Bukimbiri County By-Election: Return Form for Transmission of Results (11.08.2022)

Updates from Gogonyo County and Bukimbiri County By-Elections

Today is the day of the polls in the by-elections that is running simultaneously. Gogonyo County in Pallisa district is sort of over before the polls. As there are no real opposition or candidates against the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Flag-Bearer. This is why the real score is on the Bukimbiri County By-Elections in Kisoro district.

The Gogonyo County has had low voter turnout and it’s really an uninteresting affair. The only bothersome thing is that the Electoral Commission didn’t change the ballots after the withdrawal of candidates. So, the Polling agents has to enlighten the voters about if they vote for any of the candidates who pulled out. Their ballots becomes invalided one and will be counted as a spoilt one. Instead of casting a vote that really matters…

In Bukimbiri County is a whole other ball-game. There is already reports of abductions and arrests of the polling agents of the independent candidate, Asigaro Turyagendya. They are now detained at various of police stations. In addition to that… A team led by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Minister Sarah Mateke and Moses Kamuntu is traversing the county arresting the polling agents and supporters of Asigaro Turyagendya. So, the acts of Soroti East has come to Kisoro for sure.

It is also reported: “Voters in Bukimbiri County By-election are being given between 2000 and 5000 Ugandan shillings to vote either Asigario Turyagenda (independent) or Eddie Kwizera (NRM). This has led to physical fights” (Voice of Muhabura FM, 11.08.2022).

The amount of voters in Bukimbiri is said to be moderate. While drones and heavy security detail in the district. As reported earlier there are alleged voting bribery in the district. However, it is also stated that there have been ballot stuffing going on in Nyanamo Town Council. The source for this was Julius Nkunda from the Voice of Muhabura FM.

We can assess the circumstances here and the outcome is most likely a resounding victory for the NRM. Not because they have the best candidates or the flag-bearers. No, because they have rigged the elections and ensured safe-landing for their anointed ones. They have invested, intimidated and bribed to make it happen. It is just formalities and awaiting the Return Form for Transmission of Results.

Derrick Orone (Gogonyo County) and Eddie Kwizera (Bukimbiri County) is scheduled to be sworn-in and be the next MPs of the 11^th Parliament. To think otherwise and naive. This is why the population isn’t eager to show up or participate. Because, everyone knows the drill and it’s close to pointless or derivative at this point. When everyone knows what will go down and who will be announced.

The rest is just publicity, smack-daddy posturing and open blindfolding of the population. Hoping they don’t understand the gimmicks and the games. These weren’t elected MPs, but selected ones. The NRM didn’t need to do much, but they did enough to secure the poll position. That’s very obvious. Yet, another few hallow “victories” for the Movement.

It can celebrate, but everyone knows what’s up and the reality will sooner or later hit them. They cannot do this forever and the public will not accept either. They are made fools off and everyone knows. Peace.

Opinion: Mutabazi only thinks about his own needs…

“Joshua Mutabazi whose candidature for Bukimbiri County (Kisoro) seat was withdrawn by his party, NUP in favor of FDC candidate James Owebeyi has crossed to NRM” (NTV Uganda, 10.08.2022).

It wasn’t long ago that the National Unity Platform (NUP) withdrew their candidate in the up-coming by-election in Bukimbiri county in Kisoro district. It is just mere days since the effects of the Unity Statement came into affect and made the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) the “sole” candidate of the opposition in the by-election. However, as things are turning, the words of the 19 year old student surely turned bitter.

The not so seasoned politician who showed finesse character. Has had a change of heart. We don’t know what swayed him or what the National Resistance Movement (NRM) offered the young man. Whatever it was… it wasn’t serving the nation or the struggle for liberation. No it was most likely for his own needs and not what the country needed.

Just read his statement as he withdrew his candidacy just the other day…

Joshua Mutabazi statement:

“But if, its for the people, but if it was for liberation, but had it been for us then why wait long. We cant keep claiming condemning and consoling. I choose to bridge the struggle but most importantly draw lines between what one needs and what the country needs. What the country needed a decade back was our leaders to be one, we are late. Its my turn, I wont delay therefore announce my withdrawal from the parliamentary seat by-election of the latter mentioned jurisdiction in favor and full support for united struggle. As the country’s need to have united forces of Change ages daily, I and my party decided to take it upon ourselves. If you have ever experienced injustice and by the ungodliness, then you are a candidate to stand against the same. “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. Matthew 23:11-12-11-12 MSG If you are unwilling to make an early sacrifice in life, you’ll be beggars and slaves to the men who did” (Joshua Mutabazi – STATEMENT ON MY WITHDRAWAL FROM THE BUKIMBIRI COUNTY PARLIAMENT SEAT BY-ELECTION, 06.08.2022).

