Opinion: The Rise of the Cassava Republic

If there is no bread, eat muwogo (cassava). Africans confuse themselves. You are complaining there will be no bread, if there is no bread, eat cassava. I do not eat bread myself” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (01.05.2022)

Eh! Are you hungry? We don’t eat bread around here. No matter if cooking oil prices is skyrocketing, if other commodities are going up. The fuel has already gone up and so has so much other things of late. So, when the President says people should eat Cassava instead of Bread. That is being said with the backdrop of rising wheat prices, as consequences of the Ukraine war.

It is not like this is only on cooking oil and wheat. No, this is on fuel, soap and sugar. Reported by Ssekandi: “According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the price of cooking oil increased by 21 % between December 2021 and February 2022, and the annual rise was 77.6 %. In February, a laundry-soap bar cost 20 % more than in December and almost 50 % more than one year earlier. The petrol price surged by 15.3 % in three months and by 34 % in 12 months” (Ronald Ssegujja Ssekandi – ‘Ugandan government sees inflation as external shock’ 02.05.2022, D+C – Development and Cooperation).

So, this is a real issue. This is starting to look like the inflation of 2011 and how things became to costly. Which was creating strikes and the activist organizations of Activists for Change (A4C). The famous “walk to work” and that could happen again. As the prices are too high and the salaries are too low. If not to low… they are not co-existing with the realities on the ground. The gig economy isn’t ensuring a safety-net or a real adjustment of salaries in comparison of the rising prices.

The way the President spoke by it was damage control, because his government and institutions could do something about it. The state could insert trade-incentives and erase barriers to the market. The state could for time being suspend certain taxes and even value added taxes (VAT) in such a manner, that the prices would drop a little. However, that is of no concern. The same is with the expensive imports and whatnot. The landlocked republic needs imports, as it is not self-sufficient on a lot of commodities.

Yes, food wise there are alternatives and the farmers can sustain a lot. The massive production of plantain, cassava and millet can patch the hurt. However, that is not what everyone eats on the regular. That’s why imported rice and other things comes into play. Even maize-flour is imported and we can just imagine the rising prices on that as well. Not to talk about the beans and meat prices in all of this.

The President is just trying to get away from the problem, as it arises and he has seemingly very few tools at his disposal or any sort of coffers to clear the windfall. The cassava is only to patch the hurt, but will not salvage anything. It is only the fruits of his labour and how he has not set forward or had any clues how to govern. He only knows get-quick-rich schemes and Ponzi-schemes looking like micro-financing policies. This was bound to fall and you cannot spend money you don’t have and not have any sort of collateral or assets to trade with. That’s why his encircled by his own financial policies and cannot catch up. The spiralling debt, the lack of domestic revenue and the short-sighted government programmes only deprecates the state and gives it less incentive to move forward.

That’s why this is a real Cassava republic. Where it’s soon to expensive to fry it in the pan. Either the gas, the charcoal or the cassava itself is too expensive. While, the bread is only for the elites anyway. Lord have mercy, the damage we do upon ourselves. The heir is also rising to the throne, but he will have no clue what to do. Except for torturing, extra judicial killings and spreading false-hood on social media. Peace.

Opinion: Muhoozi’s quest for cheap popularity

A person subject to military law who displays any of the following types of conduct—

(a) quest for cheap popularity;

(b)liberalism;

(c)intrigue and double talk;

(d)tribalism, nepotism or any other form of sectarianism;

(e)formation of a clique in the army, commits the offence of subversion and is liable on conviction to life imprisonment.” (UPDF Act, 2005).

The Commander of Land Forces, the third ranking official of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor, Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba is now asking the public support his team. His flaunting his political ambitions and that his preparing a political programme.

As a man of the army, a man subjected to the military law. Everything we have seen of late is to get “cheap popularity” and it’s obvious. He is using the military platform to his advantage. The Lt. Gen. is reckless in concern to the State House and the Government itself. While his professing his “Project Muhoozi” and opening up the gates for his succession of his father. Alas, there is the pickle.

Lt. Gen. Kainerugaba might think his gigs are a winning strategy, as his using parts of the formula of his father. That he has several of entertainments and artists on stage while ushering in his campaign rally in the midst of it. The same has the President done in 2016 and 2021. He has done this and that’s why Jose Chameleone and Bebe Cool been part of it for years. They all knew this and it’s nothing new.

