Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA): Two Tourists and a Guide killing along Katwe Road (17.10.2023)

Uganda: Should this be a final warning to the tourists who wants to visit the nation?

We have registered a cowardly terrorist attack on two foreign tourists and a Ugandan in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The three were killed, and their safari vehicle burnt. Our joint forces responded immediately upon receiving the information and are aggressively pursuing the suspected ADF rebels. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims” – CP Fred Enaga (Uganda Police Force, 17.10.2023).

BREAKING: Suspected rebels have killed tourists and burnt their car in Queen Elizabeth National Park along Katwe Road” (Pulse Uganda, 17.10.2023).

In the past there been kidnappings and other ones that has lost their lives in National Parks in Uganda. The republic has been hit by unknown assailants before and this isn’t a concept that is new.

This is yet again an attack on tourist who just happened to be on a game-drive in a National Park. They just visited the Republic wanted to see the sights, the wildlife and what else the nation has to offer. These won’t return home and neither will driver/guide.

It will cause a stir. This will have ramifications and will be a direct warning. Some might cancel their trips to Uganda. They might easily chose another destination and travel to another country. Just because the news of the fatalities and the terrorist attack.

The Police Force was quickly out with the culprits behind it. As it is only mere days ago that the President said the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) attacked and severely damaged the ADF capabilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, here we are and we can only speculate.

The innocent in the conflict died here. The tourists and national drive. All of them died without a connection to the grievances or the ones who is behind their murders. They died unknowingly and without a cause.

We just have to wait and see what the investigations does say, but the UPF was early calling it out. As the smoke hadn’t really been calmed. They just said it and you can wonder for what reason. Every time something bad happens, it is easy to call “ADF” but that’s the same “ADF” that President proclaims that is close to defeated or losing in the DRC. That’s why you beg to question and wonder who is really behind the mischief… I don’t know… but someone has wonder and be bugging.

Innocent lives was taken… lives that could have been spared. That’s the gist and it will have ramifications for several of tourist companies and employees. As this will spark headlines and be caught by foreign news networks. Which in the end… will make tourist change their plans and go elsewhere, even if the authorities says it is “safe”. They heard the news of the “murder” and now they want to go somewhere where that didn’t happen recently. Peace.

Opinion: It’s shameful to steal the spotlight from Mzee…

“By holding parallel independence day celebrations in Kamwokya, NUP had sinister plans to sabotage the main event and ashame the president H.E Yoweri Museveni. As police, we couldn’t allow that,”~state Minister for Internal Affairs Gen. David Muhoozi” (Ekyooto, 17.10.2023).

We have been saying for years that there is limited freedom in the Republic. Now the General and State Minister for Internal Affairs is saying why. We know the President, His Excellency and the “high above” is a shallow man. A man who doesn’t like to share or have people questioning his moves. He prefers being in the right and let anyone else suffer if he must.

Today the Minister and General revealed what we already knew. That the National Resistance Movement and the President cannot handle a parallel celebration. This is why there is only one “official” one where the President and dignitaries presides over. They can bash in glory and others will be blocked to oblivion.

As a result of their proclaimed aims and likely consequences, security intervened and disrupted their intended illegal activities. consequently, 14 of the leaders were arrested, detained at Kira Road Police station and charged and later in the day released on Police bond the same day” (David Muhoozi, 17.10.2023).

If you ever wondered why there is no UHURU in the Republic. It is because of this. The National Unity Platform had planned a prayer. A prayer for the families and for the loved ones who detained or kidnapped by the authorities on their bounds of their political conscience. That’s what the NUP was planning and that was the “disruptive” means of the opposition. To pray in their headquarters and call for the liberty of the political prisoners in the Republic. That was the deemed “illegal activities” of the OPPOSITION.

It just shows how concerned the authorities are about the opposition. They fear their prayers and their gatherings. In such a manner, that they are not only blocked but pre-emptively arrested too. That’s what they are doing and they are proud of it too. They know they feel no consequences and the President will be proud of their achievements. Because they ensured there was only one place in the nation where there was a celebration for the liberation of the Republic.

