Opinion: IPOD is officially dead

The Interparty Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) was rejected by the largest opposition party the National Unity Platform (NUP). The IPOD was just set-up in 2010 even if it felt like it has been there forever.

IPOD haven’t lived up to its potential and neither is the organization at any use at this stage. Unless, the President and his regime wants positive publicity. If not he tries to intervene and participate to get his will. He has also used to seek opposition and undermine their efforts as well. Where he has tried to find the “Good DP” and the “Good FDC” as well. That is what he does and the manner of which this works is futile now.

That’s why its healthy that NUP isn’t becoming a member of IPOD or participate in the Summits/Councils, which isn’t delivering anything worthwhile. Not at this point in time and been nothing substantial to show for either.

We know Museveni is hurt that the party of Bobi Wine and with a massive mandate in the Parliament isn’t showing up. He is playing with the older parties and the ones who doesn’t have the same relevance as before. This is showing that the IPOD is fading…

IPOD haven’t been a tangible asset or a enterprise for good dialogue either. The President has shown up late and the Summits hasn’t showed any progress. The last thing that happened was that the President promised billions of shillings to party coffers and nothing else.

The IPOD haven’t been used for electoral legislation or reform. Neither has it been used to ensure a level playing-field for campaigns or party work. No, it is only used for a decoy and buying the President time. For some strange reason the Dutch is willing to pay for the parties and meetings. They hopefully enjoy the empty slogans and statements, because it hasn’t paid-off.

The time of the IPOD is over. The IPOD is overrated and it isn’t working. So the Dutch should stop wasting their time and money. The IPOD is just a tool to legitimize the President and his regime. It can look like he has dialogue and a drive for “multi-party” democracy. When in reality he would crash and destroy them at any given moment.

Therefore, someone should do the IPOD a favour and hold a final ceremony. Now that the NUP isn’t part of it. The signal of it’s death bed is final. It should have been the times when FDC in the past boycotted it. However, they always returned …

IPOD should be buried and the casket of IPOD should be held in the halls of Parliament for a week to mourn the deceased. Nevertheless, there shouldn’t be any sorrow or pain in it’s demise. The IPOD never served it’s purpose or objective. It became a wastage of time and funds. This is why the burial would be a nice ending to a tragic story of a futile organization. Peace.

National Unity Platform (NUP) letter to Interparty Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) – National Unity Platform Eligibility to Join IPOD (02.09.2021)

The dead silence: Terrorism charges on the horizon for the two “suspected” opposition MPs

“Murder (Huh), mur—

Murder (Talkin’ ’bout a murder), mur—

Murder (Huh), mur— mur—

Murder (Check it out)” – UGK – ‘Murder’ 1996

We knew already last week that the gig was up. The state had already found their targets and the fall men. They just happened to be National Unity Platform (NUP) Members of Parliament. These are just framed for crimes they have not committed, and the Police Force just found the perfect excuse.

Because of the seriousness of the crimes, these will not be able to be out on bail or avoid prosecution. Even if it is all pinning crimes on innocent civilians like these gentlemen. This is the state using crimes they cannot solve to get dissident behind bars. That is all it is and it is just fitting. That’s why opposition leaders have been charged with treason and other serious counts of crimes. Alas, there has never been any resolve or proof of that matter. Still, the state has used its powers and kept them under leash with the charges pinned on them.

That why we know the drill and here is the latest:

“ Police have said some of the suspects arrested recently over the gruesome murders in Masaka sub-region have implicated MPs Muhammad Ssegirinya and Allan Ssewanyana of planning the terrorism acts” (…) ““The suspects indicated to us how they were promised wealth and this was under the command of the two politicians. We are going to record statements from the two MPs who are behind the murders,”Enanga said.“The statements from suspects indicate that in a meeting at Ndeeba, they were recruited and all was done under the command of the two politicians. We want explanation from them.”” (Kenneth Kazibwe – ‘MPs Ssegirinya, Ssewanyana planned Masaka murders in Kampala, says Police’ 06.09.2021, Nile Post).

