Opinion: Ex-VP Ssekandi will lavish in retirement

“The retirement benefits of a Vice President include;

– A monthly pension equivalent to 60% of the VP’s gross salary

– A house purchase fund equivalent to 15,000 currency points (UGX 300 million)

– Two government paid security guards

– An allowance equivalent to 35 currency points (UGX 700,000) for their utilities (electricity, telephone, water)

– A chauffeur-driven car for town running with one county home trip once a month

– Medical care for the retired VP and his or her immediate family.

– Secretary (senior personal secretary)

– Two domestic staff.

– An allowance of 500 currency points (UGX 10million) for furniture.

– Further allowance of 250 currency points (UGX 5 million) to replace old furniture every 5 years” (NTV Uganda, 11.06.2021).

There been a long time a running joke that the Vice-President of Uganda is useless. Clearly it is a enriching enterprise and you can live lavish after the end of your term. It is a profitable job and appointment you could dream of.

Because, the years as the Deputy is clearly a nice pay-off. A safe investment and you can live with massive perks afterwards. You are maybe the butt of the joke for while. Being useless and the master of ceremonies.

However, after all of that. You get a good salary, a house, security and living the life of a VIP. The former VP can still live like his a high ranking official. He even get domestic staff to prepare his speeches and statements. They got to order his Chicken-Inn and fix his supper on time.

Former Vice-President Edward Ssekandi can live like a king or a high ranking official without any title. Just because he used to be the VP. He is getting all of this as a thank-you for having no initial ambition to takeover from Museveni. That’s why his getting these grand retirement plan.

If people only knew before. There would be more people signing up to this gig. There would be more candidates in the General Elections seeking to become this. They would have a chill job. Showing up to greet the President and attend burials as the state representative. That is such a great way of earning fortunes and getting secured for life.

Ex-VP Ssekandi will enjoy these perks for life. Just the other VP’s in the past. He will get this and get a retirement that really is hard to match. It seems like he can live like VIP and Special Envoy even when his not working for the state anymore.

There should be direct elections for this position and not be appointed by the President. The public deserve to pick the candidate directly themselves like they does elsewhere. If not have joint tickets in the General Elections. As the people deserves to know who they are giving this wealth too. They deserve this and that would have been sincere.

It is really rich of a Republic who is broke and borrowing funds to cover its expenses are doing this to its previous High Ranking Officials like the Ex-VP. The MPs and others are also getting a nice send-off as well. These folks have secured the bag and there is no doubt in that. They have voted and secured nice deals for themselves. That is a reality. Not only the VP, but other Honourables like the ex-VP. Peace.

Opinion: Kadaga says what everyone knew [A Ugandan VP is useless]

“The Vice Presidency Seat is not a position of decision making, that is why they want me to be appointed there” – Rebecca Kadaga (Crispus Mugisha – ‘Kadaga refuses VP job as Museveni calls for meeting’ 29.03.2021, Nilepost.ug).

The truth usually sets you free. The truth can unleash huge potential and change things. Now the speaker of 10 years in the Ugandan Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has told the truth to the public. Not that it’s shocking or anything. No, we knew this, but its nice that the ones holding office feels the same.

The Speaker of 10 years, Kadaga is saying the Vice President is not worth anything. Rebecca is stating that its not a place worthy of being. Since she wants to be at a place where she has some sort of influence and power. A Vice President at this time and age lacks both.

Yes, a VP is the second of government, but we all know that this person at this point is the master of ceremonies and nothing else. The VP can look good on paper and be honourable subject. Even if the VP has no direct influence of parliament, cabinet or even in the NRM CEC. The person is just a token leader and a figurehead of the government without any sort mandate or ability sway lawmakers.

No, the VP in her eyes is a useless and redundant appointment. Where you are just a high ranking official, but with no initial power. That is sort of the dream and been the motivation for appointing Vice President Edward Ssekandi, which has held the office for two term and lost the MP’s election this time around.

