Oyam North By-Election: Return Form for Transmission of Results (06.07.2023)

Opinion: Mzee you cannot fool us now…

From the beginning we were telling you we are here for your good. I am not here looking for anything because I have got everything in my home. I have my cows and I’m not getting anything from the government. Even when we were fighting Idi Amin, we were not looking for anything personal” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (04.07.2023).

Maybe you could fool most people in the 1980s and in the 1990s. After the 2000s it became more hectic and after 2010s. Well, things has changed and after 2020… the whole charade is already over and the dogmatic stances of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and early National Resistance Movement (NRM) has become pointless.

President Museveni cannot sell this story anymore. His to wealthy, to rich and has vast fortunes. While his family is living lavish of the state coffers. The State House budget, the Office of the President and other confidential budgets are awash of slush funds for the President to spend. Meanwhile the enterprises, the businesses and the dealings from within is enriching him too.

So, the humble humility of the past isn’t believable. It doesn’t matter if he only traditional foods or wear only three pairs of knickers. Well, he might have a relaxed relations with his tailor too. Regardless, he has a budget and funds of abundance. He can spend like no tomorrow and the state reserves covers up the shortfall. That’s his gig and he can lie about it, but it doesn’t make it true.

That’s why these words to the people of Oyam North is false. We know and he knows it too. He just have to sound like the humble revolutionary and the average man. While his living the life of a billionaire and having luxuries, which others would die for. That’s why his convoy is so pristine and he has guns by a dozen around him at all times. He got to be guarded, his not only the Head of State, but the wealthiest man of the nation.

President Museveni and his family is the riches. They own the Republic and they eat from everything. They own farms, businesses and whatnot all around. There isn’t anywhere on the map in the Republic where the family of Museveni isn’t involved. It isn’t for a reason that the close kitchen cabinet and the family affairs becomes hectic or even turns into a national spectacle. That’s because their vast influence is everywhere. That’s done on purpose and for private profits.

The President can speak softly and say these things aren’t personal. However, he wouldn’t have fought in the bush or did the war, if it didn’t benefit him or his allies. That’s what it has done and the elite surrounding him is all anointed by him. Therefore, to say these things without hesitation says it all. This is who Museveni is and what his willing to say.

He wants to preserve an image that is long gone. His not the humble dude in the 1980s and fresh out of warfare. No, his a man who is in his advanced age and who has prospered under his own reign. The Republic haven’t developed in the same manner, but that wasn’t the point either. He has secured his family and his clan for generations. That’s what he has done…

We know better and he should know better too. However, we know he won’t adhere or listen to that. His to deluded to think otherwise. The delusion is real and he still thinks his a barefoot soldier coming from the bush. While his a wealthy man whose richer than god, telling poor people to live within their means. That’s what he does and he does it proudly too. Peace.

Opinion: A decade of uncertainty regarding the oil refinery…

Some things take time. Some things take even longer time. The oil exploitation and how it is launched has been a long time coming. They say “Change gonna come”, but is this it though?

Well, I don’t have the answers. The oil of Lake Albert and the Albertine Graben are contested. There already been false starts and cases, which has ensured new companies emerging over who is running the oil operation there.

To further the issue isn’t only the petroleum pipeline to Port Tanga, Tanzania. That was a long-fought case and Kenya was also in the mix. While the funding of that one is in jeopardy too. As several financial institutions and banks has said they are not willing to participate at this current time. Therefore, the EACOP is also a hard bargain in 2023.

So, at this stage we have seen Iranian, Russian, South Korean, and American businesses supposed to build and run an Oil Refinery in Uganda. We have seen them come and go since 2013. They have come with fanfare. Some has even stayed and talked with the President at Entebbe State House. However, nothing has come out of it and the agreements has been lost in the wind.

Because Baker Hughes General Electric (BHGE) and Italian Saipem has been part of it and had a plan. We have seen RT Global Resources and the Rostec trying to get the tender. At the earlier stages of this the Iranian Government tried to get a deal and be the one processing oil in Uganda. However, that went nowhere.

