Opinion: Mpuuga showing his greed…

“Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga is opposed to the provision of term limits for Members of Parliament in the recently amended constitution of National Unity Platform. Hon. Mpuuga says the amendments will deter the development of the youngest political party, which currently needs experienced legislators” (NBS Television, 24.04.2023).

The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga is showing his traits. Not that it’s shocking or anything. Nevertheless, it is telling his priorities. Instead of showing the difference between the National Unity Platform (NUP) and National Resistance Movement (NRM).

His a seasoned politician and trying to scheme his way through. Using a tactic of growth and building a party. However, I feel this is a self-serving objective. Especially, considering that his already on his third term as MP and standing for the second party. He has twice Represented Democratic Party and also joined parties with Go Forward. Secondly, he has also switched districts and is now an MP as a part of the NUP. Meaning he has been able to find his way and gain the momentum to be re-elected three times.

Therefore, with that being said. I feel that this statement is being made for his own cause. The LOP isn’t saying this to better the NUP or create a better future. His just afraid he just have one more term and then he has to be left without an office. I am sure Mpuuga could do a good job in the secretariat and be political asset of the party. Alas, that isn’t enough for someone like Mpuuga.

Mpuuga has excelled and reached the “promised land”. His a man of stature and appointed with respect. He has come so far from the Action4Change (A4C9 days and Walk to Work Protests. Mpuuga has gone from being a Uganda Young Democrat (UYD) to A4C to DP to NUP. A man who has changed parties and moved forward.

Now that his a head of the curve. He has a say and a voice. It is by all means that doesn’t want to let go. Mpuuga has risen into prominence and gotten the office, which reflects his struggle to get there. Surely he knows the perks, as he has even had years in office in the Lukiiko as a Minister for a few years. Leadership roles is something that has come natural to him.

However, even if people has trusted him and given him responsibilities. That doesn’t mean it is rightfully his. Neither does it mean he should be an elected official for the rest of his life. Yes, his in his 40s now and has more years before retirement. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean he should serve all those years in Parliament. His already lucky that he was able to be a MP for three terms.

His asking for a possible fourth and also a fifth. Because, it is not enough for him to re-elected on NUP ticket a second time. He believes it is right for him to have more for the “growth” of the party. That’s why this sounds like a selfish expedition. I don’t believe it is in the best interests of the NUP. No, this is said and done for his own pockets. He knows the earning and perks of being an MP. Mpuuga will not give that up easily. Most likely after a second term in the NUP. The current LOP will seek another or run as an Independent in his 50s.

That’s just what I am guess at this point of time. Mpuuga is a seasoned and calculative politician. A man who has been able to manoeuvre and get results. He will do so again and no one should be shocked or surprised by it. Peace.

Opinion: A decade changes a man, just look at Mpuuga…

Mpuuga’s own press release from 2012

“We issued the statement in parliament on behalf of our party relating to the running away of prices on essential goods. But the regime hasn’t considered anything. We asked them to cut on high taxes and to turn down their appetite for expenditure, but nothing has been considered” (..) “Stop questioning why we have not joined. Don’t wait for Kyagulanyi to do anything, do it yourself. Kyagulanyi is a leader, equally, you’re a leader in your own capacity because you head a family that is constrained. We want to invite fellow citizens to be alive. It is a matter of time. If you want change tomorrow, you will have it tomorrow. I want to invite you to participate in every activity” – Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga (01.06.2022).

We all change and we all are appearing different with times. Our stances are fluid and changes, as we see things differently. It is nothing different with a leader and a Member of Parliament. That the former resilient leader, Democratic Party MP and now National Unity Platform and Leader of Opposition Mathias Mpuuga has changed over the years makes sense.

Mpuuga is a man of fire and bravado. A man who has stood amid fire and seen the price of rebellion. That’s why he was part of A4C/4GC and also a part of the rise of the People Power Movement and the NUP now. So, it isn’t like he has gone carefully ahead and been consistent in letting bygones be bygones.

I’m just dropping a part of a text showing how he used to sound like when the commodity prices were rising in 2011. When he was an active coordinator in A4C, because as the LoP his not the same. Maybe his gotten comfortable and wants to shield himself with the Parliamentary role, which he himself said wasn’t sufficient in the rising inflation of 2011. It is really striking how things changes.

Just take a look:

“The Walk to Work campaign is still on every Monday and Thursday for Ugandans to express their dissatisfaction with conduct of affairs of the state by the regime in power, especially neglecting the welfare of the common man. Take for instance the escalating prices of petroleum products.  Government’s instrasigence and refusal to reduce taxes on fuel is a major reason ordinary Ugandans sleep and live in the dark both in towns and the country side. And while crude oil prices have gone down on the world market, the government of Uganda has not reciprocated by compelling dealers to reduce pump prices” (…) “Activists 4 Change stands in solidarity with all Ugandans who are outraged by the news that Parliament seeks to increase their emoluments in the face of rising inflation.  Reports in the mainstream media indicate that an unholy alliance between some opposition MPs and some ruling party MPs put forward these offending proposals after throwing the media out of Parliament, blacking out television coverage and suspending formal recording of proceedings in the Hansard” (…) “If these reports are accurate, then it appears that MPs have prioritized their personal concerns ahead of those of their constituents in a very selfish and greedy manner.  All Ugandans are affected by inflation, high interest rates and taxes.  We send leaders to Parliament to address concerns that affect us all and not to sit behind closed doors and improve their personal welfare through lavish spending of public funds at our cost.  These reports have cast a dark shadow over the August House at a time when government has failed to offer meaningful solutions to address soaring fuel and food prices affecting constituents” (Activist for Change (A4C) – “The Walk to Parliament on Monday” 28.05.2011, Mathias Mpuuga).