VP Ssekandi will not be remembered for legislative victories nor his strides in office. No, he has been ghosting with a fancy convoy. He has been busy tearing up venues and showing his face. To prove that the office exists, but for no apparent reason. The VP has been selected as well, because he has no ambition to overcome or become the heir to the throne. No, his just there to officiate at weddings, burials and openings of roads.

That is all happening, because that is the role assigned by the President. The President could give the person of the VP a more powerful role and have bigger tasks. However, that is not what he has done. The President have given more prestige and more assignments to the Office of the Prime Minister. The OPM have a bigger function in todays cabinet and have more of powerful portfolio in comparison to the VP. That is why Kadaga doesn’t want to become the next VP. As she knows that role is worthless. She has seen it for years and doesn’t want to be in docket with no influence and mandate to her name. Especially, after having the mantle of the Parliament as the speaker for so long.

This is all a reflection of the manner of which Museveni is ruling. If he had faith in his deputies and in his second in command. He would have assigned them with a broader mandate and given them hurdles to pass. However, he rather takes it on himself or if not give it further down the chain-of-command. As they have a longer line to pass to get to him.

Kadaga is just stating the bitter truth and a simple reflection of the reign of Museveni. Museveni have made it like this. It is his decision to make it a Ministry/Office without a Portfolio or a Ministry aka Vice Presidency.

That is the making of Museveni and is in his image. If you know, now you know. Peace.

Opinion: Baffled that VP Ssekandi won his race…

If there was one National Resistance Movement (NRM) Candidate for Member of Parliament (MP) that I would thought would cease to exist, it would be current day Vice President Edward Ssekandi. Who was running for another term in Bukoto Central County in Greater Masaka.

So, to know that he again get a chance to run in a General Election in 2021. A man who has been an MP since 1996. His been the VP since 2011 and this would continue as long as he got ambition to succeed the President. By all his actions and his way of being in the wind. The VP is secured and can eat like crazy.

VP Ssekandi is a ghost and irrelevant. Still, he was able to get recognition in his constituency. This is why its weird that nobody else would win over him. Someone who would go door-to-door over the years. Steady campaign and be recognized.

Everyone knows that VP Ssekandi exists. No one can state what he has done or delivered. Ssekandi is just a mirage, someone behind the scenes who happens to appear every blue moon.

That’s why its weird that he even get voters behind him. VP Ssekandi might be able to shake a few hands and say a few words at a burial. Nevertheless, his not a great lawmaker, neither is he a representative for change.

VP Ssekandi is the one who doesn’t make a fuzz, doesn’t make a difference and doesn’t even utter a public word. Unless, it is a tribute and a speech for the deceased. The Bukoto Central has initially given way to another public speaker to officiate events. Yes, his not won it yet, but don’t expect shock in the up-coming elections in 2021.

This man will win there too. If his on it, because he knows his the VP for the President for Life. The one who has no ambition and only serves his master. The VP for the bad days and for the glorious occasions. However, he will never be there to say anything to rock the boat. Neither, will he cause any controversy or even issue a statement on a scandal.

This man is the true testament to live ghosts. The silent whisperer and the one haunts the VP position.

Ssekandi is like an eidolon or a poltergeist, even if he is a real person. Because, he is usually not seen or in public. Even if he is a high ranking government official and a MP.

It is hard to think he is a mortal, but immortal instead. A supernatural person, who gets re-elected and continues to be spirit flying over the Republic. For some reason, the state, the party sees him as useful.

That’s why he “wins” elections. Because, it cannot be for his charismatic persona or his track-record. Because, anyone who has made a motion, petition or even an article in New Vision has done more than this man. Peace.

Opinion: Ruto cannot runaway from the pay-offs he has gotten in office…

That Deputy President William Ruto tries to deflect and make himself a martyr is expected. As he wants to save his legacy and his future. He doesn’t want to fall and neither lose the option of reigning supreme when Kenyatta passes the mantle after his second term.

Ruto wants so badly to be a saint. He wants to be the pope and the high priest of society. Still, the man has more thieving, conniving and massive spin to be in power. Instead of policies and actual achievements. He is using PR plots and big crowds to cheer himself to sleep.

