Uganda: Ministry of Information, Communication Technology & National Guidance – Guidelines for the “Nyege-Nyege” Festival, 2022 (09.09.2022)

Opinion: The MPs better have Code

“A Man Gotta Have A Code” – Omar Little (Fictional Character from the Wire)

In a den of thieves, in a gang or a group of people, the ones who are assembling or gathering together needs codes. A man needs a Code to be a guideline and be a line not to cross. Everyone who lives needs that. It isn’t written in law or a regulated affair, but a moral and a selective reason not to do so.

The Members of Parliament are stopping a music festival on moral grounds and possible sexual immorality. This is from MPs who is living lavish among poverty. It is the elite blocking a yearly event (unless it was COVID-19 Lockdown). This would have been the 7^th edition of Nyege Nyege this year.

Alas, a man got to have a code. Is there where the buck stops? The buck didn’t stop with abducting civilians in drones? The buck didn’t stop with extra judicial killings? The buck didn’t stop with grand corruption or “missing funds”?

No, the buck stops with dancing in bikinis and possible youth rebelling against their predecessors, which has been going on since the beginning of time. The MPs who has all sort of questionable behaviours themselves. They are pocketing unwarranted monies, envelopes for serving the State House and getting perks under the table. MPs who are able to get away with theft, land-grabs and other shady business-practices, but it’s morally wrong to have a huge music-festival.

That’s really telling isn’t it? They are like those pastors who speaks against having sex outside marriage. While they are having affairs and side-dishes, which are sitting in the congregation and some are on stage singing in the choir. That’s what the MPs are up too these days. The same sort of hypocrisy.

That’s why we are seeing the former VP Edward Ssekandi having a case with a former mistress over land. This the sort of people who are ruling the nation. We have seen how Bukenya have dabbled in the youth. His not alone doing the boogie. It is happening and they are finding the babes, if they need to be. That’s the game they do in secrets and they hoped it would stay that way.

However, the citizens are supposed to live holier than though. Even when their leaders, representatives are greedy and ghastly in use of power. These folks has no issues and cannot be questioned. That’s why they have titles and fat bank-accounts. They have nice vehicles and entitled to greatness. While the ones their serving are lucky if they can afford the next meal or have a gig to go to. Therefore, the MPs are really lecturing the people like preachers, but not practising it themselves.

Time will really tell how this one goes… but the MPs has some answers to deliver. They are now acting morally superior and extremely judgmental. That is a burden they now have to carry. They have to lift it and prove they are worthy of it. Since, they are putting themselves on a pedestal and that’s why they should shine purely for the city. These should be the examples of the Republic and be the ones you aspire to be….

However, we know the drill. At one point or another. They will take shortcuts to riches, they will accept bribes and they will accept oppression of the citizens with impunity. That’s how they collect their fortunes and get to live like royalty. This is why they are not interested in justice, liberty or freedom for all. They got it all it, but they are worried about the fate of others. No, that’s why they are only concerned with morals in the sense of entitlement and arrogance, but not when it’s concerned with their own actions or responsibilities. That’s when the law is used against you and you will suffer for pointing it out.

A man got to have code… but don’t expect it to be universal. Here is the moral of story, a MP will use rhetoric and ethical reasoning for own benefit, but never use it in context of themselves. No, that’s never happening. They are absolved of that and are to privileged to do that. These people don’t deserve that…. Peace.

Opinion: Immorality and immortality will follow the 11th Parliament… [The Nyege Nyege ban]

“Parliament has stopped the ‘Nyege Nyege’ festival, an annual social event scheduled to take place next week in Jinja. Tororo Woman MP Hon Sarah Opendi says the event is a breeding ground for sexual immorality” (Parliament of Uganda, 05.09.2022).

“Speaker Anitah Among on Nyege Nyege:

We are talking about morality of this country; we are talking about our children. You are trying to promote tourism at the expense of our children? We are not going to allow this function to take part” (Parliament of Uganda, 05.09.2022).

“Hon. Akello Rose Lilly the Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity has informed the house that they had given the following conditions if the event is to happen.

