MTN implements reduced Mobile Money Tax (17.11.2018)

Betty Nambooze Bakireke Statement on the House-Arrest of Nganda Ssemujju today (16.11.2018)

We are permanently under a twenty four surveillance by the regime…our homes are under watch day and night…We travel around the town with armed Bodabodas following us…Government spies followed me to hospital in India…those who follow us don’t do it for our security…. we are watched as enemies of the State….. in other words we are full time prisoners in this big brother’s house called Uganda.

So yesterday when I and Lord Mayor Lukwago visited Honourable Ssemujju for a colleagues meeting,the junta’s hitmen where watching….to them we can never meet to talk about anything else apart from plotting to overthrow their regime. So the fact that Hon.Ssemujju had a consultative meeting today and I and Lukwago were meeting him in the evening a day before was enough for them to tell that today we were to “overthrow the regime” through the Bweyogerere public meeting.

Deep in the night they intesfied surveillance on our homes …my guard told me that last night patrol vans kept a culculated distance from my home…In the night they deployed around Hon Ssemujju’s home breaking into the compound this morning,highly traumatizing his children and innocent wife. We are tired of living this life…I say we are tired,yes we are tired.

UPF: Hon. Francis Zaake MP Summoned to the CID on the 21st November (16.11.2018)

Today wasn’t the day to plant a Freedom Tree in Kira Muncipality: As the Police Blocks the Semujju Rally in town!

There are just one of these days, when the ones ordering the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Force realize how foolish most of it is. Because this is clearly a step to far again. When they have house-arrested Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju MP and fellow MPs in his home in Kira Muncipality. The Police are saying they are closing it off and blocking the rally today because of technical breach and lack of forewarning. However, we all know the gist and the attitude towards Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and the other People Power MPs in the Republic. This sort of affair that was about to transpire today, had to be shut-down. Because, this is what the President fears the most. The symbolic affair and the lack attendance of him. Museveni is supposed to be the king of peace, but is now again showing his efforts to stifle others and their voices.

“This morning woke up with a very good vibe, with plans to visit and address our people in Kira Municipality with comrade Hon. Ibrahim Semujju Nganda and fellow other Members of Parliament. We also had plans to plant a freedom tree at the home of Hon. Semujju. Police and the military have surrounded his house and dispersed the people they found at his home. As we speak his house is still surrounded. Impunity at its peak. Fear at its height. Whatever they do, nothing can stop an idea whose time has come.” (Bobi Wine – 16.11.2018).

We can clearly see the message, as the Kira Town residents has on tape also said the Police Officers was beating on them yesterday. A day ahead of the scheduled rally, that is now blocked today. The authorities are really going all in, when they act like this. While from this morning blocking the MP and his house. Sending people away wearing red and blue. The colours of People Power and the Forum for Democratic Change. The latter, which is the party of the unfortunate MP.

“The Kireka rally follows a number of rallies organized by MPs that voted NO against the lifting of Presidential Age Limit. MPs had decided to organize rallies in show of support of these MPs across the country” (Forum for Democratic Change, 16.11.2018).

This rally is now a no go. The voices against the life Presidency is now forbidden and the stature of the limited freedom is sealed. That has been common knowledge for plenty, but now proven again to those who thought otherwise. Because the authorities has to prove their power.

This endless battle doesn’t seem stop. Peace.

Mzee’s answer to everything: Bring out the Guns!

There is something magical, something so magnificent and unique. That every time there is a problem, the BIG GUNS have to show up. The President, the Almighty, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has to address the problem with hiring, appointing or ordering the military to intervene. They even have a commercial arm to assemble cellphones in the near future.

The army is already involved in the NAADS and SACCOs as well as other Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) projects. They have been involved in arresting people and disrupting rallies, not to talk about pure election violence. The army has been involved in invading the Plenary Chambers of the Parliament. There is nowhere the army and these branches of it isn’t touching.

If there is a problem. The President orders the Special Forces Command to monitor riots in Kampala. The President orders to combat army-worms and pipeline problems together with the KCCA. This is just mere simple example of the usage of the army.

The President when the Members of Parliament asked for more security, he ordered sharpshooters and specialized cars for the MPs to security their movements and travels. It was later turned down, but the way of the President to resolve the matter, was by getting the soldiers on stand-by and secure the VIPs.

