Opinion: Bwanika is ready to dip…

“Abed Bwanika threatens to quit NUP if constitutional reforms regulating elected leaders to two terms are not reconsidered. The Kimanya Kabonera MP spit fire on CBS over the weekend where he claimed the reforms will deny the party senior and experienced leaders like himself” (The Kampala Journal, 25.04.2023).

I am neither shocked nor surprised that this comes from Hon. Abed Bwanika. He has become a journeyman of sorts. Bwanika is the former three times Presidential Candidate. A man who has been on the ballot in 2006, 2011 and 2016. Also created a church and a political party. Before joining National Unity Platform (NUP).

Bwanika was the only independent candidate in 2006 but had already launched his People’s Development Party (PDP) by the 2011 elections. A party he ran on its platform until the 2016 elections. In the term after that he joined the DP Block and became a part of the new outfit. That happened in 2019 and he bolted from that and stood on the ballot for NUP in 2021 elections as an MP.

That just shows how swiftly everything changed and how he went from one outfit or party to another. He went from his own and became a part of the DP Block. However, when that didn’t go to plan. Bwanika left and found a safe haven in the NUP.

Now he is issuing grievances and coming with threats of leaving. Surely, if he leaves his just another journeyman and vagabond who flees the party. Another one of them who got hooked on the wave, but now see the reality of the party he entered. A man who couldn’t phantom that the party had principals and ideals to adhere too.

Bwanika has already tried to get into Presidency three times and finally entered office with the NUP. He has gotten the opportunity to be an MP and he got nothing to show from it. As an MP he hasn’t been vocal or caused a commotion. Neither is he causing a stir or even writing motions to get legislation done. Therefore, his just eating and enjoying the perks of the office without doing more work.

I’m not surprised that he was against the idea of two terms for elected officials within the NUP. He could just dip or ditch the party. Nevertheless, a man who was willing to stand three times for the Presidency and fails. He feels obligated to try more than ones in another office. That is just basic human behaviour. It would go against everything inside him to do otherwise.

Bwanika wants to represent and be a high ranking official. He finally has entered Parliament and with this party constitution. His only allowed to be the MP one more term. That means it is all ending soon and before he really gets to eat. When he has fought tooth and nail since 2006.

We know he can trade his ideals beliefs, because he has in the past sworn an affidavit in support of the elections in 2006 and in defence of Museveni. Therefore, he could easily be swayed again. It just shows how open policy the NUP has when they have allowed these characters to join and get to eat cake.

Bwanika should feel lucky and blessed to be where he is. Because, as a Presidential Candidate he was a joke. Now he finally has a voice and a party to reconcile with. A party that isn’t a briefcase one, but a legit one. That’s why he was able to be elected in the first place. Bwanika should pray to the Gods and be grateful.

Now he does the opposite and proves what sort of journeyman he is. Peace.

Opinion: Mwenda trying to knight Mao

Not breaking news, but the Independent Magazine editor and spin-doctor of the regime Andrew Mwenda published piece called “Thumbs Up for Mao”. That was published today. I will no digest the whole text, but only comment on the pieces that is worthy of discussing. Because, his sort of style is to whitewash and make the government insiders look good. He has become a talisman for the government and this article is no exemption. It is just the good old sort of spin to make the unreasonable look wonderful.

Mwenda’s piece is the norm now and nobody should be shocked. The mannerism and the attacks on Bobi Wine and Besigye is staple by now. The way he describes and goes after the opposition is just what he does. It’s like he has no other technique or abilities to understand their standing. Everyone is just supposed to think and move like he does. Be a government crony and get the kickbacks like everyone else Andrew knows.

The first part which was interesting to me was this one: “The cooperation agreement between NRM and DP is an important political innovation and landmark in our country’s politics. Uganda needs this kind of politics. Indeed, it should be a yardstick for political cooperation among the contending political forces in the country. Other political parties like NUP, FDC and JEMA should seek the same” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

Well, we don’t know what sort of deal the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) did. Neither does we know what sort of deal Dr. Paul Ssemogerere did back-in-the-day or anyone else for that matter. Who has gone from being in opposition to working with President Museveni. We also know what happened to the allies of the UFF and UFM. Manhy of them are now gone and only a handful are still around in the upper echelon. So, seeing how Museveni betrays agreements and twists them for his own personal advances. The UPC and DP should know this. The Cooperation Agreement today could be diminished tomorrow when His Excellency don’t need it. The words to the wise of studying history and knowing how your enemy operates. Mwenda should know that NUP, FDC and JEEMA shouldn’t join hands with Museveni. Sooner or later they will end up as relevant as Beatrice Anywar or Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi. Please, we don’t want any of that in 2022 do we?

