Besigye and Bobi Wine under house-arrest on the second day…

It is now official that Dr. Kizza Besigye home in Kasangati, Wakiso district is still under siege, as the authorities and the law enforcement are even putting up mobile toilets there to stay. This means the movement and the liberty of Besigye is yet again put on hold. He is blocked from moving outside his compound and for the time being house-arrested without charges or warrants. Therefore, it is a pre-emptive action, which the Police and Military cannot directly explain.

In the same fashion, in Magere the house of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is besieged by the Police and the Military. He was able earlier in the day to whisk himself out and be in the city. However, returning later and the same procedure is there. There is a limit to his freedom and liberty to move. The house-arrest is still on and he was luckily and able to move out earlier in the day.

We are seeing a familiar pattern as the opposition planned protests and peaceful demonstrations. The authorities answers those pleas with house-arresting the leaders to silence the protest. That stopped it to a point, but there was some defiant politicians and civilians who followed up on the call. They went to the potholes and planted matooki studs. That’s a sign of how bad the roads are and that the government have to act upon this.

We have seen the authorities and state answer to this. As the humiliation of seeing matooki studs in the roads and in the middle of urban areas. This is certainly the most peaceful means of doing, except for the potholes exhibition, which was done by activists online last year. This is a continuation of this and materializing in the neighbourhoods of the citizens. Therefore, a very influential way of showing dissent without harming anyone.

Still, with that in mind, the authorities and the state doesn’t see it this way. As it is happening in the middle of an international conference and this is defiant action, which isn’t showing the beautiful and perfect side of the republic. While that is far from true, it isn’t a propaganda goal to see opposition leaders house-arrested and roads filled with matooki studs. It is an action of desperation and lack of control. Therefore, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) must feel humbled by these acts of defiance.

While the leaders are stopped in their tracks and silenced, but only able to mostly address the public on social media. It is still signs that the public and citizens are listening to the opposition leaders. As pictures of streets filled with matooki studs has come up. Most likely will the engineers and others take these away in the coming days. However, it is a sign of tiredness and of rebellion. As the public is tired of the lacking works on the roads.

The President and his Yes-Men needs to heed this call, but we shouldn’t expect anything. There is no reform or money coming this way. There is a massive need and overhaul of the roads, but that isn’t a priority. That is well known… but the opposition leaders are able to show by the dissent and the act to undermine the regime. They have by doing this shown character and finesse.

Bobi Wine and Besigye have proven skill and ability to navigate the hectic means of the state. As they have used one tactic to undermine and humiliate the state. They have lost their freedom and liberty by doing so. However, they have both been in this situation before and most likely won’t be the last. As the NRM and the regime of Museveni is unforgiving towards the ones who defies it. Peace.

Bobi Wine escapes house-arrest rabadaba style…

“Supporters enthusiastically chant for NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, upon his arrival in Katwe, Kampala, after escaping house arrest in Magere. He had been confined since yesterday for planning a protest against poor roads in the country” (The Kampala Voice, 18.01.2024).

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have been put in house-arrest since yesterday. There were reports in the morning that there were military and police officers besieging the gates in Magere, Wakiso district. However, Bobi Wine has been able escape and go out of his compound.

The authorities already have sent journalists away and harassed anyone who tried to access Bobi Wine in the early morning of the 19th of January 2024. While he was house arrested early on the 18th of January 2024.

So, the opposition leader has been able to navigate the blocked roads and gotten into the city. As Bobi Wine got to Rubaga and Katwe in Kampala city. While the security officers are surrounding his compound. The opposition leader is participating in the protest the bad roads like he called for on the 17th of January 2024.

Bobi Wine has been able to do this before and does it again. He makes a lot of noise doing this and it gives him an edge. While people question the guards and the ones at the gates. If they are in alliance or have some connections allowing him to leave. As the officers can be brutal and unforgiving to the citizens. That’s why journalists and others met with hostility and harassed earlier in the day.

We can be happy for Bobi Wine, and he got the spirit of defiance. Where he stands on the streets of the city and leads from the front. Even if it is just planting a matooki stud in a pothole. That’s what is needed to prove the wrongs of the system itself.

This must be annoying for the President and his speech. As that will be all overshadowed by the house-arrests, and the protest itself. It isn’t the smiles and perfect picture that the authorities wanted during the conference. The opposition is just showing what is wrong with the state and how it is operating.

Bobi Wine is just putting the government on alert and setting the agenda. Even if the National Resistance Movement (NRM) doesn’t want to say so. Him on a boda-boda across the city is a message that the President for Life doesn’t want to see, but it will be the picture that will reflect the short-comings of his government. Peace.

