Opinion: When Politicians want to take you to church… [the Holy Alliance]

A new political formation called the Holy Alliance was yesterday launched to spearhead constructive dialogue to guarantee a stable political transition. The new alliance has JEEMA of Asuman Basalirwa, NEED Party of Joseph Kabuleta, Conservative Party of John Kenny Lukyaamuzi and defectors from NUP led by Sammuel Lubega Walter Mukaaku” (Spectre Media, 28.02.2024).

It is really amazing that an Opposition Alliance was formed or announced yesterday. This time called the “Holy Alliance”. We are going into the realms of faith, belief and in the sphere of the deities. This means the politicians themselves see themselves as transcendent or demigods, but they will never say so.

The alliance is lead by the two major leaders who happens to be the so-called “human rights lawyer” Asuman Basalirwa and journalist/pastor Joseph Kabuleta. The others are the CP leader John Lukyaamuzi and former DP Block Samuel Lubega Makaaku. These are them that will lead people to salvation. We can wonder what will be their sacrifice.

These are the anointed ones that are the bishops of the opposition now. They are preparing to hold their sermon on the mountain. I’m awaiting the ten commandments or a manifesto of some sort. These people are supposed to be a difference and be better.

The politicians here are on the banner of “holy”. Being “holy” usually means something sacred or dedicated for a religious purpose. When you take it that far… you are risking losing all integrity and everything you stand for. Not that its anything new on the political sphere, but these men are visibly oblivious to the ideals and dogmas that they hold dear. Secondly, that they will act purely and saint like. Thirdly, this alliance is something that is respected, in awe or deserve adoration.

The Kabuleta’s and Basalirwa of the world has to step their game up. They have to act with sincerity now. When you call yourself “holy” … you better not have side-dishes and be corrupted by the system. These politicians better act accordingly. They should be the best of the best. These leaders needs to prove it now.

You called yourself “holy” and now you have to abide by it. That’s the value you set on yourself. If they uses it as a slogan, they are deceiving and being false prophets. Then they are charlatans who acts in blasphemy.

That’s their own fault. They are going into this holy. That puts their actions into one lane. They better act righteous… and not insincere. Their lies and tricks will damage them. This because of what they are saying and what banner they are campaigning under. They could have picked whatever powerful word they wanted. The Alliance could have been named whatever they deemed fit, but they picked to be HOLY.

WHEN YOU ARE HOLY. You have a lot to abide by and it isn’t easy. I doubt these men are monks or priests, neither are they doing pastoral services, except for Pastor Kabuleta. Kabuleta knows the gig and is a pastor, but this is another ball-game.

These men are now taking people to church. They are now taking people sermons and services. We should await the worship choir to attend and the offerings to begin. While we await the moment of communion and the prolonged speeches from the pulpit.

Alas, we can just await and see what will happen here. If it is “our thoughts and prayers” and it if is really becoming a viable alliance to begin with. This might be a false start and a quick fix, which will end nowhere. We wouldn’t be shocked by this as briefcase parties and one-man bands aren’t really how you build a powerful movement. However, they will try to pray and try to sell their gospel. Peace.

Opinion: If an MP can be bought… [then they are not beholden to any sort of dogma…]

This should be a worry and a concern, as the news of the Exhibition of the Parliament. That is not only showing the Speaker and Deputy Speaker eating large, but also the Leader of Opposition or other appointees. Therefore, anyone who is part of the August House can be bought and sold…

That’s why the Opposition are toothless and only doing gimmicks. The NRM MPs are awaiting their pay-day and pay-checks after the NRM Caucus ahead of a vote. That is well known practice, but there has been running to the offices and other clerks within the Parliament who has had envelopes ready to give to the MPs ahead of votes. This has been reported and become a normal practice there.

When you know that MPs are accepting and taking these “suits” or “envelopes” ahead of votes. They can be bought and their representation is mute. These people are only rubber-stamping the will of others and doesn’t have a soul in it themselves. They are just awaiting more funds and money to do their actual job.

They are voted in on a party programme and working towards a collective goals. While also supposed to work for their community and the ones living in their constituency. That seems to be forgotten by the MPs themselves. As they settle in Office and their tenure. Their whole campaign and pledges are fading memory.