What is striking is that he can just do this… and pay no ramification for it. His a CLF and the Lt. Gen. is acting without any office or justification to do so. The “Project Muhoozi” is now forming and in the public eye. He haven’t even retired from the army or any of his official offices. While his playing the cards out and speaking of victory of his Team MK. Like Team MK is a political party and even NRM MPs is speaking of it. That’s when you know the scheme is up.

Muhoozi can come out with his platform and play for the cheap popularity, as the entertainment and a plate of food is served at events. The Lt. Gen. can act like it doesn’t matter, but he surely wanted more than a handful to run in his marathon. He wanted full stadiums at the concerts and football matches. Nevertheless, the artificial popularity can only take you so far.

The people know you and the UPDF act should matter, as his not above the law and should be held in contempt for it. As his seeking cheap popularity as a Lt. Gen and a subject to Military Law. He should be sent for Court Martial. A Court Martial that has been used to stifle the opposition and activists, who happened to be civilian. However, this is a man of the army and he should have acted accordingly.

However, the first son and the heir of the dictatorship thinks otherwise. His hubris, ego and arrogance is on another level. Someone should humiliate him and he should answer to the Gods. Nevertheless, that is for another day. Peace.

Opinion: When a soldier tortures a toddler, then the army can violate anyone…

Residents of Buvuma islands are living under fear after a Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) soldier only known as Robert brutally assaulted a 4-year-old boy for allegedly laughing at him while he was mastering how to ride a bicycle. Robert, who is attached to a detach in Nandala forest, Nairambi sub-county allegedly brutally beat a toddler identified as Najib Iguru, claiming that the boy had stoned him near his home. According to the boy’s mother, Aisha Namugaya, after the battering, the boy lost his body balance, his right leg started swelling while also struggling to breath” (URN – ‘Soldier tortures boy for mocking him, holds Buvuma village at gunpoint’ The Observer Uganda, 01.05.2022).

As long as I can remember and at every given moment, the President, His Excellency, Yoweri Kaguta Musveni has told the wonders of how disciplined his army is. He has spoken about the greatness and how he achieved peace. The President has spoken about how he came with fundamental change and how he revolutionized the Republic. However, things are not how it seems…

To the contrary, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and various agencies connected is as vicious, brutal and lacks order like the predecessors. The acts of torture and extra judicial killings is still rampant. The kidnappings and keeping civilians incommunicado persists. The acts of injustice and impunity is never far from sight. There more stories about these vicious acts than what we know. As either people are not allowed to tell, people are bruised or scared for life and many who fears to speak.

We have heard the stories of activists, political candidates and bystanders to campaigns. Now it is happening to kids or toddlers who is not fully grown. Neither should there be any sort of reaction to an action of a toddler. If the soldier felt mocked and hurt by the act of toddler. He should have spoken to the mother and the parents should have punished the toddler they saw fit. The soldier shouldn’t act as the judge, the jury and the executioner. The soldier did take it further and held the whole village at gun-point. Striking fear and avenging everyone know the toddler. That shows what sort of power and what the soldiers believes they are able to do.

The ones defending it… should think that this could be their own cousin or family member. This could happen to any villager or toddler across the Republic. The innocent civilian who isn’t eligible or able to be punished by law was still touched and violated by a soldier. The soldier took the law upon himself and tortured a toddler. Just writing these lines disgust me. The thought of a child being used blunt force against. No matter what he said or did, his reasoning and mental capacity to understand isn’t there. That’s why a toddler isn’t a legal subject, but the parent would be. Therefore, the soldier just shows how he was a brute and indisciplined.

We can just wonder else the soldiers are up too. They are allowed and follows orders of destruction, contempt of law and can act with vicious operations like the ones in Karamoja sub-region. That’s why we know their violence and know they can cause massacres with their bare hands. They can kill and without consideration of the justice or righteous reason to use the firearm. However, they do and the regime applauds it.

That’s why the incident of torturing a toddler isn’t directly shocking, but shows how far the army is willing to go. There is no decency or courtesy even. Just a brutal transgression and act with violence. Doesn’t matter if it is a civilian, toddler or anyone of stature really. As a soldier it is within your rights to destroy and violate someone. That is the message of the story.