So, yesterday’s press release is telling. Albertine Graben Energy Consortium (AGEC) needs funding and cannot be built without it. It needs investors and people willing to risk into the project. As of today, there been several big companies involved and there two major companies who are securing the production of oil. That is Total and CNOOC, these are the ones who runs the oil fields and who has the exploitation rights. Therefore, these are vital to be in business with, regarding the oil refinery. As well, as the planned petroleum pipeline from the Albertine Graben and Kingfisher to Tanzania. That’s a hurdle to pass and won’t be a quick fix.

Just imagine the Republic, the Ministry and all stakeholders has all this time. They have had a viable project and possible money-maker. Regardless of how you look at it. The Government of Uganda could have initiated and ensured a quicker resolve. However, they have prolonged the agony and deals has gone south. There have been several companies involved, which has sold their rights to Total Energies. Therefore, there is a lot at stake here and certainly the government is at fault.

So, to see the Press Release saying it needs financing in 2023. It is dire. When the deadline for building the AGEC, which was launched about 2018 was in this year. That is something I remember. The Final Investment Decision (FID) is anticipated this year and then the construction of the oil refinery and other adjacent projects like the storage facility in Mpigi district was to commence. Meaning the refinery at Kabaale, Buseruka Sub-County in Hoima District is still on hold and so is the whole project. No matter who is a part of the AGEC, as long as there is no funding or funds. Things will not move or be procured.

There are snags already and issues that will bite it. The climate change activists and others will go after this one. While others want to stop it, as this is a cash-cow for the regime and the secretive deals are a shoddy way of feeding the dictatorship. Therefore, many banks and financial institutions can have various of reasons why not to partake or loan their money in good faith.

That the Government of Uganda and the AGEC is lacking funding for the Oil Refinery is a compelling case. That they are asking for bidders now. If they ever get anyone now. There will be strings attached and possible hefty price to pay if failing to payback or honour the agreement.

I am not surprised, but I am just shocked at how slow this one goes. Ever since 2013 things have moved back-and-forth. There has been so many companies and nations involved. However, nothing has manifested itself or shown to be the true deal. That must hurt the pride of the stakeholders and the ones in-charge. They are still fishing to finalize it. When they have a bargain and have the resources. Alas, that is the problem. They initiated this too late and never used the opportunity to get it earlier. That’s why they are hitting a snag.

We just have to wait and see, but the more twists and turns, the more issues that are to handle. This oil refinery saga is far from over. Especially, when the funds are missing, and no one want to take bill. No one wants to cover the costs and take the burden of investing in it. That means many finds it to risky to do so and wouldn’t dare to spend their money. It is not how you create steady progress or securing anyone’s future. Alas, here we are… Peace.

Opinion: Expensive paperwork…

“UPDATE: While appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism, it was discovered that the Ministry of Trade used UGX 400 million to transport documents from the Farmers’ House in Kampala to the stores in Entebbe” (NBS Television, 03.07.2023).

This doesn’t even bother me this much these days. There are so many crooks and so many who mismanage funds. That well, it is just another Monday and why be shocked by the wastage of funds. The Government of Uganda is already losing huge funds on corrupt dealing and excessive spending, which isn’t delivering services or needed facilities for the citizens at large.

Therefore, this news about misuse of funds to transport documents from Kampala to Entebbe isn’t a huge deal. In the grand scheme of things, it is a pocket change. One hefty pocket change, but regardless, not the biggest theft or the most worrisome scenario. It is just a further proof of the rot and the system that’s been made.

We all know that the transportation of documents isn’t that expensive. This is such a heavy burden and meaning the Ministry of Trade would use over 1,5 million shillings daily on transportation of documents between Kampala and Entebbe. That’s a heavy sum and no courier would ever take that much. Especially not for documents or papers. No, that’s a lie and it cannot be that expensive. They are not moving the documents from Kampala to Tokyo or Seoul or anywhere far.

