Opinion: Mutabazi only thinks about his own needs…

Joshua Mutabazi whose candidature for Bukimbiri County (Kisoro) seat was withdrawn by his party, NUP in favor of FDC candidate James Owebeyi has crossed to NRM” (NTV Uganda, 10.08.2022).

It wasn’t long ago that the National Unity Platform (NUP) withdrew their candidate in the up-coming by-election in Bukimbiri county in Kisoro district. It is just mere days since the effects of the Unity Statement came into affect and made the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) the “sole” candidate of the opposition in the by-election. However, as things are turning, the words of the 19 year old student surely turned bitter.

The not so seasoned politician who showed finesse character. Has had a change of heart. We don’t know what swayed him or what the National Resistance Movement (NRM) offered the young man. Whatever it was… it wasn’t serving the nation or the struggle for liberation. No it was most likely for his own needs and not what the country needed.

Just read his statement as he withdrew his candidacy just the other day…

Joshua Mutabazi statement:

But if, its for the people, but if it was for liberation, but had it been for us then why wait long. We cant keep claiming condemning and consoling. I choose to bridge the struggle but most importantly draw lines between what one needs and what the country needs. What the country needed a decade back was our leaders to be one, we are late. Its my turn, I wont delay therefore announce my withdrawal from the parliamentary seat by-election of the latter mentioned jurisdiction in favor and full support for united struggle. As the country’s need to have united forces of Change ages daily, I and my party decided to take it upon ourselves. If you have ever experienced injustice and by the ungodliness, then you are a candidate to stand against the same. “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. Matthew 23:11-12-11-12 MSG If you are unwilling to make an early sacrifice in life, you’ll be beggars and slaves to the men who did” (Joshua Mutabazi – STATEMENT ON MY WITHDRAWAL FROM THE BUKIMBIRI COUNTY PARLIAMENT SEAT BY-ELECTION, 06.08.2022).

The young man knew perfectly well the deal and what sort of struggle it is out there. The path that his chosen is a road for himself. That is with whatever cherries or dealings the NRM has offered. This is short-term benefits, but in the long-run… his not useful or anything of value for the NRM. No, his just another bought cadre who they were able to corrupt ahead of a by-election. He will be useful as Ashburg Katto or anyone else taken from the NUP. The associates of Bobi Wine who turned the other way.

Mutabazi haven’t even carried himself in a whole campaign. He did the right thing and said the words that was wisely written in the statement. As the party in their efforts of solidarity and planned joint-ventures had to drop-out of certain races to show unified front against the NRM. That’s just a mere fact and Mutabazi isn’t the only one who had to withdraw and won’t be the last either. Especially, if the parties continues with this practice and belief of joint-campaigning to show a vast difference from the NRM.

Mutabazi is unwillingly to sacrifice and will become a beggar or a slave to the system. That’s the choice he made… when he decided not to follow the struggle, but took a choice for his own ends. The young man is in his rights to do so, but he abandoned the struggle and the life of sacrifices. He has chosen the life of cronyism and becoming corrupted by the regime itself. That’s why he gave up on trying to be part of change, but instead joining with the status quo. It is tragic, but that’s the path he has chosen.

When you have opened this door, there is no turning back. People know what you do and who you are. You weren’t the man you made to believe. Instead you sold out and that will forever be a stain on your name. That’s the choice he made and now he has to deal with it. Peace.

Opinion: The Speaker investigates the MP and not the corrupt practice itself…

We know that the Speaker of the August House is partisan and works directly for the interests of the state. This is why the actions of National Unity Platform (NUP) MP for Bukoto South, Twaha Kagabo sparks this reaction. Not because Speaker Anita Annet Among cares about these things, because she clearly don’t, but instead see it as a means to an end. She can use the allegations and the retraction of the payout to start an investigation.

That Kagabo MP used his platform and his titles to unleash these funds. Just shows how the state operating and how easy access to bribes there are for the MPs. The state can so easily payout and give them kickbacks for their services. However, the speaker isn’t interested in that and neither is the National Resistance Movement (NRM). They don’t want to exposed or shown how they “eat”. No, they want the man who told and spelled it out punished. He dared to speak out and unleash the truth to the public. That’s why Speaker Among reacts now.

