Opinion: [Let us not kid ourselves] Elections under Museveni will never be free nor fair…

Let us not kid ourselves. Let’s get real for minute. Breathe out. Take a deep breathe, before reading some utter nonsense. Than, after that. Digest some facts and call it a Thursday. Does that sound about right? I hope so, because first a snippet, than my 2 cents. Before I call “Peace”. Feel me?

Outgoing Deputy Attorney General, Mwesigwa Rukutana explained that it’s not only the forthcoming general elections that government will ensure free and fair elections but this has been upholding them even in the previous elections. “It’s not only this coming general elections of 2021 but Uganda held free and regular elections and also observed human rights. You can’t compare this regime to the past regimes. We have always observed those principles,” Mr Rukutana said by telephone at the weekend” (Anthony Wesaka – ‘Uganda will comply with African charter rules in holding free, fair elections, says govt’ 23.01.2020, Daily Monitor).

Well, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and their men got some nerve. To call the rigged elections, their hands of puppets in the Electoral Commission, in the Judiciary and the Police Force. To call it free and fair. When the state are using their funds for their campaigns, when the State House is misusing funds to the outrageous during campaigns and elections. As well as the misuse of the army and police for their benefit.

The knowledge of voter tourism, ghost voters, pre-ticked ballots, fake voter registers, frauds on tally sheets and declaration forms combined with another level of Math from the Electoral Commission. You know where this is headed. Not to a place of free and fair elections, but pre-determined results in favour of one man and his brigade.

The 2021 will be no difference. There will be ghosts, there will be soldiers and there will be ballots counted twice, make believe numbers and shattered tears over another fake election. All done in the service of man and his people.

We could joke about it. But the reality is that the same man complaining about the 1980 election. Is doing the same himself and more vigorously too. There is no bound or stoppage of this man. He continues to do this. Apparently until his last breath. That is the sort of man he his.

2021 elections are already in the cards and the one who get to be crowned king. Is already known, the ballad of the election results are already written and Kololo is ready to be painted yellow. Nothing else will happen. That is just the way it is. Peace.

Kizza Besigye arrested for the second time in three days!

Former FDC party president Dr. Kizza Besigye has been arrested & detained at Nalufenya unit.This comes after police blocked Dr. Besigye at Nile bridge on his way to one of the radio stations he had been invited to for a political radio show” (Capital FM Uganda, 22.01.2020).

There is something that is right on schedule, just like taxes there comes the newsflash that Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader and former Presidential Candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye is intercepted, towed to another location, stopped from performing his role as political operative and detained somewhere.

Today he was only supposed to participate on a scheduled radio show at the Busoga Radio One. Even the presenter of the radio got arrested too by the Police Force. Therefore, the ones that associate with him is still in trouble. Who knows what charges they will pin on them both, but expect something out of the Public Order Management Act (POMA) and h the Penal Code.

This is just yet another day. Only two days ago he was detained and arrested. Than, also taken to Nalufenya Police Station. To be hidden away in the murky police station, which is known for torture and the like. It is interesting and shows their intent when they take him there, yet again.

Besigye is not allowed to be a active politician. His muffled, arrested and taken to prison at any given day. It is clockwork. You can promise that it will happen. The Police Force is ready to incept the White SUV and impound him. Tear-gas him and detain him. That is what they are doing and continues to do so.

It was when the party was trying to celebrate its 15 Years Anniversary of the FDC on the 20th January 2020, that Besigye was arrested last time. Then also taken away, impounding his car and detaining him at Nalufenya.

If your thinking the General Elections of 2021 will be fair. You should forget about that. Because, there are no shadow of a doubt of the rigging, the intimidation and the usage of force to tame the opposition. The likes of Besigye and Bobi Wine will be in legal jeopardy. They will be behind bars. Will face charges and be “criminals” because they face the “high above” and the one nobody supposed to dare. However, they do and therefore, they have to face the consequences.

If that maybe Nalufenya or Luzira. They will be there at any given time. If not the Police will preventative house-arrest them and make their homes a prison. Peace.

Opinion: Thanks for reminding us that Nalufenya is still active!

The Police Force and the authorities in Jinja could have been wise. Especially, since there been such a silence about the Nalufenya Police Station and the dungeons there. Which has been known for torture, arbitrary arrests and preventative methods used their.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) with their partisan police force has today reminded the word about Nalufenya. The one that was under scrutiny in 2017 and early 2018. However, that has gone in book of forgotten sins. Since then, the state has apparently continued to operate the place, but without issues in Parliament nor questions from the Police Force itself.

