Opinion: Nyeko MP is now a political target…

“The police are holding Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko and four other suspects for possession of attire similar to that used by the military. According to Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, this followed a daylong siege at several homesteads in Kamwokya, including an office used by the National Unity Platform. He says the suspects are being processed for court and that this operation will extend to other parts of the country” (NTV Uganda, 14.05.2024).

This story has been told before and will be repeated itself in Kampala. The authorities of the state are like this and will create a crime out of thin air to take away the privileges and livelihood from an opposition leader, in this regard the Derrick Nyeko MP is the target and the one who is the suspect.

This is creating allegations and criminal intent without proof, evidence or anything of such sorts. That’s why they are making a pending case and using the opposition MP as a criminal. Even when his only crime is to stand by the Opposition and being part of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

Nyeko MP as a vocal voice within the opposition is certainly a sore thumb for the National Resistance Movement (NRM). They are now using the UPDF Act against him, but not doing the same towards their own. We have seen several of MPs and High Ranking Officials within the regime wearing attire of the UPDF. However, when an opposition leader has or possess something similar he gets in legal jeopardy.

The state comes with a raid and a house-arrest. They tries to intimidate and show their force towards Nyeko MP. We have seen the authorities keeping opposition activists and leaders captive over the red beret. If not they have said so over other attires too, but allows the allies, associates and regime’s own lackeys can wear uniform or whatnot from the same UPDF. Therefore, this law is only applied for the ones who are defiant of the state.

Nyeko MP is just an example… the man is target and they have shown their cards already. Yet another NUP MP is under fire and we all know the drill. Peace.

Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeje Odongo – Re: UK Sanctions on Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament and Two Former Minister (02.05.2024)

Uganda: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Statement on the Sanctioning of the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda by hte Government of the United Kingdom (02.05.2024)

Opinion: Speaker Among is apparently over the rainbow…

“I have always said that I have a permanent passport to Bukedea and Buyende district. I don’t need a visa. So, honorable members, you need to be very firm and fight for your position. Just imagine it is your kid who is being sodomized. I have interacted [with some officials] and we have gotten to know what the sanctions are about. At an appropriate time, the Head of State will also respond to it because it is an indictment on the Parliament of Uganda” (…) “These sanctions are politically-motivated. I am carrying a cross for the 48 million Ugandans because of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill we passed in this House. This may not be the only ban. Another one will come in the pretext of corruption and [many] others but we serve a living God. We will always not allow bum shafters in Uganda” – Speaker Anita Among (03.05.2024)

London is calling, London is calling and Kampala isn’t picking up. I don’t blame Kampala for not picking up the call. They are torn and getting a punitive actions against it. The Speaker and two former Ministers are sanctioned by the United Kingdom on the 30^th April 2024. That’s a sign and a signal from the leaders in Westminster and Whitehall. However, that will not make anything change around Nile Avenue or such.

Just read the statement from the UK Sanctions list of 30^th April 2024:

“Anita Annet AMONG is an involved person under the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021. Specifically, AMONG, whilst Speaker of Parliament of Uganda and Member of Parliament for Bukedea District, is or has been responsible for or engaged in serious corruption” (The UK Sanctions List, latest Update 30 April 2024).

It states about the Parliamentary Exhibition and direct involvement in serious corruption. That’s not her effort to enact a law targeting a minority in the Republic. No, it is her shielding and partaking in the theft of state coffers. That’s the case and it isn’t a bargain.

She and her fellow cadres are doing this. They are blaming the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act/Bill. That’s what she is saying and others, but the UK haven’t directed the pendulum there. Nevertheless, they are reading other scriptures than the rest of us.

It is just tiring to hear this hearsay and nonsense. She is misusing her office and never taking any accountability. That’s for a person living in a mansion and living large while the citizens are suffering. She’s part of an elite and getting wealth according to her station. Therefore, she is entitled and arrogant about her role.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. She has power, prestige and a fancy title. Nevertheless, she isn’t respected or dignified for her role. No, she is brash, rash and acting in stark contrast to her predecessors. She is residing over a den of thieves and bashing in glory. That’s why she won’t have any say or speak of grand corruption. Because, that is what she is residing over and that’s what gives her power.