I could have found several of other texts from the days of A4C showing how resilient and willing to budge he was. Where he was standing on the barricades and wanted to reform the government from the streets. Now, his speaking like the men he casqued and spoke ill of a decade ago. His just like the MPs and the Parliament, which he didn’t favour when he himself was a radical and a firebrand politician fighting for the people. Now, that train has left the station and he uses the protocols and the lack of care of the NRM.

Mpuuga is using the excuses of the men and woman he fought in the past. Instead of understanding that things haven’t evolved. Instead, things are more of the same and he has gotten into a position where has more influence. However, he don’t want to use it and the NUP should unite behind the campaign of Besigye. Because, that’s what a sensible person would do.

Nevertheless, maybe the Perks of the LoP and the Parliament is eating his soul. His afraid of losing the pocket and the fortunes of his office. That’s why his instead seeking other means now. Since, it seems to cost to much to be like he was back in the day. That’s how I view it.

Mpuuga of a decade ago would have been running wild and been out there. Now, his in office and wants other to fence for him. Maybe it’s tiredness, fatigue or maybe he isn’t even hungry. His content with life and other can take the mantle. That’s how it looks like to me. Now that the same issue of a decade ago is resurfacing and instead of following up where he left off in the A4C. He has turned into the people he spoke ill of then. Peace.

Opinion: Mwijukye, why the love for Kadaga?

“Comrade Kadaga, the mother of the Nation, we feel the embarrassment you are about to find yourself in; it wont be brought by A4C but the foolish leaders in this country. we cant pretend that uganda is secure and peaceful, our guests must be welcomed with mambas, fed on teargas and entertained with gun shots so that they confirm that we have a ssebalwanyi in charge of uganda” – Francis Mwijukye (12.03.2012).

Something’s doesn’t make direct sense to me. Especially when someone who has been resilient and a hard-liner like Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Francis Mwijukye MP is supporting the Speakership of Rebecca Kadaga. He has been elected as MP twice and in both terms he has supported Kadaga. Which to me is showing loyalty to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Why are you in opposition? When you are acting and directly promoting NRM Cadres to the throne? Why are you even blue, when you could easily turn yellow?

I am just asking. Because, this man was supposed to know better and be better. I was shocked when Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine supported Kadaga and other NRM candidates during the campaign. I called him out for that, because it’s nonsensical to me. It is bad politicking and your only showing that you can be a sell-out and the motivation to run against the regime seems futile. When you are trading posts and benefits from wheeler-dealing. Then you initially corruptible and can be in their pockets.

That is also my worry here. Has Francis made arrangement behind closed doors for beneficial treatment in Parliament and therefore is settling for Kadaga? Was the gig at Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that enriching for you? Is the juicy pay-off of the Parliamentary Commission, which you have held since March 2019 so dear for you?

Well, I don’t have the answers for this, but it is weird to see a man like this suck-up to Kadaga and doing it twice. This after fighting tooth and nail to get into Parliament. Been running campaigns and activisms for years to sell-out this quick. That the possible perks in office and additional pay could sway his opinion. That’s his not even loyal to the party line. His going yellow because he see shillings in the end.

It is all about those ends… and getting more money. That is more important than morals, loyalty and even the cause, which got him elected in the first place. He was a man of not only words, but actions. The messages he sent and the rhetoric has turned.

He called Kadaga an “Angle” and that doesn’t make sense. Because in her time… the Parliament haven’t acted on abductions, political prisoners or extra judicial killings. The Parliament in her time haven’t acted on the political activated prosecution of dissidents and opposition activists. The Parliament have allowed a take-over of the Special Forces Command and push through a “Life-Presidency” Project for Museveni. She is the carrier of the all the policies and acts, which is the will of the “High Above”. So, it’s weird that he supports and are behind her now.

It seems to be all about the money and its deliberate. It is sad to see a man like this trade his history, time and all the efforts on the alter of greed. That he could get corrupted and be less genuine. However, it is not shocking, because that is what Museveni wants of the commercialization of politics. That he can buy the ones on the other side and get them hell-bent his way. Get them from being vocal supporters into lovely cadres like Beti Kamya and Beatrice Anywar. They also went this route.

