Opinion: The NRM will miss the DGF

Now that’s it apparent that the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) is closing in December 2022. This after baseless accusations and demeaning insults from the His Excellency President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni ahead of the General Election in 2021. Certainly, he that to control the narratives and in general ensure to silence his critics. While the DGF only did what it always has done, which is to support over 30 CSOs/NGOs who works on governance and civil education, which could have strengthen the society at large.

That’s why the closure of DGF will not only hurt a 100 people who has worked directly in the DGF. No, it will hurt the over 30 CSOs/NGOs who was directly funded by the DGF. Also, government entities and structures, which was also funded by the DGF. The DGF over the last five years has ensured a circulation of Shs. 15 trillion shillings. That’s a substantial amount of currency and monies that are taken out of rotation, which would be there to get domestic revenue for the state and ensure livelihoods of plenty. This will hurt service providers and those who is bound by contracts to the DGF and the entities it provided funds for. It is really compelling the damage the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has done here and it will feel it in 2023.

We know things was bad when the President suspended the DGF in February 2021. While he has lifted the suspension in June 2022. The DGF will not continue now and the regime will feel the losses. Just like the DGF together with NIMD used to support IPOD. Now, there are several other entities that is losing out. That will hurt the government and it’s institutions at large, but we know the President isn’t concerned about it.

The donors who made the agreement with Government of Uganda (GoU) to create the DGF in 2011, which happens to be Austria, Denmark, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the European Union might seek other partners or places to fund. Since, they are not welcomed or has the mechanisms to ensure development goals are met. Because, the donors has again to report to their citizens and taxpayers for the usage of funds. Which means they cannot just waste money and not prove any sort of value for money. That is squandered here, because the DGF was an organization and an umbrella organization, which kept it all organized and good oversight over it.

We know the national budget still needs external funding sources, though the bloated budgets are projecting more domestic revenue by any given year. Though there are common practice of deficits of funds, which leads to more borrowing, either domestically or by other sources. Meaning, the spiral of debts are growing and the nature of financing is becoming more dire. Since, the state has to pay interests and pay old debts to keep up with the programs. Certainly, the state or the republic has no plans to configure or has a back-up for the loss of DGF funding. No, it has lived on these funds for years and thinks the donors are gullible to return the favour anyway.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has gambled a lot of people’s futures here. The current day-to-day operations of both government entities and CSOs/NGOs will be hurting for a long time. They will not have payroll or be able to keep up with contracts, which was signed a time back. We will see both local government and NGOs cry out. Especially, when the DGF finally close and leave.

It won’t be that easy for the donors of the DGF just to donate or use funds in Uganda after this. They have had mechanisms and organizations, which have followed statutes and means of oversight. That is needed and gives good basis for them to continue to donate in the Republic. However, when that is now gone and cease to operate. The NRM with it’s baseless attacks and wanting to interfere. Has ensured this loss. They will feel the pinch and the loss of domestic revenue through this. They might not consider it right now. Neither the ramifications of the CSOs/NGOs, but their activities and such has ensured livelihoods of lots of people. That’s why this is biting the hand that feeds you. Without having any sort of back-up or other revenue to ensure the longevity of the partners of DGF, which are getting hurt by this.

The IPOD is just one of them, but there are 30 CSOs/NGOs and a few government entities that is losing out too. That’s where there will be shortfall in 2023 and beyond. Unless, the Government of Uganda is able to talk and negotiate again with donors to create another body to have similar functions. Which I doubt, because, why do that? When you have seen how the NRM and the President has acted towards the DGF? Peace.

NATO: Türkiye-Finland-Sweden – Trilateral Memorandum (28.06.2022)

Opinion: The GoU isn’t the owner of the DGF

“Today, I hosted the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation. We discussed a number of bilateral issues. I also agreed to lift the ban on Democratic Governance Facility (DGF), to run till December 2022, with Government represented in the decision-making structures. I shall formally communicate our position to the relevant government departments” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 22.06.2022).