Only where the President serves and tells tales of glory is where the Republic can celebrate. The rest is in invisible shackles and cannot free themselves of it. If they try or do… the drones, the police officers and the law enforcement will come knocking. That’s what we see and this is what they do.

This is the freedom that Museveni and the NRM has to offer. It isn’t much and nothing to be proud of. They are afraid to make the President ashamed and by doing so. They are shamefully aware of their brutal dishonesty and lack of tolerance of others. This are the credentials of the state and how it operates.

This is the NRM Way. Peace.

Opinion: Even an MP has to honour its debts…

Vurra County MP, Adriko Yovan, has been arrested and imprisoned at Arua Government Prison due to his failure to settle a debt of over UGX 55m, which he borrowed from Jubilee Finance Limited in 2021. His arrest was carried out in compliance with a court order, and he is now facing a 6-month prison term” (NTV Uganda, 14.10.2023).

Yovan MP isn’t new to the game of politics. No, his been in it long. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) MP for Vurra County who served as LCIII Chairman for 15 years and retired already in 2011. He won the NRM Primaries in 2020 ahead of incumbent and State Minister Gabriel Ajedra Aridru. Who had been MP for Arua County between 2011 – 2016 and would be re-elected in Vurra County 2016 – 2021. While he lost the NRM Primary, which meant his second term was the final one for now.

That just means that Yovan as a candidate had to spurge funds to beat and compete with Aridu and the other candidates in the Primaries. He also had to use funds to ensure victory in the General Elections in 2021. Which he won and then got the perks of office. The MP is vastly paid and has plenty of stipulated revenue sources, because of him being Parliament. That’s why it’s weird his defaulting on the loan he made.

A basic MP in the 11th Parliament without extra allowances or mileage allowances gets around 11 million shillings every month. That’s without additional funds or payments, which happens on a semi-regular basis. That is known and is expected in the role of MPs, as the state pays them off to vote in favour of legislation or other government business. Therefore, the MP should have had capacity do pay down on the loans and the interests too. Without defaulting or failing to honour his debt.

We know that the campaigning can be expensive and some MPs are spending like drunk sailors before the polls. There been records of MPs spending over 500 million shillings in only 51 days. Others being up to 850 million shillings on one campaign alone before the General Elections in 2021. Therefore, the wildcard bet of campaigning and trying to be (re)-Elected can be vicious beast.

We don’t know how much Yovan MP spent to become one. Because, you pay fees to enter in the Primaries and in the General. Plus you pay for staff, merchandize and electioneering in general. That comes with a cost and voter tourism/briberies aren’t cheap either. This is why the idea of running and such has to be able to either loan or get funds organically. To think that is for everyone, your thinking wrong. Everyone cannot get credit this high or have the promise of returns on investment. There are many who falls short and becomes prey to the cycle of elections.

The MP in question surely borrowed more than he could handle. This cannot be his only creditor, because he has funds to pay with and could have paid instalments at least. However, that seemingly haven’t happen and now the bills comes to haunt him. Well, we shouldn’t feel sorry for him. He decided to do this and run.

The MP has to answer for this one himself… and it’s his burden to carry. No one else is responsible for it. That’s the gist of it and he chose this way. Peace.

Opinion: One rule for Zaake MP, another rule for others MPs…

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has been forced to adjourn Parliament until next week after some MPs attempted to assault Zaake accusing him of making defamatory remarks against Kinyamatama, thus prompting the Opposition MPs to shield Zaake from being lynched. When the NRM Female MPs saw Zaake exit the Parliament chambers, they ambushed him in an attempt to beat him up, but the Seargent at Arms & some Opposition MPs rescued Zaake and moved him out” (Parliament Watch, 12.10.2023).

MP Juliet Kinyamatama has accused fellow legislator Francis Zaake of defamation. This forced Deputy Speaker, Mr Thomas Tayebwa to suspend Parliament for 10 minutes. “Let that video be played, I want the world to see what he said, why are we covering evil? An attack on a woman is an attack on all of us as female MPs. I have been keeping my cool, but I want this house to see what exactly happened. We can’t cover men that don’t respect women. I can’t be called what he called me,” Kinyamatama said on Thursday” (933 KFM, 12.10.2023).

