Opinion: Revisiting the TDA [and where are they now?]

“5. The goal of The Democratic Alliance shall be achieved through the pursuance of the following objectives:

a) Building the necessary mobilization capabilities and organizational infrastructure of the Alliance and its members in order to win power;

b) Developing and presenting a common policy and governance agenda for elections;

c) Ensuring the attainment of an electoral majority by fielding candidates for all electoral positions across the country;

d) Fielding of joint candidates for electoral offices as set out in this Protocol;

e) Constituting a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) with the purpose of implementing appropriate political and economic reforms to build a strong and durable foundation for democracy, rule of law and economic justice” (Protocol of the Democratic Alliance, June 2015).

Because of the recent cooperation agreement between the Democratic Party (DP) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). This has started questions about the legitimacy of the coalition that was one part of the opposition ahead of the General Elections in 2016. It is striking that this is happening now and it’s worth to look into what has happened ever since.

The TDA was a coalition made by a various set of parties. The two parties that directly went out of the coalition early was Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and the Forum for Democratic of Change (FDC). However, the others stayed behind and they went ahead to stand behind the former Prime Minister and Secretary General of the NRM, Amama Mbabazi. He became the Joint Presidential Candidate of the TDA and the Pressure Group of “Go Forward”.

The TDA was much larger than Mbabazi alone. It was the Conservative Party (CP), Democratic Party (DP), Justice Forum (JEEMA), Pressure for National Unity (PNU), People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA). So, there were a handful of leaders in and around the TDA. There was also Olara Otunnu from the UPC and Dr. Kizza Besigye from the FDC. The UPC as a party left, but Otunnu stayed on, if I remember correctly.

The leaders who are vital part of TDA was Amama Mbabazi, Ken Lukyamuzi, Norbert Mao, Asuman Basalirwa, Beti Kamya, Gilbert Bukenya aka Mahogany and Dick Odur. There was also others associated and part of the proceedings like Mugisha Muntu and others. Therefore, it was a team of the opposition at the time who at certain points did their part here.

However, as time has shown us. Plenty of these people has sided with the NRM or returned to the NRM. The Presidential Flag-Bearer Mbabazi was a NRM Member and hadn’t revoked his membership as he was standing up against Museveni. So, that he returned and is in the good graces with the President is just natural. The stage of Go Forward was only a short sighted project and was over the moment the election was over.

Bukenya has also returned and is living the good life. His living large and having perks with titles and being part of the elite. The Former Vice President has no worries and was only for a minute or less an “opposition”. I doubt we will ever see anything of the PNU ever again.

Mao has just become the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. His working in cooperation with the government. Still part of the DP but he has a hectic period ahead of him. As insiders in the party wants him out and ousted. Since, this agreement wasn’t signed of from the party or the members. The DP Block has even dismissed him too.

Kamya has gone from being appointed Minister of Kampala. To lose her leadership of her party the UFA. Later becoming a NRM Member and changing Ministry. Now she’s the IGG but certainly not electable or viable candidate. She has become a typical crony of Museveni over the years.

Basalirwa has been close to the People Power Movement and the National Unity Platform. He has ensured popularity and gotten elected into Parliament as the only JEEMA MP. Therefore, his the first man here who is actual opposition from the TDA still.

Lukyamuzi has on the other hand lost his constituency and not become a third time re-elected to Rubaga South MP. He instead focused on finishing his degree, which he did in 2017. The Party President and former MP has been a vocal critic of the government. Even made a case against the Age Limit in the courts, which was dismissed. So, he is an actual man in the opposition. “The Man” is true to his missions and his goals.

Otunnu has been resigned from politics. He also lost the Party Presidency. The UPC has since then signed a secret agreement with the NRM. That’s why the UPC haven’t fielded a Presidential Candidate for two elections in a row. Otunnu has kept himself in the background and you can wonder if he will resurface or do anything for that matter.

Muntu also lost the Party Presidency. He lost to another candidate within the FDC. This made him create a New Formation, which is now known as the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). That party was launched in time for the 2021 General Elections and he ran as President.

Besigye ran a the Presidential Flag-Bearer for the FDC and created the People’s Government after swearing himself in after the General Elections in 2016. Since then he has launched several of campaigns and the latest after the 2021 elections is the Red Card Front. A voice of the opposition still.

There are several of other leaders who are in the opposition that was a part of the TDA in 2015/2016. These could be Mathias Mpuuga (former DP now NUP), Betty Nambooze (former DP now NUP) and so fourth. There are more people that has been involved and could be mentioned, but that would make this piece to long.

