Opinion: Orikunda’s Hero is a Zero

Today in the Nile Post, Sam Evidence Orikunda got a piece published called ‘Why President Museveni is my hero of 2021’. These sort of article and think pieces must be written by people who is seeking a higher office or wants to be loyal token soldiers to the President. Because, these sorts of texts doesn’t have the composure or the arguments to back it all up.

It isn’t strange if Orikunda wants a better job, as his currently a Deputy Residential District Commander and that’s an unforgiving office in a district in the republic. As he needs something more to aim for and more fulfilling. I don’t blame Sam for that. This is maybe the reason for the praising of the President. In the hopes that the State House and some of the cronies in the entourage of the President will recognize him. That’s how it looks…

Just read this: “Though some people had predicted doom to befall against our country but they forgot that we had an experienced leader in state house” (Orikunda, 03.01.2022). Nobody with a sincere heart wants doom to befall on anyone or a Republic. However, what people have wanted is to change the leadership and have a peaceful transfer of power. Yes, that will be doom on the current regime and it’s leaders, but the troubles wouldn’t necessary trickle down on the republic. Only the elite and the current cronies who is eating of the plate of the experienced leader in the State House.

He continues: “After completion of the electoral process, the Electoral Commission in accordance with the law, declared President Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the elections and that was the best gift for us since as the movement we believe in the politics of continuity and ideology. The EC and the judiciary conducted the much anticipated swearing in and we have since then focused on service delivery and keeping the country safe for the citizens to work and develop themselves” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

Sometimes I wonder, if Museveni and the yellow leaders are able to cast spells or potions on their inner-circle, because this sort of reasoning boggles my mind. Like did the Deputy RDC even see how the elections was orchestrated? Didn’t he see the misuse of power, authorities and total deprecating results that came out of it?

It is like his living in another universe and didn’t see the open rigging. Didn’t catch the misuse of law-enforcement and the total disregard of the will of the people. Where there was no choice and the majority was prepared yet again for the National Resistance Movement (NRM). It is outrageous how quickly we are supposed to forget the arbitrary arrests, extra-judicial killings and misuse of power to get political gains. That’s what’s really frightening and how easily a crony is glossing over everything.

While also acting like it was a continuity and ideology that was the reason for the victory. When we know damn well that it was the guns and glamour. Not the policies or the pledges, manifesto or anything of that sort. Neither was the courts following due process and the Electoral Commission worked on command from “high above”. Therefore, the Deputy RDC lives in an alternative reality, which I cannot recognize.

He continues: “During the campaigns, the opposition went to people and said that the NRM was taking advantage of the lockdown to campaign for themselves and harass the opposition” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

The NRM and the President did. There was several of districts and candidates that could mobilize or travel to districts, as RDCs and others blocked them. Heck, authorities barricaded hotels and made it impossible for Bobi Wine to travel into districts. Which never happened to Museveni. He was allowed everywhere and there was never an issue in concern to COVID-19 when the Yellow brigade came to a town near you. The Coronavirus was only a problem when the opposition like Bobi Wine or Partick Oboi Amuriat was near you.

He continues: “Some couldn’t even allow a meeting of five people to take place, however our less caring opposition leaders wanted to go ahead and do rallies so that Ugandans get infected which is inhuman, the president had earlier said that anybody who mobilises crowds in the days of the pandemic is intentionally committing murder. Those who understood remained home, followed campaigns on television and when the voting day reached they voted candidates of their choice” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

Here he shows the point again. There is no proof of this and data suggesting this. Yes, COVID-19 and the coronavirus is spreading in public gatherings. However, there is no proof that the opposition spread it or made dangerous mass gatherings. There is no evidence that can be associated with that. Neither is there any relief, as the NRM held massive rallies and primaries with voting in lines, which is gatherings of sorts. Which is as bad as the spontaneous and planned outdoor stadium rallies, which the state blocked from the opposition due to COVID. So, the writer is coming with baseless allegations. While we know the blocking was intentional, as the NRM Primaries had bigger rallies and gatherings than the opposition was allowed to months after. Just to be real.

Secondly, the murder committed was by the authorities and the law-enforcement, which actually killed, abducted and arbitrary arrested opposition candidates, activists and polling agents for that matter. They are the ones that killed and took life. Heck, the authorities even killed civilians in the November Massacre in Kampala. There was murders on the campaign trail in Masaka. There was so many times people died and countless unsolved murders, which implicates state involvement. Therefore, the writer and Deputy RDC should be concerned about that. Not only implicating the opposition with unsubstantiated claims, which he has done recklessly.