The soldier should secure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic. Meaning defending the borders from invaders. Not being a tool of oppression and injustice. However, the latter is what the UPDF is known for and it shows. Peace.

Opinion: Apparently, Muhoozi needed to reoccupy the Republic, who knew?

The enemies fought us for so long! They abused me with every name they could find! Now they can’t believe we have taken over the country! We will not stop until we are in complete control!” (Muhoozi, 01.05.2022).

Everyone should give credit to Gen. David Sejusa aka Tinyefuza aka Tinye for his revelation of the “Project Muhoozi” in 2013. We are now close to a decade later and Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is acting like he owns the Republic. He also believes his own it now after a few half-assed or decent performances of others. Free food and entry to concerts can easily bring people out.

Especially, since the nation been under lockdown and people haven’t been able to gather. So, there is plenty of reasons, which isn’t directly connected to Muhoozi or his persona. Just the opportunity and the liberty to see musicians on stage at a big event for the first time in while.

He act like he “won” something. The only thing he has proven is that his a nobody, if it wasn’t for his father. Muhoozi would be a nobody and a street sweeper if it wasn’t for his father. Heck, he would be a peasant and possible work on the fields somewhere. However, he would not be in the State House or anywhere near prominence.

That doesn’t change the fact today that his the Third Ranking official in the National Army or the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and a Senior Presidential Advisor with a lofty ambition. His speaking of Team MK like it is a viable force, but that is only as long as he can pay people for the gigs. There will be few and little people around him without the influence of the President and the possible wealth his family has amassed over the years.

That’s why it’s extra funny that he says this:

Amongst the Bachwezi, my clan were always the warriors! I can understand why a few haters are terrified by our return! After 500 years!” (Muhoozi, 01.05.2022).

Maybe, the Kingdom of Bachwezi should be first recognized, secondly someone with power should legitimize Prince Mkungu Frank Nzhuzuure who claims to be the 37th heir of the Bachwezi dynasty. However, we know President Museveni isn’t accepting that. He sees himself as the King of Kings (Ssabagabe).

While there is already another heir as the Ankole crown prince Charles Aryaija Rwebishengye Barigye, who is Obugabe of the Ankole. However, we know by now that Museveni has no intention of restoring that. Since he has seen himself as the only leader and therefore blocked anyone else.

This would mean that Bachwezi and Obugabe have not gotten their cultural rights or restoration of their kingdoms like others has. That because there is a deeper struggle within the State House and the Presidency itself. As the President see himself as the Ssabagabe and because of that he cannot have anyone claiming the title King in his homestead. While there are two apparent heirs and two lineages of dynasties, which reflects the lost kingdoms and their history.

A history, which Muhoozi is very proud off, but they are not reflected by the actions of the state. Maybe Muhoozi thinks his the return of Ndahura or something like that. Nevertheless, that is most likely not. As his just another warrior and a big-man with huge ego.

While the Bachwezi is a thing of historical value. The only living remains of their kingdom is the recognized Bunyoro-Kiata Kingdom and their Babiito dynasty, which is ruled by the Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I who happens to be the 27th King of the Babiito dynasty.

So, Muhoozi and Museveni have to challenge that one as well. If he was to re-ignite the Bachwezi. Also, try to block the Obugabe Barigye and the apparent heir Prince Nzhuzuure. Still, I think both is far-fetched and won’t happen. The kingdoms that has been recognized has been done for a reason and also to get political capital, which the President and State House haven’t needed here.

We just have to wait for the re-occupation of Muhoozi and see his vast amount of fans in the Team MK show up for him. Like they are willing to follow his convoy and every movement. That happens to Besigye and Bobi Wine, but never seen that happening for Muhoozi. If he believes the hype and such, his a fool, but that we knew already. He thinks the Bebe Cool’s and Jose Chameleone will bring his an easy victory and a ticket to Presidency.

It will only bring him tears. As his neither a king, a man of the people or an honourable. His just a son of a President without no proper mission. Other than exposing his naive will of total control. Also, that he wishes he was someone and somebody who was respected. However, people are only surrounding him and being part of this, because they are getting paid. There is no love lost and he will feel lonely. Since, his imposing himself and not there by popular demand. Peace.