No, this was taken on a very short journey. It is about 40 kilometres from Kampala to Entebbe and even an expensive special isn’t costing more about 200,000 (some even say 150,000) UGX from the Airport to Kampala. If you had hired that and sent the courier on the expensive special, it still wouldn’t suffice the cost. Meaning this is a sophisticated thieving and “excessive” spending for someone to pocket in the ministry.

This is just bonkers and outrageous. However, as always, there is nothing new under the sun. Another day, another missing funds. Peace.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni letter to Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke – “Brief on Bukedea District Chairperson BY – Election held on 14th June 2023 (26.06.2023)

Mabaati Scandal: The big fish is off the hook…

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) discontinued the prosecution of ministers and other top officials implicated in the iron sheets saga following the intervention of President Museveni, the Kampala Report has learnt. On Saturday, DPP Jane Frances Abodo said she had closed 17 files on the theft and diversion of iron sheets meant for Karamoja after they found that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed with 17 case files of suspects. This means Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among who had been implicated, will not be prosecuted” (Mike Opio – ‘REVEALED: More details emerge on why DPP dropped charges against Nabbanja, Alupo, Among in iron sheets scandal’ 25.06.2023, The Kampala Report).

You cannot make this stuff up, but it is apparently the case. The DPP is not charging several high-ranking officials. That means what we all suspected that some Ministers and people within the Office of the Prime Minster (OPM) would be the fall-guys or the ones that has to fall on the sword to let other off the hook.

This is the National Resistance Movement (NRM) after all. The famous NRM Way and its guidance to control and besiege power. That’s why the Vice President, Prime Minister and Speaker doesn’t get challenged or arraigned in Courts.

The Junior Ministers and low hanging fruits like Agnes Nandutu, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Amos Lugoloobi. Where all implicated and arraigned in the courts. While we are seeing others getting off the case and don’t have to answer for their actions.

It is very telling that there are certain people who can avoid the law and law enforcement. While others can be implicated, indicted, and charged over the same matter. It just shows how frail and personalized the law enforcement is.

The law and the codes of law should be blind to an individual. The Courts should arraign anyone involved no matter their position or office. Especially, if Rule of Law exists and is a given.

The Mabaati was stolen and didn’t go where it was intended to be. The Ministers and High-Ranking Officials took it for personal benefits. If it was to serve their constituencies or directly build on own properties. It doesn’t really matter, because the iron sheets were destined for Karamoja sub-region and not wherever the high-ranking officials reside.

This scandal just proves what we already knew and how the NRM operates. The NRM and the President speaks loud against corruption. However, when it is their own who does it… it just doesn’t matter and ceases to exist. That’s what they do, and the people are suffering. The NRM is there to eat, and they do it in plenty fold.

The public coffers are a slush-fund, and the development projects are excuses to find a decent meal. That’s how things are looking, and this isn’t good PR. Especially, if the NRM wants donors or want to build public trust. It is shattering how little concern they have for their own activities and looting. For everyone looking, it’s just another day and another scandal for the whole world to see. Peace.

Opinion: We knew PM Nabbanja wasn’t prepared or ready to be the PM

“Amongi, who spoke to media in an interview said they had a candid discussion about their roles in cabinet. “We met in the corridors of Parliament and she (Nabbanja) told me that she does not know anything about the duties of a prime minister. She told me she informed the president (Museveni) about the same but he asked her to be at ease,” says Amongi. “She says the president told her that all her speeches and documents will be written by a tecnical team that shall be given to her on request. She says the president told her she will only be reading what is availed to her on paper,” she adds” (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘“Nabbanja didn’t know roles of Prime Minister,” says Amongi’ 22.06.2023, Ekyooto.co.uk).

Hon. Betty Amongi have been really liberated her mouth to the press these days. First undermining other ministers and telling they only do speeches. To now tell that the Prime Minister wasn’t prepared or ready for her office.

No, one is shocked or in awe that Robinah Nabbanja wasn’t ready to be a Prime Minister. She isn’t that clever or that wise. Neither does she have vast experience or been in other positions that makes you believe she is fitted for it.