You know that someone has ruled for too long when you think donor funds are for you to toy around with and decide. President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni has been running the Republic since January 1986 and it shows. The audacity of this man…

Yes, his a real life villain and he thrives on that. He was able to hoodwink people for a generation, but the truth of his actions is catching up to people slowly. The ones funding the DGF should have all ears and listen to the dissidents. Because, there is sinister and dark scheming behind the scenes, which we know the National Resistance Movement (NRM) nor the President want out on blast.

That’s why when his doing this putting condition and stings on “free money”. You just know it’s off the hook. It isn’t for the President nor his state to decide what the donors want it spent on. They can spend how they deem fit and what sort of governance, organizations or state institutions they deem fit. Because, it is their monies and their tax-payers funds, which they have to be accountable for. Therefore, after 18 months suspension and giving nearly 6 months more run-time. It is really showing that the President is tired and cannot manage to not micro-manage everything single thing in the Republic. He needs to know and it bugs him like crazy. That someone else has a vision and an idea in the nation of which he reside and happens to be the Head of State off.

Who are the DGF and why does it exist:

“The Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) was initially established in July 2011 by eight Development Partners (DPs) as a five-year governance programme aimed at providing harmonised, coherent and well-coordinated support to state and non-state entities to strengthen democratisation, protect human rights, improve access to justice and enhance accountability in Uganda. The Programme goal was to contribute to equitable growth, poverty eradication, rule of law and long term stability in Uganda. This programme marked the first phase of DGF that ended in June 2016. A transitional period of 18 months was implemented from July 2016 to December 2017. Currently the DGF is implementing its second 5-year phase (January 2018 – December 2022) with support from seven DPs: Austria, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the European Union, to build on the achievements of the first phase, address the continuing democratic deficits, and consolidate peace and stability in the country” (Democratic Governance Facility – What is DGF).

The board of the DGF is also the ambassadors of the respective donor nations and the head of delegation of the European Union as well. So, it has already 6 board members, which represents the ones who is funding the DGF. That is the vital part here. The DGF wouldn’t exist and be an entity without the funding and the operational funds of the donors.

That’s why the President directing and pinning in the ministries to intervene and partake in it is infuriating. This is insulting the donors and their worthiness. It is like the President and his associates believes it’s their birthright to donations and funds of which these nations are bringing. Which couldn’t be further from the truth. They are lucky to receive it in the first place. Why shouldn’t Austria just invest in health care in Vienna? Or the Sweden in Stockholm, Norway in Oslo, Ireland in Dublin, Netherlands in Amsterdam or the EU in Brussels? They are not owing Museveni or the NRM anything. No, this is “free” money and they are lucky to get it and the arrogance of the President shows.

These ambassadors and the board of the DGF isn’t his minions and senior presidential advisors. No, they are there to promote the interests of their respective nations and find good partnership in Uganda. Not being told what to do and whatnot. That is what the President did here and this is how his used to running the Republic. Directing, decreeing and ordering from the “high above”. That mentality shows here after 18 month suspension ahead of the January 2021 polls. Which was supposed to fund opposition activity, a sort of activity he can never prove or show any evidence of. Therefore, the suspension was hostile in the first place.

Yes, the Government of Uganda is sovereign is deemed to do what is see as fit. That I’m not questioning, but the act of suspending this was done in bad faith and the arrogance of him while lifting it. Just shows his true intentions and that he wants to control the DGF directly, which isn’t for him to “own” or “run”. That’s what it seems like he really intends to do. By putting in a crony in the board and such.

Museveni is just showing his dictatorial tendencies. His now telling what the donors should do and direct their funding. It isn’t enough that they are donating and supporting the development of the republic. No, they have to be told what to do. This should be amplified, because this insulting the donors and their respective will to give.

