Opinion: The FDC without Katonga is without its heart…

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) are now split into two fractions. That isn’t a secret, but been on public display for nearly a year or so now. The public disregard for each other and display of entitlement comes forward.

The delegation conference of the FDC Katonga Branch was naturally dismissed by the leadership of the Najjanankumbi fraction. The ones who holds the keys to the FDC headquarters and the official titles there. They have already disassociated with the Katonga branch and the divorce has already commenced.

The leaders of Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Nathan Nandala-Mafabi has shown their discontent with the FDC Katonga and used their roles to dismiss it completely. That was done and therefore, the FDC Katonga is on its own by those merits alone.

The FDC Katonga should jus start a “new formation” or a new party on its own. They are former FDC to begin with and aren’t a part of the what was known as the FDC. These leaders like Dr. Kizza Besigye and others aren’t now part of the official party. They can claim so, but it is semantics, and we know that the FDC HQ have the blessings of the Electoral Commission. Which means they are the official and the ones who has the seals.

The ones ruling from the HQ can have done without merits and done so without following procedure. They can have acted in rage and in arrogance. That is a fact too. The whole way of being incumbent and taking over the party could be seen as a coup. However, they have the signings and the paperwork to back it up.

That’s why the heart and the principles are standing on the outside. Besigye and his allies are now outsiders looking in. That is tragic and shows how the party has fallen. When one of their own has to rebuild and re-organize from the outside. When Besigye is one of the reasons for why the FDC has been viable and been a powerhouse in the Republic. That’s not because of the current leadership of the FDC, but because of him. That’s the truth and the brutal one at that.

Besigye has build a new home together with allies. They got to and there is no other way out. They cannot dismantle or destroy the FDC while doing so. That’s because the FDC HQ is safeguarded and has the authorities on its side. It is tragic, but one of the founders has no power or authority to bring it down. The only thing he can do is bring the people and the ones he trust with him. That being Lukwago or anyone else defying the ones who has taken over the FDC.

This is all Besigye has and the delegation conference is just a new beginning. However, it isn’t a story of the FDC. It is a story of betrayal and distrust. A story of a forged narrative and a lost cause. A party that has lost their way and was compromised, in such a way it has disassociated itself with a founder and a former Presidential Candidate of the same party. That what has happened and it shows where the hurt remains.

The pain, the suffering of seeing the FDC like this. There is so many victims and people who sacrificed itself for that party. To see that party losing its way and becoming like this. Taking the heart out of it and selling it to the highest bidder. The FDC won’t be the same. It’s already a mockery and a charade of what it used to be.

That’s the FDC Katonga Branch just needs a new name, slogan and a new party constitution. It needs a new manifesto and a new way forward. Because, being riddle with the past and with the glories of the FDC. It won’t do them any favours. That one has sailed. The past won’t help Besigye or his fellow comrades in the struggle. No, they will only feel worried and feel like they lost what they fought for. Which is true…

Now is the time to move on and get a new movement to work for the cause. Not bicker with FDC HQ and the useless enterprise that has sold its soul. Time to find a new way and on its own. As they will show the difference between the FDC HQ and whatever name the Besigye outfit will have.

Besigye will galvanize people and will make a difference wherever he is. That we know and the ones living in the HQ knows this. Peace.

Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU): Response to the Utterances of the “So-Called Disciples of Mr. Odrek Rwabgo”, against our Chairman, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba (19.08.2024)

The Disciples of Odrek Rwabwogo: Statement on Gen. Muhoozi Kainerubaga Twitter(X) Reckless Utterances against Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo (17.08.2024)

Opinion: Kampala and the KCCA is Museveni’s domain…

“You ‘Kampalanians’ might not know all this because you are here in Kampala with your NGOs” – President Yoweri Kaguta Musveni (12.012.2015).

We know the outcry and the reasons of the lack of good governance in Kampala. It is self-serving and a created structure to benefit the President. The President knows that he cannot get the majority or have his party in the elected offices of the capital. That’s why he has chosen to build structures above the elected officials.

This happens to be the Ministry of Kampala, the Presidential Advisor to Kampala and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The KCCA is created to ensure the Lord Mayor and others are ceremonial leaders with no real say and no real power. They are just mere galleon figures and there for the charade of “democracy”.

