“2016 may be worst elections in our history” – Written by Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju

Kampala 16.11.15 UPF 2

On Sunday afternoon, a police patrol pickup truck full of officers drove to the residence of Kampala Lord Mayor Ssalongo Erias Lukwago to deliver some important information.This information was a letter from the Electoral Commission officially notifying Lukwago of the postponement of Kampala mayoral nominations earlier set for Monday November 16 and Tuesday November 17.Lukwago, being a smart lawyer that he is, asked the officer in charge of Old Kampala police station, Emmanuel Ochamringa, why it was him (police) and not an EC official serving him this letter.Ochamringa instead pleaded with the lord mayor to sign a delivery note so he could fulfill a command given to him by his superior. When Lukwago refused to sign, Ochamringa demanded that he surrenders the letter. I will spare you the rest of the story and go to the gist of today’s column, which is the credibility of the 2016 general elections.
I have argued in an earlier column that Gen Kale Kayihura has taken over the electoral process. There cannot be a better illustration than the one above. Not only was a letter calling off nominations for Kampala mayorship authored and delivered on a Sunday, but it was being transported by a police patrol pickup truck full of policemen.
Probably this letter was authored at the police headquarters or Kayihura simply summoned Electoral Commission chairman Badru Kiggundu from his weekend. Total connivance! Obviously this letter was supposed to be used as a tool the following day to stop Lukwago from proceeding to the Electoral Commission offices for nomination. And this is the game the Electoral Commission of Prof Kiggundu has been playing throughout.
The letter to Lukwago was signed by Kampala’s returning officer Charles Ntege, who quoted another letter signed by EC secretary Sam Rwakoojo. So, it is Rwakoojo who writes to Ntege and Ntege writes to Lukwago. Although delivered on Sunday (November 15), Rwakoojo’s letter was dated November 12 while that of Ntege was dated November 13. And these games started with Amama Mbabazi. When Mbabazi wanted to mobilize support for his impending candidature, Kayihura ordered him to seek clearance from NRM. That was partly before he chose to stand as an independent.

Kampala 16.11.15 UPF
In fact Kayihura organized a meeting attended by NRM electoral commission chairman Tanga Odoi and Attorney General Fred Ruhindi in which they agreed to block Mbabazi until he was cleared by NRM. When Mbabazi chose to go independent, Kayihura then connived with the Electoral Commission to stop him. Prof Kiggundu had at first cleared Mbabazi but made a U-turn and stopped him.The story of the FDC Rukungiri trip that was terminated at Kanyaryeru is another example. I am sure you still remember how police nearly killed us before it undressed our party secretary for environment. I have quoted all these examples to emphasize a point Col Dr Kizza Besigye has been making. We are not involved in an election. We are, in fact, in a struggle to rescue the state.
If anyone was in doubt, Prof Kiggundu has assured you. The professors at Makerere University played a pivotal role in the struggle for independence and almost dominated the post-independence politics. With the likes of Kiggundu in place, I think I won’t encourage my children to study a third degree. That professor, with a straight face, announced that he didn’t have regulations to guide mayoral nominations just last week. He is the same man that organized the same nominations and elections in 2011. He now could not organize them and was waiting for guidance from Kampala minister Frank Tumwebaze!
And a few days later, the same Kiggundu is announcing that nominations can go ahead because he has held a consultative meeting with Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda and Attorney General Ruhindi. And guess who else was in the meeting? It is singer and mayoral aspirant Dan Kazibwe, aka Ragga Dee, and obviously Jennifer Musisi.
With due respect to Ragga Dee, I think a consultative meeting between a professor and him to discuss regulations can only explain how low we have sunk as a country.

And that is why at our rallies as FDC, we are preaching three points: rescue the state, transform the country and then move to equitable development.

But most importantly, almost all of us involved in the electoral exercise are left with no option but to organize teams that will force Kiggundu to announce us winners.
I have a feeling that if Kayihura doesn’t like you; you may not be announced winner.

Written by Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju

The author is Kyadondo East MP.

Press Statement: Mbarara – Election Violence Alert Message (17.11.2015)

TDA Logo

For the FDC Campaign Team:
***********************************
This is urgent message,to all our supporters and country at large the regime has embarked on a systematic targeting of our agents through methods of intimidation and outright brutality.

We have been reliably informed that 3 of our FDC youth leaders were kidnaped from Mbarara and transfered to the notorious police in Kireka in a Kampala suburb, there are accurate information that points to them being tortured! Kireka is a renown military torture chamber.

Among the kidnapped include Mr. Mayanja Micheal, he was part of Dr. Besigyes Security team during FDC flagbearer campaigns and also on nomination day, he earns a living as a commuter driver, Mr. Yasin Mastiko from Ruti a Mbarara suburb on Mbarara-Kabale road ,he is self employed and Mr. Bampagyi ,a Boda-boda operator( motor cyclist) in Mbarara Municipality.

We are calling upon the Uganda police, human rights agencies and civil rights advocacy groups to assist us in pursuing the unconditional release of our party agents, it’s elections campaign period and there is no law prohibiting FDC agents from electioneering.

UPF Press Release on Yesterday actions in Kampala (16.11.2015) + NBS Video Clip of Yesterdays Policing!

Kampala 16.11.15 UPF 2

Yesterday, 16th November, 2015, at around 1230 hours, a Delta Television Journalist, Isaac Kugonza, 28, was injured during front line coverage of rowdy protesters at the home of Erias Lukwago, at Lungujja, a Kampala City suburb.
The journalist was taking photos and videos under the security cover of the police, before he was caught up and injured by a stone hurled at the police by the rowdy protesters. He took injuries to the right side of head, where he suffered a wound to the ear and a swollen eye. The Police immediately rescued and rushed him to Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he is being hospitalized.


The victim was subjected to a CT scan and the preliminary examination shows that he is out of danger, and will further be evaluated tomorrow 17th November, 2015. Meanwhile another female victim, Nyamwiza Molly, 21, is also being hospitalized, after sustaining a serious fracture to the leg when she was knocked down by a boda boda rider, who was attempting to escape from the protesters. She had visited her elder sister at Nyanama Zone and was injured while proceeding to Kampala, on her way back to Hoima.


The police upon intervention arrested two suspects that included Erias Lukwago and Sewanyana Allan a Councilor at Makindye Division who are being detained at Nagalama Police Station, while the charges of incitement to violence, assault and malicious damage levied against them are being investigated by police at Old Kampala Police station.
Today’s confrontation between the police and protesters could have been avoided if Erias Lukwago had observed the instructions from the electoral body that deferred nominations to a later date, as they awaited communication on Regulations governing the nomination for the two elective positions of Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor, from the Minister for Kampala, as required by the KCCA Act. This communication was brought to his attention by the DPC Old Kampala Police Station the previous evening.