Whatever Francis Zaake MP does… gets him into trouble. He cannot act as an politician and be active. If the National Resistance Movement (NRM) gets their way. They will easily banish him from Parliament and this is the latest move.

The Speaker and others has already tried to muffle him. They took away his role as Commissioner and haven’t allowed him to return. This is happening after the courts has re-instated him. So, it is convenient that it happens now.

Zaake MP is a politician from the People Power Movement and a close ally of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. A man who has been tarnished and been looked down upon, because of his loyalty and that his such a firebrand in the National Unity Platform (NUP). They wouldn’t have gone after him this much, if they didn’t fear what he represents and who his associated with.

Because, yes the words he used in Rakai district wasn’t beautiful. They were harsh and derogatory. However, if the Woman MP has such troubles with this. Why don’t she speaks to the President who has called the Opposition for “cockroaches, pigs, parasites” and the list goes on. He has talked about crushing and ending it plenty of times. In fashions and means, which are much more harsher than what Zaake MP ever was. Therefore, if the NRM wants to lecture anyone. Look at your master and what he says.

Yes, the words can hurt and yes they can feel critical. Regardless of that, the Kinyamatama MP is issuing motion to vacate the Mityana MP and calling for a recall. That is censoring his words and stopping him from acting in his best interest. This is something she wouldn’t allow herself or her members in the NRM. That’s why you know his a pawn and they hope to take him off the board completely. It’s how I perceive it, because nothing else has worked.

Zaake MP is a target and has been one. That has been obvious for years and he has been in the firing-line by association. He has dared to be on the barricades and has gotten little for it. Except a lot of pain and hardships.

She herself should be careful and she wasn’t acting in good faith either. When they inside the chamber today tried to lynch him. Who in their right mind does that? Especially, when the MP just issues a motion and wants her case heard like this. When we know the Parliament is in favour of going after him after all. That’s been done once already in the 11th Parliament and this would have been the second time in this term alone.

The Rakai District MP should ask herself… can she always carry her words and her actions? Will she always act honourable and not say something out of spite or order? Especially in a rally or to crowds to spread a political message? I doubt she’s that sort of person… when she can easily start lynching and call for his demise on the steps of Parliament. Like she is the voters of Mityana district. They are the ones that voted him in and they are the ones his responsible for.

While Zaake MP has his antics and has to be responsible for them. There are civil court cases that matters and not having plenary sessions discussing this. Unless, the August House has become a place for petty infighting and intrigue. Not a place of government business and legislation. Because, there are plenty of tragedies and needs that isn’t met in the Republic.

However, the Rakai Woman MP is more important than government business. That’s why the Plenary Session had to be ajourned, as they was so close to lynch Zaake MP. It is just tragic how things are operating and done in the chambers. They are just violating on the turf, but trying to implement the outstanding rules for others on the outside. Rules and ethical codes we know the NRM wouldn’t bound themselves by. Because, that would mean the President had to bite his tongue and talk more softly. Alas, that will never happen. Peace.

Opinion: Mpuuga won’t get it his way…

Those actions should never be repeated because they have no space in law and common sense. We aren’t going to look on as we see politics become vulgar and NRM is happy about disrespecting our party offices, including stopping the opposition from doing a simple act of humility which is prayer, and in their warp wisdom, praying is an illegality and therefore we need their permission” – Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mathias Mpuuga (11.10.2023).

This morning, the Opposition Caucus convened to chart a way forward following yesterday’s walkout from #PlenaryUg. We reiterated our demand that the regime offers an explanation in regard to the continued violation of the rights of various Opposition supporters and leaders as well as the seige on NUP headquarters. We also demand that the government apologises to the Opposition parties and the respective leaders for the brutality and other violations. We also demand that the perpetrators be brought to book plus a commitment from the government that such violations will not be repeated” (Mpuuga, 11.10.2023).

