Opinion: Gazetted injustice with the ban of red berets!

On the gazetted Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) dress code of 18^th September 2019, the red berets, which has been associated with the People Power Movement and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. It is now banned from wearing them, except if your part of the UPDF. The same with the rest of the attires, which is gazetted.

This is limiting clothing, but also banning a sort of cloth, a headwear, which has been directly the image of the opposition movement. The UPDF again being used politically to ban. Not only is the army used to intimidate and to control the public. They are not only defending the territory of the Republic, but also used as a tool of oppression. That is why, special units of the UPDF have been used to arrest and detain civilian leaders, like even taking the Arua 26 and the Kizza Besigye to Military Court.

Therefore, this is not shocking. This is following a pattern, like when the Interim Order of 5^th May 2016 banned all demonstrations and the defiance campaign. In addition, this means that the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) was officially by the state not allowed to demonstrate nor use defiance. That is why we have been here before.

The UPDF is used as a tool this time. To stop people from wearing a certain head-gear. They want to monopolize this headwear. Apparently, they can do that, even after the state known the public and the opposition has used this. This is a direct ban of wearing something of the opposition.

If the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the ones running the government wants a multi-party democracy or act like its there. Maybe not ban their gear in general. Because, it proves again, that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his minions in acts won’t a one-party state. That is why he was so reluctant to let go of the movement system in the past. This is a history we cannot forget.

In this instance, it is repetition of the past. The NRM and Museveni uses the state as a oppressive machine. Finds some significant faults with the opposition bans it. That is not new.

This is the red berets, which is now a cardinal sin, unless your part of the UPDF. Together with the other hand-picked attire, which they see fit. We can await the radios to ban Bobi Wine songs, we can await to see more of these issues. Just like the bans of concerts of Bobi Wine too. Therefore, this is following a common pattern.

This is not happening to the DP Block or the UPC for that matter. No, its happens to the Opposition that the President fears. That is why he can use the military, which the militarised politics of the NRM has personalized over the years.

This will be controversial, there will be arrests, the police force will enforce this and we will see an outcry. However, will this show the public how far the NRM does to control them? Is this enough or will laws of draconian acts continue without any actions against it. Will the public accept this and move-on, as the state again tell them how to think, act and how to be?

This is what the NRM does, just another proof. Peace.

Opinion: ANT’s fragile start ends up with a partnership with the DP Block

Well, the Alliance of National Transformation (ANT), the newly minted party from former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) rt. Gen. Mugisha Muntu has today shown sign of weakness. As his party is nearly launched and having consultation meetings across the Republic.

Still ANT is in the beginning face and now seeking alliance with Democratic Party Block or DP Block. Which is already filled one-man band parties of Social Democratic Party (SDP) of Michael Mabikke and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Abed Bwanika. These was the key patrons behind the DP Block. Now its revealed, that the party registered in January of 2019. Are now a part of the DP Block too.

That is sign of strength and broaden perspective for Norbert Mao, whose not has had many friends since he was a part of The Democratic Alliance (TDA). Surely, this makes him look important and that he got good opposition backers behind him. Even as the FDC and People Power Movement are moving on their own.

The DP Block doesn’t get more viable, even if it has Muntu. As his speaks of “country before self”, but his own agenda seems to be finding a space for him to shine. There isn’t anything that resembles strength or uniqueness in the ways Muntu has manoeuvred. Neither in anything Mao has been doing, except for his power-play some-days on NBS TV.

Let’s be clear, ANT is showing not their capabilities or their message by being part of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), the one that was supposed to reign in Robert Kyagulanyi and his brigades. Alas, that didn’t happen. It has only brought Mabbike, Bwanika and now Muntu. Is he awaiting someone else to so they can actually drive somewhere?

Because, at this point, this is still a TDA-Lite, even without the head honco of a Amama Mbabazi, a score and sore point to address the struggles and the big-man to have any appeal. With the cadres around the table, the measure of scope isn’t strong. Unless, they suddenly are able to show finesse and be political savvy to actually be relevant. This is not something you should anticipate from Mao, neither Bwanika nor Muntu. If so, why would they be there?

