That is why he suddenly are showing loyalty, as he is fearing for his meal-ticket, as that will go away if someone else starts to rule. His the Presidential Advisor, a position created by Bosco for the paying them for loyalty, as the President has about 163 advisors to advice him on day-to-day basis. But everyone knows he will not listen all of them or have the capacity to follow them all. Just like he cannot teach or give lessons to all 80 in his Cabinet in the 10th Parliament too. Therefore, it is rich hearing the defense of Museveni from Nagenda today.

35 years in leadership is a very long time, what people should do is stand their ground with all due respect. He actually adores firm people but unfortunately, he hardly meets them, but he can be a handful” (…) “Our world(Uganda) has been undergoing terrible times, I had thought that we would never slide back” (…) “This young man Kyagulanyi, if he goes another 15 years and was being seriously couched by somebody I think he could probably do it but I laugh when people say he’s ready to take over a country” – John Nagenda (NBS Television, 23.09.2018).

We know that this isn’t something new from Nagenda, as he is really defending Museveni for a long time, one memorable defense was defending Museveni for paying a fortune for a private-plane flying his daughter to give birth in Germany in 2003, where John stated:

In his contract he has the right to one free flight anywhere in the world with his family each year as a sort of holiday but in almost eight years since he was elected he has not used that flight once” (Nagenda, October 2003).

So, when you knows this, he is a stooge and loyal dude, who will do whatever to make Bosco looks like a hero, while the others are a zero. He has done similar acts before, as he has been an advisor for forever, as his age is already hitting 80 years old. So Nagenda should have been retired, but in the NRM, that is a noble to work for the President.

Nagenda has said this about Besigye, as he tried to deflect the importance of him back in 2001, as he stated then: “Museveni was not interested in responding to Besigye comments because he was too busy”. So, clearly this game John has played before. Therefore, do not be fooled.

Now, he is trying to downplay Bobi Wine aka Robert Kyagulanyi as he is the up-start, which is shaking the NRM. His prominence is striking and therefore, the NRM and Presidential Advisor is trying to make him as little and insignificant as possible. Just like he did to Besigye. This is an old game. The NRM think we don’t know, but however, we do. This has been reported and is happening again.

This time to another possible successor, as anyone questioning Bosco legitimate right to rule. Are a traitor and deserves torture, or be barred from public office. That is why this cricketer should relax, retire and let other people rule. His time has been spent, time to enjoy the perks of a long working life. Unless, the President has given him to a lax salary.

We know the game he plays. Peace.