It is so sad… but that’s the grim reality. The 11^th Parliament is a tragic site and it should be different… nevertheless, we will not see that in the near future. Speaker Among is thriving and eating. That’s all that matters… Peace.

A look into Bobi Wine’s Statement “on Sanctions as a tool against impunity”

Today, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the Party President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) addressed the United Kingdom’s sanctions against some Ugandan individuals or High Ranking Officials, which was published on the 30^th April 2024.

Two days later Bobi Wine has responded on this one. This would be a hot potato. As the regime apologists are busy spinning the sanctions as an attack on the “sovereign” and a trick to do this instead of addressing the “gay plague” which are really unique. When the United Kingdom and the FDCO says it is because of grand corruption. Therefore, the opposition spoke his peace and it was necessary.

Bobi Wine started with: “The reason we call for sanctions on Gen. Museveni and his officials, and why we celebrate when they are imposed, can be summarized in one word: IMPUNITY” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2024).

Here Bobi Wine is speaking and using rhetoric that we have heard before from Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye have spoken of the junta’s usage of impunity and ruling by impunity. So, in 2024 his reflecting the ideas and the visions of Besigye here. The whole statement is addressing this and showing the impunity of state. That the state is shielding the thieves, but arresting the protesters who demonstrated against the theft of the mabaati. Therefore, the impunity is as clear as day.

Bobi Wine’s important statement: “Citizens are then left with two choices – firstly, to rise up and put an end to this nonsense. Secondly, to appeal to the international community to take measures – including sanctions – which the regime refuses to take against its corrupt and criminal officials” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2025).

Here Bobi Wine is asking for a revolution and a uprising against the state. That has been asked before by others and by the likes of Besigye. This just shows that he follows the program and the ideals of his predecessor. The other is ask that costs the citizens less and can be accessible. The international community can sanction high ranking officials, but that won’t stop their impunity. We have seen sanctions and targeted leaders of the republic, but it haven’t changed the actions from within. Therefore, the first option is the ones that cost and is dire, but that won’t happen unless there is a real will to do it.

He ends with: “These regime officials have destroyed and underdeveloped and looted Uganda just because they think they can enjoy life with their families in developed countries, using the money stolen from Uganda’s tax payers. Now it is time for them to lay in the bed that they have made. They will have to stay in Uganda, go to Ugandan hospitals, use Ugandan roads — and even start using Ugandan cosmetics. While appreciating the international community for the sanctions so far imposed on corrupt and brutal officials, we can only request that they do more and more” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2024).

This is common knowledge what Bobi Wine said here. The regime has misused their power and taken the republic for granted. They are spending the monies of the state to create their own wealth. That is evident and how they are using their resources. What Bobi Wine is saying here is a low-blow, but we cannot imagine that the high ranking officials only using “Buy Uganda Build Uganda” as they can still import products. Especially, since they have the shillings to do so. Because, that haven’t to be done in their own name or businesses connected to them. Therefore, Among and the other Ministers would get their priority things regardless. The citizens are the ones who are touched and feeling the hardships of the neglect of the state. However, Bobi Wine and others have to reflect on it all.

The sanctions are only a start. This has been done before… and the FIRST option is the REVOLUTION or the UPRISING. While that is an ideal and a need. At the current moment there isn’t a level breeding ground for that or the mobilization for it. Not enough will to make it happen. It is already over a decade since the “Walk to Work” demonstrations, which was cracking the system. However, they were able to contain it…

Bobi Wine is right that the regime is acting with impunity and lives large on it. That is all fine and dandy, but he needs to polish the message and be more clear about the FIRST Option. As that is where the key is laying. Because, more sanctions from the West won’t save him or his Opposition. It will only cause a little eye sore for the high ranking officials and leave others off the hook. Peace.