This is how the President moves, now that Chinese Investors are afraid. The President has ordered soldiers to facilitate and secure the Chinese investments and investors themselves. The answer isn’t looking into the ruthless and insecurity. Instead, put out more guns in the field. Thinking they will solve the issue.

This is the militarism of the President. Where he sends the para-military Police Squads against oppositions. Where he had the Flying Squad, the Special Force Command, Crime Preventers, the Internal Security Organization (ISO) and the Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) or even foot soldiers on the streets. Just to prove to the people, that he is boss!

That is just a sign of the lack of progress, the lack of development. When every crisis, when every need and whim of the President. The ones he is calling is the military and the soldiers, not trying to figure out the needed remedy. That gravy-train has left.

It is time to ask the President is if he has other advice and other solutions, because calling the soldiers to fix defects in society isn’t their role. Their role is to guard the borders and secure the Republic, not being the waiters and dancers at the party. That is how they are playing today. I am just awaiting seeing pictures of soldiers dropping off Waragin and Beer to VIPs. Because that is the only thing they isn’t doing. Since it isn’t long ago, when they even was in charge of a Beauty Pageant. Peace.

Uganda Peoples Congress – Press Statement (14.11.2018)

HP partners with authorities in Uganda for double raid on counterfeit print supplies (13.11.2018)

Criminal organisation thwarted as HP’s Anti-Counterfeiting and Fraud (ACF) Programme collaborates with officials in Uganda to disrupt criminal dealings.

KAMPALA, Uganda, November 13, 2018 – HP (HP.com) and Ugandan authorities have conducted a highly successful operation to halt the trade of counterfeit HP branded print cartridges in in the Kampala area.

In August 2018, Ugandan officials carried out a massive double raid, successfully disrupting the criminal dealings of two large scale retailers of counterfeit HP print cartridges. Several premises were targeted as part of the raid, including extensive outlet stores and a hidden manufacturing site for fakes. As a result, the authorities seized over 18,000 ready-for-sale illicit print cartridges.

Counterfeiting is a crime. For users, such illegal imitations can cause a multitude of problems that can cause performance and reliability issues. Should your printer break as a result of using counterfeit printer ink or toner, you could also have issues with your manufacturer’s warranty becoming not applicable.

In contrast, original HP products are designed to meet HP’s strict quality and reliability standards, based on a long history of inventing and testing. Original HP LaserJet and HP InkJet cartridges, unlike counterfeits, benefit from superior performance and consistent results.

HP commends the cooperation and swift action of Ugandan officials and their determination to apprehend and prosecute counterfeiters who break the law. We are proud of our continued work to bring counterfeiters to justice, not only in Africa but throughout the world,” said Glenn Jones, Global Anti-Counterfeiting Program Investigations & Enforcement Operations Manager, HP. “Through our unwavering efforts and commitment to removing counterfeit products from the market, we continue to focus on the protection of our customers through our Anti Counterfeiting and Fraud Programme.”

Across EMEA over the last five years, approximately 12 million counterfeits and components have been seized by local authorities, supported by HP. HP has conducted over 4,500 audits and inspections (CPPAs and CDIs) of partners’ stocks or suspicious deliveries for customers.

Through HP’s Anti Counterfeiting and Fraud (ACF) Programme, the company actively educates its customers and partners to be vigilant against fake printing supplies. It also cooperates closely with local and global law enforcement authorities to detect and dismantle illegal operations that produce counterfeit HP printing components.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine’s Message after the successful Kyarenga Concert Yesterday (11.11.2018)

What a day, What a Night, What a Show! THANK YOU to the thousands of friends, supporters and fans who came down to One Love Beach Busabala last night for the #KyarengaConcert. Abaana ba Uganda mwena, I cannot thank you enough for the massive show of support and solidarity. What a night!!! Not only did you show up in record numbers, the vibe was so good. You lit the fire and kept it burning. Thank you for dancing to the songs of freedom. I enjoyed every bit of the night, and it was evident you guys had fun too. I was captivated by your sense of purpose, resilience and determination for a better Uganda. Your faces were all beaming with hope and aspiration even as we danced and sang. I want to send a special thank you to my fellow artistes who made the show even more colourful. Mwe musinga baana ba Taata. Lazima if we all do our part, and God being on our side, olutalo nga luwedde tuliyambala engule mu Uganda empya!

Kenyan MP Babu Owino banned from Uganda: Planning to attend Bobi Wine’s Concert is the reason!