Seemingly in the 11^th Parliament Mwijukye is following suit. It is tragic and a loss. Nevertheless, nothing new here. He just want to enjoy the spoils and feel the shillings rolling. That’s why the party-line and the opposition stances doesn’t matter. His just another corrupted individual enjoying the riches on behalf of his community. Peace.

Mbidde the Meal-Ticket Politician

The folding his hands like “birdman” is Mbidde on the NRM Celebration of their 31st year in Masindi recently!

Fred Mukasa Mbidde, the man seeking the office of Member of Parliament in Masaka City, the former Masaka Municipality. Where the incumbent and former Democratic Party MP Mathias Mpuuga is running for another term under the National Unity Platform and directly supporting Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. Something Mbidde does now suddenly too, even as his boss Norbert Mao is running for Presidency too.

It is like Mbidde is trying to act like he cares about the People Power and NUP. When in reality, the man couldn’t give an rats ass. This man only gives his support for Bobi Wine for clout and chasing relevance. That is why he lost to Mpuuga in the last election too.

Let’s be clear. Mpuuga is a honest fighter for justice. Not because he jumped ship early to the NUP. No, because he has fought the good battle since the days of Walk to Walk (W2W) and been part of Action 4 Change (A4C). That all happen before he became a MP and someone of leader. Therefore, if Masaka chooses principals and true leadership. Than I vouch easily for the likes Mpuuga.

However, Mbidde is a man who seeks glory of others and wants a easy way out. This is why he searches and throws his support to Bobi Wine. That because the man knows his popularity is much more than of Mao.

Just like Mbidde knew it was wise to throw support and join the ranks of Museveni in the days before the EALA elections. That is why he was at the State House at the NRM Primaries and guested the festivities there. Just to ensure he could be the DP candidate for EALA. Which in the end he did.

Now in 2020 his fishing again. This time in a city and a municipality where he last before to Mpuuga. A man who is directly associated with Bobi Wine. Alas, it seems very fishy that he does it. Now that he starts campaigning.

This is the sort of political gambit, which is done only to benefit his cause. Mbidde doesn’t care about the Presidency or the battle against Museveni. This man has eaten with Museveni and gotten a good job in the EALA Assembly. Therefore, this man is just looking for another sweet-job with all the perks.

That is why he does this. Mbidde isn’t trustworthy in this. He has dined with the NRM and enjoyed the gifts he got. Now, he hopes to do this here too. Just much easier and hoping the public is gullible. However, they shouldn’t forget.

This man does whatever to get a meal-ticket, be relevant and have a office to go too. What happened now is just another twist. Another turn, which he hopes he doesn’t get exposed. Nevertheless, people shouldn’t forget how he became an EALA MP in the first place. That was because of his affiliation with the NRM and because in the end.

We all know his an “Good DP” who now tries to associate himself with the “Bad DP”. So, who is he kidding here? Only but himself… Peace.

Opinion: Mbidde deep inside his heart wish he was Mpuuga

The folding his hands like “birdman” is Mbidde on the NRM Celebration of their 31st year in Masindi (January 2017)

Right now within the Democratic Party there is wrangle over positions, candidacy and viability ahead of the General Elections of 2021. As everyone is working hard to position themselves. One of these men is the East African Legislative Assembly Member of Parliament for two terms Fred Mukasa Mbidde.

Mbidde comes from Masaka. He has lost elections in 2006, and a second by-election in 2007.

His been in the EALA since 2012, the former DP legal advisor and now Vice-President of the DP. Wants to be represented at home, not only abroad on the ticket of opposition party, which has has been for 8 years.

While Mathias Mpuuga has been the Youth Chairman of Masaka for the DP between 2000 – 2006. While he was first a coordinator with the Action for Change (A4C) before elected as an Independent Candidate in the General Election of 2011. In 2011 Mpuuga got 15103 votes. While in 2016 he got 17319 on a DP ticket. Clearly, running up for 2021 elections, he would be a safe bet. His known, has a track-record and represents Masaka well.

So, it is not like Mbidde has a lack of trying. However, now his trying to block the incumbent. Whose only numbers are growing stronger. While Mbidde is looking more and more like an NRM stooge by the day. His already joined rallies of NRM and praised Museveni for making him an EALA MP.

So, its not like his a sort of fella that wouldn’t do tricks to get favours and elected. Clearly, not in the same range nor scope as Mpuuga, who easily defies the powers to be and associate himself with either A4C or People Power. Because, he got savvy and sense of what is just.

That is why Mbidde wish he was as smart as Mpuuga, but he isn’t. Mathias Mpuuga has shown heart for the get-go. He has shown character and vision, something that is lacking with Mbidde. Whose only service is too eat by any means, either trick it or rig it. There are no common ground with that man, especially not his English as well.

Mbidde wish deep down in his heart he was half-the-man Mpuuga is, but he isn’t. Mpuuga has shown the Republic what sort of figure he is. Since he got into trouble as a coordinator within the Action 4 Change. That is something Mbidde can only dream off. He has only shown his face in and around Museveni to get a ticket into EALA. Because, he has no chance to get elected as an MP in Masaka. He might think so, but his record says otherwise. Unless, he plans to get help rigging it for himself. Since, I doubt someone want to dismiss and stop Mpuuga now.

