Opinion: EC and UPF wants the election to be done in darkness

A historic day: Besigye could vote without being arrested afterwards!

There should not be mass assemblies around polling centres according to the EC. You need to vote and go home. Any act of hooliganism around the polling stations will be dealt with – Maj Gen Paul Loketch, Deputy IGP” (NTV Uganda, 08.01.2021)

The EC has barred all persons from taking pictures inside the polling station area on 14th January . EC chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama says even the media will not be allowed within the polling area to preserve the sanctity of secret ballot” (NTV Uganda, 06.01.2021)

It is just mere days ahead of the polls on the 14th January 2021. The Electoral Commission (EC) and Uganda Police Force (UPF) is steam-rolling ahead with their messages of voting and going home. Even if there are no laws stating this. There is no reason for the citizens and voters to trust the authorities and the preparation to the polls.

This is a mere reflection of how the whole election be handled. As the state is sowing distrust and a disingenuous attempt of controlling it all. They are willing to use any narrative to conceal the election and the results. In such a fashion, that the public is supposed to blindly trust the EC and the state itself. These gentlemen ruling and having powers must be foolish.

President Museveni, Electoral Commission Chairman Simon Byabakamba haven’t proved themselves to be trustworthy. As they are either inciting fear or wants the public to have less knowledge of the process. As there are no laws telling the citizens needs to home after dropping their votes. They can be there and oversee it. They are allowed to tape and take pictures of the Polling Stations. That is to ensure that the Returning Officers and the Declared Result Forms are genuine. That these are not altered or there been shady works of the polling officers and others.

Therefore, this whole act is a another angle of intimidation ahead of the polls. Not only the citizens are targets, but the journalists too: ““We’ve been beating journalists to restrain them from going where there’s danger. Polce beat journalists to help them…for their own safety. When a police officer tells you to stop, you must stop for your own safety. I won’t apologise for police actions” IGP Martin Ochola” (Daily Monitor, 08.01.2021).

This is just further proof of how the state wants the election to be done in darkness. They don’t want the people to know and know the affairs of how their ballots are counted or processed to final results. No, they are just supposed to trust these gentlemen with their future. No questions asked. No observers or people looking over the shoulders to ensure that the ballots are respected and the will of the people is served. No, that is not supposed to happen.

That is why the Electoral Commission and Uganda Police Force is doing this. They are all doing it to serve their master, instead of actually serving the people. They rather work directly for the President, then doing their duty to serve the general public. That is why they don’t want reporting or any oversight to their action. This is their message. Just like they are afraid to show what happens and what they will do when the ballots are done.

If they we’re sincere or had good intentions, but this actions only rely on the fact that the citizens should blindly trust the authorities. However, there are little to no reasons for them to do so. They should expect to be robbed and that they will be disingenuous about their motives. Therefore, they should ensure their votes are respected and that the polling officers are doing their duty. Nevertheless, expect election violence and arrests for the ones doing so. Peace.

Opinion: Reckless driving, really? Jaywalking, next up?

KAKUMIRO – Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, Patrick Oboi Amuriat was on Thursday arrested and driven to Kakumiro Grade 1 Court, where he was charged for breaking traffic rules” (John Masaba – ‘Amuriat, driver charged for breaking traffic rules’ 07.01.2021, New Vision).

I don’t know if the Uganda Police Force (UPF) was really serious here. We have seen they arrest Opposition leaders and Presidential Candidates over nothing. They have arrested opposition activists for spreading COVID-19, but having them in giant groups into the courts. In a manner, which could easily spread the same virus. Therefore, my belief that the reckless driving charge isn’t legit, but a political ploy to stop the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Presidential Candidate from campaigning today.

Next time they will arrest him for spitting, sneezing and jaywalking. He will turn wrong and forget the tail-light or send a signal. He should maybe have pigeons to alert where his going and ensure the road safety. The man should drive from side to side on the roads, but straight path. Even his driver and himself is avoid the potholes, which is a lot of. Still, that is a tourism export and POA could show them off to the general public. Because, campaigning in 2020 and 2021 is a bumpy ride.