The police remain committed to enforcing law and order, without fear or favor, in respect of all people and calls upon each and every one of us to uphold the law for the good of our land.

CP Fred Enanga
Press and Public Relations Officer
Uganda Police
16.11.2015

Look at this clips:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT40Tdd5ZFw

On the clip, you heard the shots right? – that was not stones!

A Tiny Comment to this:

You can write and type hog-wash honorable Fred Enanga to look better, but the video clips and vivid pictures tells a story! How the police vandalized and harrased the public in the area. That was not stoning of a journalist? He was shut by your bullets. You can lie and keep on lying, but the truth will stand. Your not ensuring or enforcing positive actions, instead your creating violence. The world knows that. Your not policing! Proof yet again. Peace!

Statement from Lord Mayor of Kampala Erias Lukwago after yesterdays violence and detaination

Kampala 16.11.15 UPF

I feel I owe you a great debt of gratitude for the spirited fight against all machinations designed to disenfranchise the people of Kampala. Much as government finally succumbed to intense public pressure to withdraw the obnoxious KCCA Amendment Bill, Ugandans are longing for that day the likes of Dr. Badru Kiggundu will be called to account for their reckless, and at times fraudulent, commissions and ommissions. My deepest sympathies go out to Isaac Kugonza, a DELTA TV reporter who sustained serious injuries in line of duty as he was filming the infamous police raid on my home. The most interesting dimension of the whole story, though, was the sagacious proposal that I should consider unseating Hon. Ruhindi from the Nakawa constituency. I must confess I enjoyed every bit of the spontaneous and captivating debate which spread like wild fire. It was such a humbling experience to me. All said and done, I wish to reiterate the unshakeable stand that my mind is focused on the mandate you entrusted to me, the mandate I have tenaciously and resiliently defended against all odds for the last five years . As we prepare to roll out a new programme for our campaign trail, I humbly appeal to you to remain firm and resolute on the struggle for good governance. FOR GOD AND MY COUNTY.

Two Men of ‘Sauti ya Vijana’ who petitioned Musveni is now detained

Free 16.11.15

SYV to Petition Museveni: 
(Press Conference held this day, 15th.Nov. 2015)

“The Electoral Commission must recall Mr. Museveni to be briefed upon the guidelines. The ground must be redressed to be free and fair for all prayers and Mr. Museveni should stop in-sighting violence and threatening voters. More to come. Sauti ya Vijana” 

Pictures from the event:

15.11.15 Petiton against YKM

15.11.15 Petiton against YKM P2

Aftermath: 

At this stage of events it’s very clear. They have been picked up by Police and jailed for talking about Free and Fair elections. Wish is a excuse to be guilty before judged in court nowadays in Uganda. The proud Yoweri Kaguta Museveni continues to tarnish his reputation and IGP Kale Kayihura continues to use force against civillians. President Museveni supposed to be revolutionary and a man working for justice. Right now the only is justice is left for his loyal cronies and not the citizens of the country. That is why these men are inprisonated. For making a petitions against the president. He has to use power against people making petitions. That show how far from Democracy the country is and how little you have to do to become a criminal in the country. Kigwa Leero!

Arbitrary arrests are not acceptable. Release them Now! Peace. 

Sauti Ya Vijana 10.11

Sorrow in Kampala; Trifling police and detaining Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago

Kampala 16.11.15 UPF 3

Today was the day that Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Act was to be added an to amendment so that the elections of Lord Mayor would happen inside a council instead of polling during general election in 2016. There been more push to let this happen, not everybody agrees with does actions. Therefore we can see that and today the reactions from the NRM-Regime have been off violence. Uganda Police Force has come and first set up roadblocks early this morning in around his area.

Yet reports hours earlier Erias Lukwago says: “he is yet to receive official Electoral Commission on determent of mayoral nominations” and “he vows to proceed”.

This was the beginning of the tale that unfolded today. The loyalist of Dr. Kizza Besigye the opposition candidate Erias Lukwago was first taken by a group of Police taken away into custody. He has been detained without court orders by unknown men. This has been seen by other media who has been close to the house today. A Delta journalist Enock Kugonza has been shot and by the brutal police after the manhandling of Lord Mayor Lukwago. Erias Lukwago was supposed to go Electoral Commission of Uganda to be nominated. The Journalist Kugonza was after the shooting was rushed to Mulago Hospital. Two persons are said to killed by the same shootings.

It wasn’t only the journalist from Delta who got shot, there were two more men and surely more innocent people; who have been hurt during the raid that the police had during the arrest of Erias Lukwago; who is still in custody or detained at an unknown location as we speak. One of the people who also got hurt by the Police today is Councilor Mariam Kizito.

After all of this they all of sudden goes back on their ways and turn to the nominations. The Electoral Commission has later in the day said through Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, that the nominations dates is for Lord Mayor of Kampala is set to be between 16th to 18th November 2015.

Electoral Commisson 16.11.15

There been floating pictures of a person lying lifeless on the ground after being shot. This proves the powers of the Police and also how they justify the use of will to bring down anybody in their way. This must be orders from the higher ends because Erias Lukwago has been issues for the NRM-Regime.

Kampala 16.11.15 UPF 2

The NRM-Regime fears Erias Lukwago because of his popularity. That popularity comes because the NRM candidates are greedy guts and they seem tired of it. Just look at the reasoning from Frank Tumwebaze the Ministry of Presidency and Kampala Capital City Authority who wrote this in a statement today:

“It is therefore dishonest on the part of my colleagues in the Opposition to state that this was an after-thought following Erias Lukwago’s decision to stand for the Lord Mayor position in Kampala. That is false. Whether Lukwago stands or doesn’t, streamlining the governance framework of Kampala capital city remains our noble duty” (…)”The rationale behind the proposal of changing the mode of election of the lord mayor and all other division mayors, is for purposes of ensuring that the mayor and the deputy remain accountable to the Council that they chair, just like in the case of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Parliament who are elected by Members of Parliament. Besides, the law already vests the same Councils with authority to remove a Lord Mayor or Division Mayor. These Councilors are products of an electoral process conducted from the grassroots. Ugandans do not convene at Parliament to elect a Speaker or Deputy Speaker. Their representatives in form of Members of Parliament elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker” (…)”The amendments therefore, cannot be targeting a man called Erias Lukwago. The law was never made for Him. Erias Lukwago just like any other person is entitled to aspire to become a Lord Mayor. However, what any person aspiring to be lord mayor needs to be reminded about is that he/she is not the primary administrator of the Capital City. The Central Government does so as per the constitution.The Lord Mayor and the council administer it on delegation by the central government. Central Government policy therefore takes precedence. That is why the minister responsible for the capital city is given veto powers under section 79. This is what Erias Lukwago has never appreciated, but its the bitter truth” (Tumwebaze, 16.11.2015 – Press Statement).

