Opinion: Museveni is the wrong guy to condemn the misuse of force…

“I join my comrades, the Heads of State of IGAD to express our deep concerns on the current situation in Sudan  and immediately call for a cessation of hostilities between the two sides. I condemn the misuse of force in a situation that undermines all progress made through dialogue over the last many months. We cannot keep papering over mistakes of unprincipled politics year after year. An unconditional and immediate cessation of hostilities to stop the tragedy and mockery of Africa is of utmost importance” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (17.04.2023).

Sometimes, someone should just shut-up and listen. That is something His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni should have done in regard to the conflict in Sudan. It is pure hypocrisy that he condemns the use of force. A man who wouldn’t be in power or in office without the use of force.

It is not like the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) would have won a free and fair election. Neither would the National Resistance Movement (NRM). When he had no power and real influence with the UPM. He couldn’t even become an MP. That after being a defence minister!

Museveni wouldn’t even be the guy he is if it wasn’t for weapons or conflicts. A man who got power by the use of guns. That’s why his trying deliberately to make it a legend how he rose to power. The way he went from nothing and unto something. The way the National Resistance Army (NRA) went from scraps and left-over bullets to a full-fledged machine conquering the status quo of the time. That’s how he portrays himself and he has since gotten into other conflicts across the continent.

As President he has tried to be the kingmaker by helping others take power by the guns. That being Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, or South Sudan. Museveni thrives in conflict and profits of proxy-wars. He has enforced and gotten credibility by participating in the wars on terror too. Therefore, violence has been his modus operandi and it’s profitable too.

Museveni has gotten political currency and goodwill by waging war. He is said to have prolonged the conflict in the Northern Uganda too. Not like he wants to portray it that way, but all evidence shows that he could have or should have ensured an earlier end. Nevertheless, he will never take credit for bullets, but only vilify the “enemies” for using such. Even when he strikes with fury against dissidents or activists who seeks his end. That’s just what he does, and he don’t mind the use of lethal authorities to get his way. This is all he knows and that’s the true NRA Way.

The ghosts of Garang, Mobutu and Habyarimana should haunt the Presidency. Together with all the civilian casualties and people who has lost their lives in the conflicts, which has transpired since Museveni entered the scene. The skulls of Luweero are only a place to start and not where you end it. There are enough extra judicial killings, questionable massacres, and participation in conflicts to bother your conscience. However, all of that is water under the bridge for a man like Yoweri.

That’s why it’s infuriating to me to read this post. That he dared to say these words. He shouldn’t say it, because we know how he came to power and how he clings onto it. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee says “colonial mentality” is one of the reasons for corruption…

This is not a failing system, but a growing system that could be faster if it was not for the corruption and the colonial mentality of some of the civil servants and some members of the political class. In otherwords, the progress could have been much faster and will be faster once we deal with the obstacles. Who has been responsible for the growth? Three players: the UPDF; the wealth creators (the farmers, the manufacturers, the service providers); and the infrastructure builders” (…) “That is why the whole issue goes back to the question of evidence and the need for the Public (the citizens, the farmers, the manufacturers, the artisans, the service providers), who, most of the time, are the victims of these corrupt officials and politicians, to be involved” (…) “The President is the head of the Executive and all Executive Authority is given to him or her by Article 99 (1) of the 1995 Constitution. However, he/she must exercise that power according to the Constitution and the laws of Uganda. Otherwise, that wonderful President, will become a problem himself or herself” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (11.04.2023).

The President of the Republic is a mastermind in pinning blame on others. His using all the tricks of the book. Just piling down the blame on others. It is like his Jedi Mind Trick. The force is strong with this one. He has had the years and experience in doing so. Ever since the beginning of time. Museveni has blamed others and that’s what he does now too.

His further explaining his role as the Executive and Head of State, while pointing at all other parts of government, which is ironically appointed by him and following his direct orders. The letters of the President is often mingled in and is changing the narrative. Just like the President Ordered the IGG not to look into Military Commanders and slow down the “lifestyle audit”. That just show the true power of the President and what his capable of doing.

President Museveni acts like we don’t know… we know he micro-manages and does it to his bidding. His acting like his just a “token” figurehead and not the Commander-in-Chief. We know perfectly well how he runs the Nation from the State House. It is his “enterprise” and his will is done.

The High Above” is directing and deciding matters. He can just send a “word” or a letter and things are moving. The President decides contractors and companies involved in development projects. The President orders the Office of the Prime Minister and everyone else to do his bidding. So, he can act like it is others who are too blame. However, we know the drill… and seen the actions over the years.