While the KCCA and the Ministry is there to govern. The KCCA and the appointed Council are there to overturn and control the elected leaders. If they are division councillors or division mayors. They are all bound by the governing principles of the KCCA. These aren’t independent and the one who has the power is the ones leading the KCCA.

The Lord Mayor can only show up and be visible, but the one with all power and has the real mandate is the Executive Director of the KCCA. The Deputy as well, has more say than the Lord Mayor. That’s because the appointed leadership means more than the elected ones.

That’s why everything wrong with the KCCA comes from the President. It is the authority created by the President and for the President. This is to ensure his loyal subordinates works there and further his interests on his behalf. They are there to serve Museveni and not the Citizens of Kampala. That’s why they have a job and a title. It is to serve the President and his will.

This is why the KCCA Act was created in 2010 and later amended too. It has been done to secure the President and whatever whims he has. President Museveni is in-charge and make the final decisions. He directs the Executive Director and whoever he has appointed within the KCCA. They are all awaiting the letter or decree to do so. Therefore, if the KCCA doesn’t act or doesn’t appear visible. It is all on the mercy of the President.

So, when something isn’t adding up in the capital. Know that the High Above is behind it all. It is his men and his appointees that are in-charge. They awaiting directives and the final word before acting. The KCCA is a authority and an instrument to undermine the will of the people. It is a way of taking away the power of the ballot and of the citizens as a whole. This overbuilding and institution is there to overshadow and break the will of the people. That’s why its there, because they dare to vote for the Opposition and for the likes of a Erias Lukwago.

That’s why the President appoints the Executive Directors and other members of the KCCA. That’s why he appoints a Minister and a Presidential Advisor. It is all for a reason and that’s to secure his will and his say. Not for the betterment of the capital or the city. No, this is done for selfish reasons and for one man only. The sole reason for the demise of people and lack of good governance. Just so Museveni can have control and micro-manage the Capital as he deems fit. Peace.

Opinion: Corrupt MP vindicated in Court [Mpuuga MP saved by the bell]

“The Court in its powers decided that some right thinking Ugandans and those who have been following the discussion that any MP that doesn’t understand the processes of Parliament is just a burden to taxpayers. The Court’s ruling is what we said from the start that all these matters were handled legally. Individually, this issue has been capitalized on by many people to disrespect me, but I want to thank all Ugandans who stood with me” (…) “With the court ruling, I will be informing Ugandans my next step especially all the things that have been done by individuals that have been trying to soil my image and reputation by hiding other such issue and it is a pity that some of these individuals claim they are educated, but I will leave that to God. Whatever the Court has given us, we shall move with that maybe, the people God gave heads that have mouths, ears, eyes and brains, the ruling of court could help them to know that they should never use their mouth alone, but they should use all the parts on their head” (…) “All those people that have been backstabbing me, I wait to see what they are going to tell the nation about me, but in all this, I will continue fulfilling my responsibility and I won’t waste my efforts on people that have been wasting my time. They have harmed me for the past 8months focusing all their energy on me as an individual but that is how things are now, I will be informing the nation of my next step” – Mathias Mpuuga MP (13.08.2024)

There is nothing new under the sun. The authorities and the system is safeguarding their own. There is nothing new in this and this has happened before. The Courts has ensured that the ones who is high ranking officials and with connections gets off the hook. They are getting a little touch of the law and later released. In this regard, the ones getting the “service award” is off the hook completely.

It is like the state is allowing the Presidential Handshakes and the Service Awards. No matter how they pin-point it. They are allowed to eat and doesn’t have to be accountable for their actions. Since they are within the realm of power and is in the August House. That’s why they can eat and enjoy the perks of their office.

Mpuuga MP forgets certain aspects of this. The legalisation of the Service Award isn’t saving his career or popular support. Neither is it vindicating him from his party or his former allies. No, it just shows that the authorities have decided to defend him and find reasons to support his cause. Which is a bad reflection on an opposition MP.

He is maybe momentarily saved from punitive actions. His maybe off the hook for now. The state doesn’t go after him or the other Parliamentary Commissioners. However, that doesn’t stop the public outcry or the dissent against the action in itself.