This here shows that the Police and the Authorities was predetermined to pin the crimes on the individuals in question. Doesn’t matter, if it is true or not. What matters is to get them behind bars and that they must fight for their freedom. Even when there is no proof or evidence of their involvement in the matter. It is just hearsay and rubbish, which the state uses to forge it all. They are creating more injustice, instead of finding the culprits and the ones who are behind the murders. That says something about the current affairs and what the state is willing to do.

They are willing to create political prisoners out of a tragedy and a massacre. The state is willing to pin these murders and call them conspirators of it. While the men and leaders behind it is roaming free. They rather shield the assassins and killers, than capture them. That’s what the state is doing and show how sinister it is. This is no joke and all the victims are mocked by this. The trial, the charges and the whole charade is a mockery of rule of law. As it is penalizing innocent men to damage the hurt of a state who cannot capture the real criminals.

They rather let the gangs of machetes, the gang on the boda-boda’s and the mercenaries of the state run free. Than actually try to find  them and put them behind bars. It is easier to take down two MPs who are dissidents and make them felons. That says a lot about how far the state goes and how little it takes to become a criminal in the state. When you are a target and it’s justified to arrest you over nothing. Just because you associate and work for the opposition. That is enough grounds to pin other people’s crimes on you. The murders of Masaka is now on these gentlemen. Even when they got nothing to do with it. It really says it all about the lack of professionalism and care for the law within the ranks of authority. When they are willing to do this and use their force in this manner. It isn’t shocking, but a tragic result nevertheless.

The ones that has died and their remaining families are also insulted in this. As they remain and lives are connected to innocent civilians who shouldn’t answer for the crimes committed against them. The dead cannot speak and neither has the families of the deceased any resolve to make a difference. Alas, this is a farce and forgery. It is targeted ploy to get two MPs behind bars. Nothing else and the dead is served even more injustice, as the culprits and the ones who sanctioned their demise is running free. Peace.

The dead silence: DCI summons Ssegirinya and Sssewanyana MP for the Greater Masaka murders [a fiasco finds two fall men]

The murders of Greater Masaka area have gone on for over a month. The state and authorities has issued their stances. The Uganda Police Force and even the army have been deployed. They have suddenly been out and guarded parts of the region. However, there haven’t any official statement or proof of finding evidence or the culprits of all the murders in the Greater Masaka Area.

Now it’s all official, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have summoned two National Unity Platform (NUP) MPs. These are the high profiled individuals of Kawempe North MP Mohammad Ssegirinya and Makindye West MP Allan Ssewanyana. It is striking that it’s them and just shows what the state does.

The MPs have to both appear at Masaka Police Station on Monday 6th September 2021, as the DCI is investigating the murders in Greater Masaka during August 2021. So, this is the state pinning popular and dissenting MPs. These are not involved or implicated in any way or fashion in the murders of Greater Masaka. However, that is perfect sort of way of maliciously finding means to charge and sentence them.

This is the Police Force trying to frame these two MPs for the murders. They are trying to make these as masterminds. What is striking about Mr. Updates is that he was in the Netherlands working for his constituency while they summoned him. That shows how stupid the whole thing. It just shows what the state is willing to do.

We know this is political prosecution and not actually finding the killers or gangs with machetes going on a rampage in Greater Masaka region. No, they are just making a mockery of the law and trying to implicate some opposition leaders. There is nothing else to this and it’s not even funny. It just shows how naked the system is.

As their “investigation” goes suddenly to two Kampala NUP MPs. This is just hogwash and rubbish. Everyone know this and they are just trying to find someone to pin it on. These are not criminal masterminds, but Kampala legislators. They are not hoodlums or gangsters. No, they are just vocal dissidents of the regime and this regime is now haunting them for no apparent reason.

Instead of actually going after the ones that is killing, the groups with machete and finding the killers. They are targeting innocent civilians and MPs who has nothing to do with it. That says a lot about the waste of resources and use of police officers in this investigation. They could have tried find and look after the evidence. However, that is out of the picture and they rather just make it a farce.