He can act like he cares or are concerned about “corruption”. We know he couldn’t care less and only does so to look pristine. The President knows what sorts of fruits, vegetables and other plants that grows in his garden. The President knows what sort of animals his breeding and taking care of on his farms. This man knows what is going on and cannot fool us now.

We know his pinning blame on others… when he in 2023 uses “colonial mentality” as an excuse for corruption. That is blaming the “British” and going back to the “enclave”. It just shows that his finding every way possible to pin someone else for his misgivings. This shows what his willing to do and say.

Only a fool would believe this fiction in 2023. Especially, when President Museveni is richer than God and has vast wealth. While the Republic is poor and debt-ridden. You just know the game is rigged and Museveni always comes on top. Peace.

Opinion: It was only a “mistake” to take the mabaati….

That is a political mistake that can also be subversive as you will see from my letter to the Prime Minister. That mistake, however, is totally different from converting those items to personal use. That is no longer just a mistake, but theft. Therefore, Kugonza do not worry, all those involved will be handled appropriately. Those who diverted the mabaati but not for personal use, must pay back the equivalent value in money or return the mabaati for the Karachuna, so that, that programme goes on. On many occasions, I have told leaders not to try and carry their Constituents on their heads financially (kubetikka) but show the families how to use the NRM programmes (NAADS, OWC, PDM, etc.) and make their own money. Kukulembera, si kwetikka abantu” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (11.04.2023).

A man who has claimed to fight corruption for over 4 decades are now calling it a mistake. A mistake is to forget your keys or forget to buy something on a shopping list. A mistake isn’t to divert, take or steal other people’s property. That’s what happened to the iron sheets or the mabaati. The Members of Parliament and the Ministers took government property, which was meant for government programs and supposed to be given to the ones in need in the Karamoja sub-region.

Alas, here is the issue. President Museveni needs to save face and show some action. Because inaction make him look weak. Though he cannot go to hard or too soft either. His in a position where he knows he needs the support and the cronies on his side. They are all used to and knows the drill. The system is built around looting, pillaging and finding schemes to enrich themselves of the government plate. That’s just the game that Museveni has put forward and built over the years.

The President knows very well that if he strikes to hard and goes after all the “thieves” he won’t have a functioning cabinet or party for that matter. Since there is no one who doesn’t know or doesn’t see what is happening. This is just the biggest scandal right now. However, there are plenty of other fish in the sea. It is a reason why 10 trillion shillings just vanishes in corruption every year. The iron sheets is just a manifestation of that.

That’s why he can act like this is a mistake, but this is the same man that accepts “kickbacks” from investors and was giddy to “handshakes” to people involved in Tullow Oil Tax Saga. So, we know how deep this goes. It goes skin deep and isn’t sincere. He only does it show heart, but it is meaningless. They will all be free and without a scratch in the end. Just like others before them. Ministers might been demoted and touched by the law. However, after the wind stops and normalcy returns. The same people are off the hook and re-appointed to greener pastures.

This is why I have little to no faith. The President can act like this and talk big game. Nevertheless, it doesn’t make it more true. We have seen his game and how moves. His a seasoned politician and has a set of procedures. The same will be happening here… and trust me. There might be a scapegoat or two, but they will be released and “forgiven” eventually. Since the President knows and they know the score. Peace.

Uganda: President Yoweri K. Museveni letter to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja – Brief on the Procurement and Distrubution of Iron Sheets by the Office of the Prime Minister (03.04.2023)

Opinion: Mzee thinks we are stupid [on corruption]

“However, the corrupt elements try to infiltrate and curtail the actions of these Agencies by compromising the personnel there.  With the NRM and myself in charge, however, they are fighting a losing war.  Why?  It is because of the fact that either the anti-corruption fighters do their work or, working with the public, the President will do it for them.  How?  Using the Public Barazas and relying on whistle-blowers. Do these work? Dangerously so.  During my recent tour of Acholi, I got so much information about the wrong-doers and the State House Anti-corruption Unit is hot on everybody’s trail – that was involved in any mistakes” (Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, 11.04.2023).

The other day the President spoke like an Opposition Leader on Corruption. Today, President Museveni is acting like the Head State. Nevertheless, his pinning the blame on others and not the system he has created. A man that has ruled the nation for 37 years now. He should know that in the end, it was all his fault.

