Opinion: SUVs for the “elite” are the priority and not you…

UPDATE: The Speaker of Parliament Ms Anita Among is set to handover vehicles to several former Speakers [of Parliament], including Al Haji Moses Kigongo, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Rebecca Kadaga, and Professor Edward Rugumayo” (933 KFM, 18.12.2023).

They have made the rules and decided what matters. The legislators and the Members of Parliament. By law the Speakers and Deputy Speakers has a massive retirement plan that others could die for. The vehicles given to them is set by law and by code. Speaker Among is only following up on legislation passed, which isn’t making her a villain her.

It is just what the National Resistance Movement (NRM) does to their own. They give new vehicles, chauffeurs, security guards and other perks. Heck, if they die and their spouse is still living. They are entitled to other funds for the remaining family. That’s how golden these tickets are and how they can life off it.

The ones complaining about potholes, lack of service delivery or dilapidated government institutions. Well, it is done by design. By law they have to accustom and acquire these things. The retired high ranking officials are entitled to massive pay-offs and retirement plans. These plans are better than people wages and even with more substantial benefits. Which shows how the elites thrives on tax-payers and donor funds. Because, someone has to cover this expenditure and the ones eating aren’t the one paying. That we all know by now.

The ones defending this should be ashamed. The NRM remedy to any sort of government policy is either a vehicle or a get-rich-money scheme. That’s all they are offering. Not long term solutions or even certainties or eventualities. No, that is long gone and the well written planning documents are for the archive’s. That’s just a given in 2023 and who believes the NRM will deliver or even consider to change?

Nah, change isn’t in them. The NRM is stagnate and happy to live in mediocrity. They are happy with the prospects of high ranking officials dying in hospitals abroad. The NRM is happy to see the brains and the well educated skate up into the sunset in the West. That’s what they while the civil servants and the rising poverty continues. The schemes and the facade is broken.

It isn’t just some potholes in Kampala. Neither is it just one hospital who cannot afford to pay electricity or lack medicine. Neither is it one school who cannot afford light-bulbs. No, it is the whole rotten system and the ones to inherit the republic will have a quagmire to fix it. As if it isn’t sold, stolen or rented. It surely is indebted and in cycle of bad loans coming home to roast. While petroleum-dollars aren’t coming fast enough to salvage the burden.

The NRM will confess to their misgivings, as they doling out SUVs and bashing in glory. As they are lost ducks trying to quack. They are just oblivious to the fact and cannot comprehend their own lacklustre performance over the years. This regime is brutal and inconsiderate. They rather bury its enemies and hoping its cousins dies on hospital-beds without mattresses. That’s what they are giving you and this is their pride and joy.

We can act like it wasn’t a priority to give former Speakers this perk. They served their master and now they got their price. That’s how they are living on the lie and expecting to be loyal to the cause. It is a small token to stay grounded and be within the realm of His Excellency. As they are still on his pay-roll. That’s the game here and we can act indifferent, but it doesn’t make it less true.

The SUVs are the solutions to anything I suppose… at least that the memo I am getting from the NRM. Peace.

Opinion: Mzee micromanages everywhere

There isn’t a place out of reach in the Republic of Uganda, that President Yoweri Tibuhurwa Kaguta Museveni cannot touch. When it comes to his power, directives, letters and orders… these are supreme and above anything else. He can just write a small note and send it to an appointee and that fellow has to fix it.

It doesn’t matter what it is about, as long as he hears about it and cares. He will tell the authorities, the ministries and the dignitaries what to do. If they have to make bins, buy trash-cans or even sort out a functional recycling plan. All of that can suddenly happen out of nowhere.

The President can give weeks or a month for a deadline, which has ramifications for whole villages and districts. His Excellency can just with a snap of his fingertips get the Bank of Uganda to print bank-notes or ensure a feasible supplementary budget. This President has all the powers vested in him and he knows it.