However, a huge pattern are still there. Plenty of the TDA high ranking leadership went either back to NRM or has found a home in government. That is really happening on a larger scale. We shouldn’t be surprised that Mbabazi and Bukenya went back home. However, the others should really be questioned…

This was a short revising of the TDA. An alliance built quickly and seemingly destroyed. It wasn’t meant to be. We shouldn’t expect the Go Forward or the PNU to be returning either. The era of the TDA is gone and it’s for a reason. The TDA was built on sand and not on mountain. If it had been real and a sincere enterprise. So many of these leaders wouldn’t have sought shelter under the wings of the man who they were promised to create a Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU).

Obviously… things didn’t pan out, but it is a picture, which shows how the times are changing. Peace.

Opinion: The NRM proves again that the IPOD is worthless…

“The NRM has boycotted the meeting of IPOD scheduled for the handover of IPOD seat from Democratic Party to FDC. This as FDC insists the discussion should focus more on the meaningful dialogue and smooth transfer of power in Uganda” (NBS Television 27.11.2019).

Not to long ago, actually for two IPOD Summits the FDC boycotted these, as they did boycott the first IPOD Summit, as an reaction to the police brutality and harassment from the authorities. The second one was because they didn’t want just a photo-op and a friendly greeting with the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The IPOD Summits haven’t resolved anything or made any amends with the electoral reform or dialogue between the NRM and the opposition. The IPOD is just a paid journey from the Dutch, to preoccupy the parties on the way to yet another General Election in 20201.

Just a friendly reminder of what NRM said when the FDC boycotted it:

“Kasule Lumumba: NRM is the minority in IPOD. FDC is the leading opposition party. FDC shouldn’t run away from responsibility. NRM remains committed. Come and offer leadership and we work together, Come and show Ugandans that you can lead” (NBS Television, 17.10.2019).

“I have always said FDC is a radical extremist party behaving like a millenarian cult & hostile to dialogue. This was on display yesterday when they boycotted the first IPOD meet. They used to say they would only attend IPOD MEETINGS if Museveni attends. What is their excuse now?” (Andrew Mwenda, 18.12.2018).

“I don’t know why anybody [FDC] who says they are democrats would not like dialogue. I always welcome opportunities for dialogue because when you don’t dialogue, you miss an opportunity to be understood clearly” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the 12^th December 2018 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo

Therefore, I wonder what will be the excuses of the NRM in the upcoming days. One that has already come out, which is unbelievable is that they wasn’t invited. That one is just a lie, I don’t believe that Norbert Mao forgot to send the invitation to the NRM Secretariat. The DP head wouldn’t miss that one out.

It is weird that FDC comes now after boycotting for so long. It seemingly a play for them. It is insincere to take the helm. That it is, after calling out the other parties for being involved in the months ahead of this. The FDC knows this. Yes, this is politics, but the perception of this isn’t brilliant. It is insincere at best.

The FDC should have pulled out, unless it seems they are just in it for the party-funding and possible billions promised after the second summit in May 2019. The environment for the FDC isn’t better. Their party offices has been raided both in Kampala and in the up-country. Not like the FDC leadership is secure and safe for police brutality. Neither is their ability to conduct party activity in general.

What is weird is the NRM who has harassed and diminished the FDC for boycotting from before Christmas last year until the present IPOD takeover. That is very rich of them to not sit in the yellow chairs. Because, its not like the NRM will end up behind bars or get detained for participating. Neither house-arrested nor awaiting court-cases because of their loyalty elsewhere, than the President himself. Since all of them are loyal to him.

I never have believed in IPOD. Just like the Apple IPOD, I believe the relevance is gone and not vital for the changes in the Republic. It is just a tool for the NRM to keep the others in check. The NRM will only use this to settle the score and use the platform to ensure they are following guidelines and supposed protocol. The IPOD will not challenge or have any significant power, as the NRM and the government haven’t given it that.

The IPOD and IPOD Summits are PR stunts and play for the facade. It is weird that the FDC wants to play now. They should have dropped out and been righteous. Instead, they wanted a little spotlight and look decent now. That’s a bit late, but the NRM are totally in the wrong. When they have called the FDC out, but bails out themselves. That proves again the real value of it.

The real value of the IPOD is none, except for the Dutch donors who pays for the “dialogue”. Peace.