That is why he was arrested today. Not because I believe he was reckless driving, but the Police Officer and District Police Commander wanted to get a credit for good work. They were able to find a reason to stop POA from campaigning. That is why they did this.

Because, we have seen plenty of candidates drive SUVs like this during campaigns. With their convoys and in a open car. Standing through the wind-shields and waving. So, what is the difference if he was sitting on top? Both things can be seen as dangerous, but the authorities have allowed it both as long as I can remember.

It seems like a ploy to me. The state can create more reckless driving and havoc with their skirmishes and brutal ways of dispersing people in towns across the republic. Where the live-bullets, the driving after political convoys and ambushes. That is can create an atmosphere of uncertainty and adrenaline rush. Which in the end can end up in some dangerous driving. That is as a response to actions made by the authorities and law enforcement.

Therefore, the Police should look if they are as lawful themselves. If they are acting with caution or careful in traffic. They are not that good at Fika Salama and Rood Safety themselves. Maybe time to set forward an example? Maybe, they should also work on making believable charges for ones. Not only target politicians and make them look like outlaws.

The Police has arrested POA so many times in this campaign. They have abducted him and taken him away. This is a continued measure and its ridiculous. This is not free and fair campaigning, but a combat just to spread the message. That is the reality of this. Peace.

Mzee and the Authorities come with warnings 10 days ahead of the polls…

The Opposition has been threatening to burn petrol stations in Kampala. I want to assure you no one is going to burn Kampala down” – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (04.01.2021).

This is continuing what the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the President does best. That is to spread warnings and incite fear. This is spelling out stories that never happens and its supposed to intimidate.

The Opposition are always planning to burn petrol stations and do harm in the elections. However, the ones who come with force and guns is the state. The government comes with the LDUs, Crime Preventers and soldiers. They are tear-gassing and injuring the public. They are coming with live-bullets and even killing protesters. However, the greater public is supposed to fear ghost opposition who plans to set fire to a Total station somewhere in the capital.

The Police Force says this today:

We would like to issue a stern warning to candidates/political parties that continue to hold mass rallies that it is too dangerous. They have to adjust accordingly for the sake of protecting the health of the community. So far, none of the candidates/political parties have come out with a formal statement cancelling their campaign events in these respective districts/cities and how they will contend with the Electoral Commission directive” (Uganda Police Force, 04.01.2021).

Just as the final campaign rallies are happening. The opposition are already arrested or charged by the state. The opposition have already been blocked and the Police are in the way of ordinary campaigning. The state haven’t offered the opposition a hand. They are saying the opposition shouldn’t hold mass-rallies, but they are not enforcing the same laws in concern to the ruling regime.

Therefore, we know this warning is to the NUP and FDC. These warnings isn’t for the NRM nor anyone else challenging the state. No, these are for Bobi Wine and Patrick Oboi Amuriat. Who are always in legal trouble and having their team under fire. The state is targeting them and warning them.

So, we can just await the use of force and injuring more people ahead of the polls. As the Police will use their means of tear-gas, live-bullets and pre-emptive arrests of opposition activists and candidates. Just like they have been doing through the whole campaign. That will continue and there is no ceasing of this. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine’s “P10” for 2021

This is the year to accomplish our mission. We have 10 more days of campaign. We have 10 days to determine the future of our country….it is this election where we will determine if we are to remain slaves” – Robert Kyagulanyi (02.01.2021).

So, there we have it really. Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine have planned his own P10 or hoping the citizens will be responsible and document the elections. We know just like he stated in the Year End Address yesterday. That the state and authorities will use all means to rig the elections. They will sort out a media blackout, block the internet and social media. This is why the National Unity Platform (NUP) not only launches an UVote App, but speaks highly of using VPN. That is preparing for the inevitable.

