National Resistance Movement (NRM): The 4th Central Executive Commitee of the National Resistance Movement at its 10th Meeting (08.07.2022)

The new cabinet isn’t that sharp [Museveni’s most intriguing Minister’s for 2021-26] Part II

This is the second edition of the articles on he 80 people the President has appointed to various of Ministries lately. President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni continues his extended government and additional offices. This term 2021 to 2026 is no difference. I will look into further of the appointees and what I can find that is significant.

What is very important to say. Is that many who has been retained or gotten appointed are there out of share loyalty to the President. They voted for the Age Limit and fought for it as well. It is a gratitude and proof of loyalty. Nevertheless, that’s not the whole thing, but an important… one nevertheless.

For some reasons beyond me. The inept and sorry excuse of an MP. Chris Baryomunsi is appointed as Minister for Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance. That means several of people have a new boss. The man who will control and have the UCC under his Ministry. The man who said people deserved to wait and die when the Cancer Machine didn’t work at Mulago. A person who didn’t understand why the standard and lack of investment into the education sector, as he visited a school. This man will now run the ICT and have this role. He will be a token soldier and run wild here. Not the fella who will make it better, but silence critics and be vile on TV. Just watch out!

The forever young Gen. Kahinda Otafiire. A man who is always selected and has a natural vibe of a Ministry. The previous Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister. Has now the prestigious Ministry of Internal Affairs. He will truly assault on the ones who is in the way of this Presidency. He is the sort of man who will try to corrupt an election to win and ensure his opponent linger in jail. So, this man isn’t that great, but entitlement is a bitch and the General will continue to pursuit it to the end of his days.

Raphael Magyezi, the one who is the definition of a autocrats best friend. The man who is willing to trade away his soul. Just for some pocket-change and benign trust that it will pay-off in the end. For now his at the mercy of the President. Who has retained him after “private” billing the Age Limit. Still, this man has nothing now. If it isn’t for the goodwill of the President. He knew he isn’t loved and therefore, he isn’t even an MP anymore either. An appointee with no future, except for the blessing of the State House.

Judith Nabakoba MP have perfected the unadulterated press releases in her last term in Parliament. Nobody gave out more information and more statements than her. She was steady with them and parroting the narratives of the state. This is why she was retained and will have another role. She is now appointed as the Minster of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Where she might be more silent and be more knocking-on the doors of the State House for a safe journey.

One Independent NRM “leaning” MP Agnes Nandutu is the former ‘Point Blank’ reporter and journalist turned politician. Who lost in the NRM Primaries but was able to become MP in the General Election. She is now appointed as Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister in-charge of Karamjoa.

Evelyn Anite returns to the Cabinet after double loses in the elections. She lost in the Primary and in the General Election. Still, the President is appointing her as the Minister of State for MoFPED in-charge of Planning. She has been a minister in the last term into business. The President is putting her as a deputy under Matia Kasaija. That will be good for her in one way. As she is proven as a soft-weight last term. Even if she is bold, brash and out of line. Going full steam ahead and the President have to clear out her mess like he had to with Uganda Telecom and other saga’s pertaining to Anite. She is living on the mercy of Yoweri and should count her blessings. Also, let us not forget that she is the “gateway to Koboko” and has the army behind her. Please. Remember that. 

Henry Okello-Oryem is another one of them who just has to be retained. His a State Minister of Foreign Affairs, in-charge of International Affairs. This is a role he has kept for years. Even as his boss Kuteesa is gone. His retained miraculously. We can wonder why, because it is not like he has worked magic or done anything significant in the previous of years. His there because Museveni trust him and nothing more than that.

Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke MP, the daughter of Dr. Philemon Mateke ran for MP in 2021 and won. She has been in Parliament in 2011-2016, but lost in the last term, but returned as this one. Ironically, she ran as an independent in the 2016, but lost to the the NRM candidate in Kisoro. She is one out of 6 Ministers appointed from the Kigezi Sub-Region.

Another forever Minister is Sam Okello Engola has been in good graces since he was appointed as a member of the Constitutional Assembly in 1995. Been in Parliament since 2001 and held various of posts since then. He is just one of those spirits on the wall that keeps getting retained and delivers exactly what the State House wants. This is why his such a fellow who get appointed and keeps getting high ranking official work by the President.

