South Sudan: Ugandan Deputy Prime Minister Kadaga should walk more carefully

It is not the first or the last time there will be diplomatic impasse or questions across the borders of Uganda and South Sudan. Juba and Kampala are working cordially and as friendly neighbours. Uganda has exported products and been a trading partner for a long time. This is why the Government of Uganda has helped out businesses and exports to South Sudan in general.

What is not working however is when the Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, Rebecca Kadaga comes with an ultimatum to the South Sudanese Minister of East African Community Affairs, Deng Alor Kuol. She did that in a letter dated to the 7th June titled “Request for the release and return of impounded trucks carrying Ugandan maize flour and other cargo”.

Yes, she is within her rights to ask the South Sudanese Authorities to release the vehicles and the drivers who are stuck in South Sudan. Nevertheless, the letter itself was a humble or a recognition of the state of affairs. The South Sudanese Authorities only doing protocol and ensure safety of the food that imported from Uganda. It is showing that the South Sudanese Authorities are concerned about what is imported and sold for human consumption. That should be applauded and not disregarded.

The truck drivers and the companies coming with the maize flour wasn’t there on donation drive or charity. This was business and they planned to unleash this maize flour on South Sudanese consumers. Therefore, the authorities just needed to do this and ensure the right of passage.

It is not a good look of a high ranking official to cry havoc over possibly poisonous food. This is maize flour that isn’t good for consumption. Alas, the Ugandan traders and companies thought they could dump this and sell it off in South Sudan. Because, they knew they couldn’t risk doing the same at home or within the Republic of Uganda.

The outcry of Kadaga to Alor Kuol is telling. The arrogance and bitterness of getting caught. She should know better and plea for the return of the trucks. That would have made sense. They were carrying dangerous food and we can be grateful that it didn’t hit the markets. As the maize flour could have poisoned people.

The South Sudanese Minister should hold this letter in contempt and the remedies of it too. It is like Kadaga wants to save face and shield the companies who was actively importing the maize flour. When they knew very well what they where bringing to South Sudan. It doesn’t happen by default, but as a “last resort” or “final destination”. Because, the Deputy PM knows this wouldn’t fly at home either. People wouldn’t accept the danger or the possible damage it would cause to consume this maize flour.

Kadaga is a disappointment here. She should know better, but apparently that’s too much to ask. Peace.

Uganda Law Society (ULS): Statement on Disruptive Events which transpired at the Supreme Court on 8th June 2023 (09.06.2023)

A Brief Look into the LoP Response to the State of Nation Address of 2023…

Just as yesterday, I went through the speech, the State of the Nation address of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. It would only be fair that I do the same to the Leader of Opposition, Mathias Mpuuga MP, and his retort to it. Not that I expect much or will be flabbergasted anymore. We have seen it all before and it is going in circles. I just hope there is more meat and less bones. That’s what I hoped for when I started to read the response.

The LoP dropped a huge document as a response, but I will bluntly just gaze at it and take the juiciest parts. In the same manner, as I did with the State of Nation Address. It wouldn’t be fair if digested it differently. Even if I have given more space to Museveni than the Opposition in this regard. That’s because Museveni is the Head of State and is the President. It is within these reasons why he gets more spotlight and questions of his actions. Then the LoP who is doing the same…

Last year the LoP dropped over 20 pages to address the SONA or State of the Nation of 2022. This year it was 2 pages drop and about the public wastage of COVID-19 tests and such. It wasn’t dwelling into the subject matters or the ideals of the speech. No, it was just looking at the blunt cost of the National Address and in that regard.

It is an understatement to say this is relaxed and the least effort. Maybe after last years response. He felt it was underwhelming and giving less feedback. Therefore, he could just address one simple point now and that’s the continues COVID-19 testing for public events at Kololo, like the SONA. However, that is a mute-point at this stage and not that interesting.