It is just Mbidde who by his ego and drive wants to weaken the DP by stopping their winning candidate in Mpuuga. Which is foolish at best, but well… That is Mbidde for you. Peace.

Opinion: Bobi Wine need to muster “W2W” on steroids to get rid of Museveni

“We know that Museveni is planning to rig the election, he has done it in the past … But we are banking on overwhelming him because a vote can easily be rigged if it’s not overwhelming. And ultimately, if President Museveni tries to rig the election … the people of Uganda will rise up and they will stop it … They are tired of this operation and they are tired and they will not take it any longer” – Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine on Al Jazeera on the 30^th November 2019

That no one can conquer or win in an election with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni should be common knowledge by now. The 2021 Polls is only done for the facade sake and not because the will of people will be listened too. The public and the voters will not be listen too. Just like the rigged elections of 2016 and 2011, and so-on.

Bobi Wine needs to must er the character, the finesse and the ability to get people to listen to the amount of the gatherings, the demonstrations and the defiance of the Walk to Work in April of 2011. The W2W showed the government, that the public can rise up and stand-up to them. That time because of the rigged elections of 2011 and also the rising inflations as a cause of the overspending during the elections.

The People Power Movement and allies needs to collaborate like they predecessors did together with the Action 4 Change (A4C). They was capable of getting together and standing together against the authorities and the enforcers of the law. A4C and W2W did very well, it even made the authorities so scared, that they killed civilians, which the authorities never have investigated. Neither, taken responsibility for the wrongfully arrests nor the preventive arrests of the leaders behind the demonstrations.

The PPM and Bobi Wine needs to do it on a larger scale and be able to inspire in the midst of possible bloodshed and insecurity created by the power-vacuum, because this sort of operation will cost. The will be more pain and suffering. There will be hurt and damage. Bobi Wine should know this and that an army based government will not give way. They will use all military organizations and security outfits, which will stop all public gatherings, demonstrations and block every type of communications platform to silence it.

That should be well-known and should be the machinery behind the election of 2021. Just like it was in 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001 and in 1996. There been various names of the security outfits, but they have had the same mission. They will do the same thing again and if the people rise against the machine. The machine will answer, by the “high above” ordering it to pull the trigger. The hammer will hit and the bullets will come their way. Not because I believe in violence, but that is how this government answer dissidents. Either take away their civil liberties, take away their freedom or buy time. Either way, the government has always won.

It is a matter of time, when the centre loose hold and the ones who follow up on the orders says its enough. That the generals and other security leaders gives way to the public, instead of following the “high above”. But at this point, that is just mere speculation, when they see that their behaviour and acts will deem them unfit for the afterlife of Museveni. Still, as long as his breathing and giving them power. They will let their legacy go over a little envelopes.

Bobi Wine needs a big structure behind him. He needs his supporters to bring the same sort of energy, but even more resilient than during the “Walk to Work”. They need to be so resilient and so steadfast, that the public needs reassurance and security that its working. Since, if it seems like failing and that its fade quickly. Than the costs of standing up towards the dictatorship will not hold. Since its better to live, better to keep the health and await the possible end by doing nothing. Than risking it all, when it seems like it will be a fiddle.

This is the message Bobi Wine need to spread as well, since the PPM and their allies needs to know this. Especially, since the peaceful takeover will not happen over the ballot. The Electoral Commission, the state authorities are all blind in loyalty to the President. There will be no turnover over an election, but only toppled by a revolution. And a military government doesn’t give up easily and especially, when they have everything to loose by giving way.

I end here, but my point is already said. With that in mind. A Luta Continua. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye: the President, Uganda never had!

Today is the 62^nd Birthday of the founder of Forum for Democratic Change and the predecessor Reform Agenda. Before he became the biggest voice against the National Resistance Movement (NRM), he had joined the Bush War in 1982 and became Minister of Interior at the age of 29 years old in 1986. He has since his fallout with the regime, been a strong and hardworking voice in the midst of trouble since 1999. Because he hasn’t feared the regime, but been a voice of reason in the midst of trouble. Never giving in or giving way, but tried within reasonable doubt to make changes. 

When he wrote the piece ‘ An Insider’s View of How the NRM Lost the Broad Base’ in 1999, which he wrote this: “All in all, when I reflect on the Movement philosophy and governance, I can conclude that the Movement has been manipulated by those seeking to gain or retain political power, in the same way that political parties in Uganda were manipulated. Evidently, the results of this manipulation are also the same, to wit: Factionalism, loss of faith in the system, corruption, insecurity and abuse of human rights, economic distortions and eventually decline. So, whether it’s political parties or Movement, the real problem is dishonest, opportunistic and undemocratic leadership operating in a weak institutional framework and a weak civil society which cannot control them. I have shown that over the years the “Movement System” has been defined in the law in a certain way, but the leaders have chosen to act in a difficult way. This is dishonest and opportunistic leadership. I have also shown how changes have been made to the Movement agenda, and other important decisions have been made outside the Movement structures” (Besigye, 1999).