Opinion: It’s the Mabaati and not the “gay plague”…

“Deputy Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, has announced sanctions on high profile Ugandan politicians charged with corruption, and the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, today (30 April). It is the first time the UK government has used the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime on individuals involved in corruption in Uganda. The three individuals, two of whom were previously ministers responsible for Uganda’s poorest region, Karamoja, and have been charged with corruption at Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court, will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes. The two former ministers sanctioned – Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu – stole thousands of iron sheets used for roofing and infrastructure from a Ugandan government-funded project aimed at housing some of the most vulnerable communities in the region, providing them to prominent politicians and their families instead” (Gov.uk – ‘UK sanctions corrupt politicians in Uganda who stole from vulnerable communities’ 30.04.2024).

Whatever Chris Obore or Speaker Among is trying to create a narrative of their own. They are trying to make their own game plan. It is a grander and bigger scheme behind the sanctions on the Speaker and the two former Ministers in the Cabinet.

That Among, Kitutu and Nandutu is all targeted is righteous in the case of the Mabaati scandal. There could be plenty more in this theft. As there was reported more high ranking officials who was caught with iron-sheets destined to the Karamoja sub-region. However, these have been off the hook.

The Deputy Foreign Secretary and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have done this in accordance to one instance. They have done so because of the iron-sheets. Instead the ones aligned and in cahoots with the Speaker is all making this about the Anti-Homosexuality Act. However, that isn’t mentioned or necessary.

Andrew Mitchell said: “Today the UK is sending a clear message to those who think benefiting at the expense of others is acceptable. Corruption has consequences and you will be held responsible” (30.04.2024).

I cannot glean anything about the attack on the sexual minorities or the gays. No, this is about corruption and misuse of office. That is another ball-game… and it is evident in the press release from the United Kingdom Government.

The Parliament of Uganda’s Director of Communications retorted with this: “The iron sheets have been used as a ruse to conceal the real, unstated but clear obvious reason for sanctions- which is Rt Hon Speaker’s stance on the recently enacted Anti-Homosexuality Act” (Obore, 30.04.2024).

When the invisible bogey-man comes to play again. We know the Speaker uses this every instance she can. If there is any sort implication or disregard of a foreign entity, it is their “gay agenda”. Not their reasons for stopping loans, grants or donations in general. That’s because of the policies and the actions of the state against the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) or the forced closure of OHCR in the Republic. Therefore, there is reasons for why there is less friendly foreigners and will to fund government entities or programs in the Republic. Not only because of the “gay agenda” or anything else for that matter. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) should understand that, but maybe that’s too much to ask…

Among and her peers should listen, but I wouldn’t think they would hear anything. No, they will make up conspiracies and go back to their mansions. Peace.

Opinion: Nandutu has fallen off so quickly…

The former journalist and show runner of the “Point Blank”, Agnes Nandutu MP is now back to the back-bench of Parliament. Nandutu MP was elected in 2021 on a Independent ticket after losing out in the National Resistance Movement Primary. So, she was a NRM leaning Independent MP and was lucky to become a State Minister for Karamoja.

That’s how she was able within a short window go from being a civilian to a Minister. The President gave her a prominent role and office. She was so lucky and giddy to be there. Bashing in glory and getting the honours of the office.

Instead of building upon the trust given her. She used her Ministry and Office to eat. The moment she was able to enrich herself. She took the moment and did just that. As much as the stockpiles of mabaati was emptied. As an MP and Minister of Karamoja, she stole Mabaati and misused her office.

At one point, she was one out of few that was made an example for. She was put on trial and arrested, arraigned and spent some time behind bars. However, she was never fully charged or sentenced. Therefore, the authorities just made her example… and didn’t penalize her totally. That’s why she isn’t behind bars, but on the back-bench of Parliament.

This week the MP lost her office and kicked out of the Office of the Prime Minister. As her role belonged under the Office of the Prime Minister. That must hurt her pride and being told she wasn’t a minister anymore.

Nandutu went from being a journalist to MP to Minister within a hot-minute. Now she is demoted and being made an example of. Even if she haven’t paid a hefty price. It is a subtle backhanded slap to be demoted like this. While others who partake in the thieving is still thriving and bashing in glory with His Excellency.

