Opinion: Kicking out an MP from a Committee – shows how the Speaker whips her will

The Speaker guided Parliament and all its Committee that our colleagues who are currently boycotting plenary shouldn’t participate in the meetings of committees and field visits by the committees and I know that Hon Ssekitoleko is in that category. I am constrained to request him to take leave of the meeting until such time that they officially report to the plenary. The guidance of the Speaker is biding on Parliament and its Committees, unfortunately, I will not contravene the guidance of the Speaker. So kindly take leave and let us transact the business of the Committee in your absence” – Fox Odoi MP (27.11.2023)

Today, Robert Ssekitoleko (Bamunanika County MP), a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP) was kicked out of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee sitting. This isn’t shocking or surprising.

What we are seeing today is how the Speaker Anita Among orders are fulfilled by fellow Members of Parliament. Fox Odoi MP wants to be in the good graces of the speaker, which is why Ssekitoleko MP isn’t allowed to participate or be an active member of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. That’s because his boycotting plenary sessions in the August House until the Government and the Executive addresses the missing people, the abducted ones, the long-detained political prisoners and the ones tortured, even the ones who has been extra judicially killed. All of these are not answered for, which is the point of the boycott.

Speaker Among is just getting people more unto the activism and the modus operandi of the security organizations of the state. Their ills and the injustice is amplified. Because, every time someone adheres to her orders. These people are by default getting more eyes on the impunity of the state. Meanwhile, the Parliament or the Speaker aren’t getting any better. They are still not addressing the matter and the ones who is in custody of the state.

Fox Odoi MP just followed orders and doesn’t want to defy his master. That’s why he kicked the NUP MP out of the Committee. This is just a show and prove their actions has consequences. Though we are discussing the people who are missing or behind bars without proper charges or trials, which the Ministers and the Executive could address the House. Though, we know the will of the state to do so, is close to none and it’s shows.

If the Speaker thinks her strategy is wise. Well, her actions are only amplifying the voices for the ones in need. It isn’t showing her strength or resilience. Neither is it a policy of strengthening her office or codes of conduct within the House. All of that is a failure… and further just shows that she wants to prove point, but it will end up pointless.

The Speaker can direct and make a mockery of committees by kicking out opposition members. Just like the one happening today. However, that only gives us more reasons to speak about the political prisoners and prisoners of conscience… they will be spoken about even more and tarnish the name of the Parliament. As the House isn’t addressing it or even trying to have an oversight of security organizations who does this to civilians. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee’s lack of self-awareness is astonishing

A country like Uganda wasted a lot of time-fighting and so on, when we settled down, we started producing and very soon we realised that the internal market was not enough for milk, maize, sugar, among other products. The second reason is strategic security. How can you be secure in the world? The third reason is undugu, we are even lucky that we have Swahili as the East African language, we can all speak Swahili. Therefore, it is easy for us to unite. This is why some of us under the leadership of Mwalimu Nyerere, for the last more than 60 years have been struggling for East African integration” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (24.11.2023).

After all these years and with the new Member Nations in the East African Community (EAC), Somalia. There should be jubilation and celebration, as it wasn’t a long ago that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) became a member and before that was South Sudan. The EAC has grown, but it got growing pains.

President Museveni should know all of this, because he has seen it all happening in front of his own eyes. What is striking to me… as a man speaking of markets and market integration. A lot of his own works and direct policies has been deterrent of this. Alas, they have been counterproductive.

The President and his party has been so hostile that it has caused trade-wars over chickens. Had spats over a tiny island in the Lake Victoria. It has had issues with importation of fuel and gas. If not it has caused a stir by choosing which port to have the petroleum pipeline from the Albertine Graben and to the Sea. Not forget the prolonged blockade and blocking of entry between Rwanda and Uganda. Therefore, he has seen the “brotherhood” and what it is worth.

The EAC needs guidelines and codes of conduct. The Sovereigns are still in the realm of deciding all on their own terms. There isn’t a policy or statute made by the EAC, which makes the East African Community a Common Trading Market like the Member States of the European Union. If the EAC had done something similar. Then the Ugandan President could speak very smoothly about the brotherhood. As that would open up the markets and ease the logistics between the nations. However, that isn’t the case as of today.

The EAC have created a Monetary Union in 2013, but to see that being beneficial for trading or movement of goods. That is another issue that the Heads of State hasn’t resolved or come with a resolution to fix it. This is why it is a bit odd to read parts of Museveni’s speech today.

Museveni wants to be seen as a statesman and of the old school. That his the wise man who has lived through the ages. Regardless of that, when he has such vast amount of experience. He should be the guy to come with wisdom and ways to get things moving along. However, that never seems to happen, because he knows he cannot order people around like headless chickens outside his domain. Therefore, he gets nowhere and have to sound more profound outside his turf.