The last piece here is really outrageous, as we know the television and radio was functioning fine for the NRM and the Yellow candidates. However, the opposition or independents barely had airtime. The RDCs and others blocked the opposition from local-radio shows and others during the campaign. So, it is not like the home-sitters could get a broad perspective from linear-based media. No, that was all Museven and all NRM with a dose of opposition, now and then.

He continues: “Even in the scaring days of the pandemic the government under the Stewardship of President has come up with new programs of getting Ugandans out of poverty, the NRM principal of social economic transformation will be realised. The Parish Model program which is coming soon with the pre -activities already done in several districts will see a number of focused Ugandans get out of poverty and create incomes for themselves and their families. The mentality of substance agriculture will soon end so that we can have food and also earn some Income. This among many were the promises of the Movement in the recent campaigns” (Orikunda, 03.01.2022).

This is selling the same schemes as it has done since the early 1990s and hoping for different result. The promise of wealth and middle-income country is something Museveni have done endlessly. However, his cows are drinking cleaner water than many citizens. That’s because the citizens isn’t his priority. The Emyooga, the Parish Model, the Operation Wealth Creation and such are just schemes to enrich the leaders and the ones in near proximity of the President. These things will fizzle out and become redundant. Since, there will be lack of results and Gen. Salim Selah needs a new hustle and new reason to live lavish in semi-luxurious hotel in Northern Uganda.

The NRM has promised the change of the economy and such since forever. Just as long as Museveni has been in office. Therefore, I don’t trust him a second. That he will bring changes to that in 2021. Not when he haven’t achieved it in the early 1990s or 2000s. This man has decade and tried every trick in book. So, he clearly don’t mind not to resolve it. If it had been dear to his heart and his pockets. It would have been in order like his farms or like the State House.

He ends with: “President Museveni has made tremendous achievements in 2021 and I think he is the hero of the year” (Orikunda, 03.01.2021).

I do not see the tremendous achievements, neither any positive results or signals. The debt-recycling, the deficits created by this government, the lack of revenue and the current huge patronage will only create more issues ahead. As the pay-roll, the massive local government budgets and the expenditure, which the state cannot carry. Plus the likes of the Deputy RDC who hasn’t a vital or important role. As there are many conflicting offices in each district competing to be relevant. Therefore, this state isn’t growing, but deteriorating. Make bills it cannot pay and the next generation is billed for it.

I don’t see how it did a good job or even achieved anything new. The Nile Bridge was fine, but that’s only one piece of infrastructure and they had to fix the gravel or bitumen on it twice. Nothing is done correctly at once. Just like not keeping Presidential Decrees and paying medical interns on time. Because, that’s how a hero is governing I suppose. While keeping dissidents incommunicado and not producing them in court in time. Since, that is modus operandi in the Republic, as we speak.

I cannot understand how he got to this and how he could write this piece a clear conscience. Is it that easy to lie and deceive when your part of the government? Is that how you get ahead in the NRM these days?

Because, if so… then it makes some sense. Even though that is sad and depressing. Peace.

Opinion: Elections in the Republic under Museveni is run like an Casino

If the Kayunga District By-Election results proves what some of us has been saying. It proves that the state machinery and the electoral commission is working in tandem. The state and the State House has all the advantages in a race. The state agencies and authorities are all coinciding with the memos, decrees and the whims of the “high above”. That’s why elections aren’t open, independent or fair. Free and fair elections is a myth here and it’s all rigged to fit the Presidency.

Let’s be clear, here is unwritten rule that you don’t challenge Museveni and expect to win. He might act like it is a fair fight or an open race. The President allows a few challengers, but they will not have the same spotlight, the access to media or even ability to campaign like him. They will be violated, silenced and stopped from doing their ordinary politicking. While the President can canvass, campaign and be on every single media house any part of the day. Meanwhile, his authorities, regional leaders and whatnot blocks the main opponent from doing the same. They are blocking the venues and making the assembly illegal even during election road-map, which is just made to mask the proposed “election period” for everyone.