The Leader of Opposition is right that the actions of the government is wrong. The authorities are in the wrong in the way they are kidnapping, arresting, keeping civilians incommunicado, charging in military court, besieging NUP Headquarters and even house arresting Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. All of that is wrong and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) continues to thrive on it.

The state has monopolized violence and it has no issues to orders that reflects just that. They have no bounds or no end to the brutality. The state just continues to serve the dissidents, the detractors or the ones who opposes it. That’s what it does and it has perfected it over the decades. The drones is known for a reason and families don’t know where their loved ones even are. That’s the state of affairs and it will not stop.

The NRM will not beg for mercy or give a plea, because if it does.. it will say that it knows its wrong and they are acting outside of constitutional order. Which is beneath its character, especially when the President is so proud of that constitution. That is one of the few achievements that still exists to this day. He can not be in defiance to his own laws and regulation, which is what he does and he has no scruples doing so.

Mpuuga knows all of this and it seems like publicity. We have seen the threats of not participating or being parts of the plenary sessions. That haven’t done them any favours and only been a useless protest. The same will come out of this one. Especially, when the NRM and their allies will have a majority. They don’t need the opposition or their MPs to get things done in the August House. That is deliberate and they are minority by default. Therefore, the LoP is bound to loose either way.

He does this… because he doesn’t have that many cards to play with. Neither is there lots of wiggle room. They won’t loose much or the stakes aren’t that high. Yes, they get to display their grievances to the public. However, they are losing out on debates and the business of Parliament. Therefore, there is nothing to gain here. Only being useless and the MPs should be better.

They are already in pickle by participating in the “multi-democracy” that Museveni has created. The hybrid regime that are hallow and in the end is in the hands of the President. They are just his puppets and when he plays the music they got to dance. That’s the story and they will sooner or later return to Parliament. However, the kidnappings, torture or extra judicial killings will not stop.

It haven’t in the past and it will not happen now. There is no leverage or reason for the regime to stop this practice. As long as they can get away with it and bear no consequences of doing so. They are above the law and can be lethal. Therefore, the LoP is cornered and can only do these theatrics.

It won’t amount to anything and sooner or later he will dance to the tune of the dictator. Because they are in his web and he can sting at any given time. Peace.

A look into Museveni’s 61st Independence Day Speech

To be frank and honest, it is depressing. To assess yet another speech by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. A man who has been in office since 26th January 1986. It feels like forever and it is. The repeated sloganeering and usage of rhetoric goes old on a man. Just like the old age on Museveni who needs caine now or a staff as shown in pictures from Kitgum and Boma Grounds today.

I won’t dwell to much on the speech actually, because its a repetitive narrative and stories, which are only made to make himself and his administration look good. There are just as much a man can take and seldom has I felt so fatigued. It is just like the man will never stop and has no idea of when to retire. His just showing it and endlessly will take power and reign until his final breath. That’s why I am sure plenty didn’t listen to it or even care that it was forced on their radios. Because, why should they?

He has said the same-old same-old, again and again. There is no new knowledge or insights that will change their lives. There isn’t a formula or a trick in the speech that haven’t really been mentioned by him before. No, he continues to use scripture and act holier than thou. Even though he mercilessly abduct, detain and kills his opposition. Therefore, his faith is hallow and used as a shield for his autocratic behaviour.

Like it is hard to believe him when he says things like this: “The ideology of patriotism and Pan-Africanism, also promotes harmony among the People. That is why we no longer have a refugee problem while by 1986, Uganda was among the 4 top – Countries in the World, in Refugees’ generation. 500,000 Ugandans (mainly peasants) and a large group of exiles (mainly the elite) in the USA, UK, Sweden, Kenya, South Africa, etc. There were so many Ugandan doctors that had fled and working abroad. All the Refugees came back and the Ugandans who are still outside, are there voluntarily. The ideology of emphasizing interests rather than opportunistically manipulating identity, has, therefore, created more opportunity for prosperity, created stability and created capable institutions of State. It is one of the necessary ingredients for success” (Museveni, 09.10.2023).