The illicit funds and misuse of office is still obvious. That a man without much or any merit gets a monetary award like this. That is questionable whether the laws are applicable or not. The MP is a representative of the people and a part of the Parliament. When his there and serving the public. His not there to eat and enrich himself, but is there to enlarge and help to make life better for the ones his representing. Alas, that is what he has forgotten and doesn’t care about.

A career politician and a money hungry one. A man who is eligible to eat and find measures to secure his livelihood. That’s what his busy doing and this award advance the cause of creating his own wealth. The wealth itself is coming of the agony and lack of service delivery from the government. A government that he is speaking ill about and wants to change. Nevertheless, the same man has no trouble eating of their plate and taking advantage of his office. That is what he did and we all will remember that.

He isn’t saved in the eye of the public. The elite and the authorities have cleaned his hand, but his vision is jaded. If he thinks this gives him a second life. His very wrong, it is only giving him relief for now. It isn’t changing the reasons and questions raised by the court judgement. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee cannot be controlled…

Museveni buying shoes in Wandegeya, 02.06.2017.

“We can’t plan for it (Presidential Donations) because I don’t know whom he (President Museveni) is donating to. So there is no way I can say, let us plan for Shs500Bn because I don’t know, whom he is going to donate to. But we capture according to urgency and the capacity of the budget. It isn’t that we discriminate. But I think we can curb it via the political side, like now if I happen to go to Cabinet everyone is sending me a chit, I don’t know what to do because the budget can’t satisfy. I don’t know how I can advise on that because I can’t stop the President from donating” – Jane Barekye, State House Controller (13.08.2024).

Who knew that State House and the Government couldn’t have control or have an oversight of whatever whims or ideas the President has. That is what the State House Controller said yesterday in the Plenary Session in Parliament. Yes, this is in one instance, but it is compelling.

It is saying they cannot know what President Yoweri Kagtua Museveni donates too and who he has pledged funds for. Neither is there enough within the budgets or in the accounts to transfer the donations or gifts to whomever the President deemed fit. That just shows there is no plans for this and only done on a whim.

This is the problem of personalization of the state. When the state is all surrounded and being built around a person. This is dangerous individualism, which reflects badly on the government as a whole. Because the state doesn’t deliver and doesn’t do its duty. It promises funds and pledges, but cannot follow up on them. That’s because they are just empty words and rhetoric, but not something that necessarily implemented. Therefore, this shows what sort of structure and institution that is surrounding the President.

President Museveni can promise Peter, but he needs Paul to pay Peter. That’s how this looks like and he promises without any sort of idea what is budgeted or what is in the accounts. This shows the lack of good governance and even protocol for the matter. There is a lack of structure and mechanisms to ensure things get done. A lack of oversight and a lack of instruments, which should have been there.

The President shouldn’t be able or have the capacity to just do so. Especially, when there is no liquidity or financial backbone to do so. When the State House and the entities that is supposed to pay it out doesn’t have it. Then the President shouldn’t be allowed to speak or even promise anything. He should be silent and await the time the State House and the Office of the President has the money.

This isn’t a functioning government, but a one-man charade. A one man show that destroy the confidence and trust in the government. Because his pledges and supposed donations becomes pointless. When the Presidency and the State House cannot deliver or even ensure the words matters. That’s the endgame here and its obvious.

President Museveni shouldn’t be able to do this. His destroying himself and the state while doing so. Only creating more burden and more expenses without having the domestic revenue. The President isn’t fiscally responsible and neither does he think of the consequences of his actions. That’s for others to fix and pay the amends. Peace.

Opinion: Kiteezi landfill is a token of neglect from the government…

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) have done what it can to control and have a say within the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is overpowered by the Ministry and Appointed leadership, which takes the stakes from the elected officials within the capital. That’s wherein the problem relays and reflects the scandal and national tragedy of which people has lost their lives at the Kiteezi landfill.

Each life lost in the landfill or dumpsite is because of the years of neglect. The state and authorities has gotten the warnings. The KCCA and the Ministry could have reacted to it. They had plans of closing the landfill about a decade ago, but still has used it. There been plans for years to build another dumpsite in Ddune with modern facilities of waste management. However, the budgets haven’t gotten the billions of shillings needed. Instead the KCCA and other government entities have either been constrained or voted for other budget posts.