A giant shocker is Owek Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) politician. Who has been the National Chairperson of FDC and a former minister in Buganda Kingdom. She was part of a team who worked directly with Patrick Oboi Amuriat in the negotiations and talks with Muntu after the former Party President lost the previous election. She’s such a integrated part of FDC. It is astonishing that she accepted the appointment and now becomes a State Minister of ICT and National Guidance. Working directly for Uganda Media Centre and other entities spewing out propaganda for the state. That’s such a epic downfall from grace. A betrayal of the cause and a former confidant of Besigye going rouge for Museveni.

Here was another 10 more appointments and my comments. My research and looking into the cabinet for 2021 – 2026. This is very interesting and shows what sort of people Museveni appoints. It is a clear sign, but also a shocker. That Owek and Mateke get’s picked is weird. The others are more accepted, but needs a gist of their past and show how long they have been in the game.

The President drops a few appointees that you couldn’t expect, but also some staple. There is some who just have to get a Ministerial Post and be a High Ranking Official. That is just their livelihood and expectation. Peace.

Ahead of 2021: The NRM repeats itself in true NRM fashion

We are soon in 2021 and the General Elections is upon us again. The new word “Scientific” is the new idea or subject of controversy. However, there are plenty of staples.

Just like President since 1986 picked up nomination forms and paid a few millions to his party. This is so steady and random. We knew this was happening since abolishing term limits in 2005. We all knew this was happening after he abolished age limit in 2017. It was written in stone. This was written in the stars and there was no way a meteor would hit Okello House in Entebbe and stop this from happening.

We are now seeing battles for the National Vice Chairman, which happens every time. This being in the North being the incumbent versus the deputy speaker. In Western someone whose either a relative of the President or the possible elevation of his Muhoozi. In the East being Mukula, Tanna or someone else whose loyal to the cause no matter what. Then in the Central its a free for all and former Lord Mayors or Presidential Advisors wanting this.

We are now also seeing the NRM Electoral Commission doing the ordinary warning to both members and candidates. That they need to run a free and fair election, where they will be victors, as this is the mass party. The party for the ones aiming at the stars, but hitting the moons. The pop-stars of the Republic.

We are also seeing old heads returning to campaign for the party. Even after they lost in the previous election in 2016. This being Kahinda Otafiire or Jim Muhwezi. These are the sort of NRA historicals who cannot step back and lead the youth from behind. They have to be in the front-line act like big-men. Be generals who has to be in the spotlight and be giants. Instead of giving and educating the next generation. No, they are just in it to eat in yet another term. However, these gentlemen who does that follows the sole candidate on top.

The race for 2021 is following a normal pattern. The NRM tries to show off amount of members. It is trying to make headlines with new deflections and MPs going from the Opposition. They want to have positive publicity, even if doesn’t make sense.

We can expect nice SUVs for RDCs and Chiefs, Pastors getting sudden funds and NRM Village Fund will resurface. The NRM will drop the shillings around like beers in and around alcoholics. That’s what the ruling regime will do. As soon as they can campaign now. They will drop facemasks, sanitizers and whatnot. Soap and smaller things to get the voters greased for the polls.

This is what we know. This has been played out for us so many times. The internal “drama” and knifing over smaller positions from the NRM Central Executive Committee to the rest of the Party. To even be flag-bearer in a newly minted district. That just happens every time. There will be former MPs who was disqualified in the Courts return to the polls claiming to have the academic credentials and needs to stand as a candidate in 2021. This will all appear in front of our eyes.

The NRM will repeat itself. It is doing it. Following standards, protocol and the whole thing. The structure is moving and they have the same story. Even the same actors acting up and wanting your attention. They want to suddenly sound democratic and sincere. When the rest of the time they are muffling the opposition and uses the police to policing them.

While they are free campaigning and using the state as a tool for their benefit. That is what they do and the continuation of the Movement continues. It is not cool, but a repetition of the same old thing. Peace.