President Museveni’s 2022 Labour Day was all about micro-finance and cassava…

Before our time, no government was giving money to the people to get out of poverty. Getting out of poverty was everyone’s private business. If you wanted to get out of poverty that was your own private issue. But we (NRM) have been giving money [to citizens ] since the time of Entandikwa, then prosperity for all… But all this time, the responsibility was being taken by government officials. That was where the confusion started from” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (01.05.2022).

It is just like President Museveni wants to sound like he invented everything. He speaks like no government have ever had social security nets or unemployment programs. Yes, he claims to be the first one, but there been plenty of governments who has made this happen. FDR in the United States did it through various of programs in the New Deals in the 1930s and several other nations has used socialist programs to get people out of poverty through various of social security schemes. This here is a fraud and a fake. A manner of which you take credit and say you invented the Micro-Financing schemes and the first to do it. That is really foolish, but that is the Ugandan President of 2022. Micro-Financing and Micro-Credit was introduced in the 1990s in Uganda, but it was already a thing from the 1970s. So, it wasn’t only done in Uganda, but done so in Bangladesh and elsewhere before Museveni came into power.

I heard Filbert calling me a chief worker. I’m not a worker; I’m a bourgeois. I’m part of the middle class. You can’t call middle-class a worker. That’s not an ideological definition. Of course I work, but I work as a member of the middle class” (Museveni, 01.05.2022).

This is maybe the first time he doesn’t call himself a farmer or a son of peasant. I’m shocked and in awe. His one of the richest people on the continent and still he describes himself as “middle-class”. Like we are supposed to believe he only earns the millions of shillings he gets through his salary.

We need a workforce of very many workers. There is a way for that. The Parish Development Model should kickstart us to have about 60 million workers” (Museveni, 01.05.2022).

Uganda is estimated to have around 48 million citizens by 1st July 2022 based on projections of United Nations data. Out of this about 30% of these are adolescents, meaning a third of the population isn’t eligible for full-time work since they are not of age to do so. Because adolescence is from 10 years to 19 years old. This is based on data from UNFPA from a few years ago. Still, this all shows that the President have clearly the wrong memo about 60 million workers in Uganda. That means everyone from toddlers to the elderly… will work on the field or become a part of the rampant gig-economy.

Part I:

We want everyone in the Parish who has access to land to join a Parish Development SACCO. It doesn’t matter if they have money to not. They should just prove that they have land to do agriculture” (Museveni, 01.05.2022).

Part II:

If you have agricultural land, do not work only for the stomach. You should also work for the pocket” (Museveni, 01.05.2022).

It is really weird the way this is said on labour day. As the micro-finance scheme is so vital in it. The sort of amplified SACCO and NAADs called Parish Development Model (PDM). Where every farmer has to be part of it and register to have access. So, just like in the Soviets every farmer should be part of a scheme and earn from it. Which is very ironic, as he asks of everyone to work for their pockets. That is initially wanting everyone to be profit driven and incentive by currency. Not be content with having enough food or shelter, but supposed to also strive for surplus funds. However, if it was that easy. His government would have made it happen over the last 35 years or so. It is really tragic that all of the schemes since launching in the 1990s are not working and they continue to relaunch them in new names. Just like they did with the PDM, Emyooga and Operation Wealth Creation. It’s all the same gig, built on the same foundation, but changing its name and partly how it’s operating. Nevertheless, it doesn’t come to anything and is only a money-pit. As its not giving incentives or the ability to create natural growth. That’s why we are seeing this sort of talk and it’s the failure of the President who continues to beg people to think of profits and not of leisure.

Last quote:

If there is no bread eat cassava. Africans really confuse themselves, they are worried about shortage of wheat supply caused by Russian Ukraine War. If there is no wheat, please eat cassava. Myself I don’t eat bread” (Museveni, 01.05.2022).

Do you ever wonder, if someone lives in a bubble and doesn’t see what people are seeing? Because, this man thinks this is splendid advice. The sort of talk that only shows his isn’t concerned and doesn’t feel the plights of the commoner. No, he is beyond that and telling the peasants to be happy with what they have and not strive for more. Which is ironic, as he has spoken of people wishing of wealth, think of their pocket, but they got to settle on cassava.