Why do I post this part today, because it seems important to remember, that he has been on the barricades for decades, that he has stood in the good fight for the rights and rule of law. He has been charged with treason steadily since 2001. It isn’t without a reason, that Besigye is the biggest enemy of Museveni. The reason why he has a record-breaking amount of time spent behind bars, house arrested and abducted by the government. The Police Force knows his home and his gate to Kasangati, Wakiso, better than they know the Police Force Headquarters at Naguru in Kampala. Because, that is partly true. This is not how it supposed to be as a politician, not supposed to be jailbird, but a man of policy and possible programs leading to better tomorrow.

You know that Besigye is powerful politician, who you should respect for his vision and his stamina. When the dictatorship makes the Public Order Manage Act, which is nicknamed the Anti-Besigye-Act. That one was made to give the Police possibility to monitor all political activity and have reasons for arbitrary arrests of the man. This was made to make sure the FDC and other opposition parties didn’t act with disobedience or unlawful assembly. That is something that have been made because of the activities of the FDC and Besigye. NRM wouldn’t have enacted this sort of law, if they didn’t fear Besigye at one point. If they didn’t fear his rallies of demonstrations, the Walk to Work and others. That they had to stop him and house arrest him, as he rallied behind the Defiance Campaign of 2015 and 2016. Even if it didn’t change it all, he still have to show up in Court for what he did. That means, the regime fears his activity and his message.

That is why he should be celebrated. Besigye deserves to be celebrated, a President that Uganda never had. He is not alone in this fashion, for me Paul Ssemogerere and Olara Otunnu could also been people who deserves to be in that bracket of people, who never got reign. Musveni destroyed their chances, but today I am praising Besigye. For his resilience, his fighting spirit and his voice in darkness. Many would have bow down and give-up after being detained, cars destroyed, house raided, house-arrested and charged with treason. Others would have given-up and left for exile forever. He went into exile, but came back. He has run as a challenger in 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2016. His fight is not over, his campaigns are still on.

Besigye deserves credit for the message of hope and change, the message of values and governance of the government. That has been eaten by the Movement and the Presidency of Museveni.

I will finish with Besigye’s own words written in October 2017: “We live in a country that is controlled by guns since independence no leader has ever handed over power to another peacefully. So we are hostages of those who have guns. Mr. Museveni came to power 32 years old using guns, he has kept power largely using those guns. Now he is in the process of changing our 1995 Constitution, to remove the last check which is the age limit, having removed term limits in 2005. If the age limit is removed then he becomes a life president and this process continues” (Dr. Kizza Besigye, 03.10.2017).

BTW: Happy Birthday, Alutia Continua!

Peace.

Tired of President Museveni’s “1986”!

I know I am born in 1985, but I am tired of the year of 1986 and the year National Resistance Army (NRA). The now National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The liberation movement that has run the republic since 1986. This war lasted from 1981 to 1986, the NRA went out of the Milton Obote II government after the illegitimate election of 1980s. Which from then on has been used as the scapegoat and the ones to put to blame for ever since.

The 1986 is the magical year that Museveni entered into supremacy. The Supreme kingpin and mastermind of all it. Sowing the mustard seed and creating a newer safer Republic. The one time the peasants was supposed to have their say in government and make the republic a democracy. The Republic of Uganda was going from strong-men and big-men to run the Republic. Instead, it has been now three decades with manufactured democracy in-line with the vision of Museveni.

President Museveni have used all techniques to fix election results, paying villagers and making new government forms to fit his paradigm. Instead of releasing his promises he has built elite around him that is loyal to his brown envelopes or public fearing his security organizations. This is a special coming from the man promises all the possible governance and government structures needed, if he got into power. Instead, he has done the opposite.

It was supposed to get into a middle-Income Country instead of the Less Developed Country, which is the state is in now. The LDC that Uganda now is because of the state of government that President Museveni has created around him. That can be seen with amounts of debt, the massive overspending on the State House and the pledges around the President. Government of Uganda, GoU have been built around Museveni, instead of institutions and procedures. Therefore, the state are following the orders of the President and his Presidential Handshakes.

That is why, every-time in a speech at any sort of occasion the President will mention 1986 and how the state used to be. As of today 1 out of 5 in the Republic or 21% are between 15 to 24 year old. And by 2016 there we’re only 2% who are older than 65 years old. Which means that the President are part of a minority age bracket. President Museveni 30 years old rule are older than many of the youths in the Republic. They should also wonder what is so special about the years they never we’re living and about governments they never lived under. There are big proportions of the population who cannot remember or has been apart of the first years of the NRA or the civil-war during the 1980s.

They would be like me, they would feel the same fatigue of the NRA and Museveni rule, the extension of the liberation from Obote and Amin. The ones that Museveni mention whenever he needs someone or somebody to blame. Certainly mention 1986. The 1986 that are the most important year since independence, therefore, the NRM Day, the 26^th January 1986, liberation day. Instead of the Independence Day 9^th October 1962. That one is not so often mentioned by the President, since he didn’t get them out of the British Empire and not be a British Protectorate anymore.