The DCI isn’t serious with this. They are used as a political weapon to destroy and find means of silencing the opposition. The authorities are using the murders now to implicate dissidents. While they should go after killers and the ones who issued the orders. That they are not doing, which just happens to be their original job. This is their mandate, but they prefers being a tool for oppression. Peace.

Spygate: CMI “arrested” Victoria University Vice Chancellor Dr. Muganga

Today, there was leaked video clips of Dr. Lawerence Muganga of a violent arrest of the Vice Chancellor of Victoria University. The “Panda Gari’s” or “drones” usually tend to come in plain-clothes and do it “discreetly”. However, in today’s instance it went viral and was all over the web.

The authorities claims this was a joint-operation to apprehend a foreign spy. There are claims that the VC have had close ties to Rwandan President Paul Kagame. That his education at Makerere University was sponsored directly by him. It is reported that he worked in the Presidential Office of Rwanda as Researcher together with David Himbara. In addition that he got the current job through Andrew Mwenda who has also been funded directly by Kigali in the past. Also, unverified reports that he used a Rwandan passport whenever he travelled.

However, all of that stated above isn’t written in stone, but it is a clear intent when this sort of play is happening. The V.C. have been a visible character and been even on NBS Television plenty of times. It is not like he has lived a life in hiding or tried to be Clark Kent. No, parts of his life has been on all public display and it’s weird that his spying too.

You can wonder what sort of intelligence this man was supposed to get. Was it supposed to get minutes and orders from the Ministry of Education and the prayers of Mama Janet? I wonder what this sort of fella would help Kigali with?

If he was a foreign operative and actually worked with espionage unless the authorities of Chieftain of Military Intelligence (CMI) or Internal Security Organization (ISO) have collect something we don’t know. Because, the VC had to do some real James Bond or Jason Bourne. God knows… what he did or didn’t do.

However, the way they manhandled him on public display and directly kidnapped him. Yes, they have hours later said he was arrested. Nevertheless, the citizen wasn’t warranted or informed of the pending charges. Well, it if it a matter of espionage and national security. We understand that they kept it secret.

Still, the authorities have arrested political operatives, activists and leaders in the same manner over the last few years. So, it is not like this is a new practice. The “Panda Gari’s” is a thing and surely like the ungazetted safe-houses across the republic as well. It is just common means to an end for the ones in-power at the marvellous times we are currently living in.

The VC might be an spy and might just be a foreigner working illegally in Uganda. If not.. .for a man living so long in Uganda. It seems weird that a public figure and of an educational institution have been able to keep all this under wraps.

That’s why I wonder how this continue. Will he be deported and expelled? Will Victoria University have to hire someone else?

If not this is a real stupid act. The state should explain how a VC in the open can be a hidden spy. That’s what is weird to me here. If its an “illegal alien” case… that makes more sense than he has done lip-service to Kagame on the regular. When Kagame have spent fortunes on Pegasus and listen through “the wire”. Therefore, an operative is only useful if you hope he will rise to the upper echelon to suddenly get into “confidential” documents. However, I doubt that will ever happen at Victoria at this point.

That’s why this seems like a weird situation and I wonder how this will unfold. Nevertheless, this will not make sense to me. Unless, someone has a notes, reports and shows the secret life of the VC. Where his capable of wiring, wire-tapping and getting intelligence from the Ugandan government through this office. I really want to see that and what sort of “valuable” cables he would send to Kigali.

I’m looking forward to read that and while I wait. I might watch another spy-movie on Netflix. Peace.

The dead silence: The murder sprees of Greater Masaka Region

Fear has increased in Masaka region after the panga-wielding assailants killed another man in Sembabule district. His death brings the number of murder victims to 18 in Greater Masaka Region in one month” (Urban Television, 27.08.2021).

At this current time and age it is not like the authorities or the government has the trust of the Republic. To the contrary they despise and distrust them. The Uganda Police Force and all other state organized security organization can be put into question. As their main interests isn’t securing the general public’s safety, but keeping the system and regime alive.

That’s why so many murder cases are cold. There are so many who is supposed to be resolved and answered. However, they are all left in a office and forgotten in a folder there. The police isn’t investigating or finding the needed evidence to solve the cases. No, these murders and killings are happening with no consequences.