In this manner she has shown her conduct and her will:

Honourable Members, yesterday the media was awash with news of a Member of this House allegedly seeking to return some money whose sources and intentions are unknown. The member in question is Hon. Twaha Kagabo, MP Bukoto South. He was reportedly carrying money in cash seeking to deliver it to some offices within the precincts of Parliament. Hon. Members, the code of conduct for Members of Parliament is well enumerated in appendix F of the Rules of Procedures which amongst others deals with personal conduct, corruption, public trust and improper use of payment. The actions of the member threatens the integrity of this House. I accordingly invoke Rule 175 (1) (b) of the Rules of Procedure and refer the Member to the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline. The Committee should investigate the Member’s conduct and report back within one (1) month. Hon. Members, in a bid strengthen evidence-based legislation, the Parliamentary Commission has established three (3) resource centres fully equipped with computers and printing services; in the Library, development House and Kingdom Kampala. The Clerk has shared the details of their locations on your e-mails. Please make the best use of those resource centres to boost your input in the legislative process” (Anita Annet Among, 09.08.2022).

What is striking from the Speaker is that “sources” of the cash is supposed to be unknown. While the traces of that could be found on accounts and the meeting-point of wherever the MPs could get it. They tend to have a “rendezvous” point and get the monies from a courier. That’s how the stories usually goes, especially the payments that isn’t coming as salaries or added perks in their office. Therefore, the Speaker is acting ignorant, when she knows the practice herself and has “pocketed” funds this way too.

What is even more striking is that she issues an investigation into the manner of which he showed up with the cash. That this was an act of weakening the integrity of the Parliament. However, the Deputy Speaker by being the man who so easily voted to salvage ROKO during last month is more substantial in damage of the reputation and how the procedural works of the National Assembly is. Nevertheless, his part of the tribe and one-of-them so he can walk-it-off. That’s why the investigation will certainly make him a victim and punish the MP. Because, he dared to question a “suit” or “brown envelope”. He was just suppose to eat it and be silent. It was “free” money and it was given to serve a purpose.

The Speaker isn’t defending the integrity, instead she is showing that corrupt practices doesn’t matter, but the publicity of it is another case. If the MP hadn’t said a word or tried to expose the rot in the Parliament. Well… he would have eaten and had a peaceful day. However, he chose to enlighten and show up to reimburse the funds. That’s why his said to be corrupt and like his the only one, which is silly. The “rendezvous” point and the courier most likely had “envelopes” for a majority and they took it. Nevertheless, the Speaker and the like wants us to be believe his the only one. That cannot be true and it wouldn’t serve a purpose to only pay him. That’s just the nature of the game and how you get things moved.

Speaker Among proves yet again to be partisan and work in favour of the NRM. She isn’t a person who works for the state, but works for interests of one party. That is evident. This is why the NUP MPs get into trouble and her own don’t have to worry about a fly. Peace.

Bukimbiri County By-Election: The NRM is ready to repeat what they did in Soroti East…

We’re very ready to gain that victory in all the remaining by-elections in Gogonyo, and Bukimbiri. Our teams are already on the ground and we hope to repeat what we did in Soroti,” NRM party EC boss, Dr. Tanga Odoi said” (The New Vision, 05.08.2022).

The ones that believes the two by-elections scheduled for 11th August 2022 will be free and fair. Well, I hate to say it in advance: “It will not be”. Because, the National Resistance Movement are already prepared and Dr. Tanga Odoi know what went down in the Soroti East By-Election. So, the truth is in those words and the public shouldn’t be hoodwinked.

The Prime Minister Nabbanja flew in with a helicopter to campaign together with other high ranking officials who is in the area. They are clearly ensuring the path of victory and having the manpower to “ensure victory”. If that being Dombo or NRM operatives on the ground. These will do whatever it takes and that shows with how the NRM has invested in the PM to be there.

Here are some more important statements into the race, which we will be run like Soroti East…

The PM:

PM Robinah Nabbanja, pitches camp in Kisoro to campaign for NRM flag bearer, Eddie Kwizera Wa-gahungu ahead of this week’s Bukimbiri by-election. Nabbanja rallied the locals to support Kwizera, if promises and pledges of gov’t are to be fulfilled” (91.2 Crooze FM, 08.08.2022).

Joint Candidacy of the Opposition:

Kampala, Uganda: The National Unity Platform (NUP) party has withdrawn its candidate in the Bukimbiri county by-election, in order to jointly support James Owebeyi, a candidate for the Forum for Democratic Change-FDC party. Voting in Bukimbiri is scheduled to take place on August 11, 2022. The by-election stems from the court of Appeal’s decision to nullify the victory of Kwizera citing irregularities following a successful application by Owebeyi” (Flash TV Uganda, 07.08.2022).