Secondly, the LoP didn’t dwell into the speech or even comment on the claims in it. Yes, the LoP and the Shadow Cabinet did boycott the proceedings. Nevertheless, just like I wasn’t at Kololo, the LoP could get access to the speech and retort to it like he should. Not just await the next plenary session and then maybe utter some words.

The LoP is within his rights and he should complain about the costs of 3 billion shillings for every event or the presiding activities of the President at Kololo. That is within reason… though I would expect so much more of his response to the SONA.

From an Opposition Standpoint, the whole two pages are disappointing. The ideals of the boycott and reasons for it should be so much grander. There are plenty of reasons not to show up or protest the government actions towards its dissidents. However, the reasoning and the response is lacklustre.

I’m disappointed in Mpuuga. He knows how this game goes and is a seasoned politician. This is forfeiting his role and not standing up for the principals. It just glazing it and making a mockery of it.

There was plenty of meat in the speech to make a feast on. That’s if he cared or was concerned about it. The LoP could have addressed it properly and not only talked about COVID-19 testing to attend the SONA. That is just the practical attendance and not even the objective of scrutinizing the speech itself. Even I did much more and I wasn’t even trying… Peace.

A brief look into the State of the Nation Address of 2023…

What more can I say to you? You heard it all” – Jay Z – ‘What More Can I Say’ (The Black Album, 2003)

Here we go again, and again, and again. This is the DJ Khaled with “another one” and “Listennn”. Well, we knew it was bound to happen and it’s sadly scheduled by law. That His Excellency, the Self-Styled President for Life, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was delivering his State of the Nation address to Parliament.

There is a reason why there is no real fanfare or joy for these occasions anymore. Just like Jay-Z dropped a song called “What More Can I Say” and Museveni should feel the same. Nevertheless, he never stops and with ease holding new speeches on a semi-regular basis. However, with time… it’s repetitive and a lot of fluff.

I will not deep dive into the matter. Only take a few quotes and say my peace about it. Because, that’s what I do… no guns or glamour. Just mere acknowledgement and move on.

PDM is saying; “Do it yourself; here is a grant from the government to your parish SACCO of UShs.100million, per year. Besides, the parish is near your home. Hence, no more excuses”. This is the strategy of PDM, the money is there, cheap and the Parish is near. Therefore no more excuses by the people who want to remain in poverty” (Museveni, 07.06.2023).

Well, if things was that easy Mr. President you would have done the magic bullet with Entandikwa in the 1990s. We know that didn’t happen and Museveni has launched several since. The PDM is just the latest rebrand of the same scheme and done so ahead of the polls. It is a cheap ploy and a trick to get the electorate hopeful for the future. Though we haven’t seen signs of it actually working with the predecessors either.

With our oil money, we shall be able to complete our targets of a Government primary school per parish and a Government secondary school per Sub-County. The railway, the electricity, technical and science education as well as some national roads, will be the elements our oil money will deal with. I intend to meet with the Petroleum Authority and the Oil Companies, to harmonise so that we do not miss the target of 2025 as the first oil date” (Museveni, 07.06.2023).

The President has been patiently waiting for the petrodollars to come his way. He has been anticipating and looking forward to the fortunes. However, with the way he has run the nation and the debt-ridden economy he has provided. The riches of the petrodollars might go to cover the shortfall and pay of debts. Because, the domestic revenue coming from it has to cover the recycled debts and the deficits his government has created. That it got to before it even considers to invest or suddenly have the funds to expand or even deliver government services to the public. It isn’t nice to say this, but when you have had re-occurring debts and not had revenue. The moment you get that… the creditors wants their cut and they should.

My stand on homosexuality has been repeatedly laid out to all and sundry. It starts with a few questions: “Why does somebody become a homosexual? Is it on account of genetic, hormonal or psychological reasons?” Discussions with our doctors and the other African doctors who had a conference with African Members of Parliament from 22 countries, unequivocally, led us to conclude, that homosexuality, is as a result of psychological disorientation at some point in one’s life- not genetic and not hormonal, as some of us initially thought” (Museveni, 07.06.2023).

