Opinion: Kyambadde don’t want to be in the wind…

The likes of Amalie Kyambadde are used to be close and have vast influence in her office. That’s why being a Senior Presidential Advisor on Industry since the 2021 is daft to her. However, she chose this path and lost her elected role after 10 years in Parliament.

When you play the game, you either win or lose. That’s how it goes, and MPs are automatically elected or selected, unless they are the sole-candidate, and no other party is fielding in the same constituency. Therefore, Kyambadde was humbled after being in Cabinet and in Parliament for a decade.

She should have followed the advice of her master. The one that she served and kept secrets for. Kyambadde been the Personal or Private Secretary to the President since 1986 and worked close with him since 1997. So, when she decided to go out galivanting into an elective role. She should have known that it could cost, and the constituents could send you packing, which they did…

We know that she had massive influence and could keep the President distant from people in the years as his secretary. She must surely feel totally out of the loop. Now that she only has a marginal role and salary. Kyambadde is just one of a “100” Presidential Advisors, and they tend to only meet to be enlighten by His Excellency every blue moon. So, she isn’t as relevant or within the realm of power as she used too.

It wasn’t surprising to read or hear that she was dismissing the person who won over her in 2021. That was to be expected and that she would retaliate with harsh words. She got too and say something to sound like a viable candidate. However, will the constituents by into it?

Because she was in Parliament for 10 years and did, she do so much for them? Well, I don’t have the answer, but certainly that is questionable. Alas, she can only sway as much her swing as she wants too.

While it is a hard bargain to try to return now. The only thing she can hope for is help from the “high above” and settle the scores locally. There was a reason why she didn’t get a third time in Parliament. The people hadn’t seen or heard much from her. It is arrogant to think you are duty bound to be there. However, knowing that she was a staple in the State House.

She surely must feel entitled and that’s what she does. Kyambadde is victim of her own whim and arrogance. This is a mere reflection of her character. The reason why she is a Presidential Advisor and still at-large. Is because of her connection not only through the family of Kuteesa, but also her longevity in the State House. That’s the reason why she still matters and the secrets she knows.

The President has confided and trusted her in the past. Certainly, Kyambadde knows more than most. If someone knows the inner-works and the inner-circle it’s her. She has not only knowledge, but first-hand experience with it. Therefore, it is no surprise that she wants back and wants the perks coming with it. Peace.

Uganda-Rwanda Tensions XXX: Joint Statement on the Ministers of Foreign Affairs during the Bilateral Diplomatic and Political Consultations held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Kigali Rwanda (01.09.2022)

Uganda: State House – Presidents’ Museveni, Kagame discuss regional peace, stability (24.04.2022)

Uganda-Rwanda Tensions XXVIIII: Rwanda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Re-Opening of the Gatuna border post with the Republic of Uganda (28.01.2022)

Muhoozi’s one-day affair in Kigali: When diplomacy is set to die…

You can wonder sometimes… if blood is so important that state affairs and diplomatic agencies loose all values. Because, the Government of Uganda has a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it has a diplomatic corpse in Kigali and has a Ministry of Interior, which all could have enforced and ensure protocol on the matter. However, the GoU sent Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga, the first son of the President and Commander of the Land Forces in the National Army to represent and negotiate with the Rwandan President Paul Kagame. That says it all… and that’s brazen, if anything.

The National Resistance Movement, the State House and the whole “yes-men” will call it an achievement and proclaim whatever the son of the old man with the hat brings home. He could have brought stray-cats from Kigali and they would called him an environmentalist. However, there is no joint-communique or joint statement on the matter. None of the parties have let out much information, if any of substance.

Rwandan Government friendly press New Times states this about the meeting: “Details of the meeting between the two were not immediately made public but the Office of the President described the talks as cordial and productive. “President Kagame and General Muhoozi Kainerugaba had cordial, productive and forward looking discussions about Rwanda’s concerns and practical steps needed to restore the relationship between Rwanda and Uganda,” according to Presidency” (Edwin Ashimwe – ‘Kagame, Gen. Muhoozi discuss mending Rwanda-Uganda ties’ 23.01.2022, New Times Rwanda).