Why should they give to nation that does this? What value is the currency and the will of helping of others, if they are putting rigid stings before getting the money. It is the donors that should decide the spending and where they want the money to go. Since, they are the ones supplying it and funding the DGF. Until, Museveni and his cronies invests in it and actually put the work in. Then they can talk, but for now… the NRM and Museveni should be happy that people and nations are still willing to fund these sorts of organizations, civil society and even government entities through the DGF.

There is enough other places the nations can fund and help out people in need. It isn’t only in Kampala and across the Republic. No, there is plenty of other places with the lack of good governance and other issues, which a sort of DGF could be positive contribution. Therefore, the President should be lucky that this exist. Instead… his targeting it and showing his total disregard for the donors. His just continuing to bite the hand that feeds him. Peace.

Opinion: Putin waged a war on Ukraine [and cannot manage the reaction from Finland]

“The presidents had a sincere exchange of views over the announced decision by Finland’s leadership to apply for NATO membership” (…) “Vladimir Putin stressed that rejecting the traditional policy of military neutrality would be wrong since there are no threats to Finland’s security. Such a change in the country’s foreign policy course could have a negative effect on Russia-Finland relations, which have been built over the course of many years in the spirit of neighborliness and partnership cooperation and have a mutually beneficial nature” the Kremlin noted” (TASS – ‘Finland’s rejecting military neutrality policy would be wrong, says Putin’ 14.05.2022).

We are now 80 days into the war in Ukraine. There is 80 days since the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine. That bloody war has had a lot reactions and resulted in diplomatic changes across Europe. The Russians and Kremlin most likely didn’t plan or think this would have such affects to attack a sovereign Republic. The Russians was just re-taking what was theirs and doing it, because the Ukraine has no nationhood. That is how they proclaimed it, but everyone knows that Ukraine has a vast history and is a historical territory. Therefore, the justification to do so is fraudulent and only done so Putin could get a buddy in-charge of Kyiv.

We know now that Kremlin and Russia doesn’t respect the sovereignty of the neighbour nations. The current leadership has no issues to take territory and annex it. The Russians has no issues using every reason under the sun to attack, kill and destroy a former USSR republic. That is what the world has learned from Putin the last three months.

So, Putin is said to be a brilliant strategist. However, him and Kremlin is only coming out with warnings to the neighbours. The Russians are coming with stern words and saying it will destroy relations. However, what else are the nations supposed to do? Are they supposed to wait their turn to be violated? Is Finland, Sweden, Moldova, Georgia and whoever else supposed to wait for their turn?

Because, that is what Russia wants… they want all the sovereign countries in their proximity to be non-aligned and be a free-for-all. The Kremlin and Duma wants the former USSR and other neighbours to be totally neutral. In such a manner, that they have no friends and relations who can help them, if they get attacked or invaded by Russia. That is what I understand from this.

Putin wants the power and the ability to attack them. Kremlin wants the sovereignty and integrity to control its neighbours. While the nations themselves are not allowed to make alliances or be parts of the rest of the Europe. That is what Putin wants.

Putin wants total suction and influence. He don’t want nations to go towards Europe or the West in general. Finland and other nations are seeking NATO or EU to get into an alliance or common trading market, which is beneficial for them. The memberships of NATO or EU is helping them both by having European allies. Therefore, that is hurting Russians and their influence in Eastern Europe.

Kremlin should reconsider itself. Putin should think for once that people react and realign themselves when they see what the Russians are willing to do. The Russians waged war on Ukraine and the rest of Europe is changing because of it. It is just like Putin thinks a war doesn’t have consequences and wouldn’t possibly backfire on him.

Helsinki changed their position and saw a need to get closer to their allies. As the “neutrality” would be a danger for them. They are seeing what is happening to Kyiv and it is only wise to seek a defensive alliance. When the Russian Federation is attacking a sovereign neighbour like Ukraine. Peace.