This shows how out of touch the President is and it’s not shocking as his ticking closer to 40 years in power. The President has lived in his bubble for all of these years and with more and more yes-men. People are just complying and not giving him any good advice. He orders, directs and tell how everyone is supposed to move. This speech was no difference. That is very obvious. As he believes in this 1990s mechanism and thinks the PDM will make a difference, which will be far from the truth. If the PDM would work, the Emyooga, the PDM and all the Micro-Finance institutions would have ushered in a new era already. However, it haven’t and that’s because the Republic and the nation isn’t built for it. The markets, the people and the structure isn’t ready for it. This is just a fact and it’s been proven time, and time again.

There is a need for a new direction and aims, which will improve people’s lives, as these short-term incentives only takes a few people that far and when the cash is low. They are back to nothing and with a loan to pay-off in their name. That’s why this is going nowhere and fast. It doesn’t matter how many times the President says people should work for their pockets. When there is few too little jobs, low salaries and rising prices, running inflations and lack of development in general. That’s all the fault of the President and his government who hasn’t served the community and citizens.

Nevertheless, the President will never take any accountability and he will blame everyone else. Now people should chew cassava, join a SACCO and think about their pockets. However, it isn’t that easy and when you cannot get your produce to the market or even have an ability to earn. Why should you or even be concerned with the pleas of the old man?

Well… he just wants to be right, but at this his wrong. His doing the same trick, as he promised in the 1990s and think it can work in 2020s. Well… the old man is late and he should reconfigure and find tricks that fits the vibrant markets of this era and not continue with the schemes of the Structural Adjustment Programs. Peace.

Opinion: “Pastor” Kasolo’s prosperity gospel … Part II

Spend only when you must. I teach you this so that you save. Saving is the major point. For anyone to become rich, you must have a business that gives you money every day. If you are a man or woman, and you wake up to do nothing, I don’t what to call you. Every human being must save money every day. Even beggars on the streets earn money every day, but for you, you are not earning anything. Vend sugarcanes or fry chapati, but to get out of poverty, you must have a business that earns you money every day. Other than that, you are off track” – State Minister for Microfinance Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo (Kenneth Kazibwe – ‘Spend less, save every day, you will soon become rich- advises Minister Kasolo’ 30.04.2022, NilePost)

Yet again, the Minister and Prosperity Gospel provider, the reverend of promising wealth, Haruna Kasolo has returned. Because the end goal in life is to get wealthy, rich and living large. Not living within our means or having stability. No, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) cannot ensure or secure social security. Neither can the NRM ensure policies or markets of which is stable enough for businesses to thrive in. That’s why the prosperity gospel is sickening.

The NRM and Kasolo’s party has soon had 4 decades in power. Nevertheless, there isn’t any growth or possible change, which is significant. The public isn’t the GDP growth, but they are eating accordingly to their pocket. The NRM has created a gig economy and a get-quick-rich schemes as state programmes, which I can promise you will not last. It isn’t far from a pyramid-schemes to the Operation Wealth Creation, neither is it far to Emyooga or the Paris Development Model. The state is just giving short-sighted monetary programmes without the institutions or the markets for the public to trade. There isn’t a natural growth and neither is there a framework to make it possible.

The NRM is artificially funding small pockets of society and without a long-term plan. There is only incentives and programmes, which is made within the road-maps of elections, but not having protocol or ideals on how to implement. That’s why today’s message is insincere.

Yes, savings are good and people should save money. They should be able to pocket and have money for rainy-days. As every day isn’t sunny and the sun doesn’t always shine. However, when you live on gigs, hands-to-mouth and barely scraping by. Its a lot to ask… those people to save and able to put money away. When they are not having enough food for electricity, airtime or food for that matter. It is really showing the hubris and lack of code, as the poor cannot save, because they are already prioritizing what they have and spending it as they see fit. To ensure their basics is met and needs of their loved ones.

As he continues:

Salary earners who don’t have daily income generating activity always forms long lines at the bank to withdraw money at the end of the month. They are badly off. A salary can never make you rich. A person’s wealth is determined by their daily saving. So, if you don’t have a business that earns you money every day, after here, go and start it. Stay home women, make sure you have a project at home that earns you money every day” (Kasolo, 30.04.2022).

This MP and Minister has clearly forgotten the plights of the citizens and poverty. It is not like these has the time or ability to start a business. Families with kids, housing and rent to pay, rampant inflations and lacking concern to the devalued salaries in comparison to the prices on necessities, which is growing by the day.