Still, the 9^th October 1962 doesn’t seem to be important for Museveni, the 26^th January 1986 is the most vital one. The one that sets the standard, the day that changed everything and gave him total access. Therefore, the celebration of 1986 is so key and be levied at any occasion, and at any speech. President Museveni praises his overthrow of Amin, Obote, Okello and Biniasa.

They all just had to be overthrown, he had to make coup d’etat and make folklore out of it. So his name can ring out and be praised. Let it be clear, the President sings 1986… 1986… 1986… like a jingle never stopping. Peace.

Opinion: President Museveni said “I am tired” and want to indirectly reinstate the Movement System!

It is just one of these days when the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reveals that he wasn’t in favor of the Multi-Party Democracy, even if he claims to be elected and have credible elections abroad. It is always his vision and his perspective that matters, the others should just follow and listen to the high and mighty Musveni. No-one else has a vision like him and his party, which bow their knees, gets Presidential Handshakes and also kisses ring when they have too. That is something the Opposition MP’s doesn’t do, except for the “Good DPs” and the level-headed UPC MP’s. Still, he has something obvious to say today!

President Museveni addressing Bulago Primary School in Buyengo Sub-County in Jinja District:

“I am tired of wars. I want you to vote for pro-NRM members of parliament like our party flag-bearer, Mr Moses Walyomu.” (…) “I don’t want to go back to the bush to fight again. Don’t send me people who will disagree with me in parliament. I fought in 1986 and I am tired.” (…) “He said people who are not of his party fear to discuss with him matters that are pertinent to the development of the country. And for that to be avoided, he will need Members of Parliament who share his ideals and vision for the country” (…) “He threatened that should Kagoma voters vote for an opposition candidate, their wish for good roads and other crucial utilities such as power will be no more”(Kirunda, Nakato & Katabulawo, 2017)

He is clear, if you disagree, that means war, not negotiations or discussions to find a level middle-ground. Since it is only one-man with a vision in Uganda, and that is the President. The Wonderful Dictator who is on his 7^th Term, not 5^th, even if he is rigged in 5 times in row. There was still a decade that gets shaved off in the calculation. I will write that until my ending. Since he deserves to count all years from 1986 and not only from 1995. While we are on that. Under President Museveni, there wasn’t always Multi-Party Democracy.

Three years after the Coup d’etat:

“As already noted, the 1989 elections were held under strict anti-party rules since the NRM government had suspended all political party activities. Indeed, the Resistance Councils and Committees Elections Regulations, 1989, forbade all use of party symbols, sectarian appeals, and threats of force, the offer of food or drinks and the display of candidates’ posters. The absence of open campaigning made it impossible to discuss policies” (Bwana, 2009).

So as President Museveni forbade other parties and their political parties after taking power. He created together with the NRM/A a Movement System to control the local party politics and have structures that he could have oversight of from the State House. This was not a Multi-Party System. A special system that are now overturned into the Local Government system, still it is inherited by the RC system, that the party unleashed in the end of 1980s and tried for a long while. Explained by this Scottish student in 1993!

Importance of Movement System:

“Two statutes, the Resistance Councils and Committees Statutes 9 (1987) and the Resistance Committees’ Judicial Power Statute 1 (1988), codified and expanded the system of local Resistance Committees that had sustained the NRA in its war against the second Obote regime. The genesis of the Resistance Committee system can be traced to the Mayumba Kumi (or ‘Ten Houses’) experiment of the UNLF in the early 1980s, which in turn was linked with the Tanzanian Ujamaa philosophy (Oloka-Onyango, 1989; Baringo, n.d.).” (…) “The RC statutes divided each of Uganda’s 34 (now 38) districts into 5 administrative zones; village (or ward in towns and cities), parish, sub-county, county and districts” (…) “The extent to which the RC system offers the levels of popular participation claimed by the NRM/A also requires consideration. The RC Electoral system operated in 1987, 1989 and 1992 of direct elections only at RC1 level means that the population is excluded at every stage from choosing candidates for higher office. This limitation on direct popular participation in the RC system recurs at a higher level where the links between RC4/RC5 and the NRC and government ministries become rather uncertain. By 1992, there existed no power of recall for members of the NRC beyond elections day itself” (Smith, 1993).

With all this in mind, the tiredness of having opposition. It seems that the President is ready to control the Parliament, the Local Government and have only local cadres that are his. The ones that he knows he can bribe and have under his structure. That means he wants to back to late 1980s and early 1990s when the Movement System and Resistance Councils were the thing. Where the Ministry of Local Government could fire a Resistance Councilor or others, if they didn’t follow the direct orders of the President and his State House. This seems real now.

This seems like the thing, as he wants to take away development and public service if they doesn’t follow his orders in the By-Election in the Jinja District. That proves the lack of democratic values and wish to honor the ballot. But hey, he has for 30 years rigged himself in and made sure his cadres has gotten positions, why else would Gen. Kahinda Otafiire still be a Minister? Not because of his brilliant intellect, but for his loyal assets and following orders of the President.