Opinion: The NRM Rebel MPs bowed to their King

“I met our NRM Members of Parliament who have previously opposed certain party positions, hence being named “rebel MPs”. They called on me at State House Entebbe to seek the party’s forgiveness. Subsequently, I made their case before the party’s Central Executive Committee yesterday which resolved that for the party’s cohesion and discipline, we interact further and guide these MPs” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 17.07.2020).

Today, at the State House, there was a meeting of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament (MP) who have dared to challenge the President and his legislation. These are the ones who voted against the abolishment of the Age Limit and so fourth. These MPs actually dared to question the President and not following the correct line.

The MPs in question was today summoned to the State House to be informed on how to move forward. In an exercise to show loyalty and also settle supposed grievances. The President simmer it down really quick when he writes that they will guided further and follow Party discipline. That is why these fellows should not dare to undermine the President again. They should just vote as they are told and not think.

That is why rebellion in the NRM is so endearing. Such a assumption that these are rebels. They stood up for one cause and now they have to kiss the ring to get the goods again. As long as they show loyalty and blind discipline to the party, which means loyal to the President. Not question his actions, his legislation or his policies. Only follow the President and his steering committee the NRM CEC.

The President can act like this was a day filled with hardliners, questionable MPs who didn’t know better and needed more education. That these MPs are indecent and disingenuous. However, these are already yellow fellows. The only thing they have done is to vote against a President for Life. A person they had no trouble bowing their knees for and asking for forgive. They were asking for mercy. To ensure they could get another term in office and get the positive vibes ahead of elections.

This is all political games. The NRM Rebels wasn’t true revolutionaries. These people wasn’t defiant in the sense of person, just one simple cause. They stood up and said “nay”, when others said “yay”. Yes, they did the good thing at that vote, but they didn’t work to directly undermine the ruler or his associates. They were all along part of the party, following procedures and being their MPs.

They were maybe not invited to the State House for NRM Caucus Meeting, losing out of some envelopes. However, they are neither true opposition or someone who defiantly standing against the President. If they were and not willingly to work with the Self-Styled President for Life. They wouldn’t show up and bend over for the old man.

He also said:

“Our people are waking up. It explains why we have bumper production of milk, sugar, bananas, etc. Leaders must work for the prosperity of their people. That’s the most important thing” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 17.07.2020).

It is really special that he says leaders have to work for prosperity. When he has prospered, while his citizens haven’t done so. That they have to do that now that its really rich in way. Promise wealth, but not delivering it. That is the final message for the rebels. The ones who stood against him on one cause. A cause that was for selfish reasons for one old man with a hat. The one man with a hat, who they shall not rebel against again. That’s why his showing them mercy now. As long as they are following his orders. Peace.

Opinion: NRM queuing in the line of 1989

It was reported that in February 2019, that the National Resistance Movement – Central Executive Council (NRM -CEC) was proposing to have the NRM Primary Elections of 2020. Where all the members and the general public who would participate in these elections would go behind their lines. By that way decide whose the candidate in the up-coming election in 2021.

That was just a mere report from NRM CEC was reported in the New Vision this: “The Central Executive Committee (CEC) sitting in Entebbe on Thursday discussed the proposed amendments to the NRM Constitution and adopted lining up as a mode of voting during party elections” (New Vision, 24.01.2020). That’s a mere year later and they are really sticking to it.

This time they have made excuses for this lax elections too: “The party leaders extensively discussed the advantages that come along with this proposed amendment some of which include reduction in logistical and financial such as procurement of ballot papers, buckets, indelible ink, pens and basins among other electoral materials, provide a desirable party cohesion because it will be open and transparent and elimination of ghost polling stations” (New Vision, 24.01.2020).

Its like they are initially saying, we are so bad at holding these elections and we don’t trust the NRM Electoral Commission. Especially not that rascal Dr. Tanga Odoi. His a useless tool, but our useless tool. So, we have to abolish ordinary elections. The candidates has to put forward like school-kids in the yard and the ones with the most people behind them. Becomes not only captain, but the class-president. This is how it seems.

Just like in 1989, it was the personal merit, which counted in the National Resistance Council Elections. Now, the same will happen. On the grounds on Election Day. Where the polls will all be open. Where the members and the public in general participating will stand in line behind the person they see most fit or feels the pressure to vote for. This is not secret voting, but a public gathering of people and pressuring them.