President Museveni speaks easily of uniting, but I have just seen otherwise over the years. I am just awaiting another trade-war and spat between Government of Uganda, and one of their neighbours. That just happens and usually over petty things or allegations. This is why the recent outburst of fuel cartels and whatnot in Kenya is just souring the grapes between the nations. Instead of trying to find mechanisms to resolve it. The President just ordered to cease importation and get it through Tanzania instead. This shows how the EAC isn’t totally working and it is simple choices that is the final factor in decisions.

If the markets was truly integrated into a common market, which was open for everyone and with secure mechanisms and tribunals for grievances. The trading in the EAC would be totally different. Right now that’s not happening, because the Sovereigns wants a say and want to keep their integrity intact. Therefore, the brotherhood is in words, but not in actions. Peace.

Opinion: Mpuuga’s masterclass response to Speaker Among

Our absence from the House is official because it was officially communicated. It’s the duty of Parliament’s presiding officers to consider how to treat official communication. I earlier communicated of a meeting we had in the Speaker’s chambers during which the regime’s Ministers of Defence, Security and Inter Affairs undertook to make a comprehensive response to each of the issues we raised. They had a time frame 30 days which elapsed last Sunday on 19th November 2023. At no one time are we going to return to #PlenaryUg without our demands being responded to. All we are waiting for is the date and time the regime will be ready to respond. We received communication last week that they were unable to come with the statement because they had travelled out of the country for a security meeting. Do they want to tell us that when they travelled, did they flee into exile? Are they dead or were disappeared like #TheMissing18? Our demand of the Speaker is for to follow up on Parliament’s instructions to the Executive. We expect her to be neutral; an arbitor or referee whose duty is to demand that the Executive comes and answer. Other matters short of an answer are peripheral and we are not willing to be diverted into that” – Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga (23.11.2023)

Yesterday it was a launch of threats in the Plenary Session against the Opposition Members of Parliament who is boycotting the August House at the moment. These MPs are not partaking or being within the chambers for Plenary Sessions. Neither of them has notified or asked for “leave of absence” which is why the Speaker is trying to use a power move and show strength for her cause.

However, Speaker Among forgets certain things too and that she has leverage yes, but not a good moral grandstander. She don’t have ground to walk on or be justified to retaliate. The Opposition MPs are the ones awaiting answers for the abducted, kidnapped, kept incommunicado, tortured and political prisoners or prisoners of conscience. These people needs to be addressed and their whereabouts, their charges and their bodies for that matter. Since no one has heard or seen them for ages. Therefore, there are unresolved matters, which is of no concern for the Speaker apparently.

The Speaker is just into power and wants to prove it. She wants to whip the MPs into Order and be the Leader of the House. Nevertheless, she forgets her role too and what she’s supposed to do. Alas, she might not have access or allow to pursuit the misgivings of the state, which is why they are making excuses instead of delivering what the Opposition is asking for.

It is easier to order a drone and the authorities on a person. Than to actually acknowledge the person or give the person its rights under the rule of law. That’s how it looks like in the Republic at the moment. The Speaker isn’t making things better either.

Issuing threats and taking away privileges. If that’s the answer… then she’s a sorry individual who doesn’t mind the plights and suffering of others. She is blind to the fact and the sorrow other people have. This is the gist of it.

LoP Mpuuga actually showed masterclass here. He is following procedure and being frank. Not just begging for room and a microphone to speak. The ones expect him to back-down and be compromised. Certainly didn’t get their day and we can wonder how the Speaker will react to this. Because this doesn’t fit her narrative and her shallow perception of things.

The Speaker is advised to listen now, but I doubt she ever will. That is water under the bridge. She isn’t that kind. The only one she would listen too, is the one that appointed her and gave the opportunity to become Speaker. Peace.

Opinion: The people of Karamoja have understood the value of PDM…

In some sections of the community, there is negative attitude towards PDM money as it is compared to other similar government poverty eradication programs which are generally perceived by some people as failures. Some people perceive the PDM as a thank you token from the President for voting him in power and others view it as Personal Pocket Money like I said in (Karenga) Karamoja, some people were reported to be referring to the money as Personal Drinking Money” – Ojara Mapenduzi, Chairperson Parliament’s Public Service Committee (22.11.2023)

We know the drill and we have been here before. Now the Karamoja sub-region and the population, which have been starving and been in conflict. The ones who are used and getting taken for granted. The population of Karamoja isn’t thriving and that’s a result of years of neglect or lack government services. They have been kept this way and for a purpose.