This has been occurring for so long. This didn’t only happen in 2016 or in the General Elections in 2021. There been so many By-Elections hit by this and we can surely go back to 1996 and forward to know. Anyone who has had a legit campaign and popularity have suffered by the hands of the state. These folks have been called any name of the book and been blocked for “safety” reasons. The state have blossomed into a war-machine, using the military and police to enforce the will of one man. That’s why they have no real chance of winning or ability to do so. The state has made it impossible, as the parties can only convene in the headquarters in Kampala and they are blocked from operating nationwide. Only the ruling regime can be able to do so and freely. That party will not have issues with primaries or anything. They are allowed and nothing will be illegal. While the opposition cannot even open a party office in up-country without meeting security agencies and have arrests as well.

That’s why the General Elections and Elections in general in Uganda is run like Casino. The state and the NRM is the HOUSE. In concern to a Casino, the house never loose. Yes, it allows some to win and make them hooked. They allow some big prices get taken, as it is a hook to get you tricked into the system. Alas, the House is rigged to win. It might give some the idea that they can win. Nevertheless, the whole race and the crab-table is rigged for the House to profit. You can play blackjack, poker or whatnot. Whatever game you play… the Casino will win and have profits from it all. If it didn’t it wouldn’t operate or roll out the games.

The Casino during Museveni have given away some prices and illusions of victories for the opposition. However, the whole elections are made in a manner of which he wins. Not only does he win, but the NRM will secure the majority across the board. The opposition will not able to field candidates or even hold primaries to have flag-bearers in newly minted districts. Neither does they have the cash to pay to stand as a candidate. While the state has endless funds and the state machinery behind it. This is why the opponents can have great cards on its hands, but it will not matter, because you might win one round… nevertheless the next race will be bloody. There will be no return and the Casino will ensure to get returns on every investment and game. Therefore, the opposition is only being another player, but a sucker who will inevitably loose.

Museveni and his Casino is opening the tables, but the dealer and everyone else knows the NRM will win in the end. The players might believe they have a shot and get some prices. However, they hope the opponent continues to play and will loose all the coins he had. Maybe even ruin their careers and have to borrow from loan-sharks to repay the Casino it’s debt. That’s where Museveni can come in and swoop the opposition candidate from the other parties. In manners of paying off their debts and make them loyal to him. This is what he has done and how he rigs it.

So, never expect Museveni or the Casino to let anyone really win. He only does to make it look like the illusion it is. That is the reality here and it’s tragic. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Statement on the Level of Security in the Country (08.06.2021)

Opinion: More Guns, More Problems!

“These fellows who attacked Gen Katumba met a traffic police but the traffic police was not armed that’s how they ran away. These people took advantage of our laxity. Now they have alerted us. The traffic police will be armed or paired with armed people” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (06.06.2021).

President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni have again issued new orders and directives. This is just one out of plenty in the COVID-19 Address tonight. Therefore, this is focus on small piece of a long speech. This is done because of the urgency.

We know the President is addicted to two things: cars and weapons. That has been shown again and again. He goes back to old slogans and old techniques hoping it will solve the problems. Not look into the issue or really fix it. No, he just patches it with cars to elites and his appointments, but giving out guns to the security organizations.

The armed police force have created a lot of deaths, which could have been avoided. Just like the Local Defence Unit (LDUs) or Crime Preventers too… these has caused extra violence and even further escalated violence. Therefore, creating more guns in society and causing more fatalities. When you have already so many security organization with army expertise. This is all just bound to go down with horrible results.

Traffic police already have a history of misusing their power. They are using their patrols and their beat to get bribed or cause havoc. That they are doing already without having weapons. However, if the same brothers are armed. They have the ability not only to terrorise drivers without permits or certificates, but they can also kill. This means there are even more people who can cause fatalities in the Republic.

The army and police is already vicious. Having another unit with weapons will not create peace. It will instead take more lives. There will be civilians dying over a misunderstanding or because they didn’t want to bribe a hungry officer. We can act like that is not a case, but then again we would lie to ourselves.

If these folks are getting guns. I anticipate more deaths, because these fellas will use their newly acquired power and they think of the pay-off. This will not cease criminal activity or dangerous driving. No, they will have new abilities … and it will cost lives.

President Museveni will only unleash a new upgraded unit, which will cause havoc and not stop what it was supposed to do. There will only be a bloodshed and more extra judicial killings. The state will differ on this and few will loose their jobs over that. This because, the President ordered this and therefore, they are allowed to do this.