IGP Okoth-Ochola was supposed to close the Nalufenya in April 2018. However, if it had been so. Than, Dr. Kizza Besigye wouldn’t be detained there today on the 20th January 2020. That is close to two years, when it was supposed to be closed.

Now, we cannot expect the Police Force, neither IGP nor any of the authorities will stop using Nalufenya. As it is a prepared torture chamber and prison cells for silencing critics. The state will keep this place alive, because it needs it as a scare-crow and also a useful tool.

Therefore, we are seeing a repetition and the state repeating old sins again. They are using all their tools to stop Besigye. They will keep him there for while, maybe transfer him to Nagalama Police Station or somewhere else fitting. Before even sentencing him to Luzira Prison. Who knows?

But we are now seeing, that the Police Force are keeping one their most infamous places. One who is known for torture and illegal detention. They have kept Nalufenya alive. That is a warning sign.

A sign of trouble ahead for General Elections 2021, as the state are using this to scare the ones who oppose and dare to challenge it. Peace.

FDC 15 Year Anniversary Celebrations: The Police causing havoc most places

What is ironic about today, the 20th January 2020 was that Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga was walking for democracy. While the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) would struggle to hold meetings, celebrate 15 years as a party across the Republic. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) could just recently walk in memory lane, but again hypocrisy at its finest. As the opposition parties cannot do the same.

The news all across the Republic today is burning. Tear-gas, arrests and depressing activities from the Police Force. Instead of shielding the citizens and dissidents of the state, they are arresting and trying to silence them. This is the M.O. of the state, but still boring that it continues. What was even more striking. Is the knowledge that Nalufenya is still active, because that was promised closure in early 2018.

FDC has gotten in trouble in Mubende yesterday. While today, they have gotten a real problems in Jinja, Busia, Bukiwe, Mbale and in Soroti. While it was successful in Kumi and Namutumba. Therefore, today has been a hassle, but a few small positive things. But they are overshadowed by the depressing attacks on the party. Not only that Dr. Kizza Besigye is detained in Nalufenya and Patrick Oboi Amuriat at Soroti Police Station. That is bad enough.

Here’s the information.

Mubende:

Police commanded by ASP Ssekalema Shaban, the OC Station has blocked and dispersed an FDC Leaders meeting that was organised at Gwaniika Village, Nabingola Sub County, Kasambya constituency at Home Land Organic Gardens. Deputy President Owek Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo had led a delegation of leaders from Buganda Region including Vice Chairman Kibuka Mukalazi, Mrs. Ssebuwufu Harriet Nakiyemba the Ethics and Culture Secretary, Muzei Kalule Samuel Kiseyeye the Secretary for Elders, Mr. Kizito Livingston of the Security Committee among others to meet the local Party branch in Mubende in abid to reorganize the lower level structures” (FDC, 19.01.2020).

Jinja:

Police in Jinja have arrested Dr Kizza Besigye and whisked him to Nalufenya Police station following running battles between police and FDC supporters” (NBS Television, 20.01.2020).

Busia:

Security forces blocked and dispersed an FDC Anniversary celebrations today in Busia district. The Party had sent Hon. Mwijukye Francis as the Chief Guest” (FDC, 20.01.2020).

Bukiwe:

FDC 15th anniversary cerebration in Lugazi Buikwe district have been disrupted by police and the district chairman Mr. Kanaabi Jimmy has been arrested and taken to Lugazi CPS” (FDC, 20.01.2020)

Mbale:

Mbale district FDC boss Wokuri Madanda arrested as police blocks FDC 15 celebrations. FDC was scheduled to hold its 15th anniversary celebrations in the district on Monday(today) but was blocked by Police on grounds that the party did not seek permission from the district authorities and that aspects of the public order management law were not fulfilled” (Emmah M. Bwayo, 20.01.2020).

Soroti:

Amateur video as Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat was being towed to Soroti CPS by a fire brigade vehicle. Meanwhile in the second photo, UPDF soldiers now patrolling Soroti streets, all shops, Kafunda Hotels closed” (FDC, 20.01.2020). It is later reported that the Patrick Oboi Amuriat is arrested and detained at the Soroti Police Station.

Kumi Successful:

The Celebrations in Kumi district were uninterrupted and the Cheif guests were Ms. Plan Virginia Mugengyi, the Deputy Secretary for Education, Sports and Arts at the National Executive Committee, and Dr. Okello Ekwaro, our Party Chairman for Apac District. This successful event was coordinated by Kumi district Chairman Ebokorait Abdallah and Ms. Suzan Norma Otai, the Deputy Secretary for Conflict and reconstruction at FDC National Executive Committee” (FDC, 20.01.2020).