We have seen in the past how the state has controlled the results. How they have fixed the polls and ensured “victory”. Clearly, the cellphone and the app is an help. However, that will not be enough. As the public have to come out with an outcry. Have to be on the barricades, unless they give way yet again. That is what the state hopes for.

Museveni, please keep your word. You called Obote and Amin swine for disrespecting the right s of Ugandans but you are much worse than the previous regimes” (Robert Kyagulanyi, 02.01.2021).

A man who has rigged elections since 1996 will clearly not hold his words in 2021. No, we cannot believe that. Neither can Bobi Wine. That is why his preparing for the tricks of the trade. The knowledge that the whole state is on alert.

Kampala and the central region aka Baganda will be a battlefield. The state will have dozens of brigades out in the streets. The army units will be out of the barracks. The LDUs will out and roaming the streets. The Crime Preventers will cause havoc and intimidate too. We just know this will happen. The high ranking officials will spread fear and intimidate more. Just like the President has done through his campaign.

The opposition leaders will either be house-arrested or picked up from their homes. They will be abducted and taken away. The NUP and FDC leadership will be in trouble. There will be no mercy and their lives be in the hands of the authorities. This is the bleak reality.

The FDC had their P10 group ahead of 2016 General Elections. This was a group monitoring and following up the occurrences at the polling stations. They was the team ensuring the rights of the ballots and the tallying. However, it didn’t work out, but the idea was a genius one.

The NUP with their App and Smartphones is good in itself. However, these folks will not have control of the Declaration Forms of the Polling Stations. Neither, the certified results from the Electoral Commission. Not to mention finding out if there is a second unit doing ghost counting. That can easily happen in elections like these. With pre-ticked ballots, stuffed ballot-boxes and cooking the results in the Tally Centre. Therefore, the phones and app is good in itself. However, it is enough?

To be sure the election is free and fair, which have been miles apart. These elections have been depressing. That is why I just know that the EC and the President doesn’t care about an open heist. President Museveni will rig this one. There is no doubt in my mind. Nevertheless, Bobi Wine has shown heart. Will it be enough?

The FDC tried with their Power 10 or P10 to be 10 People per village or polling station to guard the vote. However, we know how that went. Will Bobi Wine succeed now?

His showing character and heart, but is that enough? I am afraid its not. Unless, the people are not accepting the rigging and the foolery of the state this time around. Peace.

President Museveni orders his Army Commanders for “Election Oversight”

There is a new leaked letter or PO/21 on “Deployment of Commanders for Election Oversight”. This letter sets the tone and targets this time around. We know in the Republic that things are militarized and usage of the army within the political sphere is totally normal from both the President and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Therefore, the letter itself seems legit.

The Commander of it all is the always trusted and family member Gen. Salim Selah. While the son Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga is getting the role authorizing excessive use of force at all polling stations. General David Muhoozi, the CDF of the UPDF is deployed to coordinate UPDF, SFC, ISO and CMI during the elections. While Gen. Sam Kavuma is directed to operationalize the Huawei mapping software of all Kyagulanyi strongholds.

While there are in each region someone deployed to delegate the blocking or buying off of the NUP supporters. Blocking people from accessing the tally-centres. Blocking Foreign Media as well from the same places. Scaring and intimidating voters. It is a total of 21 Generals or Commanders put in the various of regions to delegate these efforts ahead of the polls.

They are clearly, as anticipated targeting the National Unity Platform and their Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. That is to be anticipated. This letter show that all of the 21 Commanders are delegated to do the same things all across their regions. While the first specially mentioned are countrywide.

The army implicated in this manner. Proves that the President only trusts the army to fulfil his mission. The clandestine operation of securing the future. President Museveni’s future and the future of the Republic.

This shows what we all know. That the army is a partisan operation and only made to serve the throne. It is not there to secure the borders or fight external invaders. No, these forces and armed groups to create fear within the general public. The President is seemingly very interested in that and the ones who is supporting the NUP especially this time around.