Just like other police officers, soldiers and other who has gotten away with murder. The Traffic Officers will get off the hook too. Peace.

A look into the “Rigged” Report [the 11th May 2021 Edition]

Today was the day of the 7^th Swearing-In Ceremony of President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni. The 6^th Ceremony held at Kololo Independence Ground and the 6^th Ceremony of this kind held on the 12^th May in the election year. Well, the President has now concluded this election.

Though I will dig into the important material in the Report released called “Rigged” which was published with a new edition yesterday. Dr. Nico Schoonderwoerd with acknowledgements to Bruce I. Afran and Robert Kyagulanyi and the National Unity Platform (NUP) for certain aspects of the report, which was in the original published on the 17^th March 2021.

I will look through and drop my notes on the matter in between the pieces of information. Which say a lot about the conducted elections of January 2021. I will not look into the voter intimidation and bribery. Neither address the senseless violence, impunity and misuse of the authorities in favour of the regime. That I have discussed in length in other articles. Here I feel the “head-shot” or the “winning ticket” is the ballot box stuffing and Post DoR Fraud.

I will begin with this quote:

“In the various regions we see the different types of rigging being applied in a different way.

Region	Voter intimidation	Bribery	Ballot box stuffing	Post-Dor Fraud
Central	Heavily	Limited	Limited districts	Average
Eastern	Heavily	Heavily	Average	Average
Western	Heavily	Heavily	Massively, in all districts	Average
Northern	Enormously	Heavily	Average	Average

In most cities it was difficult to stuff the ballot-boxes, so the effect of voter intimidation becomes more clear. Gulu City shows how enormous the intimidation was up north, as is supported by the statements in our Chapter on the North. Ballot box stuffing is indicated by high turnout & high percentage of Museveni votes. In the top right of the diagram (courtesy Melina Platas) we do not only see Western districts, but also Northern districts such as Amudat” (Schoonderwoed, P: 9, 2021).

There are now saying that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President lost Baganda (Central Region) in this election. However, by the state of things. The evidence coming forward proves only that the results there are more close the reality. As the rigging was as extensive as in the other regions. This means, they deliberately gave up a part and knew the rigging elsewhere would secure the victory anyway.

A very interesting finding of the rigging was the finding on page 57, which says:

“Since the ‘election fingerprint’ of these 3 elections is similar to the fingerprints identified as fraudulent by Peter Klimek et al we can apply their conclusion that the Ugandan elections results of 2011, 2016 and 2021 do not represent the will of the people. When the authors designed these fingerprints they assumed that the numbers would always be between 0 and 100. However, in fraud every number is possible. Although the tally sheets do not show any turnouts of over 100% (it’s prevented by the software), an inspection of the Declaration of Results (DoR) forms show that in many cases of ballot box stuffing ‘overstuffing’ took place and the DoR form shows more ballots casted than registered voters” (Schoonderwoed, P: 57-58, 2021).

This here just shows the algorithm and the difference numbers through the process of counting the ballots doesn’t add up. There are more casted ballots than registered voters. That is just the proof of the misgivings of this election and how it was predetermined. When this sort of malpractice is securing one man to “win”.

“The main contributor to the rigging of these elections was ballot box stuffing. 409 polling stations across Uganda saw a 100% voter turnout, which is impossible give that the voter register is fixed 10 months before the elections. A total of 1333 polling stations had a voter turnout of 90% and according to election experts that is not possible under free & fair elections. Scientific research is presented in the form of election fingerprints that show that the correlation of high voter turnout and high Museveni scores is typical for rigged elections such as in Uganda and Russia” (Schoonderwoed, P: 76, 2021).

This here shows the proof and the systematic rigging. This is just the technical aspect of it. Not all the other techniques used, which is important, but the end-game of any election is the numbers-game. Where the winner takes all and the majority matters. An rigged election just needs the numbers, but not the true will of the general public or the voters. That is the gist of it.

“A nation wide comparison of DoRs collected by UVote and official tally results show over 120 polling stations where the DoRs were illegally changed or fraudulent. One such DoR for the Nebbi Anyang polling station received international attention after the Electoral Commission denied that 84 Kyagulanyi votes were changed into 8 Kyagulanyi vote” (Schoonderwoed, P: 77, 2021).