When this is happening and Hon. Frank Tumwebaze is trying to explain and use rhetoric to sound wise for the reasoning to take away the rights for people to choose their leader and their mayor, because by his reasoning the council will make a better decision then the actual people. That is because they choose Erias Lukwago and not the man picked by the NRM. Hon. Frank speaks well about laws and constituted rights, while addressing his own position with diligence. While saying the Lord Mayor is not made for Erias Lukwago, that might be true, but your ministry isn’t made up just for yourself or it is Honorable Frank Tumwebaze? You who runs over KCCA as the Minister of Kampala and already edged Erias Lukwago out with giving more powers to Jennifer Musisi who in basis runs the KCCA and does more administrative duties since the Lord Mayor has lost his position.

Jennifer Musisi said this in January:

The Journalist asked: “You were accused of kicking out the Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago from office”; she answered: “Lukwago was a problem to us. We spent a lot of money and time undoing his wrongs. He took us to court when we tried to re-build the Wandegeya Market and the New Park. There has been a lot of development in KCCA during the last two years of his absence from office. We are now focused on the things we are supposed to do” (Etukuri & Waiswa, 2015).

When we see that the Lord Mayor elected in 2011 has been absent and Jennifer Musisi gets her will. IGP Kale Kayihura has never liked the brother so his goons and violent police has today battled yet innocent people and shot, even killed bystanders in the siege of Lukwago’s home. The Police men proves that their not to protect and serve. It is not the police who is catching the bad guys, it’s the police who is acting as the bad guys. The people has to scatter when the police arrives, because they will only create violence and be arrested, detain people without court order and paperwork. Preventive Arrest that is being used like it’s the sweetest dream of the NRM-Regime to harass their opposition members in the country. As we have again seen manifest today.

Kampala 16.11.15 UPF

But where are the Police hiding Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, even if hasn’t had the seat for over 48 months, he was still elected to it by last election in 2011. So if that was a valid election leading to the 9th Parliament, he should be sitting and have the chair until 18th of February. I am sure Jennifer Musisi would continue to work without his involvement and also Frank Tumwebaze who seem like the arch-crony of the NRM-Regime. It’s like his loyalty is deeper then kin. So that the violence and harassment happening on his watch is not being discussed or addressed, but the way that the opposition is voicing their matters are being said by him to be distasteful. What is really distasteful Hon. Frank Tumwebaze is the simplistic and violent arrest of Erias Lukwago and your measly way of just about 3 months before the General elections; you want to change and amend the law. So that you’re sure that you get the right candidate to be your puppet, Frankie isn’t that right?

Your fear for the people is proven with the violence and killings. The way the Police has to siege and drag the elected Lord Mayor Lukwago from his own home without any court orders and detain at an unknown location. Last time he was taken to custody by the Police was 31st of October. So he hasn’t had many days in freedom. This proves the fear that the NRM and the Government has for this man. That is why they have wished to switch and amend laws so they can pick whom they like, instead of having faith in the people. Even if they choose to rig those elections, still they can’t be able to rig it all, therefore Kampala slipped through their finger and he won on the last go around. Erias Lukwago seems to be one of the guys that the NRM-Regime fear, not because of the powers he has, but the legitimacy that he has, and the one NRM certain lacks. They run the government and has overtaken the Kampala administration and crushed the elected political system of the city, to empower a ministry of Kampala and it’s Kampala Capitol City Authority, instead of building transparent and accountable City Hall. That is what people like the elected Erias Lukwago works for, and that in starch contrast with the realities on the ground and in the city, as the Parliament proves with every new move they have.

I just wonder, have the Police read “the still in force of colonial law” called Criminal Procedure Code Act of 1950 and section:  “17. Detention of persons arrested without warrant:  When any person has been taken into custody without a warrant for an offence other than murder, treason or rape, the officer in charge of the police station to which the person is brought may in any case and shall, if it does not appear practicable to bring the person before an appropriate magistrate’s court within twenty-four hours after he or she was so taken into custody, inquire into the case, and, unless the offence appears to the officer to be of a serious nature, release the person on his or her executing a bond, with or without sureties, for a reasonable amount to appear before a magistrate’s court at a time and place to be named in the bond; but where any person is retained in custody, he or she shall be brought before a magistrate’s court as soon as practicable”. This law is still in effect so how can you break it so often Mr. Kayihura?  

Now the police and IGP Kale Kayihura men show the violence in action. The world sees it and should question it. They are blasting a gay-law, but not saying anything about the violent Police and it’s shooting on innocent people and bystanders. Uganda Police Force is for the NRM-Regime and not the citizens. They does not create order, they create disorder. They do not protect their people, they protect the regime. They do not serve the people, they serve the regime. That is why Preventative Arrest is such a usual move by these men and without court orders. Yet again, I hope to hear reports that the elected Lord Mayor will come to surface again soon and be back in shape for new nomination date that the Electoral Commission. Stay strong Lord Mayor, we support you and your cause. Continue to work as you do. One day there might be justice in Kampotholo. Peace.

FDC Police 16.11.15

Reference:

Etukuri, Charles & Waiswa, Juilet – ‘Kampala is better now without Lukwago’ (27.01.2015) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/670298–kampala-is-better-now-without-lukwago.html

Dr. Kizza Besigye: Hon. Jimmy Akena will have betrayed his father (Youtube-Clip)

Seventh Day of Presidential Rallies in Uganda and a letter on illegal fishing and reports of a kidnapping ++

FDC Cranes 15.11.15

There been a slow Sunday. Seems like many of the camps has little to offer today, I am sure it will be more on tally tomorrow. Especially considering the KCCA ruling will happen tomorrow. The others is the continuation this next week of the other candidates. Will be NRM based today, but Go-Forward was dealing with getting venues and their new radio. FDC was silent and celebrating soccer result to the Cranes. Abed Bwainka, nothing? TIC Candidates, not much! And so I can go on. To little meat on the barbeque and little food. But try to enjoy this meager supper.

NRM rally:

The Dream Live Team with Maurice Ochol and Suhail Mugabi was heading to Zombo for the rally.  After Zombo rally he has later had a rally in Nebbi.

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s best quote today: “People who live along the border should take you along to campaign for me” and the second best in Madi: “Is there internet here?”

NRM 15.11.15 Nebbi

Only in the NRM:

“President ‪Museveni at Rhino Camp Arua: 242,000 children in primary school in Arua more than the whole population of Zombo”.