If Museveni thinks his smart or wise, these sorts of statements doesn’t make him any friends in the donor communities or the ones who has been covering his lack of domestic revenue. Even if he thinks he got it covered with the future earnings of the oil in 2025, which he desperately needs now. Because, his becoming left behind and less accustomed to friendly gestures, as the time goes by.

He knew the Anti-Homosexuality Act would be troublesome. The old man should remember how he had to deal with it in the past. It is merely a decade since the last round. Now it is repeating itself and becoming a norm. While his getting the populist behind it and even the Opposition is numb on the question. Because, they all know that this is a popular sentiment. Even if it is targeting one minority and vilifying them. That’s what they do and it’s a cheap trick to have “delivered” something without doing anything in particular. It’s a gift that keeps giving and the gays are paying the price for the party.

I can just tell you… you don’t get wiser or smarter by listening to Museveni in 2023. No, it is the same-old same-old, which isn’t inspiring at all. We have heard the sentiments and most of the tales before. Just added a twist of the new type of means.

Well, however… bambi. I am tired of this. Goodbye. Peace.

Uganda Medical Association (UMA): UMA rejects any Inequality in Medical Internship Deployment (07.06.2023)

Opinion: Lubwama will be remembered [as a comedian and not as much as an MP]

There are some creative souls on this here earth and one of them was Kato Lubwama. He had planned to serve two terms in Parliament, but he only got to one. As an independent politician and MP was between 2016 and 2021.

As a politician he went out of the Democratic Party and decided not to join any party after that. What is striking isn’t only how he was able to entertain on the radio, but how he spoke his mind on Urban TV. This man could speak and make you laugh. That is a gift and not everyone who can do so.

Lubwama as a politician wasn’t a successful one. Not like he could crack jokes and get away with that in Parliament. As a Independent MP you don’t got much power either. Nevertheless, he still stood his ground and was one of the MPs who fought against the Age Limit.

In addition, as MP and a politician he fell out with Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and the National Unity Platform (NUP). As an Independent MP he stood tall and what he believed in. That’s why he got mad at the FDC and Besigye at one point mocked his credentials. Even a prolonged court case during his term to establish if he had educational papers or not.

While he fell out with the NUP as they stopped his time in office. The Bobi Wine wave and rise of NUP took his seat. That’s why he only got one term in Parliament.

While the years as a politician aren’t that memorable. The time as a radio presenter, comedian and even releasing music will linger on. We can wonder if ‘Solida’ the pressure group to regain the former glory of DP will stay now that his gone. Because the DP is now a coalition partner with the NRM and that’s far from the glory that the likes of Lubwama MP wanted.

Lubwama MP might wants a more resounding end to his life. A man who joked about it to his end. I cannot remember any legislation or policy reform that mattered. Neither seen or heard anything substantial done during his term.

He did however achieve things as a radio presenter and a comedian. Those things cannot be taken away from him. People should have good memories of the late MP and his life. He was a character and a vocal one at that. Peace.

Uganda: Ministry of Health – Update on Medical Internship (07.06.2023)

Opinion: The President is one-emergency-call away to fix Medical Evacuation for the Elites…

“None of us (government officials) is going to die in Mulago because there is no medicine. If there is no medicine, [we] will call the President and he will put [us] on a plane and take us to America. We are not victims of corruption.” IGG Beti Kamya urges civilians to report corruption cases, highlighting their victimhood instead of top government officials” (NTV Uganda, 02.06.2023).

I don’t know about you… but the Inspector General of Government (IGG) Beti Kamya frankness in regard to corruption or mismanagement of funds within the Ministry of Health is telling. The ability to not see how arrogant and entitled she where. Well, that is astonishing.