This here is just a final one and shows the acts being made by the state to ensure another term for the incumbent. There was not other way to see this. The “Rigged” Report is very clear and addresses the significant actions made and what it resulted in.

We know today that it went into as usual, that every five years Museveni swears himself in at Kololo Independence Grounds on the 12^th May of the election year. That happened today because of the “legitimacy” the recent election gave him. Though the Report shows that he stole and bashes himself in glory of rigging an election. That is really tragic, but the Report also states facts many of us has said. That this regime rigged the 2011 and 2016 as well and the ‘election fingerprint’ evidence shows that.

So, if people are saying “Museveni is not my President”. I understand them. This election is yet another one he rigged to rule supreme. He doesn’t have the love of the people, but is elected by the algorithm, ghosts and goats, not voters as he should have been. However, that is not important when you value guns, arms and heavy weaponry over the public. That is why the Report is important to show the way the regime did it and prove it to the whole world to see. Peace.

National Youth Council: Displeasure about the Cabinet Decision to Scrap the National Youth Council through Merging (13.04.2021)

Opinion: Gen. Museveni needs the army and that’s why its never leaving the hallow halls of Parliament

“The 10 UPDF MPs were put in the constitution on account of our history. They would be like a listening post to what is happening in Parliament” (…) “The NRM/A liberated the country together with peasants. After we realized that the army can’t govern the country and we handed it over to civilians. The country is not ours, it is yours, we are also just part of it” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (Kenneth Kazibwe – ‘Museveni warns army MPs against defying him as he lists priorities for new term’ 30.01.2021, NilePost.Co.Ug).

If it wasn’t for guns, ammunition and heavy weaponry General Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni wouldn’t be in power. The old man with the hat wouldn’t be relevant or even have any sort of influence in the Republic without the army behind him. This man isn’t there because of the love of the people or his popularity. No, this old man rather kill his grand-children and everyone who stands in his way. That is why political affiliation with National Unity Platform (NUP) is close to treasonous and grounds for abductions, torture and possible death in the hands of state security organizations.

So with that in mind. The General does need the services of the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI), Internal Security Organization (ISO), Uganda Police Force (UPF), Special Force Command (SFC) and Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). All of these organizations is working for him and he wouldn’t be as “strong” or “above the law” without ordering these all around on a whim.

Museveni will never let go of the army and its connection to civilian life. He needs the votes of military men in Parliament. That is an successive way to a majority without an election. These are bound by law and by chain-of-command of the army to follow their general i.e. him. They will automatically “give to Caesar what belong to Caesar” and he knows this.

We know the military have involved itself everywhere in civilian matters. That is why they are monitoring together with law enforcement the opposition leaders. They are used as operatives to control the political movements of the Republic. That is just a sad reality that this government is promoting.

The General have appointed military men all-over to all sorts of ministries. Made military men ambassadors and participated directly in the cabinet. So, he needs them all around and they are vital to his reign.

Also, the military have for some reason been involved in delivering mosquito-nets and going after illegal fishing in Lake Victoria. The army is part directly running beauty pageants even. The UPDF have a big role in Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADs). That meaning they are part of micro-loans, cash-crop development and so fourth. None of these are the supposed role of an army.

An army is supposed to safeguard the territory and shield the citizens from foreign invaders. Instead they are measuring the beauties of woman candidates for a pageant and checking if seedlings is correctly delivered to the Teso region. That shouldn’t be a thing, because how is this furthering the mandate of the army and making the Republic more safe? Why are they picking Miss Uganda or doing the logistics for Ministry of Agriculture? That shouldn’t be a thing, but it is…

The UPDF MPs are there to rubber-stamp and ensure the will of the General goes through. He has loyal allies that will never speak up against him and is only there to always have the majority to get his way. To think otherwise is naive. They are not there to represent a unique and special group. These are supposed to serve the Republic and do their duty. The army isn’t supposed to be involved in civilian matters, but ensure the civilians are safe. That is a big different.

Just like the army courts, the Court Martial shouldn’t be used to charge and be on trial as civilians in front of judges there. They are not enlisted or part of the UPDF. Therefore, the usage of the Court Martial towards the NUP Campaign Team and associates is foolishness. As that is outside their mandate and jurisdiction. They are not soldiers or high ranking officials who didn’t follow army command. No, these are civilians participating in a campaign for presidency for an opposition candidate. Which is without any legal grounds “effectively treason” but they will only postpone the judgement as long as possible. Just so the army can keep them hostage and detained with no other reason than as a statement to not challenge the almighty general.