Unity isn’t bad, but this is like the losers club. Where the ones who couldn’t be a big-man, want to act like big-men, but is all dancing midgets. Well, its cruel, but a fact. They all want to be viable and express the concern of the public like Besigye, want the outreach and popularity like Bobi Wine. If not be unpopular, but still have the army like Anite. But, they have neither and acts like they can get it all by the half-baked measures they are doing.

As shown by the Democratic Party statement on the meeting today: “Next steps include the urgent declaration of our position on minimum reforms before the next elections. This doesn’t require the SPV as a precondition” (DP, 23.08.2019).

Because, if they wanted people to really join and follow the SPV, it should be able to function for the purposes of not only reforms, but basic governing. It is clearly lacking that, as it seems only to function as basis for the men to seem important. Which is by all means, a lot work to waste time. Peace.

PS: Bwanika hasn’t been so vocal lately, maybe he had a pay-off since last time we saw him.

Uganda: Press Statement- Government Position on the Electoral Law Reforms (30.07.2019)

Opinion: Bwanika want to be a Kingmaker, but his just a jester!

“Bobi Wine you made a major mistake to self-proclaim that you will lead people without peoples participation and endorsement” – Abed Bwanika

It seems that Abed Bwanika wants to be important. He want to be the central part of the opposition. Bwanika wants to be the kingmaker, the one that is behind the ones coming up. Abed wants to be the one whose the man behind the scene and get seen as the chief.

There is signs that People’s Development Party (PDP) and Democratic Party Block leader Bwanika thinks highly of himself. That Bwanika and others in the DP Block think they invented and ushered in People Power. Like the phenomenon was his and his allies to control and muffle with. That they should be able to run it. Because, his been meeting and greeting Bobi Wine on several of occasions.

This is how it seems, that Bwanika wants to be a kingpin, he wants to be the steers and offers positions. He feels he deserves credit and should be honoured for his work. Instead, he was left behind and feels like a sore looser. That is why Bwanika now says Bobi Wine is wrong, picking the wrong people and is the worst. Since, he was left out of the picture, a picture and a organization he should have some sort of central position in.

Instead, the DP Block leader is lost, his not a kingmaker and not as big as he thinks he is. Bobi Wine is so much more than Bwanika. That is visible by the structure and by the reach he has. That is why the NRM is worried about the popular rise of People Power. This is something Bwanika knows, but he wants to act like he was a vital part in it. Which I have hard time to believe.

Bwanika wants to be around kings, but the only way he can get there right now. Is if he dances, making jokes and make his court laugh. Right now, that is all he does. Abed has forgotten his role and thinks too highly of himself.

It is maybe time for Bwanika to reflect on his self-importance, before his totally undressed by the public. Which is happening in rapid speed, no to be accurate near amp-speed. That is how impressively self-inflected damage and self-destruction.

That is why he isn’t an kingmaker, but an jester. That must be sad, but Bwanika at this moment, it is what it is. He wants to vital, important and looking like he makes a difference, except for losing face. That’s not a good look, but put up a skit for all of us! That is what a jester is supposed to do. Peace.

Opinion: Showing signs of coordinated attacks against the PPM!

Well, it is about that time, just mere days after the launch of the structure and coordination team of the Political Pressure Group called People Power run by Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. That the politicians friendly to the regime is answering it. There is already calls for legislation directed to ban these sort of outfits and associations with them. Therefore, what is happening now is deliberate. It’s kind of ordinary, as everytime real opposition comes along. The state and their allies jumps on guard to attack, undermine and belittle the acts of it.

This time the DP Block, Norbert Mao and the his closest associate Bwanika has both coordinated attacks and play forward. To ensure, that they are undermining both Bobi Wine and the PPM. This isn’t shocking, as they wanted him as a loyal subject within the DP Block and didn’t want him to run on his own. Alas, to keep him in a TDA light box, which the state wouldn’t ban or address in any fashion. Because, what danger to the regime does Mabikke of the SDP, Bwanika of the PDP and Mao of DP, made their alliance, but not that they have any fire-power.