That’s why the Judiciary just have to jump when he says so. People cannot retire on their own accord, but on his. Civil servants has to stand guard and just follow the memo. The MPs and the Ministers only works within the mandate that he gives them. No one should ever outshine him or outwit him. No, if they do… they will be replaced or be demoted to a useless government institution.

President Museveni want to sound democratic and act like he ushered in a multi-party democratic system. However, that was forced upon him and he needed to hold two referendums to make it happen. Many things has happen by default, if not he has done so because the donors said so.

The President can act like his the voice of reason and holds on to common sense. However, his delusional and thinks his will is the only one. He is so used to get his way and never being tested. That he won’t understand or grasp the idea of a rejection. It is a long time since he needed to go to the bush and fight a war to into office. That is back in the 1980s and we are now in 2023.

Museveni has micromanaged for a long time. His word has become synonymous with the law. The order of the President is the final nail in the coffin. If the word from the State House says so: Then the minions got to do it. If he wants the soldiers to dance, they will dance. If he wants side-dishes to sent to Serena. The handlers will ensure some dimes are delivered on time and to the right rooms. That’s what he does and his so used to it.

That’s why letters like the ones leaked to the Chief Justice Dolo dated the 7th December 2023 is just telling. It shows how he undermines and decides people’s fate. That he can just write a letter and tell what others has to do. If it is about a building, a law or a personal request. Just like he decide what companies are getting tenders, which investor who gets monopoly. That’s all he decides and no one can question it.

That’s what Museveni does and no one should be shocked. He has been doing so for decades. Ever since 2016 it has been clear. The President has taken steps and decided on minor things, which should have either followed protocol or been within a mandate of a minster. If not a minister, maybe even a local council or other lower levels of elected officials. However, the President needs his way and his will to be adhered. That’s why he will tell and compose letters like these. Just to prove his point and his might. Peace.

Opinion: The Speaker takes the public for fools…

“What are we bribing you for? I want to request you people, before you come up with such an allegation, you must be able to substantiate. Our work is for the national service and we are paid for what we done. We aren’t bribed in any way and we aren’t going to be diverted, they are trying to cover their homosexuality saying Parliament was bribed, eat your money for homosexuality, sell your country and keep quiet on your own” – Speaker Anita Among (13.12.2023)

Well, it is that time of year. Like we don’t know that the Members of Parliament have gotten envelopes to do the bidding of the President or the State House. That has happened before and could easily happen again. Especially, when the President himself knows the MPs are corruptible and hungry individuals.

We could kid ourselves and act like the MPs wouldn’t do it, but we know damn well that they are capable of doing so. The 11th Parliament won’t be any different than the predecessors. The Speaker can act holier than though, but she knows the gist too. This is all a front and a play of common sense. Alas, trying to foil the narrative and spin it against the accuser.

Seriously. The Speaker must think people are dumb. Like we don’t know about the Presidential Handshake, the suits or the vehicle payments. It is like we haven’t seen additional payments and salary increases on a semi-regular basis. We know this is going on and the MPs are eating plentiful because of it.

That’s why I am not impressed by her. She would use the act as an shield and vilify the ones who defends the criminalized minority. That just shows how despicable she can be and how she regards others, which isn’t her own. However, we shouldn’t be shocked by that either. Everyone must bow down to the Queen and feel lucky that you get to share space with her. Because that’s the true nature of the Speaker.

It is really compelling to that she speaks of treason and in regard to questioning the validity of a certain law. That’s just shows contempt of others. It is not a good look and she’s not as smart as she thinks she is…

This is just depressing, and we know the MPs can be bought and vote according to the pay-off. That has happened before and wouldn’t be shocking. When we have seen it all go down in the past. We know it can happen in the present as well. Peace.

RDC: Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) – Communique Officiel (12.12.2023)

Opinion: Odrek was sent on a mission bound to end in failure…

The son-in-law Odrek Rwabwogo, the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) who is a delegate and a government official on a mission for the Republic to salvage AGOA and keep good trade relations with the United States of America. His suddenly disappointed that his mandate and office isn’t bearing fruits in the Washington D.C.