It’s like we don’t know about people fleeing into exile and fearing prosecution or torture by his authorities. We know this and not all have left the nation voluntarily. That’s yet another lie and maybe not as high as under previous administrations, but certainly a brain-drain that has hit the economy and possible educated fields over time. Which means the lack of progress and development is hurting the republic long-term. That’s the “Unity” that he has created and certainly shows how he tries to portray himself in a perfect light. Even when its grim and dark.

Later in the speech his trying to act clever: “Ugandans, should not waste time worrying about aid, loans, etc. We do not need most of these loans. We happily work with all the Countries in the World that respect our Sovereignty. That is how the UN system should operate. No Country should interfere in the internal affairs of another Country. That is why we separate “Foreign” Affairs from “Internal” Affairs. Why should anybody catapult his values, through foreign affairs, into the internal affairs of another country? Human needs are similar – food, shelter, clothing, mobility, poverty, etc. However, their management evolves differently and at different speeds in the different Countries. It is wrong to try to export systems and values or to export Revolution (new ideas) or counter-revolution (old ideas)” (Museveni, 09.10.2023).

This is an retort to the World Bank ceasing funds after the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which was enacted this year. That in retaliation to that, the World Bank stopped funding and wouldn’t continue certain development funds. Meaning that the state would have to find other sources for fiscal funds for these or cease operating on them. That has hurt the state coffers and the planned efforts of the state. That’s why the President is so salty, because he feels the ramifications now and his government needs the funding. This is why sovereignty in his regard is important, but not that the World Bank is it’s own sovereign and work after their own mandate themselves. They have to responsible for their donors and the ones who forks out the money that Uganda was supposed to spend. Therefore, the principals in both aspects are fine, but Museveni wants it his way and not the other way around. No one is surprised by that in 2023 and if you are that, well… it was about time that you found out.

In the end of the speech he says: “With these 8 ingredients, Uganda is unstoppable. With these eight, talk of aid is laughable. We do not need aid” (Museveni, 09.10.2023).

These are the words of a donor darling in the 1990s and that’s years ago. It is compelling however to see and understand this sentiment. That’s because the aid and the grants are coming with strings attached. Those strings are blocking, stopping or interfering in the actions of the President. A President that doesn’t want to be accountable or transparent. Therefore, it is easier to stop aid or getting grants, than answering to the ones giving and following the guidelines for getting it. That’s easy to assess and understand.

It will be a long time before Uganda doesn’t need aid. Especially, after all the years of deficit financing and the lack of fiscal responsibility. The state needs fiscal stimulus and it isn’t grower a bigger tax-base or GDP to ever compete with the rising expenses. Meaning someone has to cover the shortfall. In the short term that is either loans or aid. That’s up to the President to decide, but overtaxing people won’t be golden bullet either. Just so that is said… and that will only hurt the economy even further, as the spending power is weakened by that and it will stop money from circulating in the economy.

So, the last laugh is for everyone else and not Mzee. Peace.

Uganda at 61: Not yet Uhuru… not yet Amani…

Today there was an Independence Day celebration at Boma Grounds in Kitgum district. While the dignitaries are celebrating themselves and bashing in glory. The truth is that the 61 years of independence from the British has been partly wasted. That in particular the recent regime that hasn’t served the interests of the people or developed the nation.

That’s why it’s not yet Uhuru. There is just a partly independence or liberation. Because, the internal affairs of the nation is still a disgrace. While the President and his cronies had a fine time in Kitgum. There was tear-gas in Kamwokya and even Bishop William Tomusange was arrested. As the opposition party, National Unity Platform (NUP) had planned a prayer for all the political prisoners on this day. Alas, that was blocked and even high ranking officials got arrested today.

The honourable mentions are Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and Spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi. These two was arrested at the NUP Headquarters, later taken to Kiira Road Police Station where they was detained. 

This is just telling of the state of affairs. There is a rot and a mismanagement from the top. As these things are just politely showing what is wrong with the nation. It comes from the “high above” and the choices they make. The inner circle of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the authorities that follows orders.