Agnes Nandutu MP will still be around, but the President has taken action against her. She wasn’t above it all and that’s why she was losing in the recent reshuffle. Nandutu couldn’t even be a Minister through the whole term. No, she gotten three years and one of them in trouble. Months after the trouble losing her office. That’s a telling story and show how she has fallen.

Nandutu MP would have made a skit and run a joke about this if it was another MP on Point Blank. She would have said something sarcastically and mockingly about how she went from thieving to losing it.

The former journalist now have to walk carefully. She is not above it all and could easily be used as a scapegoat again. That’s why she lost her influence and office. The President needed to remind the cabinet and use some of them to show some fight against corruption. While his still keeping several others implicated in the same scandal. Therefore, it isn’t a truthful or honest enterprise of His Excellency.

However, Nandutu is feeling the pendulum. The MP isn’t as prominent or important enough to be kept. Her independence and ability to win in the 2021 elections aren’t celebrated. That’s why she could get demoted and lose the office. If he wanted too… the President could have written a letter and pursuit the case even further with the authorities. Therefore, Nandutu is lucky to be here and still able to eat in the August house.

Nandutu MP is an example of how not to run a Ministry. She is an example of how arrogance and hubris can lead to your downfall. Right now she’s licking her wounds, but she will see another day. Already walking free and tasting the wealth of the back-benches of Parliament. Not like she’s paying huge price or being recalled as an MP. If the NRM did that and went further. That’s when she would have lost it all. Peace.

Uganda: Ministry of Defence & Veterans Affairs – Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) – Appointments and Promotions (21.03.2024)

Uganda: Ministry of Defence & Veterans Affairs – Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) – Inflitration into the Country by some ADF Elements (18.03.2024)

Opinion: Nabbanja we see you…

“Stop accusing me of stealing iron sheets. Talk about the things you have done for the people, I have never stolen iron sheets. Don’t accuse me of stealing iron sheets. You have done the likes of [Mathias] Mpuuga giving themselves Shs500m, did you hear my name among those? By the time I became Prime Minister, I had already roofed my house with roofing tiles (tegula), the other iron sheets I took them to Kagadi where they were used to roof a church. So don’t spoil my name, Ssenyonyi and team, the problem of corruption will kill our country. Money is stolen; iron sheets are stolen, even from the Office of the Prime Minister” – Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (10.03.2024).

The Prime Minister thinks we have forgotten that she was investigated together with several ministers and high ranking officials who was a part of the mabaati scandal last year. This one is lingering on her, as it was part of her Office, which the stockpile of Mabaati was taken from. She had to know what went down and not just blame lower ranking officials within her office. However, we know her arrogance and won’t take responsibility.

We shouldn’t be shocked that Nabbanja acts like this. She has the hubris and arrogance of it. At the moment she’s untouchable and one of them. It is really striking that she defends the Mabaati thieving… by roofing a church in Kagadi, but it was destined for Karamoja sub-region. Which means the mabaati never went where it was supposed too. No matter what the cause or the supposed usage in another region.

Her defence is that things, money and in general things are stolen from her office anyway. That isn’t a valid response. It is just an admission of guilt and telling what is going on behind closed doors. She isn’t showing strength or leadership by saying it.

Well, things are going missing like mabaati, money and whatnot. People just take things from the stockpiles, which are supposed to be delivered to certain programs and people. Nevertheless, my minions and other high ranking officials are eating of this plate. Don’t mind us… we are doing our duty and we are working for the people doing so.

It is just striking the way she tries to defend all of this. The mismanagement, the rot of the system and how the Office of the Prime Minister is a den of thieves. If it was run correctly she wouldn’t need to defend it. We wouldn’t have to call her out and knowingly seek out her part of the theft. However, we have too, because there is no other way.

The PM cannot spin this around. Especially in her defence of herself is saying there things stolen from her office anyway. That is just really strange, but that is also done to pin blame on others in her near proximity. She speaks of not spoiling her name, but she’s weakening her office by saying what she said.

If you want good spin or better arguments. Don’t expect them from this Prime Minister. She will only try to forge a narrative that others are to blame, but not her. That’s not working when the ill deeds are happening in her midst. Peace.