Opinion: People were supposed to smile and not plant matooki…

“”Everyone is pleased with the visitors. I feel sorry for the opposition leaders who attempted to tarnish the city. These issues, such as potholes, have existed for a long time and it has been work in progress. Why did they choose to protest now? It raises questions about their leadership and credibility.” – Robinah Nabbanja, PM” (NTV Uganda, 18.01.2024)

We know the drill. It is boring and the tales are endless. Today was just another day in the Republic. The Prime Minister is just showing it with her attitude and demeanour on NTV. There is nothing new under the sun and the authorities proved so earlier in the day. Regardless of the house-arrests and such. There was people who dared to follow the message and plants studs of matooki in the potholes of the roads. As non-violent protest against the lack of care or concern about the bad standard of roads.

We know there is never a good time to hold demonstrations or protests in the Republic. If the President blink once or twice, there is a no go. If the convoy of a Minister passes by. There is a no show. If the State House lacks coffee, tea or biscuits, you know there is a bad timing. It is just impossible to find the right time to protest or even when it feasible to do so. There is always an excuse and reason for not allowing it. There could be rain on the horizon or to much hot-air. We just know the authorities and the state will shut it down.

The Prime Minister knows this very well. It isn’t new her, as the people was told to be on the best behaviour and act like everything “good” or “awesome” in the Republic. Only smile and gin, be kind and pleasant as long as the Conference in Munyonyo is on. That’s what the patriotic citizen does and it doesn’t counteract this policy. Neither does a citizen drive into certain parts of Kampala or tries to hawk a boda-boda, because they are impounded and the livelihood is at stake for these civilians. Therefore, remember to smile and hope that feed your belly.

The PM continues…

How can one claim leadership while contributing to the destruction of infrastructure, including damaging roads in Kampala? If the Lord Mayor is weary, he has the option to resign” – Robinah Nabbanja (NTV Uganda, 18.01.2024).

The Prime Minister takes people for fools… and is only mocking herself here. As she knows perfectly well that the road isn’t get damaged by these studs. She acts like it is destruction or damaging it. However, the damage is already done by the non-existing plans of keeping the roads intact and keeping the roads to a certain standard. Therefore, the demonstrations are needed, because the PM wouldn’t talk about it; if it didn’t happen.

The state and the authorities wouldn’t care about potholes or address it. No, it would remain silent and act like there is nothing to see. That is the current state of affairs, the opposition only amplified the problem and got the people to move. This is needed to change discourse and show the state where it is lacking. When it comes to servicing the roads and making sure they are safe. The state haven’t done its duty.

The matooki studs is only showing how dire and the shoddy road-works of the Republic. The PM and her allies would prefer it happening on another date. Regardless of that, the opposition wouldn’t have that many eyes or ears to the ground if they did it on an ordinary Thursday. The PM knows and can act oblivious to the fact, but the truth is for everyone to see.

The PM is just doing her job, but she’s not good at it. To many fault-lines and she should know better, but we all know that’s just too much to ask. Peace.

Uganda: Opposition leaders house-arrested for planned demos to plant matooki in potholes…

“Police and military have sealed off homes of opposition figures Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, H.E Bobi Wine, Erias Lukwago, and others. Fred Enanga justifies the operation saying it is a restraint move to bar the opposition from causing mayhem in the city” (The Kampala Journal, 18.01.2024).

“Barricaded at home by the COWARDS! No turning back; we deserve better. Please do what you can, wherever you’re, with whatever you have, to show the terrible roads affecting you today” (Dr. Kizza Besigye, 18.01.2024).

“The cowardly military & police  have surrounded our home and put us under house arrest, but the protest is on. Fix our roads! Free Political Prisoners! Free Uganda!” (Bobi Wine, 18.01.2024).

“My home has been besieged by security operatives, it’s a demonstration of impunity and flagrant violation of the Constitution and other laws. Agitation against the abhorrable state of affairs of our infrastructure is not only a right but a command under Art.3 of our Constitution” (Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, 18.01.2024).

The authorities are on point like always when it comes to opposition activities. The Uganda Police Force and other agencies have now besieged the houses of the opposition leaders. They are arbitrary arrested as a precaution. Because the opposition announced the plans days earlier.

The United Forces for Change had planned to demonstrate against the state of the roads. That would be done by planting matooki studs in the potholes. It is a peaceful way of showing the lacking care and show how badly the roads are kept. The leaders aren’t allowed out and besieged by the authorities. However, the general public should take part of this and do it in their neighborhood.