Namutumba Successful:

Namutumba district under the full Command of Chairman Wante Jamal held their meeting/ Celebrations successfully” (FDC, 20.01.2020).

I don’t think this can be stated enough. There isn’t a real democracy, when a party cannot organize or even be able to hold meetings and gatherings. The Police Force is singling out and directly stopping what the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is doing. No one can deny that. Because its so blatant and direct.

This is just proving what the state will do and continue to do until the general election in 2021. To think otherwise is naive. This is just the reality. Impunity in action. Maybe, Kadaga should walk for the FDC too. Peace.

Opinion: The Ghetto is not yet verified by the State House

However, in response, Nakyobe told the MPs that there is no official or formal communication from the President, regarding the appointment of Catherine Kusasira and Butcher man as his presidential advisers.“As far as I’m concerned it is still a pronouncement that has not yet been put in writing, therefore, Kusasira and Butcher man are not yet staff of State House until when we have it in writing and then we shall have a normal process of their recruitment,” Nakyobe explained” (Henry Sekanjako – ‘Kusasira, Butcher man, Full Figure not our employees – State House’ 18.01.2020, New Vision).

When you do public stunts and sudden political moves like President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni did in regards to the Ghetto Superstars of Kusasira, Butchaman and Jennifer Full Figure. They are not official Presidential Advisors, even if they consider themselves as big-men already.

Therefore, what is really weird is the reports of 600 millions shillings first salary in cash and also SUV Cars. This is really heavy spending on these three, which is not even official or on the payroll of the State House. A State House, which already has over 170 Presidential Advisors on its payroll. Not like these three would make a huge difference in the asked funds for the next financial year. And in that regard, the State House usually get at least one Supplementary Expenditure or budgets for the up-coming elections. Don’t be shocked or surprised by that.

That is why, the President and State House acts like this. Not like its a big whoop, but still substantial. That the President doesn’t act accordingly to protocol and now someone else has to sort it out. Unless, suddenly there will come a letter of formality and sort this one out. As it is embarrassing.

This show how the State House and the Republic is run by a one-man brigade. One man with one vision. Nothing else is holding it up. They are all supposed to dance to his tune. Surely, these people will be paid. The State House will not humiliate the President and his will to “ghetto”. Even if the President will always be more of cow herder, than a man of the Ghetto. But because of Bobi Wine he will sing tales of the streets, the murky roads and the potholes. However, it will not be a tale he lived, because he never did.

That is why he has hired these people. Why he has handpicked them and is using them as tools for his upcoming elections. Soon, they will be on the lists of Presidential Advisors, but they are only needed tokens and they will be used as bargain chips. Not because they are smart, neither because they have much to offer, but because serve one cause. That he has them, as a representation of what his not.

It is always a reason, some are hard to digest. Others are easy access. This one is slim pickings. Peace.

Opinion: Kania’s nonsense [concerning Bobi Wine]

It is the duty of security right now to see where Bobi Wine is. Whether they do it overtly or covertly, they must do it because Bobi Wine is an asset in this country. when he reaches the point of nomination that is when the IGP will come in and say now “you must be surrounded with this security, you cannot sleep in such and such a place,”Obiga Kania, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs (16.01.2020)

What Minister Kania said today about what the Police Force done lately with the People Power Movement and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine is a lie or deluded. If Kania believes the words coming out of mouth. His surely not making sense. This is not common sense.

Kania might think this is a trick. That he can defend the actions of the Police Force, but it doesn’t. Because the PPM and Bobi Wine wasn’t shielded, defended nor secured in Lira or Kasangati. No, they were taken from the public space, arrested and forced away from their consultation meetings.

Bobi Wine wasn’t secured or safely treated by the authorities. Neither was any of his associates nor the activists who was supposed to be there too. They were all threaten and arrested. The public was bathed in tear-gas, live-bullets and whatnot.

The blocking of the venues, the threats to the owners of businesses closing it for the People Power. That is not for safeguarding Bobi Wine. All of this is a lie.

That is not how you treat assets for the Republic. The way you treat assets is the way you put President Museveni on a pedestal and let him held rallies in the middle of the streets in whatever town in the Republic.

What is also a bit funny. There was no covert operation in this, unless they had secret orders from high above stopping Bobi Wine. This wouldn’t be shocking, but also following a pattern.