What Amongi is saying is that she is just doing what she’s ordered to do. Meaning she isn’t directing or running the Office of the Prime Minister. No, she is occupying it and have the title, but technocrats or bureaucrats are fixing the gig. While she is enjoying the perks and the honour of the office.

PM Nabbanja can also work with ease, as she has three deputies and some of them have long experience in government. Therefore, she can be a ceremonial PM and a face of the Government. Even if she doesn’t do much or even can fulfil the needs of her office. Because there is a massive workload and responsibilities of the OPM. That has been since the days of Mbabazi… and it has ballooned since then.

We can all act like this is funny and that Museveni appointed a clueless person on a whim. It has been done so the OPM is controlled by others and Nabbanja is only doing what is ordered to do or say. She is capable of acting in public, but behind closed doors her staff is directing her every move. That must be depressing, as she has finally reached the pivotal role and gained the prestige. However, she is not to be trusted and only do as she is told.

For a grown woman and a MP that must be disappointing. She isn’t trusted to function or have the oversight. Everything will just be fixed and she will walk in to prepared rooms. She don’t have to cook or clean, the events are there and she just have to utter prepared speeches. Nabbanja don’t even need to think, but just act upon request.

This is how Museveni micro-manage and has a stranglehold on government. That’s why there is little to no good news. Because he even has staff to fix everything for the PM. She don’t have to think or consider anything.

Nabbanja can just walk into the office and be told what to do. Then she does it and call it a night. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee don’t need working ministers…

“I was speaking to one of the ministers…he was joking with me and said when he was appointed a minister, he asked HE the President:   ‘What is the role of a minister now that you have appointed me?’ The President said: ‘Do not worry, yours…they write for you a speech. Just go and deliver, but make sure you have delivered it well,” Betty Amongi,Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development” (Daily Monitor, 22.06.2023).

If you ever wondered why certain ministers in the 80 Ministers cabinet, one Vice-President, one Prime Minister and three Deputy Prime Ministers. There is a reason why so many heads and offices exist. They are there to “deliver” speeches, but not sure of their roles. That isn’t strange either…

The cabinet is filled with duplications and massive undertaking of mandates. While several are under same portfolio and could practically serve the same purposes. In addition there are other government entities and other units, which also covers the workload too. So, it is not like all ministers need to a lot of heavy lifting. Because, technocrats, bureaucrats and even some civil society organizations fill the void.

It is really telling that the President since 1986 says this. A man who claims Ugandans are lazy and lack will to develop. When he has made a system of redundancy and over-bloated state apparatus. That’s what he has done and this is why Ministers feels like this.

If you ever wonder what Museveni has achieved. He has achieved to appoint several people to do the same job. The President has managed to create sort of a hectic system of entities and units, which are side-lining each other. In such a way that they are not sure what they should do or could achieve without a heads-up from the Head of State.

This quote from Hon. Betty Amongi only shows the true fashion and how things are operating in the Republic. The President don’t need working Ministers or people who knows their job. P

President Museveni is just saying he don’t need them to do much, but just acting honourable and deliver nice speeches in public. That’s all he needs… Peace.

Opinion: Mapenduzi MP just turn yellow…

“I don’t believe Uganda is a poor country. Its just a few crooks that enjoy fueling  the confusion happening in this country” Martin Ojara Mapenduzi (UBC, 14.06.2023).

“Bardege-Layibi division Legislator Martin Ojara Mapenduzi has finally resigned from the leadership of the Public Accounts Committee on Local Government after one and a half years of the opposition’s attempt to have him vacate this office. Immediately after his resignation, the ruling NRM appointed him to Head the Public Service and Local Government Committee a sectoral committee that is supposed to be chaired by NRM legislators” (NBS Television, 20.06.2023).

Some MPs are disingenuous and flagging their wrong colours. They use a party or a popular wave to get elected. Because they know the support and the popular voice will get them elected. However, when the work in the Parliament begins the true colours of the person is shown. The MP used the party and the popular politician to reach office. This isn’t new and has happen in all opposition party.