The ones that is living on salary and has a stable job. As long as that is paid out on time can ensure some stability and give a person the ability to get by. Plenty of people don’t want to be rich, but just live and be content. Salary can also be a result of the education and the profession a person has. Therefore, the Minister is forgetting how people are earning money as civil servants and government workers. Everyone cannot be farmers and wait for the prices from traders buying their produce. Neither can everyone have a hobby or a plot where they can grow a cash-crop. Therefore, the Minister should be sincere about this.

His speaking like there is a middle class and people can afford to save money. That everyone has the dream and the vision of getting wealthy. Most people want a house, food security and have a good life with family. That is more enriching that fat pockets and lack of integrity. Alas, that is why the Minister has become a Prosperity Gospel peddler and not an honest politician. The Minister has spread this message for at least two years now. Last time I commented on it was in 2020. So, this is his stick… Peace.

Opinion: Yoweri always blame others for his bad governance…

The problem is our people who do not listen, they are always sabotaging our programs. When political leaders fight government programs, it’s the people who suffer” (…) “Religious leaders please help me to expose bad politicians because they are causing problems to all of us” – President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (29.04.2022).

It is never Museveni’s fault… it is never his fault. As long as I can remember, it is always other people’s fault. In the past it was Obote fault, Amin or even you can trace things back to that. If not it’s the pastoral culture or villagers way of living. At this very moment and time, President Museveni is never at fault. He doesn’t do mistakes, act wrong or trespasses anyone. No, his always righteous and correct on a regular basis.

He maybe believes that, but that is far from the truth. The handlers and appointees around him will never challenge him or even say so. Because, if anyone said that His Excellency was wrong or acting badly. They would be dismissed and sent packing. No one in their right mind is risking their meal-ticket or losing their office.

So, this follows a pattern and he hopes because his giving or donating funds to religious leaders. That these will speak and whistleblower on leaders, which isn’t following party-line. This is what his saying without saying it. He wants religious leaders to snitch on his behalf.

While the President is blaming unceremoniously “bad politicians” without naming them. We know this would be defiant opposition leaders or people who are directly in defiance to his rule. The Self-Styled-President for Life is saying this now. It really shows his sentiment and how he directs thing.

Museveni is yet again blaming others for the failure of his government. He claims bad politicians is the reason for government programs to not work. While Museveni haven’t always done the background work or even stress-tested government programs. Neither is he initiating programs without evaluating the previous ones. That’s why things are failing and not working.

The intention is a get-rich-scheme for his cronies and allies. While the government program is a shell-company or even a nice body to siphon funds. The state and the government officials had no plans in implementing or even succeeding the program. The program was just an excuse to get money and not execute it. That’s how it looks… and the ones behind it is able to run away and never get caught. Because, this is happening again and again. If not the programme is launched, but never really running. Neither is there any plans, protocol or care for how to do it. That’s why the programme is a wasteland and money-pit without any results. While countless of officials and cronies are paid-off…

So, it is striking that Mzee or the President is blaming bad politicians… those bad politicians must be the appointees or elected National Resistance Movement cadres across the Republic. Since they never seem to achieve anything substantial. Because, if it was always other people’s fault. Why is Museveni micro-directing and putting in directives and decrees on all parts of government?

If he does that… isn’t he at fault for directing and ordering people to comply to his wishes? While he has issued these programs without proper work before launching it. So, it is not strange it’s not working. Neither is he funding or securing the secretariats to be prepared to actually implement it. That shows how is a bad politician and maybe the religious leaders should give a memo about him. Peace.

The Saga of Kongulu – Is that the next chapter for Muhoozi?

After the recent weekend, the big bash and concert in Kampala. The questions are obvious and unleashing of the First Son to the public is evidently clear. There is no secret letters or General David Sejusa aka Tinyefuza aka Tinye leaking intelligence anymore. No, it is all in the open and the signs on the horizon is clear.

Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is aiming for the throne and wants to be the next in line after his father. Which was announced and proclaimed in the 2013 letters to the press by Sejusa. These are now relevant, but told a vital story. A story that is now not only returning, but the authorities and the state is trying to normalize. That the unelected son is the one for the next term. His the guy and the big-man. A man who has never been tested, tried or held any official capacity outside of the army. That this man is able and ready to become the next head of state.