The NRM CEC and Delegates Conference should maybe give it a three week notice for the elections. Let the President decide the majority of the Candidates and call it a rewind of the RC Election of 1989. They are queuing like the RC1 did back then. So, the NRM CEC and the President wants a Personality Contest.

What is special is that the liberator is going back to his old tricks to get his cronies behind the wheels. His using the same tools he did in the 1980s. Instead of developing, the NRM and its Secretariat is digressing. This isn’t developing the party, but time travelling back-in-time.

So, the NRM want the public to ‘Walk a fine line’. It’s 34 years in power, 31 years since the first election was held and now they want to repeat that. It is internally, but shows their lack of respect for their members and voters. When they want to continue the “art of peer-pressure”.

We are living in 2020, but the NRM CEC is still in 1989. Maybe, the NRM CEC should buy a Nintendo Gameboy or even watch Lethal Weapon again. So, they can reminisce about that long forgotten time. Instead of pushing old tricks on the public now. The Party of a ruling regime, which is getting closer to 4 decades. Should be able to run a proper election. Not do the same as it did in their inception.

That’s what’s you do when your lost and you got no where else to go. Peace.

Opinion: The ‘NRM Rebel MPs’ proves the democratic deficiencies within the party

When Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Justine Kasule Lumumba barred 30 Members of Parliament for the Party to be delegates at the NRM Delegates Conference on the 25^th January 2020 at Mandala Stadium (Namboole). Because, these 30 MPs voted against the abolishment of the Age Limit in defiance of the President, the Party Chairman and Supreme Leader. Therefore, SG Lumumba and the President have directed them not to come.

It is funny that a party made out a rebellion is sanctions its own rebels. I always find that endearing of the NRM. That the ones who should understand and support this behaviour. Since that is how the party got made to begin with.

What we are seeing is a President, his party and his secretariat not accepting other things than the party line. Everyone is supposed to follow the guidance and the beliefs of the President. Everything else is out of question. In addition, if you dare to go against it, there will be sanctions, ramifications and consequences.

So today this news broke out: “Oscar John Kihika, the Director Legal Services NRM Party has said the 30 Party MPs who opposed the lifting of the Presidential age limit have a right to attend the Party’s Conference as per Article 11(2) (i) of the NRM Party Constitution” (91.2 Crooze FM, 15.01.2020).

That is why, the NRM own constitution doesn’t ban them, but the President and SG wants to do it. They might show up then, but don’t expect celebrations or huge relief. These MPs might get into trouble by defying that too. These people might just end up like Muhammed Nsereko, NRM leaning Independent, which will vote in accordance with the party, but as “independents”.

What we are seeing is singling out the ones who doesn’t following the program and the regime of Museveni. The ones inside his own camp whose daring to oppose him and his self-styled President for Life. Which is his memo and life work. They are defying that and because of that. The President are initially saying they have “no say” and “nothing to offer” in his party.

If they did, they would come with open arms, discuss why did what they did and talked it out. Instead his banning them and closing the door shut. No way to return, no mercy, no justification. Just, you didn’t do as your told. Therefore, now you got to suffer, outside alone and not allowed to play us friends inside. Real kindergarten stuff, not a grown up party with proper measures and protocol.

It is so endearing, the NRM Rebels, but the party doesn’t think so, apparently. For them, they are nuances and a reminder, that not everyone follows one man blindly, but that they can on their own. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s endearing view on “NRM Rebels”

The rebel without an cause, has an issue with comrades or the fellow Yellow MPs in Parliament, who suddenly rebel against him. That is so endearing. It is so sweet, that he struggles and beats on the NRM Rebel MPs. It is like a beautiful fan-fiction. That he even remind that the Constitutional Court got the case changed by the Supreme Court on the interpreted article of 83 out of the Constitution.

The President is really rich in this manner. Museveni thinks his smart, but he isn’t that clever. Since, there are no place where the law says a NRM MP has to vote with the party. Only a certain quorum and rules for how the MPs can vote. If it is by voice or secret voting. There are stipulations for that, but not statutes nor articles, saying that you have to follow party line and be loyal to whatever cause or law the NRM see fit. That is not put in any law nor code, as such is foolish at best.