He has put up stone for ghost-projects. Launched meaningless enterprises and ensure government tenders been misused. Secured pay-offs and greased the wheels himself to brief-case companies and LLCs with no destination or plan to actually do anything. Other then benefiting himself and his cronies.

That is why the Tanga Tanga is loyal to him. He is paying them and ensuring their loyalty. It isn’t because Ruto is special, unique or have a character, which they have to follow. Neither does he have the stamina or the trust to keep these relations close. It is all about the Benjamin’s, all about the shillings and the profit motive.

That is why Ruto has now Hotels, Newspaper, land and houses. One house in Karen, Nairobi and a mansion with a artificial lake in Eldoret. That is the sort of man Ruto is. The former walking preacher, who nearly could afford shoes.

His been preaching, been a man of the trade. Gone from being corrupt in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to start his own, dissolve that into the Jubilee and now in his second term getting into questions.

All along, in all the years in office. It has been known how Ruto has operated. In the Harambee House Annex, there been schemes and plots of undertaking state funds. There been shady deals with kickbacks, envelopes and the tricks of the trade. Ruto knows this and has supported the game. It has been his game and with the office. He has felt safe. Untouchable even.

Ruto has an idea of what he has done. Ruto knows the game he has played over the years. Earned fortunes as a state official and high ranking official. His connections and his opportunities to do good has been there. Instead, he has been in it for one reason: enriching himself.

That is why he is defending himself like he does. Just putting dates and wanting people to look into backlogs. Instead, of looking now or elsewhere. Because, he knows his implicated. The man know he has done reckless deals to earn a fortune on the government dime. Taxpayers has been ripped off to pay ghosts, ninjas and the cartels.

He had no issues doing this, while he was ahead. At a point where he felt untouchable. No, he went full steam ahead. However, now he feels more alone. His closest ally has bailed on him and purged his comrades-in-action. The DP doesn’t have the significant support or ability like he used too.

The only reason why he hasn’t resigned or gone full gung-ho. Is that I’m sure his afraid what will happen when he does leave office. Because, he knows what he has done and how he has amassed the enormous wealth. The man knows this perfectly well. All of the Republic does, it is just a matter of time before his implicated and indicted for something.

He can defend himself, but that doesn’t make it untrue. A man couldn’t build four houses in Eldoret and a artificial lake without some sort of deals behind the scenes. His government salary cannot stretch that far. Combined with all of the other estates, businesses and so on. The man has been eating. He has been stealing and thieving. Used his office for self and not for the common good.

The proof is all there.. Ruto can lie about it, but that doesn’t make it true. It is just another lie. The spin cannot save this man. Then he has to repent and give up the ill gotten gains. Show some humility and character, two things that isn’t staple from this man. It is not in him.

He rather try to pull another con, then acting real for ones. Peace.

Kenya: Head of Public Service Dr. Joseph Kinyua letter to all CSs – Executive Order No. 1 of 2020 – The Organization of Government (27.05.2020)

Opinion: Is DP Ruto ready to be as important as the Ugandan VP?

The President, Uhuru Kenyatta has issued an Executive Order restructuring government and in the end abolished the Presidency. He has put the Deputy President William Ruto and taken away his office in a way. The Deputy is stripped out of power to reign on his own, but under his authority.

The DP has to now get the yes from the Public Service to hire people. The DP has to get the blessings of others. Ruto will not run the shop on his own. William has to ask the Head of Public Service Dr. Joseph Kinyua holds the key to whose allowed to be working for the DP now. The DP can file in the forms together with his team, but the final say will be the Head. This is really demoting the DP to its core.

The DP is becoming as relevant as Vice President Edward Ssekandi of Uganda. Yes, his the longest serving of the VPs in the Republic of Uganda. However, his role is all ceremonial and the Prime Minister has more power. Just like CS Fred Matiang’i can be seen as unofficial Prime Minister. Also with the pseudo high ranking official Raila Odinga. Nevertheless, the Ruto is becoming Ssekandi of Kenya.

An to become a man of Ssekandi, your not powerful neither are you respected either. You have a title, a salary and are in office. Your supposed to show no intent of will for more power, neither ambition for the highest office.