▶️ Children below 18 shouldn’t attend

▶️ Nobody should go to that event naked” (Parliament Watch, 05.09.2022).

You thought the games of late Reverend Simon Lokodo is over. In 2022 the late one has been revived and his sort of play gets a renaissance. The 11^th Parliament just mere days ahead is banning and blocking a popular music-festival in Jinja. The first since the COVID lockdowns and the supposed 7^th Edition of it.

Alas, the reasoning for the banning is striking. They are claiming it to be immoral. A morality is a hard standard to set and even to define. Because, what is morally right or wrong?

The Police Act has the rights to regulate assemblies, as gatherings or processions in concern to music festivals. They are regulating the festival in the accordance and only stopping it if its disturbing the peace. It is the Inspector General’s role to write the person who organize the event and a notice to prohibit the convening of the assembly aka music festival. That’s what is stated in the Police Act.

With this in mind… is the Parliament even morally objective or the right persons to ban this event? Because, it isn’t like there isn’t questionable characters, immoral people there or people who used illegal means to get into office. Like are we supposed to forget how MPs are rigging primary elections, paying-off opposition candidates and using the authorities to intimidate the voters to vote on them. That’s morally questionable actions, which have been supported or benefited the ones in question. Secondly, many MPs have been in martial troubles, side-dishes and corruption scandals themselves. So, some of these people shouldn’t lecture others on how to be righteous. When their whole private affairs are questionable and their working career is known for alleged criminal behaviour. That in addition to the regime and how the state operates in concern to the citizens, which can also be seen as immoral. Because, who has the rights and liberties to suspend other people opportunities and rights at any given moment. Yes, the MPs and the majority party does that on a regular too.

That’s why when I hear there is moral objections to the Nyege Nyege festival from the MPs and the Parliament. The Parliament and the MPs should ask themselves if they can fit into the same program. If they can be vindicated from questioning of their moral and righteous actions. Yes, there been questionable acts done at Nyege Nyege and sexual activity, which are a part of a music scene. That is clear, but these MPs have also their sins to atonement for too. This is why they shouldn’t be so high and mighty. They are not priests, pastors or reverends for that matter. The MPs are representatives of the people and they should represent them all. Not only like Mama Janet and try to be morally superior, when she’s clearly not…

Well, the MPs and the Parliament is playing a high stakes game here. Yes, what is the threshold for nudity and when is a person naked? Is it a fashion statement? Is that differentiated between the genders? Because naked is subjective at one point. Yes, some fashionable attires especially for musicians is very revealing. When is it nude and when is it cloth? I don’t have the answer, but when the MPs are setting a standard. They better be equipped to have reasons for it. Especially, since this is a moral concern and not a legal one. There is no law here about it.

The reasons for banning people under 18 years is fine. Parents should be parenting and kids shouldn’t be part of all sorts of music festivals. That is sensible and have nothing to add here.

However, the precedence here is striking. The idea of banning it so few days ahead. As the organizers have booked the artists, gotten the stages and the pre-planned the festival from all sorts of logistical standpoints. The Parliament is legit destroying it and their financial muscles to sustain. They are practically “killing” it and doing it without a warning.

Seriously, the MPs have to answer for their own moral judgments and they better be pure. They better be like saints and act holier than thou. Because, if they can do this all of a sudden. They should have a clean slate and not a single issue. Their hands should be clean and never ever breached what was morally right. Especially, if that’s the grounds for banning a music-festival like Nyege Nyege. Peace.

Opinion: The 40 million shillings which makes the world go around…

The 11^th Parliament is as corrupt and filled with stooges as the previous ones. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker is the “visionaries” of it and it shows by what sort of characters they are. Therefore, the news of an envelope for voting in the budget of financial year 2022/23 wasn’t shocking. It was more of the same…

The Members of Parliament allocates themselves a higher allowance and a kickback for their services. While teachers, nurses and civil servants will sought far and wide to get any help with the rising prices or the cost of basic commodities. No, this is the representatives and the ones who are working for the people. Who is giving themselves a pay-rise and an additional money-grab. While the President and others tell people to live within their means or eat cassava.