That the state addresses Bobi Wine and misuse their power. Is what the state has done for ages with their opposition and dissidents. The ones they fear, they will ensure they will struggle to organize and do their political work. Find any way of doing so and also use the Public Order Management Act and Penal Code. Whatever fits the bill, any given day.

Therefore, Kania might think he was smart or even brilliant. But then again, than he thinks the public is stupid or dumb. That they will eat this crap and call it luxurious meal. Because, this is delusional blend of rubbish from the Minister.

Kania might able to sell this to a few, but the signs on the horizon is clear. The state is using their force to make it impossible to be Bobi Wine. Not because his an asset, but because his a target. They aim, they shoot and they detain. It is a game-drive, where the Simba (the Lion) is always captured. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine and People Power are apparently inhaling wrong

Exhale, inhale, exhale inhale.

Whoosaaah…

Exhale, Inhale, exhale and inhale.

Take a breath. This week been hectic, a mess and the Police Force continues to harass and attack Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and the whole People Power Movement. The People Power are doing everything wrong. They are singing the songs in wrong tones, they are spreading the news of consultations badly and no matter what they does its just negative.

PPM and Bobi Wine are addressed in a manner, which they cannot do anything right. I am sure, the side of road they are driving is wrong. The way they pass into the sub-counties in up-country are apparently in the wrong way. They were driving on the wrong route into Lira and Kasangati. Neither were they able to say “hello” in Gulu. Just like they had to stop the consultation meeting in Adjumani too.

So, it is rich for the Police to say PPM is all wrong and don’t know this correctly. Bobi Wine is blamed for everything. It is just like he could be singing “Put the Blame On Me” by Akon. He could sing that on facebook and that would be real at this point. Because, no matter what Bobi Wine do. His to blame. He cannot cross the country without the Police Force being on his tail. They are prepared and armed to their teeth, with anti-riot police and everything.

That is why today’s statement is really enriching. As they police doesn’t take any blame for violent interceptions. For their pre-emptive arrests and their partisan politicking. Because, these folks and these authorities wouldn’t even side-step on any sudden public gathering around the President nor his campaigning outside of the Election Road Map for 2021.

So, the Police Force better get their act right. They are not acting righteous, but as a partisan force for the regime itself. They are singing a ordinary song, which happens to be a blame game. Bobi Wine should do this and that, but the Police Force did nothing wrong. It sounds insane, with the knowledge of a baby tear-gassed, own police officer shoot with a live-bullet and so-on. More stories are shadowed by the sealing of venues and tear-gassing towns across the Republic. But the Police Force will stand-up for that. Because, that mean they would pay for their sins, which they will not do.

Only, PPM and Bobi Wine is to blame. They got to be careful, while the Police Force can a vile force of venom and poisoning the political climate. They can poison the wells, but blame the public from drinking it. By all means, that doesn’t make sense.

So, exhale, inhale, exhale and inhale.

Whooosaa.

Exhale, inhale, exhale and inhale.

Breathe. Stop. Please. Think. This is some utter nonsense from the authorities. Peace.

Uganda Police Force: Police Narrative on Stakeholders Meeting with Electoral Commission over Consultations (10.01.2020)

A Bridge too far: Bobi Wine dropped off at Karuma Bridge!

After yet another hectic day, as the police force arrested Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. As he attempted for the third time to hold his consultation meetings. This time it was in Lira, but the RDC and the Police Force didn’t allow him. Instead, they blocked the venue, tear-gassed Lira and used live-bullet too. While whisking away the MPs and Bobi Wine.

Therefore, for most of the day. We had no idea where Bobi Wine nor his comrades was at. Finally as the day closes and its been long. His been dropped at Karuma bridge, which is on the end of Murchinson Falls National Park and close to the Bobi-Masindi road or the Kampala-Gulu Highway. So, as a landing site for him to go back to Magere and Wakiso its golden one. However, this is not the way he wanted to return.

As of today, his been blocked in Wakiso district and Kasangati. His been blocked in Gulu and in Lira. Also, tomorrows consultation meeting in Adjumani has been blocked, as the venue has been intimidated and has denied Bobi Wine entry just like they did in Gulu the other day. Therefore, the events unfolding shows a pattern. As in three days his been arrested twice by the Police. By trying to facilitate and plan his own campaign for 2021. Which is practically impossible, even as he follows the guidelines and the codes.