The DP from now on will be on stages as a puppet and an underling of the President. The DP will only be there as a man of functions, not of a man of a high office. His Codename the Cleaner, the Master Fixer and the Hustler, but he has no power.

He will be flamboyant in speeches, cut ropes and be like a big-man. Might continue to work for the progress of the Big Four and the government programs. Whatever the DP got to do is on the mercy of the President, who decides how big of a budget and his staff.

This makes the DP like the VP of Uganda. Both just ceremonial cadres, people with a big title, nice wheels and smart suits. However, they are both there because the President needs some underlings, but not opposing as such.

Ruto has lost his wings. Tanga Tanga is already wiped out of important roles within the National Assembly and this is yet another L for Ruto. He cannot win these days and the President has taken every step in the book to make him lesser and less relevant. His power and office is shrinking.

Soon Ruto only have the ability meet and greet people, when the President and the Public Service allows him to do so. Since, his already under him and the President decides.

That is a clear message. Ruto is the Ssekandi of Kenya. Hope he enjoys speeches in church meetings, funerals and such. Because that his role. He will be there to also open up new facilities when the President doesn’t have the time or represent in his stead. If the President is to busy, then its Ruto’s turn to show up.

The Second in Command, but also the first loser. He continues to take them L’s and … his relevancy is shrinking quicker than he can grasp. Peace.

Opinion: Niwagaba MP Constitutional Amendments going for VP Ssekandi’s position, maybe because his irrelevant at this point?

Wilfred Niwagaba MP is really gunning for replacing Vice-President Edward Ssekandi and also repeal the Prime Minister post of Dr. Rukahana Rugunda. Clearly, the MP has ideas and want another sort of governance put into stone or to be amended into law. As the Constitution would stipulate certain Executive and higher offices in the Republic. Like it does today with the VP and the PM, which the President shall appoint with the approval of the Parliament.

Niwagaba Independent MP are clearly that his trying to send a message, that is why Muhammad Kivumbi Muwanga (Democratic Party) and Betty Ocan Aol (Forum for Democratic Change). They have co-signed on this motion for leave for Niwagaba to finish the private bill to the parliament.

This is really a joint opposition bill and really trying to change the government by changing the constitution. This bill is also planning to find a legal ways of cutting down the size of the cabinet, because of how it has mushroomed under this President. Therefore, this is really directly attacking the NRM model of governance.

But, I will be fixated with is not the slimming of the cabinet nor the idea of how the cabinet members are picked/appointed. I feel it is more enriching to discuss the changes from VP to DP and repeal the PM.

Just look at vital parts of the amendment of the VP role into a DP!

“108. Deputy President,

(1)There shall be a Deputy President of Uganda.

(2)A candidate in a presidential election shall nominate a person who is

qualified for nomination for election as President, as a candidate for Deputy

President.”

(…)

“(14) The Deputy President shall-

(a) deputise for the President;

(b) be the Leader of Government Business in Parliament;

(c) be responsible for the coordination and implementation of Government

policies across Ministries , departments, and other public institutions

(d) perform such other functions as may be assigned to him or her by the

President, or as may be conferred on him or her this the Constitution.” (Constitutional (Amendment) 26^th July 2019).

“13. Repeal of article 108A of the Constitution.

Article l08A of the Constitution is repealed” (Constitutional (Amendment), 26^th July 2019).

If you have followed the VP and his life, his the most ceremonial public office in the Republic. Seemingly, his the face of the patronage and the laxity, since the President handles everything with his micromanaging. That is why the VP is mostly a busy body and someone that greets the President at functions or even at the Entebbe International Airport.

Surely with two roles submerged into one in away, that is what it seems by this constitutional amendment. That the possible changes would be an amplified VP and PM into a DP.

I don’t know what big difference this will do, as this role would be less ceremonial, but have actual powers. Also, being the safe-guard for the President and the one in his place. However, this is could have all been amplified with the VP himself. Alas, the Prime Minister is the one of most importance, as well, as the biggest budget with the projects underlining the OPM. This is why the repealing of this role would also affect everything being connected with the OPM.