While the Ugandan Newspaper Daily Monitor reported this: “However, following his one-day working visit to Rwanda on Saturday to meet President Paul Kagame in what seems to mark warming relations between the neighbouring countries after years of tension, Lt Gen Kainerugaba who doubles as UPDF Commander Land Forces said Pte Arinda had been released” (Job Bwire – ‘Rwanda releases SFC soldier after Muhoozi’s visit’ 22.01.2022, Daily Monitor Uganda).

This shows that both nations are happy with the meeting, but the ties are not totally mended. We know the Rwandan government have come with clear stipulations to open up border and get back on good terms. However, even with the former meetings and negotiations it hasn’t gotten further.

What is only proof of goodwill is the return of a Ugandan repatriated after being arrested a few month ago. The challenge now… is to use the momentum and continue the talks. Since, the parties and neither state has shown true progress. If there was any progression, the would be a written communique or a statement saying something. There would be a possible Memorandum of Understanding to work to a new diplomatic agreement. However, that seems far away…

The first son can bring home a soldier, which has belonged to a unit and outfit, which he used to be commander of. Therefore, he can boost his ego and make himself look smart. However, that meant nothing to Kagame. Only a few positive headlines, which he didn’t pay anything for. While he gave no way or indicated for changes. As the stalemate and tensions aren’t resolved. That’s because the parties, presidents and authorities haven’t given way to each other.

Lt. Gen. Muhoozi wants to be seen as a diplomat and politician, capable of the big-league, but this meeting hasn’t proven that. The only thing this has proven, is that he can take a few snaps and return home nearly empty-handed. The release of a SFC soldier isn’t anything in the greater scheme of things. There been people wrongly arrested on both sides of the dispute, which has been dumped on the borders to return home. That has been the practice of both parties over the last few years and this isn’t changing anytime soon. Especially, when anyone becomes a dissident in Kampala, they are easily being maligned to counter espionage for Kigali. So, as long as this is happening. We know the things aren’t changing or becoming for the better.

Muhoozi couldn’t win this one and Kagame wouldn’t let him either. That would infuriate the elites and be a shallow one. Therefore, maybe it was for the better, that they only got a token of goodwill and the real diplomats can resolve the issues between them. Since, this was just a publicity stunt to boost the ego of an aspiring son of the President for Life in Kampala. Peace.

Opinion: Have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lost 160 vehicles in the last few years?

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by Gen Jeje Odongo is appearing before the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament to answer different questions raised by the committee. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised concern over the poor state of fleet vehicle for transporting dignitaries. According to PS Vincent Bagiire, the Ministry is using old fleet from the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which are “Nolonger fit for purpose” (Parliament of Uganda, 13.01.2022).

When reading this from the Parliament of Uganda handle on Twitter. I was boggled, because it was only last year when the Chinese Ambassador in Uganda handed over 70 vehicles to then Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Kuteesa. That happened in the end of March ahead of summits, which was supposed to be held later in the year. The Chinese government spent 5 millions United States Dollars on these SUVs last year.

Therefore, when Gen. Odongo says the Foreign Ministry has “ancient” cars from the CHOGM summit. The state also bought another additional 80 vehicles ahead of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in 2020. Therefore, the Ministry and the state should have vehicles in their car-lot. They have not only bought these 80, but gotten donated another additional 70 cars in the year after.

It seems to be the time to re-issue the statement from the Auditor General Report of 2021:

“Furthermore, I observed that 38 entities (76.0%) out of the 50 entities did not have a specific policy or guidelines on Motor vehicle management to guide the usage and eliminate theft, losses, wastage and misuse of motor vehicles. This was in addition to the absence of a comprehensive standardized fleet management policy of Government. Different aspects of government vehicles management are found in different policies and guidelines cited in various government documents, such as; the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2010, the Public Procurement and Disposal Act, 2014, and Treasury Instructions, 2017. This affects the entities’ ability to address the unique motor vehicle management challenges which may not be envisaged in the standing Orders and Treasury Instructions” (OAG February 2021).