The young man knew perfectly well the deal and what sort of struggle it is out there. The path that his chosen is a road for himself. That is with whatever cherries or dealings the NRM has offered. This is short-term benefits, but in the long-run… his not useful or anything of value for the NRM. No, his just another bought cadre who they were able to corrupt ahead of a by-election. He will be useful as Ashburg Katto or anyone else taken from the NUP. The associates of Bobi Wine who turned the other way.

Mutabazi haven’t even carried himself in a whole campaign. He did the right thing and said the words that was wisely written in the statement. As the party in their efforts of solidarity and planned joint-ventures had to drop-out of certain races to show unified front against the NRM. That’s just a mere fact and Mutabazi isn’t the only one who had to withdraw and won’t be the last either. Especially, if the parties continues with this practice and belief of joint-campaigning to show a vast difference from the NRM.

Mutabazi is unwillingly to sacrifice and will become a beggar or a slave to the system. That’s the choice he made… when he decided not to follow the struggle, but took a choice for his own ends. The young man is in his rights to do so, but he abandoned the struggle and the life of sacrifices. He has chosen the life of cronyism and becoming corrupted by the regime itself. That’s why he gave up on trying to be part of change, but instead joining with the status quo. It is tragic, but that’s the path he has chosen.

When you have opened this door, there is no turning back. People know what you do and who you are. You weren’t the man you made to believe. Instead you sold out and that will forever be a stain on your name. That’s the choice he made and now he has to deal with it. Peace.

Bukimbiri County By-Election: The NRM is ready to repeat what they did in Soroti East…

“We’re very ready to gain that victory in all the remaining by-elections in Gogonyo, and Bukimbiri. Our teams are already on the ground and we hope to repeat what we did in Soroti,” NRM party EC boss, Dr. Tanga Odoi said” (The New Vision, 05.08.2022).

The ones that believes the two by-elections scheduled for 11^th August 2022 will be free and fair. Well, I hate to say it in advance: “It will not be”. Because, the National Resistance Movement are already prepared and Dr. Tanga Odoi know what went down in the Soroti East By-Election. So, the truth is in those words and the public shouldn’t be hoodwinked.

The Prime Minister Nabbanja flew in with a helicopter to campaign together with other high ranking officials who is in the area. They are clearly ensuring the path of victory and having the manpower to “ensure victory”. If that being Dombo or NRM operatives on the ground. These will do whatever it takes and that shows with how the NRM has invested in the PM to be there.

Here are some more important statements into the race, which we will be run like Soroti East…

The PM:

“PM Robinah Nabbanja, pitches camp in Kisoro to campaign for NRM flag bearer, Eddie Kwizera Wa-gahungu ahead of this week’s Bukimbiri by-election. Nabbanja rallied the locals to support Kwizera, if promises and pledges of gov’t are to be fulfilled” (91.2 Crooze FM, 08.08.2022).

Joint Candidacy of the Opposition:

“Kampala, Uganda: The National Unity Platform (NUP) party has withdrawn its candidate in the Bukimbiri county by-election, in order to jointly support James Owebeyi, a candidate for the Forum for Democratic Change-FDC party. Voting in Bukimbiri is scheduled to take place on August 11, 2022. The by-election stems from the court of Appeal’s decision to nullify the victory of Kwizera citing irregularities following a successful application by Owebeyi” (Flash TV Uganda, 07.08.2022).

Joshua Mutabazi statement:

“But if, its for the people, but if it was for liberation, but had it been for us then why wait long. We cant keep claiming condemning and consoling. I choose to bridge the struggle but most importantly draw lines between what one needs and what the country needs. What the country needed a decade back was our leaders to be one, we are late. Its my turn, I wont delay therefore announce my withdrawal from the parliamentary seat by-election of the latter mentioned jurisdiction in favor and full support for united struggle. As the country’s need to have united forces of Change ages daily, I and my party decided to take it upon ourselves. If you have ever experienced injustice and by the ungodliness, then you are a candidate to stand against the same. “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. Matthew 23:11-12-11-12 MSG If you are unwilling to make an early sacrifice in life, you’ll be beggars and slaves to the men who did” (Joshua Mutabazi – STATEMENT ON MY WITHDRAWAL FROM THE BUKIMBIRI COUNTY PARLIAMENT SEAT BY-ELECTION, 06.08.2022).