That is why yesterdays defence for getting people registered to vote is a weird text at best. I am only discussing the NRM rebellion and why he has a hissy-fit. Because, the President is only fool and nothing else in this matter.

President statement yesterday:

“In our own Parliament we have had that problem of the “Rebel MPs”, elected as NRM but conduct themselves like they are not NRM. The Constitutional Court made a mistake because when we asked them to interprete Article 83 that we deliberately put in the Constitution to solve the problem of the 1960s, they interpreted it in such a manner that the MP can do what they want. That the MPs do not have to get permission from those who elected them to do what they are supposed to do. It is a very dangerous disconnection, that of non-accountability” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – ‘PRESIDENT URGES UGANDANS TO REGISTER FOR 2020/21 GENERAL ELECTIONS’ 19.12.2019).

Article 83 of the 1995 Constitution:

“83. Tenure of office of members of Parliament.

(1) A member of Parliament shall vacate his or her seat in Parliament—

(g) if that person leaves the political party for which he or she stood as a candidate for election to Parliament to join another party or to remain in Parliament as an independent member;

(Constitution, 1995).

Supreme Court judgement of 2015:

“The continued stay in Parliament of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th respondents as Members of Parliament after their expulsion from the NRM Party on whose ticket they were elected is contrary to and inconsistent with Articles 1(1), 2(1), 2(4), 29(1)(e), 69(1), 72(4), 78(1)(a), and 79(3) of the Constitution” (…) “To conclude on this ground, we are of the view that the majority of Justices in the Constitutional Court erred when they interpreted Article 83(1)(g) to mean that members of Parliament who are expelled from their political parties have to vacate their seats in Parliament by virtue of that Article. It was, therefore, wrong for the Constitutional Court to order the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th appellants to vacate their seats in Parliament on that ground. Accordingly ground 4 must succeed” (Supreme Court – Constitutional Appeal No. 01 of 2015, October 2015).

So we have seen the train of thought. That the President has set and fixed a narrative. He has to speak in third person, even as they are supposed to follow him and he uses the NRM as a prefix for that. That is why if a NRM MP vote with the opposition, they are wrong, even if it might be in the interest of the constituents.

He has a problem, that the Constitutional Court interpreted the article wrong. That he cannot expel an MP and get a by-election. This would be a proper tool to ensure the right loyal cadres would be harness and he wouldn’t have to pay them to vote his way. That is why his mad at the Courts, though if he remembered correctly, the Constitutional Court was in-favour of the President, but the Supreme Court validated the rebels.

The expelled MPs didn’t leave, but was forced to go by no action of their own. Except doing something to get expelled. If that was acting like a punk at Kyankwanzi or voting against the interest of the State House. The President wants the magical wand to either have pro-NRM, super-loyalists, who follow him blindly and who doesn’t think.

The rebels are maybe wrong in the eyes of the President. But they are allowed and free to vote, write statements or acting accordingly to their own conscience. They are not children, who need parental advice and guidance to act rightfully within the August House. That is why Museveni has a problem, as the paternal godfather of the Republic.

This is really endearing of the President. As he thinks this is wise to say, as he cannot even pick the right court to blast. The Constitutional Court did a wrong, but rebels are not aliens, which the Court Judgement of the Supreme Court states.

If Museveni really believes his still a freedom fighter, how come he has an issue, that his own MPs has the liberty to accordingly to their own conscience?

Enough bullshit. Peace.

NRM MPs Kyankwanzi Resolution: Shows there is no free thought in the Movement!

“Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front” – Nelson Mandela

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have resolved nothing during the Kyankwanzi Summit in 2019. They have implemented the resolution, which honours the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), which had already on the 19^th February 2019 endorsed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the sole candidate for the General Election in 2021.

Today, the NRM MPs or Caucus at the Kyankwanzi have resolved that the future needs the leadership of Museveni, not only for the 2021 Election, but also beyond. That is two months apart, that the NRM MPs shown their token and loyalty to the almighty President. The President for life. That they are now promoting and directly saying:

“We need Mzee more now, than ever before”, also to top it off, like anyone who is blind and not having ability to think freely, the NRM MPs states: “We need his firm guidance in mentoring and growing ideological, political and technical cadreship for protecting the gains of our revolution, as well as securing the future of the Ugandan and African people”.