The 555 MPs was offered a huge fee as incentive and a bargain for doing their actual duty. They should scrutinise and have general oversight over the budget. Every vote and need should be looked into. The MPs should state the needs or the usage of the funds. However, by the manner of which the budget is passed. It seems like its ceremonial and pre-fixed ordeal where the MPs just has to accept and move-on. As if the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) has everything covered and they should just nod their heads all along.

It is not strange that they accept the verdict and let bygones be bygones. When the money is coming in and it didn’t cost them anything. They are just accepting “free” money and can easily spend it however they deem fit. Nevertheless, their role as legislators and MPs is pointless. When they are not doing their job and is only stooges for the State House and the machinery of the “high above”.

We have seen this before and these sorts of votes will happen again. They called them suits or whatever really. As long as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and their MPs follows the program, which is whatever Museveni deems fit. That’s the gist of it. They are additionally paid for their services and they have already high allowances, salaries and levels of perks. It is not like the MPs is unfortunate or lack wealth. No, this is the gig to go after and the state abundantly pay you.

While the less fortunate gets even lesser. The value of currency and lack of revenue makes it harder to get by. Meanwhile their representatives are getting paid-in-full with add-ons. These ones are living the high life. They are living life like there is no tomorrow and topping up at any given opportunity. Therefore, there is no second coming or worry…

It just shows how there is one world for the citizens and another for the MPs. Peace.

Opinion: The Speakers have become a Wasteland for Public Expenditure…

“Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, her Deputy Thomas Tayebwa get Shs 2.8billion cars. Prossy Akampurira Mbabazi, the Rubanda District Woman MP, also a parliamentary commissioner, confirmed the procurement of the two luxurious vehicles” (91.2 Crooze FM, 07.06.2022).

“The decision was endorsed by the parliamentary commissioners and money to purchase the Shs2.8billion cars [for the speaker and her Deputy] was approved,” Hon. Prossy Akampurira, the Rubanda District MP, also a parliamentary commissioner” (91.2 Crooze FM, 07.06.2022).

“Parliament has concluded plans to procure official residences for the speaker and the deputy speaker. Inside sources say funds have already been made available for the procurement, though the figures have not been disclosed” (NTV Uganda, 07.06.2022).

The newly elected Speakers of the 11^th Parliament has no scruples spending from the state coffers. They are getting new cars, housing and they already has a vast money-pit of allowances, salaries, and perks in office. These two are already high earners but expect to get more for their services or contribution to the state.

You would think these two was running the nation and was the vocal point of it all. Since, they are so well paid off and has such funds to build houses for them as well. They had already cars as MPs and big-big salaries as part of the Parliament. So, it wasn’t like they weren’t well off already. These two had it all and now they want more.

This is what greed looks like and they are doing this amid rising inflation, lacking funds, and showing their ignorance of the plights of the people. The people they represent and works for as speakers to begin with.

These was two ceremonial vehicles and additional housing. When we know they have all the high-end salary, allowances, and other stipulated payments, which makes them rich in office. It is not like these would starve at any minute or be worried about dried out bank-accounts. No, these two would have a pay-day and would be well-off.

This is privilege and the burden of that is on the state coffers. The state covers the expenses and all the costs of the matter. These are luxuries and can only been seen as such. Since, the speakers has a pay and could afford to get a humble abode in Kampala. However, they are now living like royalties and expects to live as such.

That’s why they had to have new ceremonial cars, as the cars bought to fit Oulanyah and Kadaga wasn’t good enough. Now, they are also getting houses paid. It just shows how they can be reckless and spend like it is no tomorrow. It is their turn to eat and it’s evident that they think that way. Because it is like they fear that this opportunity is too good not to get well off from. Peace.

Obwakabaka Bwa Buganda: Office of the Katikkiro – Press Release (25.03.2022)

Opinion: Tayebwa and Among will make the House into a Partisan Den

Now that it’s official and the voting tomorrow is in session. The news that Chief Whip Thomas Tayebwa is the anointed Deputy Speaker to take the place of the current Deputy Anita Annet Among. We know the drill here and the most likely result tomorrow is that both of these gets the promotions in Parliament.