This has happened over the years. There been both high ranking officials and known leaders who has been killed. When these are not solved or answered for. Then what the ordinary or innocent civilians dying as well this way? Well, they are just collected as numbers and forgotten eventually. As there is one outrage to another outrage. It is from one scandal to another.

One month it is boxers and another Muslim clerics. Right now its people living in the Greater Masaka region. Before it was woman who was kidnapped and killed in Entebbe town. In between that the ones associated with National Unity Platform (NUP) and People Power Movement was targeted. Just like the ones who was part of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) was taken in and extra judicially killed too. Therefore, this isn’t new…

What is happening in the Greater Masaka Region is tragic. That 20 lives has been taken within a month. We cannot expect these to be solved or the families knowing who killed their family member. That is too much to ask. When MPs and High Ranking Officials are dead with no trace too. If the gangs or on motorcycles or using machetes. It doesn’t matter. They are allowed to roam around and do their bidding.

These sorts of gangs has been allowed to this before without any retaliation. There been blazing words and promises. However, they have been allowed to go to the next target and promised to be silent for a hot minute. Because, the outrage and the fear has to die down. Before they find the next victim and kills more. That is how it looks and these folks never serve time or is charged in the courts.

They can go around and make people suffer. If they we’re part of BodaBoda2010 or the Flying Squad. If these are LDUs or Crime Preventers in the past. God knows… but what we do know is that they are allowed and they can kill. They are assassins and murdering civilians without any consequences.

That’s why suddenly like the murders was happening in the Greater Masaka Region. These will stop as well. Just like they stopped over night targeting Muslim clerics and Woman in Entebbe. The same will happen in Masaka. As the group will leave and their job was done.

The same gentlemen who killed will be able to find work and operate elsewhere. These will find another safe-haven and a den of thieves to enjoy their spoils. While they are awaiting orders of more executions and murders. That is how these things goes and it seems to be legit for them. They know the drill and await their turn.

It is tragic and sinister… but that is how it seems and it’s not looking good. The murders after curfew seems to continue. Lives is at stake and these are untouchable assassins. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Statement on Initiatives to Counter Torture in the UPF (16.08.2021)

Opinion: The General believes the army can solve everything

It is now a new directive of the 1st July 2021 that the Army Brigade will start to construct buildings for the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health. Who cares about the random engineers or the National Planning Authority (NPA). No, the President, His Excellency and the General of all ages have directed the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) to be involved in building buildings too.

This is not new… the UPDF have looked over fishers in Lake Victoria. The army have been involved in delivering out mosquito-nets and they are participating in the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). There is nowhere where the army is not implicated or not an active role. Just like they have 5 MPs in the 11th Parliament too.

The army just needs to be involved in civilian matters. Soon these folks will have marriage counselling and such. Since the Court Martial, the Military Courts are already a useful pawn to address and silence political operatives of the opposition. Therefore, the UPDF and the army can be used for everything.

For the heavens sake, the same army was in-charge of beauty pageants as well. Where they we’re deciding and nominating who became “Miss Uganda”. There is nothing this army will not.

The General can order these soldiers and his army to do whatever it takes. They can not only, but use their boots. These armed personnel are used to fix anything, because these are the only one he trusts. Even if he has hundreds of government entities to trust and work with. He will always turn to the UPDF. Where he has the loyal subjects willing to do whatever work they are ordered to do. Even if it means looking at skirts, shirts or now load trucks full of bricks.

The President really shows his intent and that he only have one safe haven. These fellows can be directed and ordered around without any issues. They will just show-up and follow up orders. It wouldn’t be shocking, if the UPDF will dab into the future vaccination programme or soon start to build roads in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) together with Dott Services. Nothing would shock me anymore, but just be a proof of how useful the UPDF is at this point.

The General needs his army and this is visible everywhere. Soon, if you go to the dentist. A soldier is there. If you go to the doctor. A soldier is there and if God forbid. You go to Church(!). A soldier will be there too. Peace.