The Second Summit of Leaders of the Inter Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) – Monday 20th May 2019 – Joint Communique (20.05.2019)

UPC: Press Statement – UPC Hands Over IPOD Summit/Council/Chair To DP (27.03.2019)

Kamya kicked out of her own party: Given up federo for Bosco!

There is a joke here somewhere, certainly there is, as the former reform agenda and founding member of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). After that, the founder of her own party and own agenda, the now Minister of Kampala, Beti Kamya has been kicked out of her own party. As she has shown to much loyalty to the party and President that appointed her.

This is really funny and tragic, not that the Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA) ever has had any significant impact, other than being an avenue for Kamya to have a voice and call herself the President of something. Not that she has had a big voice, as she even struggled to become a MP in the Rubaga North, which she even lost in 2016 and still was pronounced the winner. That is because of her sudden loyalty to the President. Who later appointed her to a Ministry.

That is why the news of her down-fall in her own party wasn’t shocking, but more fun actually. Which I will explain more after the news.

“BETI KAMYA CHASED OUT OF HER OWN PARTY!

Minister for Kampala, Beti Olive Namisango Kamya has been kicked out of Uganda Federal Alliance (UFA), the party she started in 2009! According to the members of UFA, Beti Kamya betrayed them when she joined the ruling government in 2016! According to the UFA Spokesperson, Baker Byayi Ssenyonga, Beti Kamya was given enough time to change her decision and go back to the party but has failed! Hon. Beti Kamya is yet to say anything because she’s currently in Kyankwanzi for the NRM retreat!” (87.7 BABA FM, 16.03.2019).

Kamya has been arrogant, been bitter and been a busy body within the Cabinet. Trying to show her worth and really doing whatever she could to be relevant and also loyal to the President. But that comes with the job. When you have been appointed by the President and comes from another party. You need to go overboard and show your value. Because, the President has to see your intent. That is why she has counter the will of the KCCA and the City Hall. That is just what she has done.

Kamya is really a victim of her own work. She has ditched her own party of ten years, she knows it is a mess, a structure built on her own personal ambition and being a vessel for her career. That it has been, as it was supposed to also work for the federo and federalism in the Republic. This has been shattered, as she turned a yellow fellow, whose mellow jell-o, who sucks at playing cello.

However, lets get serious a minute, she was so unpopular, she had to get the credits and mercy to become a MP, who happen to get a Ministry, because the President wanted to assault the Opposition. She has been a tool of that and a massive suck-up the President. Into levels of ridiculous. Into a manner, where even Opondo, Mwenda or anyone else of the praising brigade cannot follow. Kamya, looks like a fool, as she couldn’t even follow protocol or even build her own party. Why do I say that? Well, her attacks on Besigye and Bobi Wine. She should not attack them for building things as opposition in the Republic. She couldn’t even manage to stay loyal to her first Reform Agenda, neither stay in the FDC, couldn’t even say in the UFA and now is loyal suddenly to the NRM. It is so rich.

That is why Kamya, should go off her high horse. Surely the power, the prestige and the office makes her feel untouchable, as long as the President see a use of her. However, the day she isn’t valuable. The President will drop her, she is soon a party member, a NRM MP and another person in the patronage and official cronies of the President. That is because, she couldn’t even build her own party and be loyal to it. She didn’t even believe in the cause and the political agenda of her own party. Where she was initially running the show. Still, that wasn’t enough.

Dear Beti Kamya, hope you enjoy your minutes in power, your place in the corridors of the President and the ability of being a useful minion of the president. Because, the day when that ships ends. You will not have anywhere to turn. Not even to the UFA, as all the other bridges have been burnt or destroyed by your lack of will or your own empty ambition. This just show your an empty vessel ready to get used. Kudos. Do you, but don’t expect a handout, when the NRM and Museveni era is over. Peace.

Jajja’s eight time the charm: 2021 and beyond!

This upcoming election isn’t about reforms, isn’t about progress or about the ability to go forward. This up-coming election isn’t about the legacy nor the options or selections of candidates. That sort of ship has sailed, as the Age Limit bill enacted into law. Fixing the 1995 Constitution into the image, which the President needed.

We can all fool say, that Robert Kyagulanyi or Dr. Kizza Besigye have a shot this time. We can all joke around and think that the Forum for Democratic Change, Uganda People’s Congress, Justice Forum or the Democratic Party have a possible outreach to challenge the Movement. We can all mock ourselves, thinking that Norbert Mao, Asuman Basalirwa and James Akena will push the boundaries for this up-coming election. However, we all know that is a lie.