So in advance, congratulations and hope you can resurrect your legacies. However, in the grand scheme of things of things. I doubt it… and these two cadres are the token loyalists and egocentric puppets, which are the sort of fishermen that the President has prayed for entering his party all his life. These sort of small-time schemers and elite, which is easily corrupted and tricked into thinking they are doing their own gains, but initially just serving the purpose of the State House.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni must be so happy. That his getting the partisan people of Tayebwa and Among to these roles is just a blessing for the old man. He gets the epitome of hacks and insufferable people to represent his causes in the Parliament. These will wait for the whistle and ensure the NRM is at the heart of things.

Tayebwa has proven this all on his own. That he says just censoring Muhwezi was a target against all of the members of the Movement. When he could say that as a Chief Whip and staunchly defend the merits and questionable act of the Minister. We know that he has the ability and heart to strike even harder as the Deputy. He will follow the foot-steps of Among and cause even more damage without proper procedure or protocol. Just to throw the opposition into a tail-spin and escalate even more tension between the parties.

Among already proven that with her handling of the Zaake case and removal of title as Commissioner. Therefore, we know how she plays and used the office as Deputy. Now that she’s the boss and the Speaker. She can be even more ruthless and insincere. I don’t expect her to change or suddenly become a person of integrity or honesty. As that ship has sailed and she has proven there is one standard for NRM and another for the rest. That’s just how things goes and now the Parliament has to follow these sets of guidance and rules. If not… she can use the same argument again to revoke or censor someone.

When we know all this and this is the outcome of the death of Oulanyah. It is clear that the cadres and the well-grounded MPs within NRM is becoming extinct. When this is the best they have to offer and who they are endorsing to such roles. Theses people should be trusted and be people who will follow the words of the procedure and the law. However, these are so partisan and so selective in their reasoning. That I doubt they will ever do so.

These people will bargain and ensure the NRM and the President decrees are followed. Without any oversight or accountability. I expect the 11^th Parliament to be so partisan, that the Leader of Parliament will often boycott or not participate. Neither will many of the Opposition MPs. Who don’t see grounds or values in the Plenary Sessions. As they are muffled and not taken into consideration. The majority and the NRM has a head who will silence and brutally engage with them. Therefore, things are not getting, but instead worse…

These two running the show. It will be a circus and a partisan at that. There will be no middle-ground or sort of impressionable scene. The ones that is chosen has already proven that by their actions and words. The titles and ranks might change, but we know these two bleeds yellow. Therefore, the sights on the Parliament will be so too. These will not account or care, because these has only interest of the Movement and nothing else.

That’s why there should be other types of cadres and MPs elected to these roles. However, the NRM CEC and the likes doesn’t even shield the need to totally suffocate the opposition. Peace.

Opinion: CJ Dollo showed his tribalist ways …

“But your ethnic leader, you who were demonstrating, was transported in a presidential jet on public funds he was not entitled. You did not demonstrate. Is it because Oulanyah is an Acholi? Is it because Oulanyah does not speak your language? Only a wicked person, can fight a person fighting for his life. Only a super wicked person can fight the dead. Actually for us it is an abomination which has no named” – Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo (23.03.2022).

It seems to always be fitting to target and speak of ill of the “Central Region” or Buganda. These sentiments are clearly in the back-head of many people. As they are speaking with a tone and manner, which doesn’t seem fitting.

It is now done by the Court Justice Dollo… who can easily go after the Kabaka and the Baganda Kingdom. As he took an KLM flight to Germany for treatment. While he forgets that the state paid for the special flight of Oulanyah to Seattle. Again, the hospitalization abroad isn’t the issue, but the tribe. That is tragic… as in both instances… the lacking health care and medical facilities to treat this people are worrying. When VIPs has to go abroad to get help and the expenses are on the state. Alas, CJ Dollo isn’t smart here, but playing along tribal lines.