However, President Yoweri Tiburhurwa Kaguta Museveni isn’t the only one who did this to his son. The dictator that he deposed with Rwandan forces in the late 1990s, Mobutu Sese Seko had a son, which was made Captain and trained military, Captain Kongulu Mobutu. He was also in the reigns and in arms reach. As President Mobutu didn’t trust or see other military leaders fit. That’s why he trained his son and used him to violently go after the ones who was in his way. Just in the way Muhoozi is cleaning the slate and doing the dirty jobs of Museveni these days. Museveni who ironically said he would be different, than the old guard and come with a “fundamental change”. Alas, he just copied and created his own regime.

A document from Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada states this about Mobutu’s son:

Information on Kungulu, a high ranking military official in Mobutu régime is scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. However, attachments refer to a man named Kongulu as former president Mobutu’s son who served in the Zairian Presidential Security Division (DSP) with a rank of Captain. Please note that some sources refer to him as Mobutu Kongulu (The Detroit News 19 May 1997; The New York Times 18 May 1997) while others as Mobutu Kongolo (AFP 29 May 1997; ibid. 20 May 1997; Reuters 23 May 1997). Early reports place him in Brazzaville (AFP 29 May 1997) and Lomé, Togo (ibid., 20 May 1997). In November 1997 Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported that Mobutu Kongolo was living is Morocco (11 November 1997). According to Jeune Afrique Magazine, some of former president Mobutu’ s family members live in Paris, France and in Rabat, Morocco (17-23 March 1998,18)” (IRB – Dokument #1112226, 21.05.1998).

This here doesn’t say much more than what I stated. However, there are more sources on the son of Mobutu, which might become even more interesting. Since, Muhoozi is trading the same waters and with old dictator as a father.

Wire reported this: “Well after President Mobutu’s departure, his youngest son, Capt. Mobutu Kongulu, 27, an officer in the Presidential Guard – and a man feared here as Zaire’s own “Saddam Hussein”- sought to rally other guardsmen in a last-ditch attempt to stave off a rebel capture of Kinshasa and avenge his father’s defeat, Zairian officers said Saturday. From the moment he learned of his father’s decision to leave power, they said, he plotted how to punish those he felt had abandoned the president. On Friday night, Capt. Mobutu was seen entering the military camp where his father kept his final Kinshasa residence. Moments later, the army chief of staff and defense minister, Gen. Mahele Lioko, was shot in the head and killed. Mahele’s associates said that word had leaked out that he was planning to travel to Lusaka, Zambia, Saturday to negotiate a cease-fire with the rebels and that Capt. Mobutu had decided to prevent it” (The Spokesman – Review – ‘Mobutu’s Son Suspected Of Killing Moderate General’ 18.05.1997).

While the CNN reported this as he was fleeing: “Meanwhile, his eldest son, Kongulu, and 109 members of the deposed leader’s extended family were stuck across the river from Kinshasa, in Brazzaville, Congo, because a flight crew refused to fly them out. Kongulu, a senior army officer, was the son most closely associated with his father’s brutal excesses. Zairians trashed his house on Sunday” (CNN – ‘Mobutu in Togo as Zaire rebels assume leadership’ 19.05.1997).

This is from the past, as well, as there was reports that he died in exile in Monaco. The father and the son died in exile. As the new regime was placed by the invading forces and nations. Which just happens to be Uganda and Rwanda. The current Ugandan Dictator was behind the downfall of Mobutu Sese Seko and his son. Now, we are discussing it over 2 decades later.

Muhoozi should consider the end of Kongulu. Kongulu Mobutu didn’t become 30 years old. However, he got recognized and known like Muhoozi. It isn’t like Muhoozi haven’t a bloody record and trashed his reputation before he even tries to be elected or be a representative. That’s because of what he did as the Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC) and as the Commander of Land Forces in the UPDF.

The Maj. Gen. and later Lt. Gen. has shown his fierce actions and how he is the avenger of the President. When you know this and what he has used his power to do. Muhoozi could easily fill the shoes of Kongulu. I know that Muhoozi hopes to be the next Uhuru and be a Kenyatta of Uganda. That’s what he hopes for, but the brutal reality is that he isn’t and never will be.

Muhoozi might have a brutal and a reckoning of ancient warriors, which will not be at ease or accept what his trying to do. There might be enough enemies and people who are double-crossed over the years. That they might address it with a spear and with a dagger. When you answer with fire and blood to settle every decree. Sooner or later, blades will come back and maybe even from within. So, Muhoozi will never be safe… that’s because of the choices he has made and done in service of his father.