He continues: “From that experience I came to the conclusion that Besigye is an obstacle to democratic development in Uganda. It is hard for me to really know his subjective motivations. But the objective outcome of his actions impede democratization. This is because he sees all forms of political compromise as capitulation, negotiations with government as selling out. He has adopted an extreme position that there is only way forward for Uganda and that is the fall of Museveni and his (Besigye’s) usurpation of power – and through ultra-constitutional means” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

I would have to counter with the words of Besigye himself in the 1999 dossier as he left the NRM to form the Reform Agenda, which later turned into the now known Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). In that he says this: “All in all, when I reflect on the Movement philosophy and governance, I can conclude that the Movement has been manipulated by those seeking to gain or retain political power, in the same way that political parties in Uganda were manipulated. Evidently, the results of this manipulation are also the same, to wit: Factionalism, loss of faith in the system, corruption, insecurity and abuse of human rights, economic distortions and eventually decline. So, whether it’s political parties or Movement, the real problem is dishonest, opportunistic and undemocratic leadership operating in a weak institutional framework and a weak civil society which cannot control them” (Besigye, November 6 1999 Dossier).

Why do I use these words in 2022? Well, that’s the reasons for why Besigye doesn’t believe in compromise and working directly with the NRM now. The NRM haven’t become better since 1999, but its much more ruthless and less concerned about how it portray itself. Mwenda is claiming Besigye wants power, but he wants a proper transition of power away from the guns and to a civilian rule. Because, the NRM today is based on the power of the army and the authorities, which can be used to take total control. So, calling Besigye is just to justify the means to an end for Museveni. Since Museveni usage of force, intimidation and state sponsored violence is legit in the eyes of Mwenda. While being on the barricades to defend liberty, justice and freedom for all is called extremism. That just shows which side Mwenda is on…

“Yet Besigye has ignored the path taken by Mandela and instead embraced the one pursued by Yasser Arafat in Palestine. He has helped nourish a large constituency who reject politics as an activity that might – and should – involve compromise. The battle cry is never to seek any common ground. He and his radical extremist supporters despise any such, seeing it as selling out. Their motto is that we either win or they lose. This zero-sum approach to politics is very dangerous and can only lead to a autocratic government. This is because any government that comes to power without any negotiation or compromise will most likely to rule without any negotiation and compromise. And the reverse is true” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

We all know the game-plan here. Mwenda wants compromise to look good and make the resilience of Besigye to look bad. Alas, the main issue with this here and using Mandela as an example. It is not like Museveni wants to promise a new beginning or reform in which his leaving. The white minority rule (apartheid) government made that agreement with the African National Congress (ANC) which lead to a new start in the rainbow nation in 1990s. Something we know that the NRM and Museveni has no interests in. They only wants that prolongs the life of the Museveni era and the NRM clinging on to power. That’s why this sort of mental gymnastics isn’t doing anyone a favour. The dictator and his party would never really negotiate themselves out of office or offer a soft landing for a free and fair election. We know that Museveni would never do that… it isn’t in his character and certainly after 36 years. He will not do that… Museveni will never compromise to the levels of sincere approach or a possibility of losing power. No, his to conning to do that.

He continues: “Mao needs to be applauded for his courage, for leading the way, for breaking this fear that to work with Museveni is detrimental to the interests of Uganda. Museveni and his NRM are a deeply entrenched reality in Uganda’s body politic. They are unlikely to be removed from power any time soon. But Museveni is also a practical and pragmatic politician who is always looking out for opportunities to win over his opponents – or even to compromise them. That should not stop politicians of principle from being pragmatic, recognizing that building Uganda requires some cooperation with him” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

I can applaud Mao for showing his true character and lack of spine. His a sell-out and the deal will be breached. Sooner or later the President and his men will see no value in the DP or Mwenda. He will be as valuable as Beatrice Anywar aka Mama Mabira. Calling Museveni practical and pragmatic is joke. When he calls people’s parasites, insects and calls to destroy his opponents. A man who uses either the hook or the crook to go after his enemies. So, calling for pragmatic solutions with Museveni is hopeless. Sooner or later you will be lost and have no way to go. It is just showing the manner of which everyone else is supposed to beg for mercy, but Museveni is allowed to do whatever. Calling him pragmatic and practical. Well, say that to the tortured victims, the political prisoners and the families who has lost political activists in extra judicial killings because of their affiliations. That’s ruthless and not practical. So, Mwenda isn’t sincere here…