What is striking is how easily the loyal cadres and people in the inner-circle of power can use tribalism. When the President is often quoted to speak up against preaching sectarianism. However, the first moment when the iron get hot. The people come out of the woodwork and does just that.

CJ Dollo is no exception to the rule, as his just doing this in regard to the Muganda and their cultural leader. If this had been towards the Bunyoro or the Busoga it would have been wrong. Heck, no one should do this to the Langi or the Acholi either. It just shows how things are backwards, instead of moving forward.

What his saying is lingering on hate speech and should be condemned. This is coming after the Acholi and Greater North MPs wanted to “ring-fence” the position in Parliament. However, we know that is not happening and the Deputy is getting a promotion. That shows the National Resistance Movement wasn’t following the pleas and the petitions to follow ethnic lines for a role in government.

Nevertheless, we know the NRM has a problem with this and not because Among is from the East. No, the NRM has a problem that they have favoured Westerner and Ankoli for a long time. They have a click and a power-base, which has been steady since the bush-war. Therefore, the ethnic and tribal accusations can easily be pinned on the NRM. That is a reaction to the NRA historicals and the manner of which the President has governed.

So, CJ Dollo is just going after the Baganda and the Muganda. A kingdom and a region, which has dared to vote against the NRM and pick opposition leaders. That is just showing how staged this is. The opposition run demonstrations wasn’t directly at Oulanyah in Seattle, but a reaction to the medical tourism and wastage of government spending. This was the reason and Oulanyah was just the latest high ranking official to do so. It wasn’t long ago since former minister Lokodo was abroad for treatment before his death too. Therefore, this is a lingering problem and not an Acholi or anything else problem. It is a system default which is bad for the whole society. Since the hospitals and the health centres cannot cater and deliver the needed health care treatment in the Republic.

However, this sort of speech does nobody any good and the CJ should be better. Nevertheless, the death and demise of Oulanyah exposed his true character, I suppose. Peace.

Opinion: Among is the chosen one and the Greater North isn’t get their way

“Rt. Hon Anita Among has been endorsed as Speaker of parliament by NRM CEC, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong has confirmed” (94.3 QFM LIRA, 23.03.2022).

The news are now out of the bag. The waiting game is over and the finalization of what to come is here. The current Deputy Speaker Anita Among is getting the nomination and getting vouched by the National Resistance Movement – Central Executive Committee (NRM-CEC) that was anticipated and it’s not shocking.

Though now the NRM MPs from the Greater North in Lango, Acholi and West Nile have to either stand by their words or bow to the command of the NRM CEC. Because, the NRM CEC decisions tends to be final. Just like the direction and decisions made at the NRM Caucus at the State House. These are the end-game and how things are resolved. Where the mater is up for the high above and his final word settle the score.

In this round, it’s the Deputy becoming the Speaker. Meaning there will possibly be a double election. As if she wins the race as a speaker, which she is bound too. Among has the majority of MPs behind her and there is now way the numbers game change in any shape or form to help any opposition to counter it. Therefore, the decision and endorsement is the end.

This means that the 12 other was dismissed, even as one Minister had already revoked her candidacy and with doing so… only making it 12 candidates instead of the initial 13 reported. However, her candidacy was a long-shot and it was wise just to back-out anyway.

We will see the hurt and the pain in concern to the Acholi and the North, which wanted to ring-fence this position. They wanted this office to reflect the powerhouse of the North. That is how they have spoken since Jacob Oulanyah passed away. Therefore, the NRM CEC and the President didn’t want to honour that and instead picked the most loyal cadre, which is Among.

The ones thinking this is good choice. Well, they can look into the case of Zaake and how his been treated by the Deputy Speaker. Knowingly that is how she operates as the Deputy and would most likely be more fierce as the Speaker. The 11^th Parliament will be a dungeon of partisanship for the NRM and there will be no grounds or trying to make it seem any different.