Kamya has gone far in this world. She has maybe not able to retain her seat as an MP in Parliament. Nevertheless, she has become a Minister for one term and the IGG after that. The President has appointed her and kept her in high regard. If he didn’t consider her or see any value in her loyalty. He would have dumped her as Senior Presidential Advisor or become a Residential District Commander (RDC) in a god-forsaken up-country district, which she would rarely visit and only be there during certain celebrations.

Alas, Kamya isn’t that wise or considerate. She is just showing what we knew, but she is saying the silent part out loud. We know that the “high above” needs a say in most things. Now we know his the ones issuing orders and being the guardian of the Medical Evacuations of Ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs) or the general elite. The ones who get treatment in India, United States of America or somewhere in Europe.

She said his a call away and get them on a plane. The IGG is practically telling the citizens how Oulanyah got the treatment in Seattle. The way we know others has been airlifted to Nairobi or further away too. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) takes care of its own, but doesn’t consider the rest.

We know the President isn’t a call away from the ones who works within the bounds of the gig-economy or the civil servants who can go months without pay. These have to die in the hospitals without additional help. However, if you are a part of the anointed elite and in high regard of the President. Then you can anticipate the services of the Uganda Airlines and get visa’s or medical passes to get treatment in the West. That’s what Kamya is saying she didn’t see anything wrong in it either.

The public shouldn’t be privy to it. We all know it happens, but it shows how bad it is. It isn’t like these things are new in the Republic either. However, it shows how the state has failed its own and how the President has spend on airlifting patients and pay for their services. This just shows how the Ministry of Health isn’t a concern or even a priority. That’s because the ones in-charge and the ones in the elite can easily get away and it’s one call away.

The President can just a word and a nod. Then he will give them a thumbs up and the sick patient is in the air. That’s not how these things are supposed to work. It shows that the elites, the NRM and the President has already given up on getting treatment at home. They are all just eagerly calling the President and getting it resolved. That’s easier than ensuring the proper people working in the fields, logistics around the medicine and the machinery for all sorts of treatment. No, that takes commitment and investment. It is easier to just fix a ride on a plane and call it a night. Peace.

Opinion: Electoral Reforms are pointless under the current regime…

“I reminded the meeting that we live under a military dictatorship that disregards the rule of law, undermines state institutions, and maintains power through family rule. Gatherings like this one are only tolerated because the regime does not perceive them as a serious threat to its ultimate goal of retaining power. I added that in terms of democracy, Uganda has regressed to 1973, with a more cunning and strategic version of Idi Amin now in control. Thus, discussions on democracy and reforms may occur, but they will likely remain confined to conference rooms and not translate into tangible change until we recognize that our primary duty is to remove the Museveni dictatorship” (Bobi Wine, 01.06.2023).

The push for Electoral Reforms by a Joint Opposition is without merits under the current regime. The elections and the polls are only done to legitimize its rule and the ballot will not have any value. The ballots and the elections are only done to make belief of a democracy, which isn’t there. A way of looking smart and brilliant, but behind the façade the truth is there.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is clear in his stern message. After listening to the speech on YouTube. It was surely obvious the sentiment and the powerful words that was used. Everyone should know by now and there shouldn’t be any doubts either.

Bobi Wine and the Opposition should know by heart that they have “no say or ability” to change things. Even if they change the Electoral Laws… would the NRM and Museveni comply?

They do whatever it takes to retain power and grab it. The laws, the constitutional order or anything else comes second. The misuse of power and oppressive mechanisms are used to silence critics or get rid of dissidents. Therefore, the opposition is within rights to question the legitimacy of the proceedings.

We have seen before that the Opposition and Opposition Leaders has called for Electoral Reforms. The Electoral Reforms that have come in recent years has only benefited the President and his Party. That being the Age Limit or the massive gerrymandering to ensure a superior majority in Parliament.