Joshua Mutabazi statement:

But if, its for the people, but if it was for liberation, but had it been for us then why wait long. We cant keep claiming condemning and consoling. I choose to bridge the struggle but most importantly draw lines between what one needs and what the country needs. What the country needed a decade back was our leaders to be one, we are late. Its my turn, I wont delay therefore announce my withdrawal from the parliamentary seat by-election of the latter mentioned jurisdiction in favor and full support for united struggle. As the country’s need to have united forces of Change ages daily, I and my party decided to take it upon ourselves. If you have ever experienced injustice and by the ungodliness, then you are a candidate to stand against the same. “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. Matthew 23:11-12-11-12 MSG If you are unwilling to make an early sacrifice in life, you’ll be beggars and slaves to the men who did” (Joshua Mutabazi – STATEMENT ON MY WITHDRAWAL FROM THE BUKIMBIRI COUNTY PARLIAMENT SEAT BY-ELECTION, 06.08.2022).

That Mutabazi (NUP) is withdrawing his candidature is in line with the united forces in the by-elections. This means the NUP and FDC will combine their efforts and be behind one candidate in the race. It shows that the statement released after the Soroti East By-Election is in effect. The parties are coordinating and ensuring the possible best outcome.

The FDC Owebeyi was able to pull off the petition in the courts after the General Elections of 2021. However, now in the By-Election it is a whole other breed. The state will use all means and tactics. The NRM EC Chairman is even saying it out loud. Expect it to become a military exercise. We should expect mass-arrests, pre-ticked ballots and other malpractices to ensure “victory” of the NRM flag-bearer. That’s how they are doing it and it’s so obvious.

That’s why I have little to no faith in the opposition in these races. Not because I want the NRM to win. I do want anyone else than the NRM to win. However, the way they operate and continues to take the elections. The will of the people isn’t the vital one. It is the total annihilation of the opposition. That’s the goal and the objective…

I don’t see a positive outcome. The FDC flag-bearer James Owebeyi could be a genuine man and an honest actor, the best sort of candidate, but that doesn’t matter. Because, the state is preparing their machine and rigging. The FDC polling agents and activists will soon feel the agony of facing the state. They are getting into the firing line and they tend to answer with brutality. To think otherwise is to be naive in 2022… Peace.

Gogonyo County By-Election: The NRM is soon winning on “walk-over” here…

The NUP candidate Mr Joseph Okoboi Opolot announced in a press release dated August 7 that he is pulling out of the race in the forthcoming by-election of Gogonyo County in Palisa District. A few days ago, FDC withdrew its candidate in favour of NUP. NRM’s candidate Orone Derrick who has been the incumbent MP is almost unopposed with the withdrawal of his major rivals” (Emmanuel Busingye – ‘BREAKING: NUP Gogonyo candidate bows out of race’ 07.08.2022, Ekyooto.co.uk).

The 11th August 2022 can just appear in Gogonyo County By-Election, by all means the results are already appearing and announcement is pure victory of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Some are already saying that the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) shouldn’t have trusted the National Unity Platform (NUP). However, it wasn’t long ago that the FDC barely could have a candidate in the Omoro By-Election after the NRM pulled a similar stunt on their first candidate there. So, the FDC should know this game and understand the trickery that the NRM is pulling.

It is tragic that this is happening in Palisa district. The election is now barren and close to pointless. The NRM is as close as running unopposed and has no real competition. The NRM could just be sworn-in and be a part of the 11th Parliament now. Especially after the late pull-out of the NUP Flag-bearer.

The joint candidacy of the opposition is meant as a good way of organizing the campaigns and strengthen the parties ahead of the polls. Since, the NRM uses the state machinery and the authorities to ensure victory. The elections are hallow and so barren of democratic principals. That the idea is well founded and shows unity. Alas, it also has a backside when the NRM and the authorities are able to corrupt their candidates.

The FDC saw what happened with the self-abducted original flag-bearer in the Omoro County By-Election. So, let us not forget about the tales of Denis Dickson Owani this quickly. Just as he “escaped” and the FDC was able to field a substitute. The authorities and the NRM was able to pull this off much later… which means the NUP and FDC isn’t capable of replacing Opolot either. That’s the tragic thing here.

The NUP is at fault to not ensure total loyalty to the cause and that he would properly stand for election. However, the same greed that ate Owani has now corrupted Opolot. That is the gist of it here.