The regime is just showing its true face as they are having visitors. They have already blocked several roads and sealed of certain parts of the city to ensure their safety. That is done to make life seem more pleasant and not show the gritty side of the nation.

This demonstration would be done in the middle of a big conference that the state has invested a lot of in. They don’t want to lose face. However, the speeches and the narrators from the conference will be lost in the wind of the arrests.

The actions against the opposition will create headlines. That the state acted this swiftly, which is common in the republic. The authorities act like this and it’s their modus operandi. We have seen it so often, so it’s not shocking at all.

People will hear about what happened to Bobi Wine, Besigye and Lukwago. They will not care about the pleasantries of Munyonyo. The public will care and react it to the display of impunity, which is served the opposition. Peace.

Uganda: Minister for Science, Technology & Innovation Dr. Musenero letter to the Chair of CICU – Request for Updates on the Milestones towards Coffee Value Chain (15.01.2024)

Opinion: Is the EAC functional at the moment? Or should we await for further confirmation?

Is the line working? Are there someone answering on the other side? Did we dial the number correctly? Is the East African Community (EAC) functional or is a front?

I don’t know… but things aren’t splendid at the moment. There are several of cases pending and issues going on, which says otherwise. While the EAC Secretariat is busy pleading to the nations of finding amicable responses. There is little to no feedback or concern about these statements.

Yes, the Tanzanian authorities barred Kenyan Airways today. While Kenyan high ranking officials had spoken ill of the Rwandan regime and they wanted another sort of apology in return, which we have never heard. The Ugandan authorities on the other hand has suspended the imports of petrol through Kenya and has sued the Kenya cartels in the EAC Courts.

The Democratic Republic of Congo have on the other hand gone after Rwanda and said if it doesn’t stop the “proxy war” inside the DRC. Kinshasa might invade Kigali in the future. That’s not a good look for the EAC and having the DRC as one of the newest members of it.

Burundi has also dwelled into murky waters over a “claimed” Rwandan supported proxy militia attacking on Burundian soil. Which has resulted in the closure of borders to Rwanda and suspending diplomatic ties with Kigali. Therefore, things aren’t looking good.

Neither of these things are new in the EAC. There been closure of borders between Uganda-Rwanda in past. There been blockade of trading certain goods between Uganda-Kenya like Chickens. The Kenyan authorities has blocked certain trades with Somalia, which has also become a member of the EAC. Therefore, there is no common market or protocol that opens up for a true free flow of goods, yet.

The ones leading the EAC must have a headache. There is no solemn peace or gratitude. Only more grievances and more work to fix things. The South Sudanese and the President in Juba must feel the plight of the chair. This time around it isn’t only fixing on issue or a diplomatic spat over some contested rock or policy. No, it is real life consequences and things that can spiral out of hand. There is guns and money involved here and this is why President Kiir needs advisors who can navigate this with care.

The EAC needs mediation and better one than the ones that issued after the 2015 General Elections in Burundi. The Inter-Dialogue that was sponsored there was fruitless and hot-air, which is why the CNDD-FDD isn’t caring about transparency or accountability for its actions. This will not help when Juba calls Gitega and asks for a mediation process between them and Kigali. No, this here will be a prolonged stalemate, unless Mbeki or someone Goodluck Jonathan or something comes with some magic juices to salvage the hurt of the parties.

Alas, that will be needed between Tanzania-Kenya, Uganda is using the mechanisms, but at the same time Nairobi cannot be kiddy about the claims or the end-game. As Dodoma is getting the cash and the export-tariffs through it’s ports instead.

The DRC-Rwanda will be a forever debacle and as long the historical ties between proxies and Kigali exists. This will not be sorted out by the EAC and the EAC Force is already history. The SADC has come in, but we don’t know if it will stop the insurgency or the militias operating in the DRC. Most likely it will not as it has been a root cause of evil for decades now and foreign operates has profited of the slaughter and the “blood resources” of the DRC. That never changes and the EAC will not be able to stop that either.

The EAC seems like a good idea on paper, but when it lack resources, manpower and an army to run it. There is little to add weight other than the President residing on the throne temporarily and the hopes of good gestures. There is a need for humility and respect of fellow peers, but that’s maybe to much to ask, as the rising arrogance and self-serving interests are more important than winning hearts across the border. That’s why neighbours spats and we are seeing these acts happening in our time.

The EAC is maybe crumbling, but that’s not Kiir’s or the South Sudanese fault. They are just at the helm at the wrong time. The ones in office and who carries the heavy load. At one point they might have wished better fortunes, but this is the cards they are dealt.