Mwenda further states: “Thus Besigye has built this cult that someone cannot compromise with Museveni without being compromised by the president. Yet one can work with Museveni without working for him and recognize the president’s accomplishments without endorsing his failures. This inability to see nuance and complexity leads me to believe that Besigye has despotic inclinations. His belief in the total annihilation of Museveni as the one and only path to Uganda’s democratization and development is dangerous” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

When Mwenda writes like this. It is like he has never listened or bother to care about the messaging of Besigye. Because, he has make Museveni look cool or like a likeable character. While demonizing and depict the enemies of the state as the worst. Alas, that is just what Mwenda does here. While not considering the implications of doing so. How can anyone have negotiations between the parties, when the spin-doctor of the other party calls Besigye that? That doesn’t make sense. Secondly, Besigye don’t have power and haven’t been in office of decades… FDC has proven to be a coordinated and a party machine which is ruled by proper protocol. So, why would he be dictator? It isn’t like Besigye is the Party President and a high ranking official there now.

Just to continue my reasoning. Let’s take another document of Besigye. Where in 2017 spelled out what was needed for a transition of government:

“The following needs to be done to terminate the Junta’s control of our country:

1) Intensify the “awakening campaign”, for most Ugandans to become active in the processes of achieving a transition. Everyone has a role to play in achieving this.

2) Forming activist networks to make it possible to act together and to be coordinated.

3)Everyone seeking a democratic transition should take deliberate actions, individually or in concert with others to disempower and break down the Junta. Each one’s actions, however small, contribute significantly towards the desired change.

4) Public servants, including those in the security and military are called upon to join the struggle for democratic transition.

5) In coordination with other political and civil society formations, we’ll soon start various activities that will disempower and bring the, now fragile, Junta to an end” (Besigye, 11.06.2017).

If you read this sort of text it isn’t a script of a demagogue or a dictator, but of a man who wants a public uprising and people power revolution to overthrow the current regime. Where he wants organizations and parties behind who all pull their weight. This is a game of getting all stakeholders to choke the government and stop it. So, it has to cease operation. So, when reading about the compromise. It is just like Mwenda wants to breathe new life into the Museveni government. Instead of actually offer a transition or a proper representation of the general public in government.

He ends with: “Most democracies I know in the world work through coalitions. This means they have to share power with those they don’t agree with. Why not Uganda?” (Mwenda, 22.07.2022).

Besigye’s own words in the 1999 described this: “After some years of NRM rule, some in the leadership began to feel that there was sufficient grassroots support for the NRM, such that one could “off-load” the “broad–based” elements in government at no political cost. These factors were at the centre of an unprincipled power-struggle which was mostly covert and hence could not be resolved democratically. It continued to play itself out outside the formal Movement organs, with the results of weakening and eventually losing the concept of consensus politics and broad-basedness” (Besigye, November 6 1999 Dossier).

When this have been public knowledge for decades and it hasn’t become better. The main problem for the way the government is operating is starting from the top. That’s His Excellency and the orders his issuing. The way of the NRM CEC, NRM Caucus and the way the Parliament is doing it’s business. Therefore, the Mwenda’s of the world speaking of coalitions. The ones who signs off and works with Museveni. Sooner or later will realize that they are being used and will be dropped off shortly. They will not have long shelf-life, unless the agreements signed gives them eternal pass like Gen. Moses Ali. The rest are left astray and without any house to keep. Museveni will not budge or give way. He wants it his way or your got no choice. That’s why calling him pragmatic and practical. Its just ridiculous and utter garbage.

Mwenda should study the patterns and the Leopards Anus. However, he rather try to spin to make the current regime look good. That’s all his busy doing now. Peace.

Opinion: The DP isn’t Green anymore – it has turned itself Yellow

“I met with Democratic Party President Norbert Mao at State House Entebbe. We signed a cooperation agreement between the NRM and the DP. I salute the DP leadership for this gesture of mature, foresighted and constructive politics” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 20.07.2022).

We have seen the shift over the years. The NBS Frontline commentator and Party President Norbert Mao has today signed an agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It a cooperation agreement and by doing so… the DP party is certainly dying.

The DP Party has lost their strongholds. The DP has been weakened over the years with Mao at the helm. He might proclaim and act like it isn’t true. However, the Parliamentary Group is weakened and the party itself has lost it’s purpose. That’s why a deal like this will breathe life onto it, but also trade it all away.