President Museveni is now to blame for the corruption, the graft, the scandals, and the eating of state coffers. That’s all on his watch. These are people appointed and designated by him. The laws and the institutions created to combat the problem has been mandated by him. His directing them and stopping them from “investigating” too. So, this is not only partly his fault, but also what he has to offer.

Museveni cannot act like there is other to blame. When he has allowed it to feaster. His the one that has thrived on shady and “tax-holiday’s” deals for investors. The old man has enriched himself on the grand corruption. Mzee has secured tenders and other kickbacks to make life easy.

So, when Museveni speaks like this… it is hard to believe him now. He has had the years and the ability to stop this practice. However, he has lavished himself in it and his inner-circle. It isn’t believable in 2023. This is just trying to make positive headlines and hoping the scandals are forgotten about. That’s the gist of it.

Has there been corruption scandals as long as Musveni has reigned the nation. It will continue, no matter how many entities or laws he enacts. Because his in the business to eat and so are his near associates. The easiest way to eat is of the plate of others and that they do with perfection. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee is acting like an opposition leader [on corruption]

It is, therefore, a great shame that those elected by the wealth creators, betray them and become corrupt- stealing government money, taking bribes to provide service etc. The list of wealth creators has now lengthened to include: cattle-keepers, crop farmers, artisans, fishermen, manufacturers, traders, service providers, building contractors, etc” (…) “All these wealth creators are suffering because of the parasites in the form of some corrupt civil servants and politicians. However, this suffering is artificial. It is because the victims of corruption do not report. If they report, the corrupt will be crashed” – Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni (08.04.2023).

A man who has been in office and in power since 1986. That man knows the system, the administration and the whole government at large. President Museveni has envisioned and created the current bloated government. It has been imprinted and created over time. All the various ministries, permanent secretaries, presidential advisors and everyone else has by some acknowledgement been appointed or directed by the President.

That’s why it’s his leadership and his arrangements that is creating corruption. It is embedded and part of the functioning body of government. That’s why ¼ or 1/5 of the yearly budget, which is estimated around 10 trillion shillings is gone in corruption. This is paying for ghosts, “missing funds” and just wasted on huge tenders, which all amounts to little or nothing.

President Museveni knows this and his cronies are eating of the plate. He has issued “handshake” and “tax-holidays” for the ones he favours. Allowing the state running state owned enterprises that are “white elephants” and never ever earning profits. While the taxes and public expenditure is rising. That’s why the State House always needs supplementary budgets and needs to pay of more “clients”. It is a business and the business is the state.

It is just amazing that Museveni says this in 2023. When he said this in the campaign up to the election in 1980: “This type of leadership where people just amass wealth without explaining how they obtained it is tragedy for Uganda. We will get rid of it” (The Uganda Times of June 30, 1980).

He is speaking with the same vigour now, but it isn’t believable. Because, he has had over 3 decades to change it. If anyone had the short or the imperative to stop these sorts of activities. Mr. Museveni had all the reasons to do so and he would have been applauded. However, he has benefited and enriched himself. He has ensured himself massive wealth and vast estates. His family owns businesses and profits of the plights of the wannachi. Therefore, he couldn’t be too concerned about the bribes, kickbacks or other pleasantries to settle a deal.

If he had been new in the game. We might have given him a cheers and a thumbs up. The message isn’t wrong, but it is the wrong person saying it. Since he has eaten, his patronage has done the same and nothing really changes.

These words are practically meaningless. He has created government institutions combating it, enacted several laws and still there are thieving done in broad-day-light. So, the messaging is good… but the one saying it isn’t believable.

You wouldn’t let a wolf look over your hen-house, would you? Would you let a wolf look over your sheep? No, you wouldn’t, because that is dangerous and some of the animals would be slaughtered by the wolf. The same is with Museveni… his the wolf and he never stopped the practice before and will certainly not do it now. Peace.

Opinion: The “Godfather of Internet” is wrong when he says there is a need for a “new” dictatorship

Edward Kafufu Baliddawa, the Former MP Kigulu North and in the past known as the “Godfather of Internet”. Wrote an opinion piece for the Nile Post called: “OPINION: To transform, Uganda needs a benevolent dictator” which was published today on the 8th April 2023.

Just the headline and title let me know that he will see the benefits of a dictator and a dictatorship. Right for the bat he starts so vividly: “All we need in Uganda right now is a leadership style of the likes of Gamel Nasser of Egypt, Sheikh Maktum of the Gulf, Lee Kwan Yu of Singapore, Mahathir Mohamed of Malaysia. We simply need a benevolent dictator” (Baliddawa, 2023).