This letter implicates the whole Ministry of Defence, the National Army and all of its Units or Divisions. As these are used in every region from Bunyoro, Kampala, Acholi, Lango, Karamoja, Ankole, Busoga, West Nile, Rwenzori, Masaka and Buganda. That is what they are initially planning and with various of commanders from the army. Nobody doesn’t have a role and doesn’t have a mission.

The UPDF will clearly not dwell in the barracks and take it easy. No, they are preparing to come out with blazing guns and scare the public. They are preparing to issue threats and be forceful towards citizens who plans to vote. That is the sort of game-plan the government has. This isn’t shocking either. As the President has spoken so often of warning and that he has forces, which can easily take people out. That is the sort of man he is.

The President lives by the gun and he will most likely die by the same gun too. That is the only thing he knows and this letter proves that. All the Presidents Men and all authorities of the state is at play to ensure another term for the Presidency. Nothing left to chance. This secret letter is proof of that too. Peace.

Opinion: The VLS is a technicality to block voters’ from voting…

33. Polling stations and polling centres.

(1)Each returning officer may, with the approval of the commission, establish within each parish or ward within his or her electoral district as many polling stations as are convenient for the casting of votes, taking into account the distances to be travelled by voters to polling stations, the number of voters in the constituency and the geographical features of the constituency.

(2)Where the circumstances require, the returning officer may, under subsection (1), establish a polling centre at which are located more than one polling station; except that in that case, the returning officer shall ensure that steps are taken to inform voters as early as possible of the particular polling station at which they are required to vote, that the polling stations are separated by a sufficient distance and also that the circumstances are such as to guarantee orderly voting without confusion” (Electoral Commission Act, 1997).

In the Guidelines for Issuance of Voter Location Slips from the Electoral Commission. The EC is stating the usage of the Section 33 (1) and (2). However, the VLS isn’t mentioned has been introduced by them as a guide to voters. Nevertheless, the needs for this isn’t stated in the law.

There is no place in the Electoral Commission law that the voters needs the VLS to able to vote. Even if the Press Release saying so yesterday. Because, any person who is registered on the voters roll of a polling station and hold a valid voters card.

The Electoral Commission could state this was the usage of voters’ card, which is stated in Section 26 of the Electoral Commission Act. So, if the EC was mentioning this… it would have made sense with the law. However, the VLS seems lie a weird addition for the voter to be able to vote.

The EC should re-assure the citizens and the ones registered that they have gotten the Voters Cards and not VLS. The VLS isn’t even mentioned in the Act or Amendments. So, the EC should focus on the Voters Cards and not VLS.

That is if they don’t want things like these contesting the EC. The EC have already been partisan and not been fair. The General Election as it this time. Doesn’t look anything free or fair. The whole game is rigged. So, these drops of VLS in the last minute. Seems like a trick to block people from voting. Nothing else really.

The EC just following the trends and ensuring the voters are not able to vote. These was also issued in 2016. However, that doesn’t make them legit. Only an sorry excuse to stop people from voting. Since, even if the people is registered and on the voters’ roll, but doesn’t have the VLS won’t be able to vote. The presiding officer can therefore easily stop someone because they lack the VLS. That is a shortcoming and causes trouble for the ones not getting it by the 13th January 2021.

This is a worry and a technicality that can be used against people who is eligible, but blocked because the EC didn’t issue correctly the VLS in-concern to each ward or polling station. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Update on Crackdown Operation on Acts of Impunity (31.12.2020)

Opinion: New accreditation scheme from the Media Council made to silence media ahead of the polls

Today on the 31st December 2020 is the final day of reckoning in the sense that Uganda Media Council is giving out accreditations to journalists who are supposed to follow the final stretch of the polls. These are people who are already hired and working as journalists. Still, some will be blocked by this technicality.