It is not fair and it never is. There is a need for redemption and for talks. If the parties will, it would be splendid. The cases between Kenya-Uganda and Tanzania-Kenya could be settled rather easily, but the ones between DRC-Rwanda and Burundi-Rwanda is much more hostile. These will take some serious negotiations and dialogue, which would need foreign intervention or possible respected statesmen from far away to support the talks. Peace.

Opinion: Being a sovereign has a cost…

“Documents submitted by Ministry of Finance before Parliament’s Budget Committee have revealed that Uganda’s support from donors is expected to drop from Shs2.781Trn in 2023/24 to merely Shs28.94Bn in the coming budget of 2024/25” (Parliament Watch, 12.01.2024).

The Republic of Uganda and its government is within its rights to enact laws and codes, which the citizens must adhere too. That is a must and a need of any sovereign state. Uganda is no exception here in this regard. However, they have been used to donations, grants and fiscal stimulus from the outside, which has had strings attached and they are now working directly against it.

The recent shortfall of funds and lack of donor support comes because of the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023. This because the Western donors aren’t interested in supporting governments that target the LGBTQ and criminalize their behavior. Therefore, in the interests of the donors this isn’t what they signed up for or want to support. That’s why the donor funds are dwindling at a rapid rate.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has caused themselves this distress. They are within its rights to do so, but this is self-inflicted harm. The Act itself was said to not do financial damage when the paper was written about it. However, we are seeing the truth.

The President and his Party can act all supreme, but we know they are used to eat other people’s money. This is why they are bound to borrow more funds and continue the spiral of deficit financing with loans from elsewhere. That’s what they are up to and its obvious to the naked eye that it will only get worse.

The donors won’t come to the government’s aide now. They cannot sell it to their own people and gain popularity by doing so. Because they know it won’t create the popular drive they need. The NRM and the President can be popular for doing so in the Republic of Uganda, but it is different in the donor countries.

This is the reality and it’s all about the cause and the affect. One action has another reaction. A chain-reaction if you may… the NRM is learning the hard way and a brutal one at that. They are self-serving and doing it with a purpose. Though the costs of this burden will be on the next generation and when the loans mature. If they are off the hook, the debt burden won’t hurt directly, but sooner or later the nation will face default. Unless they suddenly has a new revenue stream to save it’s grace. Peace.

Opinion: The Electoral Commission is “fixed” for the 2026 election

The ones believing in the General Elections of 2026, the newly appointed Chairman and Commissioners are telling. It isn’t compelling or even trying to be independent. The Electoral Commission is ready assembled to rubber-stamp and pre-approve a majority or a victory on behalf of the regime.

At this point, it is just going through the motions. All elections since 1996 has been like that to certain degree. Nevertheless, the more time that goes and the more times things repeats itself. It just shows that its done for legitimacy sake and not in concern with the will of the people. The people are just there as pawns and for show. To look like something is going down, but in reality we all knew what would initially happen.

The National Resistance Movement and the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni aren’t playing around. That’s why the Electoral Commission is filled with cronies and token loyalist of the President. These won’t serve the interests of the people, but rather ensure prolonged agony for everyone else involved.

The opposition can try to do the same ting again, as they have done in 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021. However, with that in mind… they will not go anywhere and will only be serial losers, because the whole state apparatus and the machinery is built against them.

The ballots are just a figment of imagination, as the numbers and algorithms are created to fit one narrative and one narrative only. The other stories doesn’t matter and why should they? There is only “one man with a vision” and “one old man with the hat”. The rest are just hoodlums, parasites and useless lazy citizens who doesn’t know better.

The Pan-African spirit and the patriotic act is to be indifferent and accept this fate. That there is only one who is fit and the rest are just window-dressing. They are there for a front and to make people believe in Multi-Party-ism, but we know the game.

This game isn’t made for the players, but made for the ones appointing the referees. It don’t matter if the players are more skilled, fit or has the technique to impress. No, they will be fouled, loose and be destroyed by technicalities. They might get some feeling of “victory” but they will never ever be close to a real win. That’s because the referee and VAR was already prepared for their loss. This is why the appointments of the EC is so vital.

President Museveni now knows he has people who will serve him and they will do it diligently. Even if they have to do it in darkness under social media ban or internet blockade. The EC have to deliver and make it seems legit. Not that it has to be honest or sincere, transparent or even fair. As long as Museveni and NRM comes ahead of the them all. That is all that counts, the rest is just a play for the international press and to give hope to the hopeless.

This President doesn’t play and he never believed in the will of the people to begin with. He wanted to postpone election and didn’t believe in multi-party elections either. This man wanted to rule supreme and without questions. That’s what he fought for in the bush and it shows.