The DP party cannot be seen as an opposition party. Mao and his associates has now ensured his pockets. However, the party is now tainted. The DP is now working directly with the tyrant and his tyranny. The cooperation agreement is selling the soul of the DP. Not that’s its shocking, but inevitable.

This just shows the power of the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform (NUP). The NUP already took away most of the base of the DP. The DP lacks strong grass-root support and the NUP has gained on their territories. The youths and the like rather go to the NUP or the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Than going to a moderate and elitist party, which isn’t directing its energy towards the problematic sides of the NRM regime.

That’s why the DP lost in the two last elections. They haven’t gained anything and only gotten some people in high ranking offices, because they wanted to work directly with Museveni. Now Mao is doing the same and there is no subtle way to describe it.

The DP was formed as a reaction to the Progressive Party in 1956. Now in 2022 it has sold its soul to the dictatorial party of 36 years the NRM. The former Catholic party with a base in Baganda and Catholic North. Has now traded away its glory and possible moderate answers to the dictatorship. It is instead becoming a crony and an ally.

Not that this is shocking. It explains why Mao has targeted the NUP and Bobi Wine in the recent time. Anyone who has followed Mao has seen his rhetoric and actions, which could been a well spoken Ofwono Opondo. Now his becoming a stooge of the President and he surely cost barely nothing.

Museveni blasts DP in 2004:

“How can you say for 50 years I have been here doing nothing and you also celebrate?” (…) “To remain in a deserted home and you celebrate for remaining there does not make sense” (New Vision – ‘Museveni blasts DP’s Ssemogerere’ 05.04.2004).

A man that speaks like about your party and later signs an agreement with you. He will destroy you and use the deal to undermine you. Museveni has promised to crush the opposition and take it down. Just like the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) deal hasn’t strengthen that party either. Instead it has taken seats and also ensured new MPs by doing so. Therefore, the DP will now go down the same path.

Mao should look onto Jimmy Akena and know that his becoming a similar party leader. Since his in favour of Museveni, but not being a big national figure. Secondly, his not even fielding candidacy to become President of the Republic. The UPC agreement should be studied and the results of it. Because, the DP-NRM agreement will most likely deliver similar results.

Mao has now traded his soul and all his ego to safe his accounts with fresh shillings. Peace.

Opinion: Mao’s iffy claims is getting him nowhere

“Democratic Party president, Norbert Mao, has called the National Unity Platform (NUP) a dubious project which is delaying change. “What I see here is the reason a party that seeks to lead Uganda should not encourage its supporters to use mind-bending substances. I will not be distracted. NUP is a dubious project for delaying change. They malign everyone but in reality they are a creation of the shadow State,” Mao wrote on his Twitter handle” (Carol Kasujja Adii – ‘NUP is a dubious Project – Mao’ 08.03.2022, New Vision).

It is hard to imagine that Norbert Mao has been the Democratic Party President for over a decade at this point. He has run the DP Party since before the ‘Walk to Work’ demonstrations and haven’t succeeded in the 2011, 2016 or in 2021. This is why his on a expedition right now to make himself relevant and sound resounding. However, that is all backfiring.

His instead being loved by the National Resistance Movement Youth League (NRM-YL). The DP President is being supported by Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga and being boosted by Andrew Mwenda. It is him who can be claimed to be the “shadow state”. That is only speculating, but he surely does the work of the state and their allies. Ofwono Opondo is soon irrelevant and the GCIC should just hire Mao. He would do the work for them and finally Opondo could lavish on a farm in close association to Kayihura somewhere. That would make sense after all of these years.

Mao is working so hard to maligned Bobi Wine aka Robert Kyagulanyi as a shady actor or political leader. That his forgetting his own mission or supposed work as a Party President. His so obsessed and focused, that he is tweeting more about NUP and Bobi Wine, than certain radio stations are pinning Sheila Gashumba.

He is working on overtime to discredit and say the NUP is the modern version of Kabaka Yekka (KY) party. A Baganda party and not a national one. That is following the rhetoric and message, which resembles the NRM. I would think a man of the opposition like Mao wouldn’t like to sound like NRM. However, he thrives in the space of NRM and speaking their points of view. That’s maybe why he uses the same points, agenda and means as the NRM has done.

Mao has gone after the party, the way it was formed and everything in between. Soon he will post a picture of Bobi Wine smoking weed and dancing with a woman on stage in his early career. Because, that is what you do… when you cannot see someone aspire or create a new avenue for themselves. Nevertheless, Mao is only burning bridges while speaking of dialogue, which is ironic as his supposed to be the wise-man of the political space. Alas, we can say with time that wisdom has clearly withered into the winds of time.