Finland: Joint statement by the President of the Republic and Prime Minister of Finland on Finland’s NATO Membership (12.05.2022)

Opinion: Russia waged the war [but warns everyone about the possible affects it has]

It is like Kremlin, Duma and the Russian Federation is living in such a vacuum and closed quarters of the world. That the ones working with diplomatic measures or incentives forgets that the rest of world can think for themselves as well. Because, the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine has effects all across the globe and in the near proximity of the Russian borders.

That is all natural that the West and European Union reacts when the Russian Federation violates, destroys and occupies Ukrainian territory. The Russians are directly invading and attacking a sovereign nation. This is why the alliances and the governing bodies of Europe is changing. They will not naively believe in goodwill from a nation who brought war to it’s borders.

The war of Ukraine is close to the Baltic nations, its close to Moldova, Bulgaria and Poland. Heck, the Ukrainian war is even involving the waters of Turkey. Therefore, this war is European and the European neighbours are acting accordingly.

The Russians are warning everyone about the sanctions. They are screaming out loud and mocking them. The Russian government are coming with counter-measures against the “unfriendly” countries. The latest was to banish diplomatic people “non-grata” in Moscow. Just like the European nations has done to the diplomatic corps across the continent.

Alas, here is the issue. We know early on in the war. That President Vladimir Putin warned Finland and Sweden of joining the defence alliance of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Just like it warned and wanted Kyiv not to do the same. These are all nations with borders to the Russian Federation.

Ukraine has as well pushed for closer relations with the European Union (EU) and showing it’s Eurocentric means at heart. As they are distancing themselves from the ones who is waging war, looting, destroying and massacring their citizens. The Ukrainian has all the rights to pick their alliances and create diplomatic ties as it see fit. However, we know Kremlin and Moscow thinks otherwise.

We also know that Moldova and Georgia have both applied for membership in the EU after the war started. As that is happening, the Russians are occupies vast amount of territories in both of these nations. Which is implicating them both and their sovereignty as is. Therefore, they seek stronger ties to Brussels and Europe to help them. Because, they see what the Russians do and there is no hope for redeeming factors in the regime in Moscow.

That’s why Russia is now warning Stockholm and Helsinki. They are doing this by the voices of Kremlin. Using RIA Novosti and Komsomolskaja Pravda is now busy printing pieces of damaging sort. Where they are further warning and speaking of the implications of joining NATO. However, the damage was already done when the Russians decided to wage war in Ukraine.

What did they expect everyone else to turn a blind eye and look the other way? Hoping that the Reds of Moscow wouldn’t come their way. Alas, the Swedish and Finish decides this, because they fear and alarmed by what the Russians are currently doing. The way of the warfare and how it is handled. Isn’t giving much credit or goodwill for a respectful or an honest neighbour in the East. No, Russians has made this bed and they got to sleep in it.

It seems like the Russians expected the world not to see the hurt and damage. They expected that an attack in it’s backyard wouldn’t have any consequences. However, it does and sovereign nations change their ways. When they see a similar nation and a bordering one being invaded. They don’t want to be violated or destroyed by Russia either. These just wants alliances and defence mechanisms that can possibly counter the Russian army. Because, there is no trust that Russians wouldn’t use their armies and violate them in the future.

When the Russians can try to invade and annex the whole Ukraine. What stops them from going further? Heck, it wasn’t long ago Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev wrote in March “About Poland” and had romantic ideas about Warsaw. While glossing over how the Soviet and Russians terrorized and killed the Poles. That just shows what sort of mediocrity of propaganda the Russian are producing of late. When he can direct and pin Poland. Where else can the Russians plan to go next?

Because, the Russians thought this would be a quick blitzkrieg and takeover Kyiv within 48 hour or 3 days. However, we are at 50 something days and they are now trying to tear apart the Donbas regions, which they have already “liberated” and promised “freedom” as the “Special Operation” was announced by the mighty President a while ago.