That President Museveni wants to have men and woman who listens to him and doesn’t challenge him. Therefore, he is telling in Jinja District, that he didn’t go to war in 1986 to have people questioning his rule. His legacy now will not be that he re-released the Multi-Party System, neither that he Constitution delivered a fresh start, as his lingering time in power. Proves that he has gone backwards and become alike the men he overthrew. There isn’t anything different between Dr. Milton Obote distrust in Institutions and Political Affiliations, the only difference is the names and the times. The misuse of army and police to harass the opposition is not different either. The use of government resource in elections are also facilitated for the Movement to counter the opposition. Therefore, the wonderful dictator is alike predecessors, only difference is his ability to overstay!

President Museveni is tired, because he cannot understand that people still question him. That people still doesn’t believe in his vision. That is because he forgot to deliver, he didn’t care to deliver and wanted all along to control it all from the Okello House. There wasn’t with prompt and glory that the Multi-Party Democracy became law, it was two elections and amendment of the constitution that the President didn’t want to deliver. President Museveni wanted it all inside the Movement and the Resistance Councils, which he could assess and control. So now he had to allow other people create their own parties, where they have their own guidelines and programs, not his! They doesn’t have his vision. That is so tiring for him. Therefore, he now want to return back in time, to the Movement System and the Resistance Councils.

He wants total control and he says it, because he is tired of men and woman who doesn’t accept his vision. The vision of looting, dismantling and disorienting the citizens for the wealth of the Museveni family. The rest is history, as the value of currency, the added state debt, the lacking of transparency and patronage is extensive. Therefore, he doesn’t want it question of his state and his system. It is all what he created and made over the decades as the supreme executive. Certainly, the glory days and the days of hope is gone. Just like the days stalwart Besigye would help the old-man creating the Resistance Councils as well. Peace.

Reference:

Bwana, Charles – ‘Voting Patterns in Uganda’s Elections: Could it be the end of the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) domination in Uganda’s politics?’ (2009) – LES CAHIERS D’AFRIQUE DE L’ N° 41

Kirunda, Abubaker; Nakato, Tausi & Katabulawo, Andrew – ‘I don’t want opposition in parliament, says President Museveni’ (09.05.2017) link: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/I-don-t-want-opposition-in-parliament–says-President-Museveni/688334-3919496-71atniz/index.html

Smith, Justin McKenzi – ‘Breaking with the Past – A Consideration of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s National Resistance Movement, and of social and Political action in Uganda during its government’ (1993) University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Opinion: Countering the nonsense of attacking Besigye as there are more dire need reactions from the supporters if they want change!

The Defiance campaign couldn’t be an easy run; it would be and is a long walk to freedom. There isn’t a short quick and brief change out of thin air. The wish and concern isn’t only on the FDC Presidential Candidate of late Dr. Kizza Besigye. The arrests for Hon. Michael Kabaziguruka of Nakawa and his Court Martial; together with arrest of the ones who dare to protest against the National Resistance Movement in this day and age. Just like the Youth of Democratic Party who demonstrated against the greedy Members of Parliament we’re detained. The oppression of the NRM regime doesn’t go away overnight like morning dew.

For those of you who thought this would be easy. Yes I had hope in February that the FDC and Dr. Kizza Besigye would win, because of the men running he had the best agenda and the needed remedy. The NRM has involved the Central Government in a way where the directions of the fiscal policies and the cash-barred MPs to beg for greed instead of dropping policies and laws that matters. The NRM machine are more caring about skinny jeans, short skirts and porn than having working equipment in the hospitals and steady delivery of needed medicines. This is the proof of the rigid brown-enveloped system blessed by the almighty at the State House.

While that is happening there people with hope and see that the brown-envelopes won’t create any common good, but only for the current elite who eat the spoils of foreign donors and the secretive agreements between government and businesses. Getting mansions and luxurious SUVs before riding to the closest mall where even the Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo stole underwear. It’s just how the system is made to blatant regard the men who in all their honour bow their heads to the Mzee on the top. They are allowed to do anything and get away with it. Therefore the ones who counter this paradigm get whipped, detained or even disgraced in public.

Still, with this in mind the blames that the current embattled Besigye is at fault. Not because he hasn’t tried and done what he could empower the opposition with vigour to assemble in Power 10 (P10) Structure and other to counter the NRM Poor Youth or any other group that the Government used to silence the FDC. The FDC mobilisers has been detained as common as the roads development has been bribing state officials; it is so common that the news of detaining a FDC Youth or Mobilisers are day-to-day acts of the Police Force. So it is not like Besigye and the FDC haven’t had heavy-water to carry.

The assurance that the Defiance Campaign wasn’t made in fear of repression from the NRM or the Government; should have been well known as the NRM Regime has since it establishment done what it could to harass and disrupt the rallies of Dr. Paul Ssemogerere and so on. The ones forgetting that is currently forgotten the past. I am sure even the current leader of DP Norbert Mao has had issues under the last Campaign Trial in 2011/2012. Norbert Mao we’re even detained during the campaign in this calendar-year because the UPF cannot help themselves to make life hard for real opposition.