Mao isn’t as bright or the future of leadership. Instead his a washed-up uninspiring and a depressing sort of character. All the promise straight into the storm-drain and all for nothing. He could have done a lot and be remembered for something. Instead, his just one of them suits with no aspirations or prospects to generate hope. No, his a empty suit and enjoy the perks of that office. Peace.

Opinion: Norbert Mao is a fallen soldier

The Democratic Party President Norbert Mao who has lead his party since 2010 and in 2022 is going on a war-path towards anyone in the opposition. Throwing tantrums and speaking of hypocrisy. While never taking into account his own actions and mischief, as his the superior and supposed great leader. Alas, there is the burden of proof and of thoughtfulness, as he has targeted the other opposition before… and he has never succeeded himself in his causes. Maybe that’s why his so bitter these days.

He should have a resounding legacy and merits to show for it. Mao has been leading a party for a decade and still has little results to show for. There has been little to none in concern to legislation, even less with the spark of flair or proof of validity of astonishing brinkmanship within the opposition on his behalf. If it had been so… he wouldn’t acted like he does these days.

It is a reason why he haven’t gained politically or become a bigger voice with time. As the Party President and DP seems to loose relevance. That his trying to spark it now is obvious. Just like tried to get anyone under his DP block, as a unified front and hoped Bobi Wine would tag along. Because, that would be like he ran around with Mbabazi in 2016.

Since we all know well by now that Mao isn’t the leader, the prospect or the majestic future of the Republic. His a glorified party leader, which resemble the same arrogance as previous presidential candidate Venansius Baryamureeba. Both are academic in their approach to the world, but oblivious to how to communicate their differences to public. That’s why they are not popular or have the ability to sell their narratives. This is why it’s easier to throw stones at Bobi Wine or Besigye, than trying to find solutions or even speak rational that makes sense. Since it’s cooler to sound eloquent and speaks the Queens language with a tone.

However, I think Mao needs a redemption and need atone for whatever that sparked these grievances. He needs his pity party and stop the pissing contest. Which is only making him look like a fool and sound like a fool. While his topping up and hoping someone else will give him air-time.

Mao’s rants is taking him nowhere and his a lost cause. It is an erratic shit-show with no purpose. Only to show how his lacking respect and dignity for his fellow allies in the opposition. He says he wants to talk to all leaders, but at the same time his throwing more charcoal on the fire. How does that add up, Mister? Well, it doesn’t and you are only bringing more heat.

Secondly, you know you have messed up as an opposition leader when the National Resistance Movement Youth League (NRMYL) is calling you a cadre, comrade or even a senior cadre in their tweet today. That’s not a sign of victory, unless you are in opposition to make a mess and create hostility. Because, that NRMYL loves that and the NRM itself will bash in glory over that.

Mao has done a better job undermining the opposition than government spokesperson, chief whip of Parliament or any NRM MPs in the recent days. The DP President has aired out all the dirty laundry without any good receipts. Still, his efforts are been recognized, but not by the people his supposed to get the “love” from. Therefore, if this was his project and the deliver was to be evaluated. It surely doesn’t look a successful one.

In this battle of words, the soldier chairman Mao is very lost and Saving Private Mao will not able to be found. He is behind the front-lines and cannot be accessed. God knows when he will return to sanity, but he will surely continue these antics. Because, it gets people talking. Even if it is only in a negative light about his own self. Which is tragic really. At one point… I saw him as a fellow opposition and a man of the future, actually. He looked bright in the light of “Walk to Work” together with other rising opposition leaders. However, the mighty has fallen and his disgraced his own name. All by himself and he got no one to blame but his own mouth. Peace.

Opinion: After Mao’s recent rants – I understand why the DP Block went nowhere

Yesterday on Twitter, Democratic Party (DP) Party President Norbert Mao went on a rampage in defence of Jacob Oulanyah and his own treatment abroad at some point. While also throwing all sorts of shade against the National Unity Platform (NUP). That was the key thing in what he was doing. He was trying to undermine and mock the NUP, as it has party funding and medical tourism themselves. However, he rather want them to look bad than take accountability himself.