Ssekandi should really defend his value, his importance and his ways. The VP should defend himself with a VP drive, ask for supplementary budget and maybe got on a VP Drive across the Republic. So, that people can see his face, know that he exists and even shake his hand. No, I am kidding with that part, but he needs to show his face value. Because, what has the VP done, except smiling on pictures at selected functions over the recent years?

VP Ssekandi might be a powerful man in the placement of the political order, but in practical sense. It seems like the OPM kicks him to the curb. The VP seems like useless position at this time and place. That is because his not giving enough daily remindings that his alive and kicking it.

That is why the opposition MPs are trying to revise the law. To get someone who has a real function and who does something while serving for the state. Not only getting the brown envelopes and going to funerals as the state official. There is clear need for something more and especially not only having the President doing this. Peace.

Opinion: We need a daily reminder that VP Ssekandi is alive!

Well, today was the day, that the State House officially stated to the Daily Monitor, that Vice-President Edward Ssekandi is alive. We all needed that friendly reminder, from time to time. Since he is a like ghost, who just show-up out of nowhere to functions, move plates, even scare the living sh** out of the patrons. Because, no one anticipated his remains were still there or even entertaining, the idea of an existence.

VP Ssekandi could surely be myth, be a relic of the past. Ssekandi could be a old book in the long forgotten National Library, which not even the biggest scholar cared to pick up in his life-time. Because, the existence of Ssekandi is that sort of guy.

That is surely, why the President picked him as his second in command. No one is afraid of him, no one is thinking of him, except his wife and his closes relatives. The rest just anticipate him to open a well or even gracing a funeral now and then. However, he is not the honourable of which the system collapses the day he cease to exist.

No, he is urban legend, a man of all season and none of them. Edward is there, but for sure, no one knows why. He could be there for his organizing skills, his training, and his funny wordplay and even for his spiritual upbringing. Nevertheless, none of us has seen this or even heard of it. He has never proven any of his skills or his set of features. Except for a speech here and there.

Ssekandi is the VP who is there, but not really there(!!). That is why they have to say it from the State House, that he is alive and watching YouTube. Because, who knows what he does during the day or if he eats a pineapple or matooke. Since, the man is not to be seen or heard from.

The State House should do this more often, especially since Ssekandi is soon of the advanced aged, the ones who is usually retired or “expired” from the workforce, just like his master. However, they both linger. The President jumps around like a Criss-Cross video, but the VP is in the shadow, in the middle of the fog and not seen. That might be by default or rare luck, since his not stating anything radical or critically acclaimed policies. It is as if he wants to be this hidden. So, we don’t know and no idea what to know. He is just there, we suppose, but very little or no proof.

What we learned today?

Is that we need a daily reminder from the State House. In addition, occasionally, maybe even a health condition sheet or similar, to prove that he is alive and enduring this thing called life. So, that we can ensure, that the second in line after the President is there. Because, at the day to day, we got no real idea. Peace.

Apparently, the Katikkiro snubbed Museveni!

“Rumors are ripe that am going to be appointed VP; that that’s the reason Pres M7 was hosted by Kabaka Mutebi at Banda Palace so the President might brief the King. I am not the next VP. Iam carrying out my duties as entrusted to me by the Kabaka. I don’t do under table deals. CPM” (Charles Peter Mayiga, 11.02.2019).

Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has shown finesse and also strength. There been speculations in what was happening within the meeting between Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The meeting was held this 5^th February 2019, it is seen as event , that is happening because of the upcoming General Election in 2021. As the President wants to ensure all his allies are with him and that powerful ones on his side. This is typical him, as he offers money, pledge land-back and whatever else. As it is a trade for loyalty.

Therefore, there are known of some financial implications of the meetings, as the grievances of the theft of Kingdom’s land and other aspects. Has made the President work hasty, as he wants to settle it and look good in the eyes of the Kingdom. Yoweri wants Ronald to not be a voice or renegade against him. Since, he is one who gotten his place back because of him and also his lost titles. If not compensation of the lost land titles. That is if, the NRM and the Ministry of Finance can find the funds to do so.

