National Unity Platform (NUP): Statement to the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) – (20.05.2024)

Opinion: Besigye, you cannot revive the dead…

We are not starting a new party. We have a party and it’s FDC where I am a member and no one can take that away from me. We the members of FDC have a problem and the problem is that our leadership has been bought. We are moving around the country to tell people about what’s happening at the party and remind them to align with the cause” – Dr. Kizza Besigye (13.05.2024).

The dirty money and the fall-out has created two deep fractions within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). The FDC Najjanankumbi and FDC Katonga Fractions, which Besigye is well aware off. As the FDC HQ has disassociated itself with Katonga and everything it does. Therefore, his answers to the NBS Television is disappointing.

Dr. Kizza Besigye is a maverick, a seasoned politician and a renegade. His a fighter and a resound leader. His not a random bloke or someone you should disregard. He is smart and has wits. A man who is capable of building structures, even in the midst of turmoil and trouble.

Now he says his not building a new party or new structures. When we know the FDC HQ is smearing his name and his work. The leaders of FDC HQ like Amuriat and Nandala-Mafabi won’t recognize or accept this stake. To disconnect itself from Besigye is weakening the party and taking away huge load of support. That’s something Besigye knows, but formally the FDC HQ are now not in the same organization.

Besigye can mobilize and speak in gatherings, but he cannot do that under the banner of the FDC. He isn’t one of them, as the leaders there have sold their souls and traded the party away. That’s something he knows… and we all know it too.

The good doctor cannot save the dying party. It is on its deathbed and his remedies are not welcomed. Besigye will not win this fight over the soul of the FDC. That is already taken from him and his associates. Therefore, Besigye should focus away from the FDC and fight the cause under another banner. He should do so with a new entity and with his fellow cadres…

No one is as powerful and been a voice of reason as Besigye. Nevertheless, at this very time and knowledge of how things transpire. The FDC is a lost cause. It is outsold and lost its purpose. Besigye can fight the same battle for liberation elsewhere. Just like he could incorporate Reform Agenda in the FDC. Therefore, Besigye should move on.

There is no way of saving Besigye… he can speak of wisdom and be sincere in his wishes to save it. However, it is pointless and a lost cause. Especially, when the likes of Amuriat and Nandala-Mafabi are in-charge of the FDC HQ. Peace.

Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni letter to Attorney General Kirowa Kiwanuka – Re: Service Awards to Parliamentary Commissioners (03.05.2024)

The Uganda Citizens Forum for Justice and Equity letter to U.S. Ambassador to Uganda – Petition calling for the sanctioning by the United States of America, United Kingdom, European Union and Republic of South Africa of Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bob Wine – President of National Unity Platform in Uganda under the Global Magistsky act, 2016 (09.05.2024)

Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeje Odongo – Re: UK Sanctions on Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament and Two Former Minister (02.05.2024)

Opinion: My rebuttal to Magogo’s Third Force and Charter…

“Why we need the third force for the new Uganda

Coercion, propaganda, preaching hate of one against the other and sowing anger among the citizens will only make people more desperate and ungovernable. The new ensuing disorder will indiscriminately torment the actual and presumed aggressors and the aggressed. Instead, as a nation we should take the opportunity of the current calm and order to reflect on the new Uganda and the generations to come by creating a Post President Museveni Charter. This opportunity may never be available when disorder descends. If indeed we love our Motherland and we all want to live in a better Uganda now and for generations to come, then let us make this country peaceful, listen to each other, respect divergence in opinion and accept co-existence and this can only be achieved by honest dialogue” – Moses Hassim Magogo MP and FUFA President (08.05.2024).

The ideas of the FUFA President and Member of Parliament Moses Hassim Magogo isn’t new. Also remember that’s his in the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He is an asset of the government and serves it as an MP and a leader in Football. That’s why I take this with a grain of salt and wonders if these words are to inaugurate the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). Because that could be the “Third Force” because, he never mentions who they are and consist of.

Magogo MP is careful with his words here. Only speaking about a sincere problem. A bottleneck that the President and his inner circle has created. The prolonged agony of the tyrant and self-styled President for Life.

The “Post President Museveni Charter” is a way of saying there is a need for new laws and changes of the Constitution after Museveni leaves. That means every time there is a transition and a leadership change. There is a need for restructuring. That’s when you know the state and the lack of institutional procedures aren’t in affect. This is a signal that is sending alarm bells.

Museveni came with a Commission and created the 1995 Constitution, which he has amended in every hour of need. Now a MP from his own party says there is a need for a new Charter and change post-Museveni. That shows that the legislation and the laws currently aren’t made for the Republic, but to honour Museveni. This is really a statement of failure from the ones in office. They must clear up the mess and the dirt of the processor. That they have to re-institute and re-organize the government, as is…

Magogo MP might mean well by all of this… the Third Force, but for me its talk to safeguard and ensure longevity of the NRM. It is to have dialogue and give way to Gen. Muhoozi. That’s what this is… because this is calculated and planned efforts. They are speaking of propaganda and hating one and other. When the state is targeting dissidents, arbitrary arresting, court martialing civilians and using drones. That’s when the state is up too and will be remembered to do. Therefore, the talk of negotiations and dialogue needs to start with the end of impunity and injustice, which is rampant for the ones who really dares to challenge status quo.