Mao really showed his hiding in plain sight. His not a trustworthy actor or an opposition for that matter. We can all see why Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga loves this man. His one of them and he could easily wine-and-dine on a regular basis. Surely, he could go to the movies or participate at a venue with them. As they are clearly his friends…

What happened yesterday makes all sorts of sense why the DP Block or Special Purpose Vehicle didn’t work ahead of 2021 General Election. Where he tried to get Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine as the Presidential Candidate under his umbrella and his wings. However, that didn’t work and wasn’t a legit outfit in such manner. That’s why he is still feeling butt hurt that this project didn’t work like the Democratic Alliance (TDA) did in 2016.

In 2016 he was able to nearly get all opposition under the same organization and working together ahead of the polls. However, in 2020 and 2021 that wasn’t happening. Heck, Mao couldn’t even get the Third Force or the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) under his banner. There was never any sights on Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and only trying to hoodwink the NUP to be part of it.

That’s maybe why his on rampage in 2022. The 2021 elections proved how he lacks resources or ability to be viable leader. There is only briefcase parties and former DP leaders who joined in the DP Block. Well, even Abed Bwanika joined NUP instead of the DP together with a band of brothers who left Mao ahead of the polls to join Bobi Wine. That shows the blow and the lack of character he has.

At this point Museveni has the next generation of Ofwono Opondo in Mao. He can become the Government Spokesperson and just get his meal-ticket. So, he can defend the government and their policies. Now his defending party funding and taking a stand against the NUP this way. His defending Oulanyah just like the NRM MPs. The only difference is that Mao is a supposed opposition and outside government.

Well for some, his just turning into a glorified Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi. We can just await him to get Karamjoa Affairs or be a State House appointee. As he rather defend the state who doesn’t deliver proper service delivery and therefore… sending its VIPs into hospitals abroad. Alas, he rather defend the party funding and be a vocal voice like OO.

If he wants to be in opposition… he better act like one. Because, in 2022 it’s hard to see a difference between him or any of the NRM stooges in Parliament. He could just have Chief Whipped by NRM and told what to do. Since, there is no great knowledge or prosperous victory in his argument. It is just as flawed and only discredits himself. If that was his plan?

Well done Sir, I am sure the professors and intellectuals you look up gives you credit. Since, you are only looking like a fool. NUP is a part of the system and isn’t on an island. Still, it is at least trying to be an opposition who tries to keep the NRM accountable. The same does the FDC… but you?

Well… your a magnificent cheerleader who should just wear yellow and start professing your love for Museveni. That would sincere and not this astute disgust, which you delivered yesterday. Peace.

Opinion: Mao has given up…

“We must clarify our historical fundamentals. Our credibility must be beyond reproach on issues like human rights and good governance, on private enterprise and economic prosperity for all citizens, old messages do not work anymore. We must not churn out party messages as if we were addressing a 1960s electorate. We must seek to get elected because the best government is the best politics. Those who when given the chance to lead, lead well will continue to be re-elected again and again” – Norbert Mao (Muhamadi Matovu – ‘Mao: “DP should avoid mantra of regime change”’ 07.02.2022, Nile Post Uganda).

It’s official … Democratic Party President Norbert Mao isn’t even shielding it or trying to hide his discomfort. No, his just open about his intentions and his just one-of-them. That’s why he appreciated by Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga recently. It makes so much sense, as his compromised and doesn’t even want to challenge status quo.

When you want to avoid regime change and spread new messages… then your clearly not active or seeking the electorate. It is a reason why Dr. Kizza Besigye run on ‘Defiance’ and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine ‘We are Removing a Dictator’. As the DP President don’t want to do this or follow any of their patterns.

It’s like Mao wants to follow Joseph Kabuleta or others before him. This sort of message is useless, when you don’t want to takeover or have a peaceful transition. The NRM is never delivering that to a man of Mao’s stature.

Mao haven’t proven a track-record, neither has party proven anything the recent election. Neither with MPs or even his Presidential Elections. No, they have been abysmal. So, him speaking of the old ways not working. It is right… is ways of ushering in Amama Mbabazi and other tricks to spoil the electorate.

Therefore, Mao seem stale and without an anchor. Because, he don’t know how to move forward or even be really relevant. That’s why his speaking up against the ones who fighting the dictatorship and the ruling regime. The ones who wants to get rid of it and the root problems of the state.

In this instance it is like Mao cut of his brain and only saw envelopes. Because, if he has seen the popularity and the rise of the National Unity Platform or Forum for Democratic Change for that matter. It wasn’t because they spoke about direct governance or taxes, but about a peaceful transition away from the NRM and Museveni. Which is what Mao is speaking up against now. Calling it old-school…

You have to address human rights and the basics, when the state is not fulfilling it. Neither when the basic rights or constitutional freedoms are there for the electorate. Indirectly what Mao is saying that theories and models matters more than that.