This here is… just showing the military is embedded in the government and done for a reason. It is the reason why the General doesn’t need the public, but is addicted to the guns. The old man needs the soldiers and troops to follow his every move. They need to be part of every single institution and be there to listen to every heat-beat. The UPDF will go after and use their influence to ensure the old man has all power. The mandate is supposed to secure the border and avoid an invasion, but instead they are busy checking if Bobi Wine has sneezed. That is what they do and why Museveni will never let them off the hook. That is what an addict does and this is what gives him “a high”. Peace.

Uganda Police Force (UPF): Uganda Police Message – Implementation of COVID-19 Regulations (22.02.2021)

Uganda: Ministry of ICT and National Guidance – Restoration of Social Media Services (10.02.2021)

Opinion: OO’s despicable Op-ED

Today, Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo wrote an Op-ED that got published in Watchdog Uganda called ‘OFWONO OPONDO: Bobi Wine, People Power, NUP and the Poisonous Ends of Politics’. I will dissect his piece. Where I go through the most insincere paragraphs from his piece. As I will not go through it all. I will just show his sentiment and willing to distort the truth. In a manner, which isn’t right. It is not a new thing, but something that is done deliberately before.

So, before my introduction becomes to long. Here we go!

“There is evidently a disturbing sameness between Kyagulanyi and Besigye of old, seeking to exploit other people’s miseries like poverty and want for their poisonous ends. In political speak, Kyagulanyi now also calls President Museveni, ‘dictator’ and ‘corrupt’ which begs the question how toxic ideas and rogue language have found convergence allowing opportunists, demagogues, and potential fascists to gain entry and influence into mainstream politics” (OO, 09.02.2021).

It is very rich of OO calling the “usage” of poverty as an poisonous end. A government who has used poverty and the lack of funds as way of survival over the years. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have promised to enrich and secure the future since its inception. The NRM and the President have promised to be a fundamental change and secure the peasants, which it never did. So, the possible poison in the water is what the government does. Since, they can never achieve to bring wealth and secure livelihood.

Secondly, the political speak is really easy to debunk. The President call people insects, vermin and leeches. The President and states own actions deems him a dictator. When the state arrests people for their political affiliation. When the state abducts political candidates, activists and supporters. They even return dead. So, the government spokesperson should consider the acts of his peers before he name-calls the opposition. If the government was so holy, why are they targeting the opposition in this manner and what would OO call this?

“Exploiting economic hardships and unemployment especially among the youths, Kyagulangi and NUP has built networks of riff-raff vigilantes around the country mainly in urban and suburban centres to harass citizens with all sorts of malevolent tactics including physical assault, violent robbery, arson and destruction to property. If left to roam unchecked, these groups could even kill” (OO, 09.02.2021).

He continues to push the use of poverty. That is really insincere from this government. Who has used all sort of tricks and schemes to every election. The state is giving and bribing voters around every election. Not like they are not doling out small gifts, but never seen the rest of year. That he call them riff-raff, is name-calling and making his own citizens into dubious characters. However, the NRM is always proud of getting NUP cadres into its fold. Just like they are proud of getting former NUPer becoming Presidential Advisors. That says it all and the state is the ones coming with guns, violence and tear-gas. So, that appears when the state comes in and use its law enforcement. Therefore, this story is old and is a lie. The protesters are burning tires and blocking roads. They are not directly causing violence. It is the state that kills its citizens and blame the protesters.

“Kyagulanyi, initially taking advantage of his music pop stardom built a cult-like following into what the so-called ‘people power’ movement that has now morphed into a political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), which while has a semblance of countrywide presence, in reality, the just concluded election showed it is a tribal sectarian outfit” (OO, 09.02.2021).

It is really strange when one party who can only have one sole-candidate and everyone have to follow his orders. Is saying another candidate is “cult” like. If there was a party who has built a cult it must be the Movement itself. Nobody can challenge or questions the decrees, orders and speeches of Museveni. So, to call Bobi Wine a cult like character is very dubious at best.

It has been proven that the NUP have a nationwide presence. They have been able to field candidates across all parts of the Republic. Even in the short time of inception. The NUP isn’t a Baganda outfit, even if the state tries to portray that. The NRM should be careful with this, as most of the high ranking official is Western and Ankole based. So, OO should not throw stones in a glass house. The Bizonto elite of NRM should be more silent here. They know perfectly well, that the NUP and FDC is a mixed group and collective of all tribes across the Republic.