The Parish Development Model (PDM) like any micro-finance scheme the government has created are flawed from the onset and with lacking due diligence. The PDM was launched just in time for elections and making a continuation of the endless programs like these. The SACCOs, NAADs, Emyooga, OWC and whatnot. It is just an endless money-pit and programs destined to fail. The PDM is no difference. Another name of the same scheme, which happens to be re-branded and tweaked just a little bit to look different from the others. However, the core business is the same and in the end… it will amount to little to nothing.

Well, with that in mind. Here we are… and the Karamoja sub-region is speaking fact. They have seen it coming and they spell the rain on the horizon. The people know what the PDM means and why it exists. That it is a cash-grab made around elections and to ensure the regime votes. That’s why they make new ones and with additional “incentives” to sweeten the deal.

It is just amazing to know the PDM is seen as a pocket money and drinking money. That wasn’t the intention, but there been so much shady going on with the PDM money. So, who cares about a little fun around “happy hour” aye?

The PDM was destined to fail and just like the predecessors did too. The NRM did make amends or ensure it’s longevity. That doesn’t matter either, because they just launch another one before the next General Elections anyway. Before their been any serious reporting or oversight into the PDM as a whole.

There been reports that shows how the PDM has failed. These have been very direct and shown how the government have failed this one. There are just to much drive and very little protocol. Neither are there safety-nets or anything ensuring the usage either. This means the money will be spent on frivolous activities and who doesn’t mind a free beer.

I’m sure the Waragin O’Clock is hitting smoothly in Kotido or Moroto for that matter. They are just enjoying the buzz of the PDM. These people deserved the brew and the tingly feeling after all their hardships. When they can get functioning roads, schools or hospitals. At least a free drink and a nice evening is a small bargain. It doesn’t the patch the hurt, but it give momentary relief.

Alas, the mabaati thieves is discussing it, but not seeing the grander the picture. Just like the MPs and Ministers took from the state. The PDM was taken for granted too and they cannot be blamed for that. They are not seeing a concerning government or a service delivery. Instead they are pawns and now they used their peasant power for their own legendary night(s). Peace.

Opinion: Speaker Among can invoke rule 112 but it doesn’t make it more honest…

Whereas we are cognizant that some MPs are absent from the House, I am yet to receive individual letters, asking for permission to be out of the house. It is strict liability not to be courteous. We take personal liability, we were voted individually not as a team, so I am yet to receive from persons who are absent from the House” – Speaker Anita Among (22.11.2023).

The truth of the matter is this… the request and the ideals of Speaker Among isn’t sincere. These Parliamentary Rules and Rule Book for the 11th Parliament have been strictly used against the Opposition and certain Members of Parliament, because of their stature within the Opposition. The same rules seems to be forgotten and not exist or be honoured if an MP from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) was doing it.

Yes, in theory and practice, the boycotting Members of Parliament should seek the approval of the Speaker for “Leave of Absence”. However, we all know how that will go and how useless that is. She will use the book as a brick and throw it in their faces. The Speaker will humiliate them and bow to her honour. That’s what she does and how she rules the House.

This is why the Opposition MPs who are defying and boycotting the plenary sessions are doing so out of spite, but also out of a necessary evil. There is no other way out. We have seen how the games are played. The government isn’t being held accountable and the pleas for getting information or reports on the matters are disregarded. They are even mocked and being downplayed like it isn’t concerning even.

Speaker Among and Minister’s has played along to this. The NRM MPs and the 11th Parliament don’t mind the Human Rights Violations, the Prisoners of Conscience or ones abducted to unknown locations by the state. The August House doesn’t take this into consideration or even shows them a little a bit hope. No, there is nothing and no tears lost. Only more braggadocios behaviour and acts of mischief. As the opposition is whacked on their heads and have to bow down to rules of house.

This is why the boycott in itself won’t do much either. The NRM won’t change. The government and the authorities have been doing this for years now. They intend to extend its reign and will not cease the activities of the security organizations. The drones will continue and the agony will be felt on more civilians. The citizens who dares to become a part and be vocal supporters of the opposition. Those are the ones that could face the law, if not face the authorities and the shady side of politics. They could lose their freedom, their liberty and their rights to live normal life. As they await a long journey in dungeons, in awaiting prolonged periods before trial and even being court martialed as civilians. That’s what this government does and it doesn’t want the whole truth exposed.

That’s why the Speaker retaliates and makes threats. She has the rules of parliament to her disposal and can whip it. The usage of perks and others things can stifle some. Regardless of that, the cause they are fighting is for people who are suffering. The ones who stood up and is paying the price. They dared to challenge this regime and now they are living in an uncertain future. That’s why they boycotting the proceedings.

The Speaker should understand those sentiments. She should see and her the stories, but it’s hard to believe that. When you have a mansion and live a “glamorous life”. The MPs fights a just cause, but don’t expect any sympathy from the Speaker. She don’t care and only values her own power. Right now she’s at the top and she wants to prove it to her master that she was the right choice. Peace.