NRM Youth League deflects to Go-Forward:

“A section of NRM party youth members from the districts of Mbarara, Isingiro, Ibanda, Sheema and Ntungamo have defected to the Go-Forward camp, declaring to support Mr Amama Mbabazi for presidency in the next general elections” (…)”The Ankole region DP/Go-Forward coordinator, Mr Didas Lukyamuzi, said they are ready and willing to work and support those that show allegiance to Mr Amama Mbabazi in his presidential bid” (Mugume, 2015).

NRM Membership Cards 15.11,15

NRM Member Cards dumped:

There was certain members who dropped their member cards at Kololo. This former members was from Kassanda South in Mubende District.

Jessica Alupo Independent 15.11.15

Going Independent:

Jessica Alupo has now planes to run as an independent in the race for the ballots and polls in the 18th February. She will try for a Place as Woman MP in Katakwi District.

TDA Logo

NOTICE OF 21ST MEETING OF THE TDA SUMMIT

This if to inform all members of the Summit of The Democratic Alliance that the 21st meeting of the Summit will take place on Tuesday November 17, 2015 starting at exactly 8:00 am. We are conscious of the busy schedule of the campaigns but you are encourage to ensure that all members are represented at the meeting. All the best wishes on the campaign trail to all candidates and campaign teams sponsored by TDA members. – TDA Secretariat

Message from the FDC after Rakai district rally:

“This is Kyotera in Rakai District. They have never let us down. We want to say thank you Abakoki for the love and support you show to the People’s President Dr. Kizza-Besigye and FDC in General. Liberation is soon. We are taking back our power. We shall over come. Kigwa Leero”.

FDC Message on the KCCA Act:

“‪Dr. Kizza Besigye’s Campaign Message is that Ugandans no longer have power/rights in their country, then ‪#Frank Tumwebaze introduces a law to stop People in Kampala from electing their own leaders/Lord Mayor”.

Parliamentary race of Toroma County:

“The new entrant in the race is former Kampala International University (KIU) student, John Moses Odeke. The 27 year old, graduate of Human Resources revealed to the Investigator that the “cries” of the people of Toroma forced him to give a shot at the race” (…)”Odeke says the cries of the people of Toroma basing on poor performance on the part of the incumbent Amodoi Cyrus Imalingat prompted his desire coupled with the love for his people. “I want once in parliament to ensure that issues of Health, security, education and sports, agriculture, religious institutions, youth and women are revamped,” he said. Odeke who is an agriculturalist notes that the infrastructure in Katakwi is so bad. ‘Now with the current rains, roads become impassable, gardens are water logged,” he said” (Jaramogi, 2015).

Unknown kidnappers of Charles Kafeero Mutaasa:

Unknown kidnappers have kidnaped Charles Kafeero Mutaasa who is the Chairperson of the Red Top National Youth Activist in Uganda. He was kidnapped by unknown people, possibly suspected security agents at around Kidnapped Monday at around 11.12pm, at Church road, Kamwokya. However today there has been a new development, he was dumped at Northern bypass strapped up in ropes and saved by boda boda cyclists. At the moment he is at case clinic Buganda Road, under intensive care because he was beaten to pulp. We welcome any information that could help us raise a case against his kidnappers.

Go Forward 15.11.15

Go-Forward change the tour:

“Go-Forward officials said: “a formal letter to the Electoral Commission shall be dispatched on Monday morning” and that “We are working with the teams on ground to book venues for each of these locations” (Aine, 2015).

JinjaRoad Roundabout Kampala

Erias Lukwago comments today:

He said today: “If the program was laid out by Electoral Commission I wonder why the Police came in” (…)“I am doing my civic duty and am not duty bound to respond to police directives” (…)”It is my supporters suggestion the Nakawa plan for their concern of government frustrating me” (…)”I am yet to consider standing in Nakawa, but for now I am preparing for nomination tomorrow”

Cars 051115 Frank Tun.. P2

Hon. Frank Tumwebaze Statement today:

“My equally humble appeal goes also to our media partners, who by virtue of their impartial-umpire-role can help their audiences to probe with rigor the substance of the issues from each presidential candidate , ask what they stand for and how realistically their promises translate to the social economic well being of the citizenry” (…)”But what can also be true as I suspect, is that the same camp of the man desperately craving for sympathy could have hired those same goons to do it themselves so as to portray the Museveni camp in bad light. There is much reason to suspect and believe that. Every day in every campaign including this very one, President Museveni’s posters get defaced especially in kampala. We however don’t make a mountain of weird allegations about it. The masaka posters’ story was not the only one. There was the famous ping-pong the lawyers of mbabazi tried to create with the DPP over their own created and headline seeking story that their man was to be arrested for offenses they listed on the eve of his nomination. Fortunately mbabazi was not arrested as they had desperately wanted and the DPP rebuked them to stop playing political gimmicks with his independent office” (…)”The various candidates in this campaign must address how they intend to manage and mitigate certain adverse effects that arise from wrong monetary and fiscal policies ; like inflation. Good Monetary and budgetary policy settings are always aimed at low and stable inflation and sound public finances that are conducive to long-term growth. Sometimes these policies will also help to contain shocks, but there can be trade-offs. Monetary policy that has ensured a firm anchoring of inflation expectations will allow a stronger response to shocks and helps guard against deflationary spirals in the wake of large negative shocks” (Tumwebaze, 2015).

Official: UPC has strike a deal with NRM

There is now official and not a rumor anymore. That means that UPC and Jimmy Akena is parting way with their heritage and selling their soul to the NRM and to  their now Presidential Candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Somewhere is Milton Obote turning in his grave. 

Read more about it: 

Weird team-up between UPC and NRM; getting crazier by the moment; beating history

Something else: 

Musevenis-letter-on-illegal-fishing1

Musevenis-letter-on-illegal-fishing

Think this mediocre supper is enough. Hope you have patience will pick up more goodies and more juicy stuff on another day. Peace.