That’s how things are looking and it’s not only the ruling regime’s own cadres who does this. It is across the board and they use the office for personal benefits. That is done by voting in favour of better salary or perks. They are ensuring their family members or friends are hired to do “state work” but isn’t necessarily qualified. Even side-dishes are getting this treatment and is pushed into jobs that others would be more fitted for. That’s done not by the NRM alone, but opposition party MPs too.

This is why the undress and revealing the rot in the Parliament is needed. Both sides are eating and using their time to bargain for a better life. The better life for themselves and their inner-circle, but not serving the public. They are there to get more perks, benefits and a huge retirement. This is all done on the expense of the public.

When the MPs are doing this and getting the funds. They are compromised and captured by the acts of greed. Instead of being transparent or accountable. Neither are their honest with the public. The people cannot spot the difference between the Government MPs and the Opposition MPs. When they are all busy eating and finding ways to get a better plate of food. That’s what they are doing and not acting on the promises of the campaign.

This is hurting the National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), JEEMA, Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and whoever else representing in the Parliament. It is hurting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) too, but they are expected to it, but the Opposition and such are supposed to be a stark contrast to the government.

The regime is expected to eat and not care about the consequences. They have had scandal after scandal for decades on end without any sort of serious ramification. The NRM has had a scapegoat and a fall-guy, but after the dust is settle. Everything goes back to normal and the Ministers can find a new scheme to get-rich-quick. Therefore, the saga goes on and we clock another year in power.

The opposition MPs shouldn’t act like the NRM. However, in some instances they do and the exhibition shows just that. It is damaging the trust of the Parliament. The NUP or other Opposition MPs should be worried about their actions too. They are supposed to be different, but if they just eat. Why should the public trust them ever again?

The NRM MPs can also loose and Independent MPs can be elected in their place. We have seen big-men fall in primaries and in the general elections. Therefore, no one is untouchable. While some will be “elected” unopposed and we can expect the plan of this in 2026 too. Which is how the NRM gets the majority in the election in combination of the “special” MPs and their “unique” elections to ensure the NRM leaning ones and the numbers on the Museveni side. Therefore, things won’t change all of a sudden.

This is a systematic rot. A planned effort to let greed and nepotism haunt the chambers. This is ensuring the compromised MPs will work in favour of what the Government and the President needs. Because if they are hungry and wants to eat. Then they will bend their principals and be willing to work without question… as they in need of more food on their plate. They will continue to ask for more and wants more culinary adventures. When the President knows this… he will pay for their conferences and trips abroad. So, they can live in luxury, but when they return. They are supposed to deliver what he wants and not cry out loud. That’s how it goes and how things are fixed in favour of the tyrant.

The ones surprised by this… haven’t followed them for years. This is just what they do and we can all see it happening. It doesn’t matter what creed, logo or party they represent. They are all willing to sell their office to gain some monetary gains. That’s what we see and we are just stating the obvious. Peace.

Opinion: A House of Thieves…

They are eating plentiful, the Members of Parliament. They MPs has salaries, cars, servants and all other perks covered by the taxpayer. The MPs are the ones that is getting sitting fees and other stipulated funds for doing their job. While also ensuring family members and friends getting appointed. Therefore, the whole system is rigged and we can all see it.

This isn’t only for the ruling regime, the ruling party… not this involves everyone who touches the grounds of the August House. The 11th Parliament is following where the old ones left off. The MPs are getting funds, salaries and perks beyond imagination. They can vote on special votes and get big deals, which the average citizen could only dream off. That is happen with ease as the foxes is the guards of the hen-house.

It doesn’t matter if the Speaker and Deputy Speaker is getting refurbished houses or lavish vacations. The Leader of Opposition and Commissioners are getting “service awards”. No, they are all eating of the plate and enjoying it while they can.

The MPs knows this and that’s why they fight so hard to get elected. They know they will get money for favourable votes. There are known “suits” and “envelopes” coming their way if they follows the programme. That’s how the system is built and the greed encircle the whole house.

We are just seeing how they take care of themselves. The salaries and sitting fees has risen over the years. The MPs has ensured they are getting paid and even more money for whatever needs they have. This being cars, drivers, secretaries and phones. There is nothing that isn’t covered while they are still earning millions of shillings doing their job.