With that all in mind. The Russians cannot think warning the Swedish and Finnish now. They waged war and they are reacting within reason. It is only reasonable for them to do something. We the world can easily assess that the Kremlin, Duma and Moscow isn’t to be trusted. They can easily speak of military training exercises on the borders for months and with a blink of an eye decide to invade a sovereign nation. When the Russians could do that to Ukraine. They can do that to everyone else too and the neighbours should find ways of defending themselves.

So, the Russians cannot use NATO as an excuse either or the EU membership of former USSR republics. That ship is sinking like the Naval Ship “Moscow” did the other day. If not it is burning on the open sea and struggling with the damages made. The Russians should consider for a moment that their actions creates a reaction. However, the imperial powers thinks they can act and it will not have any sort of reaction. This is not new, by Russians or Americans who cause havoc and hurt. While thinking it doesn’t carry any costs or ramifications. Nevertheless, it does and the neighbours does what they see fit.

In Europe and the neighbours of Russia should consider their stances and what sort of alliances they want to have. For their own safety and the values of their states. Some might consider close ties to Moscow and others wants to distance themselves. That is all natural and how things evolves. Now, the Russians have to live with it and warning others isn’t the way to go.

Kremlin can warn everyone… but it doesn’t help their cause. Only weakens it, because they cannot bully everyone into submission. Everyone isn’t Putin’s bitch like Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. Minsk will answer every call and memo from Russia. That’s for one simple reason, the Belorussian President wouldn’t stay in power without help from Moscow. He knows that and the world does too. It is sad, but someone has to be the side-piece of an imperial power. It just happens to be Lukashenko and we know Putin wants more puppets in office.

That’s why the Russians are bitter and coming with warnings. Their power and intimidations aren’t helping. The Kremlin might think this is a power-play, but it is not. It is a pity-party and a sausage-fest. This is a kitty funeral and an honourable priest will not make a farewell-ceremony for that. However, Putin is asking for that… and think the world will cry out loud for his dead cat. Peace.

Opinion: Some says War has returned to Europe [and I say it was exported but now came home to roost]

It been a long time since the Yugoslavian war in the 1990s. That was the last big-war and conflict, which the world powers came into play and fought on separate sides. As all the Slavic people of region fought for their statehood and such. Which in the end has ended up on in several of independent nations, but has since then been at peace.

Alas, there haven’t been a moment where the European powers haven’t been involved or participated elsewhere since then. They have either done that by proxy, by exporting military weapons or equipment or themselves participated in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations or invasion. If not, it has directly invaded or made itself impose it’s power onto a nation. Therefore, it has never ceased to use weapons and war. The only difference, it has happen far away and for other means.

The United States has supported wars, been the main aggressor or the initiator in several of conflicts. While United Kingdom has participated directly too. Other European nations has been parts of coalition of a willing. Therefore, we know they are willing wage war and has done so too. This been done over years and the conflict ever ceasing. Even after they are leaving. The parties are still unresolved and the conflicts persist.

So, when I hear again and again that the war returned to Europe. I am saying “yes it did, but it was already here”. What I mean by that… the Europeans has exported the wars. They have supported proxies, which has fought their wars. Europeans has sent brigades, operative armies elsewhere and done warfare. This being as part of United Nations Peacekeeping Missions or directly work for own interests in former colonies.

That’s why the European nations haven’t been all peaceful. They have used arms, weapons and military equipment all across the globe. They have traded and earned profits on wars. This has been done and these wars has only been bylines or parts of bulletins in the tabloids. While bloodshed, massacres and whatnot happens in these conflicts. That is just what’s going on. If it is in Yemen, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo or in the Central African Republic. These things can be prolonged and the conflict is a very valuable commodity. A commodity and a business, which is a never ending ride of profits, both in weaponry and resources, which becomes easily accessible when you have the right leader serving any given territory. Therefore, these sorts of moves has happened and the West has gladly joined the ride.