That gives way for Derrick Orone who is contesting for the same seat for the second time in two years and this time around he has practically no real competition. This means that this By-Election is already cooked and ready to be served. Peace.

Opinion: Museveni’s address unravels his inaction

During Amin’s time, this small economy of producing raw materials collapsed. When we came, its only coffee and tobacco that were surviving. We came in to transform the economy from dependency to self-sufficiency” – President Museveni (05.08.2022).

The sheer amount of speeches addresses made by President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni is fatiguing. That the old man can speak for hours on end and time-travels as he does it. It seems like one of the few past times he actually appreciate and is maybe the reason why he does it. Because, he doesn’t say much new or compelling for that matter.

The President is just showing that he haven’t built a robust economy. His Excellency haven’t opened up for an industrial revolution. Neither is the Republic ready to go electric. The houses aren’t able to be electrified on a massive scale. So, why should the public go for electric cars, boda-boda’s and whatnot? When there is blackouts, loadshedding and lack of electricity up-country. The Republic aren’t prepared or have the tools to make it sufficient yet. Secondly, who can afford the electric cars and be able to charge them in-and-around Kampala for matter? A very few and they better be have an expensive insurance to make sure they get home. If their “luck” strikes with low battery and a serious blackout.

The same President that speaks of suddenly care for the Railways. A depilated and forgotten industry. A sort of tale not doing anything since the colonialist built it. The shoddy networks and lack of investment in it for years. Makes it less viable for transport of goods and not even an option for commute for people. That’s why the sudden care and will to speak of it seems like an ancient idea coming back to life. However, there aren’t much in the budgets or funding to make an attempt of reviving it.

Some people think politics is just talking and going to weddings and funerals. From the beginning, NRM told you that politics is a matter of life and death. If you handle politics badly, you will end up with bad results” (Museveni, 05.08.2022).

Mzee is really going in circles because he knows by the grapevine that the public are struggling with the inflation. However, his government will not do any or show any concerns about it. The taxes and the rising prices just has to be sustained. That’s why his talking yet again of not eating bread, adding additional rice and saying there are other solutions like cassava. This President don’t intend to do anything. While lecturing people on not buying second hand clothes. When there isn’t an industry of producing clothes that is there to begin with. Those sorts of stories just shows what sort of mess the President is at.

A President that has had over 36 years in office. Seemingly unaware or unbothered with the plights, pains and suffering of the people. That’s because his so shielded from the life of the citizens. This is why his returning on the screens and on the radio. Like an emperor who just have to order people around and give directives on the spot. Certain minister will now scramble and the PR team will now make the best of it. Kiira Motors will be stressed and so will other entities as well. Because, now they are supposed to be on the levels of Ford or Skoda for that matter.

If the old man thinks these sorts of addresses helps him. Well, I hate to say it, but it doesn’t at this point. It only shows how his regime, his legacy and all his work is tarnished. He don’t have the tools to transform or equip the nation to change to electric. Neither has there been policies, investments or at a scale to make it possible. That’s because the army has been the priority and the life-line of his reign. If the army had been the standard of good living and a prosperous nation, than Uganda would be utopia by now. However, that’s not how people live or people earns a living. He might not get that. Because, his addicted to power and only breathes by recognition.

The President in the likes of yesterdays address only undermines himself. Because, the talk of change from petrol to electric. Isn’t done swiftly and neither is there infrastructure to make it happen. That takes time, money and will, which never been there. This is why we know the petrol cars will run supreme and for ages to come. Since this man and his party cannot afford to do otherwise. This party cannot even stop the usage of kavera or polythene bags in the markets. Even if they have abolished and “stopped” the practice several of times.

So, it would be better for Museveni to hang up the mic and be mute for moment. Until, he and his cronies can actually achieve something. This is all posturing and big-talk, “hot-air” and wasted energy. Museveni could have used these hours to grazed his cows instead. That would have at least done the cows a service.

This speech was a waste of time… and we know the drill. His soon returning for yet another edition. Peace.

Opinion: Among acting as a Speaker and LoP

“Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has rejected LoP Mathias Mpuuga’s decision to replace Ojara Mapenduzi as chairperson of the Local Government Parliamentary Accountability Committee with FDC Gilbert Olanya. Anita, who presided over plenary on Tuesday, insisted that Ojara’s committee is still working on key reports. “I am also aware the committee is in its final stages of reporting on the Auditor General’s Findings for the financial year 2020/21,” the Speaker said” (Jonah Kirabo – ‘Speaker Among blocks NUP from removing Mapenduzi from Local Government committee’ 03.08.2022, Nile Post).