The NRM government undressed by the COVID-19 pandemic

It is only through these measures that we shall in a long run protect our economy, preserve our democracy and sustain the NRM revolution” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (18.06.2021)

After 12 days into the first 42 days lockdown. The President has added another additional 42 days to the original lockdown. What is striking is that the government, the ministries and the whole apparatus haven’t been prepared for another coronavirus wave.

The state never really invested the COVID-19 loans of last year in 2020. The state didn’t value funds for the Ministry of Health. That’s why the Health Care workers have been protesting and lacked basic wages. They haven’t even gotten proper hazard pay for working in the middle of a pandemic.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its President has no issues with taking out COVID-19 loans from Multi-National Organizations like World Bank and International Monetary Funds (IMF). That has been done and expect more loans to come the way of the Government of Uganda.

This doesn’t mean there will be created more ICU beds, bought more PPE or ventilators. Neither will the production of oxygen or other things happen. The President have promised last year to have a herbal remedy against the virus. Which still to this day haven’t come into production or gotten for sale. As the COVIDEX is still an unlicensed sold remedy, which haven’t been tested and proven to have any sort of healing agents towards the coronavirus. Therefore, people should be careful with what they are buying and taking. Ass it should be pharmaceutical tested and have been scientific approved. Until then, follow simple guidelines and take of each other. That’s the best we can do.

However, the state has failed its citizens. As they haven’t invested, ensured or secured running hospitals. Neither has it enough nurses, specialised beds and even ambulances. As people have to use boda-boda’s to get to hospital. As there are not enough vehicles in connections to the health care facilities. Neither is there enough import of medicine, vaccines or anything else. That’s because the government didn’t priorities this.

The NRM haven’t just mismanaged and depleted the Ministry of Health. No, they have not acted during the global pandemic, but instead taken the “free” money and spent it on side-dishes. Because, the hospitals isn’t better off or been developed to the needs of the Republic. It is not prepared or have the staffing to compete the levels of ill people. That says a lot.

This is all happening because the Ministry of Health and all of their Hospitals/Health Centres hasn’t been a priority. That’s why its easy to have another lockdown, as that ceases some transmission and possible further outbreak of the virus. However, plenty will be starving and lack means to earn the coins for the daily bread. They are barred from leaving their homes without any government subsidizes and programs helping them. It is just like later will come “government packages” of food and basic commodities. When the outcry becomes to huge.

The NRM is just showing their inept actions towards this. Just like the President have promised radios, tv’s and better services to the general public. Now, there are so many who will struggle and lack their needs. While the state didn’t prepare for this wave either. It is becoming worse and people is dying because of it. The virus and the new “strains” are more able to transmit and make more people sick. While the state was ignoring this for whatever reasons they saw fit.

The state could have done more and they had the time. They have seen how this has affected elsewhere. The amount of deaths now coming in and the amount of people catching the virus. Says it all. While the state is awaiting for hand-outs and possible aid from elsewhere. The state have taken out loans, but not spent on the necessities. We can wonder if the state has bought more V8s for the new ministers and members of parliament. Instead of importing whatever possible vaccines, ventilators, oxygen production equipment and other needed PPE products. Therefore, the state should be a bit humble.

However, the President is never humble or taking accountability. He just throw other people under the bus. Just like he did yesterday, but he himself haven’t made it possible for his Ministers to win. He isn’t prioritizing this and haven’t done it for years. That’s why there is such a lack of beds and places to seek remedy.

That’s why the President who has been running the Republic for 35 years has accepted the VIPs and Elites ability to seek health abroad and be medical tourists, because the high ranking officials know the system been dilapidating. It hasn’t been working and they have moved-on.

This is why… you shouldn’t expect magic in the days ahead. All of this is tragic and it’s desperate times. Not only for the families scorn by COVID-19 and the mutated viruses. All of the families who are trying to find help and treatment for their loved ones. They cannot find that or afford it, because the state has failed them.