This is why the powers of the West, United States and others has supported the end of certain leaders. In such a fashion, that it get rid of a popular leader who intends to nationalize or reform the mineral extraction industries and instead get a puppet regime there. While using armies and support to keep it up. A war for the interests of the West and not for the nation at hand. Just like it accepted to use illegal means to overthrow Morales in Bolivia. That sort of play fitted the U.S. and Washington D.C. and it could have been much more bloody. However, that’s how it does it and we cannot deny this fact in 2022.

Yes, Russia’s imperialism in Ukraine is wrong. Nevertheless, that doesn’t justify the imperialism of United States or any of it’s NATO allies either. What the USA did in Iraq or Afghanistan should be addressed. Just like whatever war-crimes that all parties have possibly done in Syria. The same can be said about the parties involved Yemen or Ethiopia for that matter. All war-crimes should be punishable and be investigated by the same International Court. Not just go after Russia now. The other nations and the leadership of that time should be held accountable. That is only fair.

So, when saying all this. African Union has worked for a few years now to “silence the guns” which is an ideal programme. No matter how faulty and weak the AU is an organization. How the AU as an entity tends to favour tyrants and dictators, instead of the will of the people. Still, the ideals of that programme is something the European Union and United States should look into themselves. As it is a set of ethics, which could inspire them to think about the consequences of it’s actions elsewhere.

Right now it is justified to enlarge military budgets, expand spending on upgrading the military equipment and vehicles, ensure you have a decent air-force and whatnot. When the war-drums are happening so close to your own shores. It only makes sense, as the borders and the length of distance to Ukraine set the parameter of action of own self-defence. However, Europe has participated and been acting in accordance with war. Just not on their shores or in the near borders of own capitals. It hasn’t gotten close to comfort. Neither has the consequences of it or the ramifications of a war. No, that has been held at a distance…

Now, the conflicts of Europe is coming home. The weapons exports is happening to far-away hinterland or to any of their allies world-wide. Therefore, this war is more consuming to the West. Since, it involves them all and it’s a worry of escalation. Also, if Russia want to further it’s borders and annex even more countries after Ukraine. That is unknown and uncharted territory of Europe in this day and age. They have accepted and participated in conflicts outside of their home-bound regions. But now it’s happening there and it makes things more edgy.

That’s why people are speaking of the wars are coming home. I will say they were always here. That’s why we was busy making advanced weapons, exporting ammunition and selling artillery across the world. While also either being part or being parties in conflicts across the world after the 1990s Yugoslavian war.

There is time to recognize this and acknowledge this. Because, if we don’t, we are hypocrites and people who don’t reflect on our own actions. My own home country has exported weapons and participated in NATO missions across the world, which has inflicted insufferable damage and destruction. This is why we cannot act like we didn’t wage war or had no say in it. Our nations and participation had consequences, which is felt today in Libya and Afghanistan. These sorts of acts shouldn’t be forgotten. It is the act of cruelty to forget that… and we can’t if we are honest.

The wars wasn’t in Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Rome or in Warsaw, but we never know our future. Yesterday it was in Kabul and Baghdad. Now it is hitting Kyiv and we should stand in solidarity with Ukraine. However, at the same time, we need to reflect on the policies and actions, which lead the West and U.S. into similar conflicts anywhere else. Peace.

Opinion: Russia sends a stern warning to Sweden and Finland

“Amid the ongoing Russian military operations in Ukraine, the country’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday that Moscow will have to respond if Sweden and Finland become NATO members. “All OSCE member states in their national capacity, including Finland and Sweden, have reaffirmed the principle that the security of one country cannot be built at the expense of the security of others. Obviously, the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO, which is primarily a military alliance as you well understand, would have serious military and political consequences, which would require our country to make response steps,” Zakharova told a briefing” – (Nitin J Ticku – ‘Russia Sends Bone-Chilling Message To Sweden & Finland; Threatens ‘Military Implications’ If They Go The Ukraine Way’ 25.02.2022, The Eurasian Times).