Reference:

Aine, Kim – ‘Mbabazi changes campaign programme’ (15.11.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/mbabazi-changes-campaign-programme/

Mugume, Colleb – ‘Youth defect to Mbabazi camp’ (15.11.2015) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Youth-defect-to-Mbabazi-camp/-/688334/2956316/-/vof70a/-/index.html

Jaramogi, Patrick – ‘Former KIU Student John Moses Odeke To Tussle Out With NRM Incumbent For Toroma County In Katakwi’ (15.11.2015) link: http://theinvestigatornews.com/former-kiu-student-john-moses-odeke-to-tussle-out-with-nrm-incumbent-for-toroma-county-in-katakwi/

Tumwebaze, Frank – ‘Let us Probe for issues in this campaign and reject idealistic propaganda’ (15.11.2015)

Weird team-up between UPC and NRM; getting crazier by the moment; beating history

Akena M7

There has been talking of a weird marriage in Uganda. Therefore I have to address it. First by the history between these parties, the parties I talk about are the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC). There has been rifts between the and that for several reasons. It started decades ago. Decades ago between people who is gone and the still sole-candidate of the NRM then NRA. NRM got help to reach power by collaborating with UPC and their then leader Milton Obote. That is history that has vanished from the surface. If it wasn’t from the okay from Julius Nyerere the leaders wouldn’t have toppled the then dictator Idi Amin. But this story here isn’t about that marriage between them. It’s about the recent events happening in the last two days. Firstly I will address certain history and also pointers from the President Musveni himself. Then secondly see more narrow history and events that shows how strange it is to see UPC goes in talks with NRM. That NRM and President Museveni actually thinking of it, is countering everything for why they went against in 1980s and defiance against them in 1990s.

m7-1970

History – UPC and NRM:

“Museveni’s decision to fight the newly elected government followed that of former Amin soldiers who had already regrouped in the then Zaïre and southern Sudan and were executing a low-intensity insurgency involving sporadic incursions into the West Nile region” (…)”Following his decision, other fighting groups emerged, also seeking to topple the new government. Lack of organisational capacity for some, and for others failure to articulate a broad political agenda beyond simply toppling Obote, prevented them from developing into effective military threats to the government. However, owing in large part to experience gained from its predecessor FRONASA, Museveni’s National Resistance” (…)”Movement evolved into a broad-based movement able to galvanise a wide cross-section of society behind it. Several attempts at forming a broad united front failed (Bwengye 1985)” (Golooba-Mutebi, 2008).

“The 1980 controversial elections, organized on the multiparty basis, failed to produce a clear winner, sparking off another wave of instability and civil strife. Between 1981 and 1986, the country suffered a guerilla war fought by a National Resistance Army (NRA), spearheaded by Yoweri Museveni. The guerilla war partly failed Obote’s second Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) government efforts to return the country to normalcy”(…)” In the 1980’s parties existed but their members were constantly harassed, in many cases accused to be alleged collaborators with the National Resistance Movement (NRA) that fought in the UPC government. Despite these extraordinary constraints, parties remained resilient in Uganda’s politics. This disapproves the claim by Museveni that parties are only good for industrial societies (Museveni 1992)” (Makara, 2010).

“Consequently, the December 1980 elections were held under a tense atmosphere of considerable controversy, mistrust, political violence and threats of civil war. The UPC government which came to power after the elections was therefore faced with a crisis of legitimacy. In February 1981, Yoweri Museveni who had threatened to ‘go to the bush’ and wage war if the elections were rigged, launched a guerrilla war against the UPC government” (Omach).

“The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is a movement to resist UPC or what UPC stands for, i.e. national-democratic liberation. The earliest incidence of this resistance is given to us by none other than the founder of the NRM, Yoweri Museveni” (Adhola)

He recounts:

“We were staunchly anti-Obote. On 22 February 1966, the day he arrested five members of his cabinet, three of us, Martin Mwesigwa, Eriya Kategaya and myself went to see James Kahigiriza, who was the Chief Minister of Ankole, to inquire about the possibility of going into exile to launch an armed struggle. Kahigiriza discouraged us, saying that we should give Obote enough time to fall by his own mistakes. We saw him again a few weeks later and he gave us the example of Nkrumah, who had been overthrown in Ghana by a military coup two days after Obote’s abrogation of the Uganda constitution. Kahigiriza advised us that Nkrumah’s example showed that all dictators were bound to fall in due course. Inwardly we were not convinced. We knew that dictators had to be actively opposed and that they would not just fall off by themselves like ripe mangoes. Later I went to Gayaza High School with Mwesigwa to contact Grace Ibingira’s sister in order to find out whether she knew of any plans afoot to resist Obote’s dictatorship. She, however, did not know of any such plan. We came to the conclusion that the old guard had no conception of defending people’s rights and we resolved to strike on our own (Museveni, Y. 1997:19)” (Adhola).

NRA M7

Some more NRM – UPC:

The national-democratic forces made great gains in the struggles of the mid-60s. The war the NRM waged has simply served the reactionary forces. Upon coming to power, Museveni immediately moved against his most serious enemy, the Uganda Peoples’ Congress. His aim was to completely obliterate UPC. To this effect, immediately upon coming to power, the NRM decreed, through Legal Notice Number 1/1986, a ban on political parties. This ban was rationalised through a series of assertions that amounted to irrational reasoning” (Adhola).

Recent history:

“The NRA/M used scaremonger tactics to sow seeds of discord and undermine support for Paul Ssemogerere in the southern part of Uganda. Paul Ssemogerere’s alliance with the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and his statement that he would not oppose return to Uganda of former President Milton Obote, were used by the NRM to scare people from voting for him. Thus instead of using democratic elections to resolve conflicts, the NRM leadership used the elections to entrench the north-south divide and to maintain the southern consensus on which it relies to remain in power. The results of the presidential elections reflected the regional north-south divide. Thus, although Yoweri Museveni won the presidential elections with about 75 per cent, he lost by a wide margin in war ravaged northern Uganda. The same voting pattern was repeated during the 2001 and 2006 elections, which indicated a deepening of the north-south rift” (Omach).

Milton Obote statement in 1990:

“My 1987 Paper is now a “prohibited document” in Uganda and Kagenda Atwoki, the Administrative Secretary of the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) is now on trial for being in possession of it. Atwoki had been reported by the BBC as having said that Museveni’s well known wars were wars by the regime against the people. He was arrested and detained but was later charged with “being in possession of a prohibited document” despite the fact that the Paper had never, to date, been gazetted as “prohibited” in accordance with the Uganda law of sedition. Atwoki remains charged illegally but the real reason for his suffering is because he dared to expose Museveni’s massacres” (…)”he ban on political activities applies only to the UPC. The definitive political target of Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its armed core the NRA is the “Removal of UPC/Obote’s dictatorship by force of arms”. The document was issued in 1987. Having observed the DP leaders at close quarters throughout 1986 as members of his Cabinet, I have confirmed that the NRM/NRA and the DP had one common target: the destruction of the UPC, not by the ballot but by force. Having found that the DP was, so to speak, a toothless bulldog, Museveni ordered the production of Appendix One in 1987. The destruction of the DP is in Paragraph 3.3 of that document but even that fact has not diminished the attachment of the DP leaders to Museveni’s regime” (…)”After he had overthrown the Okello Junta, Museveni wasted no time in ordering an onslaught onto members of the UPC throughout Uganda especially in the Eastern Region. As an excuse to kill, arrest and beat, terrorize and brutalize UPC members in Busoga, Bukedi, Bugisu, and Sebei, Museveni’s functionaries invented what they called “Force Obote Back Again” (FOBA) Movement. No such movement ever existed but thousands of UPC members were killed, arrested and detained, terrorized and brutalized for allegedly belonging to it. It is a sad commentary that the DP leaders and members not only gleefully welcomed but also assisted the NRA in the persecution of UPC members. Today, the ordeal covers and affects all in the East and North irrespective of Party affiliations; and as their members groan and die together, of course with UPC members, Ssemogerere and other leaders of the DP see nothing untoward with Museveni’s regime. Being a Minister in Museveni’s regime would appear to them to be of greater importance than the groans and deaths of thousands upon thousands of fellow citizens” (Obote, 1990).