It is like the Son-in-Law didn’t know what would meet him. Like he couldn’t see the Biden Administration and their policies. They have certain stings attached and ideals behind them, which won’t consider or be terms that they will consider to flinch on. That’s why the son-in-law isn’t getting results or any sort of positive vibe.

That isn’t strange either. Odrek was sent on a fools errand. There was nothing to gain here at the moment. Unless, he knew about secret repeal of a legislation or a sudden ability to revoke it. This all stem from the enactment and legalization of the Anti-Homosexuality Act. Whatever you think about that… this is the reason and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) should have seen it coming. They knew the sentiments of the donors and the West. If they wanted to play ball. They had to give way and not pass the act. However, it did… and now it faces consequences for doing so.

The loss of AGOA will be costly and exports will halt. There will be another tariff and make it more expensive to export to the United States markets. A market that is vital and big for exports. Therefore, the Ugandan businesses and value-addition industries will be hurt by this.

The Son-in-Law should know the sentiments and the reasons for the fall-out. It isn’t like the Government of Uganda or any high ranking official has tried to appease Washington D.C.. Instead, it has spoken ill of it and said they could keep the “plague”. When you do that… there is little good fate and neither trust or justification to rescind a decision. That’s what is so striking here.

The NRM and Museveni knows all of this and they have been here before. That’s why a similar law was thrown out. Just so the NRM and Museveni could get back into the good graces. If we would see something similar in December 2023 or early 2024 wouldn’t be surprising. As the deficit financing and businesses needs to cover their shortfall as a result of the law.

I have discussed the hypocrisy of the U.S. before and won’t copy that again. That has already been told. However, this is all about a son-in-law and government that knows the drill. They know what they have to do and is naive to think otherwise. However, here we are and Odrek isn’t as smart as he thought he was. Maybe he thought he could sell porkies and make gold. Nevertheless, that’s not how things works.

The NRM and Odrek have stipulations and articles to follow to be in accordance with AGOA. If they want to be there and be designated for the trade. They better adhere to it and then they will return. That’s up to the government and parliament to do. These has to decide and make amends. That’s if they want to be a part of it.

Regardless of just that… something got to give and the son-in-law just got to have his Damascus moment. Until then, nothing will happen. Peace.

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago letter to Managing Director of Next Media Group: Protest Against Unprofessional Conduct of the NBS TV Management (12.12.2023)

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RDC: Hon. Ir. Ayobangira Safari Nshuti JP – Communique Nr. 11 : Sitation securitaire preoccupante ! (10.12.2023)

Opinion: KaBobi was destined to be torn to pieces…

“In a recent interview with BBC, Kyagulanyi disclosed the immense pressure he is grappling with, revealing a shocking admission of his friendly relations with members of the gay community. Mr Wine asserted that; “the anti-gay law was strategically enacted to target me and my loved ones”. In a bold revelation, Kyagulanyi claimed that his party’s unanimous support for the controversial law in parliament was orchestrated by President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, accusing him of manipulating NUP MPs to serve his political agenda. “He [Museveni] didn’t bring it in the interests of the people of Uganda – but to target the opposition,” Kyagulanyi claimed” (The Whisper Eye, 07.12.2023).

A life of a politician isn’t easy and it’s even harder in a dictatorship. Especially, when the dictator and the cronies around him is using populistic means to get people on its side. That’s when the opposition have to handle things accordingly and stand on a moral high-ground. However, sooner or later, that bubble can burst and it did happen this week with Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill is a quagmire for the politicians. It is a draconian legislation and targets one specific minority. The legislation in itself is repulsive, but it has enough popularity in a majority of circles. As there been no public outcry or dismay of the enacting of the legislation. All pressure comes from the outside and really not from within. The pressure from within is withering and if not gone silent, because of the legislation itself.