So with that knowledge of this and even after the 10^th Parliament have started and the Plenary Sessions begun. This is the start of the new breed of MPs, who wish to get more funds and more salaries then the former legislators. They want to be rich quick and get that on the public funds. They don’t have ideas of their obligations to represent their citizens and not eat of their citizens. Even if they just follow what the ‘Old Man with the Hat’ has teaches them as he came with empty pockets to the Parliament and now decades later are richer than god.

So if the ones caring thought the Defiance Campaign would succeed on its own like a marching band making noise on the gates when it past and everybody enjoying it. You’re wrong because some hates the marching band and other wish they just went down more street. Defiance of Besigye had to get public support and truly be invested in it to get the change happen. The fear of the repression of the regime and their sanctions might be a reason for why it has partly failed for the moment. Because if they wanted they should do more than quickly after thinking of boycotting the “Tubonga Nawe” artists who campaigned for the Cow farmer.

Besigye had #KigwaLeero wishing for a brighter future and make a difference. He asked for a government with accountability and we’re there for the public. Not like the ones that is there now who is there for former rebel who takes the riches for himself and leaves scraps for the elite who is loyal to him.

Defying the regime could not be done by him alone in Kasangati, it could be only be the hardliners who stood by Besigye in his hardships. It has to be made the ones who really want to get rid of the regime of present. It will not be easy and get there easily. Some has spoken of violence and using the tactics of old, like the ones that Mzee used himself to get power. If you do so wouldn’t you be the same as him? If he used guns and guerrilla warfare to get into power and you use the same doesn’t that make you a rebel who dreamed of power and not a true democrat? Even if Ghana’s Jerry Rawlings made it and ushered in a positive political system, that doesn’t necessary work for Besigye.

I doubt that Besigye want to use violence and rebel through the rifles and assassinate his opponents. As he was parts of the NRA and doesn’t want the change to be of the old ways, only through guns and on the battlefield. There is precisely in history that none President or Executive in Uganda has been changed peacefully through the ballot, instead through the bullets, which makes sense at least to those of us who believes in peaceful transitions.

That means that this is not alone on Besigye, this is on the supporters and the opposition itself. That means that struggle of the opposition has to defy the current regime. With means that hurt the regime and that discontinue the fiscal funding of government, that counter the legitimacy of the institutions and the opposition has to build strong grass-root movement that has most of the base in the population. So that you have all corners on the knees and weak; so that the actions of government can be countered by people’s sanctioning them. The best acts of the defiance during the Election period were the use of VPN to counter to Social-Media Ban of the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC). So the people have it naturally in them when they feel betrayed and knowledge of ways to stop nonsense from all-controlling government.

It’s that kind of defiance that is needed. That kind of acts that hurts the MTN and the others who practically funds the regime and keeps the taxation without representation going. Besigye can be blamed, but he is the spokesman and the one who is tormented by the regime already. So the man has done and continues to do his part. The people behind have to use their wisdom and ways to destabilize the regime by peaceful means and even risk their freedoms. As so many youths and people associated with FDC has been during the years. Also other political parties have also felt the pain of being opposition. So the ones blaming Besigye has lost the basic component of it all: the key is always the people! They, the people have the fate of the government in their hands; the Government lives either on the trust from the public or of the fear of the people going against it.

The people decide not only through secret ballots, but through their faith and their assessment of the situation of how they believe they should govern. Some might accept the current regime in silence because of the fear and the belief if they go against it they lose it all. But if those all thinks like this than the organizing against the current regime will not become of anything.

Now with this the FDC and Besigye have to show Defiance and be upfront as they have to use their support to weaken the NRM and their henchmen’s. This is not only defying in court and going from kangaroo courts and smiling on NTV. That is to directly counter the regimes acts in Parliament, demonstrate and boycott. Use other ways with even stronger force and more success than Walk to Work. That will not be easy and that can only happen if the momentum and belief together with the peoples. The Peoples or the Citizens can only act when they are sure they will conquer the regime, if not they will demonstrate and lose the little they have. They lose their hawking job and their voice where they were. That is not acceptable.

What Besigye has to do is not to give in or give up. He is the voice of hope and a brighter new day. But to get the brighter new day for the Ugandan people under a new government who have other belief in institutions and service delivery than the people has to support Besigye and his cause. Not because Besigye is only one who can do this, but because he is the ones who champion it through defiance on his own.

The ones who attacks Besigye for his campaign hasn’t understood it; but is more worrying is that people can only stand behind their voice in the wilderness or leave the belief of regime change. And giving up a 30 year regime and an Executive that has been there since 1986 is hard. Because of the ways the draconian laws and fiscal policies are set-up. That should give reason for the citizens to react with demonstrations and peaceful mobilizations in the ways of the VPN to defy the all-eating NRM and their in-accurate methods of silencing voices which isn’t their own. Peace.