It is just telling when there has been plans and there was documents, surveys and other outside entities saying they should stop this. Nevertheless, the state has allowed the encroachment and the livelihoods being connected to the landfill. There haven’t been a will to secure and ensure the safety of the people. This was a tragedy that could have been avoided. That’s if it had been in the interests of the government. However, that is just citizens and they aren’t that valuable to this government. If the citizens had been a priority. This sort of landfill won’t be allowed to operate and neither would there be any questions in getting funding to build the Ddune facility.

This here is a failure of the KCCA and the appointed officials of the Capital City Authority. They have known about this for years. They have blocked and stifled the investment into the additional garbage unit, which would have stopped this from ever happening. There is now a need to address it properly and take into account all of the failures.

People will blame the Lord Mayor Lukwago who has been in office for years. Nevertheless, he has been stopped and he has tried to build the other unit. There been a will, but we know the Executive Director and the Board has more power than the ceremonial Lord Mayor. That’s part of the problem with governance of the capital.

The Kiteezi landfill haven’t been operated properly and neither has the red flag warnings been adhered too. They haven’t invested or tried to fulfil the possible move to the Ddune either. Which just shows how the KCCA and the NRM government have failed the citizens. This is a garbage management scandal, which become lethal. There been reports of stench and bad smell. There been reports of people living to close and living of the recycling of the landfill. All of that should be a dire warning and an important distress call. However, that hasn’t been as important as having Kampala Carnival or anything else for publicity.

This is neglect that was dangerous. It shows that the state doesn’t value the citizens and their needs. If it did… the waste disposal management would be a priority. As the danger it creates if it isn’t taken care off. That isn’t a 20/20 hindsight saying, but a lack of policies and good governance. Even when there been choices and options for the state to fund other projects, which could have stopped this from happen.

This landfill should have been closed in 2015, but was operational and used in 2024. That is telling and shows how the state isn’t concerned about the most basic government service, which they need to address on the regular. The millions of shillings paid to the families lost family members in this tragedy isn’t solving anything. It is only patching up the hurt, but doesn’t stop it from happening yet again. Peace.

Opinion: More gerrymandering ahead of the 12th Parliament

The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja revealed that the operaytionalization of; Entebbe, Moroto, Nakasongola, Kabale, Wakiso cities will take place on 1st July 2025, before the 2026 general elections, a move that will see the number of MPs in Parliament increase further, from the current 553 MPs as at March 2024. Nabbanja made the revelation while responding to a question raised by Michael Kakembo (Entebbe Municipality) during the Prime Minister’s Question Time, during the Tuesday 8th August 2024 plenary sitting” (Parliament Watch, 09.08.2024).

If you felt the likes of 553 MPs are too much. There is plans to extend that even further. The gerrymandering of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) aren’t over. This is done in a manner to ensure more people in the 12th Parliament.

Just a friendly reminder that the 9th Parliament (2011-2016) had 375 MPs, the 10th Parliament (2016-2021) had 426 MPs and now it has in the 11th Parliament (2021-2026) has 553 MPs, which clearly isn’t enough. Just within a decade from the 9th Parliament to the 11th Parliament the additional seats is the massive amount of 178 MPs. That’s what that been created and in such a short time. This is the creation of districts and sub-countries, the splitting and creating new local governments. Just so they get a representative for every village and every former sub-county in the Republic.

If you didn’t feel the Parliament wasn’t bloated enough, as it has specialized MPs and such. It has all sorts of representation and which is why it has so many. The Parliament will add even more, as certain districts and such will change with the creation of cities. Which again means there will be more MPs and not just one, but plenty more. A city will have more and we can see this one coming. They will have more than one additional MP and this is a mess, which is created to ensure a bigger majority for the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Create new cities or districts to counter all polling data and secure new MPs for the ruling regime.

We know the Republic already has Youth MPs, Workers MPs or the UPDF MPs for that matter. It is just plenty of additional ones, which creates a majority for reason. They aren’t there for the “special interests” but for a security for the President.