Press release from 2001:

“The rampant and wanton intimidation, abduction, killing and deliberate and ferocious, installation of a sense of fear in the minds of the citizens perpetuated by the armed supporters of Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Museveni’s record of killings is recorded in the districts of Luwero triangle where he supervised the murder of most UPC leaders, chiefs and supporters and hid them in mass graves. He later commissioned Capt. Zizinga to exhume their skulls and parade them as victims of the UNLA. He has recently stated his intention to continue displaying the skulls in Luwero perhaps to permanently remind Ugandans and the world of his exploits” (…)”Instead of sorting out the political mess that he has created in Uganda, he has resorted to misinformation. He has again tried to drag UPC and its leader Milton Obote in his problems. On the occasion of opening the Workers House Museveni was at it again. He claimed that UPC took workers money to build Uganda House” (…)”UPC is not a body corporate and does not own Uganda House. In the Consent Judgment signed by Museveni’s government and MOF, the owner of the house is clearly stated to be MOF” (…)”All lawful and peaceful avenues to challenge the illegitimate actions of the monolithic regime as UPC has always advocated have now been closed and all indications are that as a last resort survival strategy the people of Uganda may resort to violent and illegal actions to restore Uganda to constitutional order and to stop further political disintegration. Since UPC is debarred from organising at the grassroot level, it is not in a position to dissuade or deter any persons who may be driven to take the violent or illegal path” (UPC, 2001).

This here has been the historical part between them. I will now bring recent events in the UPC to show the frictions and weakness of it. To prove how volatile it is and wonder what argument the leadership of UPC has to support and make a coalition with NRM, instead of the other opposition parties in the The Democratic Alliance with the likes of JEEMA, UFA; DP, PPP and FDC.

So let’s see something in narrow history that gives the fractions growing in the UPC:

In 2011:

“Yesterday the UPC party president Mr. Olara Otunnu made changes in the National Party Officials and dropped two people namely; the Party Secretary General Mr. John Odit and the Secretary for Policy and National Mobilization, Mr. David Pulkol” (…)”What is more astonishing is that the party president has chosen to sack Odit and Pulkol at a time when they are just returning from a field trip together with other party officials where regional meetings aimed at strengthening our party structures have been successfully held in Busoga, Bugisu, Bukedi, Sebei, Teso, Karamoja, Lango, Acholi and Westnile. Bunyoro, Toro, Ankole and Kigezi meetings cannot be stopped and must take place by 22nd December 2011 as scheduled. Likewise, the Buganda grassroots elections, which Otunnu has severally tried to block in vain, will continue undisturbed till we are sure the job is fully done.”  (…)”Aware that Otunnu has since his election as party president been a man of mixed signals, secrecy and clandestine movements we would also like to use this occasion to disassociate ourselves from his activities for the sake of building, a reliable, dependable, transparent and law abiding party. As people who have worked with Mr. Otunnu we would like to painfully state, especially for the benefit of all party members, that Mr. Otunnu has never liked and does not love UPC. This could possibly explain why he forgot to vote for himself moreover after using 100% of all the available party funds then for his presidential campaigns alone” (UPC, 2011).

In 2015:

“Following the ruling of Hon. Justice Yasin Nyanzi of the High Court of Uganda (civil Division) on an application for Interim order filed by Olara Otunnu and Five others Misc.application No 412/2015 arising out of Civil Suit No 238 of 2015 made on 30th October 2015, in which Amb. Olara Otunnu (Ex-UPC Party President) had sought an injunction against the UPC Leadership of Hon Jimmy Akena from performing his duties and functions, the decision of UPC members across Uganda as affirmed in the UPC District Conferences presidential Elections and the UPC Delegates Conference of 30th May 2015 and 1st July 2015 respectively was reaffirmed by the High Court of Uganda. This therefore clears the confusion created by the Ex-President of UPC Amb Olara Otunnu about the legitimacy of the Leadership Hon Jimmy Akena. The Leadership of Party President Jimmy Akena extends an olive branch to all Party members who had been caught up in this confusion to rally behind the party” (UPC, 2015).

There is as you seen been steady frictions between the parties for several reasons because of the leadership of both parties. This is natural especially when at one set of time the one party was ruling and it actually the party that was ruling in 1960s and later in 1980s before the bush-war put the other party to be the ruling party. The rhetoric from them both is natural, because those both want to power and now the NRM-Regime is clinging to power. There have even been more movement from the NRM towards the UPC then you might expect.

So that Olara Otunnu said this in November last year:

“It is not about a little piece here, a little leg there, you fix this, and you bridge this gap, no. The system as it is now; the status quo is completely without any legitimacy. It is a system which is integrated, married into State House machinery and controlled by Yoweri Museveni at State House. We want to dismantle that and put in its place a new system which can guarantee free and fair elections” (…)”But there are Museveni elements within UPC and have been using UPC colours; using UPC shelter to cause problems within the party and to push Museveni’s agenda within the party” (NewVision, 2014).

Otunnu

On Olara Otunnu leadership and Museveni:

“The UPC members in the northern Kole District have abandoned their party leader, Dr Olara Otunnu, claiming he lacked the capacity and vision to carry the mantle for the people of Uganda” (…)”“We are not going to base our support on partisan politics, we want leaders who can lead the people of Uganda and this time around, we don’t see any one, apart from Mr Museveni. He should rule until he dies,” said Aboke Sub-county official Boniface Odyek” (Oketch, 2014).

So with the fall of Olara Otunnu of the UPC has been a steppingstone for the Jimmy Akena.” Son of the late Dr. Milton Obote and Lira Munipality MP Jimmy Akena has been voted as the new Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President.  Delegates from 62 districts in Uganda chose to entrust the party leadership with the son of the party founder “ (…)”Akena’s victory implies that the Obote family once again takes charge of Uganda’s oldest political party. Akena replaces Olara Otunnu who failed to unseat President Museveni in the 2011 elections” (Ortega, 2015).