It is not that I am again change, not that I am against any of the opposition parties. I am not, but the cynical and free thinking spirit in me is saying, that this election is already pre-rigged, prepared and settled. There are no bounds for victory elsewhere. That is false-hope, which is fiction. It is political suicide to think that you can conquer or even beat Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2021.

The only thing that can conquer him at this point is either that the military, the generals and the ones closest to the army are turning against him. If not its his age and his health that will go into default stages because of his advanced age. Therefore, when concerning ballots, campaigning and all the rest is a farce for the façade.

The façade of a democracy and an election of some sense. That the public are in-line awaiting their turn to throw their ballot into the boxes. Where the party and candidates hold rallies and come with manifestoes and pledges. They all can promise new and fresh days, all new roses and chapattis, not to talk about working out the bottlenecks and getting the country into a middle-income nation. However, how much of a mirage that is at this point.

We know they will do this, will come out, guns blazing and fuming with fire. They all will come as statesmen and nobles, stand up tall and smile, glace at the crowds and mysteriously be gone in the next hot-minute after the polls. Because, that is just what they do. They came all in, but forgotten the next moment.

As that is happening, as the 2021 elections are getting prepared. Let us not fool ourselves. We already knows who wins, who will have the margin in the Parliament and who will have the elective officials behind him. Not because he is the best candidate, neither the second best either, but he is the only alternative, because he cannot lose. Since the system is built on his image and his vision. It is all him and everyone else is supposed to bow down to his majesty, the royal king and this is his domain. The Republic and its citizens are his servants and they should be humble and oblige him for another term. Even if that means his eight shot to strike Royal Flush.

Clearly, the Movement, the President and the whole state apparatus will act like it is a fair game, when its not. It’s rigged and settled before even the ballots are procured. This game isn’t changing anything. This election could have been similar in 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 or 2015. Even in 1980, but then there was another master who rigged that election. Now, it’s his time, yet again. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee, its your system that let the Minister’s sleep!

“Do not blame people and their attitudes: the problem is not corruption or greed, the problem is the system that pushes you to be corrupt. The solution is not, “Main Street, not Wall Street,” but to change the system where Main Street cannot function without Wall Street.” – Slavoj Zizek

That this is an issue now isn’t strange. The National Resistance Movement have run the Republic since 1986. The growing amount of cronies, corruption and filled with useful idiots around the President. The President are clearly acting out. The NRM knows this, because they have made the entitlement, the ones who are eating, but not talented or anything. They are appointed, not on merit, but by either family or loyalty. That is why the Ministers and Presidential Advisors are like they are.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni knows this perfectly well. He could have sacked all of them. The growing level of the Cabinet, which is about 81 Ministers in total and 146 Presidential Advisors. They can all chill-out, as they can rarely be changed or even sacked. Cannot remember that in a long while. If something is happening, there are some minor changes or they end up in the NRM Party Organizations, like Dr. Tanga Odoi ended up with NRM Electoral Commission for the Primary Elections. That is how the NRM does and the President knows. Therefore, there are no need to overwork or do to much. Because, there are no sanctions or such. Since they are all secured and eating as they are in office under this President.

“Many of my ministers are sleeping. They are selfish and only think about themselves. Ugandans know how to listen if they are told the right things, that is how we managed to build the Movement by learning and listening to others” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni while addressing investors during the sixth Presidential Investors Round Table (PIRT) at State House on the 8^th February 2019 (Misairi Thembo Kahungu – ‘Museveni: My ministers are selfish, sleep on job’ 08.02.2019, link: https://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Museveni—My-ministers-selfish–sleep-job/688334-4971964-60mn1qz/index.html).

There are reasons why they are sleeping. There are Ministers for small or minor Ministries with Micro-Budgets, where they have a lax mandate or not even enough Principal Secretaries or Organization that matters to fulfil the work they need. The Ministries are inter-connected and doesn’t have the funding or the manpower. As there are so many Auditor General reports, where the open post of lacked hired staff comes up, again and again.

There are so many systemic defects, but surely that is done deliberate by the President. As he offers the most funds to the Ministry of Defence, State House, Office of the Prime Minister and so on. The others are getting less, as well, as the amounts of funds that goes to pay back loans that the state has collected. This is known, as the deficit are filled not with donor funds, but loans, which they are now paying more and more by every year.