“Honest dialogue” with the current regime is pointless. They are only there to find people eligible for a title and office. They are there to compromise and ensure their loyalty to the President. In the end… they are selling their integrity and future for a few silver coins. Therefore, that has to happen Post-Museveni. Museveni aren’t interested in a real dialogue or talks that undermine his power. He only wants to destroy and malign the ones who are in his way. This is why Magogo’s ideas aren’t for the time being worthy of discussion. Because we are talking about a timeline without Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni. We don’t know when that will happen… eventually as a mere mortal, but we cannot know the day or the hour.

Alas, the troubles remain, and Charter will not be written. It’s a fools hope and that’s all we have. Peace.

Uganda: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Statement on the Sanctioning of the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda by hte Government of the United Kingdom (02.05.2024)

Opinion: Speaker Among is apparently over the rainbow…

I have always said that I have a permanent passport to Bukedea and Buyende district. I don’t need a visa. So, honorable members, you need to be very firm and fight for your position. Just imagine it is your kid who is being sodomized. I have interacted [with some officials] and we have gotten to know what the sanctions are about. At an appropriate time, the Head of State will also respond to it because it is an indictment on the Parliament of Uganda” (…) “These sanctions are politically-motivated. I am carrying a cross for the 48 million Ugandans because of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill we passed in this House. This may not be the only ban. Another one will come in the pretext of corruption and [many] others but we serve a living God. We will always not allow bum shafters in Uganda” – Speaker Anita Among (03.05.2024)

London is calling, London is calling and Kampala isn’t picking up. I don’t blame Kampala for not picking up the call. They are torn and getting a punitive actions against it. The Speaker and two former Ministers are sanctioned by the United Kingdom on the 30th April 2024. That’s a sign and a signal from the leaders in Westminster and Whitehall. However, that will not make anything change around Nile Avenue or such.

Just read the statement from the UK Sanctions list of 30th April 2024:

Anita Annet AMONG is an involved person under the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021. Specifically, AMONG, whilst Speaker of Parliament of Uganda and Member of Parliament for Bukedea District, is or has been responsible for or engaged in serious corruption” (The UK Sanctions List, latest Update 30 April 2024).

It states about the Parliamentary Exhibition and direct involvement in serious corruption. That’s not her effort to enact a law targeting a minority in the Republic. No, it is her shielding and partaking in the theft of state coffers. That’s the case and it isn’t a bargain.

She and her fellow cadres are doing this. They are blaming the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act/Bill. That’s what she is saying and others, but the UK haven’t directed the pendulum there. Nevertheless, they are reading other scriptures than the rest of us.

It is just tiring to hear this hearsay and nonsense. She is misusing her office and never taking any accountability. That’s for a person living in a mansion and living large while the citizens are suffering. She’s part of an elite and getting wealth according to her station. Therefore, she is entitled and arrogant about her role.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown. She has power, prestige and a fancy title. Nevertheless, she isn’t respected or dignified for her role. No, she is brash, rash and acting in stark contrast to her predecessors. She is residing over a den of thieves and bashing in glory. That’s why she won’t have any say or speak of grand corruption. Because, that is what she is residing over and that’s what gives her power.

It is so sad… but that’s the grim reality. The 11th Parliament is a tragic site and it should be different… nevertheless, we will not see that in the near future. Speaker Among is thriving and eating. That’s all that matters… Peace.

A look into Bobi Wine’s Statement “on Sanctions as a tool against impunity”

Today, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, the Party President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) addressed the United Kingdom’s sanctions against some Ugandan individuals or High Ranking Officials, which was published on the 30th April 2024.

Two days later Bobi Wine has responded on this one. This would be a hot potato. As the regime apologists are busy spinning the sanctions as an attack on the “sovereign” and a trick to do this instead of addressing the “gay plague” which are really unique. When the United Kingdom and the FDCO says it is because of grand corruption. Therefore, the opposition spoke his peace and it was necessary.

Bobi Wine started with: “The reason we call for sanctions on Gen. Museveni and his officials, and why we celebrate when they are imposed, can be summarized in one word: IMPUNITY” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2024).

Here Bobi Wine is speaking and using rhetoric that we have heard before from Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye have spoken of the junta’s usage of impunity and ruling by impunity. So, in 2024 his reflecting the ideas and the visions of Besigye here. The whole statement is addressing this and showing the impunity of state. That the state is shielding the thieves, but arresting the protesters who demonstrated against the theft of the mabaati. Therefore, the impunity is as clear as day.

Bobi Wine’s important statement: “Citizens are then left with two choices – firstly, to rise up and put an end to this nonsense. Secondly, to appeal to the international community to take measures – including sanctions – which the regime refuses to take against its corrupt and criminal officials” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2025).