So, it seems like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no control or policy in concern to their car park. They are one of these entities with no management of the car park. That is very clear by Odongo’s statement. As it is easy to see the Ministry have purchased and gotten donated in total 160 vehicles or cars in the last three years alone. The state and the Ministry be able to keep it up and general up-keep.

Unless, the state has suddenly issued these for others and given them to other state affiliates like appointed district officials or whatnot. That’s how it looks like to me. Because, how do you base you vehicle-park on CHOGM in 2022. When your own Ministry have bought vehicles ahead of the CPC and donated from China the year later?

Are there no accountability for the ministry and could Sam, the man just drive away with all of these to the sun-set and sell them on a car-lot in Mbarara? Because, what happened to all of them or they given to the former Ministers employees at Entebbe International Airport?

Since, cars cannot vanish, unless it is part of a Hollywood script or a car lost at a plot forgotten by the state. In such a manner of which, Mobutu had hidden vehicles and his administration held vehicles in foreign missions, which years later was found in forgotten garage abroad. Therefore, is that the issue of the Ministry in Uganda too?

Because, how do you loose 160 vehicles in the time span of about 3 years? Peace.

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

When you have 80 Members of Parliament or the ability to appoint 80 people for various of Ministers. You should have a field day in appointing the geniuses and the wise to any of these ministries. There should be a capacity and ability to hand-pick the ones who are fitted to various of ministries. However in 2021 that’s a saga long forgotten.

President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni have now released the whole cabinet yesterday. I looked into to the two high profiled roles last night. However, I had a series last term, but doesn’t see it fitting this time to continue with the “Royal Court” series.

It is clear with this Cabinet that the loyalists, the ones who sought and fought for the Age Limit is still getting appointed. The ones who are close and abide the principals of the State House. They are getting rewarded and getting retained. That is clear here and it is visible.

Clearly, Gen. Moses Ali can never do anything wrong. He is just a forever presence. The agreement he made with the National Resistance Movement in 1986 must give Museveni reasons to retaining him. That agreement must give him a office and be viable character in government. In the year of 2021 and beyond.

The former Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga was demoted, but still got an office. She is the First Deputy Prime Minister and will still have some power. Also, be the Minister for East African Community Affairs.

Wife(y) Janet Museveni retains her control of the Ministry of Education and Sports. We know it is buy peace in the Middle East. Oh wait, it is to give her a Gucci bag and call it a day. This is her slush-fund and we are not seeing teachers or lectures getting a better life in their profession.

Then we have the return of Jim Muhwezi. His a forever stagnate fellow within the NRM. His gotten the Minister, Office of the President of Security. A man who was sacked several of time. The ex-Spy have gotten into scandals and been part of grand corruptions cases. This man is as corrupt as it gets and he will eat this term.

The former Secretary General of NRM, Justine Kasule Lumumba have now gotten appointed as Minister in Charge of General Duties/ Office of the Prime Minister. This is a smaller role and sort of unofficial “spokesperson” for the government and will not handle anything serious. Not like the previous person there had a lot of things to do.

Then you have Thomas Tayebwa, who has been an MP since 2016. Other roles than in Parliament is the Director of Cholmat Investments. His appointed as the Government Chief Whip. Last year he got known on social media for beating a UMEME staffer. Who happened to work on a line or transmission, which was illegally connected to the MPs house. Therefore, Tayebwa MP have some answers to give and not only ask forgiveness after. Especially, if the praise of Don Wanyama is true. That Thomas is a Christian and being generous. He should have shown that generosity towards the contracted worker of the UMEME. Not only show up at public functions and showing his giving hands.

Frank Tumwebaze MP had to be retained. He has had several of Ministries and he gets another one now. His a loyal man and was elected without any polls. As he was a unopposed MP in the General Election of 2021. This man is the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. He will have three Minister of State underneath him. This is giving him vast power…

In no surprise Matia Kasaija is retained as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED). He surely must have a strong grip on the Ministry and the President trust him blindly on this. Since he has had this for years and continues to stay in office.