This is the NRM Way and everyone should just blindly obey. That is the right way of passage. There should be no dissent or no defiance to the ones in power. Because, the old man is the only man with a vision. At least that what he used to say and now we see how the whole thing is shattering in front of our eyes.

There is progress, development or any sort of historic landmark that gets things future. Only re-issuing old tricks and calling them new names. While doing the same scheme and taking the people for granted. Excepting mediocrity and lacking government services. Meanwhile high ranking officials are getting medical treatment abroad or educating their kids there too. The hospitals are in a shoddy state and so are the schools. Police Stations and the quarters for the officers are also in a bad state. There is little working and it’s continues, year in and year out. It is just to be expected and the only thing partly working in the Prisons Service, which is vastly important to keep the dissent at bay.

I understand why many is troubled by today. That there is a need for restrain and a lack of happiness. That’s because the kicking out of the old master didn’t give the republic a better master. Instead it got another one who is more ruthless, lying and conceiving. A man who uses forces and keeps everyone in order. A leader who has no troubles in stealing, killing or corrupting people’s minds. As long as he remain on the throne and everyone just begs him for mercy. That’s the state of affairs and it’s tragic.

Uganda is at 61. It has had 61 years and since 1986 it has only had one President and he has ruled supreme. He has tried to make himself a legend and extraordinary. Tried to make himself into the father of the nation. Little by little trying to rewrite history, but also ensure his legacy lives on. While his achievements has failed and his governance is bonkers. There is little to show for all the years in office and only that he was out for blood. That all he has and there is less and less appetite for actual service delivery. Instead it’s more of the same and living by the slogan of “no change”.

Museveni isn’t an enigma, but a man of many seasons. However, those seasons has taken a toll. The years has shown his true character and he cannot hide the truth anymore. There is nowhere to hide in 2023. When you arrest a bishop and political opposition on Independence Day. You know you are in the wrong and should act differently. Nevertheless, for the President and his regime its just another Monday. Peace.

Part IV: The Silent War continues in North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo…

North Kivu: After tough clashes this Saturday. between the M23 rebels and the Wazalendo in the territory of Masisi, the city of Kitshanga comes under the control of the M23 rebels” (Faustin Bahati, 07.10.2023).

North Kivu: clashes continue this Saturday, October 7 between the Wazalendo and the M23 in Burungu near Kitsanga. It is after the M23 recaptured Kilolirwe, civil society asks the Congolese Government to declare its position regarding the war in North Kivu” (MTV RDC, 07.10.2023).

Some wars never ends and they flair up again. Ceasefires ceases to exist and agreements goes into thin-air. Combatants returns to the battlefield, alliances breaks apart and new options are for former brothers in arms. There are now renewed warfare in North Kivu, which is lethal and endangering parts of the province.

This is nothing new and the ones behind the conflict is well-known. There is nothing new under sun and these combats are no different. It is the FARDC with allies against the M23, which is alleged to be supported by Kigali (RDF). Therefore, the same old story of insurgency and use of militia to extract and exploit the mineral rich province of North Kivu.

In the midst of this, there is a new group of patriots who has started skirmishes against the M23. These are locals who are now para-military group called Wazalendo. In Swahili “Wazalendo” means patriot, so they claim to be a group of patriots fighting for their “motherland” or “fatherland” for that matter. They are now fighting on behalf of the DRC and the needs of the local community. These are doing so because they believe the FARDC has failed them and they need to step in the job of the military. That’s just show how Kinshasa has failed North Kivu and it has done so for generations. We know this and they have allowed insurgencies and skirmishes of militias to tarnish, destroy and deplete region for selfish gains.