Today, we can see how someone is becoming a pawn of the NRM. When his supposed to be an independent MP. His looking like a mercenary and a hired gun for the NRM. He is serving the interest of the ruling regime and not being a honourable person to defy or pressure the government as an opposition member.

Just read his quote as his getting a new appointed position in Parliament…

“I did my part. I executed my mandate as a Member of Parliament. It has nothing to do with political party. Nothing to do with personal. It is about our rules dictates and it has a lot to do with the conduct of an individual Member of Parliament” – Martin Ojara Mapenduzi (NTV Uganda, 20.06.2023).

This is him taking responsibility for the impeachment and the removal of Hon. Francis Zaake from the office of Commissioner of Parliament in the 11th Parliament. Mapenduzi MP was happy to serve and be a loyal subject of the NRM. Now that paid him off and he got a new office as a price.

Therefore, the MP should do himself a favour and just join the yellow. It isn’t personal or about political parties. However, it is about integrity and honesty. Honestly the MP should be accountable for his actions… and should just act righteous for ones. He decided to eat and take no accountability for his actions. That’s why his giddy and happy for his good fortunes.

Mapenduzi MP do yourself a favour. You resigned or dropped the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ahead of the 2021 elections. After that you ran on an Independent Ticket while leaning on the NUP. However, that didn’t matter when you got in office and got power. That’s when you turned left and never looked back.

We surely know there is no integrity or moral judgement surrounding the MP. He will just serve and collect the silver coins as they are coming. The MP might act like his just following procedure and protocol. However, these actions tend to only appear or be involved in critical voices or dissidents. The same matters don’t happen to the NRM or the ones who speak ill there. Therefore, the MP isn’t serious when speaking like this.

His now following the crooks who is fuelling the confusion of the nation. Peace.

Oyam North By-Election: Engola Jr. Vs. Dr. Apio

The Oyam North By-Election scheduled for the 4th of July 2023 after the MP of the area was assassinated earlier in the year. Now it isn’t speculations anymore, but today and tomorrow the candidates for the race is finally finalized.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is following the trend and letting the son of the late Minister become their candidate, Samuel Junior Okello Engola. He will face several other candidates, but the most important one is the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Dr. Eunice Apio.

These are two candidates to look after and consider in this race. Freddy Newton Okello (FDC) and Daniel Okello (NUP) can participate and be vocal. However, everything will encircle the NRM and the UPC in this here race. That’s if the Oyam North By-Election follows the pattern of previous elections.

The ones in 2021, 2016 and such has all been surrounding the two mentioned parties. The others haven’t had a shot. Oyam North goes either to the UPC or the NRM. That’s how it goes.

Now with the demise of Charles Okello Engola there is maybe sentimental values or attachment, which will reach in favour of Samuel Junior. That’s what the NRM is banking on. Since they did the same happen in Omoro County By-Election and when NRM defied it… it happens again in Serere County By-Election. Therefore, they are just using a tested method to this one.

The NRM is running high on nepotism, and it isn’t that clever. That’s why Engola Junior has a shot to inherit the seat. Not because of his inner wisdom or experience. No, he will be another one of the cronies and silent culprits of the state. Just like the winner of the Omoro County By-Election. It is the same vibe, just another by-election.

Dr. Apio might be the best candidate overall, and she has been close to win in the past. The community and the district itself should know her by now. I’m just amazed that Charles Krispus Ayena didn’t run as a independent again. He could also be a viable candidate if you look at the same poll from the past.

That’s why the NRM vs. UPC is gearing itself up. That is the reality here. The National Unity Platform (NUP) and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) got nothing to gain here. They have no momentum or party allegiances to make it possible. These candidates can only undermine the UPC ticket and weaken it’s bid to overcome the NRM.

We know the NRM, and the regime will use all force in it. The region might look like a warzone in the 48 hours before the polls. It might also turn strange and pre-ticked ballots will come in a dozen of ballot boxes. Heck, there might be voter tourism from other districts to boost the numbers for the NRM. It is the sort of vibe of the nation and what they do to “win”. Peace.