The Speaker of the 11th Parliament this week rejected parts of the Leader of Opposition mini reshuffle of the Shadow Cabinet. The LoP is the one in-charge of the Shadow Cabinet and the ones that appoints the members of it. This is not the duty or the position of the Speaker to withhold.

However, she has already involved herself in using a social media post to launch a campaign and investigation into opposition Member of Parliament Francis Zaake. A man who lost his additional office and post in the Parliament. So, her actions stopping the removal of Ojara Mapenduzi is following a pattern. That is obvious.

Things are to personal and too close to home for the Speaker. She wants to not only control all parts of the Parliament, but also have a say in everything. I wonder, would she have blocked Norbert Mao from becoming Minister? Would she have dared to stop the removal of former Minister Justice because she liked him? Well, I don’t think she would dare to question or even consider asking about a motion or a protocol from the Head of State. No, she is just accepting and moving on.

The Speaker is playing impartial and acts like this for a reason. It seems like the opposition was an ally and the loss of prominence hurt her case. The LoP should be able to and be able to reshuffle the cabinet as he pleases. Just as the President can appoint and remove ministers. That’s their position and their offices. Yes, you can question the characters and wonder if they are fit for the job. However, the LoP is duty bound to have a shadow cabinet and the President to appoint his. The Speaker is just there to preside and ensure the appointees get into office through the right procedures- However, here she is indirectly telling the LoP to keep a member, which he deems unfit.

Would Among ever do that to Museveni about a Cabinet member?

The answer to that is a “no” and shouldn’t even think of double-crossing or questioning his reasoning. She is there to serve and collect salary. That’s why reading about the blocking of the LoP is infuriating. Since she is not doing her job but acting as she can control and decide for the LoP. Which isn’t her role.

Speaker Among should know better, but she prefers to be hostile and interfere in other people’s business. She acts like an overlord in Parliament. In this regard she isn’t securing business of the Parliament going as scheduled, but instead take a stance on how the LoP operates. Which she has already done once with the removal of Zake from another office in Parliament.

The Speaker should review her own actions and start to question if she is the problem or the one with serious issues. Since she wants to be the LoP and the Speaker at the same time. That’s how it’s looking to me. Peace.

Opinion: 4 MPs issues a Motion to praise the SONA 2022 to get some recognition…

When it comes to the recent high commodity prices, caused, initially, by the re-launch of the world economy after the two years of lockdown and, additionally, by the war in Ukraine, our decision, after careful analysis, is to avoid the traps of tax cuts and subsidies” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (07.06.2022).

It is really a spectacle when 4 Members of Parliament uses time and energy to make a motion to praise the President for a speech he held on the 7th June 2022. The 4 MPs saw it fit and usage of their valuable time to speak of the glory of His Excellency. They are having a ceremonial act and showering the old man with the hat with positive vibes.

These MPs are:

Mover: Hon. Emely Kugonza, MP Buyanja East County

Seconder:

Hon. Michael Bukenya Iga, MP Bukuya County

Hon. Sarah Kayaga Netalisire, Namisindwa DWR

Hon. Okot Boniface Henry, MP Youth Representative Northern

It is really amazing that Kugonza MP, Bukenya Iga MP, Kayaga Netalisire MP and Okot MP who are all in on it. These 4 MPs have used their time in office to file a motion of praise and appreciation of the State of the Nation Address of 2022. That’s what they are using their time on.

This is clearly done so the President and the State House notice their existence. They wants to score-some brownie-points and get goodwill from the old man. The MPs wants to shed a positive light and show loyalty. They are using their time to give credit to inaction and lack of concern to the rising prices, the inflation and the lack of government help in the middle of crisis. That’s what the MPs are doing and it should be called out.

Going solar:

Once the solar powered irrigation pumps are on the market, the Government will buy them for some of the co-operatives or farming villages, where one pump can be shared by a number of small farmers” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

The MPs wants to envision the empty pledges which is so common placed in any speech from the President. The MPs must look forward to get “solar powered irrigation pumps” because I think that’s a mirage. The President promise a huge leap when he in the last period or last term was proud of bottle-Irrigation as a way of solving irrigation cheaply. This is just following the pledges of the President during the lockdowns, which was Village-TVs and Village Radios… that no one ever saw. Therefore, people should expect the same of the “solar powered irrigation pumps” as with other pledges, which shows this will never happen under his reign. It is to costly, a big burden and it will not be sustainable…

They are directly acknowledging a speech with this sentiment:

Another danger to our rapid social-economic transformation is the corruption of political actors and Public servants who do not only steal government money, thereby denying the population the services that money would have provided, but they also parasite on our business people. Business people and investors, do not feel beholden to these parasites. Expose both their requests for bribes and their schemes for frustrating those that do not pay bribes. Action will be taken for the benefit of the business atmosphere in the country” (Museveni, 07.06.2022).