Just this idea and I have read this plenty of time. What is lost in this discussion is the national consensus and the ideals of the nations to progress. It isn’t only the man on the top, but the culture and the will of work. However, with the sort of dictatorship and patronage that is Kampala. A new dictator will just inherit the old one and continue the same sort of tyranny. A tyranny only serving a small elite and the cronies in association with the dictator.

He continues: “It will only come with practical measured and ambitious programs implemented with a tough and strict hand. No body should be allowed to play with tax payers’ money. No body should be considered untouchable. No amount of massaging corruption, abuse of office, impunity and patronisation will bring the desired transformation in this country. We need a benevolent dictator” (Baliddawa, 2023).

First and foremost, after 36 years under one dictator, the writer wants another one. If you haven’t learned from the first experience and doesn’t get it. Than you might switch up and try another political framework. In a dictatorship there are untouchables and people who are above the rest. This beats the ideals of the man and of the will to transform a society. As the cronies can eat of the loot, the crippling economies and of the inflation created by the inner-circle. While society stagnates and lack development, because of the proceedings surrounding the dictator.

Secondly, there is no benevolent dictator. No, dictator has a good heart or kind heart. Maybe to the nearest family and some associates. However, a dictator is brutal, vicious and cunning. That’s how they prolong their reign and they use force to stay in power. So, the idea of a benevolent dictator is beyond me…

He continues: “Uganda no longer needs the so called farce of multi party democracy. What we are practicising right now is simply a fallacy that takes no where except re-routing us to societal polarisation, inequitable growth, acrimony, destruction and impoverishment” (Baliddawa, 2023).

Here is a major fault-line, because it isn’t Multi-Party Democracy which is the reason for the lack of development or progress. No, the stagnation and lack of such comes from the centre. The reason for lack of movement and achievements is because of a dictator. This is throwing shade at the opposition and the dissidents like they are to blame. The dissidents and oppositions aren’t running the Republic. However, the current dictator is… and has been so since 1986. So, the former MP and Godfather of the Internet should research better arguments.

His truth came in the final lines of his article: “The solution is to go back to the system that worked so well for us, where meritocracy was the actual yardstick in service, where political shades didn’t determine an opinion of an individual on any matter of national importance. This is a system where no political actor felt threatened by the opinion of another. It is a system where love for the country and patriotism didn’t have to be imposed by coercion or to be bought but was automatic and induced by what the wananchi experienced. We should revert to the MOVEMENT SYSTEM of governance” (Baliddawa, 2023).

You know that institutionalism and professionalism has dwindled with the years of the NRM. When a man who was a former MP is writing this. We know nepotism and cronyism is rampant in the Republic. That is damaging institutions and the personalization of the state is also hurting it. The Self-Styled President for Life is causing more harm by the day. That’s why a former MP is going back to old tricks.

Instead of re-inventing or finding new means to fix the issues. He instead goes back to the old and the end of the bush-war. The former MP goes back to the system ushered in after the NRA won the war in the 1980s. The Movement System and the One-Party State. The project and the piece of legislation that gave Museveni a decade in office without an election. That’s what the former MP is the solution. To re-launch a government system that has already been dismantled and left in the bin.

The Godfather of Internet is disappointing me, but showing that he is a loyal cadre. The State House will be proud of this piece. It gives credit and gives way to a dictator. The tyrant of the Republic must be giddy reading this. The rest of us can shake our heads in disbelief, but there is always some bootlickers who wants to be recognized. Peace.

RDC: FARDC – Etat Major General – Coordination Operation Conjointes FARDC-UPDF – Communique de Presse (06.04.2023)

Opinion: Thou shall not pray…

“Police in western Uganda are holding six people, including former Fort Portal City Mayor, Rev Kintu Willy Muhanga, on charges of inciting violence and unlawful assembly. The six were arrested Wednesday as they moved in some parts of Fort Portal City and Kabarole District holding meetings to “pray for unfulfilled government pledges.”” (…) “According to police, the organizers listed unfulfilled pledges that include the construction of Kijura Road, an industrial park at Kyembogo, reconstruction of Buhinga Stadium as well as construction of Saaka and Kazingo security roads. The suspects were due to be arraigned before in court on March 30” (Alex Ashaba – ‘Reverend, 5 others arrested over holding prayers for unfulfilled Museveni pledges’ 30.03.2023, Daily Monitor).