That Mutabazi (NUP) is withdrawing his candidature is in line with the united forces in the by-elections. This means the NUP and FDC will combine their efforts and be behind one candidate in the race. It shows that the statement released after the Soroti East By-Election is in effect. The parties are coordinating and ensuring the possible best outcome.

The FDC Owebeyi was able to pull off the petition in the courts after the General Elections of 2021. However, now in the By-Election it is a whole other breed. The state will use all means and tactics. The NRM EC Chairman is even saying it out loud. Expect it to become a military exercise. We should expect mass-arrests, pre-ticked ballots and other malpractices to ensure “victory” of the NRM flag-bearer. That’s how they are doing it and it’s so obvious.

That’s why I have little to no faith in the opposition in these races. Not because I want the NRM to win. I do want anyone else than the NRM to win. However, the way they operate and continues to take the elections. The will of the people isn’t the vital one. It is the total annihilation of the opposition. That’s the goal and the objective…

I don’t see a positive outcome. The FDC flag-bearer James Owebeyi could be a genuine man and an honest actor, the best sort of candidate, but that doesn’t matter. Because, the state is preparing their machine and rigging. The FDC polling agents and activists will soon feel the agony of facing the state. They are getting into the firing line and they tend to answer with brutality. To think otherwise is to be naive in 2022… Peace.

A Joint Opposition ahead of the next By-Elections…

“The way to get back our power is to unite all of us and the population to be rallied together. Once that happens, I’m very excited that I can see it now beginning to happen. Even if we said that let all of us do this, this regime has no capacity to stop it” – Dr Kizza Besigye (01.08.2022).

Today there was a real launch of a joint opposition ahead of the next elections. This was a mix of various parties and formations. The main ones are the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and National Unity Platform (NUP). The other parties was the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Justice Forum (JEEMA) and the DP Block. While the People’s Front for Transition (PFT) and People Power Movement (PPM).

This is the first one that is like this since the Democratic Alliance (TDA).The TDA have been shaky and most of the members there has ended up in the arms of the regime.

The TDA isn’t the only joint opposition ahead of an election. In 2011 the opposition went ahead with a coalition called the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC). In 2020 the FDC and NUP created the United Forces of Change (UFC).

Today we are seeing a new front with a lot more parties and formations behind it. That could strengthen the cause. We have already seen the NUP and FDC supporting a joint candidate in the Soroti East By-Election in the Moses Attan there. The new Press Conference and Joint Statement shows not only sentiment, but a plan for the parties ahead.

“This country is bigger than our political parties. The mission is bigger than building our political parties. In any case, one would argue that there are no political parties in Uganda because we do not operate like political parties” (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, 01.08.2022).

The Joint Statement is stating the plan ahead:

“Going forward, we shall jointly or severally use any upcoming elections to organise and rally the population to defend their democratic rights and end the election ‘madness’ that has bedeviled our country since independence” (Joint Statement, 01.08.2022).

It will be interesting to see it happening in the upcoming by-elections. The opposition is showing a united force and its needed. The messages from the leaders is as important. Because, the parties and formations are pledging to work together.

The ruling regime and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have been met with similar coalitions before, but this time around there is no direct or former NRM who will leave the fold quickly. The ones that has left the NRM did it so long ago… that it seems impossible for a return.

This statement comes days after the NRM-DP Cooperation Agreement and the previous election agreement between NRM-UPC. Therefore, this time around the Joint Opposition has to prove it. As the NRM is purging and trying to convince the opposition of working with them.

The Joint Opposition have to show it and also ensure they field the best candidates. They have to show the malpractice and undermine the election rigging. In such a manner, that the NRM cannot live with it or even announce the results. The opposition has to show fierce methods and not only play to the rules of the state. Opposition cannot just participate, but prove everything wrong with the regime.

Time will tell if this will work. The ambition and sentiment behind is commendable. I am hope it does make a difference. Not only a Press Conference and a Statement. The people have to see it and the parties and formations have to show it. Peace.