The elections of 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021 is a testament to this. We have seen different leaders who haven’t only challenged Museveni but has beaten him. Still, he has rigged it and ensured the pyrrhic victory every single time. If it Ssemogerere, Besigye or Bobi Wine winning. They all ended up losing because Museveni said so.

You could change the laws and the Electoral Commission at this very time, and it wouldn’t matter. Just like there been other chairpersons and people in-charge of the EC but it hasn’t really mattered. Just like there been other judges and other people in office in the judiciary, but the results or the verdicts are all the same.

No can be surprised in 2023 that there is no hope for victory against Museveni. There is no chance and especially not in his system. This is all incorporated and organized in his fashion. His words are the law and the others are just his servants. Therefore, believing amendments or repealing of laws would make a difference is naïve. The President would only allow that if it served his purpose or plans.

That’s why his allowing the conference and meetings of the Opposition. His not afraid of this and it’s just keeping them busy. They won’t achieve much and it’s only keeping them pre-occupied. Therefore, why bother right?

Well, the ideals are fine. The citizens should have a say and their votes should matter. However, right now it’s only one man who matters and the rest just must follow. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee is preparing people for “Biya”

Now the issue of the standby generator group, that one I am handling with Muhoozi Kainerubaga and his group. This issue of Muhoozi is partly due to the weaknesses of the NRM” (…) “Within the army itself, there was also some corruption & Gen Muhoozi Kainerubaga had been very strict on that. So that’s why I saw that there was some sort of resistance movement within the resistance Movement” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (31.05.2023).

Well, well, well, the project continues and succession is sooner or later in order. That is very clear. Because, the President since 1986 haven’t spoken like this before. Not to my recollection. It is telling and says a lot.

President Museveni is now preparing people for the reign of his son. He is saying that his son is capable leader and a commander. It doesn’t have to be true or honest even. No, it just have to be portrayed that way. The President have to make people believe that his son is ready and able. However, that might not be true and wouldn’t be the case.

He wants us to believe there is an internal fraction or a wing, which is resisting. If they really where resisting. They wouldn’t all have been sitting in the garden and talking to the President would they? He would have acted like he has done to the NRM MPs who has defied orders and voted against the will of the “high above”. So, please I don’t buy this story…

I would buy this story, if it was leaked and suddenly a newsroom, a newspaper or a media house was stormed, raided and not allowed to publish stories for a week or so. That would have made this believable. Since that what happen when the news broke out about “Project Muhoozi”.

This here is just to fairytale-y and not so trustworthy. You know… it lack substance and character. A lot of hot air, but not a cup of coffee or a taste of tea. No, the President is trying to fool us and acting like Muhoozi is bloody brilliant.

We all know he isn’t that clever or witty. We know he doesn’t have the character or the charisma to pull it off. His only mentioned and able to get public traction because his pays for it and hires people to his MK Movement. The moment the wells runs dry and he got no drinks. His buddy will go to the next gig and find themselves a new master. They are hired guns and soldiers of fortune. These folks won’t be there out of moral values or belief in the cause. No, they are only there, because they hope Muhoozi is the next meal-ticket.

Museveni knows all of this and can read the room. He wants to shake up the NRM party and make a fool out of the entitled elites, which are surrounding him. The President wants them to act and follow his command. That’s why his speaking this way and making a mockery attempt of a make believe scenario. Like there is a powerful wing with the NRM for Muhoozi. Yes, there are some behind him and some has been “sponsored” to run as MPs by Muhoozi. However, his still a marginal player and only with a burdensome name…

Muhoozi will take the credit and feel vindicated by his father. His father didn’t only mention him, but give him a pat on his back. That must make the son giddy. Nevertheless, we know the gig and the reason for this. It is to prepare and usher in a new era. This isn’t done out of the goodwill of the President heart or anything.

No, this is only done to give way to Muhoozi and slowly let the tide turn his way. That’s the gig here and it’s so obvious. Gen. Sejusa warned us all and now Museveni is playing ball. Peace.