Now we are seeing yet another plan to ensure majority. A way of creating even more division or more local government entities. Just so the Republic can have more Representatives in the Natioanl Assembly. The Parliament can just have more members. We can wonder if the goal is to get 560-570 MPs by 2026. Because, the creation of cities will cause split of districts and will create new sub-counties. Which we know will add plenty of MPs. That will even make sure with the wards and the division mayors within the cities itself.

In addition to the creation of the cities. There are new funding needed for the creation of it and have the entities ready for it. Meaning the local government needs bigger budget and the cities needs more funding in the beginning. Because they need to build and follow the protocol or stipulations of what a city is supposed to have. Meaning all other government services needs to be up to speed and have the additional manpower to run as a city. That’s most likely not in order or the state doesn’t have sufficient funds for it. Which we have seen in the past and the lacking resources to actually gerrymander like it does.

We will just see this sort of thing happening again. Especially when the state knows and cannot have a bigger burden. This is adding more expenses without having more domestic revenue. The state lacks domestic revenue, but still adds more public expenses. That’s really showing the bad side of this governance. Another round of misuse of funds and siphoning it too. The NRM knows all of it, but they are the ones that has created this system. Peace.

Opinion: Akena MP is right to defend his father [but it doesn’t make it more truthful]

It is very perturbing that people try to blame everything on the UPC government. There has never been a point where the UPC government has told police officers to take their guns and look for their salaries” (James Akena, 07.08.2024).

The last victor will always try to rewrite and vilify the predecessors. That is something we know the current regime is busy doing. They are undermining the ones before him and the Republic is used to stories, which sheds a negative light on the Presidents before Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. We all know this and heard several of stories. Therefore, we know there is spin and questionable narratives out there. Which is made to make Obote and Idi Amin worse than they actually where. Just so Museveni looks better and was the saviour of the day.

However, we also know that the sons and daughters of the predecessors want a better picture and image of their fathers. The sons of Amin wants him in a more fair and balanced perspective. Just like the son of Obote, Hon. Akena want his father in a more favourable image. I cannot blame them for that and their in the rights to do so. Nevertheless, the truth is usually in the middle.

That’s why I have to use an Intelligence Memorandum from the Central Intelligence Authority (CIA) to show what really went down… just to shed some light on Obote II and what they were known for. Even if the rebels and the guerrillas created a hostile atmosphere and made it hard to govern. Still, the government and the state itself carried itself in a manner, which could be breading grown for rebellion and armed insurrection. As there was no other way to answer it.

Just read this paragraph:

Most members of the Army come from northern Uganda. Thus, when undisciplined troops rob and kill civilians in Kampala and other parts of southern Uganda in the guise of antiguerrilla operations, they are endangering Obote’s chances of gaining greater acceptance in the south. Many of the deaths during the recent fighting in Kampala apparently were caused by troops shooting innocent bystanders. Such incidents are likely to continue if nervous troops believe there is a significant risk of further guerrilla attacks in Kampala. Tensions also have increased between the Army and the police. The often better disciplined police recently replaced soldiers on foot patrols in Kampala in an effort to reduce looting and other criminal activity by the Army. Cooperation at senior levels of the two organizations reportedly is good, but personal and professional rivalry between lower level personnel has led to armed clashes. The spread of such violence would be another serious blow to Obote’s effort to improve security in the capital” (CIA – Uganda: Obote’s Problem and Prospects – An Intelligence Memorandum, May 1982)

When you read this… the words of Akena isn’t totally sincere. Yes, the police wasn’t looting and thieving. Regardless of that… the army was really reckless and serving the public with insecurity. The army was using force and taken the law into their own hands. They were thieving and robbing people. That’s the story that lingers. Even known for killing and extra judicial killing of civilians. Which is a story that Akena and others doesn’t want people to remember. Not like Museveni is a saint and hasn’t done similar in power. He has stolen, robbed and extra judicially killed civilians too. Therefore, he isn’t vindicated…

Neither is Obote II government, the UPC Government of the 1980s. No, it maybe didn’t have police that acted out. However, it did have army and soldiers who was known for despicable acts. Real sinister acts to enrich themselves. This is why the Obote II gave reasons for rebellion and gave other people enough legitimate arguments to partake in armed guerrilla warfare. Which is the reason for why Museveni is in power today.