Anita Among isn’t the like or concern for protocols, neither is she worried about the grand scheme of things. She seems only to be worried about her ego and her titles. That’s why she fits well with the current NRM. Who doesn’t care about the laws or the ramifications of their actions. As long as the enemies suffer and the opposition lingers in purgatory. That’s how she operates and I can only expect more of that from her. She will use any excuse or deliberation to mock, take shots and even revoke their privileges. That is how she are and now she is promoted for it too.

While the ones wanting an Acholi or a Northerner is left behind. They shouldn’t expect anything else. There is no law or a wording, which stated this or said so. It was wishful thinking, but the President and his CEC didn’t see the value in it. They rather have status quo and call it a night.

Alas, the North and Acholi might feel betrayed… but the High Ranking Officials and the roles of government isn’t ring-fenced or bound by law to one group, unless it is a cultural institution or a monarchy where family lineage matters. Therefore, this was a mission impossible for the Northerners to begin with.

Everyone can say the Westerners and the family affairs of the President makes it seems like other positions are filled with this and the North should have their say. That is true, but it wasn’t in the cards and they didn’t have a fitting character or the leverage with CEC. Because, if they had a person who had the connection, the leverage and the needed qualification of the President. That person would get endorsed. However, that didn’t happen and Teso got the golden ticket this time around.

Am not shocked, as she was one of the front-runners and naturally so. Since she was already the Deputy. This is just continuing the current affairs and nothing else. Among will just pursuit her interests and be a cog in the machinery for the NRM. That is evident by how she was running things and now she has gotten a promotion. Peace.

Opinion: The Northern MPs can boycott the speaker elections, but the NRM CEC nominee will be winner…

“Members of Parliament from Acholi, West Nile, and Lango sub-regions have threatened to boycott the elections of the Speaker of Parliament if the Central Executive Committee of the NRM fails to nominate the candidates they endorsed for Speakership. The group wants the Speaker’s position ring-fenced in relation to the region’s contribution in last year’s general polls” (NBS Television, 22.03.2022).

The Acholi Parliamentary Group has already endorsed Hilary Onek, as the Minister and MP for Speaker. While the recent reports and the NRM Electoral Commission had a list of 13 MPs wanting to be the Speaker. Onek wasn’t on the list published by Dr. Tanga Odoi today. Meaning he has not shown interest or in time for the NRM EC to be eligible for the election.

By the list of NRM EC the ones who fits this description is Jackson Atima of Arua, Denis Hamson Obua of Abletong, Felix Okot Ogong of Dokolo, Jane Ruth Aceng of Lira and John Amos Okot of Agago.

So, out of the 13 MPs seeking to be Speaker … 5 of these are from the Greater North or the region of which they ring-fencing the Speakership of the Parliament. This is making it tribal and using the Acholi or North as a reason for someone to get elected. It is not saying they have the best person or the one who is fit to be the speaker.

We know that the Northern MPs and Acholi Parliamentary Group can petition all they want and say they want it again. Because, late Jacob Oulanyah came from the region. That all makes sense, but there is no ownership of the office of speaker. Just like there is no ring-fencing of the Presidency or anything else. There is no unwritten rules either. At least not by the Constitution or anywhere else.

This is just sentiments to ensure the Acholi and Greater North has a say. That all makes sense. However, the ideals will all depend on if any of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) will put this into consideration or implement it. Because it all depends on this body and than later in the election the NRM follow this decision. That is how things goes and this will be no different.

If the Greater Northern MPs thinks so. They have to prove it, but they shouldn’t count on it. The NRM can use the tribalism and these grounds to not accept it. Since, they can speak of merit and qualifications. Nevertheless, the NRM has a hard choice and a region wants answers. This will not be easy…

The NRM CEC isn’t fileld with Northerners either. The NRM have an issue of appointing Westerns to the highest offices and become prominent within the party. So, if they want to give the Republic another picture. They can prove that very easily. Nevertheless, it is hard to count on it.

The nomination is up for grabs and everything is just speculations. The truth will be out tomorrow and the NRM CEC has a die to cast. No matter what eyes they get. It will have ramification and one favoured MP will become the next Speaker of the 11^th Parliament. Peace.