Here Bobi Wine is asking for a revolution and a uprising against the state. That has been asked before by others and by the likes of Besigye. This just shows that he follows the program and the ideals of his predecessor. The other is ask that costs the citizens less and can be accessible. The international community can sanction high ranking officials, but that won’t stop their impunity. We have seen sanctions and targeted leaders of the republic, but it haven’t changed the actions from within. Therefore, the first option is the ones that cost and is dire, but that won’t happen unless there is a real will to do it.

He ends with: “These regime officials have destroyed and underdeveloped and looted Uganda just because they think they can enjoy life with their families in developed countries, using the money stolen from Uganda’s tax payers. Now it is time for them to lay in the bed that they have made. They will have to stay in Uganda, go to Ugandan hospitals, use Ugandan roads — and even start using Ugandan cosmetics. While appreciating the international community for the sanctions so far imposed on corrupt and brutal officials, we can only request that they do more and more” (Bobi Wine, 02.05.2024).

This is common knowledge what Bobi Wine said here. The regime has misused their power and taken the republic for granted. They are spending the monies of the state to create their own wealth. That is evident and how they are using their resources. What Bobi Wine is saying here is a low-blow, but we cannot imagine that the high ranking officials only using “Buy Uganda Build Uganda” as they can still import products. Especially, since they have the shillings to do so. Because, that haven’t to be done in their own name or businesses connected to them. Therefore, Among and the other Ministers would get their priority things regardless. The citizens are the ones who are touched and feeling the hardships of the neglect of the state. However, Bobi Wine and others have to reflect on it all.

The sanctions are only a start. This has been done before… and the FIRST option is the REVOLUTION or the UPRISING. While that is an ideal and a need. At the current moment there isn’t a level breeding ground for that or the mobilization for it. Not enough will to make it happen. It is already over a decade since the “Walk to Work” demonstrations, which was cracking the system. However, they were able to contain it…

Bobi Wine is right that the regime is acting with impunity and lives large on it. That is all fine and dandy, but he needs to polish the message and be more clear about the FIRST Option. As that is where the key is laying. Because, more sanctions from the West won’t save him or his Opposition. It will only cause a little eye sore for the high ranking officials and leave others off the hook. Peace.

Opinion: It’s the Mabaati and not the “gay plague”…

Deputy Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, has announced sanctions on high profile Ugandan politicians charged with corruption, and the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, today (30 April). It is the first time the UK government has used the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime on individuals involved in corruption in Uganda. The three individuals, two of whom were previously ministers responsible for Uganda’s poorest region, Karamoja, and have been charged with corruption at Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court, will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes. The two former ministers sanctioned – Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu – stole thousands of iron sheets used for roofing and infrastructure from a Ugandan government-funded project aimed at housing some of the most vulnerable communities in the region, providing them to prominent politicians and their families instead” (Gov.uk – ‘UK sanctions corrupt politicians in Uganda who stole from vulnerable communities’ 30.04.2024).

Whatever Chris Obore or Speaker Among is trying to create a narrative of their own. They are trying to make their own game plan. It is a grander and bigger scheme behind the sanctions on the Speaker and the two former Ministers in the Cabinet.

That Among, Kitutu and Nandutu is all targeted is righteous in the case of the Mabaati scandal. There could be plenty more in this theft. As there was reported more high ranking officials who was caught with iron-sheets destined to the Karamoja sub-region. However, these have been off the hook.

The Deputy Foreign Secretary and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have done this in accordance to one instance. They have done so because of the iron-sheets. Instead the ones aligned and in cahoots with the Speaker is all making this about the Anti-Homosexuality Act. However, that isn’t mentioned or necessary.

Andrew Mitchell said: “Today the UK is sending a clear message to those who think benefiting at the expense of others is acceptable. Corruption has consequences and you will be held responsible” (30.04.2024).

I cannot glean anything about the attack on the sexual minorities or the gays. No, this is about corruption and misuse of office. That is another ball-game… and it is evident in the press release from the United Kingdom Government.

The Parliament of Uganda’s Director of Communications retorted with this: “The iron sheets have been used as a ruse to conceal the real, unstated but clear obvious reason for sanctions- which is Rt Hon Speaker’s stance on the recently enacted Anti-Homosexuality Act” (Obore, 30.04.2024).

When the invisible bogey-man comes to play again. We know the Speaker uses this every instance she can. If there is any sort implication or disregard of a foreign entity, it is their “gay agenda”. Not their reasons for stopping loans, grants or donations in general. That’s because of the policies and the actions of the state against the Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) or the forced closure of OHCR in the Republic. Therefore, there is reasons for why there is less friendly foreigners and will to fund government entities or programs in the Republic. Not only because of the “gay agenda” or anything else for that matter. The National Resistance Movement (NRM) should understand that, but maybe that’s too much to ask…

Among and her peers should listen, but I wouldn’t think they would hear anything. No, they will make up conspiracies and go back to their mansions. Peace.