Whatever this shows is the way that the government manoeuvrer in the time before an election. Try to reign in all, to get all the ducks in a row and make the roads shine. In the meantime, the President can let everything go and eat. While right before an election, he needs to show effort and let other get some scraps too.

What has been special is the rumours and promise of giving the Buganda Prime Minister or Katikkiro Mayiga the role as Vice-President beneath himself. That the President might appoint him, as a token of loyalty to the Kingdom, as the special place it has in the Republic.

If the Katikkiro would get this role, he would be sort of like King Freddie, who was President between October 9, 1962 to March 2, 1966. By all means, King Freddie had actual power in his office as President and King. While, the Katikkiro would be a noble-men, with a high-office, but we all know. That Vice-President Edward Ssekandi is an important as a grape-fruit. He is a nice trophy, but not something you take utter seriously or of vast importance. There are usually more swagger in the Prime Ministers, that the President has appointed. Therefore, the Katikkiro would be a big-man with a office, but not doing anything profound. Because, when did Ssekandi do something magnificent or revolutionary, did something or said something that was worth damn? Well, that never happen. The same would be the role of the Katikkiro.

Katikkiro would play second fiddle and be one of the cronies within the administration of Museveni. He would be nothing else. So, if this was offered to him, it would have been done to show loyalty to the Kingdom and the King. As his men would be directly in the sphere of power. As the President needs the support of this, as the President knows the growing dissidents within the Kingdom against him. The opposition and the ones behind Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine are from this. Therefore, it would been a smart move of the President. He is conning enough to do this.

What we can take from this, that the Kabaka has a loyal servant, who he has appointed and the President got snubbed. Peace.

Opinion: Ssekandi you should talk to your boss, because he is the one that creates the insecurity!

There is times for the ones in power to called upon their bullshit. This sort of comments is foolish. It is not like the opposition has the army or have the police at their beckoning-call. They are following orders from above high and the authorities run by the ruling regime. The way the soldiers and police officers acts towards the citizens are report-on and uploaded instantly to the social media. So, if the Police or the Army is acting out. The world will know, the foreign investors will know. Therefore, if the President and VP cares about this. Maybe, they shouldn’t crash any opposition meeting. Maybe not send their ill-disciplined security officers.

VP Edward Ssekandi are really using the tactic of warning the citizens, while they are the ones oppressed. It wasn’t them sending the army to Entebbe or ordering the Presidential Guards into Kamwokya, Kampala recently. No, that was from above and their acts in Mityana and elsewhere, just resembles the chaotic nation he speaks off.

“GOMBA- Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi has warned that the country risks losing a number of foreign investors if Ugandans don’t shun political violence and land conflicts.“Be cautious about the ugly scenes you’re creating in our country because investors can’t put their money in a chaotic nation. Peace and security are paramount in attracting investments and therefore, I wish to call upon all Ugandans to ensure peace wherever you’re to see miracles of these investors here,” he said” (Mbogo, 2018).

Maybe not speak of chaos, on the day your government order the soldiers and the police to make road-blocks all around Masaka, because Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine travels from Kasangati to Masaka. Clearly, the NRM hasn’t gotten the memo from the big-man Ssekandi. Whose stretch of powers seems abysmal, as the Prime Minister has more of an office and voice within the Presidency.

While it is like that. Ssekandi should maybe think of what Bosco does and what orders he gives. As it is him whose most responsible for the acts of the Special Force Command and the Police, which is in-charge and the ones doing the torture. Doing the preventative arrests and whatnot else, which is creating chaos and problems. We know that the authorities just turned of the electricity, as Bobi Wine was addressing the nation from the United States. Therefore, the VP needs to address the State House. And not the citizens.

So, VP Ssekandi call-up Bosco, tell him to order the military back to the barracks and battlefields. Not be in public to intimidate and create chaos. Peace.

Reference:

Sadat Mbogo – ‘Political violence, land conflicts scare away investors – says Ssekandi’ 28.09.2018 link:http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Political-violence-land-conflicts-investors-Ssekandi-solar/688334-4781474-8893gwz/index.html