The son should learn from Mobutu. As his father is the Ugandan version of Mobutu in 2022. They might dismiss this, but everything Mobutu did… they are currently doing and how it is governed. There is plenty of similarities and Muhoozi should be worried. Because, the future isn’t that bright.

The NRM and Museveni will not say that. They need Muhoozi to be the future and be a promising agent of hope. However, his possible another Kongulu and he should learn the lessons of the past. Nevertheless, his arrogance and his ignorance could easily make it possible to repeat the sins of past again. Instead of in Kinshasa and such, it would be in Kampala and anywhere within Uganda.

Muhoozi should consider his every step. The same should everyone in his team. Every step he takes will be crucial and people will ask for accountability for all things he has done. The blood on his hands… and the warfare under his command.

So, will Muhoozi learn from Kongulu or will he repeat it? That’s a question we all can ask and time will only tell. Peace.

Opinion: The army is involved everywhere Mr. Muntu

Gen Muhoozi has his own right as a Ugandan citizen to exercise that right as a Ugandan and run for any political office. The only problem I see if he is really interested in running as a President of the country, Gen Museveni who should be more experienced in these matters, should have first released him from the army because the moment you let Gen Muhoozi who is in uniform, a serving officer, trying to project him for politics, you are literally trying to drag in the whole national security apparatus, something which has its own problems” – Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu (25.04.2022).

The sentiment the leader of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu is right… but it’s faulty. The Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) is already involved and participating in every part of life. The UPDF and the authorities are inside and part of politics, because that’s how the regime rolls and continues to thrive.

The UPDF is building roads, construction of public buildings, giving away mosquito-nets, killing army-worms, going after rouge fishermen on Lake Victoria and participate directly in politics. The ones who don’t believe that… should be reminded that the UPDF have 5 MPs elected into Parliament. These are supposed to be “non-partisan” but we know they are towing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party line. They would never double-cross the State House or the NRM Caucus. That’s not happening…

The UPDF and all of it’s agencies are used to intimidate, keep civilians and activists incommunicado. The UPDF and the other agencies has kidnapped, tortured and even used Court Martial as a means of silencing opposition leaders. The UPDF is so embedded that it’s a tool of oppression and using vicious impunity to strike the dissidents hard. The CMI, SFC, LDCs or UPDF are all involved and makes the state more powerful in comparison to everyone else.

Muntu saying Muhoozi is problematic because his an army-man and a commander is right. That is an observation, which is truthful, but at the same time. The militarization of the NRM and politics is just proven every time they are holding conferences at Kyankwanzi. When you are seeing ministers and MPs wearing military fatigue. Heck, the President either wears a yellow shirt, a suit or military fatigue. That’s his whole closet and it’s evident how important the armed forces are for him. Because, everyone knows that the NRM and the regime isn’t living on its popularity. It thrives on intimidation and fear… that’s when the soldiers and military is useful.

We all knows this and Muntu should know this as well. The NRM and the state has been this for a long time. Muhoozi is now more involved, but that’s by entitlement and not by his achievement by any means. The Lt. Gen. is only there because his the son and nothing else. He got no skills, charisma or ability worth a damn. He can only live on the wealth of the inner-circle and the power of the army. That’s why he had to wear a military fatigue and be like his father.

However, Muhoozi is just the symbol of how the military is needed and a reason for the current status quo in government. The NRM cannot survive or hold power without the army. The army and their agencies gives them an edge and can silence the ones they need to stop. That’s why Muhoozi doesn’t distance himself and wants to be looked like a powerful General. His boosting his ego on twitter and being part of campaigns when he can like in the DRC, Karamoja and even Kasese. That’s why he got blood on his hands and no one is even questioning that.

Muhoozi just think he can walk from one office into another one. He thinks he can occupy and takeover without merit from his father. The officers and the ones hired for the gig will praise the man, but everyone knows that his useless. The ones saying otherwise has little to nothing to prove. The NRM and such will ensure he gets a soft landing. “Project Muhoozi” has been in the works and that’s evident by now.

Muntu is right, but the UPDF is everywhere and isn’t going anywhere. Peace.

Uganda: State House – Presidents’ Museveni, Kagame discuss regional peace, stability (24.04.2022)