That is why today, the acts of devious attempts to undermine comes at bay. The DP own ending of their Press Release, says it all. As they try in the long statement to sound cool about it, but the last paragraph. Really says it all, that people need to know. Bwanika seems like a kid, who didn’t get his wish and Beti Kamya, well, she is showing her loyalty to the NRM and the President. As she had no issues with the The Democratic Alliance in the previous election, but now its all wrong. Surely, since it is not her part in the PPM on the line, but she can say they are unworthy and claim they cause havoc. When we know the authorities that brings the weapons, the tear-gas and the mambas to the public gatherings of the opposition, or has she forgot that?

Well, here is the statements.

DP distance its members from PPM:

“We shall issue further directions to our members after the consultative meeting with top leaders and MPs. In the meantime, we don’t expect any of our leaders particularly at the grassroots to deal with any one purpoting to be Cordinator of People Power until a formal pact is reached between DP and all other political actors. We cannot allow other people to dig their foundation in our compound without a negotiated settlement properly reached” (Democratic Party, 27.07.2019).

Abed Bwanika attacks PPM:

“We the DP bloc/People power as the architects of the movement shall sit and look into many aspects including whether he can remain the leading figure of the people power movement. He may be left with no alternative but to form his own party and leave the architects of people power to move. We don’t even want to think that our brother Bobi was under the influence of any intoxicant while doing such but we may be tempted to think so.” said by Abed Bwanika

Beti Kamya attack PPM too:

“Bobi Wine is running an unregistered political organization. People Power and People’s Government are non existent in our laws. As a country, we went into multiparty dispensation, but these people are undermining it. Unregistered political organizations like People’s Government and People Power should be banned since their leadership uses them to incite violence” (Softpower – ‘Betty Kamya: Bobi Wine’s ‘People Power’ should be banned, 27.07.2019).

As we are seeing, the DP Block, Bwainka and Kamya are all addressing the same thing and saying the PPM is wrong. In all their different ways, but all done to ensure that the PPM look illegal and acts illegal.

It is either, that the DP Block members and MPs shouldn’t be associated with the PPM. They shouldn’t do so, before the DP Block have an agreement. Bwanika want to take credit for the PPM, like his the grandfather of the struggle and deserves to control it. Abed thinks so highly of himself, that if he looks further, I think he started the UPC and DP party. Its just that he doesn’t know it yet. Just kidding, but his the sort of character, that tries to be King Kong, but is only a random fellow playing ping-pong.

Kamya has given up her own party for the loyalty of the NRM. She has given up opposition and now tries to add conflicts and annoy the opposition. This is all to show her master and pay respects for appointing her role as a Minister. That is who she is now and shows it again and again. She could herself be a part of the TDA, as a UFA leader and MP candidate. But, she cannot accept the PPM. That is because, it works against her place in the world. Because she needs the President and his brown envelopes.

This is all coordinated attacks of the PPM and Bobi Wine. This is not new, but done before and they will do whatever to ban, cease and crush the organization. The PPM will be under-fire and they will always be scrutinized. That is just the way it is. Peace.

Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine: Statement on the tabled amendments of Election Laws (26.07.2019)

So, just one day after we officially declared our intentions to challenge President Museveni in 2021, he tabled amendments to election laws before Parliament. Even a baby can see that most of the proposed amendments are a desperate attempt by his panicky regime to counter the #PeoplePower wave.

First they ignored us. Then they dismissed us as mere hooligans. Then they lied against us and framed us with all sorts of cases. Then they unleashed terror on us. But to their disappointment, no matter what they have done, we have only grown stronger- by the help of the almighty God.

Gripped by fear of what awaits them come 2021, they are now bringing laws to stop us from uniting with other forces of change, raising campaign funds, and reaching out to the people! They are even shamelessly banning people from going with cameras and phones to polling stations to capture the evidence of rigging. Knowing that majority of the soldiers and police officers support us, they want them to vote five days before everyone else so that they can intimidate them properly as opposed to when they cast ballots in the same ballot boxes with other citizens. BANO BAATIDDE NNYO!