So that the son of Milton Obote is now in talks with Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his NRM to have a merger/union or marriage between them during this 2016 is a special one. Especially with the history between the parties; NRM has since day one tried to dissolve the UPC. UPC has never had the same interest of NRM, for the simple reason Museveni never wanted the Uganda UPC wanted to have. Because the Uganda UPC wanted to have was a certainty that NRM and Museveni was not the Mzee and the commander in chief.

The rhetoric and history between should alone tell the tale. It’s so significant if the son of UPC founder Milton Obote – Mr. Jimmy Akena takes his father’s party into an agreement with his arch-enemy Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. That is significant!

Kabaka in the Bush with NRA P2

Milton Obote was even years after defending his party and ways. All of choices in his two short terms wasn’t also that wise; for instance with taking powers away from the kingdoms and their kings. That gave the public and power reach the levels that made the country react to it. That gave an edge to NRA/M. They could promise securities and reinstate the kingdoms.

If we go further into the recent; the way the fall of Olara Otunnu seems like Jimmy Akena has taken it with force and had to get it verified by court. That doesn’t seem like a healthy party structure. Museveni has taken and seen these fractions inside the party.

If that wasn’t enough; Olara Otunnu was working together with the TDA and other oppositions. Even if his maiden party hasn’t had that coming and their Head Chief sees it differently… Jimmy Akena has said this in September: “TDA wants UPC to use its colour orange, instead of our colours. There is no way UPC can do without the red colour” (…)“If we cannot agree on what we are struggling for, it’s going to be hard to unite” (Apunyo, 2015).

Jimmy Akena said this later in September: “I have come to protest UPC’s alleged endorsement of any candidate in the TDA race” (…)”Our party withdrew from TDA long time ago. We didn’t want our name dragged into something we didn’t know” (Kazibwe, 2015).

So that the party went out of the alliance they also lost a lot of goodwill from the other opposition parties. Also they still don’t have a clear mandate for presidency because Jimmy Akena didn’t even put the effort in become a President or filling in the Nomination. So that their have to have an agreement with somebody else to gain traction in 2016. This is all ironic coming how the UPC organization and members has blamed Olara Otunnu for the way the results was after 2011.

Jimmy Akena is not looking solid either if he sells his father’s heritage to becoming the NRM bedfellow. NRM has not the interest of the UPC. UPC is supposed to be a genuine party with its own interest. The same is it with NRM. Also the same with the parties that is a part of the Democratic Alliance which also supposed to have their own agenda and goals in the coming general election that we all know about.

UPC is allowed to go into alliance for their benefit. But they should also think of what their gaining because the NRM is just a vessel of loyalist of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The man who has since the beginning of the 1980s has been totally against the UPC, because himself want sole power and sole-candidacy. Therefore it took years after 1986 before the Movement system was strong enough and the legitimacy was there, then he “released” the parties again. One of them apparently happens to be UPC, which he has had a passion trying to destroy. That was because this party was in his way to power.

Akena

So Jimmy Akena must have been greased especially with the moles that Olara Otunnu was talking about November 2014. Akena might be one of them. Still strange from an outsider knowing the history between Mzee and UPC; which the UPC wants to collaborate with NRM. Seems for a ten-years ago something fitting in a sci-fi novel or John Grisham spy-novel.

But now we are here. And if they sign an agreement with NRM; then the UPC has sold it soul to the NRM. NRM has only to get more legitimacy from somebody especially with nearly all the rest of the parties joined hands toward the Presidential candidate of Amama Mbabazi. That must be a torn and also with FDC’s strongman who is getting a vivid following of Dr. Kizza Besigye. That he is talking and negotiating after the Kofi Annan Foundation in London.

NRM must have felt weaken by the TDA. UPC must have felt left alone when they did leave the TDA. NRM had not an invitation to join the TDA. That was because the TDA has one function to get the NRM-Regime away from Power. UPC doesn’t have the same power as the ruling parties and have suction in most areas of the country. That is what UPC is buying. UPC can’t be that weak, except they are being greased or offered something they can’t refuse.

UPC and Akena will never be forgiven if they agree with NRM. Not because all the people’s in NRM is greedy. But many of them are and many are there just to earn the coins. They had proven since 1986 that at one-point they lost the Taxation with Representation. UPC will be like a branch to the Movement System and LDCs instead of their own. Museveni is ruling with Iron Fists. Akena will only gain money and might even position in the coming rigging elections. But the pride of being a strong opposition he is not. That we can also see with the way of handling the TDA and the new coming deal in the NRM. Peace.

Reference:

Adhola, Yoga – ‘UGANDA PEOPLE’S CONGRESS AND NATIONAL RESISTANCE MOVEMENT’ link: http://www.upcparty.net/memboard/UPC%20and%20NRM.pdf

Apunyo, Hudson – ‘Akena explains why UPC is not in TDA’ (14.09.2015) link: http://www.elections.co.ug/new-vision/election/1000620/akena-explains-upc-tda

Golooba-Mutebi, Frederick – ‘COLLAPSE, WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION IN UGANDA

AN ANALYTICAL NARRATIVE ON STATE-MAKING’ – Working Paper No. 27 – Development as State-making (January 2008) – Crisis States Working Papers Series No 2,  LSE Destin Development Studies Institute

Kazibwe, Kenneth – ‘Akena Storms TDA; Denounces Mbabazi Endorsement’ (25.09.2015) link: http://www.chimpreports.com/akena-storms-tda-denounces-mbabazi-endorsement/

Makara, Sabiti – ‘Deepening Democracy Through Multipartyism:The Bumpy road to Uganda’s 2011 elections’ (11.04.2010)

NewVision – ‘‘Museveni has moles in UPC’ – Otunnu’ (30.11.2015) link: http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/662364–museveni-has-moles-in-upc-otunnu.html

Obote, Milton – ‘NOTES ON CONCEALMENT OF GENOCIDE IN UGANDA’ (April, 1990) link: http://www.upcparty.net/obote/genocide.htm

Oketch, Bill – ‘Uganda party endorses Museveni for life presidency’ (06.11.2014) link: http://www.africareview.com/News/Uganda-party-endorses-Museveni-for-life-presidency/-/979180/2513500/-/ehxho6/-/index.html

Omach, Paul – ‘Democratization and Conflict Resolution in Uganda’ link: http://ifra-nairobi.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1Omach.pdf

Ortega, Ian – ‘Late Obote’s Son, Akena Declared UPC President’ (02.06.2015) link: http://www.independent.co.ug/news/136-the-news-today/10303-late-obotes-son-akena-declared-upc-president

UPC- ‘Press Statement: MUSEVENI’S RECORD AND LEGACY: DRIVING UGANDA TO CATASTROPHY’ (09.05.2001) link: http://www.upcparty.net/press/museveni_record.htm

UPC – Press Statement – (4th November 2015) link: http://www.upcparty.net/press/Press4Nov2015.pdf

UPC – ‘Press Release: Defying Olara Otunnu in defence of UPC’ (13.12.2011) link: http://www.upcparty.net/press/13dec11.htm

Sixth day of Presidential rallies in Uganda + JEEMA statement and more on NRM Primaries

NRM 14.11.15

This is one of those days. This is really not important because of all the lost lives in the terrorist attacks in Paris, France. We all have heard about those terrible events. But my sources keep feeding me material and I am humbly dropping it. The trail continues and here are the reports, there is still more to come since the rallies are continuing. So the feeds of that hopefully will serve you well on the Daily Monitor or something. New Vision will only show the beautiful sides of NRM. Get some balanced covering brother and sisters. Take a look!