On the 22^nd February 2022 as the planned invasion of Ukraine was underway. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent his warning remarks to any of the former Soviet Republic (USSR) that the Russian Federation would act in the same way towards them, as they are doing to Ukraine. Meaning, if they went away from Moscow and Kremlin dominance. They might get invaded and conquered too.

Today on the 25^th February 2022, as it’s the second day of official full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is re-affirming this, but also taking it a step further. They are not only targeting the former USSR Republic, which has been liberated from Russia. No, they are now sending threats to the Kingdom of Sweden and Republic of Finland.

This is really showing the imperial ambitions of the Russian Federation. As anyone on the border, which happens to be close to the West or have any sort of furthering alliance. Could easily become a target and get into an impending war. That is the message Kremlin and Moscow is sending. They are now waging the same threats towards these two European nations as well.

The Russian Federation and ruling regime is willing to do this. This is the message of Putin and what he orders to happen. As he wants to have total control and Russian friendly government all around him. That is the message here.

Just as we are seeing the military invasion of Ukraine. All of it’s dire consequences and devastations. The atrocities and the pure violence that is inflicted on innocent civilians. The armies are now killing, destroying and furthering destruction of Ukraine as we know it.

When that is happening at a rapid speed… they are now doing this to Sweden and Finland. Just like the former USSR republic before the invasion. This now shows what Putin is willing to do. The world should take this serious, as they have made actions out of similar warnings already in Ukraine.

So, Putin and his cronies in Kremlin could easily do this again. They are already pulling it off and now… Europeans should wake up as there is a danger and Ukraine could only be the beginning. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee now thinks civic education equates to destabilizing the country…

“Part of this money is to support and facilitate various groups and entities in Uganda to conduct what they called deepening democracy in Uganda. The President and government think that this money was brought to distabilise the country. So that is the gist of the concern of the President and the investigation will tell us the money trail and what it has done” – Ofwono Opono in an interview (Ali Twaha – ‘Government links DGF suspension to politics’ 05.02.2021, New Vision).

The suspension of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF), which is directly funding over 70 Civil Society Organization/Non-Governmental Organization and also their various of programs was suspended by the President in January 2021. As the President and the government was preparing to go to the polls and it had already hold grudges towards civil society for so long. This is the latest attempt to crucify and assault the ones working for a better governance in the Republic.

We know that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni doesn’t want to listen to others. Neither does he want the input from anyone else either. However, he don’t mind free-money and slush-funds to spend as he see fit. That is why he goes after the DGF as it is a fitting “enemy” which he cannot directly control or have his hands in the cookie-jar.

Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo is saying it deliberately. They are calling it destructive. Because, they are undermining the “personification” of the state, which happens to be the President. The DGF’s civic education and programs are working indirectly to build sufficient institutions, policies and reforms, which in the end will weaken the power of one man. It would in the end be for good governance and accountable state organizations. Not just be ordered from “high above”. That is why OO and President is speaking ill of this. This will in the end weaken their drive and total control of the state, in the manner, which things are done today.

The “destabilizing” effort is indirectly weakening his reign and rule. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have no troubles getting direct aid and grants for their government to run. However, they have trouble having the same donors paying for salaries, programs and civic education across the Republic. That shows a double standard and that the President have no trouble eating of the plate directly, but doesn’t want to be told how to be accountable for his eating. He wants to spend money, but don’t want to show recites. That is the memo I am getting from this.

It shows that his a weak man. The President and the government have had no issues taking money from Western donors like the ones who funds the DGF. If they are so afraid of the independence and the questions of usage of funds. The government shouldn’t accept any funds with possible sting attached. The state shouldn’t take loans or grants from the outside. If the donors cannot sustain organizations (CSOs/NGOs) who works with other ideals than the President at this current day.

That is the reality of this all. There is no free lunch. It has never been so. There is always something attached and expectations of an outcome. If you borrow money to build a road, the lender hope you build the road, but also repays the loan with interests. If you take a donation or a grant, then its expected to go to a certain organization or work, which is beneficial for the ones receiving it. That is just a mere reality we all know.