The appointments of the EC proves that. The ones who has faith in 2026 is delusional. It won’t work and we all can see it from far away. Peace.

Opinion: NRM is all about “Pimp My Ride”

The Ministry of Public Service is seeking for Shs7.2Bn to procure brand new luxurious cars for former leaders like; Edward Ssekandi and Prime Ministers Ruhakana Rugunda, Amama Mbabazi as part of their emoluments benefits” (Parliament Watch, 10.01.2024).

We are now in 2024 and there is steadily news that former dignitaries and high ranking official are awarded cars, emoluments, pensions and other perks. That former Vice President Ssekandi gets another vehicle isn’t shocking, as this man is entitled to several of them, because of what the August House has given to the predecessors. It must be nice to be insider and the inner circle within the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

They are getting paid drivers, guards, vehicles, money for refurbishing furniture or whatnot. That’s what they are giving former Prime Ministers, Vice Presidents or Speakers. If you had several of these Offices. You will be entitled to all of it and get double or triple of it. Meaning the likes of Ssekandi are eating large even as his not serving the Republic anymore.

The vehicles to given to them is just a sign of importance. This is what they value and prioritize. The cars and other perks are more vital than government services. It is being done so often and with such flair. That you know this is essential for the government. They don’t have the same urgency with building schools, hospitals or roads for that matter. No, they rather spend on the inner-circle than giving the citizens what they need.

They rather spend it on themselves and that’s how they keep the party loyal. The former VP and PM’s are getting a kickback by this initially. It is just a personal touch to their time served in this government. However, it isn’t making the government better or the services either.

The NRM shows how it lacks fiscal discipline, as Ssekandi can get perks from every office he has served in. They can give him cars and other pay-offs without any need to work. That’s being paid for his previous time in office. Certainly, the other mentioned ones could possible get double or triple pay-offs as well. Since they weren’t only former PM’s but had other offices before that. Therefore, we know the game and how this one plays out.

Yes, this has all been voted through the Parliament and there is codes that makes this legit. Nevertheless, it doesn’t make it righteous when schools are falling to pieces, hospitals cannot afford to buy equipment or medicine, but a former PM is obligated to a free vehicle. That’s why we have to question this and it shows the priorities of the state.

They rather spend on themselves than caring for the citizens. Peace.

Opinion: We know why the UHRC is useless now…

Our entire budget was diverted looking for honestly what I considered non-existent persons or some who exist actually today live in foreign countries. Others were out on bail for some serious crimes like terrorism, vandalisation of electric wires, so when we reached them, they were so surprised that they appeared on the list of missing people. In my conclusion, none of these people are genuinely missing. From the interactions we have done with these people, none of those people provided for us is missing” – Miriam Wangadya (08.01.2024).

Let me remind you that the Uganda Human Rights Commission is supposed to: “To protect and promote fundamental Human Rights and freedoms in Uganda for sustainable development”. That’s Wangadya is supposed to do and thrive towards in her office as the Commission of UHRC. However, reading her quote about the missing National Unity Platform (NUP) activists and associates. Clearly, she is not working towards and neither the vision of the organization, which says: “A society that respects human rights and fulfils civic obligations”. Because her reasoning in this matter is against just that.

I understand why Besigye and the FDC was never taken seriously by the UHRC, as their cases taken years to consider or even being heard. When the leader of the organization talks and acts this way. She just shows that she’s unfit for her role and isn’t working within the mandate or the vision of the organization. That’s flabbergasting, but not shocking…

As a leader of the UHRC she serves a purpose and helps the cause of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The Constitutional binding reason for its existence, but it doesn’t deliver anything according to the article 52(1). That’s proven now and its evident.

The ones that is in dire straits or in trouble. They will not be shielded or helped by the UHRC. No, she will rather make excuses or sound like Mwenda. That’s the sad reality of it all. We should have been amazed that she could utter these words, but we’re not. This is why the UHRC is toothless and without remorse. It is just existing for the hell of it and not for its purpose. As an constitutional organization it is a waste of time and energy.

It is just epitome of everything wrong in the government. That’s why the UHRC is such a flagrant misuse of government spending and time. It would be better to spend money filling potholes, than spending fortunes or billions on busy-bodies doing practically nothing. Especially, when the lives are on the line and the impunity is running rampant. There is no one talking out for the victims or the ones captured by the state without charges or a fair trial. That’s why the UHRC should speak up for these people, but instead it is making up excuses.

She should know better, but that’s too much to ask. Decency, integrity and honesty is a long gone chapter. When everyone has to live on lies and deception. That’s why she has to act like this and be in the good graces of the high above. Peace.