“Like Besigye, NUP leaders tell their gullible worshippers that poverty, unemployment and corruption are creations of Museveni, and not widespread global problems including in wealthier and developed countries” (OO, 09.02.2021).

Who is gullible OO? The ones still believing the NRM saving them after 35 years? The NRM have come with the same recycled promises and still haven’t delivered. That isn’t a global problem, but a self-inflicted and self-destructive economic policies. The state is running on deficits and grants, but not on domestic revenue. That is not the poor peasants fault, but the state who haven’t made it possible to get out of it. The state is the one putting policies and financial stimulus to ensure safety for the citizens. It is where the NRM have failed and haven’t delivered.

Calling NUP out like this only shows the fault-lines and where the NRM failed. It is not an indication of wrong-doing of the opposition. That is not taking into account the years of misrule of Museveni.

“The hyped claim that FDC and NUP are the people’s popular choices has been thoroughly disproved by their performance in the just concluded election, and although failure to sell as national brands is evident, FDC and NUP leaders won’t publicly admit, hence them resorting to political slander and smear” (OO, 09.02.2021).

This here is false statement. If rigged elections are indications of NRM popularity. I would say that pre-ticked ballots and ghosts are the greatest constituencies of the Movement. Both in 2016 and 2021 the rise of the opposition was evident. The same was also shown in 2011. So, it is not like the NRM have been as popular as it was in the mid-80s and early 90s.

The NUP and FDC have proven it, but the announced results always turn in favour. Even when the tallies doesn’t make sense and the Electoral Commission have to botch the numbers. The FDC and NUP amount of MPs in comparison shows how big they become. As the state are stopping them from working as parties and get a greater presence in the Republic. It is just like the NRM are never blocked or stopped. However, the NUP and FDC have a hurdle to do basic party works. That is really important to remember. It is just like we supposed to forget the tear-gas, arbitrary arrests and blocking of venues to campaign. If that had happened to the NRM itself, which is so “popular”.

“When reality strikes back as loud noise is not turned into votes, they cry about vote fraud and rigging but will never explain to the public as to why some MPs, LC5 chairpersons and thousands of councilors are returned unopposed on NRM tickets. The presidential election petition is now being used more for publicity stunt, soliciting public empathy and foreign funding than to seek legitimate justice” (OO, 09.02.2021).

The Empire strikes back at every election. Just like previously stated, the pre-ticked ballots and ghosts are always appearing in election time. The NRM couldn’t survive the elections without disqualifying and blocking opposition from attending on a grand scale. The NRM does what the UPC did in 1980s election, every single time. That is why they are fielding candidates everywhere, while the opposition isn’t able, because the state is blocking and ensuring the opposition from getting candidates.

To credit unopposed in the gerrymandering, the vindictive system and use of state machinery to get elected officials. That OO calls it a political stunt shows the disrespect of the opposition. However, his whole piece has been that. The NRM wouldn’t be alive without foreign funding and Museveni was a donor darling. So, the NRM cannot attack the Opposition for foreign funding. When it has been so vital … for the Movement itself.

“Anyone who can see the potential dangers these groups pose to Uganda’s politics ought to take a stand so that resurgent fascists are defeated at their nascent stage, otherwise the overlap between legitimate politics and criminality could engulf the fabric of our public life” (OO, 09.02.2021).

This is the last paragraph of his piece and he has already shown his character here. It is all opposition who is in the wrong. Not that the NRM and Museveni. No, it is Besigye and Bobi Wine. They are the bastards and the villains of the political sphere. It maybe feels like that for the NRM and Museveni, as they want to be praised and loved. However, it is hard to love someone who abduct your loved ones. The ones who Court Martial your campaign team and keep them behind bars without proving evidence. Therefore, if you speak of criminality. To use the state for political prosecutions, that is a violation of their rights to assemble, gather and organize itself. Nevertheless, that is never an issue for the NRM. So, to call out criminal activity, they can never state what it was, but they still behind bars. That is the self-reflection of the wrong-doings of the state, which OO defends on the regular.

This here was a despicable piece and deserve to dishonoured. OO should consider the words his using, as it can be easily mirrored back in his face. Which I did already. Peace.