Can we all see how much ofp a coward Museveni is?? As I have told the nation time and again, the day the dictator realises that our eyes have been opened, he will be cornered with no where to turn to! These are clear signs.

Let me repeat this message which I have been sending to President Museveni- if he thinks he is popular as he claims to be, I CHALLENGE HIM TO A FREE AND FAIR ELECTION!

#GetYourNational_ID
#PeoplePower_OurPower

Opinion: Attorney General Byaruhanga’s Electoral Reforms are aimed at Bobi Wine!

There is no doubt in my mind, when I read the latest pieces of leaks on the tabled bills from the Attorney General William Byaruhanga. That his only intent is to stifle the opportunity to reveal electoral rigging and stop the independents like Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.

Why do I say that?

Well, his brilliant idea of banning all cameras and phones from the polling station for one. This is really an direct effort to stop leaks of videos of pre-ticked ballots and ballot-stuffing of ballot-boxes. To think otherwise is naive, if not the re-writing, Tipp-Ex editing of Return Forms would also be easier if no-one took a direct photocopy of the paperwork before releasing it to the Electoral Commission or getting it processed. This is just simple Math and easy to understand.

Another brilliant idea from the AG Byaruhanga is how his restricting Independent candidates of both MPs and Presidential Candidates.

First he want to block independent Presidential Candidates from forming alliances with any registered political party. Also, to stand as an Independent, you must have ceased being a member of a political party for at least one year. The political party must consent to your leaving the party. Continuing with the Candidates barred from becoming Independents after participating in a party primary. Following that an ex-party member can run as independent one year after quitting their parties. If your was thinking this was enough, no its not, as upon election as independent, a member is free to ally with a party of their choice and finally an Independent presidential candidates is barred from forming any alliance with any political party.

If you read into it. The Independent cannot turn independent before a year in advance and drop-out of own party to still be fielded as candidate at the General Election, as many did in 2016. However, this also stops many of President own men, if this is getting through. That one is not direct at Bobi Wine.

However, the connection with Political Parties and Independent President Candidate forming alliance with Political Parties. Is what happen yesterday with the People Power Movement. Just like the Pressure Group of The Democratic Alliance went in alliance and had an Independent President Candidate Amama Mbabazi. So, that was fine in 2016, when Museveni wasn’t afraid of his former ally, but today and now in 2019. The National Resistance Movement is frighten, pissing in their pants and ready to Electoral Reform to make People Power Movement (PPM) illegal by definition.

Also another suggestion in the bills, is that Political Parties are not allowed to any links with Pressure Groups and is even barred from doing so. Meaning that the Forum for Democratic Change and Democratic Party cannot be connected to the PPM by any means or through any deal. As the Electoral Law is banning that, as well, as the FDC cannot support or be joining the Independent Presidential Candidate of Bobi Wine. Just like the DP could support TDA/Go-Forward Independent Presidential Candidate Mbabazi in 2016.

You really see the deal, that the NRM and AG Byaruhanga is doing these days. His really working to undermine the Electoral Reforms to hit the PPM. This is not done to ensure the needed reforms. Because none of these are what the Election Observation Missions stated after the elections of 2016.

This is all targeted at Bobi Wine as an Independent Presidential Candidate and the alliances with various of Political Parties, as he has MPs whose aligned there. But funny how this is happening in 2019 and not in 2015. Maybe, the President and NRM didn’t fear Amama, but they are afraid of Bobi? Peace.

People Power Movement Structure Launch: Notable Mentions!

Today was the launch of the People Power Movement structure, the political formation, which is the true formation of the pressure group and not a direct political party, where all sorts of walk of life can be affiliated with it. The structure show some interesting characters, which has shown allegiance elsewhere in the past. Some of which, might even strike odd.

While the usual suspects of Kasiano Wadri Independent MP of the West Nile, Francis Zaake MP of the Youth Movement and so. Also, Asuman Basalirwa MP of Justice Forum of Busoga. These three MPs are leadership figures and was the usual suspects in the movement. However, there are few other ones that deserves a recognition today.

First its Kasese MP Winnie Kiiza, who just recently left the Forum for Democratic Change and went to Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) and is now also the leader of the Kasese structure of the People Power Movement. She has really taken steps to make herself viable post-FDC and post Minority Leader in the 10^th Parliament.