Uganda: Joint Statement of Political Leaders, Parties and Formations against the Brazen Thuggery of Elections in Uganda as Exemplified in the By-Elections of Kayunga, Omoro and Soroti (01.08.2022)

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

Mawogola North: A family affair [where Kaguta settled old scores over Kuteesa]

The National Resistance Movement Primary Elections in Sembabule district and in Mawogola North County especially. Where there was a need to postpone the election twice and having the polls finally on the 30^th September 2020. The first primaries was slated for 4^th September and was moved to 28^th September, but happened on the 30^th September 2020. The first polls was stopped because of election violence between the two main parties in the polls. These are people related to high ranking officials and therefore, the results are even more important.

This is all because of the ones involved. On the days of the polls on the 30^th September, there was 2,000 soldiers in the district to ensure peaceful elections. That says a lot and what is at stake. This was one seat in question and the army had to go in like they we’re defeating a militia.

The Primaries here was the highest stakes. This is why it was so extra contested. The battle of Museveni versus Kuteesa. A race that was reminding people of when Yoweri lost to Sam to in 1980 and took him to court, where he lost the petition as well.

Times has changed since then. Sam Kuteesa is still a Minister and a powerful individual. Who are connected deeply in the State House. However, he is still not the President.

While the President had his brother going to the polls here. That being Godfrey Aine Kaguta aka Sodo. Sam had his daughter Shartsi Kuteesa Musherure.

Just to put the family structure into a grander scale. The other son of Museveni, Muhoozi Kainerugaba have married the twin of Shartsi Kuteesa Musherure, that being Charlotte Kuteesa. While Sodo is a half-brother of Museveni and is therefore a Uncle to Muhoozi. That was all done to put things into perspective. Also, Sam Kuteesa himself is a “father-in-law” as his late wife Jennifer Kuteesa was a cousin to Janet Museveni, the wife of the President Yoweri. Therefore, the whole clan was internally battling out in this Primary.

Which meant that the big-men, the ones at the highest table was sending their closest family members to challenge each other. That would be a battle of pride and honour. Especially for Kaguta who has already lost once to Kuteesa. He didn’t want that to be repeated.

So, yesterday, Sodo fixed the bill and won the race. Even as Shartsi and her team won’t concede the loss. They are taking the polls to the courts and having the election contested there. That is repeating history, but the other way around. Now, Sodo has the one in office on his side, just like Sam had in the 1980s. Therefore, I doubt that this petition will bare any grounds or change the Primaries.

Sodo has this, but whoever he challenges in the General Election that matters. There might even be an independent he has challenged before. Which will try their luck again. Sodo is lucky to be a half-brother of the President. If he wasn’t there would be very much in the hands of Shartsi, as she has not only the support of her father, but would have Muhoozi as well.

This is the sort of family affairs turned politics. As they all wants part of the stakes. Secure the next generation and ensure their legacy. That is what this was all about. Kuteesa wanted his own to excel too. The Son of Kaguta wanted that for his own well. We saw how that went.

We can always question if these numbers are accurate and the results are a honest representation. As there well known rigging and that wouldn’t shock anyone here. Tanga Odoi wouldn’t offend the Don and mock the half-brother of the President. That he cannot afford.

These elections was bound to be this way. Neither way, they would be contested and would be messy. As there is not only the next generation ambition, but old scores to fought. Secondly, the one in power wants his folk first. At this junction that happened to be Sodo, even as Shartsi could easily been one too. As the extended family is all in the near proximity of the First Family. It isn’t far from Janet, neither far from Muhoozi, which means Yoweri know them all. Peace.

NRM Primaries 2020: What have we learned from the polls…(?)

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) held their Primary Elections today on the 4^th September 2020. Some polls have been postponed because of the election violence between the candidates in the constituencies. That is not new, but it is between family members of the President and his nearest in-laws. Who are fighting for the next generation, who wants their next of kin in office.

What we can see as the Primaries have been going on. They are letting candidates be elected with polls in lines. There is no social distancing, masks or any other efforts of Coronavirus or COVID-19 Guidelines.

The Presidential Directives on gatherings, distancing and masks are down the drain. It isn’t important at all. The candidates and the NRM operatives are not following these. Neither, is the state sanctioning the party. They are even seeing violence between the candidates and trying to investigate after the melee. That is why there is reported of 4 deaths and more injured in various of districts.