The President can complain about his Ministers. But he appointed them and trusted them. He has made their positions and made them responsible. They are supposed to answer to him and follow the mandate the government have given them. The possibilities to do so, are made by the budget and funds given. Also, the strategic and willing to let them develop it. However, the President usually goes for quick fixes and not for long-term planning, as his erratic micro-management style. That is well-known. As well, as the President always blame others, but take all CREDIT.

Therefore, this President is not someone who will stay behind his people, but push them to the crocodiles, if they are not doing their thing or if they become to ambitious. Certainly, the President can complain, if they don’t do enough. He should sanction the ones or give them a carrot to act. Peace.

Opinion: The State House launch another busy body called the National Dialogue Committee!

“Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish.” – Euripides

Today, was the day where the extension of the IPOD Summit 2018 was launched with brazen words from the President and the other partners around the table. Where the glowing lights and media houses was welcomed for the new initiative and the new committee, which is placed under the wings of the State House. As most things this day, another parastatal closely connected with the President.

The Republic has already the aforementioned Inter Party Organization for Dialogue or the IPOD. Which will by next year, been there and going in whatever pace it is since 2009. That is decade and the first summit was this year. So, when Mr. President says he is all about Dialogue, he is lying, but that is tradition in his blurred vision.

That the President proclaims dialogue and talks now, is that he see that his figure abroad is distorted and that his allies is starting to question him. Not only that he is a weapon-brother, but that he keeps shady friends. The President is scheming with Sudan, North Korea and anyone coming his way. As long as he gets the cash, even Equatorial Guinea is a friendly haven.

That is why the dialogue is so important, because when he was opposition himself. It wasn’t vital or important. It was even needed, the other parties was criminals and looters. Now he is the one who has eaten and ate for so long, he forgotten the time he even was freed by soldiers in prison in 1980. However, at this point, that is water under the bridge.

That the President is starting a National Dialogue Committee at the State House in 2019. Is a bit late, is very late in the time of the Presidency, it is too late to be serious from someone who never retires. Never gives way or even surrender to his own narratives and going against his vision. The President has always to get on top and win. The others has to be his minions, if not they have to be useful tools in the box. That fix his issues and get it done. So he can bask in the glory. This would certainly be wish of this committee.

That I have little faith is that the IPOD has done little or anything. The coalitions of the opposition has done nothing to overcome the hardships of political landscape. None of their actions, none of their partnership into the elections has made significant progress. Not that their partnership or coalitions would matter, when you have an Electoral Commission and ruling regime rigging the results for their benefit.

If the President had cared about the IPOD, which has been there since 2009, than he would have looked into the The Democratic Alliance (TDA) in 2015/2016 or the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC) in 2010/2011, also the Group of Six (G6) from about 2004 to 2006. That is three Opposition Coalition, who haven’t feared well, as the NRM has done it their way.

The Forum for Democratic Change has done more dialogue and talks, than the NRM has. As they haven’t been interested in that, they we’re never interested in Multi-Party Democracy in the first place. Therefore, Museveni is lying saying he has done talks since back-when. That was to solidify his position and strengthen the Movement System. He didn’t want anything else. Because he couldn’t control the outer bodies. That is why he has made laws he gets notified of other parties activity and public meetings. So, that they have to get verified and allowed to do so. If not they are breaking the law of the Republic, if they are crossing his laws.That is the initial act of the Public Order Management Act of 2010. That was a year after the 2009 launch of IPOD.

Now in 2018, he launches a National Dialogue Committee at the State House, like it will make a difference. As the IPOD never has achieved that, neither has the G6, IPC and the TDA. None of them have made enough progress or had the ability to make anything fruitful. Even if their initial idea or message was good. That because Museveni never been honest about elections or dialogue, as it has to only benefit him. If it doesn’t he will tarnish and destroy you. Don’t expect the new committee makes significant steps, they are a front and the wold should know it. Peace.

Opinion: IPOD Summit 2018, what gives?

Sometimes, you wonder if the big-men think they are fooling themselves, with grandeur, with splendid facilities, with amazing statements, but however, there are no fruitful declaration or anything significant to prove of the gathering. Other than a few photo-ops and smiles from the attendees.

The IPOD Summit on the 12^th December 2018 seems like that today. As there are no concessions, no proof of any movement, the Movement is at a standstill and the Opposition Parties that did show up. Was seemingly there for leverage and not for any political gains. As there are none to prove after mere hours of attending.