That’s where Bobi Wine comes in as the former Presidential Candidate and Party President of the National Unity Platform (NUP). His the leader of the biggest opposition party and he knows it. He has to take a stance and be careful about it. As a man of rising popularity. The man knows how quickly things can change or even be lost. That has been shown time and time again.

This Anti-Homosexuality Bill are an eye-sore for Bobi Wine. That’s why he has been so cautious to address it. It’s like he didn’t want to touch the subject or even address it. Bobi Wine rather talk about the mismanagement, the impunity of the state and the horrific human rights violations done on the watch of the state. That’s what he wants to address and make a statement on. He doesn’t want to touch or be known for anything in particular in concern to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. No, he don’t and he intends not too.

That’s why he had no where to hide in the United Kingdom and the BBC Interviewer came knocking. He had to say something and speak out about it. Because, the UK and the West are in dismay over the law. They are rebuking it and wants the Republic to make amends. However, that is the interests of donor community and not the popular belief in Republic right now. If it was… there would have been another attitude and moral objection too it, which no one has seen.

This is why Bobi Wine is troubled. He knows this and so does his team. He can’t spin this one and become the victor. Either his a prick abroad or his a beloved character at home. In this instance, he cannot be both. Bobi Wine cannot be the revolutionary politician when he trades his moral compass to stay in good graces everywhere. He got to take a stance and abide by it. If it costs, well… then it costs. If not… he has to disregard it and downplay it abroad.

This BBC Interview didn’t do him any favours. Only shows him from another side and he has to make a vital decision here. He cannot spin the wheel and not think it doesn’t has consequences. Because, it does… and he knows that too.

He will be torn to pieces over this interview. Regardless of what he would say on the subject. It would be retorts and rebukes. Either in Kampala or from London. That was destined to happen and we could have seen it coming. Peace.

Opinion: It all either starts or ends in Kololo

No matter how things goes and where the mischief is happening. Sooner or later the green van comes to block the roads. The convoys are preprepared. The buses with the crowds and the dignitaries comes one after another to partake in the festivities. That’s how this life goes.

Under the current reign of Museveni. Everything seem to be beholden to the activities of Kololo. If it is happening there and with the right amount of people. You just know that it matters and supersedes anything else.

The National Resistance Movement and the whole Government of Uganda will all dance. They will show up and bash in the glory. This is what they live for and awaits. Another day and another time to enjoy the perks of office. Get free food and some spotlight with His Excellency.

It is just what awaits us. Kololo awaits the dead, the living and the coming generations. That’s what gives life and gives life a reason. The President officiate and lectures the crowds. He is telling if his displeased or happy about people’s performance. Museveni will scold, but also be brutally honest. While he will skim the truth too and try to forge a narrative that makes him the legendary person.

The VIPs and the dignitaries will all be resolute and await their turn. Maybe they are just to sit and some hope to be called upon. Nevertheless, there is usually a theme and the ones who are called knew months ahead. If not there was a letter or an invitation specifying the details of the day.

Alas, the start and the end of things are at Kololo. Regardless of event or what that goes down. Either a person is appointed, a new term is starting or they a celebrating a unique day in history. If not they are mourning a deceased or expecting someone to come. This is why Kololo matters.

The moment there is a monumental affair or event, it got to be at Kololo. You don’t have random gatherings there and it has to vital. That’s why you know why it is televised or played on radio. The President isn’t only there, but his whole royal court. The jesters, the musicians, the speakers and the members of the August House. There are judges and clerical workers, the unlucky civil servants who was ferried and citizens who got there to eat a free meal. They are all there to unveil or partake in the glorious day of the Presidency.

That’s why we know when things are big. They are big because they are done at Kololo.

Kololo is Kololo and you know the drill when the state mentions it. There will be no shortcomings or even half-stepping. That’s where the journey either begins or ends. Peace.