It is really vivid when someone calls people insects and parasites. This is a posture and tough talk, as his government is known for being corrupt and accepting graft. The same government that promoted and was proud of the “Presidential Handshake”. That way civil servants got kickbacks for photo-copying papers in a court trial winning the state money. The same President and Government calls the corrupt parasites. This doesn’t add up and still the MPs wants to sing psalms in the Plenary Sessions for greatness of the State of Nation Address of 2022. That sounds stupid, right?

So, I don’t get what the MPs are seeing in this speech. Unless, they are only doing this to give empty sloganeering and show their loyalty to him. That’s the true legacy of doing this sort of motion. Just to signal the State House and the Office of the Presidency. We can just expect a small acknowledgment from His Excellency.

The 4 MPs really wasting their time doing this. Instead of looking into the fallacy of the speech. They uses it to be in the good graces. The MPs are not using their time or their wisdom to actually make a difference. They are just there to bow down to the master and hopefully get a moment to kiss the ring. Peace.

A Joint Opposition ahead of the next By-Elections…

The way to get back our power is to unite all of us and the population to be rallied together. Once that happens, I’m very excited that I can see it now beginning to happen. Even if we said that let all of us do this, this regime has no capacity to stop it” – Dr Kizza Besigye (01.08.2022).

Today there was a real launch of a joint opposition ahead of the next elections. This was a mix of various parties and formations. The main ones are the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and National Unity Platform (NUP). The other parties was the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Justice Forum (JEEMA) and the DP Block. While the People’s Front for Transition (PFT) and People Power Movement (PPM).

This is the first one that is like this since the Democratic Alliance (TDA).The TDA have been shaky and most of the members there has ended up in the arms of the regime.

The TDA isn’t the only joint opposition ahead of an election. In 2011 the opposition went ahead with a coalition called the Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC). In 2020 the FDC and NUP created the United Forces of Change (UFC).

Today we are seeing a new front with a lot more parties and formations behind it. That could strengthen the cause. We have already seen the NUP and FDC supporting a joint candidate in the Soroti East By-Election in the Moses Attan there. The new Press Conference and Joint Statement shows not only sentiment, but a plan for the parties ahead.

This country is bigger than our political parties. The mission is bigger than building our political parties. In any case, one would argue that there are no political parties in Uganda because we do not operate like political parties” (Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, 01.08.2022).

The Joint Statement is stating the plan ahead:

Going forward, we shall jointly or severally use any upcoming elections to organise and rally the population to defend their democratic rights and end the election ‘madness’ that has bedeviled our country since independence” (Joint Statement, 01.08.2022).

It will be interesting to see it happening in the upcoming by-elections. The opposition is showing a united force and its needed. The messages from the leaders is as important. Because, the parties and formations are pledging to work together.

The ruling regime and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have been met with similar coalitions before, but this time around there is no direct or former NRM who will leave the fold quickly. The ones that has left the NRM did it so long ago… that it seems impossible for a return.

This statement comes days after the NRM-DP Cooperation Agreement and the previous election agreement between NRM-UPC. Therefore, this time around the Joint Opposition has to prove it. As the NRM is purging and trying to convince the opposition of working with them.

The Joint Opposition have to show it and also ensure they field the best candidates. They have to show the malpractice and undermine the election rigging. In such a manner, that the NRM cannot live with it or even announce the results. The opposition has to show fierce methods and not only play to the rules of the state. Opposition cannot just participate, but prove everything wrong with the regime.

Time will tell if this will work. The ambition and sentiment behind is commendable. I am hope it does make a difference. Not only a Press Conference and a Statement. The people have to see it and the parties and formations have to show it. Peace.

Uganda: Joint Statement of Political Leaders, Parties and Formations against the Brazen Thuggery of Elections in Uganda as Exemplified in the By-Elections of Kayunga, Omoro and Soroti (01.08.2022)

Uganda: Office of the Prime Minister – Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees – Torrential Rains in Mbale and Kapchorwa (31.07.2022)