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Opinion: Mr. President, it’s your policies from the 1990s that made Busoga poor…

I have been peeping through my car window as I travelled here for this function and I have kept wondering to myself how do these people (in Busoga sub region) live through this sort of poverty? I have screened through all these villages where I have passed but the houses and all the other things I have seen have left me wondering how it’s possible for our people [in Busoga] to survive through these hard economic conditions”– President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (18.11.2023).

We are living in 2023 and the generations that saw the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) are old, bitter or forgotten about. They saw the implications and the costs of doing so. The privatization and liberalization of the economy, which was the stipulations of the Bretton Woods Organizations and getting loans in the 1990s. This was at a time when President Museveni himself was a “new breed” of leadership and even a President that Bill Clinton spoke kindly of.

However, those days are gone, decades later and the grim realities of the effects of those policies are now coming to haunt the government. Industries and the industrial hub of Jinja city died as a cause of this. State owned and operated Cooperatives ceased to exist, sold or just dissolved. The ones thriving industries was sold for scraps and are now a jaded memory. While it was decades one of the points and cities that pumped foreign currency and created wealth.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni earned fortunes on the loans, grants and the SAPs. They got favours and favourable terms for the central government, but the businesses, state owned enterprises or cooperatives had to adjust to new terms. Which inflicted harm and damage, which have never been able to heal.

That why this was reported earlier in the year:

According to the Busoga Development Agenda (BDA), Busoga’s economic collapse is partly a result of the collapse of Jinja’s industrial prowess due to the 1994 privatization policy and weakening of the cooperative movement in Busoga, a disunited political leadership and cultural leadership differences that destabilized the role of the Kyabazingahood as a rallying point for the unity of Busoga after the demise of the late His Royal Highness Henry Wako Muloki” (Busoga Today – ‘Development and Economic Empowerment’, 22.07.2023).

If you ever wonder how the process and the sales was done by the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Well, it is done like it has always been done. It has been done with favours and within own ranks, the NRM Way. The way of the President and his inner-circle. They are getting bargains and good deals or a trade for loyalty. That’s what Museveni does and he can sell of anything, if it benefits him and his time in office. He don’t care if a hotel goes bust or gets sold for scraps. Museveni don’t mind if a factory or a cooperative gets locked in and gets worse ownership. No, he sold something and return he got a loyal crony. That’s the business model and that how you destroy industries and production.

Just read this one here from an Academic Paper in 2011:

During the privatization process at least seven (9%) out of 74 SOEs were undervalued and sold to government employees costing government Shs. 4.3 billion (US$2.2) (over US$2,152,000 at US$=Shs.2, 000).xxxvi Undervaluation (AV>SP) was calculated as the excess of asset value (AV) over the sales price (SP). The undervaluation was explained by politics and weak private sector. First, the ruling party supporters included cabinet ministers, presidential advisers, National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters and Members of Parliament (MPs). In order to marshal political support, the ruling NRM either undervalued or condoned default” (…) “Second, undervaluation was expected even before sale if the locals were to buy SOEs. What was not expected, however, was the preferred sale of the SOEs to NRM cadres and family members of President Museveni. Before sale, it was realized that the locals would not be able to buy all assets offered for privatization. Total SOE assets exceeded all the amount of money in the Ugandan Banks. While total SOEs assets were valued at Shs. US$ 1 m (Shs. 200 billion), the entire money supply was just shs. 50 billion and bank deposits stood at shs. 46 billion end of January 1989” (David Kibikyo – ‘Fiscal impact of privatization in Uganda 1992-2007’ July 2011, African Journal of Political Science and International Relations Vol. 5(7), pp. 371-387).

So, when the NRM comes to town and Busoga and says “vote for NRM we bring development”. Well, in regards to the Busoga sub-region. The NRM has brought the opposite. The President and his policies from the 1990s and early 1980s are the destructive means, which destroyed the industries of Jinja. That’s a fact and the sale of SOEs didn’t benefit the sub-region either. It was a drive to keep the inner-circle happy and the enrich his family. That’s what the gist of the privatization, which hurt Busoga and other owned state owned enterprises across the Republic.

The President can act like a visitor and as a stranger to Busoga in 2023. However, it is his will and his choices that put them there. He decided to take the International Monetary Funds (IMF) and World Bank (WB) funds that entailed the SAPs. The President didn’t mind the implications and complied, as he saw positive outcomes… profits internally and externally become beloved. Because, he followed “Washington Consensus” and traded the future of the nation for a few silver coins. That’s what he did and now his blaming the Busoga in part for their poverty. When he can be blamed and should carry a heavy burden for doing so. Peace.

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