That James Akena of the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) hailed the process, is fine in itself, but what use has process, when there is no outcome? Why was Norbert Mao blazing at the FDC, when his Democratic Party (DP) is split between the “Good DP” and “Bad DP”. Who knows what Asuman Basalirwa (Justice Forum) was up to really, other than switching sides from People Power to align himself with the NRM.

The only one earing on this affair is the National Resistance Movement and the President himself. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who got them on a string. He got most of the opposition at his bay and playing by his rules, without giving away anything. That is the reality of yesterday. There was nothing given by the NRM.

He held a meeting, hold a Presser and spoke about his vision as he usually does without an proper outcome. That is how empty the affair was, that is why the NRM and his minions are attacking the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) for not attending. What was it to attend? To show loyalty to Bosco? To show that he matters and rules supreme. Because he has no plan of stopping to rule.

I find it amusing that the talk of the town is that FDC didn’t show up. Since that shows the weakness of the process, of the delivery and of the platform created by this Summit. If the summit had mattered, if it had any consequences or any sort of result. They would have shown that, that would have been manifested. Instead, they doing the opposite. Blaming the fella that stood them up. Because he knew this was fake dialogue and knew there was nothing real to talk about. As proven with the insults and statements thrown that way.

Why was there none about the Farmers Party,  People’s Progressive Party, Conservative Party, Uganda Federal Alliance or the People’s Development Party, because none of them was attending or said to show up with delegates? Is it because they are irrelevant at this point? One Man shows with no standing?

Because they bitch about the FDC, but doesn’t comment about the five parties also missing at the Summit. They gathered the big-shots, but the biggest opposition didn’t show. As there was no reasons to be there and that is now proven.

Time for the Movement to reconnect and digress their deceptions. It is time for the public to open their minds and asks questions. Because they have been, spoon-feed by the NRM. They continue to that, but the Movement are not proving anything. Especially, this IPOD Summit is a proof of that. Since they cannot even show a Joint Declaration or a MoU of some kind. Because there were none in the first place. Peace.

Kampala is a political mess: That is not Musisi’s fault!

That the political map and the organization in and around Kampala is frustrating. Is because there is first the Kampala Capital City Authority, who is a legal administration and Executive Director Jennifer Musisi. The Second there is the elected City Hall with the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and the Divisions and Wards. Thirdly is the Ministry of Kampala and the State Minister Beti Kamya. Fourthly is the Members of Parliament representing the Capital City itself and the fifth the Presidential Advisor for Kampala Singh Katangole. Plus you have the added interference of the State House and the President, who micro-manage everywhere and especially in the Capital.

When you see this and the stages, you knew Jennifer Musisi had a hard job. Surely it was easier when she and the Minister Frank Tumwebaze impeached the Lord Mayor in 2013. So, they settled the score and one less item to pass through. Because you don’t need to be a wise-guy to understand there are to many cooks and to many procedures to do anything in Kampala.

You don’t only has the elected from the Wards to the Lord Mayor, the ones elected in Parliament with their reasons and wants of change. The KCCA has their jurisdiction, the City Hall has their, the Ministry orders people around and the Presidential advisor says whatever he says to the President, who suddenly intervenes as well. That is why I have always been worried about Kampala.

The hierarchy and the political landmines are everywhere. There are no leeway, as the monitoring and the checks and balances comes into question. The KCCA answers to the Ministry and orders the City Hall. The City Hall is ordered by both the KCCA and Ministry, while the City Hall is trying to have a saying in the KCCA and the Ministry, without getting anywhere. As they are both acting as the City Hall is a symbolic enterprise. Instead of having elected leadership to make changes, the President has appointed the KCCA and the Ministry to try to evaporate the City Hall. To some extent they have managed that.

We know that even the Division Mayors have wondered what their tasks are, as they have little or less to do. As well, as the Lord Mayor are feeling override by the KCCA. The KCCA was established to counter the opposition and get in their way. Combined with the Ministry of Kampala, they are never giving space and when the State House orders the Minister. The whole chaos are happening. Like the kicking out of vendors from Owino Park Yard. This was done by the will of State House on decree by the Minister and met with hostile reception from the Lord Mayor. This is a sign of a messed up system and not of building a better Kampala.

There are too many cooks and for a reason. The President wanted to ensure the value of the elected leadership get as low as possible, while his loyal minions will overcome them. That is seemingly working, but must be tiring and Musisi gave up battling with the Ministry, State House and City Hall. That is unforgiving job, but she carried it and did what the President wanted her to do. The only thing she didn’t manage was to usher Ragga Dee in as Lord Mayor. Peace.