That is what these people are able to say, they are Members of Parliament, the lawmakers and the elite of the Republic. Still, they are as worshipping their leader, like he is a cult leader, a deity, who has to guide them and lead them to redemption. They are awaiting his teachings and knowledge, because they don’t know where else to seek it. They are just awaiting the enlightenment from Mzee, the Bosco, the Mr. Sunday or Yoseri even.

Now they are waiting to get a vision, a sight and clear themselves from the desert and into a mirage; they want him to save them from hell and bring them into heaven. Because, that is the initial message from the latest NRM Kyankwanzi Resolution of 17^th March 2019.

These MPs cannot ever be taken as free thinking individuals after signing off to this document and accepting the wording. They are all blind slaves, all minions of the President, these people doesn’t have any idea of leadership, neither what guidance is.

The NRM MPs doesn’t have the capability or mind to cope without the President. Since, they are just existing because the President. Therefore, they got to show him submission, praise him and be his servants. That is who they are, if they claim otherwise, just show their resolution. Nothing else matters, that is their ideas put into print. That is their life, this is their leader for life and they cannot see anyone else. This is why they are blind as bat and cannot see anything, not even how this sort of resolution or decision to again make the President a Sole Candidate.

Nothing is showing progress, nothing is showing excellence or integrity. They are just showing, that they cannot function or see a future without Museveni. Like there have been no Uganda before him. That is cult like behaviour. If the MPs don’t like it, that is fine, but this how it seems.

Mzee can do whatever, say whatever, act like whatever and still these people will praise him. No matter what happens, he is the guiding star, the man who has the answers. That is why they are never wearing hoodies and wanting snipers in their cars, as they drive through Bombo Road in Kampala. Peace.

NRM Kyankwanzi – Resolution (17.03.2019)

The Miseducation of Jajja!

“Do not support the opposition…They want to take you into riots which is dangerous and wastage of your time. They want you to riot but what if you die from there? That Bobie Wine is a singer, leadership issues are not about music” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to Kampala Youth Delegation at the State House on the 14^th March 2019

Well, a man whose overstayed his welcome, a man whose has gone back on all his words and pledges. Who is a self-serving, self-styled for life dictator should be careful about addressing, whose a leader or not. Because, he is not leading as much as it is micro-managing, being a walking ATM or even indirectly directing things. His not guiding, his not inspiring or even creating a new generation of leadership.

If he had been so great in leadership or with creating institutions or organizations, been a statesman of sorts. Than, this President would have been gone from office and one of his successors would have taken-off and become even greater than him. It isn’t leadership to linger long, especially not buy fear, intimidation and direct forceful attempts to silence the opposition. If the President was so great and had a good message and leadership, he wouldn’t need the usage of the police and military to silence and stop the opposition from campaigning. Alas, that is not the case. That is who this President is.

Museveni, have little proof of greatness or even good leadership. The President knows how to wreck the economy, hurt the public and takes to arms if he feels challenged. If not use the laws, restrict and silence the ones who stands up to him. While people are supposed to kiss his behind, they are supposed to be obliged and be grateful to be in his presence. Therefore, he should be praised, while not really delivering.

If the President was a great leader, he would have known when his time was up, he would have groomed a successor to steady the ship and continue to pursuit the Ten Point Programme. He would have ensured the state infrastructure, the state owned enterprises and secured the financial foundation. Not borrowed like no tomorrow, paid of cronies, created a giant entourage of a patronage and supreme clientele politicians, whose all depreciating the state and its functions. Alas, that is what he has done to the T and to perfection.

If Museveni acted like his words. He wouldn’t be today at the State House. There would be someone he groomed there and resided there. Which would have benefited not only the public, but also the legacy of Museveni. Which has been tormented and destroyed by own activity and hypocrisy. The gun-taunting, militarised politics of Museveni haven’t brought salvation, neither the progress many envisioned, but more deprecating and self-inflicting wounds on the state and the ones who dares to challenge him. Peace.