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni are getting more and more touchy with age. He has less and less flex too. That is why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a Memo has said that the Kenyan MP Babu Owino is Person Non Grata in the Republic of Uganda.

In the Law Dictionary that means: “Latin for a person not welcome; an undesirable, unwelcome or unwanted person”.

So we clearly see the intent of the Republic, as they want to ensure the concert of Bobi Wine tomorrow doesn’t have a high-profiled foreign guests. Expect more nonsense. As tomorrows concert will not go down without any drama. There has been plenty already and expect more, because Museveni is a whiny little cadre, who has to use force and bullets. He cannot establish a pattern of trust nor of betterment of the Republic.

That is why Owino isn’t allowed into Uganda for the purpose of attending the Concert and Album Launch. Because that would enforce and also show strength to the cause of Bobi Wine. That is something Museveni cannot see, Museveni can have over Deputy President William Ruto. But not let the minions grow stronger. That is not acceptable. They are supposed to shielded and follow his command. Not create their own stage and their livelihoods. That is not how the Republic works under Museveni. No, no and no.

Owino is a lost cause here, he could have been a beneficiary and a foreign supporter. Instead he will not be able to attend and surely will be left at the airport or at the border-crossing. Where he will be told and direct back to Kenya. Because, the patrols and the Security Forces will follow the command from above high.

So, if someone is afraid of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. It is clearly the state, as they are making all the ones in association with person non grata. Just like they didn’t allow his foreign attorney to represent him after the torturing and arrests post Arua By-Election. It all fits a pattern and it is not beautiful, but a masterpiece of oppression. Peace.

Opinion: OTT and Social Media Tax is failing as anticipated!

The Over The Top Services Tax and Social Media Tax can only be said as utter embarrassment by the National Resistance Movement (NRM). There are enough things to know this would happen, as the plan was for getting the revenue, but not thinking the consequences of the taxes. That is why, today’s revelations about the levied taxes isn’t that surprising.

Without due-diligence, it is hard to know the effects and the means for why it is put. It seems like the President and the NRM had a dream of cash-flowing into the Consolidation Fund without any consequences, but apparently it does. And when you add taxes on things, people either use less or plan more effortlessly to circumvent this added cost on their daily lives.

Daily Monitor Reports: “Government collected Shs20.5b from social media in the last quarter ended September, according to data obtained from Uganda Revenue Authority. The tax, which was implemented in July, was however, less than the Shs24.9b target that URA had hoped to collect in the period. URA has a monthly target of Shs8.3b. The tax was introduced in the Excise Duty amendments of financial year 2018/19 requiring all social media users to pay Shs200 per day, before accessing certain platforms such as Facebook, Whatsapp and Twitter, among others. Government intends to collect about Shs100b before the end of the 2018/19 financial year” (Christine Kasemiire – ‘OTT raises Shs20b in first quarter, URA fails on targets’ 07.11.2018).

While it is a few days ago, that the MTN Uganda promised the 24 hours since paying tax, that the tax would last from the time of payment of the tax until the time is spent. Instead of how it has been, until the new day coming. Meaning, that often you would only get half-a-day with the Social Media, as the taxation would start again, when the clock turns 00:01.

That is why this was news to: “Airtel Uganda and other telecom service providers have announced a fundamental change in the Over the Top excise duty imposed on social media following a directive from Uganda Communications Commission, the telecommunications regulatory body in Uganda. Since its introduction in July 2018, the tax commonly known as OTT or social media tax, was only valid up to midnight of the payment date for daily users. With the recent changes, daily subscribers can now enjoy internet services for a complete 24 hours – right up to the time that they subscribed 24 hours earlier. This also applies to the weekly and monthly users who can also enjoy services until the time that they subscribed” Brian Emorut – ‘Social Media tax validity to now last 24 hours’ 06.11.2018 – Guide 2 Uganda).

So now, Airtel and MTN has changed their pattern of getting the OTT tax. While URA is struggling to met the supposed the quota. This shows that the state had not considered all implications to the levied taxes. The NRM clearly didn’t envision, either the use of VPN and also that people cannot afford it. Because it is barrier to be even using the social media after the taxes.

Surely, the 24 hours usage and the lack of collection. That the Telecoms and the Mobile Money outlets has been pushed and lost revenue is certain. As the data-bundles and Air-Time had to be corrected from July on and also now the barrier for OTTs are changing again. This is surely showing that the Telecoms and the Republic wasn’t prepared for this, but doing it on orders from the President. Peace.