Like Devosh Matovu of Track UG Channel on Youtube, Rock TV Uganda and Devosh Olwokya Youtube have been denied accreditation this time around.

Also Solomon Kaweesa a journalist working at NTV Uganda has also gotten denied.

These are just two who has gone out publicly with the news that they have lost it. For one reason or another. However, expect more. This might happen to all the outlets the Uganda Communication Commission wrote to Google and Youtube about as well. Ghetto TV and other outlets who are favourable of the opposition will lose their accreditation ahead of the polls. Don’t be shocked if that happens…

That is why the state does it two weeks ahead of the polls. It is a pure bitch move of the state. To take down the ones reporting in favour of the opposition. The Media Council and UCC are working in tandem. These government entities are all favourable for the President and his reign. That is why the ones opposing the state is directly targeted.

It will happen to more and these two is only the beginning. The journalists have to stop following the President and his state in the coming days. They have to defy the pressers and whatnot. If they want to be taken serious. As they are direct targets for updating on what’s happening. Something the state clearly don’t want to happen at this time. As they know their vicious ways. Peace.

Bavicha – Chadema Youth Council: Statement on Uganda Election Campaign (31.12.2020)

Opinion: This election is just depressing…

There is no hope.

There is no shadow of a doubt.

There is no signs of free and fair elections in sight. Not even free and fair abilities to campaign or even try to operate during the “Elections Road Map”.

The authorities, the state and all its weaponry is forcing the opposition to cease operations. People are dying by association. People are arrested for being participants in the campaigns and citizens are injured for passing by convoys. There is no good news and only depressing news.

The President can walk around and have campaign ceremonies everywhere. Opening up ghost-projects, re-issuing old projects and looking grand at actually doing his supposed job of 35 years. While not spelling out the funding or who is actually paying the prices for the infrastructure or basic investments. His awaiting glory for posing at factories, road-projects and planned government buildings. Like that is big-whoop.

While his opposition is tear-gassed, injured and detained. While the Police Force is blocking and shedding no tears ambushing and destroying the activities of the opposition. Nothing is fair here. As the airwaves are filled with new speeches and promised of the President nearly every single night. Where his also forcefully saying he will destroy or deploy enough law enforcement to crush anyone in his path.

That is why everything is depressing. It is disappointing. If the Commonwealth, IGAD or EAC signs this one off in the Election Monitoring Mission (EOM) or any other sort of organization. We know it is a lie.

This isn’t an election with promise. It is only an election with the prospects of pre-ticked ballots and rigged affairs to ensure the longevity of the NRM. The rest is just playing for keeps and securing their relevance. These are toys for the authorities to play around with. To fatigue and possibly weaken as much as possible. No care in the world for justice, freedom or liberty for the people opposing the current regime. No these folks got to suffer, one way or another.

That is is why January 14th 2021 is already written in stones. The sign of the sky and position of the stars is already aligned with the coming results. The dawn of a new day is yet to be determined, but the destination is for the incumbent and forever Mr. Sunday.

There is no signs of change, hope or even daring possibility of sudden twist. Unless, there is a certain spark and flair that the state cannot control. Until now, the army, law enforcement and anyone in power will feel safe. They are not fearing the opposition or their supporters. They think they can contain it. They think they are gullible and able to silence them like in the past.

Time will tell, but I am less hopeful. There been to many deaths, to many abducted and to many detained for this election. It is no middle-ground or possible good return on the investment. Only more suffering and hardships. While the same man lives to hold office.

2021 elections is only days away, but it will feel like forever. The ambitions of others will be dismissed and destroyed. That is just the mere reality. The armed forces and state will secure that by any means. Treason charges or whatnot will all appear and the state will arrest anyone who dares to oppose. This is how it seems these days.

That is why its depressing. There is no hope or possible outcome, which seems redeeming for the Republic. The state is not showing any signs of positive actions. Only more pain and suffering. Peace.