James Akena MP can try to defend his father and his legacy. That’s within his right. He is partly right, but the truth is also grim and it’s written in pages that will linger on for years to come. As long as the CIA memo is alive and people can read it. They can see what the army and soldiers did to the community. That should be known and it shouldn’t be hidden under a rock. Peace.

Opinion: Ssemujju Nganda MP asked the right questions… [but he won’t get the answers his seeking]

I need an explanation from Government, people kidnapped from Kenya and beaten, you this Government of a “Freedom Fighter” that were in Luwero now the same Museveni is making MPs being brutally arrested, sitting them in the mud and charging them with public nuisance. Maybe that Museveni disappeared and we have another person, so can we be told, why we are being mistreated in our country to this level?” (…) “Nicholas Kamara (Kabale Municipality) and I with our other colleagues were charged with public nuisance, that two MPs of our caliber were a public nuisance, going to deliver a protest note to the Kenyan embassy. The Kenyan isn’t a kiosk of Uganda, we even go there to receive Visas. When I raised this matter last week, the Attorney General said we can’t explain, when I went to Kenya to seek for an explanation, they arrested us and beat us. Do they want us to go to heaven?”– Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda MP (06.08.2024)

This story is getting old and rather quick… that’s not the fault of the Member of Parliament or the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) – Katonga branch, which he represents at the moment. The MP is righteous in his cause and for questioning the President and his government. The authorities and everyone involved in the matter should be scrutinized. That is only free and fair…

Ssemujju Nganda MP knows that Museveni isn’t the same man as the man in the bush. If he is the same man… than his a serial liar and a man of manipulation. As his interests has been his own domain and enrichment over the benefit of the Republic. It has all been a deliberate scheme to get into power and consolidate all power through the usage of force. That isn’t the message of the NRA or the bush-war generals, but the message his spreading by his actions and the use of lethal weapons. That’s what is carrying the legacy of the President as we speak.

The MP knows all of this… and only uses clever rhetoric to undermine and pressure the government after the recent arrest. The manner of which was brutal. His within his rights to do so and he did so for fellow comrades in his party. The MP acted on the interests of his party and the leadership that surrounds him. Therefore, the state stopped him from assembling and petition the different stakeholders who helped to abduct, kidnap and detain fellow party members. Which is a very reasonable act of an MP. His only standing his ground and trying to find answers. However, he has been blocked before in Parliament and now arrested on the streets.

Clearly, the state don’t want the truth out. They want to silence and stop the critics for getting any sort of viable information out. That’s why the FDC Katonga Branch leaders wasn’t allowed to give a petition and ask for help by the Kenyan embassy in Kampala. Neither has the MP gotten any answers in Parliament. Which further shows the disdain and the lack of sensibility from the high ranking officials in question. They are just fine with the actions made and how they are operating. As if, this is ordinary and how the government should handle its own citizens. It is just despicable and it’s depressing.

President Museveni and the state doesn’t have any favours for the likes of Ssemujju Nganda MP. His a noise-maker and a hooligan in their eyes. The MP is on the wrong path and isn’t beholden to the NRM Way. That’s why he will get silence and possible be in more legal jeopardy if he continues to challenge the state. His Excellency, the Fountain of Honour won’t allow or accept these sorts of troublemakers. Even if the trouble is created out of necessity and worry for fellow party members. These who are lingering on thumped up charges and will face long time behind bars. Just because they dared to travel to leadership training in Kenya.

The MP should get proper answers and the state shouldn’t act like this. However, they are only acting like they have done for years. No value of dissent or opposition. They are supposed to be silent and accept this treatment. They are not supposed to be vocal or speak up. No, just be happy citizens and allow this impunity to happen on the regular. Where the state isn’t beholden to the constitution or rule of law. Only using the law and the authorities as mechanisms to shut dissent down. Therefore, the words of the MP won’t matter much. That is the saddest part here.

Ssemujju Nganda MP is right asking it… but we know this will die down and everyone will move on to the next tragedy awaiting. Another chapter of remorse and pain. The plight just continues… and the state is serving the nation with more fear, intimidation and usage of force, which is done in the name of the President and his High Command. Peace.