The MPs and the Cabinet members have a lavish lifestyle. If you are an retired Vice-President, Speaker or Minister there will be perks too. They will still be paid better than most and can live without any fear whatsoever. That’s another reason to fight for and be loyal to the cause, as the monetary gains are prolonged long after your term was in office.

This is why MPs wants to linger in Parliament. They know they can re-negotiate and vote on their own perks. They can ensure higher salaries and better vehicles for that matter. There is nothing that can stop them. It is the price they have for “serving”.

The greed of the MPs is obvious and clear. The same MPs that claim they need the big salaries and perks to cover electoral debt. While that might be true for some, but possibly not for all. As they are able to invest and buy real-estate while being in office. The MPs can suddenly own businesses and be investors themselves. Because the salaries and compensations are so big they can use that to enrich themselves further. That’s what they are doing…

This is the system that Museveni and his NRM has built. They are all just there to eat. It doesn’t matter if it is NRM MPs or Opposition. They can get wealthy and eat. It is their turn and we are just seeing it unfold. Peace.

National Resistance Movement (NRM): Central Executive Committe (CEC) – Consultative CEC Members’ Meeting (23.02.2024)

Uganda Law Society (ULS) – Joint Working Committee on Certificates of Succession – Further Concerns on Judicial Independence and Imparitality (19.02.2024)

Uganda: Kingdom of Buganda – Hate Speech and Misuse of Social Media by Musana Ibrahim alias Pressure (19.02.2024)

Opinion: Otafiire is right

“We must vote for leaders capable of addressing Uganda’s problems, not just those riding on legacy or family connections” – Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire (18.02.2024)

Over the years I had issues with Otafiire and his leadership. He has acted with arrogance and with power against others. The recent elections where he has lost the seat in Parliament and gotten humiliated by voters. He lost in 2016, but after gerrymandering his district before the 2021 election he got re-elected to Parliament.

This is how he returned to the August House after losing out in 2016. However, this isn’t about it, but shows how he favors certain policies and government actions when it benefits himself personally.

The Maj. Gen. is finally saying something of wisdom for a change. He has possibly done that before and could have said it in confidence. Nevertheless, his public displays and outbursts haven’t always been brilliant. Therefore, today was a change from the normalcy.

Otafiire who is one of them. A man who has been in the inner-circle and a staple in politics since the NRM got into power. He knows how things are moving and operating. The Maj. Gen. are seeing how families and dynasties are created under the watch of Museveni. This is done to legitimize Muhoozi when his turn is coming.

We all can see that and the President is doing so with minor offices and other national ones. To easier issue succession of his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga. This being MPs who are sons and daughters of late MPs. That has happened in several of By-Elections of recent times. The next up-coming election in Dokolo will have a daughter of a late MP. Therefore, his warning is subtle, but for a reason.

There is no reason to believe the sons, or the daughters will have any sort of significant leadership quality. Neither are their capable nor have the character to be it. It takes a certain individual to represent and be a voice for others.

We know he speaks of this in regard to Muhoozi, but it could be directed to all the hereditary politics in the Republic. Certainly, it is needed and the voice of reason is there. We know the ones in Patriotic League will be offended by it. They already aiming for the Maj. Gen and they want him out. That’s because his speaking the truth and they are leaching off Muhoozi. Therefore, they got to show loyalty and defend their future master.

It is just really strange seeing Otafiire so adamant and direct about it. He usually a man of loyalty and respect for the cause. A man who defends Museveni and only works tirelessly for his benefit. That’s why Museveni has entrusted him with various offices over the years. A man who always returns and gets a piece of action. That’s just how things are going.

Otafiire speaking some wisdom. I didn’t expect that, but here we are. Peace.

Opinion: Amuriat’s lip service does him no good…

“Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat commended Dr. Alwoc as a woman of substance who embodies her mother’s values. He also urged the people of Lango to see in her a worthy successor to Cecilia Ogwal. Amuriat lambasted the NRM for promoting family rule” (Muhamadi Matovu – ‘Amuriat blasts NRM for promoting family rule as FDC unveils Cecilia Ogwal’s daughter for Dokolo Seat’ 15.02.2024).