Secondly in Acholi, the leader there is Lucy Akello of Forum for Democratic Change. She’s been conflicted before and had double support. This was before the previous election, when she had support of the The Democratic Alliance, but they withdraw their support right before. But, for a little while she had to backers. Now, she will have the People Power and the FDC behind her in Amuru.

Third, also in Acholi is the FDC juggernaut Gilbert Olanya MP whose worked hard and gotten arrested for working against the land-grabbing in Apaa village. This has cost him dearly, plus the shattering touch of womans fake leg.

Fourth, is unique character, his a National Resistance Movement MP for Jie County in Kotido district, him humbly being Moses Adome Bildard. His one of the adorable NRM Rebels against the age limit and has now totally blind-sided many by joining Bobi Wine and People Power. Surely, he should soon go independent or join an opposition party. Because what good does it do to go against the sole candidate in your own party, which is the goal of People Power?

Fifth is another one, who is part of the NRM, this being Woman MP for Amuria district, Susan Amero. Whose on her first term as MP and is also one of the NRM Rebels against the abolishment of the Age Limit. Surely, she should also with time leave the fold and seek greener pastures elsewhere, as she has decided to work against the sole candidate of her party.

Sixth is another one of the NRM MPs in the fold of People Power, this time its the Ankole leader, the Kasambye County MP Gaffa Mbwatekamwa, whose become a harsh critic against the NRM and the President. But still is a member of the party and now also a vital part of the People Power. Which is a rare breed still, Yellow on the outside, but red at heart.

Seventh, also odd out and yet another critical NRM MP Barnabas Tinkasimire, the Buyaga County MP and now the Bunyoro leader of the People Power. Surely, these rebels must be an eyesore for the President.

Eight, is yet another character, this time a Democratic Party lawyer and ally of Bobi Wine. This being the MP of Busiiro County East, Medard Sseggona Lubega, whose one striking out of the DP Block and joining the People Power. Surely, this must be painful for Mao, but well he lost Florence to the NRM earlier in the week. Surely, he can handle this too. By the way, he will lead the team of Kampala Metropolitan an important opposition stronghold.

Nine, another DP Latif Ssebagala, the renegade MP of Kwempe North Constituency has also joined the People Power Movement. Not shocking, but still a character to follow, indeed. Yet, another one moving away from Mao.

Tenth, is another of the NRM rebels whose have joined the People Power, this being Patrick Nsamba of the Kasanda County North and leader of the PPM in Greater Mubende. Surely, he and the other NRM MPs will be thrown out by the morning in the party. If not sanctioned and questioned, as they are not only rebelling, but joining forces to work for the end of Museveni.

Eleventh is another DP, the Greater Mpigi PPM leader is now Kivumbi Muwanga MP of Butabala County. His been a critic of Mao and even fought in Court over his victory in the constituency, where Mao has called the MP stupid. Therefore, surely this is broadening his wings and have a safe-heaven on the outside of DP.

Twelve is yet another DP, the Greater Masaka PPM Leader is now Mathias Mpuuga, a well respected, strong in force and opposition of the NRM and Museveni. Someone who has worked tirelessly since the Walk-to-Work demonstrations, whose been behind the DP and the TDA too. Surely, someone I respect for his will and resilience against the regime. PPM is lucky to have him.

These are the ones I noticed briefly over the presser and press release. Who all deserves to mentioned. What is striking is the amount of NRM rebels, DP MPs and also some FDC MPs. This shows the broad spectrum of affiliates in the People Power Movement.

Let me not forget a non-MP, but strong activist Moses Bigirwa, whose been arrested plenty of times for his work in the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), his been the spotlight of the authorities since at least 2016 and been a DP, but also an PPM. Not it is official and he has a role in the Busoga region.

Well, enough for now. The PPM has now structures and plenty of people behind them. Also, leaders of various affiliations and parties, but also across the Republic. This shows what sort of groundwork been done by the PPM. Not just talk. Robert Kyagulanyi is showing finesse with this. Peace.