The ones who voted for the Age Limit and OTT Taxes have in many places been hit and lost their seat. The incumbents MPs who did this and the Ministers have lost seats. Their choices in office has cost them. The electorate is remembering that and sending these folks out of office.

If NRM thinks this show their greatness, their pan-African and anti sectarian attitude. The NRM shows the opposite here. It shows their greed, their use of all methods to win and their lack of respect of the electorate. They are willing to use them and cheat to get ahead.

Not that any of this is new. The NRM has filled with this in the past. The same happens every single time. The new is the standing in line and not following COVID-19 Guidelines. The Police isn’t interfering or contributing to the violence. That is something it would have done, if this was done by any opposition or dissidents of the ruling regime. They would have shut-down the exercise and silenced it quickly with tear-gas, arrests and live-bullets.

What we are seeing is that some of the old heads are taken out. Also, that the NRM is ushering in their next generation. As the kin of the leaders are introduced like in the Kampala Central MP race, Cedric Babu has become the NRM Flagbearer to compete in that race. Just like Kuteesa¨s daughter and Museveni¨s son too. There are enough issues ahead, but shows the signs of a pattern here.

There will be more, as the postponement of some primaries will be returned. The deals have to either made behind closed doors or not. Just like reports of Beti Kamya paid of Singh Katangole 550m UGX for securing the Rubaga North. Wouldn’t be shocked if there was more deals like this behind closed doors. Where the documentation wasn’t out in the open.

That is also a very vital part of these elections. It is about ensuring your time to eat. So, that you have your slot, your seat and your money-bag from 2021. That is why its such a high reward for the risk of running in these elections.

The NRM Primaries are filled with irregularities, violence and use of force. They are always like that. That is why people are dying so some folks can secure power.

The NRM have in their slogan the word “Unity”. However, these elections are unifying, but showing a sign, which they shouldn’t be proud of. This is not the fault of the NRM Electoral Commission, but a party culture that been running rampant for years. That is the commercialization of the politics, the cost of operation and the price of losing. This is why the NRM is operating like this and with the risks of self-destruction at places too.

As they flaunts guidelines, social distancing and doesn’t safeguard the voting public. While holding rallies, polls and political meetings in the middle of global pandemic. Surely, the results of this will be more spread of COVID-19 and the state will pay that price.

What was the main lesson of today: The NRM Primaries is a circus, just another one compared to the ones in 2015. Peace.

NRM Primaries proves the deficiencies within the party… [and ministers are losing]

It is not shocking that Ministers are losing their seats in the National Resistance Movement Primaries. That has happen before, where NRA Historicals have lost favours after prolonged time in office and nothing to show for it. In 2020 that is no difference.

We are also seeing people who has moved from being Anti-Museveni and harsh opponents turned ministers failing to win. Beatrice Anywar and Beti Kamya being two of them. They have both lost their spots after moving to the Movement. They have to run as Independents. As they don’t have any favours where they fled from either.

That Elioda Tumwesigye lost for instance in Sheema, where he has run several of elections and one. Even a By-Election mid-term in this term. Therefore, it is a shocking enterprise to see him bow out in an inside party election.

In Bushenyi, Mary Karooro Okurut also lost out. In Nyabushozi, there is reports that Fred Mwesigye is loosing too. Evelyn Anite lost in Koboko as well.

There are reports of deaths in three districts. Where family members of the President is for instance fighting over a position like in Mawongola North, where the daughter of Kuteesa is battling the son of Museveni Sado. Clearly it turned violent and the elections was suspended. Similar things happen in Tororo and in Sheema as well.

In Rakai, five boda-boda’s have been burned. One candidates supporter beaten into a comma.

From the NRM Youth League, the leader Gadaffi Nassur for Katikamu North has won and Lillian Arber won in Kitgum.

Even with the voting in line, as in the 1980s elections. The NRM Electoral Commission cannot be proud of the hectic mess. They are not able to keep all the ducks in a row and has to manoeuvre things by the State House to solve the chaos committed. The stakes are so high and therefore, the fall is so massive.

There are reports of 33 or 43 MPs going in unopposed. Alas, there are sole-candidates in the party. That is why these districts and counties are not creating issues.

In 2015 someone called the NRM Primaries a circus. The same could maybe be said this year as well. There are always internal conflict, death, destruction and problems created by the polls. Nothing was different this time.

The NRM are creating havoc over seats in Parliament and the other positions as well. Peace.