Yes, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has a major problem with hereditary politics and inheriting of positions. That is fact in 2024. The patronage and the cronyism within the ranks of the NRM is well known and isn’t a well kept secret.

However, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat shouldn’t blast that or even address this when he himself promotes them same sort of affair. The FDC is practically doing the same by letting Dr. Alwoc, the daughter of the late MP Ogwal becomes the flagbearer and the one on the ballot for the upcoming Dokolo By-Election.

If Amuriat or FDC was serious about nepotism and hereditary politics. They wouldn’t have made a spectacle of this one. Where they even want the opposition to be jointly behind Dr. Alwoc’s campaign. Where the UPC, NUP or anyone else is just supposed to bow down to greatness and continue the family affairs in the district.

Alas, that is what FDC Najjankumbi just shows that they are no difference than the ones they are supposed to oppose. They want to be the sole-candidate and have monopoly on certain offices/seats. That’s just like the NRM and now they use their trick of trying to get the kids of the late elected in office.

Amuriat should get to know one thing. If he wants to address others and wants them to change behavior. Maybe he should copy their homework and call it his own first. Maybe, just maybe… be different and lead by example. Not copy and think your brighter than the next guy.

That’s how this is looking. It is a fraud and a fake, imposter or a poser… who acts like this. Not a man of integrity or esteemed leadership qualities. No, that’s not Amuriat and he proves it again and again. Peace.

Opinion: Kinyamatama wants revenge…

“We also have this Nalumansi (Kinyamatama), as if she went to Parliament for prostitution. She is wicked. For they have rendered Parliament useless. We expect you to send better MPs that these ones” – Francis Zaake Mutebi (09.10.2023).

The combative and firebrand Member of Parliament Francis Zaake Mutebi are in trouble. It isn’t news that Zaake MP gets into legal jeopardy. As a MP who is loyal to Bobi Wine and been a part of the People Power Movement. He has been a voice of dissent and vocal opposition who is now part of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Zaake isn’t maybe everyone’s tea. I don’t deny that, and his ways aren’t always conventional. Regardless of just that… Zaake MP should be allowed to speak and address MPs from the other side of the aisle. In a public rally and when a politician speaks of its opponents. We are used to harsh and undeserving rhetoric. That is common from the government MPs and cabinet members when they speak of the opposition. We have seen that and regarding Zaake MP this is no difference.

Yes, some might use the gender card here and say his belittling a woman. While that is partly true, but he spoke ill of someone who would easily spoken bad about him. We have seen how government spokespersons and people associated with the government speaks of the opposition. The rhetoric of the President and his patronage isn’t graceful in their words about the opposition. Calling them insects and parasites. While that is vile, but it is what is happening. This is why Kinyamatama MP wants to hurt Zaake MP over his words. She should use the same energy towards allies and even His Excellency. Because the NRM and their government haven’t spoken saintly in public about others.

Just read what she wanted yesterday:

“My prayers are that the Hon. Zaake is subjected to a thorough mental examination at any of the national mental facilities to ascertain the mental state of the member given his conduct in and out of Parliament. Hon. Zaake will be suspended from Parliament and all its premises and the rest of the session for the 11th Parliament” – Juliet Kinyamatama MP (13.02.2024).

This is revenging Zaake for what he said last October in Rakai. That’s what this is and humiliate him. Not only that but totally take away his office and use his utterings as a tool to take away his role in Parliament.

If Kinyamatama MP was sincere and understood her role as MP. She would have addressed him outside of Parliament and undermined his rhetoric there. Especially, if this was reputable or a true depiction of her. Heck, she could have sued for defamation. However, there is a burden of proof and she would need to show the damage his utterings has done. Nevertheless, that isn’t needed in a Committee in the Parliament. Therefore, she earns more currency going after Zaake MP there.

Zaake MP is already a victim of targeted attacks on his character and roles in Parliament. He is one of them who is gone after and easy target too. People seem to understand and just expect that to happen to him. His just one of them leaders who can be touched and punished without any justification. It is just because of his association with Bobi Wine and a vocal opposition MP. That’s all that matters and in this regard. The same sort of tune rings.