It is ironic and sad, that his summoned to the Electoral Commission tomorrow, as his fourth attempt of consultation meetings is thwarted. It is like they are doing it all on purpose. There is always something wrong, the air is to tight, the flexing of MPs and the red berets are not correctly put on their heads. They got dress smart, look like gentlemen before entering a town and village. The police are saying they are savages and unkind people. At least that is how they are acting towards them. Like the People Power and associates are hoodlums and gangsters peddling crystal meth and heroine. When all they are trying to do is talk and meet. Exercising their rights to plan their campaign. Which is Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible franchise on steroids.

I’m sure at this point, the only way he can get into a venue to hold consultation meetings is being an action hero. Jumping directly from helicopters through the windows and barricades. Be a little bit of John Rambo, John McClane, Stacker Pentecost, John Shaft, Mace Windu and Chev Chelios. He got to be adventurous and show his flair. Poke the dragons and bite at the tigers. Because, it is not like they letting him enter into the front-door of any house of God or Hotel at this point. They are making places into war-zones and silencing the owners. Which the “Team Robert Kyagulanyi for 2021” have booked time and place for him.

That is why, the cowardice and the lack of rule of law in his concern is striking. Bobi Wine isn’t alone, his not the first, but the orders are clear as day. The actions of all public officers and police is evidently, make it impossible and stop his politicking. His not allowed, he doesn’t have the visa nor the blessing from “high above”. Bobi Wine hasn’t the powers of the anointed ones and neither their backing too. Because, his the stark contrast to the State House and the NRM. That is why they block him and detain him.

Even as of today, they used most of the day wasting time. Instead of having a certain plan of the drive and such. They used all day driving from one place to another and suddenly dropping off without any knowledge of the media and such at Karuma Bridge. Which by some calculations, if driven straight with no traffic is about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach from Lira. We know, that they took other routes than that. Since, Bobi Wine and associates was gone for hours. Who know what they could have done and such.

But this is the third day was useful for one single thing. It exposed again, the truth about the “democratic values” of the NRM and Museveni. Peace.

Bobi Wine, the Enemy of State: 3rd Day of Consultations and whisked away from Lira to unknown destination

Today, the People Power Movement and Bobi Wine with associates was supposed to hold an Consultation meeting in Lira. However, the RDC and the whole brigade of the state was adamant that wouldn’t happen on their watch. Nevertheless, the MP and his colleges showed up and was prepared to hold their “first” consultation.

That was not happening, as the venue was sealed off, the RDC of Lira had already ordered it to not happen and the Police Force was in town. Where they intercepted Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and others. They used live-bullets and tear-gas to disperse the crowds in the streets.

We know that other than the arrest of Bobi Wine, Mathias Mpuga, Francis Zaake and Muwanga Kivumbi has all been forced out from their cars and instantly arrested by the Police. Also, the People Power spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi have been arrested. Where they are now on a journey in detention to an unknown location. Who knows where this is going and how long this arrest will last.

This is one of the “pre-emptive arrests” and where the Penal Code comes in-handy for the Police Force. You could think on the third day, that the authorities would let-go and give-way. However, they are pushing up the ante, yet again.

This is the second time in a short while, where Bobi Wine MP have been arrested. Now with other associates than in the past, but both mentioned are MPs respectfully. So, its not like they are some random people catched by the Police. There is a media-blackout, as there was no one to monitor or able to follow the officers and it happen in a remote part of Lira, apparently.

What we do see, yet again is what the state does and how it appear ruthless in concern to the People Power and Bobi Wine. There is no mercy, no opportunity to even meet and greet. As the state is armed to their teeth and using their authority to arrest and detain the leadership at minute. Who knows why it didn’t happen in Gulu yesterday, but maybe the People Power wanted to take it slow after the arrested in Kasangati the day before.

We are just seeing an endless repetition of impunity and misuse of the law in favour of the state and use the law as a tool to oppress. The police isn’t there safeguarding the public, they are there to silence the critics of the state. Nothing else. They will use any excuse about the venue, about the paperwork and every code they can imagine. However, this sort of thing would never ever happen to loyalists or people regarded by the government. They can walk on water, while the People Power have to run through fire.

This isn’t an joke, but an continuation of what has happen in the past. The tools of silencing the opposition in favour of the President and his comrades. The rest got to listen and abide, while he can do his thing. The rest either have to bow their knees or suffer. Now, we see the ones suffering for standing up against the old man with the hat. It costs, second day of arrests, tear-gas and live-bullets. Last time in Kasangati, now in Lira.

Who knows where next, but this shows the lack of heart from this government. Which isn’t surprising, since it got none. Peace.