Now, the ones receiving it wants to directly control the funds and how it is spent. When it was funds, which wasn’t his in the first place. They are worried of the efforts and effects these organizations have in the Republic. However, we all know that the President just want to eat and don’t bother with questions. This is why he has retaliated, because he can and he want to show strength. Nevertheless, these acts are an act of a coward. A coward who has taken money all his life, but now cries foul. It is a bit late when you been eating for over three decades and never caused a fuzz. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni suspending the DGF is biting the hand that feeds him

Now that the letter from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija is out. The infamous letter where he suspends the accounts of the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF). This is important, because the DGF supports programs and organizations across the Republic. The DGF is sole funder of several of civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations. There are atleast 70 of them that is hit by this and would cease operations, as the funding and lack of funds to pay staff. That is all happening, because Museveni wrote a letter in early January 2021.

President Museveni have targeted CSOs and NGOs around election time. That is common. That he claims they are up to “no good” and supporting “terrorism” or any other objectively bad enterprise they can. That has been common for decades. However, ceasing their funding totally and blocking a multi-national funding scheme like the DGF. Only undercuts the ideals of the givers, the donors and the ones who monetary support the government and people in the Republic in general. This isn’t government funded money from the tax-base. No, these funds are given from outsiders to support governance and other organizations to strengthen democratic institutions and educate the masses.

The DGF is a collective fund donated by the European Union, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden to support programs and CSOs/NGOs in Uganda. They are partnered with at least 72 organizations across the republic to different capacities. All working in various of fields and for causes to better the Republic. They are all civil society voices for good governance and creating a freer society. However, that is clearly not the beacon that the President believes in anymore.

The donors that see this action by Museveni should shun him and cease all direct donor-funds and also block all loans through multi-national organizations, which the donors are funding as well. That would make it harder for the President to operate and he would seek funds elsewhere. If he wants to be free of stipulations and not have any oversight. This cutting funds to International Monetary Funds (IMF) and World Bank (WB). Also others where the Government of Uganda is seeking loans for development projects and government programs.

The National Resistance Movement was able in the late 1980s and 1990s to have progress and financial backing to pursuit the government programs, which is it so proud of. The state also saw debt relief and cuts from donors. Now, the NRM is gaining more debt, but also putting in obstacles with the donors in regards to the DGF. The ones funding DGF should suspend all other funds and funding that goes towards Museveni. As a retaliation to this, as these projects, programs and NGOs/CSOs are working for ideals that Museveni once stood for, but with lingering in office despises.

We are clearly seeing the punitive action made by Museveni. He wants to prove supremacy, but does it in a mockery of a way. This is only showing the donors what sort of little man he is. That he has to go to this step. Take away the securities of the CSOs and NGOs. Instead of actually serving the general public. If the President really did that. He would haven’t have the need for all these CSOs/NGOs to cover where the government is lacking. The state is fluid and lacking institutions. That’s why the state needs them to cover the basics and civic education. This is still needed after over 30 years in power. That shows the weakness of the Presidency and his reign.

President Museveni isn’t showing strength here. His showing weakness and lack of control. That he got to act like this. This is acting a villain and hurting own citizens, because he can. So, the donors should act upon this and not just take it on the chin. They should show force too. Just to prove him what he has done. It is about time and not just “condemn” and move-on. That is not making any changes or challenging the old man. You need to meet him head-on. He plays games and these are with the lives of all these organizations. It is not the money of Museveni and neither funding from the state either. That is why his sour, as he got to loan to pay his cronies salaries. This is why he attacks and confronts, instead of talking and negotiating with the donors.

What he does with this is putting himself in corner and making less friends. If he wanted more support and legitimacy. He should have acted differently. However, he rather picks the trick of the pariah, instead of the friendly grand-pa, which is what he tries to act in the media. That is clearly not working and that is why this letter is undressing his motives. Peace.