I would have respected Kinyamatama MP if she would have retorted and answered with a voice of reason. If she would have done so in writing or done so in a public rally too. That would have been fitting. If not she could have done so on NBS Frontline or similar program as well. Because then she could have answered Zaake MP heads-on in public. So everyone could see… and get her view on the matter.

Now its yet again a matter of the August House and she’s avenging him. That’s what is evident here and it’s a waste of public resources doing so. She’s trying to take Zaake MP down, because she’s butt-hurt by what he said.

Zaake MP wasn’t righteous in his wordings and could have handled it with more care. However, there is little proof of value or parliamentary work from Kinyamatama MP. She is only known for trying to take down Zaake MP, which isn’t why the people of Rakai voted her in.

This just shows that Zaake MP is a victim of his own high profiled role. That someone as Kinyamatama MP can distort his future. Her prayer might even be answered by the Committee and become a vote in a Plenary Session. We know there are people who want Zaake MP out and gone. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised if they would do that too.

It is just tragic that the August House is wasting time on this and not what people needs. Peace.

Opinion: The Patronage League of the Republic

The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has the sole mission of installing and giving legitimacy to the succession of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga as the President of the Republic of Uganda. To think otherwise and think they are there for a deeper purpose is naive. Especially when you see the merry men that is surrounding the General.

The leadership of PLU isn’t shocking or surprising, but that’s the sort of intellect and political capital that the General needs. He needs journeymen and people who feeds of his ego. Because he can’t have over-achievers or people of greatness surrounding him. If the General or the Standby Generator would have that… it would insult and damage his calm. He would strike with intense fury and become a villain within his own ranks.

That’s why the likes Balaam Barugahara, Michael Nuwariga Toyota, Frank Gashumba, Andrew Mwenda, Michael Mawanda, Lillian Arber, David Kabanda, Peter Ogwang, Haruna Kasolo, Nzeire Shadrak and Tamale Mirundi is part of the central leadership of the PLU. They are there for a reason and that is to serve the future His Excellency. These are the ones he entrusts with his “vision” and foresight of the future.

Muhoozi must think people are stupid. He must really think little of the citizens of the Republic. His father must be thinking the same. Because, they are violating their laws and acting indifference to the UPDF Act. The ones in office and everyone supporting this shinding are all too blame. They are all doing so, because it is profitable and they earn their stripes of loyalty. These people are clinging on to the idea of their patron and be a part of his patronage.

Gen. Muhoozi knows how to pick them. If not he doesn’t have the capability to find people who are better or wiser than himself. These people aren’t there out of true passion or concern. No, they are there because they have trusted his father in the past and been part or are still a part of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). These people go where there is a safe-haven and a place for a meal-ticket.

Muhoozi, if he is the next in line. They have ensured a pay-day and possibility of greener pastures. The General cannot only feed them and their families. No, he can appoint them to prestige and make their lives comfortable. That’s why they are there. These people have seen how his father has appointed and built a hegemony surrounding him in the State House. The same can be expected by his son and as successor. Therefore, why not entrust and leach of him. It must be the way out and a way of getting the “final pay-off” for your labour. So, why not fly high and say he is “the dude” and “the future”.

So, don’t expect magic or anything sincere from these merry brigade of the General. They are there for selfish reasons, just like the General himself. It isn’t made for improvement or betterment. Heck, it isn’t even with any concern of the population at large. No, this is a sole entity for Muhoozi and these people are there to serve and collect. The ones thinking otherwise will see it later or catch on to when it is too late.

The PLU will be the launching pad, it is the continuation of the birthday-bashes that became political rallies for his candidacy. It is the General playing politician and acting the role of leader. While his inner-circle and the ones surrounding does all the dirty work. They are his patronage or entourage that will be by his side or service his every need. That’s why they are there and to make the General feasible to the public.

So, the ones believing this for patriotic endeavours or to make the public sensitized in one way or another. Well, that is false. This PLU is there for ONE MAN and ONE MISSION. Everything else is just publicity and make belief.

The General has appointed his patronage and the ones he trusts his future in. We just have to follow and see how this will play out. As it shows the weakness and the recklessness of the General. Because, these aren’t trusted people or men of character. No, these people who wants to eat and who has found their master. Peace.