In the Republic, nothing is holy, and nothing cannot be touched. Especially, if you dare to offend the Don. No one should argue or even question the ruler. The Self-Styled President for Life, President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhurwa Museveni who has reigned supreme since 1986. No one should ever question his means or his record. He is a deity living on earth and we are mere mortals who are lucky to be in the presence of him.

Nah… but you get the gist. If there is anyone who protests, dissent or even plans to organize against the state. The authorities will pick you up or arrest you. In the case of Reverend Muhanga and associates are no different. If he had been more aligned with the state or the government, he would most likely get a free car around election time.

Nevertheless, here we are, and a reverend cannot even pray for the unfulfilled promises of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Even when the First Lady is sounding and acting like a high priest or an evangelical pastor of some sorts. The President even uses scripture at any convenient time too. But blocking prayers… that’s something the state can do on the regular.

We know the authorities has blocked prayers from both National Unity Platform and Forum for Democratic Change. So, this isn’t anything new from the authorities, but more of the same.

This is the sort of state of affairs we have gotten accustomed too. Where prayers or small groups assembling are either blocked or called “unlawful”. Just for the simple reason that it dissents from the NRM. It is just common practice, and the Police Force is doing it on the regular. While “government” protests are allowed for causes beneficial of the high-ranking officials. Meanwhile, anyone else who dares are arrested and silenced by the same state. Therefore, this is the sort of “democracy” that Museveni is running and been doing so for years.

A reverend cannot even pray for the misgivings, the grievances and the plights of his fellow people. That’s what the state has come too. This is how far the NRM, and the Government of Uganda goes… while the same leaders and high-ranking officials are trying to act holier than thou. Alas, that is all a lie, because they cannot even stomach prayers that questions their inactions and their lack of development. Peace.

Opinion: Speaker Among cannot save face…

“If there was any diversion, it is not anybody’s fault, I saw iron sheets in Bukedea, I didn’t ask for them, but I ordered that they should be given to schools innocently. I didn’t open a shop to sell them, but they were given to government schools.” Among told Parliament last month. While chairing Wednesday’s plenary, Among told Parliament that she had decided to purchase 500 iron sheets and return them to the OPM to clear her name out of accusations that she had diverted the iron sheets meant for Karamoja’s vulnerable people. “l don’t want to be accused of grabbing iron sheets meant for the vulnerable people of Karamoja.” Among said” (Samuel Muhimba – ‘Among buys 500 iron sheets for OPM to save ‘innocent’ face’ 15.03.2023, Nilepost.co.ug).

The Speaker can all “innocent” she wants to try to save face. Speaker Anita Among is amongst a “den of thieves”. They did divert funds and equipment meant for the hungry, the poor and the ones in need in the Karamoja sub-region. Instead of going where it should be… it ended up elsewhere and some of that ended up in the hands of the speaker. She is just like the rest of them.

Speaker Among can act holier than thou, but she should apologize and “carry the cross”. This is her burden to bear. She accepted the iron sheets and took them when it was done in secret. However, when the reality hit public, and the scandal was official. She wanted to clean her hands of the dirt and come clean. Nevertheless, that is not how the story goes and she cannot reimburse what she has already stolen.

A chicken thief must answer for the stolen chicken. The speaker has to answer for the iron-sheets. The chicken thief will face the penalty and the punishment for taking the chicken. The same should happen to the speaker, the ministers and everyone involved in the iron sheet scandal of Karamoja. It should happen, but I wouldn’t count on it. The difference between them and the chicken thief. Is that the Chicken Thief has no suction, no power or influence, but the thieves in this saga does…

She knows she will face no consequences and what her master knows is that she’s corruptible. Meaning that her master can wave some monies or golden tickets her way. When doing so, she will do whatever he pleases and get his way in Parliament. That’s why she will face no trouble, no legal jeopardy or even taste “justice”. No, the chicken thief will linger in prison and face severe time in prison. While the Speaker can steal and take from the state with no further consequences or ramifications to her career. No, it doesn’t cost her anything…

Speaker Among can try to save face, but it’s pointless. She still stole and took unjustifiably so. The iron sheets wasn’t hers to begin with. Just like the others who took from the “aid” to Karamoja. All of them are thieves and they should accept that. Thieving is thieving no matter how you put it. It wasn’t even that sophisticated or a strategic measure to siphon funds from government accounts either. It was just blatant theft of government property to personal use. That’s it… and the Speaker cannot be run away from that now. Peace.