The 42 days lockdown is the last resort. However, it will pain and cause more suffering too. Since the state haven’t secured the ones whose living hand to mouth. They are only issuing orders and directives helping tourists to get to view the Republic during the lockdown. While the ones who trade on the daily basis is blocked from doing their work. Therefore, so many people are hurting and their pockets are as well. Not only the closure of bars and other businesses. It is peasants and poor who will be hit and they have no safety-net, which the state haven’t prepared for them. That is what is devastating here…

The state and the President have to find new measures and programs. They have to use the previously borrowed money and cover the basics for people who has been barred to do their jobs. It not like everyone can be in home-office and wait this month and a half out. That will not be easy. It will be hard and we cannot imagine the struggle of so many in the Republic.

Yes, this current wave is dangerous. Yes, the new mutated virus is causing harm on new levels and ability to spread more than before. The state can re-issue orders and lockdowns, but it should also do more to secure that the people is eating. That they have clean water and electricity as well. This is just showing how the state is lacking in 2021.

The President will blame others, but his the Head of State and been so for decades. He could have ordered and directed, gotten the funding and ensured the basics. However, that hasn’t kept his political life at bay or kept the state captive under his reign. That’s been what his life work is and not securing the future of the general public. That is only a an empty, which he has delivered so many of over the years. Therefore, today isn’t a reckoning, but a proof of his inept and lacking government.

Which only survives on handouts. Just like the peasant peers who are struggling too. This is because, his government never used their time or their funds to do the commoners any good. It had the time in peace to be better prepared, but it preferred to do other schemes and looting. Instead of building up proper institutions who could be up to the challenge of a pandemic. Peace.

The Final 18 from the NUP Campaign Team released on Bail after 6 months in jail

Today several members and activists, important parts of the campaign team of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have been released from prison. They have been kept behind bars and charged by the state since 30th December 2020. As they were captured on the campaign trail ahead of the final stretches of campaigns ahead of the polls in January 2021.

Today, the National Unity Platform (NUP) is celebrating the releases of them finally. This is Eddie Mutwe, Nubian Li, Dan Magic and others who have been released. They have all been detained without any reason or proof of their supposed crimes. What is really unique about this case. Was the NUP Campaign Team was arrested and charged for crime, which they couldn’t have committed. As they were already behind bars before the criminal conspiracy or moment could even happen. That is in the paperwork of the charges and trials. Therefore, the state is willing to do whatever to get opposition people behind bars.

The state used the Anti-Terrorist Law and other means to keep them behind bars. Even Court Martial civilians, which isn’t a part of the army or commanders who has misused their office or been deserting soldiers leaving battle. Therefore, the state has willingly kept these folks for so long.

It fits it perfectly that it happens after the Swearing-In and the Parliament is now in sessions. The Members of Parliament is in order. The Cabinet is getting vouched for and is officially appointed. That’s why its happening now and taken this long.

The Election season is over and it’s back to ordinary days ahead. Where the state can run back to normal and not be stressed by the NUP. This is why they are released today. However, they are released on bail. Meaning the case is still “working” and the state can re-issue it. If they are “finding” evidence or “proof” of it. Which most likely be fabricated like the bullets and guns… that was pinned on Bobi Wine back then.

So, expect that the state can suddenly make them return and especially if these people are disregarding court orders or meeting to trials in the future. If they are not posting up in time and for the courts. Then they are “criminals” and could face penalties for it. That is just the nature of things. It is not justified, but the papers are their and the state has these powers. Which is a worry and something the state willing to do.

It is sort of a halfway celebration today. The are partially freed. Just like the cold-cases and the not finished charges and criminal cases pinned on opposition leaders. The new prison of Kitayla have been useful and expect it to be used. The same as Nalufenya and Luzira Prisons as well. These are well-known for a reason. Because, of how the state operates and use the law enforcement for political means. They are more vicious to attack the opposition, than actually catch real criminals and hoodlums. That’s just what it does and it has been known for ages.

So, today someone who was charged and been detained for 6 months for crimes they never committed. The only thing they did was participate in an election and challenged the President. Which is a cardinal sin and they offended the Don. That’s why they deserved this suffering and being behind bars. The NUP has paid a huge price and they are continuing to doing this to this day.

There are more people behind bars and activists who still awaiting their trial and get freedom. However, the state is just pursuing all means to show their power and intimidate the opposition. They want to prove a point and this is what they are willing to do. Peace.