This is defeatism in the middle of a dictatorship. Mao cannot be taken serious as a choice or as an opposition leader. When he doesn’t seek to end the regime or challenge it. That is the message I’m getting. It’s pathetic … and the DP should just become a part of the NRM if that’s the case. Peace.

Opinion: Mao is clearly not an alternative

“It is important that they do that because it looks like these days the football game is played in our half only of the opposition; instead of the half of the National Resistance Movement. It is a big weakness that we have got to deal with! What is the role of an opposition? An opposition should present itself as an alternative government, not just as hecklers” – Norbert Mao (Jeff Andrew Lule – ‘Mao to opposition: Stop just being hecklers’ 12.01.2022, New Vision).

The Democratic Party President Norbert Mao is yet again speaking his peace in 2022. He has been the Party President for ages and has little to nothing to show from it. There haven’t been any progression or movement of which proves his relevancy. His only viable because of NBS Frontline appearances and feeding of the plate of IPOD. Therefore, Mao can call things out… but his voice isn’t that viable at this point.

He is a heckler himself and isn’t a figure who inspires, neither is his party a vehicle or a place of vision. No, the DP seems to be a platform for easy access and hopefuls who doesn’t have to challenge anyone. That is how it seems, as Mao is to friendly and to mellow to compete with full force ahead. That’s why the DP and Mao isn’t feared or under scrutiny like other opposition parties. This is maybe why others have left and reorganized elsewhere, where the futures and the possibilities to be viable was more clear.

Mao might not say that, as his blamed Besigye in the past and called him a serial looser. Though, Mao has a worse results and lacking of deliver in comparison. Even Bobi Wine with lesser time and ability to build up a party has achieved more than he has done for over a decade. That should be a warning of his withering role in national politics.

Instead of building a strong and a viable party. It looks more like a paid goofy role of Mao to be in the spotlight. It is not like he has close associates or party leaders who can gain the trust of which the ones who left recently. He might say the party is healthy and dandy, but for who? Him? Is it his domain now and what will leave behind?

The DP haven’t proven itself as a possible answer in the 2011, 2016 or in 2021. No, the DP couldn’t even make the DP Block as a unified visionary group within the opposition. It wasn’t even good enough for newcomers of Muntu and Bobi Wine to be part of. Heck, Mao was last time sidelined by NRM member Amama Mbabazi for the Presidency with the Go Forward Pressure Group within the Opposition Alliance The Democratic Alliance (TDA). Therefore, he cannot even pass as a man of the nation and should settle for MP for Gulu Municipality. That’s where his base is and where he has any hopes of high ranking official position in the Republic.

Mao calling others hecklers, because they don’t follow his guise and the way he purposely moves around with no end in sight. He speaks of being an alternative, but his not even an alternative to himself. Mao cannot even stomach to regain any sort of stature or position, which the NRM would fear or look after. His too peaceful and never does say or bother the state. If he did, he wouldn’t be soda at the police station and be left of the hook so easily. That’s why his just a mediocre leader with lack of enthusiasm. He doesn’t have the charisma or the message to spellbound anyone.

That’s why the academic Mao is a failure, but has to throw shade elsewhere. Just so his securing himself and looks wise. However, this is only backfiring since he has nothing to deliver himself. His a shell of a politician and with time the promise, which he had has withered. There is nothing left, but empty promises and a party of which the promising characters has left as well.

That’s why Mao couldn’t keep Mpuuga, Nambooze or Lukwago. There was nothing left for them to stay or be associated with. The DP Party and DP President couldn’t give them or serve them a purpose. That’s why they fled and sought out other pastures, which they have resolved their needs. Therefore, Mao is proven not to able to sustain the leaders of the opposition within his own organization.

So, at this very point… he is becoming the heckler and the noise-maker without any justification. As he has nothing to prove for his time and work. He only has a name and opportunity to show up on National TV, now and then. Peace.

Mabikke & Kasibante is two disgruntled big-men …

That the process of choosing National Unity Platform (NUP) Member of Parliament (MP) Flag-Bearers has been painful for a few. It is like the ones who has a presence and had a office. Expected to be the natural and upper-echelon from the get-go. They anticipated because of their standing as MPs that they would get the candidacy within the NUP.

These two being Michael Mabikke and Moses Kasibante. Mabikke is the former Makindye East MP and expected to be the standing on the role. Kasibante was expecting to get nominated for the Rubaga North.