Quote of the Day:

“Mbabazi says he was not in charge? JPAM got money for Northern Uganda, but he instead got a new Benz” – Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda

FDC 14.11.15

FDC – Rakai County rallies:

The FDC Team and the People’s President Dr. Kizza-Besigye are Rakai. They will be in Kakuto, Kyoteta, Rakai Town and other area. We are taking Power to the People. Kigwa Leero.

FDC 13.11.15 Rakai P1

Besigye in Rakai today: “It’s not going to be business as usual”

FDC 13.11.15 Rakai P2

NRM has rallies in Pakwach.

Message from NRM and YKM on the rallies today;

“I will wrap-up my campaign in Lango region today, thereafter move to West Nile starting with Jonam and Padyere counties in Nebbi District”.

NRM Pakwach 14.11.15

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the NRM Primaries:

“The problem is that we have careerism instead of mission centered leadership”

Message from the NRM: UPC doesn’t have a candidate in Kole for MP, so vote for Ssevo!

“Since UPC doesn’t have a Candidate, people sh’d vote for M7” – Acheng Joy Ruth, MP Kole district.

Deflection from UPC and FDC to NRM:

“Over a 1000 former supporters of UPC and FDC crossed over to the NRM and were introduced to the Chairman of NRM, President Museveni, by the Vice Chairman of NRM for Northern, Hon. Sam Engola” (The Insider, 2015).

Go Forward Manifesto:

Amama Mbabazi has postponed the release of their manifesto due to negotiations with the TDA and integration of TDA ideas into the planned manifesto for the candidate and his program. It was due for release for today, but is apparently not coming.

Prof Barya: He rallies in Butabala, Gomba. 

“Big salary increases are possible. It depend on how we strategically deal with it” (…)”For Ugandans the issue is very clear, Uganda is transforming so the track record of Museveni is clear”.

Abed Bwanika is having rally in Wakiso.

TIC Candidates:

Maureen Faith Kayala and Elton Joseph Mabirizi travels and rallies in Busia.

TIC Statement today:

MUSEVENI HAS ALREADY LOST THE 2016 ELECTIONS

Museveni lost this election the day he declared himself sole candidate in Kyankwanzi. The opposition won this election the day they fielded two fellow very strong and organised bush war heroes Amana Mbabazi and Kizza Besigye. Amama has ripped the NRM into two equal parts and added a significant DP Buganda and northern vote.

Besigye has consolidated his party’s support, the “hard core pro-change opposition support” prepared it for defiance, and has committed allies in the new opposition formations like The Independent Coalition TIC led by Joseph Mabirizi. These two streams; (Amama part- NRM – part DP) and FDC -TIC will converge at some point before election day – don’t worry.

Museveni’s political end will come when he tries to declare himself winner of the 2016 elections.

It is common sense. If the NRM is now split into two, where can Museveni get 50% + one vote to be able to win? Recall also that of the so called 11 million NRM voters on the NRM register, only 3.0 million voted in the recent primaries.

President Museveni should only be re-assured that he will be safe in his retirement.

Next up: 

Gen. Benon Biraaro is unknown destination for the day.

Side-Note – NRM Primaries malfunctions:

NRM EC orders fresh Mbale Municipality mayoral primaries due to ‘anomalies that marred the previous exercise. The NRM electoral commission has set Monday November 16 for Mbale NRM mayor elections.

Side-Note – NRM Primaries malfunctions II – Dr. Tanga Odoi:

“The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Chairman Electoral Commission, Dr. TangaOdoi has admitted that party elections district registrars and returning officers were involved in malpractice which led to cancellation of results in some areas” (…)”Speaking to the media at the party’s EC offices in Kampala, Dr. Tanga revealed that on a total of over 1200 petitions that were received after the party primaries, the commission has so far handled 500 while 300 have been handled by the team of lawyers that was set up recently” (…)“Some of the petitions that have been handled by EC are those where members were complaining about the conduct of our district registrars and the way elections were conducted,” Tanga said” (…)”He further revealed that the party has commenced conducting residual elections for those election areas that for one reason or another did not participate in the election of the recently concluded party primaries for the positions of District Woman MP, Constituency MP, LC V Chairperson and Lord Mayor”.

Side-note 3 – Parts of recent JEEMA Statement:

“JEEMA and our candidate of thoughtful choice Mr Mbabazi do not believe in political patronage. We believe in a one and the same economic empowerment of citizens. In fact, Mr Mbabazi testifies, for a long time to have advised Mr Museveni on this but in vain. We thus, together are for total economic liberation for all citizens” (…)”This is what practically candidate Museveni ought to have done over the last thirty years before focusing on the service industry. Unfortunately we had in place a well focused political regime only pre-occupied with survival instincts that include rendering the citizenry into economic limbo. In the new economic order, the nation will wake up to: Massive jobs to our youth in the countryside and a drastically reduced congestion in the only city a 52-year independent Uganda has” (…)”Thus far, JEEMA registers our deep gratitude to the international community’s first ever visible involvement in this electoral process. We also acknowledge the efforts of Mr Mbabazi in luring them—one of the reasons that informed JEEMA’s decision to back him” (…)”While we appreciate the increasing support rendered by JEEMA members and the general public toward Mr Mbabazi’s candidature, we urge you all to use your individual influence and build up the mobilization effort in favour of a legitimate cause of change that Mr Mbabazi represents. We are proud of you” (…)”FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY.”.

Written by Kaggwa Nsereko

Party Spokesman, Jeema

That must seem interesting. Peace.

Reference:
The Insider – ‘1,000 UPC, FDC fans joins Museveni ‘go forward’ (14.11.2015) link: http://www.theinsider.ug/1000-upc-fdc-fans-join-museveni-go-forward/