For some strange reason, which I cannot phantom. Gen. Jeje Odongo is becoming the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Somewhere is Sam Kuteesa laughing and wonder what happened to him. That the sanctions on his corrupt ass finally hit home and took away one pay-check from all the others his getting. Gen. Odongo is the most defensive minister that’s appointed. His so defensive and willing to defend the indefensible. That this man will blame the pen, but not the ones shooting the bullets. He will dismiss the ones writing about extra-judicial killings, but defend the ones shooting the innocent civilian. That is the sort of man Odongo is and expect that in his work this term.

This is enough for now. There will be a follow up. There is enough characters to make your mind implode on the spot. The Cabinet of 2021-26 will not generate greatness …. It is there to serve Museveni and that’s it. These folks are there because of their loyalty and they will follow him until he pushes them overboard. That’s why people get used and dropped like nothing. Expect someone to cry havoc in the coming days. It is inevitable. Peace.

PS: Part II is on its way, but will dig for every soul mentioned … just like always.

Uganda: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Press Release on the Killing of Ugandans in South Sudan (31.03.2021)

National Resistance Movement (NRM): Secretary General Kasule Lumumba letter to NRM NEC – Re: National Resistance Movement Flag Bearer for the position of Member of Parliament for Mawogola North Constituency, Sembabule District (15.10.2020)

Opinion: DPRK-Uganda have been trading partners for years…

“The relationship between Uganda and North Korea is more than an ordinary diplomatic relationship. It is a special friendship built over the years by the relationship between the Presidents of the two states” (Parliament.go.ug, 31.10.2014).

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) or North Korea have been dealing with the Government of Uganda for decades. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have been closely dealing with the North Korean counterparts. This has been done since the bush-war.

The North Koreans have both having businesses in Uganda, but also traded weapons to the Ugandan army. This have been older systems of ammunitions and weapons. Still, it has been an enterprise that have given the Pyongyang the needed foreign exchange and profits. While the Ugandans could get excessive weaponry to conflicts across their borders. It has been a win-win for both parties.

Which, when the Danish documentary series “the mole” exposed this. It has been known for ages. The UN has filed it in its reports for years. The knowledge of this trading and collaboration have been known. The DPRK and Uganda have been partners in crime. These low-cost parts and ammunition sold to Uganda have been good business for them both. Cheap imports and accessible to use in proxy wars.

There is knowledge and reports that contrary to UN Sanctions, the North Koreans has both manual workers and medical professionals working in Uganda. This is a way of earning money on the labour made by these citizens. Who are facilitated by state corporations working on projects and as part of state tenders in Uganda. Therefore, “the Mole” idea with building an arms factory in Uganda and using that as means for exporting illegal weapons. Wouldn’t be far-fetched because of the relationship between the states. It would be a win-win for both Republics and Presidents.

Just recently, Kim Jong-Un sent this message to Uganda on its independence day:

“Our people sincerely hope that under your leadership, the friendly people of Uganda will achieve great successes in their efforts for consolidating the national unity and attaining the socio-economic development of the country. I take this opportunity to express my conviction that the friendly and cooperative relations between our two countries would continuously strengthen and develop by inheriting their history and tradition.” (Mfa.gov.kp, 2020).

If that isn’t a message, than nothing is. It really says it all. As well, with the knowledge of how long they been trading. Using illegal means to profit of each other. As the one benefits from the other. Both parties knows that. The DPRK wouldn’t be involved and has this sort of deals, unless it earned on it. Neither, would the Ugandan have it either. Since, they are getting a bargain and getting things cheaply, but also weapons, which it can use for questionable enterprises elsewhere.

President Museveni have had this sort of relationship, because it has been beneficial to him and his allies. He wouldn’t have done this, if it wasn’t anything in it for him. Pyongyang and Kampala been friendly, because its good business. They are both getting what they need.

“The Mole” is maybe opening the eyes of a few new faces. However, many of us knew. Peace.

Reference:

Parliament.go.ug – ‘Korea-Uganda Parliaments agree to sign friendship pact’ (31.10.2014) Link: http://www.parliament.go.ug/new/index.php/about-parliament/parliamentary-news/472-korea-uganda-parliaments-agree-to-sign-friendship-pact

Mfa.gov.kp – ‘Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Sends Congratulatory Message to President of Uganda’ 09.10.2020 link: http://www.mfa.gov.kp/en/congratulatory-message-to-president-of-uganda/