Mabikke have jumped from his own party the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Democratic Party (DP) or the DP Block. When that went sour, he went directly to NUP wanting the spot there. Seemingly fishing for relevance and wanting to be on the easiest ticket to the Parliament.

Kasibante wanted a easy way out too. As he was running as an independent, which he has done since 2012. He had to contest his seat after 2011 and went to the Courts. Overturned it and retained the seat. So, the two term MP knows the drill. Still, he was fishing for relevancy and a bigger stage.

This is why Mabikke and Kasibante went to the NUP. They were both trying to configure their tickets. To ensure an easier way to the Parliament. Use the NUP and Bobi Wine to extend the electorate.

Mabikke have been jumping around forever. He has tried to figure out a way of becoming vital somewhere. A way to be serious and not just a brief-case party politician. Because, who knows what the SDP is and what it works for. Other then finding ways of getting more exposure.

These two are meal-ticket politicians. They seemed like a win the minute they went from the DP and independence into the NUP. This was a sort of act done to boost the NUP. Still, they haven’t been as powerful or have the abilities, which the party was looking for. Seeing how they have acted after the failure to retain the Flag-Bearer and Candidacy for MP within the party.

It proves that they are not there for the struggle or the cause of the party. They were only for personal gains. This is why they have gone after the party after loosing out. These two great minds thought it was automatic. Because, of their names and their pre-position. That they couldn’t be challenged within the party.

Mabikke and Kasibante has lost out… that is clear. Both of them bashed in glory when they became members. Thinking they would have a simple road to the Parliament in 2021. Now, they have to go against the NUP Flag-Bearer and everyone else in the race.

That will either backfire for the party or be a blessing for them. Still, we can easily see why they went here. It wasn’t for the People Power Movement or their ideals. Just how to secure a meal-ticket and get a boost of their career within a party, which has a growing momentum. Peace.

Opinion: Mr. Mahogany is back-at-it again

The former Vice-President of the Republic. The former the Democratic Alliance (TDA) Presidential Candidate Contender and one of the heads of the CHOGM Corruption Scandal is back at it again. This time running for MP in Busiro County North.

Gilbert Bukenya, The National Resistance Movement Central Executive Committee (NRM CEC) Member is clearly eyeing the price in 2021. Not that its shocking. The NRM are pulling all the grandeur old class to ensure they have enough representatives with advanced age. Bukenya is one of them, who wants to represent the elderly so badly this time around.

Bukenya aka Mr. Mahogany is known for being corrupt. His known for having very little morals. Even as a married man. He has cheated on his wife with singers, sugarbabies and students on the low. It has been leaked in Scoop and The Local. Where they have even called it “orgies”. Clearly, all of this has not stopped him returning to the NRM.

Nothing ever stops him. Mr. Mahogany is getting away with whatever really and still ending on top. It is one of them gifts the likes of him has. It is just like the High Above have pity with the man and wants him to succeed. If not, he must have something damaging on the President and therefore, is left off the hook.

Just like the man is owning taxis and they are impounded this year. As the man cannot handle time without the spotlight at him. He just have to create a scandal. Just like the public split with his wife. It is not strange, as the man like to connect with strangers.

Mr. Mahogany can seem like a man of wealth, but it is more of the new-money, but no class. That is why his racing to the bottom. You can wonder what objective or reason he has to run. Other than his awaiting his next pay-check and wanting to indulge more on the public’s expense.

It is not like he some secret formula or has anything to offer. Except, if he plans to fill the headlines of the Observer, Daily Monitor and New Vision. Maybe even take a few pages of the Red Pepper to juice up the publication for a while.

We know this man is something else too. He has toyed around Social Democratic Party (SDP) mocking Michael Mabikke. Who knows, if he bought the party or not. In 2015 he had his briefcase party the Pressure for National Unity (PNU). Who has not been revived since then or had significant activity. As he returned to the fold after the General Elections in 2016. Even if he has claimed like two years ago to have no political ambition or will to run again.

Today, that is proven to be false or just a short-sighted statement fitting the days of no elections. He was just waiting for the Election Road Map and Nominations papers to run again. This is what he does and his principals are non-existing. As long as he can eat and have a chair near His Excellency his moment is golden.

Mr. Mahogany isn’t here to play fair. His not there to win the hearts of the people. No his there to eat. Either by the hook or by the crook. He will pay non-existing companies money, overprice cars and do whatever it takes to get illegal tenders thrown his way. This man is there to get-rich.

Bukenya might act differently, but we all know his game. If you didn’t? Now you know. Peace.