This also means that someone is giving weapons and ammunition to the Wazalendo. They cannot have weaponry and getting training without any sort of help. There needs to be backers and logistical support for their cause. To fight a war and a conflict isn’t cheap and there is a need for both military and monetary support to combat other forces. That’s why there always been questions about where the support and the logistical needs are coming from in regard to M23. Now the same question can be asked for Wazalendo too. They need a source and need funding. If not they are not lasting long on the battlefield…

The conflict of North Kivu is far from over. It has been going on for decades. Outside support has made it worse. These have used the fragile borders and the ability to interfere into their interests. That’s why both Kigali and Kampala are well known in these regions. They have had soldiers and troops there. However, they have also supported proxies in the past and possibly in the present. Which is why there is so much animosity between Kinshasa and Kigali/Kampala.

We cannot estimate or assess how this one will play out. The civilians are the ones that is losing. While several different forces are fighting over the territories. They are creating war in people’s homes and villages. Houses are burning and people are dying. While warlords are thriving…. And the evil cycle of conflict continues. Peace.

Bobi Wine’s Return: We knew Bobi Wine would be in trouble…

The announced 1 million march was the signal that the authorities needed to strike. They knew when Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine would arrive at Entebbe International Airport. That meant they could plan the day and ahead of time coordinate all the different security units in- and around the greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. This meant they could fix the roadblocks, ensure extensive safety procedures surrounding the airport and everything else.

That is why so many journalists, activists, MPs and others was scorned today as well. Because, this was bound to go down. There are many who are in jail right now for participating or trying to greet Bobi Wine at Entebbe. They are now punished for saying “hello” to someone. That is the gist of things and others behind bars just by mere association with the National Unity Platform (NUP).

That’s why scores of people are behind bars. While Bobi Wine himself is under house-arrest and we don’t know for how long. We know they will keep him there a while now and do it longer than the 48 hours stipulated by law. However, that doesn’t count for dissidents, but only for others. That we have seen over the years and the same procedure happens again and again.

Today was no difference… today was like it was scripted. We could write it in advance and he was arrested on the tarmac. Whisked away by security operatives and later dropped off in his own home in Magere, Wakiso District. Where the security guards of the home was ruffled with and the roads going to Bobi Wine was also besieged. That’s just how these stories goes and later we will know all the various charges pinned on people for today. There will be all sort of foolery going on, as we know the gist, but they cannot say that out loud. That would against the constitution and the rights to assembly, which means the state or authorities has to find other excuses for the detained people.

Some says today should be lesson. Well, it is return of the same old problems. The same state and its authorities that bashes itself in glory at Kololo Independence Grounds, but outside of that is going totally crazy against the dissidents. That happened at the same time and within the same city. One place there was happy speeches and glorious state affairs. While minutes away people was arrested, brutally detained and others was blocked by the police. Roads are sealed off and people using longer time to commute. Therefore, today was a bad day and not a learning experience.

Not like we haven’t seen this movie before under Museveni. This is a return of a well known chapter and franchise in the NRM Way. We have gotten to know this reoccurring events and they transpire like this. While the cronies and appointed leadership will downplay the whole ordeal or make it insignificant. We still saw what lengths they go to stop one man from not only entering as an ordinary civilian, but letting him assemble people or generate a welcoming ceremony. That is obviously a cardinal sin and only H.E. can have his entourage at Entebbe. The rest have to peasants and idle nobodies who cannot interfere in his sphere.

That’s why we know Bobi Wine would be in trouble. The moment the NUP announced the plans for a special return. That’s when we knew this was in the cards and the deck was shuffled in his disadvantage. There was nothing for Bobi Wine to gain. His getting sympathy and people know his troubles. He challenge the Gods, but they are unforgiving. They are relentless and will not give way. No, that’s not happening anytime soon.

Today is another proof of that. As long as the centre holds… there is little to nobody who can conquer it. Especially with soft-power and with usage of people power. No, that will not overcome it and not at this speed. The nation is numb and has seen these sorts of things play out so many times before. Without any changes and after a few days of house-arrest. Nothing will be any different and things will go back to normal. Because, that what matters… and Bobi Wine has continue the fight without getting anything out of it. Only a few headlines and some international press writing about it. However, elsewhere there is nothing to gain and there will be little fanfare. Only more of the same.

H.E. will prosper and others will suffer. Just like yesterday and the day before. Peace.